Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine

Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: Steve67 on June 21, 2020, 07:46:16 AM

Title: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on June 21, 2020, 07:46:16 AM

I appreciate it's a bit early as we don't know what division we will be in but I think it is also relevant to ask why Villa are extending the contracts of Reina and Drinkwater as they are probably adding £100k per week to the wage bill and offering less than sod all between them.  That's one debate.  Seems a really strange decision as I'd rather play the under 23's than Drinkwater.  Dreadful signing, brings experience to the dressing room but nutted Jota and yet we extend the contract?

The second debate is: go down, lose the likes of Grealish, Mings, SJM allowing us to spend a few quid on getting back up.

Stay up, keep them all and add three or four players of quality, including a defensive midfielder, winger and commanding centre back.

I'm bored of Coronavirus, playing behind closed doors, etc, so wanted to add another topic to have something else to talk about, being a forum and all!   It's also officially the first day of Summer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on June 21, 2020, 09:33:53 AM

I wasn't even happy with them as stop gaps. If we seem them as part of our plans next season then maybe we aren't as ambitious as we thought. Dreadful idea, two past it abominations.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Dave P on June 21, 2020, 10:40:12 AM

Chelsea will have one of the best forward lines in Europe next season so where will that leave Abraham?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on June 21, 2020, 11:24:37 AM

They'll loan him out again, I reckon. Didnt they loan Lukaku for about a decade? If FFP is discounted next year, they'd be better off loaning him next season then selling him the summer after.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: villa `cross the mersey on June 21, 2020, 11:25:19 AM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on June 21, 2020, 09:33:53 AM

I wasn't even happy with them as stop gaps. If we seem them as part of our plans next season then maybe we aren't as ambitious as we thought. Dreadful idea, two past it abominations.

This.......if Smith is considering keeping these two on board then it is patently clear we are not working to any kind of positive thinking plan . Future recruitment should be determined by prospective recruits falling into our pattern or style of play - unfortunately , despite talking a good game Smith has failed miserably to determine any pattern, style or plan - relegation will be disastrous for the club - I really don't get the confidence shown by others that think we walk back into this league - we only finished 5th last time

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on June 21, 2020, 11:29:05 AM

I read that as Reina and Drinky having their contracts extended just until the end of July.  Hope I'm right.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: villa `cross the mersey on June 21, 2020, 11:31:02 AM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on June 21, 2020, 11:29:05 AM

I read that as Reina and Drinky having their contracts extended just until the end of July.  Hope I'm right.

I sincerely hope so

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on June 21, 2020, 11:33:28 AM

Ah, that isn't so bad, then. I still wouldn't bother with Drinkwater but if it is for a matter of weeks, it isn't the end of the world.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Mister E on June 21, 2020, 11:59:00 AM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on June 21, 2020, 11:29:05 AM

I read that as Reina and Drinky having their contracts extended just until the end of July.  Hope I'm right.

Absolutely. Reina was only cover for Heaton's injury. Drinky was - well, I'm not sure!! But he has now failed at Chelsea, Burnley nd Villa; not a candidate for an EPL team surely?!!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: CT on June 21, 2020, 12:11:24 PM

Quote from: villa `cross the mersey on June 21, 2020, 11:31:02 AM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on June 21, 2020, 11:29:05 AM

I read that as Reina and Drinky having their contracts extended just until the end of July.  Hope I'm right.

I sincerely hope so

I would have thought that too. I can’t see they have any business being with us, regardless of what division we are in.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Richard on June 21, 2020, 01:08:43 PM

One word - pace

We need much more of it whatever division we are in.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: LeeB on June 21, 2020, 01:12:22 PM

Quote from: Richard on June 21, 2020, 01:08:43 PM

One word - pace

We need much more of it whatever division we are in.

Agreed.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: curiousorange on June 21, 2020, 01:36:48 PM

It would be nice to overwhelm teams again. Much as it pains me, some of the football Wolves were able to play with their speed was brilliant.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on June 21, 2020, 01:51:38 PM

Quote from: Dave P on June 21, 2020, 10:40:12 AM

Chelsea will have one of the best forward lines in Europe next season so where will that leave Abraham?

Can see someone like Newcastle being in for him if their takeover actually happens. Spurs aswell perhaps if Kane leaves. Given he's one of premier league top scorers he will be leaving for 50-60m so think that sort of signing is well beyond us if we stay up.

If we stay up order is this:

1) Experienced and calm CB who can tell Mings to calm down. There's plenty in europe who wouldn't cost ridiculous money. A Vlaar type would probably improve us at this point so I'd look at someone like Simon Kjaer who's played in many countries. We usually don't go wrong with a Scandinavian CB. Currently on loan to AC Milan from Sevilla. Failing that I actually think Ryan Bennett would be a decent pick up. Been a regular for Wolves last few seasons (unlike Hause) and plenty on their forum were surprised they loaned him out to Leicester in January. Available to buy for 5m.

2) Experienced DM who can hold his position and talk Luiz through games. We'll probably go back in for Kalvin Phillips if Leeds bottle things again (making a good job so far this afternoon) but if not him again there's plenty around in europe. Luca Milivojevic was a great pick up for Palace for example.

3) Good quality wide player. I'd cash in on Trez if there's interested from Beskitas and El Ghazi simply isn't a week in week out prem player. Would give us more pace in final third which I agree we're solely lacking.



2)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: JJ-AV on June 21, 2020, 02:19:13 PM

Jeff Hendrick on a free might be a good shout

If we stay up I assume it'll be at the expense of Bournemouth and possibly Watford, there's a few there I'd look at. Ake is left-sided but he'd be a good addition. I like Billing also. Harry Wilson (who we should have loaned last Summer) would be an improvement on our wide players.

One of Doucoure and Capoue from Watford would improve our midfield. Sarr is a good player too.

But overall - CB, RB, LB, DM, CM, RW, CF

If we stay up and Grealish is off then Lallana on a free might be an option too

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: frank black on June 21, 2020, 02:27:21 PM

Quote from: JJ-AV on June 21, 2020, 02:19:13 PM

Jeff Hendrick on a free might be a good shout

If we stay up I assume it'll be at the expense of Bournemouth and possibly Watford, there's a few there I'd look at. Ake is left-sided but he'd be a good addition. I like Billing also. Harry Wilson (who we should have loaned last Summer) would be an improvement on our wide players.

One of Doucoure and Capoue from Watford would improve our midfield. Sarr is a good player too.

But overall - CB, RB, LB, DM, CM, RW, CF

If we stay up and Grealish is off then Lallana on a free might be an option too

I thought Lallana signed an extension 🤷‍♂️

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on June 21, 2020, 02:30:22 PM

Lallana is going to Leicester I think.

Bournemouth sign players for ridiculous amounts. Think Ake cost 30m so you'd be looking at more than that. Billing is decent but he's not really a DM, more of a sort of Luiz type so would rather stick with Doug hopefully improving his consistency over next 12 months.

We do need more physical presence in central midfield. Nakamba is pretty average so he should just be a squad player. I remember in January we were linked with Steven N'zonzi but he went to Rennes on loan and we got Drinkwater instead. That's the sort of imposing type we need.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: paul_e on June 21, 2020, 03:04:53 PM

7 new signings would be a mistake as we'd have another season of trying to integrate new players and I'd worry it would see us in trouble again.

The priorities are:
Replace any key players who want to leave.
Replace Lansbury with someone to give us a bit more fight in the centre of the park.
Replace Jota with someone who can play up front or wide and has bags of pace.
Replace Taylor with someone to compete for starts at left back.

On top of that I'd try to integrate Vassilev, Ramsey, Barry and Archer into the first team squad over the season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on June 21, 2020, 03:13:34 PM

Yes we need 3-4 but of much better quality than what we signed last summer. Then the dodgy inconsistant regular starters can go down to the bench and that's how you improve your team e.g El Ghazi.

Ultimately we can't improve every position in the team in one transfer window. Just improving two areas will be big improvement. Last time we did that in a summer transfer window in top division was 2009.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: steamer on June 21, 2020, 03:23:26 PM

There will be two Criteria, What Division we are in and who is the manager

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on June 21, 2020, 03:25:43 PM

Quote from: steamer on June 21, 2020, 03:23:26 PM

There will be two Criteria, What Division we are in and who is the manager

If we go down it will probably be same as last time, buy best players from some other championship teams and loan in some decent premier league players who can't get a game (Tammy, Axel, Snodgrass etc).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on June 21, 2020, 06:09:22 PM

Quote from: Newby on June 21, 2020, 07:46:16 AM

I appreciate it's a bit early as we don't know what division we will be in

Sadly I think we do know what division we will be in.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: mr underhill on June 21, 2020, 06:20:23 PM

 let's start now searching for a new management team

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Steve67 on June 21, 2020, 06:29:30 PM

Quote from: mr underhill on June 21, 2020, 06:20:23 PM

let's start now searching for a new management team

Make that our first signing of the summer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Nii Lamptey on June 21, 2020, 06:46:34 PM

Don't care which players come in. Unless the coaching team (and suso) are potted, what's the point?

Title: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: Ads on June 27, 2020, 04:17:41 PM

I think we're going down. You probably do too. The good news this time is that we have gazillionnaire owners who aren't too concerned about the Shumanites or whatever the big man baby was on about. And equally they don't flog MSG and have shit shoes either.

With like £100m+ from sales of Grealish, McGinn and Mings, a relaxed FFP and more money than all the other clubs combined, we have a chance to get in and out of the league without too many noticing. But that depends on recruitment and given how absymal that is, it just wouldn't be the Villa way to do it easy would it? Why spend one season going to tin pot shit holes when you can spend 3!

So whenever the season starts I think this would be our strongest from the current crop, less the 3 mentioned above;

Heaton

Targets
House
Engels
Guilbert

Luiz
Hourihane
Nkamba

El Ghazi
Wesley
Tezuguet

Main areas to strengthen would be up front with pace, out wide with pace, middle of the park with pace, a touch of steel and exprience. And pace.

I'd sign Dwight Gayle as it will at least stop the throbber going on loan and scoring against us, buy a creative central player, some better technical wide players and I think we've got a good shot. Oh and a centre half of James Chester character (but with working knees) and we'd probably come back up. Probably. Maybe. We better had.

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: Three Spires Villa on June 27, 2020, 04:20:23 PM

Eberechi Oluchi Eze From QPR for a start.

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: cdbearsfan on June 27, 2020, 04:21:23 PM

Quote from: Ads on June 27, 2020, 04:17:41 PM

Main areas to strengthen would be up front with pace, out wide with pace, middle of the park with pace, a touch of steel and exprience. And pace.

Basically agree with this but would add more pace.

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: hilts_coolerking on June 27, 2020, 04:23:04 PM

Quote from: Ads on June 27, 2020, 04:17:41 PM

Heaton

Targets
House
Engels
Guilbert

Luiz
Hourihane
Nkamba

El Ghazi
Wesley
Tezuguet

Christ, what a horrible team.

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: Ads on June 27, 2020, 04:31:12 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on June 27, 2020, 04:23:04 PM

Quote from: Ads on June 27, 2020, 04:17:41 PM

Heaton

Targets
House
Engels
Guilbert

Luiz
Hourihane
Nkamba

El Ghazi
Wesley
Tezuguet

Christ, what a horrible team.

Defensively I think its alright. Heaton is what you need down there. Guilbert is a good player, Targett was pivotal with Fulham and the centre halves are ok.

Douige anchoring is good and we know what Connor does and does not bring, but you'd still have him there in the squad.

Going forwards though its pretty horrible, albeit El Ghazi is fine at that level and I suspect we'd flog Trez.

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: LukeJames on June 27, 2020, 04:32:01 PM

Quote from: Three Spires Villa on June 27, 2020, 04:20:23 PM

Eberechi Oluchi Eze From QPR for a start.

I just said his name and my furniture started floating.

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: SoccerHQ on June 27, 2020, 04:35:12 PM

I'm guessing Gayle only has a year left at Newcastle? Hasn't played much this season but can score 20 + with his eyes closed at championship level. Becomes the squad striker if we come straight back up.

Can see Joe Lolley being a serious target if Forest don't go up. Direct option out wide who can chip in with goals.

Try to find a reliable CB out of favour at prem club like Chester last time. Mentioned Ryan Bennett a few weeks ago, Wolves will sell for 5m.

If DS stays can see Ryan Woods being a target given he likes to sign former players. Think he's on loan at Millwall from Stoke.

Use loan market, odd player from abroad etc.

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 27, 2020, 04:39:28 PM

On loan at Millwall from Stoke, fucking hell.

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: hilts_coolerking on June 27, 2020, 04:40:02 PM

Quote from: Ads on June 27, 2020, 04:31:12 PM

Defensively I think its alright. Heaton is what you need down there. Guilbert is a good player, Targett was pivotal with Fulham and the centre halves are ok.

Douge anchoring is good and we know what Connor does and does not bring, but you'd still have him there in the squad.

Going forwards though its pretty horrible, albeit El Ghazi is fine at that level and I suspect we'd flog Trez.

Heaton I like.  Guilbert I like.  Targett could be useful because teams down there are not likely to attack as much.  I'd like an experienced centre back next to Engels (assuming Dean goes and Engels comes back into the fold).

Conor was hit and miss last season and it'll be exactly the same next season.  Squad, rather than first team, for me.  Nkamba, who knows?  He hasn't impressed me that much.  Luiz will be our trump card assuming he stays.

AEG was hit and miss last season too.  He had a fine end to the season but before that not so much.  Trez is shit.

Wesley, Davis, Samatta.  They're all basically the same player.  Flog one if we can and get two pace merchants in.

Jack will be impossible to replace.

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: Toronto Villa on June 27, 2020, 04:48:20 PM

At Championship level the current squad net of the 2 or 3 key players we will lose will be just fine. That is good enough to compete at the top end of the table with a good manager. What we need to ensure is that the players we bring in add pace and energy. There are players like McGinn our there who stood out at that level. If/when we get back up the recruitment needs to far, far better. Not numbers. But genuine quality.

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: SoccerHQ on June 27, 2020, 04:50:47 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on June 27, 2020, 04:39:28 PM

On loan at Millwall from Stoke, fucking hell.

Well everyone was raving about him in his Brentford days on here. Stoke move simply didn't work out.

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 27, 2020, 04:53:03 PM

We absolutely need pace irrespective of what league we’re in.

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: Lastfootstamper on June 27, 2020, 05:07:12 PM

I look skyward, I see no vultures...
Re the £100m funding, I'm not so sure. On what they've produced in this division, I don't envisage many suitors for either Mings or McGinn. The latter's made as much impression as Brett Holman, ie quite good up until December. Bruce might take him off our hands for what we paid. And I'd be surprised if any teams above Brighton currently think Mings is an answer to their problems.

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: mr underhill on June 27, 2020, 05:10:27 PM

Agreed -  the only real asset we have is Grealish. Doug will go too I think. It would be typical of us to bring in Gayle and the cnut tops coring.

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: mr underhill on June 27, 2020, 05:13:02 PM

edit - stops scoring!

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: KevinGage on June 27, 2020, 05:14:42 PM

Don't see Luiz dropping down a division and stopping with us. For the relative pittance of the buyback fee, Citeh will prob have him back and loan him out again.

Much as he's been ropey for us, Engels has played in the top division in France and Belgium so will have offers from elsewhere. We'll probably sell at a loss there.

Heaton I don't see demanding to leave. But on Premier League wages, we'd prob need to consider any reasonable offers.

So those departures plus the more obvious ones like Grealish, McGinn and Mings mean we'll effectively be starting from scratch.

Wesley could be the wildcard.  Depending on where he's at with his rehab, we might get the benefit of him up until the January transfer window.  A letdown in the top flight, but one division down might be a different story altogether.

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 27, 2020, 05:22:06 PM

Yes I can’t see Douglas staying sadly.

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: hilts_coolerking on June 27, 2020, 05:25:05 PM

I think Mings and SJM will go.  Okay neither has had a stellar season but they have shown what they can do at their best and I'm sure some clubs will want to get them in for a relatively cheaper price.

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: Des Little on June 27, 2020, 05:41:37 PM

Axel still nowhere near the United squad, is he injured?

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 27, 2020, 05:44:29 PM

In fact I can very much see Douglas being this year’s Adama. We’ll look on with regret in future.

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: Ads on June 27, 2020, 05:44:40 PM

Quote from: Lastfootstamper on June 27, 2020, 05:07:12 PM

I look skyward, I see no vultures...
Re the £100m funding, I'm not so sure. On what they've produced in this division, I don't envisage many suitors for either Mings or McGinn. The latter's made as much impression as Brett Holman, ie quite good up until December. Bruce might take him off our hands for what we paid. And I'd be surprised if any teams above Brighton currently think Mings is an answer to their problems.

McGinn leaving for <£3m?! Wow.

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: Des Little on June 27, 2020, 05:46:03 PM

I’d be amazed if Mings, Jack, McGinn and Luiz aren’t already spoken for elsewhere.

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: Footy-Vill on June 27, 2020, 06:20:30 PM

I think the purported release of some players will be just as a technical business as fully expect several of these to be playing for villa if it has to be Championship football
O’Hare,Green and  Hepburn-Murphy.
Those 3 should be kept on. And I say they will if we get relegated . You just see.
And look at Gary Gardner can we swap him back with Jota

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: brontebilly on June 27, 2020, 06:26:07 PM

Mings, Grealish, McGinn, Luiz all will go anyway.

The following appear to have a year left on their contracts, Elmo, Davis, Jota, Lansbury, Taylor, Bree, Nyland. Would keep first two, rest of them aren't good enough for second tier although Lansbury's wages likely to be a problem to shift.

I'll assume Trez will go anyway, AEG, Wes, Samatta who knows what kind of clauses could be in place. Wes injury won't exactly help matters trying to flog him.

So your starting the season with
Heaton/Steer
Elmo/Guilbert
Engels, Konsa, Hause
Targett
Hourihane, Nakamba, Ramsey
AEG, Wes, Samatta, Davis

With the right additions it's still going to be a reasonable squad in the second tier under the right management.

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: JJ-AV on June 27, 2020, 06:30:59 PM

Try and keep McGinn.

Jeff Hendrick (if we can convince him to drop)
Eze
Lolley
Gayle

And a couple of Premier League loans to bolster the squad

That'd be a good start

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: Toronto Villa on June 27, 2020, 06:35:10 PM

Quote from: Ads on June 27, 2020, 05:44:40 PM

Quote from: Lastfootstamper on June 27, 2020, 05:07:12 PM

I look skyward, I see no vultures...
Re the £100m funding, I'm not so sure. On what they've produced in this division, I don't envisage many suitors for either Mings or McGinn. The latter's made as much impression as Brett Holman, ie quite good up until December. Bruce might take him off our hands for what we paid. And I'd be surprised if any teams above Brighton currently think Mings is an answer to their problems.

McGinn leaving for <£3m?! Wow.

Current prices we are picking up the thick end of £175m in selling Jack, Mings, McGinn and Luiz.

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: Ads on June 27, 2020, 06:41:30 PM

McGinn might be the one to stick around. The meatball is perhaps the least likely to rock anyboats, his international career isn't dependent on Premier League football and if nobody is willing to pay £30m plus- do we need to sell when Jack et al are bringing in £100m?

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: ozzjim on June 27, 2020, 06:43:00 PM

Inevitably Grealish (about £65 million, Mings (£35 million), McGinn (£25-30 million) and Luiz (£20m back to Man City) will all leave. The idea McGinn was good to December then nothing is somewhat caveated with a broken leg, so I would expect someone will pay some good money for him still, and he will want to go. Mings is the only one I can see saying he will stay to get us back, I think he likes belonging somewhere.

Trezeguet will go to Turkey, and no chance will El Ghazi stay.

This season our 2 biggest issues have been pace through the team, and having a lack of shape and plan at the back. With that in mind we need to get an experienced leader into the back 4. A player like that James Chester would be good at that level!

We need a fast full back that can play right or left, then we need 2 strong, fast, direct wingers that can carry us forward. We are pathetically pedestrian.

Up top Wesley and Samatta will both score if you have wide players that will create.

Eze to replace Grealish is a must too. Fabulous player.

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: aj2k77 on June 27, 2020, 06:47:25 PM

Watkins from Brentford if he doesn't get snapped up. Right age, quick, eye for goal.

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: Ads on June 27, 2020, 06:48:51 PM

We sell quite expensive. Milner stupidity aside, we don't tend to have our pants pulled down. We saw off Spurs with Grealish and Benteke and of course, the great Weasel Robbery where we mugged the Scousers with all the proficiency of that crew out of Heat.

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: Luke8 on June 27, 2020, 06:52:39 PM

I don’t think there is any chance that Eze is playing in the Championship next year.

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: Lastfootstamper on June 27, 2020, 06:56:22 PM

Quote from: Ads on June 27, 2020, 05:44:40 PM

Quote from: Lastfootstamper on June 27, 2020, 05:07:12 PM

I look skyward, I see no vultures...
Re the £100m funding, I'm not so sure. On what they've produced in this division, I don't envisage many suitors for either Mings or McGinn. The latter's made as much impression as Brett Holman, ie quite good up until December. Bruce might take him off our hands for what we paid. And I'd be surprised if any teams above Brighton currently think Mings is an answer to their problems.

McGinn leaving for <£3m?! Wow.

I don't think he's leaving. But trying to look at it impartially, what sort of signing would he be for someone else? "Yeah, he looked good in the Championship the season before last, but didn't particularly stand out in the PL, ran out of steam before Christmas, and then was out for months with an injury". It'd be the sort of signing which if we made it from a relegated side, I bet most of us on here would consider it uninspiring at best.

His worth to Aston Villa is far greater than what the market will determine, in my opinion. He's not done enough yet.

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on June 27, 2020, 07:05:44 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on June 27, 2020, 06:35:10 PM

Quote from: Ads on June 27, 2020, 05:44:40 PM

Quote from: Lastfootstamper on June 27, 2020, 05:07:12 PM

I look skyward, I see no vultures...
Re the £100m funding, I'm not so sure. On what they've produced in this division, I don't envisage many suitors for either Mings or McGinn. The latter's made as much impression as Brett Holman, ie quite good up until December. Bruce might take him off our hands for what we paid. And I'd be surprised if any teams above Brighton currently think Mings is an answer to their problems.

McGinn leaving for <£3m?! Wow.

Current prices we are picking up the thick end of £175m in selling Jack, Mings, McGinn and Luiz.

No chance.

About £30-35m for Jack, and about 15 for McGinn.

We would be lucky to get our money back for Mings who has been extremely disappointing at this level and certainly not worth the fee we spent.

Given our wage bill and the reduced income we will not have much to spend without having ffp issues. We need a better manager than Smith and a better DOF than Suso. Given the steadfast refusal to accept this we probably need a better chairman than Purslow too.

That squad minus Jack has no chance of going back up without better coaching and management, and some additions. No way is Wesley / Samara / Davis good enough to score many in the Championship. So top of the list is a striker, followed by anyone that can tackle in midfield and anyone with pace.

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: RamboandBruno on June 27, 2020, 07:05:48 PM

Quote from: Ads on June 27, 2020, 06:41:30 PM

McGinn might be the one to stick around. The meatball is perhaps the least likely to rock anyboats, his international career isn't dependent on Premier League football and if nobody is willing to pay £30m plus- do we need to sell when Jack et al are bringing in £100m?

I’ve been the same about McGinn. Whilst the broken ankle has definitely damaged our prospects this season, it might actually work in our favour in terms of us keeping him. The idea of a Man U coming in for him just doesn’t seem realistic now, compared to when Fergie was touting him in September.
My ideal would be a combination of players with the potential to hone their game in the championship but with enough quality to step up if we got promoted alongside some older heads. Saying that we’ll have to also keep some of the current squad.

I think
Heaton with either steer or nyland as understudy would be fine

Guilbert and Targett for that division would be fine and Guilbert in particular could step up back to the premier with another year under his belt.
Hause would be ok in that league with someone experienced beside him, someone like a Duffy if he would come. I do also think Hause
has potential to get better.

Midfield needs an overhaul, Luiz would excel in that division, but I have a feeling he’ll go. I think El Ghazi and Trez can and will go and Hourihane is a squad player even in championship. Maybe  nakamba  may fimd his level a league below, as said above hopefully we can keep McGinn. A new combative and creative centre midfielder that can step up if we go up is a must and two wingers.

Up front, with nurturing and coaching Wes could come good, but have to have one or two more who can take burden off. Samatta may score goals in championship and we would need another.

I think we need to move away from just buying the better players in that league, like Lolley. Been there and done that with Lansbury, hourihane, hogan etc. We also need to integrate Vassilel and Barry into the squad.

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: ldavfc4eva on June 27, 2020, 07:18:01 PM

However much we get, if we keep the same recruitment staff and manager it will get wasted.

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: hilts_coolerking on June 27, 2020, 07:19:27 PM

Quote from: ldavfc4eva on June 27, 2020, 07:18:01 PM

However much we get, if we keep the same recruitment staff and manager it will get wasted.

Yep, as underwhelming as many of them are, I'd rather keep the squad and ditch the manager.

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on June 27, 2020, 07:33:09 PM

We need to follow wolves example and recruit players too good for the championship, yes they have the links with Mendes but they still went to a 2nd tier team. We need to sell the vision of the club and offer big promotion bonuses.

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: aj2k77 on June 27, 2020, 07:38:18 PM

It's all immaterial if the scouting isn't sorted out. Wesley was crap for £25m, everyone can agree on that. We are in dire need of a forward in January, what do we do? Buy the player that we deemed not as good as Wesley the previous transfer window.

Too much money spent on players who did Ok at mid table or struggling clubs in poor leagues.

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: Des Little on June 27, 2020, 11:06:58 PM

Quote from: ldavfc4eva on June 27, 2020, 07:18:01 PM

However much we get, if we keep the same recruitment staff and manager it will get wasted.

Nail on head. Getting shot of Suso has to be a priority.

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 27, 2020, 11:12:44 PM

I reckon Wesley might flourish in the Championship.

But most importantly we need pace throughout the team.

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: Steve67 on June 27, 2020, 11:22:01 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on June 27, 2020, 11:12:44 PM

I reckon Wesley might flourish in the Championship.

But most importantly we need pace throughout the team.

And physicality.  We are piss weak in the challenge.  A commanding centre back wouldn't go amiss either.
Of course, before any of this can happen, we have to get rid of the stench of defeat.

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: Luke8 on June 27, 2020, 11:26:14 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on June 27, 2020, 07:38:18 PM

It's all immaterial if the scouting isn't sorted out. Wesley was crap for £25m, everyone can agree on that. We are in dire need of a forward in January, what do we do? Buy the player that we deemed not as good as Wesley the previous transfer window.

Too much money spent on players who did Ok at mid table or struggling clubs in poor leagues.

Obviously it’s easy to say with hindsight it could have been better, and the people involved are not blameless, but the issue with the recruitment was that we needed so much, so quickly without that much money to do it really. 

That’s probably about par for a player of Wesleys age and ability. Scoring record doesn’t compare that badly to other similar players signed last summer. And I think we have missed him.

January wasn’t good. But we were forced to change plans pretty late on due to three long terms injuries. And again, money was clearly an issue.

I’m not saying the recruitment was great - it clearly wasn’t - but we were in a terrible position in that we needed 10-12 players. We couldn’t go 5/6 higher quality players as we wouldn’t have had a squad.

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: themossman on June 27, 2020, 11:38:32 PM

The one positive out of this pathetic excuse for a season is that we get another chance to ignore FFP, sell the family silver and buy our way back into the PL.

The downside is it feels just as likely we’ll fuck it all up and be stranded in the lower leagues forever.

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: SoccerHQ on June 28, 2020, 12:26:32 AM

Quote from: Ads on June 27, 2020, 06:41:30 PM

McGinn might be the one to stick around. The meatball is perhaps the least likely to rock anyboats, his international career isn't dependent on Premier League football and if nobody is willing to pay £30m plus- do we need to sell when Jack et al are bringing in £100m?

I think we'll keep likes of Heaton and McGinn up to January, possibly Mings aswell although euros being delayed to next summer probably won't help there. Despite what people think of him now he's still a regular in England squad and given his late entry into senior football you can understand him not wanting to give up that chance.

When Stoke went down people thought likes of Butland and Joe Allen would be straight out. Two years on they're both still there although hasnot done Stoke much good.

Fulham also kept Mitrovic which was big surprise to me. West Brom kept a decent core of Rodriguez, Dawson etc and then sold them when they lost out to us

Don't see a fire sale at all. Solving the Grealish void will be tough though considering the rare bits of quality play we have always goes through him and it was the same in the championship. Not sure this manager will have the answer for that personally.

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: SoccerHQ on June 28, 2020, 12:30:59 AM

Quote from: Lastfootstamper on June 27, 2020, 06:56:22 PM

Quote from: Ads on June 27, 2020, 05:44:40 PM

Quote from: Lastfootstamper on June 27, 2020, 05:07:12 PM

I look skyward, I see no vultures...
Re the £100m funding, I'm not so sure. On what they've produced in this division, I don't envisage many suitors for either Mings or McGinn. The latter's made as much impression as Brett Holman, ie quite good up until December. Bruce might take him off our hands for what we paid. And I'd be surprised if any teams above Brighton currently think Mings is an answer to their problems.

McGinn leaving for <£3m?! Wow.

I don't think he's leaving. But trying to look at it impartially, what sort of signing would he be for someone else? "Yeah, he looked good in the Championship the season before last, but didn't particularly stand out in the PL, ran out of steam before Christmas, and then was out for months with an injury". It'd be the sort of signing which if we made it from a relegated side, I bet most of us on here would consider it uninspiring at best.

His worth to Aston Villa is far greater than what the market will determine, in my opinion. He's not done enough yet.

Rodgers would probably take him at Leicester given he was desperate to sign him for Celtic and Leicester will need more depth for europe. They might offer someone like Demiray Gray in the deal although he hasn't really kicked on in his career.

Can see Mings being a target for them or West Ham or Everton.

Suppose one thing we don't know is who signed last summer who has a release clause in their deal if relegation occurs. Given the squad will have to take pay cuts you'd assume some of them will have it just like Gana did last time.

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: Lastfootstamper on June 28, 2020, 12:52:59 AM

There's worlds of difference between signing for Celtic and signing for Leicester these days.

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: robbo1874 on June 28, 2020, 01:54:34 AM

I’m torn on this. I think the main issue is what happens with Smith. Firstly I think he has what 3 years left on his contract? I really don’t want to go through the whole changing the manager business again. We’d be paying him out, plus paying (probably) compo for a new man.

Secondly, whilst it’s pretty clear the current managerial setup is not  good enough for the premiership, he’s somewhat proven in the championship.

Thirdly, what we lacked when were down last time was any kind of continuity, which cost us I think.

I’d be tempted to stick with DS for these reasons on the management side. Maybe shake up the coaching staff a bit, as I think that is a big part of what’s not right at the moment. I don’t think DS will be sacked if we go down. I’d be tempted to shift Terry out. I don’t think DS really wanted him and I don’t think they get on that well. The fallings out are not necessarily a bad thing if it leads to improvement, but it doesn’t seem to have.

On the playing side, I really don’t know. We’ve tried so many different approaches the last few years, I think with probably the exception of using homegrown academy / U23 players. I do think we probably will need to have a bit of a cull. Let’s say minimum Grealish goes and likely McGinn, with maybe Mings and Luis. The rest of them are probably championship quality if we’re honest, so should be good enough to get us challenging.

I’d be looking to bring through the youth / u23 players and try to build something. Trying to buy success just hasn’t worked the last few years. We need a different approach.

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: cdbearsfan on June 28, 2020, 02:03:45 AM

You can't relegate us and keep your job. We are Aston Villa, ffs.

Maybe if our supporters didn't act so small time we wouldn't play like it so often.

You'd think we were Barnsley, Swindon, West Brom or some other nonsense club enjoying a day out in the top flight rather than a club that should be competing to win it.

The idea of someone relegating a club of our stature and keeping his job is as laughable as it is nauseating.

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: robbo1874 on June 28, 2020, 02:51:45 AM

You can laugh and feel sick if you feel that way. I just think it will be costly to get rid of and replace him and I think he’s a pretty good manager at championship level and I think replacing him would be a bigger gamble than keeping him.

 The time for him to be sacked was around Christmas time and that came and went. I really would keep him and then if we did go straight back up, give him til November at least the following season. He will have learnt from this season, I think.

For me it’s better the devil you know, if we do go down. I’ve said, he’s probably not premier league quality, but he’s good enough to get back there and have a second crack at it. We can change other things without necessarily changing the manager for it to work. Who would you have instead of DS?

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: OzVilla on June 28, 2020, 03:15:25 AM

I’m sure he’s a lovely man but Smith has done a terrible job this season, from recruiting (which he would have had a hand in) to team selection, formation, game management (can’t recall a manager costing us as many points from winning situations due to their decisions), tactical naivety, inability to be flexible in game the list goes on and on and on. Easily our worst performer and theres been plenty to choose from.

If we go down, the lion’s share of the blame is his. If we kept him on what does that say about us?

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: robbo1874 on June 28, 2020, 04:21:47 AM

Can’t disagree with most of what you say, it’s been plain to see. But after giving him a 4 year deal the club either bottled it or backed their man when he probably should have gone around Christmas time. If by some miracle we do stay up, bizarre as it might sound, I think there is a stronger case to bring someone else in for next season than if we go down. If we go down, I just think it would be a bigger gamble to change manager after he’s already got us promoted once. A lot of other things appear to require change though and I think will be hopefully.

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: tony scott on June 28, 2020, 04:50:08 AM

I just never understood thee new 4 year contract, unless it includes relegation clauses doesn’t make sense. I assume the reason DS hasn’t been fired it’s because a good case has been made for continuity. It might work, but the longer this bad  run continues the less likely the owners will buy it.   I have some sympathy for DS coming from a Villa supporting Family must bring even more pressure.

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: robbo1874 on June 28, 2020, 05:47:13 AM

I have a bit of sympathy for him too. But not a great deal. We’ve been shit this season, as most predicted we would be. Many on here, me included, said we’d be happy with 17th place before the season started. If  it doesn’t happen (and there’s still hope yet, but starting to look out of reach) he’s got to accept most of the responsibility and help put it right.

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: mr underhill on June 28, 2020, 06:40:58 AM

sentimentality is the enemy of success.

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: ROBBO on June 28, 2020, 07:57:07 AM

Apart from Grealish i cannot see a stampede to buy any of our players, Louiz may be the exeption because unlike all the others he has improved as the season has gone on.
McGinn like Grealish had a good start to the season but his form was well below par before the injury, there were many calling for him to be rested.

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 28, 2020, 08:57:57 AM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on June 28, 2020, 02:03:45 AM

You can't relegate us and keep your job. We are Aston Villa, ffs.

Maybe if our supporters didn't act so small time we wouldn't play like it so often.

You'd think we were Barnsley, Swindon, West Brom or some other nonsense club enjoying a day out in the top flight rather than a club that should be competing to win it.

The idea of someone relegating a club of our stature and keeping his job is as laughable as it is nauseating.

Agree 100%.

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 28, 2020, 09:22:00 AM

Does Louie Barry have pace?

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: Richard E on June 28, 2020, 09:25:09 AM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on June 28, 2020, 02:03:45 AM

You can't relegate us and keep your job. We are Aston Villa, ffs.

Maybe if our supporters didn't act so small time we wouldn't play like it so often.

You'd think we were Barnsley, Swindon, West Brom or some other nonsense club enjoying a day out in the top flight rather than a club that should be competing to win it.

The idea of someone relegating a club of our stature and keeping his job is as laughable as it is nauseating.

Too right. We need to stop accepting mediocrity and being plucky losers. We are not West Bromwich bloody Albion. Can you believe we were all expecting-not just acknowledging that we might - expecting to, lose yesterday to Wolves. Wolves. Bloody Wolves. Jesus wept.

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: mr underhill on June 28, 2020, 09:48:59 AM

that's the Wolves that are simply light years ahead of us in terms of management structure, player recruitment, strategy, tactics etc etc? You get what you pay for.

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: Richard E on June 28, 2020, 09:51:14 AM

Yes, but how the hell have we arrived at a situation where Wolverhampton sodding Wanderers are light years ahead of us?

Edit - heart is posting this morning, not head. I’m just so f***ed off with it all.

Title: Re: Summer/Autumn Transfer Thread & Championship Plotting
Post by: ROBBO on June 28, 2020, 10:22:50 AM

The only comfort is that wolves have done it in a couple of years, good management, good scouting. Now where do we find these people?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on June 28, 2020, 10:27:37 AM

Quote from: ROBBO on June 28, 2020, 10:22:50 AM

The only comfort is that wolves have done it in a couple of years, good management, good scouting. Now where do we find these people?

You just need to sell your soul to a "super agent".

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Risso on June 28, 2020, 10:28:46 AM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on June 28, 2020, 10:27:37 AM

Quote from: ROBBO on June 28, 2020, 10:22:50 AM

The only comfort is that wolves have done it in a couple of years, good management, good scouting. Now where do we find these people?

You just need to sell your soul to a "super agent".

There isn't much of a soul left to sell in football is there?  If we're going to be in it, you have to be better at it than everybody else.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Dave on June 28, 2020, 10:36:51 AM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on June 28, 2020, 10:27:37 AM

Quote from: ROBBO on June 28, 2020, 10:22:50 AM

The only comfort is that wolves have done it in a couple of years, good management, good scouting. Now where do we find these people?

You just need to sell your soul to a "super agent".

I bet Wolves fans are devastated at what's become of their club.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Risso on June 28, 2020, 10:42:11 AM

Quote from: Dave on June 28, 2020, 10:36:51 AM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on June 28, 2020, 10:27:37 AM

Quote from: ROBBO on June 28, 2020, 10:22:50 AM

The only comfort is that wolves have done it in a couple of years, good management, good scouting. Now where do we find these people?

You just need to sell your soul to a "super agent".

I bet Wolves fans are devastated at what's become of their club.

My gloating uncle seems especially upset.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on June 28, 2020, 10:52:01 AM

When we go down the leave column
- Jack, Mings, McGinn, Luiz - circa £160m IN
- Trezeguet and El Ghazi £15m approx

Then rest stay imo.
Back 5 of
Heaton
Guilbert, Konsa, Hause, Targett

Even with no stutter recruitment here this is not bad at all.

The midfield is going to be the massive issue. Can see us only being left with
Hourihane, Nakamba and Jota

Strikers:
Wesley will stay, purely based on whose gonna spend that kind of money on someone coming back from an ACL.
Samatta - id guess will leave

Wesley, Davis and Barry - buy one more striker and we’re good here.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: aj2k77 on June 28, 2020, 10:54:00 AM

Wesley, a bloke who hasn't scored in three years and a child. The new Striker had better be the real deal in that case.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: CT on June 28, 2020, 10:55:26 AM

Quote from: Richard E on June 28, 2020, 09:25:09 AM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on June 28, 2020, 02:03:45 AM

You can't relegate us and keep your job. We are Aston Villa, ffs.

Maybe if our supporters didn't act so small time we wouldn't play like it so often.

You'd think we were Barnsley, Swindon, West Brom or some other nonsense club enjoying a day out in the top flight rather than a club that should be competing to win it.

The idea of someone relegating a club of our stature and keeping his job is as laughable as it is nauseating.

Too right. We need to stop accepting mediocrity and being plucky losers. We are not West Bromwich bloody Albion. Can you believe we were all expecting-not just acknowledging that we might - expecting to, lose yesterday to Wolves. Wolves. Bloody Wolves. Jesus wept.

Paul Lambert started this mentality.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Axl Rose on June 28, 2020, 11:03:00 AM

Targets and House should be nowhere near our team next season!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: olaftab on June 28, 2020, 11:07:34 AM

Axl we all need a target and a house in life.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on June 28, 2020, 11:10:28 AM

Quote from: Richard E on June 28, 2020, 09:51:14 AM

Yes, but how the hell have we arrived at a situation where Wolverhampton sodding Wanderers are light years ahead of us?

Edit - heart is posting this morning, not head. I’m just so f***ed off with it all.

They sign players with 100 + caps for Portugal. Year before he joined Moutinho was a regular for Monaco when they got to CL semi finals.

Been a long old time since we signed a player of that standing who wasn't totally past it. Need to start signing players of that ilk next time we get promoted.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: aj2k77 on June 28, 2020, 11:17:59 AM

Quote from: Axl Rose on June 28, 2020, 11:03:00 AM

Targets and House should be nowhere near our team next season!

Southampton's 3rd choice left back and a Wolves player that couldn't get anywhere near the squad.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Axl Rose on June 28, 2020, 11:21:01 AM

Quote from: olaftab on June 28, 2020, 11:07:34 AM

Axl we all need a target and a house in life.

We do mate, I agree. Targets are better.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: mr underhill on June 28, 2020, 11:41:13 AM

if Bruce is still in charge i can see some deal for McGinn plus players - the gimlet eyed dwarf for one, plus Hayden etc

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Luke8 on June 28, 2020, 11:54:18 AM

Quote from: aj2k77 on June 28, 2020, 11:17:59 AM

Quote from: Axl Rose on June 28, 2020, 11:03:00 AM

Targets and House should be nowhere near our team next season!

Southampton's 3rd choice left back and a Wolves player that couldn't get anywhere near the squad.

We signed Hause for what, £3 million? Essentially as fourth choice centre back and it gave us some continuity. I’m not sure we could have improved much on that.

I think he has shown enough that he would be useful next season within the squad if we did go down.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: rogfromb6 on June 28, 2020, 12:01:19 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on June 28, 2020, 11:10:28 AM

Quote from: Richard E on June 28, 2020, 09:51:14 AM

Yes, but how the hell have we arrived at a situation where Wolverhampton sodding Wanderers are light years ahead of us?

Edit - heart is posting this morning, not head. I’m just so f***ed off with it all.

They sign players with 100 + caps for Portugal. Year before he joined Moutinho was a regular for Monaco when they got to CL semi finals.

Been a long old time since we signed a player of that standing who wasn't totally past it. Need to start signing players of that ilk next time we get promoted.

Players like Moutinho and Neves are not signing for most premier league teams let alone Championship teams. Wolves had a unique set up that can’t be replicated very easily.

Sheff Utd have managed to stay up with players that most people would assess as Championship level but they have proved to be a very effective team.

We can do a lot better with our recruitment for sure but we absolutely need much better coaching next year. For whatever reason coaches who are progessive and cutting edge elsewhere immediately turn to shite in B6.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: KevinGage on June 28, 2020, 12:04:16 PM

Forestieri at Wednesday is available on a free this summer/ autumn.

Dwight Gayle looks like a no brainer as well if we do drop (and maybe even if we don't).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Risso on June 28, 2020, 12:18:41 PM

Quote from: Luke8 on June 28, 2020, 11:54:18 AM

Quote from: aj2k77 on June 28, 2020, 11:17:59 AM

Quote from: Axl Rose on June 28, 2020, 11:03:00 AM

Targets and House should be nowhere near our team next season!

Southampton's 3rd choice left back and a Wolves player that couldn't get anywhere near the squad.

We signed Hause for what, £3 million? Essentially as fourth choice centre back and it gave us some continuity. I’m not sure we could have improved much on that.

I think he has shown enough that he would be useful next season within the squad if we did go down.

I'm surprised Hause hasn't been given a run at left back.  He played a few games there in the Championship, and looked pretty handy.  Hard to see him being much worse than Targett in any case.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: KevinGage on June 28, 2020, 12:22:36 PM

Did we spend £17 million on Targett?  Utter madness.

Looked promising at Fulham  - and might still look reasonable one level down.

But at that price you need something far closer to the finished article.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on June 28, 2020, 12:23:22 PM

It was 14m I think. And surprisingly Suso was the one who pushed to sign him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Mister E on June 28, 2020, 12:30:24 PM

When you see how much we spent on Trez and Jota, why the hell did we not give RHM and COH a place in the squad and play them? They can't have been any worse! and in fact may well have been very good.
And, seeing Lansbury holding a squad place all season boils my blood.
There have been some fcukin' weird recruitment decisions!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on June 28, 2020, 12:37:58 PM

How many transfers are driven by what’s good for the club as opposed to what's good for the agent and friends.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Luke8 on June 28, 2020, 12:40:04 PM

Quote from: Risso on June 28, 2020, 12:18:41 PM

Quote from: Luke8 on June 28, 2020, 11:54:18 AM

Quote from: aj2k77 on June 28, 2020, 11:17:59 AM

Quote from: Axl Rose on June 28, 2020, 11:03:00 AM

Targets and House should be nowhere near our team next season!

Southampton's 3rd choice left back and a Wolves player that couldn't get anywhere near the squad.

We signed Hause for what, £3 million? Essentially as fourth choice centre back and it gave us some continuity. I’m not sure we could have improved much on that.

I think he has shown enough that he would be useful next season within the squad if we did go down.

I'm surprised Hause hasn't been given a run at left back.  He played a few games there in the Championship, and looked pretty handy.  Hard to see him being much worse than Targett in any case.

I don’t think he is good enough on the ball to play at full back. Targett, for his faults, has at least offered something reasonable going forward.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: dave shelley on June 28, 2020, 04:40:20 PM

Whichever way you look at it, it's a complete and utter shitshow!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Steve67 on June 28, 2020, 08:52:58 PM

I have driven 477 miles today, to York and back, lots of time to think about villa.  i was wondering, if newcastle want McGinn, lets ask them for a swap with Hayden, he wants to move south and I wonder whether he might be persuaded to drop down a level, knowing that we will get back up?  We also need that physical presence in midfield.  Second one, I wonder if Albrighton might fancy coming back.  Experience, Villa fan.  Is Snodgrass getting games at West ham?  All three are experienced players and would do a job if and when we drop down.  We also need a commanding centre half.  Not sure who though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Des Little on June 28, 2020, 11:29:55 PM

I’d be asking Man United to sell us Axel.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on June 28, 2020, 11:44:52 PM

Nathaniel Clyne released by Liverpool. He seemed decent a few years back but hasn't had many chances recently with Alexander-Arnold and Robertson establishing themselves as well some injuries issues. Might be worth signing if we stay up, full-back who can play on either side and still only 29.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Steve67 on June 29, 2020, 07:44:21 AM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on June 28, 2020, 11:44:52 PM

Nathaniel Clyne released by Liverpool. He seemed decent a few years back but hasn't had many chances recently with Alexander-Arnold and Robertson establishing themselves as well some injuries issues. Might be worth signing if we stay up, full-back who can play on either side and still only 29.

That's a decent shout.  Watch Warnock snap him up and turn him into a ten million pound player!  Jordon Ibe released by Bournemouth.  The price tag probably weighed heavy but there is a player in there somewhere.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on June 29, 2020, 09:58:18 AM

Quote from: Newby on June 29, 2020, 07:44:21 AM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on June 28, 2020, 11:44:52 PM

Nathaniel Clyne released by Liverpool. He seemed decent a few years back but hasn't had many chances recently with Alexander-Arnold and Robertson establishing themselves as well some injuries issues. Might be worth signing if we stay up, full-back who can play on either side and still only 29.

That's a decent shout.  Watch Warnock snap him up and turn him into a ten million pound player!  Jordon Ibe released by Bournemouth.  The price tag probably weighed heavy but there is a player in there somewhere.

Like Tonev

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: mr underhill on June 29, 2020, 10:48:45 AM

Has anyone dropped in on the transfer thread on Villatalk? Some of them are convinced we will be signing at least three £30m players even if we go down. Nurse!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Steve67 on June 29, 2020, 11:51:58 AM

I think they have a lots of children on VT. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Holte132 on June 29, 2020, 12:24:34 PM

Apparently we are looking to extend Drinkwater's loan with us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on June 29, 2020, 12:26:54 PM

Quote from: Holte132 on June 29, 2020, 12:24:34 PM

Apparently we are looking to extend Drinkwater's loan with us.

Jesus. If that’s the case then we’ve entered the nihilist phase of the managerial narrative arc. The only good news is that it tends not to last too long.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: BoVillan esq on June 29, 2020, 12:48:02 PM

If we can stay up I would definitely be in for Todd Cantwell, if Norwich go down or not, exactly what we need.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: paul_e on June 29, 2020, 01:26:07 PM

Regardless of what happens this season any attacking signings we make need to consider the development goals for Barry, Archer, Ramsey and Vassilev, if we do go down I'd like to see all of them get 20-30 appearances next season. We need to be better at identifying young players worth developing and then giving them the chance to become part of the squad.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: brian green on June 29, 2020, 02:00:21 PM

Well said Paul and when we do play them we allow them to forge their own identity.  RHM had fantastic potential when he was being RHM burrowing into defences, snapping at half chances.  When he tried to be a silky smooth glider through a defence he stopped improving.  Ditto when Andre tried to be a younger Stuart Downing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: robbo1874 on June 29, 2020, 02:19:12 PM

Quote from: ROBBO on June 28, 2020, 10:22:50 AM

The only comfort is that wolves have done it in a couple of years, good management, good scouting. Now where do we find these people?

Wolves?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: eamonn on June 29, 2020, 02:25:58 PM

Todd Cantwell has a touch of the Grealishes, I imagine he will move to a PL club.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Mister E on June 29, 2020, 06:31:17 PM

Quote from: paul_e on June 29, 2020, 01:26:07 PM

Regardless of what happens this season any attacking signings we make need to consider the development goals for Barry, Archer, Ramsey and Vassilev, if we do go down I'd like to see all of them get 20-30 appearances next season. We need to be better at identifying young players worth developing and then giving them the chance to become part of the squad.

Damn right, Paul.
When you see how much we spent on Trez and Jota for such little on-pitch return, why the hell did we not give RHM and COH a place in the squad and play them?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: mr underhill on June 29, 2020, 08:28:48 PM

because neither are remotely good enough for the PL and possibly the Championship too - but then neither are Jota or Trez.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: tony scott on June 29, 2020, 09:47:11 PM

Jack is not as effective in recent games ,our other midfielders are all talented, is it not possible to choose another to play through at the moment,because we are at the try anything stage.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: paul_e on June 29, 2020, 10:33:16 PM

Quote from: mr underhill on June 29, 2020, 08:28:48 PM

because neither are remotely good enough for the PL and possibly the Championship too - but then neither are Jota or Trez.

Who knows. After we were relegated last time players like them should've been given regular game time to see if they could settle in. Across the 3 years we could easily have given them 60-70 appearances and known for sure. Instead we paid a fucking fortune to shit like Hogan and McCormack and built our team around temporary players like Abraham and Snodgrass.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: ozzjim on June 30, 2020, 07:51:12 AM

This summer has to be the one where we inject some bloody pace into the team. We have been way too slow for way too long.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on June 30, 2020, 08:11:53 AM

Prob have not a hope to get him but we should be going all out for angel gomes.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Mister E on June 30, 2020, 08:56:26 AM

Quote from: mr underhill on June 29, 2020, 08:28:48 PM

because neither are remotely good enough for the PL and possibly the Championship too - but then neither are Jota or Trez.

The comparison with Trez and Jota was the point!
We spent c.£10m on two hopeless recruits when we already had 2 lads in the camp that would probably have been slightly more effective.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: brian green on June 30, 2020, 09:27:46 AM

Therein you have the nub of the problem.  We have money.  We waste money.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: mr underhill on June 30, 2020, 11:34:55 AM

Mister E the 2 players referred to were never deemed suitable.  O'Hare has done ok for Coventry and RHM has done doing of note anywhere. Trez and Jota are demonstrably better players as they have a track record, the problem is they have been hugely underwhelming for us, something you can level at most players who have joined us in recent times.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Des Little on June 30, 2020, 11:53:07 AM

Who remembers the halcyon days of the 'high press'?  I'm going back a bit I know...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: cannock villa on June 30, 2020, 12:14:24 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on June 30, 2020, 07:51:12 AM

This summer has to be the one where we inject some bloody pace into the team. We have been way too slow for way too long.

We need to find a young Adama Traore, oh wait :-)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: mr underhill on June 30, 2020, 12:36:22 PM

yes but when he was here that was his only attribute - as quick as an Exocet but nothing else and he wouldn't have been of any use to us at all in the chumps. at least albert contributed - spectacularly so when he carried us almost single handedly to the play offs.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Risso on June 30, 2020, 12:37:01 PM

Quote from: Des Little on June 30, 2020, 11:53:07 AM

Who remembers the halcyon days of the 'high press'?  I'm going back a bit I know...

The press, traps in midfield, jumpers for goalposts...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Mister E on June 30, 2020, 12:54:45 PM

Quote from: mr underhill on June 30, 2020, 11:34:55 AM

Mister E the 2 players referred to were never deemed suitable.  O'Hare has done ok for Coventry and RHM has done doing of note anywhere. Trez and Jota are demonstrably better players as they have a track record, the problem is they have been hugely underwhelming for us, something you can level at most players who have joined us in recent times.

I'm not sure they were given much of a chance.
My point stands: we wasted £10m on 2 players when we could have given the same sort of game-time to players with potential from within the club.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: brontebilly on June 30, 2020, 12:57:36 PM

Quote from: Newby on June 28, 2020, 08:52:58 PM

I have driven 477 miles today, to York and back, lots of time to think about villa.  i was wondering, if newcastle want McGinn, lets ask them for a swap with Hayden, he wants to move south and I wonder whether he might be persuaded to drop down a level, knowing that we will get back up?  We also need that physical presence in midfield.  Second one, I wonder if Albrighton might fancy coming back.  Experience, Villa fan.  Is Snodgrass getting games at West ham?  All three are experienced players and would do a job if and when we drop down.  We also need a commanding centre half.  Not sure who though.

Agreed on all three....if we get relegated. Snodgrass is out of contract this summer I think aswell. Duffy at Brighton too as RCB, annoys me playing for Ireland but a big brute at the back is a must for the Championship. Presume Engels will be off either way really.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: ozzjim on July 01, 2020, 06:25:40 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on June 30, 2020, 12:57:36 PM

Quote from: Newby on June 28, 2020, 08:52:58 PM

I have driven 477 miles today, to York and back, lots of time to think about villa.  i was wondering, if newcastle want McGinn, lets ask them for a swap with Hayden, he wants to move south and I wonder whether he might be persuaded to drop down a level, knowing that we will get back up?  We also need that physical presence in midfield.  Second one, I wonder if Albrighton might fancy coming back.  Experience, Villa fan.  Is Snodgrass getting games at West ham?  All three are experienced players and would do a job if and when we drop down.  We also need a commanding centre half.  Not sure who though.

Agreed on all three....if we get relegated. Snodgrass is out of contract this summer I think aswell. Duffy at Brighton too as RCB, annoys me playing for Ireland but a big brute at the back is a must for the Championship. Presume Engels will be off either way really.

Problem is with Snoddy and Albrighton is they are both quite slow. I'd take them, but you still need to get some pace in there or it will become very predictable. I think in the champ if he stays Wesley will be a big player for us. Hourihane will get us a number of points on his own with his left peg, but we need to keep a couple of willing runners around him in the middle of the park. Not having Jack will mean changing how we play which might help us shape wise.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Big Ming on July 01, 2020, 07:05:47 PM

Quote from: Mister E on June 30, 2020, 12:54:45 PM

Quote from: mr underhill on June 30, 2020, 11:34:55 AM

Mister E the 2 players referred to were never deemed suitable.  O'Hare has done ok for Coventry and RHM has done doing of note anywhere. Trez and Jota are demonstrably better players as they have a track record, the problem is they have been hugely underwhelming for us, something you can level at most players who have joined us in recent times.

I'm not sure they were given much of a chance.
My point stands: we wasted £10m on 2 players when we could have given the same sort of game-time to players with potential from within the club.

Jota has only ever been played wide right as far as I can remember.
He's no winger. he doesn't have the speed.
IMO, he would be worth a go as a tresquartista/No 10.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Mister E on July 01, 2020, 09:41:28 PM

Quote from: Big Ming on July 01, 2020, 07:05:47 PM

Quote from: Mister E on June 30, 2020, 12:54:45 PM

Quote from: mr underhill on June 30, 2020, 11:34:55 AM

Mister E the 2 players referred to were never deemed suitable.  O'Hare has done ok for Coventry and RHM has done doing of note anywhere. Trez and Jota are demonstrably better players as they have a track record, the problem is they have been hugely underwhelming for us, something you can level at most players who have joined us in recent times.

I'm not sure they were given much of a chance.
My point stands: we wasted £10m on 2 players when we could have given the same sort of game-time to players with potential from within the club.

Jota has only ever been played wide right as far as I can remember.
He's no winger. he doesn't have the speed.
IMO, he would be worth a go as a tresquartista/No 10.

He'd require a very good team around him. Which we don't have.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: brontebilly on July 01, 2020, 10:34:44 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on July 01, 2020, 06:25:40 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on June 30, 2020, 12:57:36 PM

Quote from: Newby on June 28, 2020, 08:52:58 PM

I have driven 477 miles today, to York and back, lots of time to think about villa.  i was wondering, if newcastle want McGinn, lets ask them for a swap with Hayden, he wants to move south and I wonder whether he might be persuaded to drop down a level, knowing that we will get back up?  We also need that physical presence in midfield.  Second one, I wonder if Albrighton might fancy coming back.  Experience, Villa fan.  Is Snodgrass getting games at West ham?  All three are experienced players and would do a job if and when we drop down.  We also need a commanding centre half.  Not sure who though.

Agreed on all three....if we get relegated. Snodgrass is out of contract this summer I think aswell. Duffy at Brighton too as RCB, annoys me playing for Ireland but a big brute at the back is a must for the Championship. Presume Engels will be off either way really.

Problem is with Snoddy and Albrighton is they are both quite slow. I'd take them, but you still need to get some pace in there or it will become very predictable. I think in the champ if he stays Wesley will be a big player for us. Hourihane will get us a number of points on his own with his left peg, but we need to keep a couple of willing runners around him in the middle of the park. Not having Jack will mean changing how we play which might help us shape wise.

I don't see a footballer at all in big Wes

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Steve67 on July 01, 2020, 10:53:50 PM

I think he's far better than Samatta.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on July 01, 2020, 10:55:32 PM

It seems so long ago.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: The_ads on July 01, 2020, 11:56:58 PM

Injured players get a lot better when they ain’t playing. The Wesley I remember was mostly garbage until the injury. Not saying the kid can’t come on mind - he’ll be a right handful in the Championship if he can mix it with the centre halves you find in that league

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: nordenvillain on July 02, 2020, 12:02:10 AM

Quote from: brontebilly on July 01, 2020, 10:34:44 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on July 01, 2020, 06:25:40 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on June 30, 2020, 12:57:36 PM

Quote from: Newby on June 28, 2020, 08:52:58 PM

I have driven 477 miles today, to York and back, lots of time to think about villa.  i was wondering, if newcastle want McGinn, lets ask them for a swap with Hayden, he wants to move south and I wonder whether he might be persuaded to drop down a level, knowing that we will get back up?  We also need that physical presence in midfield.  Second one, I wonder if Albrighton might fancy coming back.  Experience, Villa fan.  Is Snodgrass getting games at West ham?  All three are experienced players and would do a job if and when we drop down.  We also need a commanding centre half.  Not sure who though.

Agreed on all three....if we get relegated. Snodgrass is out of contract this summer I think aswell. Duffy at Brighton too as RCB, annoys me playing for Ireland but a big brute at the back is a must for the Championship. Presume Engels will be off either way really.

Problem is with Snoddy and Albrighton is they are both quite slow. I'd take them, but you still need to get some pace in there or it will become very predictable. I think in the champ if he stays Wesley will be a big player for us. Hourihane will get us a number of points on his own with his left peg, but we need to keep a couple of willing runners around him in the middle of the park. Not having Jack will mean changing how we play which might help us shape wise.

I don't see a footballer at all in big Wes

I saw a player having his best game so far until Ben Mee decided to finish his season with a dreadful tackle. For probably the first time, I saw Wesley playing with confidence.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: sickbeggar on July 02, 2020, 07:53:53 AM

Not inclined to write Wesley off just yet. I mean he's  taken a huge step-up from Belgium and at 23 you're not the finished product. Abraham didn't hit the premiership floor running either. Wrong player to buy at the time undoubtably, but he's the sort of player we'll offload for a loss only to see him back in the premiership for 60m in 2 years time.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Mister E on July 02, 2020, 08:58:12 AM

Quote from: sickbeggar on July 02, 2020, 07:53:53 AM

Not inclined to write Wesley off just yet. I mean he's  taken a huge step-up from Belgium and at 23 you're not the finished product. Abraham didn't hit the premiership floor running either. Wrong player to buy at the time undoubtably, but he's the sort of player we'll offload for a loss only to see him back in the premiership for 60m in 2 years time.

He'd scored 5 goals when he got injured; may have doubled that in the course of a whole season. Not a bad first-season return.
The challenge was that we were not set up to play to his style of football. He needs runners playing off him, not wingers humping the ball into the 6 yard box.
He looks like a player we bought not having decided on our footballing strategy and style of play.

Acquiring players needs to be done in the context of a bigger picture: not just because a player has a good record elsewhere or looks like 'a good deal'; or is offered by a favoured agent.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on July 02, 2020, 09:05:05 AM

After his injury I don’t see many paying the fee for Wesley to leave. He will be here start of next season imo

Exits
Wingers - good riddance
Jack
McGinn
Mings
Engels
Luiz
Samatta

Rest stay

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: sickbeggar on July 02, 2020, 09:17:00 AM

Quote from: Mister E on July 02, 2020, 08:58:12 AM

Quote from: sickbeggar on July 02, 2020, 07:53:53 AM

Not inclined to write Wesley off just yet. I mean he's  taken a huge step-up from Belgium and at 23 you're not the finished product. Abraham didn't hit the premiership floor running either. Wrong player to buy at the time undoubtably, but he's the sort of player we'll offload for a loss only to see him back in the premiership for 60m in 2 years time.

He'd scored 5 goals when he got injured; may have doubled that in the course of a whole season. Not a bad first-season return.
The challenge was that we were not set up to play to his style of football. He needs runners playing off him, not wingers humping the ball into the 6 yard box.
He looks like a player we bought not having decided on our footballing strategy and style of play.

Acquiring players needs to be done in the context of a bigger picture: not just because a player has a good record elsewhere or looks like 'a good deal'; or is offered by a favoured agent.

yeah buying a foreign 23 year old with no top flight experience for big money to get the goals in a team with not exactly world class creators to provide the chances......the best you can say is it was a gamble which no-one thought had much chance of coming off.. That said, if the worse comes to the worse and we go down, i think he'll find his feet in the championship no problem, and if we stay up he can only improve.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: chrisw1 on July 02, 2020, 09:43:27 AM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on July 02, 2020, 09:05:05 AM

After his injury I don’t see many paying the fee for Wesley to leave. He will be here start of next season imo

Exits
Wingers - good riddance
Jack
McGinn
Mings
Engels
Luiz
Samatta

Rest stay

And surely that leaves us with a somewhat worse suad than last time we went down?  Yes we'll have a pocket full of cash but clubs will know this and seek exhobitant prices.  I fear for us, I really do.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: mr underhill on July 02, 2020, 10:18:51 AM

I'm hoping it will allow people like Barry to come in. We will need some astute buys and loans but we can make an impact with the right management, which will be the most important signing. Tactics Tim reckons  Grealish to Yanited  is a done deal.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on July 02, 2020, 10:20:07 AM

Quote from: chrisw1 on July 02, 2020, 09:43:27 AM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on July 02, 2020, 09:05:05 AM

After his injury I don’t see many paying the fee for Wesley to leave. He will be here start of next season imo

Exits
Wingers - good riddance
Jack
McGinn
Mings
Engels
Luiz
Samatta

Rest stay

And surely that leaves us with a somewhat worse suad than last time we went down?  Yes we'll have a pocket full of cash but clubs will know this and seek exhobitant prices.  I fear for us, I really do.

Most championship clubs And in Europe won’t have a pot to piss in this summer let alone be in a position to ask for silly fees for players

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Ads on July 02, 2020, 10:20:24 AM

There's never a summer where we just need 1 or 2 players. Its always revolution and flux.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: LeeB on July 02, 2020, 10:24:54 AM

Quote from: Ads on July 02, 2020, 10:20:24 AM

There's never a summer where we just need 1 or 2 players. Its always revolution and flux.

Yep.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Mister E on July 02, 2020, 10:31:11 AM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on July 02, 2020, 09:05:05 AM

After his injury I don’t see many paying the fee for Wesley to leave. He will be here start of next season imo

Exits
Wingers - good riddance
Jack
McGinn
Mings
Engels
Luiz
Samatta

Rest stay

I don't think they will be rid of the wingers (sad to say), since Smith will see them as assets in the lower league. Hopefully Trez is on his way to Turkey, but if there are no buyers they will be with us.
We have to break the buy-sell cycle by bringing in Louie Barry, the Ramseys, Bridge, Vassilev, Archer, etc; obviously in a structured and coordinated fashion. Put them in a 25-man squad and then nurture them.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: paul_e on July 02, 2020, 10:33:49 AM

Quote from: Mister E on July 02, 2020, 08:58:12 AM

Quote from: sickbeggar on July 02, 2020, 07:53:53 AM

Not inclined to write Wesley off just yet. I mean he's  taken a huge step-up from Belgium and at 23 you're not the finished product. Abraham didn't hit the premiership floor running either. Wrong player to buy at the time undoubtably, but he's the sort of player we'll offload for a loss only to see him back in the premiership for 60m in 2 years time.

He'd scored 5 goals when he got injured; may have doubled that in the course of a whole season. Not a bad first-season return.
The challenge was that we were not set up to play to his style of football. He needs runners playing off him, not wingers humping the ball into the 6 yard box.
He looks like a player we bought not having decided on our footballing strategy and style of play.

Acquiring players needs to be done in the context of a bigger picture: not just because a player has a good record elsewhere or looks like 'a good deal'; or is offered by a favoured agent.

I think the problem with Wesley is that Smith expected us to be playing higher up the pitch so the wingers would be much closer to him. His inexperience of the pace and tenacity of the game at this level has been part of the problem all season. We set up, in most games, to be playing on the front foot and pressing high up the pitch but far too often we let ourselves get pushed deeper and end up defending our box for long periods and we don't have players in the right positions to be able to relieve the pressure and change the momentum of the game.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: AV82EC on July 02, 2020, 10:39:37 AM

Quote from: Ads on July 02, 2020, 10:20:24 AM

There's never a summer where we just need 1 or 2 players. Its always revolution and flux.

The last time was probably after the 95/96 season or maybe 96/97. Over 20 years ago that’s how bad the mismanagement of this club has been in the intervening period.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Ads on July 02, 2020, 10:43:33 AM

Quote from: AV82EC on July 02, 2020, 10:39:37 AM

Quote from: Ads on July 02, 2020, 10:20:24 AM

There's never a summer where we just need 1 or 2 players. Its always revolution and flux.

The last time was probably after the 95/96 season or maybe 96/97. Over 20 years ago that’s how bad the mismanagement of this club has been in the intervening period.

In the where did it all go wrong thread I said poor recruitment. I put back to the summer of 2015, but you're right. Recruitment has been so utterly shambolic for years.

2014 was horrendous too. 2013 was a gamble, 2012 was dire bar Benteke and 2011; replace Young and Downing with Nzogbia?! 2010 a new defence, 2009 a new defence. And on and on and on. You're right, decades now of repeated supidity.

Either good players at the wrong time or just dross.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: aev on July 02, 2020, 10:52:26 AM

What is the issue with Engels - is his lack of playing time solely injury related or has he had some falling out with the coaching staff?

A back 5 of Heaton, Konsa, Engels, Guilbert and Targett should be pretty solid in the Championship (with Heaton probably being the most important one of the 5 due to his experience and organisational skills).

As others have said above, losing that amount of players (obviously our better ones) makes it so much harder to bounce straight back up.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on July 02, 2020, 11:02:56 AM

Quote from: aev on July 02, 2020, 10:52:26 AM

What is the issue with Engels - is his lack of playing time solely injury related or has he had some falling out with the coaching staff?

A back 5 of Heaton, Konsa, Engels, Guilbert and Targett should be pretty solid in the Championship (with Heaton probably being the most important one of the 5 due to his experience and organisational skills).

As others have said above, losing that amount of players (obviously our better ones) makes it so much harder to bounce straight back up.

It was reported earlier in the season he fell out with Smith, which coincided with him being dropped. Not convinced that that back five would look up to much in the Championship, Target and Konsa can't defend and Guilbert collects yellow cards at an alarming rate.

I think Mings will stay though, and we know he is pretty good at Championship level. He will have to stay and atone for his shitness this season. No way are we getting our money back for him given his dreadful form in the Premier League, and selling for a loss makes FFP worse than keeping him.

Can see Heaton going though, we didn't pay much and will get offers for him.

Whatever happens we need to bring in an experienced centre back.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on July 02, 2020, 07:07:29 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on July 02, 2020, 07:53:53 AM

Not inclined to write Wesley off just yet. I mean he's  taken a huge step-up from Belgium and at 23 you're not the finished product. Abraham didn't hit the premiership floor running either. Wrong player to buy at the time undoubtably, but he's the sort of player we'll offload for a loss only to see him back in the premiership for 60m in 2 years time.

I agree. Far too soon, and completely unnecessary, to write off Wesley yet.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: curiousorange on July 02, 2020, 07:16:52 PM

As with most summers, the first name on my fantasy transfer list is Milner. He'd improve us at the moment 1000%.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on July 02, 2020, 07:47:36 PM

Quote from: curiousorange on July 02, 2020, 07:16:52 PM

As with most summers, the first name on my fantasy transfer list is Milner. He'd improve us at the moment 1000%.

he's extended his contract at Liverpool. There was talk of him going to Leeds if they went up.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on July 02, 2020, 10:34:34 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on July 02, 2020, 11:02:56 AM

Quote from: aev on July 02, 2020, 10:52:26 AM

What is the issue with Engels - is his lack of playing time solely injury related or has he had some falling out with the coaching staff?

A back 5 of Heaton, Konsa, Engels, Guilbert and Targett should be pretty solid in the Championship (with Heaton probably being the most important one of the 5 due to his experience and organisational skills).

As others have said above, losing that amount of players (obviously our better ones) makes it so much harder to bounce straight back up.

It was reported earlier in the season he fell out with Smith, which coincided with him being dropped. Not convinced that that back five would look up to much in the Championship, Target and Konsa can't defend and Guilbert collects yellow cards at an alarming rate.

I think Mings will stay though, and we know he is pretty good at Championship level. He will have to stay and atone for his shitness this season. No way are we getting our money back for him given his dreadful form in the Premier League, and selling for a loss makes FFP worse than keeping him.

Can see Heaton going though, we didn't pay much and will get offers for him.

Whatever happens we need to bring in an experienced centre back.

Yes but it's a much lower quality, think of how desperate Hutton looked defensively in 15/16 and then he was largely fine the following season.

Targett got promoted with Fulham and Konsa was part of the decent Brentford team so while they struggle in this league I think they'll be largely fine below with an experienced CB next to them if Mings goes. Keeping Heaton would be a big boost aswell, don't see why not. He stayed when Burnley went down in 2015.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: brontebilly on July 02, 2020, 11:40:09 PM

Quote from: nordenvillain on July 02, 2020, 12:02:10 AM

Quote from: brontebilly on July 01, 2020, 10:34:44 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on July 01, 2020, 06:25:40 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on June 30, 2020, 12:57:36 PM

Quote from: Newby on June 28, 2020, 08:52:58 PM

I have driven 477 miles today, to York and back, lots of time to think about villa.  i was wondering, if newcastle want McGinn, lets ask them for a swap with Hayden, he wants to move south and I wonder whether he might be persuaded to drop down a level, knowing that we will get back up?  We also need that physical presence in midfield.  Second one, I wonder if Albrighton might fancy coming back.  Experience, Villa fan.  Is Snodgrass getting games at West ham?  All three are experienced players and would do a job if and when we drop down.  We also need a commanding centre half.  Not sure who though.

Agreed on all three....if we get relegated. Snodgrass is out of contract this summer I think aswell. Duffy at Brighton too as RCB, annoys me playing for Ireland but a big brute at the back is a must for the Championship. Presume Engels will be off either way really.

Problem is with Snoddy and Albrighton is they are both quite slow. I'd take them, but you still need to get some pace in there or it will become very predictable. I think in the champ if he stays Wesley will be a big player for us. Hourihane will get us a number of points on his own with his left peg, but we need to keep a couple of willing runners around him in the middle of the park. Not having Jack will mean changing how we play which might help us shape wise.

I don't see a footballer at all in big Wes

I saw a player having his best game so far until Ben Mee decided to finish his season with a dreadful tackle. For probably the first time, I saw Wesley playing with confidence.

That's true but I'm afraid the memory of his other performances hasn't quite being extinguished yet. Remember his horrible touch, falling over the place like Bambi on ice upon physical contact, very average shooting ability and limited hold up play. We effectively played with ten men for a lot his games. He wasn't helped by the insane decision to have his main backup as Kodjia, which meant blooding Wes in slowly wasn't an option.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: tomd2103 on July 03, 2020, 02:29:22 AM

If we do end up going down, first signing for me would be Dwight Gayle or someone of that ilk. Pretty much guaranteed to score 20+ goals a season in the Championship.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: LeeB on July 03, 2020, 09:23:11 AM

Quote from: tomd2103 on July 03, 2020, 02:29:22 AM

If we do end up going down, first signing for me would be Dwight Gayle or someone of that ilk. Pretty much guaranteed to score 20+ goals a season in the Championship.

I heard that said about Ross McCormack.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: mr underhill on July 03, 2020, 11:17:18 AM

yep he'd  join a long list of fecund strikers who turn to shit when they join us

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on July 03, 2020, 11:32:16 AM

Number one priority has to be a new manager.

Too many times we see players look useless at Villa become decent the moment they leave, and players that look great before turn rubbish the moment they sign for us. We are stuck with most of this squad as they were bought for high fees and are on high wages, so we need to see if a change of coaching can improve them.

Number two priority is replacing Suso who has been a disaster.

After that we need pace throughout the team, and signings that keep the ball better.

Would like to see us go for someone like Benitez, or Wagner (ex Huddersfield) for manager. No clue who to have as DOF, a role that I remain unconvinced works well in British football.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: tomd2103 on July 03, 2020, 11:57:33 AM

Quote from: LeeB on July 03, 2020, 09:23:11 AM

Quote from: tomd2103 on July 03, 2020, 02:29:22 AM

If we do end up going down, first signing for me would be Dwight Gayle or someone of that ilk. Pretty much guaranteed to score 20+ goals a season in the Championship.

I heard that said about Ross McCormack.

Ha!  Still remains a bemusing signing.  Could only play in one position and we didn't set up the side to incorporate that position.

That's not letting him off the hook at all though, as you would have liked to have thought some research regarding his off field exploits would have been carried out.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: cannock villa on July 03, 2020, 12:13:52 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on July 03, 2020, 11:32:16 AM

Number one priority has to be a new manager.

Too many times we see players look useless at Villa become decent the moment they leave, and players that look great before turn rubbish the moment they sign for us. We are stuck with most of this squad as they were bought for high fees and are on high wages, so we need to see if a change of coaching can improve them.

Number two priority is replacing Suso who has been a disaster.

After that we need pace throughout the team, and signings that keep the ball better.

Would like to see us go for someone like Benitez, or Wagner (ex Huddersfield) for manager. No clue who to have as DOF, a role that I remain unconvinced works well in British football.

I'm the opposite. If he wasn't our manager now and we go down he'd be the manager everyone would want with his Championship experience. Let's not forget he got us promoted in just over half a season with someone else's squad

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: chrisw1 on July 03, 2020, 12:19:45 PM

Assuming we go down and lose Jack, McGinn, Mings and probably Luiz we'll have pocketfuls of money but an absolutely shite squad.  Someone's going to have to work miracles.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: paul_e on July 03, 2020, 12:32:07 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on July 03, 2020, 12:19:45 PM

Assuming we go down and lose Jack, McGinn, Mings and probably Luiz we'll have pocketfuls of money but an absolutely shite squad.  Someone's going to have to work miracles.

IF we go down then we need to hold on to as many of these players as we can. Jack can genuinely claim that he did everything he could to get us out of trouble and deserves a chance to push for bigger things. No one else can say with any honesty that they aren't at least partially responsible for what's happened. With FFP cancelled for a year we don't need to enforce pay cuts for the season so Purslow needs to work to convince them to give us a season. If we can do that we come back pretty easily and with a team far better prepared to stay up next time. Use the chance to move on the older fringe players (Lansbury, Elmo, Taylor, Jota) and only buy replacements where we don't have youngsters who can fill in.

I've said it a number of times now we really need to break out of the cycle of being in constant transition, a stable squad for a couple of seasons makes a massive difference and would give us the platform to start bringing the youth players into the squad and working as the owners appear to want.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: brontebilly on July 03, 2020, 01:14:37 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on July 03, 2020, 12:19:45 PM

Assuming we go down and lose Jack, McGinn, Mings and probably Luiz we'll have pocketfuls of money but an absolutely shite squad.  Someone's going to have to work miracles.

Rafa Benitez did it no problem when Newcastle went down. They sold likes of Wijnaldum, Townsend and Sissoko for big money and brought in solid performers like Clark, Gayle, Diame, Hayden, Ritchie and still stormed up the division. If the worst happens we can't afford transfer sagas developing all 'summer'. Quick decisions on the new coach and players in/out required.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: garyellis on July 03, 2020, 01:18:26 PM

If we go down I see no reason why anyone (other than those who are surplus to requirements) would be sold. There will be no financial need and all the players mentioned are on long contracts. The only other player I am not sure about regarding contract status and exit clause is Douglas Luiz.
Jack is different, I don't want him to leave he's been great to watch but we have to be realistic. His future career is now well ahead of our current trajectory.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: brontebilly on July 03, 2020, 01:49:49 PM

Quote from: garyellis on July 03, 2020, 01:18:26 PM

If we go down I see no reason why anyone (other than those who are surplus to requirements) would be sold. There will be no financial need and all the players mentioned are on long contracts. The only other player I am not sure about regarding contract status and exit clause is Douglas Luiz.
Jack is different, I don't want him to leave he's been great to watch but we have to be realistic. His future career is now well ahead of our current trajectory.

There might be a few like Veretout last time who effectively refuse to play in the championship. I'm hoping likes of Trez are in this camp for very different reasons. Not sure many of the others like Nakamba will be as lucky.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: JJ-AV on July 03, 2020, 01:58:15 PM

If we go down then try and keep one of McGinn or Mings. Probably McGinn.

use the Jack money to sign players the likes of Hendrick, Eze, Lolley and Gayle seems wise.

We'd need a centre half if Mings goes too. I'd let Engels go tbh, we need a leader back there to compliment Hause and Konsa. Fullbacks are fine at Championship level.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Drummond on July 03, 2020, 02:00:11 PM

Quote from: paul_e on July 03, 2020, 12:32:07 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on July 03, 2020, 12:19:45 PM

Assuming we go down and lose Jack, McGinn, Mings and probably Luiz we'll have pocketfuls of money but an absolutely shite squad.  Someone's going to have to work miracles.

IF we go down then we need to hold on to as many of these players as we can. Jack can genuinely claim that he did everything he could to get us out of trouble and deserves a chance to push for bigger things. No one else can say with any honesty that they aren't at least partially responsible for what's happened. With FFP cancelled for a year we don't need to enforce pay cuts for the season so Purslow needs to work to convince them to give us a season. If we can do that we come back pretty easily and with a team far better prepared to stay up next time. Use the chance to move on the older fringe players (Lansbury, Elmo, Taylor, Jota) and only buy replacements where we don't have youngsters who can fill in.

I've said it a number of times now we really need to break out of the cycle of being in constant transition, a stable squad for a couple of seasons makes a massive difference and would give us the platform to start bringing the youth players into the squad and working as the owners appear to want.

In my view the only one that will definitely go is Grealish. The rest won't have that many suitors and even if they do, we've got them contracted.

When they signed they knew we'd be at risk of going down.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on July 03, 2020, 02:02:17 PM

Yep, although there may be relegation release clauses we don't know about.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: mr underhill on July 03, 2020, 02:11:13 PM

there aren't many I'd want to keep so personally I hope there is some interest.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: chrisw1 on July 03, 2020, 02:20:10 PM

Just wondering if we get £80m for Jack how we'll spend it.  When you look at our record in black and white, it's easy to see why we are where we are.  It's so easy to get it wrong.  And yeah, I know we got McGinn for peanuts and I know a few may be decent assets next season.  And yes, I thought some were pretty good buys at the time and yes I know every club buys some turkeys.  Even so, bloody hell...

McCormack - £13m
Kodjia - £11.5m
Hogan - £9.5m
Tshibola - £5m
Gollini - £5m
Kalinic - £5.4m
Wesley - £22.5m
Targett - £14m
Konsa - £12m
Nakamba - £11m
Samatta - £9.5m
Trezuget - £9m
El Ghazi - £8.1m
Engels £7.2m

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Risso on July 03, 2020, 02:33:14 PM

Quote from: cannock villa on July 03, 2020, 12:13:52 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on July 03, 2020, 11:32:16 AM

Number one priority has to be a new manager.

Too many times we see players look useless at Villa become decent the moment they leave, and players that look great before turn rubbish the moment they sign for us. We are stuck with most of this squad as they were bought for high fees and are on high wages, so we need to see if a change of coaching can improve them.

Number two priority is replacing Suso who has been a disaster.

After that we need pace throughout the team, and signings that keep the ball better.

Would like to see us go for someone like Benitez, or Wagner (ex Huddersfield) for manager. No clue who to have as DOF, a role that I remain unconvinced works well in British football.

I'm the opposite. If he wasn't our manager now and we go down he'd be the manager everyone would want with his Championship experience. Let's not forget he got us promoted in just over half a season with someone else's squad

After another mediocre season with Brentford probably, I think not.  Smith was lucky to take on an underperforming squad that still had players like Grealish, McGinn and Tammy Abraham in it.  He was then able to sort the defence out with the addition of Mings. We've got to start thinking bigger than people like Smith.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: LeeB on July 03, 2020, 02:36:19 PM

Quote from: Risso on July 03, 2020, 02:33:14 PM

Quote from: cannock villa on July 03, 2020, 12:13:52 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on July 03, 2020, 11:32:16 AM

Number one priority has to be a new manager.

Too many times we see players look useless at Villa become decent the moment they leave, and players that look great before turn rubbish the moment they sign for us. We are stuck with most of this squad as they were bought for high fees and are on high wages, so we need to see if a change of coaching can improve them.

Number two priority is replacing Suso who has been a disaster.

After that we need pace throughout the team, and signings that keep the ball better.

Would like to see us go for someone like Benitez, or Wagner (ex Huddersfield) for manager. No clue who to have as DOF, a role that I remain unconvinced works well in British football.

I'm the opposite. If he wasn't our manager now and we go down he'd be the manager everyone would want with his Championship experience. Let's not forget he got us promoted in just over half a season with someone else's squad

After another mediocre season with Brentford probably, I think not.  Smith was lucky to take on an underperforming squad that still had players like Grealish, McGinn and Tammy Abraham in it.  He was then able to sort the defence out with the addition of Mings. We've got to start thinking bigger than people like Smith.

He did sort the defence out with one loan though. You can't just brush over that like it doesn't count, his predecessors were seemingly incapable of that.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Clampy on July 03, 2020, 02:43:58 PM

Quote from: Risso on July 03, 2020, 02:33:14 PM

Quote from: cannock villa on July 03, 2020, 12:13:52 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on July 03, 2020, 11:32:16 AM

Number one priority has to be a new manager.

Too many times we see players look useless at Villa become decent the moment they leave, and players that look great before turn rubbish the moment they sign for us. We are stuck with most of this squad as they were bought for high fees and are on high wages, so we need to see if a change of coaching can improve them.

Number two priority is replacing Suso who has been a disaster.

After that we need pace throughout the team, and signings that keep the ball better.

Would like to see us go for someone like Benitez, or Wagner (ex Huddersfield) for manager. No clue who to have as DOF, a role that I remain unconvinced works well in British football.

I'm the opposite. If he wasn't our manager now and we go down he'd be the manager everyone would want with his Championship experience. Let's not forget he got us promoted in just over half a season with someone else's squad

After another mediocre season with Brentford probably, I think not.  Smith was lucky to take on an underperforming squad that still had players like Grealish, McGinn and Tammy Abraham in it.  He was then able to sort the defence out with the addition of Mings. We've got to start thinking bigger than people like Smith.

Were you not pleased with the appointment at the time? You said he was going to be our Dyche or Howe.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on July 03, 2020, 03:33:33 PM

Smith was pretty much a universally approved appointment. Villa connections aside we always got a schooling from his Brentford teams on how to play the game. It’s just so hugely disappointing that the manager we thought we were getting like Lambert, has just disappeared into his shell. The Villa team we see now is a reflection of a manager that has lost all belief and now sits deeper and deeper. Contrast that with the side that played at Spurs, at Arsenal, at Man U. We took the game to them. We should have won two of those for sure. If played any of those games again today it just wouldn’t look the same.

I for one was delighted we got Dean Smith because I really believed he would attack and always try to win. That just isn’t the case now. And it’s that lack of self belief that will sink us this season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on July 03, 2020, 03:45:20 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on July 03, 2020, 03:33:33 PM

Smith was pretty much a universally approved appointment. Villa connections aside we always got a schooling from his Brentford teams on how to play the game. It’s just so hugely disappointing that the manager we thought we were getting like Lambert, has just disappeared into his shell. The Villa team we see now is a reflection of a manager that has lost all belief and now sits deeper and deeper. Contrast that with the side that played at Spurs, at Arsenal, at Man U. We took the game to them. We should have won two of those for sure. If played any of those games again today it just wouldn’t look the same.

I for one was delighted we got Dean Smith because I really believed he would attack and always try to win. That just isn’t the case now. And it’s that lack of self belief that will sink us this season.

I thought it was a flavour of the month appointment to be honest.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: paul_e on July 03, 2020, 03:53:39 PM

From what I remember I thought he was a reasonable but uninspiring appointment (but a massive upgrade on who he replaced) and I was mostly happy that they were moving away from the single point of failure approach by adding Suso and Smith at the same time. Neither has worked out as well as I hoped but I still think it's the right way to do things.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on July 03, 2020, 03:58:57 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on July 03, 2020, 03:45:20 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on July 03, 2020, 03:33:33 PM

Smith was pretty much a universally approved appointment. Villa connections aside we always got a schooling from his Brentford teams on how to play the game. It’s just so hugely disappointing that the manager we thought we were getting like Lambert, has just disappeared into his shell. The Villa team we see now is a reflection of a manager that has lost all belief and now sits deeper and deeper. Contrast that with the side that played at Spurs, at Arsenal, at Man U. We took the game to them. We should have won two of those for sure. If played any of those games again today it just wouldn’t look the same.

I for one was delighted we got Dean Smith because I really believed he would attack and always try to win. That just isn’t the case now. And it’s that lack of self belief that will sink us this season.

I thought it was a flavour of the month appointment to be honest.

Then a lot of people liked that flavour. Look on here when he arrived, the reception he got in his first game. Yes of course the Villa connection helped but I think it would be unfair to suggest he was an opportunistic appointment.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on July 03, 2020, 04:03:11 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on July 03, 2020, 03:58:57 PM

Then a lot of people liked that flavour. Look on here when he arrived, the reception he got in his first game. Yes of course the Villa connection helped but I think it would be unfair to suggest he was an opportunistic appointment.

No, you're absolutely right - he was a very popular appointment, although not with me.  Brentford beating us a few times, doing pretty well at a club with low expectations, and being a Villa fan weren't my criteria.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on July 03, 2020, 04:47:56 PM

Easy top forget the inital coach was Thierry Henry.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: paul_e on July 03, 2020, 05:15:12 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on July 03, 2020, 03:58:57 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on July 03, 2020, 03:45:20 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on July 03, 2020, 03:33:33 PM

Smith was pretty much a universally approved appointment. Villa connections aside we always got a schooling from his Brentford teams on how to play the game. It’s just so hugely disappointing that the manager we thought we were getting like Lambert, has just disappeared into his shell. The Villa team we see now is a reflection of a manager that has lost all belief and now sits deeper and deeper. Contrast that with the side that played at Spurs, at Arsenal, at Man U. We took the game to them. We should have won two of those for sure. If played any of those games again today it just wouldn’t look the same.

I for one was delighted we got Dean Smith because I really believed he would attack and always try to win. That just isn’t the case now. And it’s that lack of self belief that will sink us this season.

I thought it was a flavour of the month appointment to be honest.

Then a lot of people liked that flavour. Look on here when he arrived, the reception he got in his first game. Yes of course the Villa connection helped but I think it would be unfair to suggest he was an opportunistic appointment.

How much of that was the 'anyone but Bruce' aspect though? If you look at the poll for the new manager he wasn't a universal choice, I think he had a quarter of the votes. Once it was confirmed most people were happy but you'd be hard pressed to find many times where that isn't true. Even with McLeish most people accepted it and started talking about him at least making us hard to beat, etc.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: LeeB on July 03, 2020, 05:24:34 PM

In my lifetime, SGT, Big Ron and O'Neill are the only ones that came almost universally accepted.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on July 03, 2020, 05:25:25 PM

Quote from: LeeB on July 03, 2020, 05:24:34 PM

In my lifetime, SGT, Big Ron and O'Neill are the only ones that came almost universally accepted.

most people were happy with Brian Little. If I remember rightly.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: LeeB on July 03, 2020, 05:29:56 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on July 03, 2020, 05:25:25 PM

Quote from: LeeB on July 03, 2020, 05:24:34 PM

In my lifetime, SGT, Big Ron and O'Neill are the only ones that came almost universally accepted.

most people were happy with Brian Little. If I remember rightly.

Yes, but Iike with Dean a lot of that was to do with that he was our own. There were still questions from some as to whether he was the right man for us at the time. He'd done well at Darlington and Leicester, but it was their first season up and they were struggling, and not noted for their attractive football (which we had been for a while under Ron)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: oldhill_avfc on July 03, 2020, 05:43:37 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on July 03, 2020, 02:20:10 PM

Just wondering if we get £80m for Jack how we'll spend it.  When you look at our record in black and white, it's easy to see why we are where we are.  It's so easy to get it wrong.  And yeah, I know we got McGinn for peanuts and I know a few may be decent assets next season.  And yes, I thought some were pretty good buys at the time and yes I know every club buys some turkeys.  Even so, bloody hell...

McCormack - £13m
Kodjia - £11.5m
Hogan - £9.5m
Tshibola - £5m
Gollini - £5m
Kalinic - £5.4m
Wesley - £22.5m
Targett - £14m
Konsa - £12m
Nakamba - £11m
Samatta - £9.5m
Trezuget - £9m
El Ghazi - £8.1m
Engels £7.2m

McCormack and Hogan are absolute stinkers but were not bought by the current regime.

The rest are mainly decent buys for what they cost.  Ok they’ve proved not good enough for the premier league but that mainly proves you just need a bigger budget. 

I expect them to look good in the championship if that’s what it comes to.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on July 03, 2020, 05:53:11 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on July 03, 2020, 04:03:11 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on July 03, 2020, 03:58:57 PM

Then a lot of people liked that flavour. Look on here when he arrived, the reception he got in his first game. Yes of course the Villa connection helped but I think it would be unfair to suggest he was an opportunistic appointment.

No, you're absolutely right - he was a very popular appointment, although not with me.  Brentford beating us a few times, doing pretty well at a club with low expectations, and being a Villa fan weren't my criteria.

Fair enough. I think given where we were at the time, all a bit glum and dire staring once again at another season in the Championship as they Bruce wheels had fallen off, getting in a manager proven to play a certain brand of football was understandably appealing for the owners. It would have been great to get someone of a more significant standing in the game but in truth we had just fired one. All in all I felt at the time it was a good appointment.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Mister E on July 03, 2020, 05:56:37 PM

Quote from: paul_e on July 03, 2020, 05:15:12 PM

How much of that was the 'anyone but Bruce' aspect though? If you look at the poll for the new manager he wasn't a universal choice, I think he had a quarter of the votes. Once it was confirmed most people were happy but you'd be hard pressed to find many times where that isn't true. Even with McLeish most people accepted it and started talking about him at least making us hard to beat, etc.

Not how I remember it. McLeish's managerial record was indifferent at best at the highest level, and many were perplexed that Randy had been so dogged in his effort to bring him to VP.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: paul_e on July 03, 2020, 06:04:27 PM

Quote from: Mister E on July 03, 2020, 05:56:37 PM

Quote from: paul_e on July 03, 2020, 05:15:12 PM

How much of that was the 'anyone but Bruce' aspect though? If you look at the poll for the new manager he wasn't a universal choice, I think he had a quarter of the votes. Once it was confirmed most people were happy but you'd be hard pressed to find many times where that isn't true. Even with McLeish most people accepted it and started talking about him at least making us hard to beat, etc.

Not how I remember it. McLeish's managerial record was indifferent at best at the highest level, and many were perplexed that Randy had been so dogged in his effort to bring him to VP.

What i mean is once he was in the job. I was talking about the reception at the first game and the general attitude towards him. As I say I think most people we're willing to get behind him for a few months and it was around the infamous Tottenham game when that started to change.

What I was getting at is that fans getting behind the manager once he's in the job isn't all that unusual but that Smith was only one of a group of 4-5 that got pretty strong backing from people on here and elsewhere in the week after Bruce went. Almost every reservation raised by anyone was about his lack of experience at a big club or in a top league and thast has proven to be the problem, it doesn't mean he was a bad choice or unwanted, just that many people worried it was too big a step up and that does seem to be the case.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: CT Villan on July 03, 2020, 06:13:36 PM

I wanted Bielsa, but was not against Smith. In reality I didn't know a lot about him but he seemed well respected at Brentford. The front-foot football was alluring for sure.

If we go down we will absolutely have to add quality to what is left after our better players leave. There are a number of potential problems though, not least how will FFP look and even though we may have lots of money to spend, the selling clubs will try to hold out for big money which typically pushes any purchases to the end of the transfer window and reduces the impact of a full pre-season with the squad. This also risks not getting the players you want, though Villa would never do anything like that [rolls eyes].

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: mr underhill on July 05, 2020, 09:26:33 AM

the inevitable re-build starts with a new management team.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: aev on July 05, 2020, 06:27:52 PM

We have some good players, but I guess they have been thrown together and it has been sink or swim.

If you consider 3 of our midfield are likely to have suitors, it is pretty depressing. Our attacking options haven’t been good enough - too much emphasis has been put on 2 flakey widemen and we were overly reliant on a Brazilian from a pretty average league who got injured at the wrong time.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: supertom on July 05, 2020, 07:05:18 PM

We need a manager and a director of football (or whatever they call the bloke who makes the signings these days) that are on the same page. We need a clear idea of what we want to play. System, style of football etc. We need to sign accordingly. If we want to play out from the back, we need players who can do that. If we want a back four, we need more resolute fullbacks. If we want wing backs, they need to be better in attack and more athletic (to be fair I think Freddy is dynamic enough, he just needs a shit load of coaching defensively). We need a head coach who actually has the nous to be a head coach. We've had managers up until now, and that's a dying system.

Our attacking system needs the right players to fit and we need a front man that fits that system. Dean has never really had an idea of how he wants to play in the final third, or at least a way of implementing it. It's negligence of the highest order too, that we have such a lack of pace in our side. You need pace in this league and we're painfully slow, particularly in the final third. This was something even someone as shite as Lambert tried to instil in our play, that we had a quick front three. It's painful watching Trezeguet trying to beat a fullback. He looks like my gran running for a bus. El Ghazi is a bit fleeter of foot, but is never going to get by a premier league full back.

Again, I sense a lack of consistency between the players our transfer team pinpointed, and those which Deano wanted to bring in. It's Sherwood/Reilly again. Will we ever learn? Sick in your mouth a bit, but lets follow what Wolves have done.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: CT on July 05, 2020, 07:19:24 PM

Quote from: supertom on July 05, 2020, 07:05:18 PM

We need a manager and a director of football (or whatever they call the bloke who makes the signings these days) that are on the same page. We need a clear idea of what we want to play. System, style of football etc. We need to sign accordingly. If we want to play out from the back, we need players who can do that. If we want a back four, we need more resolute fullbacks. If we want wing backs, they need to be better in attack and more athletic (to be fair I think Freddy is dynamic enough, he just needs a shit load of coaching defensively). We need a head coach who actually has the nous to be a head coach. We've had managers up until now, and that's a dying system.

Our attacking system needs the right players to fit and we need a front man that fits that system. Dean has never really had an idea of how he wants to play in the final third, or at least a way of implementing it. It's negligence of the highest order too, that we have such a lack of pace in our side. You need pace in this league and we're painfully slow, particularly in the final third. This was something even someone as shite as Lambert tried to instil in our play, that we had a quick front three. It's painful watching Trezeguet trying to beat a fullback. He looks like my gran running for a bus. El Ghazi is a bit fleeter of foot, but is never going to get by a premier league full back.

Again, I sense a lack of consistency between the players our transfer team pinpointed, and those which Deano wanted to bring in. It's Sherwood/Reilly again. Will we ever learn? Sick in your mouth a bit, but lets follow what Wolves have done.

Wolves is exactly the blueprint we should be following. Unfortunately we’ve put the circus music on again and got it all wrong.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on July 05, 2020, 08:23:48 PM

The Wolves route being to rely on one super agent to feed his players through the club?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on July 05, 2020, 08:28:02 PM

And how many times did Wolves get it wrong? They've just had half a century where mediocrity usually looked a hopeless ambition.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on July 05, 2020, 08:30:14 PM

Quote from: Dante Lavelli on July 05, 2020, 08:23:48 PM

The Wolves route being to rely on one super agent to feed his players through the club?

Not that I'm a fan of that strategy, but you can hardly argue it hasn't worked out swimmingly for that lot.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: charlatan on July 05, 2020, 08:30:38 PM

Quote from: Dante Lavelli on July 05, 2020, 08:23:48 PM

The Wolves route being to rely on one super agent to feed his players through the club?

Knowing us we would choose a clown with a catchphrase like 'monster, monster'.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on July 05, 2020, 08:32:47 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on July 05, 2020, 08:30:14 PM

Quote from: Dante Lavelli on July 05, 2020, 08:23:48 PM

The Wolves route being to rely on one super agent to feed his players through the club?

Not that I'm a fan of that strategy, but you can hardly argue it hasn't worked out swimmingly for that lot.

It's a much better idea than putting on a hair shirt and buying mediocre players for more than they're worth.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on July 05, 2020, 08:33:47 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on July 05, 2020, 08:30:14 PM

Quote from: Dante Lavelli on July 05, 2020, 08:23:48 PM

The Wolves route being to rely on one super agent to feed his players through the club?

Not that I'm a fan of that strategy, but you can hardly argue it hasn't worked out swimmingly for that lot.

It definitely has.  But I’m not sure it would be easy to replicate.  The agent must be getting something out of it, so either an illegal share in the club (or chairman’s companies) or will be able to sell the players cheaply when he decides.  There must be a catch.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: aev on July 05, 2020, 08:39:49 PM

It isn’t the only option.

Sheffield United have done ok this season and spent fuck all. They are well organised and disciplined, and look greater than the solid of their parts. I am not sure I would swap any of their players for ours, apart from the keeper perhaps and yet they are miles ahead of us. Ditto Burnley.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on July 05, 2020, 08:42:24 PM

Quote from: aev on July 05, 2020, 08:39:49 PM

It isn’t the only option.

Sheffield United have done ok this season and spent fuck all. They are well organised and disciplined, and look greater than the solid of their parts. I am not sure I would swap any of their players for ours, apart from the keeper perhaps and yet they are miles ahead of us. Ditto Burnley.

I'd have any of Lundstram, Egan, or Fleck in a heartbeat tbh.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on July 05, 2020, 08:44:32 PM

They've got a decent left-back...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: aev on July 05, 2020, 08:45:27 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on July 05, 2020, 08:42:24 PM

Quote from: aev on July 05, 2020, 08:39:49 PM

It isn’t the only option.

Sheffield United have done ok this season and spent fuck all. They are well organised and disciplined, and look greater than the solid of their parts. I am not sure I would swap any of their players for ours, apart from the keeper perhaps and yet they are miles ahead of us. Ditto Burnley.

I'd have any of Lundstram, Egan, or Fleck in a heartbeat tbh.

Perhaps, but not because they are better players, rather they have been well coached.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: frank black on July 05, 2020, 08:59:52 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on July 05, 2020, 08:44:32 PM

They've got a decent left-back...

Very

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: LukeJames on July 05, 2020, 09:40:18 PM

We need pace, lots of fucking pace.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: curiousorange on July 05, 2020, 10:37:52 PM

Key to it for me is fitness. You can cover a multitude of sins if you can stay in games for longer than an hour.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Villan82 on July 05, 2020, 10:38:40 PM

I got carried away this time last year with all the signings.

Will not be making that mistake again.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on July 05, 2020, 11:33:47 PM

Quote from: Dante Lavelli on July 05, 2020, 08:33:47 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on July 05, 2020, 08:30:14 PM

Quote from: Dante Lavelli on July 05, 2020, 08:23:48 PM

The Wolves route being to rely on one super agent to feed his players through the club?

Not that I'm a fan of that strategy, but you can hardly argue it hasn't worked out swimmingly for that lot.

It definitely has.  But I’m not sure it would be easy to replicate.  The agent must be getting something out of it, so either an illegal share in the club (or chairman’s companies) or will be able to sell the players cheaply when he decides.  There must be a catch.

I'm pretty sure we used Mendes to get El Ghazi and that keeper who played one cup game last season so in typical Villa fashion we used it in the half hearted way rather than demanding some world class players.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: CT on July 06, 2020, 06:12:07 AM

Quote from: curiousorange on July 05, 2020, 10:37:52 PM

Key to it for me is fitness. You can cover a multitude of sins if you can stay in games for longer than an hour.

Seems like we’ve been saying this for a decade too.

Sign for us. Go to BMH. Add weight, lose pace.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Mister E on July 06, 2020, 08:21:24 AM

Quote from: aev on July 05, 2020, 08:39:49 PM

It isn’t the only option.

Sheffield United have done ok this season and spent fuck all. They are well organised and disciplined, and look greater than the solid of their parts. I am not sure I would swap any of their players for ours, apart from the keeper perhaps and yet they are miles ahead of us. Ditto Burnley.

Not disagreeing with you, but Wilder has had the core of that squad for 4 or 5 years and built it up incrementally and to a template.
Wolves and Burnley have been able to build incrementally, to a plan.

We had 3 months to replace 12 players within an FFP-constrained budget.

This season was always going to be very dicey. And, I suppose, we could have done with a much more experienced manager to steward us through it - that is the mistake made by the owners: assuming that Smith would be able quickly to grow into the role of Premier League manager.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on July 06, 2020, 08:24:00 AM

120 million spent, no pace, no experience and no striker.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Goldie.7 on July 06, 2020, 08:46:29 AM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on July 06, 2020, 08:24:00 AM

120 million spent, no pace, no experience and no striker.

When we get relegated signing Grabban and Gayle is a must. I don't care what happens with Davis, Wesley or Samatta.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: LeeB on July 06, 2020, 09:02:40 AM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on July 06, 2020, 08:46:29 AM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on July 06, 2020, 08:24:00 AM

120 million spent, no pace, no experience and no striker.

When we get relegated signing Grabban and Gayle is a must. I don't care what happens with Davis, Wesley or Samatta.

Err, ok. Lets sign a 29 year old and a 32 year old that are not quite good enough for the top flight, that will sort all of our problems out.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Ian. on July 06, 2020, 09:08:47 AM

Quote from: LeeB on July 06, 2020, 09:02:40 AM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on July 06, 2020, 08:46:29 AM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on July 06, 2020, 08:24:00 AM

120 million spent, no pace, no experience and no striker.

When we get relegated signing Grabban and Gayle is a must. I don't care what happens with Davis, Wesley or Samatta.

Err, ok. Lets sign a 29 year old and a 32 year old that are not quite good enough for the top flight, that will sort all of our problems out.

And if we get promoted and we'll need a new striker again.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on July 06, 2020, 09:18:56 AM

Quote from: LeeB on July 06, 2020, 09:02:40 AM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on July 06, 2020, 08:46:29 AM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on July 06, 2020, 08:24:00 AM

120 million spent, no pace, no experience and no striker.

When we get relegated signing Grabban and Gayle is a must. I don't care what happens with Davis, Wesley or Samatta.

Err, ok. Lets sign a 29 year old and a 32 year old that are not quite good enough for the top flight, that will sort all of our problems out.

Grabban would make sense on a short-term deal, I'm sure we could offer him 2 years at the going rate for wages in the Championship and he would be better than what we have to be quite honest.

Gayle will almost definitely go back to WBA when they sadly get promoted.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: OCD on July 06, 2020, 11:26:00 AM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on July 05, 2020, 08:42:24 PM

Quote from: aev on July 05, 2020, 08:39:49 PM

It isn’t the only option.

Sheffield United have done ok this season and spent fuck all. They are well organised and disciplined, and look greater than the solid of their parts. I am not sure I would swap any of their players for ours, apart from the keeper perhaps and yet they are miles ahead of us. Ditto Burnley.

I'd have any of Lundstram, Egan, or Fleck in a heartbeat tbh.

I would add Norwood to that.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on July 06, 2020, 11:45:55 AM

Quote from: OCD on July 06, 2020, 11:26:00 AM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on July 05, 2020, 08:42:24 PM

Quote from: aev on July 05, 2020, 08:39:49 PM

It isn’t the only option.

Sheffield United have done ok this season and spent fuck all. They are well organised and disciplined, and look greater than the solid of their parts. I am not sure I would swap any of their players for ours, apart from the keeper perhaps and yet they are miles ahead of us. Ditto Burnley.

I'd have any of Lundstram, Egan, or Fleck in a heartbeat tbh.

I would add Norwood to that.

and Edna

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: brontebilly on July 06, 2020, 12:03:15 PM

Quote from: CT on July 06, 2020, 06:12:07 AM

Quote from: curiousorange on July 05, 2020, 10:37:52 PM

Key to it for me is fitness. You can cover a multitude of sins if you can stay in games for longer than an hour.

Seems like we’ve been saying this for a decade too.

Sign for us. Go to BMH. Add weight, lose pace.

That's what Enda Stevens said of his time at Villa, said his diet was poor and didn't work hard enough off the pitch. How this was tolerated at an established top division club (back then) speaks volumes for our decline.

.Fair play to Stevens had to drop down the divisions to get his career back on track but Wilder and his backroom staff are clearly miles ahead of ours when it comes to strength and conditioning, not to mind the matchday stuff re tactics et al.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Goldie.7 on July 06, 2020, 04:32:13 PM

Quote from: LeeB on July 06, 2020, 09:02:40 AM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on July 06, 2020, 08:46:29 AM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on July 06, 2020, 08:24:00 AM

120 million spent, no pace, no experience and no striker.

When we get relegated signing Grabban and Gayle is a must. I don't care what happens with Davis, Wesley or Samatta.

Err, ok. Lets sign a 29 year old and a 32 year old that are not quite good enough for the top flight, that will sort all of our problems out.

I couldn't give two shits how old they are. Grabban has almost 20 goals in the Championship again and a year ago Gayle scored 24.

We won't be in the top flight, so even mentioning that they're "not quite good enough" for the Premier league is inconsequential.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: LeeB on July 06, 2020, 04:43:01 PM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on July 06, 2020, 04:32:13 PM

Quote from: LeeB on July 06, 2020, 09:02:40 AM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on July 06, 2020, 08:46:29 AM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on July 06, 2020, 08:24:00 AM

120 million spent, no pace, no experience and no striker.

When we get relegated signing Grabban and Gayle is a must. I don't care what happens with Davis, Wesley or Samatta.

Err, ok. Lets sign a 29 year old and a 32 year old that are not quite good enough for the top flight, that will sort all of our problems out.

I couldn't give two shits how old they are. Grabban has almost 20 goals in the Championship again and a year ago Gayle scored 24.

We won't be in the top flight, so even mentioning that they're "not quite good enough" for the Premier league is inconsequential.

Would we not be trying to get back there straight away? And would we not then be lumbered with two players that would be no use for us, leading to us having to do more business to reshape the squad, pretty much leaving us where we were at the start of this season?

Neither of them would be a bad option for a year loan, I may add, but one or the other.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: gpbarr on July 06, 2020, 05:28:44 PM

Quote from: LeeB on July 06, 2020, 04:43:01 PM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on July 06, 2020, 04:32:13 PM

Quote from: LeeB on July 06, 2020, 09:02:40 AM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on July 06, 2020, 08:46:29 AM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on July 06, 2020, 08:24:00 AM

120 million spent, no pace, no experience and no striker.

When we get relegated signing Grabban and Gayle is a must. I don't care what happens with Davis, Wesley or Samatta.

Err, ok. Lets sign a 29 year old and a 32 year old that are not quite good enough for the top flight, that will sort all of our problems out.

I couldn't give two shits how old they are. Grabban has almost 20 goals in the Championship again and a year ago Gayle scored 24.

We won't be in the top flight, so even mentioning that they're "not quite good enough" for the Premier league is inconsequential.

Would we not be trying to get back there straight away? And would we not then be lumbered with two players that would be no use for us, leading to us having to do more business to reshape the squad, pretty much leaving us where we were at the start of this season?

Neither of them would be a bad option for a year loan, I may add, but one or the other.

we need a long term plan/strategy, not yet another quick fix. We are arguably in this mess because 2 summer's ago we didn't make the right decisions and that created the need to overhaul the squad as we were promoted which, created huge issues with panic buys, team cohesion, prep time etc. Let's not go buying players who can "get us out of the Championship" and instead buy players who have the skill, attitude, and style to fit AV long term 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Steve67 on July 06, 2020, 05:43:15 PM

If and when we drop, I would like us to try to bargain for swaps as well as outright transfers.  Grealish with the likes of Tuanzebe thrown in for example.  McGinn for Gayle, possibly Hayden for instance.  The number one position to sort for me is the centre of midfield, we really need a ball winner in there.  Luyindu has been linked from Turkey, although he might not want to come if we drop.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on July 06, 2020, 05:44:15 PM

In the Championship 2 or 3 of the right type of loan are fine. It’s just you have to ensure you still have an evolving and improving core within the squad.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Mister E on July 06, 2020, 06:28:13 PM

Quote from: Newby on July 06, 2020, 05:43:15 PM

If and when we drop, I would like us to try to bargain for swaps as well as outright transfers.  Grealish with the likes of Tuanzebe thrown in for example.  McGinn for Gayle, possibly Hayden for instance.  The number one position to sort for me is the centre of midfield, we really need a ball winner in there.  Luyindu has been linked from Turkey, although he might not want to come if we drop.

What makes you think Hayden and Gayle would want to drop a division?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: sickbeggar on July 06, 2020, 06:35:42 PM

I may be in the minority here, but compared to the rotten bloated squad that went down last time i dont see much stopping a promotion push if we go down. Yes, we're a poor side in the premiership, but worse teams than us would have got something out of an admittedly under-par liverpool side. We just haven't got a forward worthy of the name currently, and unless Smith tries something up front we will go down however well we play in the remaining games. Yes, we'll lose Grealish and 1 or two others but if you can't replace them with decent championship players when you've pocketed the best part of 100m then you should get out of management/owning a football club,

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: KevinGage on July 06, 2020, 06:37:10 PM

Quote from: CT on July 06, 2020, 06:12:07 AM

Quote from: curiousorange on July 05, 2020, 10:37:52 PM

Key to it for me is fitness. You can cover a multitude of sins if you can stay in games for longer than an hour.

Seems like we’ve been saying this for a decade too.

Sign for us. Go to BMH. Add weight, lose pace.

It's a sweet deal.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: paul_e on July 06, 2020, 07:14:17 PM

Quote from: LeeB on July 06, 2020, 04:43:01 PM

Would we not be trying to get back there straight away? And would we not then be lumbered with two players that would be no use for us, leading to us having to do more business to reshape the squad, pretty much leaving us where we were at the start of this season?

Neither of them would be a bad option for a year loan, I may add, but one or the other.

I find it amazing that, after over a decade of quick fixes and band-aids, there are still people who think everything would be fine if we sign a couple of ageing players who are a little bit better than what we have but whose careers are only going in one direction.

At some point the whole club needs an overhaul and to work on building a squad that can grow together and not shit ourselves if it hasn't worked after a season. There are literally no examples of teams building sustainable improvement by throwing money at players like Gayle and Grabban, every team that does it has a year or 2 of being ok before sinking again because you can't run a modern club like that. Even all the money clubs have put a huge focus on youth players and growing players into what they need. Yes they still make big signings but how many outfield players over the age of 28 have the top 6 signed in the last 3-4 seasons?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on July 06, 2020, 07:22:58 PM

The trouble with that is that it will work for a club that isn't used to the giddy heights, so they don't mind taking the occasional step back to go forwards again. Try saying to our supporters that we're building for the long-term and see how far it gets you.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: KevinGage on July 06, 2020, 07:34:54 PM

The issue with a lot of that Paul is any big club that drops down to the Championship has to have an immediate return as their priority. Due to the overheads and debts as much as the prestige factor or anything else.

So they aren't really in a position to sit it out for a season or three and develop an ethos - fully removed from the pressures of needing to go up.

The smaller clubs who have gone up and survived for a few seasons have had the benefit of utilising a consistent panel at the lower level. Gaining top flight football in the first place was the cherry on the icing on the cake rather than the be all and end all for them. Different strokes for different folks.

Our transfer deals under Bruce (particularly from the summer of 17 onwards) definitely felt more short term than building for the future. I wouldn't want a repeat of that. But - short of the owners deciding to bail - any manager/ head coach in place at the start of next season knows promotion will be priority 1,2 and 3.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: algy on July 06, 2020, 07:35:32 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on July 06, 2020, 07:22:58 PM

The trouble with that is that it will work for a club that isn't used to the giddy heights, so they don't mind taking the occasional step back to go forwards again. Try saying to our supporters that we're building for the long-term and see how far it gets you.

This is the first thing that came to my mind. If you look at seasons where we've gone for a more long term approach (when we signed a load of Francophones called Jordan, or the transfers this last summer) the manager gets slated because either they're not the finished product (Big Wes), or they're not Premier League quality (Konsa), or they're a gamble that was never going to come off (Trez).

People like the idea of buying players cheap and selling them on at a huge profit but not the reality, which is a squad full of cheap players, and losing any that develop in to decent talents.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Steve67 on July 06, 2020, 07:54:32 PM

Quote from: Mister E on July 06, 2020, 06:28:13 PM

Quote from: Newby on July 06, 2020, 05:43:15 PM

If and when we drop, I would like us to try to bargain for swaps as well as outright transfers.  Grealish with the likes of Tuanzebe thrown in for example.  McGinn for Gayle, possibly Hayden for instance.  The number one position to sort for me is the centre of midfield, we really need a ball winner in there.  Luyindu has been linked from Turkey, although he might not want to come if we drop.

What makes you think Hayden and Gayle would want to drop a division?

They are just suggestions.  Who knows who might want to go where.  Newcastle being taken over, Hayden and Gayle will be surplus to requirements if it goes through.  Hayden also wants to move further south due ti family reasons apparently and might see us as a good option if we buy sensibly (Yes, I know!). 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on July 06, 2020, 07:56:02 PM

Gollini: Lowton, Mings, Okore, Amavi: Gueye, Vertout, Grealish: Traore, Benteke, Ayew. Subs: Nyland, Clarke, Westwood, McGinn, Luiz & a few others. I wonder how that team would get on in the Premier League.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: brian green on July 06, 2020, 08:09:34 PM

A darn sight better than we have become used to.  I would add Andi Weimann to that roll call.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on July 06, 2020, 08:16:48 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on July 06, 2020, 07:56:02 PM

Gollini: Lowton, Mings, Okore, Amavi: Gueye, Vertout, Grealish: Traore, Benteke, Ayew. Subs: Nyland, Clarke, Westwood, McGinn, Luiz & a few others. I wonder how that team would get on in the Premier League.

Terrible defence, and fairly good midfield. Plenty of pace though, and a ball winner plus a better bench. Traore on current form would be a big difference but Benteke and Ayew not much use these days.

Problem was half that lot didn't want to be here. Veretout, Guys, Anarvi, Ayew Benteke and Gollini all pushed to leave.

Traore is the one that got away, but there again he didn't look up to much at the time and Adomah helped get us promoted.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on July 06, 2020, 08:17:10 PM

Sorry accidental double post.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on July 06, 2020, 08:24:35 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on July 06, 2020, 08:16:48 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on July 06, 2020, 07:56:02 PM

Gollini: Lowton, Mings, Okore, Amavi: Gueye, Vertout, Grealish: Traore, Benteke, Ayew. Subs: Nyland, Clarke, Westwood, McGinn, Luiz & a few others. I wonder how that team would get on in the Premier League.

Terrible defence, and fairly good midfield. Plenty of pace though, and a ball winner plus a better bench. Traore on current form would be a big difference but Benteke and Ayew not much use these days.

Problem was half that lot didn't want to be here. Veretout, Guys, Anarvi, Ayew Benteke and Gollini all pushed to leave.

Traore is the one that got away, but there again he didn't look up to much at the time and Adomah helped get us promoted.

The thing is, though, how good would they all be if they'd been together for five years with the occasional new signing? Lowton is a perfectly good Premier League player, Gollini is an international and Amavi will be in the next Champions League. That's what long-term planning can do.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: brian green on July 06, 2020, 08:24:43 PM

They all, without exception wanted to with Villa in the first place.  As for Benteke and Ayew being not much use these days I hate to think where that places Davis, Samatta and Moraes.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: brian green on July 06, 2020, 08:26:48 PM

And Traore didn't  look up to much at the time?  It must have been somebody else whose name we were singing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: brian green on July 06, 2020, 08:35:50 PM

And Notts County got five yellow cards for kicking him?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: mr underhill on July 06, 2020, 08:42:34 PM

Yes but that's all he had Brian - pace. He had no awareness or positional acvumen at all. It was like watching someone with a firecracker up their arse running very fast in a straight line but ultimately going nowhere. Coaching - good coaching  has changed that, but it was never going to happen at Villa.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on July 06, 2020, 08:44:10 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on July 06, 2020, 08:24:35 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on July 06, 2020, 08:16:48 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on July 06, 2020, 07:56:02 PM

Gollini: Lowton, Mings, Okore, Amavi: Gueye, Vertout, Grealish: Traore, Benteke, Ayew. Subs: Nyland, Clarke, Westwood, McGinn, Luiz & a few others. I wonder how that team would get on in the Premier League.

Terrible defence, and fairly good midfield. Plenty of pace though, and a ball winner plus a better bench. Traore on current form would be a big difference but Benteke and Ayew not much use these days.

Problem was half that lot didn't want to be here. Veretout, Guys, Anarvi, Ayew Benteke and Gollini all pushed to leave.

Traore is the one that got away, but there again he didn't look up to much at the time and Adomah helped get us promoted.

The thing is, though, how good would they all be if they'd been together for five years with the occasional new signing? Lowton is a perfectly good Premier League player, Gollini is an international and Amavi will be in the next Champions League. That's what long-term planning can do.

Yeah I take the point. My main worry is the coaching, under so many different managers players have gone downhill after joining us and got better after leaving. Baffling. You could add Stevens, Albrighton too, it's a big list.

Of the new batch I think El Ghazi, Nakamba, Luiz, Guilbert and Engels have all shown glimpses of ability. Plus Ming's and McGinn more regularly.

Main issue is we consistently try too many new players at once and have no good way to select a balanced team from them. Not always the club's fault that, with players pushing for moves and FFP kicking in on relegation.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on July 06, 2020, 08:49:56 PM

Exactly. Rip it up and start again. Every summer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on July 06, 2020, 08:55:37 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on July 06, 2020, 08:49:56 PM

Exactly. Rip it up and start again. Every summer.

Going to happen again this summer if we go down though. Best players will go, and five or six will need to come in. Agree we need to keep more this time, and think we will. Coaching needs to improve though to see if they can come along.

Also we actually need to get the right few players in so we can pick a formation that has 11 players that can play in it without glaring issues. At no point in the last 3 seasons have we had that. Whatever system we pick somewhere we don't have the right player.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: KevinGage on July 06, 2020, 08:56:23 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on July 06, 2020, 08:16:48 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on July 06, 2020, 07:56:02 PM

Gollini: Lowton, Mings, Okore, Amavi: Gueye, Vertout, Grealish: Traore, Benteke, Ayew. Subs: Nyland, Clarke, Westwood, McGinn, Luiz & a few others. I wonder how that team would get on in the Premier League.

Terrible defence, and fairly good midfield. Plenty of pace though, and a ball winner plus a better bench. Traore on current form would be a big difference but Benteke and Ayew not much use these days.

Problem was half that lot didn't want to be here. Veretout, Guys, Anarvi, Ayew Benteke and Gollini all pushed to leave.

Traore is the one that got away, but there again he didn't look up to much at the time and Adomah helped get us promoted.

Traore, Gueye and Veretout all made it clear that they didn't want to stick around once relegation had been confirmed. They weren't interested. Gueye even said as much as early as Feb/ March 16.

 Ayew and Amavi did at least want to be here and part of a promotion push.  But Bruce benched Ayew pretty much from the oustet (even opting to start with Gabby against Brighton away) and we took the masterstroke of agreeing a swap for Neil Taylor and not much money that Jan.  Despite Ayew looking our biggest attacking threat up until October.

Amavi's form was up and down in that first season back after serious injury. But he gave us that year, at least.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on July 06, 2020, 08:58:21 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on July 06, 2020, 08:49:56 PM

Exactly. Rip it up and start again. Every summer.

Sometimes it's inevitable though, particularly if you go up then come back down swiftly, as might happen this season.  Promotion push, relegation, another promotion push means there's inevitably going to be a big churn each season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Risso on July 06, 2020, 09:04:18 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on July 06, 2020, 08:24:35 PM

The thing is, though, how good would they all be if they'd been together for five years with the occasional new signing? Lowton is a perfectly good Premier League player, Gollini is an international and Amavi will be in the next Champions League. That's what long-term planning can do.

Your long-term planning assumes that all those players wanted to stay, or that we could afford for them to all stay.  I think it was plain as day that Amavi and especially Veretout couldn't wait to get away.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on July 06, 2020, 09:10:11 PM

Quote from: Risso on July 06, 2020, 09:04:18 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on July 06, 2020, 08:24:35 PM

The thing is, though, how good would they all be if they'd been together for five years with the occasional new signing? Lowton is a perfectly good Premier League player, Gollini is an international and Amavi will be in the next Champions League. That's what long-term planning can do.

Your long-term planning assumes that all those players wanted to stay, or that we could afford for them to all stay.  I think it was plain as day that Amavi and especially Veretout couldn't wait to get away.

Amavi stayed because he wanted to. Maybe you're thinking of Adama who couldn't wait to leave,

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on July 06, 2020, 09:14:10 PM

Quote from: Risso on July 06, 2020, 09:04:18 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on July 06, 2020, 08:24:35 PM

The thing is, though, how good would they all be if they'd been together for five years with the occasional new signing? Lowton is a perfectly good Premier League player, Gollini is an international and Amavi will be in the next Champions League. That's what long-term planning can do.

Your long-term planning assumes that all those players wanted to stay, or that we could afford for them to all stay.  I think it was plain as day that Amavi and especially Veretout couldn't wait to get away.

Because we'd been relegated.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: paul_e on July 06, 2020, 09:14:26 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on July 06, 2020, 07:34:54 PM

The issue with a lot of that Paul is any big club that drops down to the Championship has to have an immediate return as their priority. Due to the overheads and debts as much as the prestige factor or anything else.

So they aren't really in a position to sit it out for a season or three and develop an ethos - fully removed from the pressures of needing to go up.

The smaller clubs who have gone up and survived for a few seasons have had the benefit of utilising a consistent panel at the lower level. Gaining top flight football in the first place was the cherry on the icing on the cake rather than the be all and end all for them. Different strokes for different folks.

Our transfer deals under Bruce (particularly from the summer of 17 onwards) definitely felt more short term than building for the future. I wouldn't want a repeat of that. But - short of the owners deciding to bail - any manager/ head coach in place at the start of next season knows promotion will be priority 1,2 and 3.

but trying to buy our way out didn't work and nearly destroyed the club in the process. That's not to say go completely the other way either. All I'm getting at is I'd rather see players like Barry, Ramsey, Archer, etc on the bench and gaining experience than us buy a bunch of late 20s/early 30s shit like we did last time we were in that league.

3-4 signings of quality at the right age (25-26) to replace the older players who haven't delivered and then keep the younger players and build around that from the youth. That way we go up with a team that are young enough to improve but have a season of hard graft and experience behind them and a small group of 19-20 year olds who have experienced playing in our first team and know what they need to do to stay around it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Damo70 on July 06, 2020, 09:17:12 PM

Quote from: brian green on July 06, 2020, 08:09:34 PM

A darn sight better than we have become used to.  I would add Andi Weimann to that roll call.

Weimann has become a bit of a Championship journeyman.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on July 06, 2020, 09:20:08 PM

The amount of time to rebuild the squad is going to be very short before the next season starts.
Those teams in division 2 with a settled squad will be in a strong position. We will be needing to rebuild in very short order .

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: brian green on July 06, 2020, 09:22:11 PM

Veretout could not wait to get away because the manager had not spoken to him for four months.   The snake pit and a media arse licking manager ruined the relationship between the club and a group of very talented players who came to Villa of their own free will.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: KevinGage on July 06, 2020, 09:22:41 PM

That could well be another reason to stick with Smith even if we do drop.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Risso on July 06, 2020, 09:23:57 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on July 06, 2020, 09:14:10 PM

Quote from: Risso on July 06, 2020, 09:04:18 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on July 06, 2020, 08:24:35 PM

The thing is, though, how good would they all be if they'd been together for five years with the occasional new signing? Lowton is a perfectly good Premier League player, Gollini is an international and Amavi will be in the next Champions League. That's what long-term planning can do.

Your long-term planning assumes that all those players wanted to stay, or that we could afford for them to all stay.  I think it was plain as day that Amavi and especially Veretout couldn't wait to get away.

Because we'd been relegated.

Well, exactly.  Planning for the long-term is only really possible if the young and hungry brigade are good enough to keep you up.  They weren't in 2016, and they're not this year either

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 06, 2020, 09:24:20 PM

There are no circumstances in which we should stick with a proven failure.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Risso on July 06, 2020, 09:24:22 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on July 06, 2020, 09:22:41 PM

That could well be another reason to stick with Smith even if we do drop.

'Another' reason?! 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: brian green on July 06, 2020, 09:26:19 PM

It is known as The Secret Santa Affair.  The pissing off of good talented players by a cadre of pig shit stupid xenophobes.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: brian green on July 06, 2020, 09:29:29 PM

That was fully exposed in the Chewing Gum Spitting Outrage.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: brian green on July 06, 2020, 09:33:42 PM

At Wycombe

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on July 06, 2020, 09:33:56 PM

Quote from: Risso on July 06, 2020, 09:23:57 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on July 06, 2020, 09:14:10 PM

Quote from: Risso on July 06, 2020, 09:04:18 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on July 06, 2020, 08:24:35 PM

The thing is, though, how good would they all be if they'd been together for five years with the occasional new signing? Lowton is a perfectly good Premier League player, Gollini is an international and Amavi will be in the next Champions League. That's what long-term planning can do.

Your long-term planning assumes that all those players wanted to stay, or that we could afford for them to all stay.  I think it was plain as day that Amavi and especially Veretout couldn't wait to get away.

Because we'd been relegated.

Well, exactly.  Planning for the long-term is only really possible if the young and hungry brigade are good enough to keep you up.  They weren't in 2016, and they're not this year either

By 2016 that team would have been good enough to stay up and build on.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on July 06, 2020, 09:38:48 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on July 06, 2020, 09:22:41 PM

That could well be another reason to stick with Smith even if we do drop.

Has to go.

We need better coaching, tactics and game management whatever division we are in.

First signing needs to be a new manager.

Then we need 3-4 players that give the new coach a balanced team for whatever formation/s he wants to play.

Get rid of proven aging dross like Lansbury and try some of the kids to fill the squad out.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: paul_e on July 06, 2020, 09:40:53 PM

Quote from: Risso on July 06, 2020, 09:23:57 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on July 06, 2020, 09:14:10 PM

Quote from: Risso on July 06, 2020, 09:04:18 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on July 06, 2020, 08:24:35 PM

The thing is, though, how good would they all be if they'd been together for five years with the occasional new signing? Lowton is a perfectly good Premier League player, Gollini is an international and Amavi will be in the next Champions League. That's what long-term planning can do.

Your long-term planning assumes that all those players wanted to stay, or that we could afford for them to all stay.  I think it was plain as day that Amavi and especially Veretout couldn't wait to get away.

Because we'd been relegated.

Well, exactly.  Planning for the long-term is only really possible if the young and hungry brigade are good enough to keep you up.  They weren't in 2016, and they're not this year either

Were the younger players the problem? The players that really let us down in the relegation season were Guzan, Richards, Lescott and Gabby. They were supposed to be the experienced spine and they were all fucking shit. Of the younger signings the only one who played regularly and was unmitigated shit was Gestede and he's the one that I never saw the appeal of.

To bring young players through from the reserves and/or smaller leagues you need to have some leaders in the squad that can build around. This year if we can keep Heaton, Mings and Mcginn I think that gives us a pretty solid leadership group, keep most of the younger first players (Konsa, Hause, Targett, Guilbert, Luiz, Nakamba, Wesley, AEG) and you're on the right tracks to having a team that you can build around.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Ian. on July 06, 2020, 09:45:56 PM

Paul’s got a massive point there, that season the older heads really did let us down badly. Gestede was a terrible signing, I don’t have any idea why we bought him or even how we managed to sell him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: brian green on July 06, 2020, 10:11:58 PM

I think Rudy Gestede was bought because he ticked the boxes of the Teach Yourself How To Buy  An Overseas Player pull out supplement.  Later used to buy Moraes and Samatta.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: KevinGage on July 06, 2020, 10:16:04 PM

Probably because he'd just bagged 20 plus goals in the next league down and looked like he was one who could make the transition. As it was, he couldn't.

But yes, that leadership group of Guzan, Lescott, Richards and Gabby were horseshit.   Imagine being a young player looking fr guidance or good examples during that period.  Like stumbling into Gerry Cottle's circus.

Richards may have been battling a long-term injury as part mitigation. Gabby became a legend in his own lunchtime. All his woes were self inflicted.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: sickbeggar on July 06, 2020, 10:16:18 PM

Quote from: brian green on July 06, 2020, 09:29:29 PM

That was fully exposed in the Chewing Gum Spitting Outrage.

yeah but that was a perfect storm of the worse set of  players in ability and rotten attitude in my lifetime at least. I was always a bit incredulous of people on here expecting RDM and later Bruce to turn round the damage overnight by throwing money at it and expecting us to get promoted straight off. This set of players......well i wouldn't necessary disagree if someone said so and so wasn't good enough for a promotion challenge, but there's a core there that are good enough given a bit of confidence, and more importantly, aren't arseholes.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: paul_e on July 06, 2020, 10:20:01 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on July 06, 2020, 10:16:04 PM

Probably because he'd just bagged 20 plus goals in the next league down and looked like he was one who could make the transition. As it was, he couldn't.

But yes, that leadership group of Guzan, Lescott, Richards and Gabby were horseshit.   Imagine being a young player looking fr guidance or good examples during that period.  Like stumbling into Gerry Cottle's circus.

Richards may have been battling a long-term injury as part mitigation. Gabby became a legend in his own lunchtime. All his woes were self inflicted.

I don't see how, despite the 20 goals, anyone can have watched him play and thought he was good enough, one of the most technically poor players I've ever seen.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on July 06, 2020, 10:23:26 PM

I reckon he was bought as it was thought we'd be putting in a shit load of crosses all season, as it was, the ones expected to put them in spent most of the season injured or playing shit.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Ian. on July 06, 2020, 10:28:13 PM

His scoring record was pretty terrible prior to that season with Boro before he signed. He just didn’t look mobile and wasn’t great on the ball, considering we’d supposedly bought ball players from a France, it seemed an odd signing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: sickbeggar on July 06, 2020, 10:31:04 PM

Quote from: PeterWithesShin on July 06, 2020, 10:23:26 PM

I reckon he was bought as it was thought we'd be putting in a shit load of crosses all season, as it was, the ones expected to put them in spent most of the season injured or playing shit.

well at least we got our money back selling him. mind you his scoring record doesn't look too bad atm with only Kienan "Ivanhoe" Davis up front


Hang on.............he's been let go. Bring him in ffs. He may not score this season, but at least there's hope.....

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on July 06, 2020, 10:50:39 PM

Gestede was crap before he joined us, crap with us and crap after.

I think the entire 'young and hungry' thing failed mainly because we didn't have enough grown adults playing alongside them. Lots of those young players have gone on to do well, which kind of backs up that suspicion. Although Jordan Bowery is probably a shift manager at Nando's by now, so not all of them.

I totally agree what really let us down was the behaviour of some of those who should have known better. Agbonlahor, for a start, who managed combine being "Villa through and through" with being a fat waster who managed 3 or 4 goals a year.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: tomd2103 on July 06, 2020, 11:09:37 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on July 06, 2020, 10:16:18 PM

Quote from: brian green on July 06, 2020, 09:29:29 PM

That was fully exposed in the Chewing Gum Spitting Outrage.

yeah but that was a perfect storm of the worse set of  players in ability and rotten attitude in my lifetime at least. I was always a bit incredulous of people on here expecting RDM and later Bruce to turn round the damage overnight by throwing money at it and expecting us to get promoted straight off. This set of players......well i wouldn't necessary disagree if someone said so and so wasn't good enough for a promotion challenge, but there's a core there that are good enough given a bit of confidence, and more importantly, aren't arseholes.

Yep, the whole set up was completely rotten by that point.  That Christmas video just epitomised the attitude around the place.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on July 06, 2020, 11:15:43 PM

I couldn't help myself, I had to look up Bowery. He scored 2 for Milton Keynes this/last season, and has now moved to Mansfield Town for free.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on July 06, 2020, 11:20:31 PM

Quote from: LeeB on July 06, 2020, 09:02:40 AM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on July 06, 2020, 08:46:29 AM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on July 06, 2020, 08:24:00 AM

120 million spent, no pace, no experience and no striker.

When we get relegated signing Grabban and Gayle is a must. I don't care what happens with Davis, Wesley or Samatta.

Err, ok. Lets sign a 29 year old and a 32 year old that are not quite good enough for the top flight, that will sort all of our problems out.

Dwight Gayle is hardly ancient, scored 20 odd for WBA just the other season and been injured a lot this season but scored two recently v us and Bournemouth.

He comes in and scores his usual and then he becomes a squad striker in premier league which he's been doing this season for Newcastle. Also means we've got one less striker to sign once we're promoted again. I'm also assuming Davis, Wesley and Samatta all stay so you'd like to think one of those would have a really good season scoring wise and show they're ready to do something in the premier league.

Newcastle signed Gayle after getting relegated in 2016. He scored 23 goals and they won the league so a manager like Benitez knew what he was doing in that situation. They also signed Matt Ritchie from Bournemouth and Clark from us and both are still part of their squad four years on as they have another comfortable mid table finish.

Would pass on Grabban though who isn't good enough for the premier league so that would be a very short term move. Can see us going for Lolley who's the grand old age of 27.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on July 06, 2020, 11:31:18 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on July 06, 2020, 08:55:37 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on July 06, 2020, 08:49:56 PM

Exactly. Rip it up and start again. Every summer.

Going to happen again this summer if we go down though. Best players will go, and five or six will need to come in. Agree we need to keep more this time, and think we will. Coaching needs to improve though to see if they can come along.

Also we actually need to get the right few players in so we can pick a formation that has 11 players that can play in it without glaring issues. At no point in the last 3 seasons have we had that. Whatever system we pick somewhere we don't have the right player.

I always think you need 5-6 regardless after relegation just to freshen things up as the squad gets used to losing again and so you risk a hangover at the start of the season if you go with the same players. We saw that at the start of 2016 season when we started the season with likes of Bacuna, Gestede and Westwood and could hardly win a game.

Also the championship schedule is going to be more condensed than usual given it will likely start in September so going to be a game pretty much every midweek so will have to rotate more than usual so will need a competitive squad of over 20 players.

Aside from the big name departures we surely need to shift likes of Taylor and Lansbury who are in last 12 months of their deals so they'll also need to be replaced.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on July 06, 2020, 11:34:50 PM

Five or six is normal anyway, but what we did in 2015-16 was ridiculous. You can't buy virtually an entire new squad in one season and expect them to work out.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on July 06, 2020, 11:36:59 PM

Quote from: paul_e on July 06, 2020, 10:20:01 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on July 06, 2020, 10:16:04 PM

Probably because he'd just bagged 20 plus goals in the next league down and looked like he was one who could make the transition. As it was, he couldn't.

But yes, that leadership group of Guzan, Lescott, Richards and Gabby were horseshit.   Imagine being a young player looking fr guidance or good examples during that period.  Like stumbling into Gerry Cottle's circus.

Richards may have been battling a long-term injury as part mitigation. Gabby became a legend in his own lunchtime. All his woes were self inflicted.

I don't see how, despite the 20 goals, anyone can have watched him play and thought he was good enough, one of the most technically poor players I've ever seen.

Gestede did bag a couple of goals from Amavi crosses. As soon as he got injured then Rudy became pretty ineffective.

We went down because we lost Vlaar, Delph and Benteke in one summer. Imagine if we actually stay up and then lose Mings, McGinn and Grealish all in one go. Losing Grealish would be bad enough considering he's the heartbeat of everything we do and we can still barely muster even 30 points in the top league so we'd have to sign some real quality to stay up next season if we do a great escape.

I actually think Gestede would've been an o.k plan B option but he quickly became the default Benteke replacement for some season when we messed up signing a more proven top level striker in the last days of the 2015 window so like last summer and Wesley.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on July 06, 2020, 11:46:08 PM

Had a check back....Newcastle signed 9 players when they got relegated in 2016. Got in Hayden, Gayle, Diame, Clark, Yedlin, Matt Richie and Atsu who were pretty much all from prem clubs (or recently relegated ones) and six of those are still in their first time squad so that core helped them back and then reverted to mostly being squad players.

That summer they sold Townsend, Sissoko and Wijnaldum for over 60m.

However highly your rate Benitez or not that's the benefit right there of having an experienced manager at the helm. He knew exactly what he was doing which was reflected in their 94 points, 32 more than we got.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on July 06, 2020, 11:49:44 PM

We will need to do that. I still believe that if we do go down, even net of Jack, Mings and Luiz, whoever is left because we simply won't sell everyone will be more than able to compete at the top end from the very start. The key is the manager. Will it be Smith or someone else?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Steve67 on July 06, 2020, 11:51:22 PM

We will really need to rid the smell of defeat before we think about buying players.  This means changes in manager and recruitment for me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: mr underhill on July 07, 2020, 09:01:17 AM

its the most important signing we make in the summer

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: tomd2103 on July 07, 2020, 09:20:22 AM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on July 06, 2020, 11:20:31 PM

Quote from: LeeB on July 06, 2020, 09:02:40 AM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on July 06, 2020, 08:46:29 AM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on July 06, 2020, 08:24:00 AM

120 million spent, no pace, no experience and no striker.

When we get relegated signing Grabban and Gayle is a must. I don't care what happens with Davis, Wesley or Samatta.

Err, ok. Lets sign a 29 year old and a 32 year old that are not quite good enough for the top flight, that will sort all of our problems out.

Dwight Gayle is hardly ancient, scored 20 odd for WBA just the other season and been injured a lot this season but scored two recently v us and Bournemouth.

He comes in and scores his usual and then he becomes a squad striker in premier league which he's been doing this season for Newcastle. Also means we've got one less striker to sign once we're promoted again. I'm also assuming Davis, Wesley and Samatta all stay so you'd like to think one of those would have a really good season scoring wise and show they're ready to do something in the premier league.

Newcastle signed Gayle after getting relegated in 2016. He scored 23 goals and they won the league so a manager like Benitez knew what he was doing in that situation. They also signed Matt Ritchie from Bournemouth and Clark from us and both are still part of their squad four years on as they have another comfortable mid table finish.

Would pass on Grabban though who isn't good enough for the premier league so that would be a very short term move. Can see us going for Lolley who's the grand old age of 27.

If we do go down, I definitely think we need to bring in a striker like Gayle.  Wesley probably won't be fit for the start of the season and Samatta and Davis haven't exactly been convincing. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: KevinGage on July 07, 2020, 09:42:09 AM

Not sure what's happened to Samatta.

He looked fine early on, against Leicester in the cup and Bournemouth. And in the cup final. But since the restart he hasn't looked at it at all. Wonder if it's issues with the family settling - particularly with lockdown and all that fun and games.

Either way he looks a different player.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on July 07, 2020, 09:44:31 AM

Quote from: KevinGage on July 07, 2020, 09:42:09 AM

Not sure what's happened to Samatta.

He looked fine early on, against Leicester in the cup and Bournemouth. And in the cup final. But since the restart he hasn't looked at it at all. Wonder if it's issues with the family settling - particularly with lockdown and all that fun and games.

Either way he looks a different player.

Aston Villa.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on July 07, 2020, 10:05:13 AM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on July 07, 2020, 09:44:31 AM

Quote from: KevinGage on July 07, 2020, 09:42:09 AM

Not sure what's happened to Samatta.

He looked fine early on, against Leicester in the cup and Bournemouth. And in the cup final. But since the restart he hasn't looked at it at all. Wonder if it's issues with the family settling - particularly with lockdown and all that fun and games.

Either way he looks a different player.

Aston Villa.

We have a nasty habit of coaching any talent out of players that seems to transcend all coaching and manager combinations. Ditto fitness levels and level of injuries. Even under MON we were poor at coaching, we just had better quality more motivated badly coached players.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Des Little on July 07, 2020, 11:28:02 PM

We have the same effect on strikers as we do managers. B6 is usually the point where the driver turns to them and announces its the end of the line.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: myf on July 08, 2020, 12:05:26 AM

Quote from: KevinGage on July 07, 2020, 09:42:09 AM

Not sure what's happened to Samatta.

He looked fine early on, against Leicester in the cup and Bournemouth. And in the cup final. But since the restart he hasn't looked at it at all. Wonder if it's issues with the family settling - particularly with lockdown and all that fun and games.

Either way he looks a different player.

He's playing in a shite team in empty stadiums with no chances being created. Another classic example of a player being written off by large parts of our fanbase after only playing 3 months of football for us.

Looks like a good player to me. needs the service

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: ozzjim on July 08, 2020, 07:31:04 AM

He looked OK first half at Newcastle too. I think half the issue with Samatta is that he has zero support at the moment and Jack isn't the player he was pre lock down for whatever reason. As such he's so isolated at times he might as well be sat in the car park. I actually think a pair of him and Wesley next season would be pretty special. Agree with the calls for signing Gayle. I wanted him when he was at Palace, he's got that knack of just scoring goals, and in that division we saw with Tammy that if you have someone doing that you have a decent chance.

The bigger issue will then be how we reshape the side post Jack. With him going there is room to get wide players that can beat a man and more pace through the side. Atsu Yedlin and Richie were brilliant signings by Newcastle because they have then that supply line.

I think we will need a leader in the back 4 too. Mings will go, so we need an experienced head to organise and lead. Heaton will help with that though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on July 08, 2020, 07:40:40 AM

We will be left with
Nyland Steer
Elmo
Hause
Target?
Hourihane
Nakamba
Wes
Trez
Davis
Jota
Engels?
and a bunch of youngsters

Without substantial improvement mid table in the 2 nd Division at best.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: ozzjim on July 08, 2020, 08:00:06 AM

Trez will go. Heaton will still be here. I reckon Fred will stay, and not convinced McGinn will go due to what we all for him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Mister E on July 08, 2020, 08:04:02 AM

Guilbert? Konsa? AEG?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: sickbeggar on July 08, 2020, 08:10:14 AM

I'm not worried about building a new team if we go down. It's not like last time when we had loads of deadwood on mental wages and no re-sale value. The likes of grealish, Mcginn going would bring in best part of 100m so half of that should get you decent championship replacements with the rest offsetting the losses

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: andyh on July 08, 2020, 08:14:17 AM

I don’t really think he will, but I’d like to think Mings would give us a season to try and get back up as payback for rescuing his career.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: PeterWithe on July 08, 2020, 08:37:52 AM

Mings to Man Utd speculation today.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 08, 2020, 08:42:42 AM

They do this sort of thing before games all the time, the wankers. I'd love it if we would refuse to sell to them, whatever the price.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on July 08, 2020, 09:47:34 AM

Quote from: PeterWithe on July 08, 2020, 08:37:52 AM

Mings to Man Utd speculation today.

Would bite their hands off for what we paid plus Axel. Has been found wanting this year.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: ozzjim on July 08, 2020, 09:49:28 AM

I would take 15 and Axel for Mings to be fair. I like him a lot but Axel will be the better player in the long run.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Mister E on July 08, 2020, 09:57:02 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on July 08, 2020, 09:49:28 AM

I would take 15 and Axel for Mings to be fair. I like him a lot but Axel will be the better player in the long run.

Wouldn't Mings and Axel be a fine pairing? We hang on to Mr T and bring in Axel, we have a mobile and energetic CB duo, with Konsa and Hause as back-up.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Virgil Caine on July 08, 2020, 11:31:36 AM

Problem with Axel is that he appears injury prone

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on July 08, 2020, 11:34:06 AM

Quote from: andyh on July 08, 2020, 08:14:17 AM

I don’t really think he will, but I’d like to think Mings would give us a season to try and get back up as payback for rescuing his career.

Footballer grows conscience shocker.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: brontebilly on July 08, 2020, 11:59:24 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on July 08, 2020, 09:49:28 AM

I would take 15 and Axel for Mings to be fair. I like him a lot but Axel will be the better player in the long run.

Axel is a fine player on the ball, and very quick, but used get bullied routinely by championship centre forwards. The kind of forward Mings used eat alive last season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Ads on July 08, 2020, 12:02:54 PM

Think Axel's weakness was when the ball was in the air.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: mr underhill on July 08, 2020, 12:57:44 PM

and the fact that for large chunks of both his loan seasons,he was  stuck in the physio room.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: LeeB on July 08, 2020, 12:59:45 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on July 08, 2020, 09:49:28 AM

I would take 15 and Axel for Mings to be fair. I like him a lot but Axel will be the better player in the long run.

They can get fucked at that price mate. We paid £25m for him based on performances in the Championship, and that was on 6 months football after he'd been crocked for nearly 3 years.

He's now played a full season in the top flight and played for England alongside the man they just paid £80m for. Double what we paid plus Axel please, or get tae fuck.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: mr underhill on July 08, 2020, 01:02:04 PM

nobody is going to pay us £50m for Mings.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on July 08, 2020, 01:08:22 PM

Quote from: mr underhill on July 08, 2020, 01:02:04 PM

nobody is going to pay us £50m for Mings.

Yes, I think this season has shown his limitations.  He's still of great value to us, especially if we go down, but I'd be surprised if we got anywhere near that if he leaves at the end of the season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: paul_e on July 08, 2020, 01:09:48 PM

Quote from: Ads on July 08, 2020, 12:02:54 PM

Think Axel's weakness was when the ball was in the air.

Yep and I suspect it's why he'll struggle to make it as a centre back at the highest level, more likely to be a defensive midfielder in my opinion.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Behind Bluenose Lines on July 08, 2020, 01:13:48 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on July 08, 2020, 01:08:22 PM

Quote from: mr underhill on July 08, 2020, 01:02:04 PM

nobody is going to pay us £50m for Mings.

Yes, I think this season has shown his limitations.  He's still of great value to us, especially if we go down, but I'd be surprised if we got anywhere near that if he leaves at the end of the season.

I reckon he'll want to still play in the Premier League so as to be in a chance of playing for England. If he did stay with us, I think he'd make a good captain. He comes over well in interviews too, which will reflect well on us in this mass media age.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: LeeB on July 08, 2020, 01:18:04 PM

Quote from: mr underhill on July 08, 2020, 01:02:04 PM

nobody is going to pay us £50m for Mings.

Well they can get tae fuck then, job done.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 08, 2020, 01:23:47 PM

Quite. If Axel was going to be as good as Mings, he would already be getting a lot more games for Man U.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on July 08, 2020, 01:24:22 PM

Quote from: LeeB on July 08, 2020, 12:59:45 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on July 08, 2020, 09:49:28 AM

I would take 15 and Axel for Mings to be fair. I like him a lot but Axel will be the better player in the long run.

They can get fucked at that price mate. We paid £25m for him based on performances in the Championship, and that was on 6 months football after he'd been crocked for nearly 3 years.

He's now played a full season in the top flight and played for England alongside the man they just paid £80m for. Double what we paid plus Axel please, or get tae fuck.

Yes, and if we had taken him on loan this season we would be offering about £10m based on the last 6 months performances. We paid far too much based on excellent championship form, and the fact we were desperate to retain some of our promoted teams best players for continuity. I supported that at the time as it made sense and we had enough new players to bed in, but he has not been worth the money this season and his value has decreased not increased since we paid it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: LeeB on July 08, 2020, 01:26:51 PM

Has it fuck.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: LeeB on July 08, 2020, 01:28:11 PM

There is a tendancy on this board when things aren't going well to don the shite tinted spectacles.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 08, 2020, 01:30:03 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on July 08, 2020, 01:24:22 PM

Quote from: LeeB on July 08, 2020, 12:59:45 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on July 08, 2020, 09:49:28 AM

I would take 15 and Axel for Mings to be fair. I like him a lot but Axel will be the better player in the long run.

They can get fucked at that price mate. We paid £25m for him based on performances in the Championship, and that was on 6 months football after he'd been crocked for nearly 3 years.

He's now played a full season in the top flight and played for England alongside the man they just paid £80m for. Double what we paid plus Axel please, or get tae fuck.

Yes, and if we had taken him on loan this season we would be offering about £10m based on the last 6 months performances. We paid far too much based on excellent championship form, and the fact we were desperate to retain some of our promoted teams best players for continuity. I supported that at the time as it made sense and we had enough new players to bed in, but he has not been worth the money this season and his value has decreased not increased since we paid it.

That's some next level attempt to talk the club down under any circumstances.

We signed Mings when he wasn't good enough to get in the Bournemouth team.

A year later he has played for England and, apparently, Man United want to sign him.

And his value has gone... down?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on July 08, 2020, 01:30:35 PM

Quote from: LeeB on July 08, 2020, 01:26:51 PM

Has it fuck.

Agreed, LeeB.

If they thought Maguire was worth £80m, £50 is a generous price from an Aston Villa perspective.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: PeterWithe on July 08, 2020, 01:32:46 PM

Mings has been another hamstrung by the lack of movement in front of him meaning he holds onto the ball too long, he's not looked great but if we didn't get back at least what we paid, after his England caps and subsequent increased profile, I'd eat my hat.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: LeeB on July 08, 2020, 01:36:07 PM

Quote from: PeterWithe on July 08, 2020, 01:32:46 PM

Mings has been another hamstrung by the lack of movement in front of him meaning he holds onto the ball too long, he's not looked great but if we didn't get back at least what we paid, after his England caps and subsequent increased profile, I'd eat my hat.

And I'd eat it after it passed through.

You watch now, the revelation of a £20m release clause in his contract.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on July 08, 2020, 01:36:46 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on July 08, 2020, 01:30:03 PM

We signed Mings when he wasn't good enough to get in the Bournemouth team.

A year later he has played for England and, apparently, Man United want to sign him.

And his value has gone... down?

I think that's offset by the fact that he's been a member of a truly terrible defence this season and has made more than his fair share of mistakes.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 08, 2020, 01:44:05 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on July 08, 2020, 01:36:46 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on July 08, 2020, 01:30:03 PM

We signed Mings when he wasn't good enough to get in the Bournemouth team.

A year later he has played for England and, apparently, Man United want to sign him.

And his value has gone... down?

I think that's offset by the fact that he's been a member of a truly terrible defence this season and has made more than his fair share of mistakes.

So... Man U obviously wouldn't want to sign him, then. Panic over.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Drummond on July 08, 2020, 01:51:21 PM

It's all fucking bollocks. If they want him, they can damn well pay  a fortune. By all accounts, and if you use the logic that has been applied in reverse elsewhere, Smith has coached Mings to International level and thus increased his value.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on July 08, 2020, 02:00:52 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on July 08, 2020, 09:49:28 AM

I would take 15 and Axel for Mings to be fair. I like him a lot but Axel will be the better player in the long run.

We'd still need a dominant CB though. Yes Mings has lost form over last few months but he's still that leader type in the backline. Not so great in premier league but hugely influential in the championship.

Axel strikes me as a number 2 CB and certainly not as good in the air. Would hope we will pick up an out of favour CB at a prem club like we did with Chester. Shane Duffy at Brighton strikes me as an obvious target. Good in the air but lost his place this season so assume he'd be available.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on July 08, 2020, 02:04:23 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on July 08, 2020, 07:40:40 AM

We will be left with
Nyland Steer
Elmo
Hause
Target?
Hourihane
Nakamba
Wes
Trez
Davis
Jota
Engels?
and a bunch of youngsters

Without substantial improvement mid table in the 2 nd Division at best.

Add 4-5 decent players and that will be good enough for top 2 I reckon.

Interesting what the championship schedule will be for next season. Talk it won't start until early September. In normal seasons you've normally played 8-9 games by then. Play offs will also be a bit earlier due to the euros.

No idea how they squeeze 46 games in amongst all the cups. Perhaps they'll put matches on in international weekends which used to happen in the late 90s.

One thing I have missed is the constant Saturday-Tues/weds-Saturday fixture list down there. We had some memorable midweek games down there and will be even more of that with the condensed time to get the season played.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: mr underhill on July 08, 2020, 03:56:15 PM

some over on VT are debating Rooney for a season or two. Blimey.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Mister E on July 08, 2020, 04:18:53 PM

Quote from: paul_e on July 08, 2020, 01:09:48 PM

Quote from: Ads on July 08, 2020, 12:02:54 PM

Think Axel's weakness was when the ball was in the air.

Yep and I suspect it's why he'll struggle to make it as a centre back at the highest level, more likely to be a defensive midfielder in my opinion.

We need one of them - 'marvelous' ain't it, that's for sure.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Behind Bluenose Lines on July 08, 2020, 04:20:11 PM

Quote from: Mister E on July 08, 2020, 04:18:53 PM

Quote from: paul_e on July 08, 2020, 01:09:48 PM

Quote from: Ads on July 08, 2020, 12:02:54 PM

Think Axel's weakness was when the ball was in the air.

Yep and I suspect it's why he'll struggle to make it as a centre back at the highest level, more likely to be a defensive midfielder in my opinion.

We need one of them - 'marvelous' ain't it, that's for sure.

I'd forgotten all about him!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: supertom on July 08, 2020, 06:02:47 PM

Quote from: mr underhill on July 08, 2020, 03:56:15 PM

some over on VT are debating Rooney for a season or two. Blimey.

In the championship yes. He's talismanic and we're gonna be all but stripped of that kind of player this summer. He's done at Prem level. I think he's done okay at Derby mostly playing CM. Though I'd probably still like to see him further forward in a 10. We'll be needing to replace Grealish's nous, so Wazza plus 1-2 younger talents who could step up. We need the next Mount/Maddison. There've been a few young Brit playmakers coming through recently. There must be more, and a loan down to the championship (unless we scout and buy a rival champ player) might be sensible.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: JJ-AV on July 10, 2020, 01:10:36 PM

Jeff Hendrick - free transfer, would be decent wages and contract but give some bite and leadership in midfield

Ebreche Eze - one of the best players in the Championship, probably be about £20m and would want decent money at that level but right age and an obvious Jack replacement

Kemar Roofe - available and can get goals from wide areas in the Championship, can cover CF too.

Ollie Watkins - £18m release fee

Mings, Grealish, Luiz, Trezeguet and Samatta to go for me. I'd try and keep Mings but seems unlikely. Try everything to keep McGinn.

I'd try and let Engels go and get an experienced centre half in too, a bit of leadership back there might help as Konsa and Hause would be two inexperienced players with Guilbert and Targett still finding their feet too.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on July 10, 2020, 01:54:14 PM

Eze is close to joining Palace apparently. Hendrick been linked to AC Milan and can't see why he'd leave Burnley for a championship club in waiting.

Can see likes of Gayle, Harry Wilson being on the domestic target list (no idea what we'll get from abroad but you'd imagine we'd sign some players we know little about).

Would go for Buendia as our marquee signing. I reckon he'd cost less than the Brentford mob. Think they'll want to cash in (signed him for about 2m) and depends if he wants to be prem squad player or main man here.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: ozzjim on July 11, 2020, 02:49:54 PM

I'd take Watkins at £18 though. Bargain.

Not sure Newcastle will let Gayle go the way he has finished the season.

If Mings is happy to stay then we should keep him of course, but I can't see it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: eamonn on July 11, 2020, 05:29:17 PM

Watkins will be a PL player in September.

Hendrick to AC Milan?! Fucking hell, reminds me of Gary Breen linked with Inter.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: OCD on July 11, 2020, 06:25:48 PM

Work out who wants to stay, who we want to keep, milk every penny we can get for those who want to leave.

Then work out which kids will be given a chance and make sure we don't block their paths.

Then fill the gaps and make sure new signings are very high quality players. Something we often haven't done well at.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Rudy65 on July 11, 2020, 06:32:18 PM

Quote from: JJ-AV on July 10, 2020, 01:10:36 PM

Jeff Hendrick - free transfer, would be decent wages and contract but give some bite and leadership in midfield

Ebreche Eze - one of the best players in the Championship, probably be about £20m and would want decent money at that level but right age and an obvious Jack replacement

Kemar Roofe - available and can get goals from wide areas in the Championship, can cover CF too.

Ollie Watkins - £18m release fee

Mings, Grealish, Luiz, Trezeguet and Samatta to go for me. I'd try and keep Mings but seems unlikely. Try everything to keep McGinn.

I'd try and let Engels go and get an experienced centre half in too, a bit of leadership back there might help as Konsa and Hause would be two inexperienced players with Guilbert and Targett still finding their feet too.

Some good shouts there. I like Hendrick and Roofe is proven at this level. Heard good things about Eze as well

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on July 11, 2020, 09:02:10 PM

the correct answer:

Choose a formation and identity.  My preference is 433. 451 when defending, big lump/pivot up top.

Sell:  Optimise value, plus I think they’ll ask to leave: Grealish and Mings.  A combined £100m (plus Axel from Man U in one combined clusterfuck of a transfer deal)
Sell: Trez/Ghazi (hopefully Trez but ultimately whichever we break even on).
Sell: Nylan (promote Steer and a kid).
Sell:  Engles
 
Buy: 2x £25m winger/inside forward types, the chap from Brentford and Eze for example (or James on loan from Man U in the clusterfuck deal).  Supplemented by El Ghazi or Trez.
Buy: Experienced CB who will guide the kids.

the above is what I’d like to happen.  If other players engineer a move then we have cash to ‘go large’ on their replacements.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Lsvilla on July 11, 2020, 09:10:27 PM

Maybe just my current mood after following the cricket and other results today but this is the most depressing thread I’ve read for a while.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 11, 2020, 09:12:22 PM

I still reckon England will win.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: steamer on July 11, 2020, 09:48:34 PM

The Windies are wont to collapse so not a bad call

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: brontebilly on July 11, 2020, 11:22:17 PM

In - Snodgrass, Albrighton, Lolley, Shane Duffy, Jack Cork, Maja or Brewster, Che Adams

Sold - Grealish, Mings, McGinn, Luiz

Push - Nyland, Taylor, Engels, Nakamba, Jota,

Run - Lansbury, 'Trez', Bree, Hogan

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Des Little on July 11, 2020, 11:26:00 PM

I hope we don’t let Drinkwater leave. He’s been invaluable.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 11, 2020, 11:27:43 PM

I'd keep Drinkwater and break the bank to get Baston back. Champions League Winners 2023.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on July 11, 2020, 11:31:13 PM

Never mind fucking about with philosophies or credos. This is the Championship; we need no-nonsense, couldn't give a fuck warriors. It's going to be Gustavo Bartelt's year next season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: garyellis on July 15, 2020, 11:40:00 AM

Transfer deadline dates announced
Opens when premier league finishes 27 July to 5th October
An extension for business between Premier League and EFL only to 16 October

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Holy Trinity on July 15, 2020, 01:37:27 PM

Pinch of salt time here but my coach mate at villa has said the following.

If we go down the budget will be 40 million ish regardless of how much we make from selling the big boys.

If we stay up we will spend between 80-100 million on 3 or 4 players with a cb who's already passed a medical from a premier league club the number 1 target. (If we go down it swaps to a loan to buy)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: chrisw1 on July 15, 2020, 02:01:57 PM

Axel?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: nigel on July 15, 2020, 02:09:56 PM

Quote from: Holy Trinity on July 15, 2020, 01:37:27 PM

Pinch of salt time here but my coach mate at villa has said the following.

If we go down the budget will be 40 million ish regardless of how much we make from selling the big boys.

If we stay up we will spend between 80-100 million on 3 or 4 players with a cb who's already passed a medical from a premier league club the number 1 target. (If we go down it swaps to a loan to buy)

Makes perfect sense, if we go down.
I think Jack and Tyrone will definitely go, by all accounts so will Trez and possibly Doug. I'm not altogether sure SJM will want to go.
Given that, I think our squad will be pretty decent, so 2x £20m players and 2x Loan to buy would probably be all we'd need.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: chrisw1 on July 15, 2020, 02:22:14 PM

The numbers sound a bit dissapointing to me, particulalry if we stay up, considering we're hoping to get £60m + for Jack.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: fredm on July 15, 2020, 02:53:33 PM

I think if we stay up there may well be only a few leaving, those who are not generally around the first team squad.  With the addition of a central defender, left back, midfielder and an attacker this squad, with having had a full seasons experience behind them, should be good enough for a mid-table finish.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on July 15, 2020, 05:57:44 PM

Quote from: Holy Trinity on July 15, 2020, 01:37:27 PM

Pinch of salt time here but my coach mate at villa has said the following.

If we go down the budget will be 40 million ish regardless of how much we make from selling the big boys.

If we stay up we will spend between 80-100 million on 3 or 4 players with a cb who's already passed a medical from a premier league club the number 1 target. (If we go down it swaps to a loan to buy)

When did he pass the medical? January but he went somewhere else last minute?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Steve67 on July 15, 2020, 06:48:00 PM

We can't keep having the same level of churn of players and need to settle the squad down.  I think it is highly likely we will go down and need three or four players at the most to try to get back up.  Arguably, this is the same for the Premier division if we stay up as we need a bit of quality rather than quantity.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Holy Trinity on July 15, 2020, 07:28:01 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on July 15, 2020, 02:01:57 PM

Axel?

I put 2 and 2 together and came up with him.

Someone asked about the medical and it was last week apparently not Jan. He said last Thursday which is again how axel popped straight back into my head.

As for the figures being low he said the key word is sustainability and that he feels Smith is only here because the other managers we are interested see the budgets as to low

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: ozzjim on July 15, 2020, 08:07:08 PM

80-100 million if we stay up will still be a massive spend on 3-4 players. The right ones and we will be easily mid table.

If we drop, then 40 has to stretch to 6/7 players realistic, or we are keeping hold of more than we think. We need to be smart and get a couple of good loans too. Leeds got that White, Albion a quick winner from West Ham and both have been excellent. We need to do similar.

If the centre back is Axel then happy days, he's a quality defender and would be good in both divisions next season, but more importantly could slot in next to Hause and Konsa in the Championship with total ease.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: brontebilly on July 16, 2020, 12:20:25 AM

Quote from: Holy Trinity on July 15, 2020, 07:28:01 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on July 15, 2020, 02:01:57 PM

Axel?

I put 2 and 2 together and came up with him.

Someone asked about the medical and it was last week apparently not Jan. He said last Thursday which is again how axel popped straight back into my head.

As for the figures being low he said the key word is sustainability and that he feels Smith is only here because the other managers we are interested see the budgets as to low

If it is Tuanzebe, then what does it say for the two RCBs we signed last summer, namely Konsa and Engels? Both defenders Smith knew a lot about beforehand given he used to manage Konsa and tried to sign Engels previously. We hardly saw Engels again after Shane Long destroyed him around Xmas time. Decent defender he looked early on but lack of pace a real problem. Konsa, I don't see it at all really. Physically soft and a horrid ball watching habit.

Where Tuanzebe was handy was his recovery pace was excellent and also he was comfortable stepping into midfield with the ball. Decidedly average at the other aspects of centre half play I thought, beaten in the air regularly and very suspect positional sense. Mings provided the ballast next to him I guess so it worked well, with a solid keeper in Steer behind them. Likes of Elmo and Taylor, while average didn't have to do much more than be stoppers at full back so as a unit it was solid.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: mr underhill on July 16, 2020, 09:02:54 AM

very injury prone.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: eamonn on July 16, 2020, 09:37:14 AM

Tuanzebe hasn't pushed on, he never plays and if we stay up I'd hope we get better.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: aj2k77 on July 16, 2020, 01:29:21 PM

Not worth more than a few million.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: tomd2103 on July 16, 2020, 02:04:51 PM

Quote from: eamonn on July 16, 2020, 09:37:14 AM

Tuanzebe hasn't pushed on, he never plays and if we stay up I'd hope we get better.

If we stay up then we really need an experienced centre half who will get Mings in line as well.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: CT on July 16, 2020, 02:12:19 PM

Quote from: tomd2103 on July 16, 2020, 02:04:51 PM

Quote from: eamonn on July 16, 2020, 09:37:14 AM

Tuanzebe hasn't pushed on, he never plays and if we stay up I'd hope we get better.

If we stay up then we really need an experienced centre half who will get Mings in line as well.

Not a chance in hell Tyrone will be here next season, regardless of whether we drop or not.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: chrisw1 on July 16, 2020, 02:22:24 PM

Quote from: CT on July 16, 2020, 02:12:19 PM

Quote from: tomd2103 on July 16, 2020, 02:04:51 PM

Quote from: eamonn on July 16, 2020, 09:37:14 AM

Tuanzebe hasn't pushed on, he never plays and if we stay up I'd hope we get better.

If we stay up then we really need an experienced centre half who will get Mings in line as well.

Not a chance in hell Tyrone will be here next season, regardless of whether we drop or not.

Why do you say that?  If we stay up I absolutely expect him to stay and probably be made captain.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: CT on July 16, 2020, 02:32:28 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on July 16, 2020, 02:22:24 PM

Quote from: CT on July 16, 2020, 02:12:19 PM

Quote from: tomd2103 on July 16, 2020, 02:04:51 PM

Quote from: eamonn on July 16, 2020, 09:37:14 AM

Tuanzebe hasn't pushed on, he never plays and if we stay up I'd hope we get better.

If we stay up then we really need an experienced centre half who will get Mings in line as well.

Not a chance in hell Tyrone will be here next season, regardless of whether we drop or not.

Why do you say that?  If we stay up I absolutely expect him to stay and probably be made captain.

For me, his overall attitude. It’s completely different to how it once was. At one point, he was an exceptional leader, he certainly isn’t now. England changed him, as regards playing for us,  he’s also now part of some big US Sports Management company.

I’m sure they’ll be looking to get him moved somewhere bigger to expand their brand.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Steve67 on July 16, 2020, 02:48:57 PM

Expand their brand?  He plays for England.  If we stay up, Mings stays at villa.  No doubts at all.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 16, 2020, 03:07:09 PM

Yeah, that is nonsense. Unless we go down or someone offers, at least, £50 million, he will be at Villa next season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: in exile on July 16, 2020, 03:08:44 PM

£50 million my arse!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 16, 2020, 03:10:36 PM

Well, exactly. I wasn't saying anyone would be paying it. That's why he won't be going anywhere.

If we stay up, anyhow.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: CT on July 16, 2020, 04:23:26 PM

Quote from: Newby on July 16, 2020, 02:48:57 PM

Expand their brand?  He plays for England.  If we stay up, Mings stays at villa.  No doubts at all.

Meaning his club, not his country. Nonsense? We'll see.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: frank black on July 16, 2020, 04:36:47 PM

Mings won’t go if we stay up. Wouldn’t see anyone paying a big enough fee.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: LeeB on July 16, 2020, 05:01:26 PM

Quote from: in exile on July 16, 2020, 03:08:44 PM

£50 million my arse!

I'd like to see your arse first before parting with that kind of money.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: WassallVillain on July 16, 2020, 10:46:13 PM

I’d be very underwhelmed with Axel. As someone said earlier great recovery pace, and it must be said we do need that, but very lacking in the main centre back necessity of heading. Add to that made of glass.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Steve67 on July 16, 2020, 10:53:01 PM

Quote from: WassallVillain on July 16, 2020, 10:46:13 PM

I’d be very underwhelmed with Axel. As someone said earlier great recovery pace, and it must be said we do need that, but very lacking in the main centre back necessity of heading. Add to that made of glass.

I agree with you. I think he is no better than Konsa and will prevent Konsa's growth within the squad.  That said, it may not be Tuanzebe.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: paul_e on July 16, 2020, 11:35:37 PM

Quote from: Newby on July 16, 2020, 10:53:01 PM

Quote from: WassallVillain on July 16, 2020, 10:46:13 PM

I’d be very underwhelmed with Axel. As someone said earlier great recovery pace, and it must be said we do need that, but very lacking in the main centre back necessity of heading. Add to that made of glass.

I agree with you. I think he is no better than Konsa and will prevent Konsa's growth within the squad.  That said, it may not be Tuanzebe.

Personally i think Konsa is a better player but Tuanzebe is slightly quicker and that masks a lot of problems.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: mr underhill on July 17, 2020, 06:29:29 AM

Axel has the structural integrity of melted chocolate. A no from me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Holy Trinity on July 17, 2020, 07:08:23 AM

I agree with some of the above posters that there is no chance in hell mings is here next season. His heads been turned and he's not interested. The fee is the only stumbling block but I highly doubt we will even see him ponce around villa Park with his pointless momentum killing balls back to the keeper from the halfway line or total disinterested approach to the game.
He's been a totally different player since his England debut and it saddens me to say it but I don't want him here after his capitulation in form. Konsa on the other hand will come good im sure. But he needs a better partner than mings to learn off and be organised by. A John Terry style centre back and leader would have Konsa come on in leaps and bounds!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Gary Penrice on July 17, 2020, 09:57:25 AM

A striker who can score goals would be nice!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: levico on July 17, 2020, 10:06:08 AM

Quote from: Gary Penrice on July 17, 2020, 09:57:25 AM

A striker who can score goals would be nice!

Absolutely. I had come to the conclusion that Samatta might be a handy asset in the Championship but his recent form leads me to think that he’d struggle in League 2.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Clampy on July 17, 2020, 10:12:31 AM

I thought Samatta looked decent before the lockdown but since we've been back, he's looking like a player who's playing his first games and struggling to adjust to the league. I think he's worth persevering with personally.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: ozzjim on July 18, 2020, 11:47:49 AM

Quote from: Holy Trinity on July 17, 2020, 07:08:23 AM

I agree with some of the above posters that there is no chance in hell mings is here next season. His heads been turned and he's not interested. The fee is the only stumbling block but I highly doubt we will even see him ponce around villa Park with his pointless momentum killing balls back to the keeper from the halfway line or total disinterested approach to the game.
He's been a totally different player since his England debut and it saddens me to say it but I don't want him here after his capitulation in form. Konsa on the other hand will come good im sure. But he needs a better partner than mings to learn off and be organised by. A John Terry style centre back and leader would have Konsa come on in leaps and bounds!

I just think this is incredibly harsh on Mings. I think he struggles more next to Hause with playing as 2 left footers, than he does with Konsa, but it is easy to forget that until he signed, he'd played much of his professional career at left back.

When we go down he will almost certainly go because of keeping his England squad place, which will be a shame. I do think Konsa has incredible potential though, and Hause is a much better player than people give him credit for. Get Engels fit and replace Mings with an experienced centre half we will have enough at the back next season. Our biggest mistake this season was taking Engels over Cahill, who would have helped Mings through the season.

If Bruce wants McGinn, to that knob head its £40 million minimum.

Jack will go anyway, but after those 3 and Doug back to Man City we need to draw the line, replace them well and move on. Get some pace out wide, potentially sell Samatta and buy a Gayle type that will get you 20 plus goals in the champ, and walk it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: gpbarr on July 18, 2020, 11:54:40 AM

Grealish, McGinn, Mings, and Luiz should collect over 100m for the club. The owners will no doubt add to the pot, and with parachute payments, we have an exciting (short!) summer ahead. If they stick with Dean, its a huge gamble and he has to have final say over who comes in.

this season could yet be the dawn of a better future.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 18, 2020, 12:01:16 PM

When can clubs buy players?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: aj2k77 on July 18, 2020, 12:08:50 PM

Mings, Grealish, McGinn, Trezeguet, Luiz, Engels are all likely to go. Samatta and Nakamba I'd sell anyway. Bree, Taylor, Elmo, Nyland, Hourihane, Lansbury, Jota and Davis in their final year of contracts. You could be looking at replacing more than 10 players again, including more than half the first team. It's a massive rebuild, again. One I don't think the recruitment team/scouts are up to.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 18, 2020, 12:14:49 PM

I think Engels might stay under a new manager, and some of the players with one year left on their contract would still be able to contribute, even if they don't renew their deals, just as Hutton, Jedinak, Adomah, Elphick and Whelan did.

Didn't realise Hot Lips' deal was nearly due up, I must admit. I'd definitely be offering him a new deal as, while not the greatest midfielder of all time, he is too good to walk out on a free.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Mister E on July 18, 2020, 12:31:46 PM

McGinn linked to the Barcodes on today's BBC rumours page; inevitably.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 18, 2020, 12:34:07 PM

I wouldn't be amazed if the Newcastle takeover saga drags out for months, and they find themselves unable to buy anyone. Even if it does go through, they'll likely want their own manager in and who knows whether the new bloke is going to be a big McGinn fan? If the sale goes through relatively smoothly, they'd be more likely to be shopping in Barcelona than Brum.

I'd be more concerned about Rodgers going back for McGinn with Leicester.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on July 18, 2020, 01:19:22 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on July 18, 2020, 12:08:50 PM

Mings, Grealish, McGinn, Trezeguet, Luiz, Engels are all likely to go. Samatta and Nakamba I'd sell anyway. Bree, Taylor, Elmo, Nyland, Hourihane, Lansbury, Jota and Davis in their final year of contracts. You could be looking at replacing more than 10 players again, including more than half the first team. It's a massive rebuild, again. One I don't think the recruitment team/scouts are up to.

I hope a complete rebuild doesn’t happen.  It’s a short summer so hopefully there will not be time for that many to leave. 

You’d imagine that players will have to force moves to make anything happen and I’m not sure McGinn is that sort of player.  Equally I don’t see how Man City benefit from re-signing Luis when a year bossing the championship would help his development.

Priority signings for me will be two wingers regardless of the division we are in so hopefully that planning is already underway.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: KevinGage on July 18, 2020, 01:24:08 PM

Luiz is highly thought of in the Brazil set up (earning his first full cap last year). 

I don't see how a year bossing the championship will help a player like that with his international ambitions.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: dave shelley on July 18, 2020, 01:24:52 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on July 18, 2020, 12:01:16 PM

When can clubs buy players?

Not sure but I think pretty much as soon as the final whistle on the last Premier League game finishes, or the day after.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: ozzjim on July 18, 2020, 01:25:14 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on July 18, 2020, 12:08:50 PM

Mings, Grealish, McGinn, Trezeguet, Luiz, Engels are all likely to go. Samatta and Nakamba I'd sell anyway. Bree, Taylor, Elmo, Nyland, Hourihane, Lansbury, Jota and Davis in their final year of contracts. You could be looking at replacing more than 10 players again, including more than half the first team. It's a massive rebuild, again. One I don't think the recruitment team/scouts are up to.

Unless we make a decent profit, only Grealish, Mings and Luiz should be allowed to go. The rest are easily good enough for the championship, and replacing 10 players would be pointless and not help us in the long run.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: OCD on July 18, 2020, 01:32:49 PM

Leicester's recruitment is really good. I would be surprised if they were prepared to pay top money for McGinn when they can probably find someone who could do very well for them without paying that kind of money.

With how good Luiz has been since Lockdown, it wouldn't surprise me if Guardiola activated Man City's clause and brought him back.

It's a shame we've not been able to consistently field a midfield central 3 of this Luiz, McGinn and Grealish. Luiz needed time to adjust and a pre-season, Jack has had to play wide because our wide players weren't good enough and McGinn's had injuries.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on July 18, 2020, 01:36:10 PM

Quote from: gpbarr on July 18, 2020, 11:54:40 AM

Grealish, McGinn, Mings, and Luiz should collect over 100m for the club. The owners will no doubt add to the pot, and with parachute payments, we have an exciting (short!) summer ahead. If they stick with Dean, its a huge gamble and he has to have final say over who comes in.

this season could yet be the dawn of a better future.

The last thing we need is another complete overhaul. I doubt we’ll have much choice but to lose the players you mention, but as we need to be smarter in revamping the squad.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: ozzjim on July 18, 2020, 01:39:53 PM

I think Wesley not being fit since new year has hurt the midfield. It's meant they have had a lot less time to get on the ball going forward. Injuries have buggered us completely really.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 18, 2020, 01:42:01 PM

Quote from: dave shelley on July 18, 2020, 01:24:52 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on July 18, 2020, 12:01:16 PM

When can clubs buy players?

Not sure but I think pretty much as soon as the final whistle on the last Premier League game finishes, or the day after.

Bit annoying it is so soon. I work by the airport, but I'm working from home at the moment. Won't be able to keep an eye out for Messi and Mbappe.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on July 18, 2020, 01:47:34 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on July 18, 2020, 12:08:50 PM

Mings, Grealish, McGinn, Trezeguet, Luiz, Engels are all likely to go. Samatta and Nakamba I'd sell anyway. Bree, Taylor, Elmo, Nyland, Hourihane, Lansbury, Jota and Davis in their final year of contracts. You could be looking at replacing more than 10 players again, including more than half the first team. It's a massive rebuild, again. One I don't think the recruitment team/scouts are up to.

Most of the squad players will have to stay even if they're not much good.

Going into next season with all its fixture congestion with a smaller senior squad than this season would be bizarre, remember we played a month of this season without an actual striker.

Edit: I thought Hourihane signed a new deal end of last season?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: mr underhill on July 18, 2020, 01:53:54 PM

i thought the transfer window was July 27th - October 5th with the Chumps starting on either 29th August or 12th September?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: eamonn on July 18, 2020, 02:22:35 PM

Hourihane did sign a new contract less than a year ago. He won't be off ifwe don't want him to leave.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 18, 2020, 02:37:43 PM

Oh, that's good then.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: MillerBall on July 18, 2020, 02:38:55 PM

On the issue of the forward players I suspect that we have players who may perhaps be ok in the Championship (could be a bit too much biff and bang for them) but most certainly not suitable for the premiership.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: mr underhill on July 18, 2020, 05:05:07 PM

I don't think we do - you need a goalscorer like Abraham to stand any chance of promotion and Samatta and Wesley are the polar opposite.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: CT on July 18, 2020, 05:06:20 PM

Quote from: mr underhill on July 18, 2020, 05:05:07 PM

I don't think we do - you need a goalscorer like Abraham to stand any chance of promotion and Samatta and Wesley are the polar opposite.

This is the issue. We’re hoping that players who can’t hit a barn door at the moment will suddenly turn into serious goal threats if we drop a division.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: SirSteveUK on July 18, 2020, 05:40:56 PM

Why would Engels leave?

Don't need to have wholesale departures. If we go dow, as has already been stated here, we will need a squad.

You just c@nnot keep ditching 10 players every f***ing season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on July 18, 2020, 05:44:53 PM

Quote from: SirSteveUK on July 18, 2020, 05:40:56 PM

You just c@nnot keep ditching 10 players every f***ing season.

you can if they're shit

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on July 18, 2020, 05:45:39 PM

Quote from: MillerBall on July 18, 2020, 02:38:55 PM

On the issue of the forward players I suspect that we have players who may perhaps be ok in the Championship (could be a bit too much biff and bang for them) but most certainly not suitable for the premiership.

Davis, Samatta and Wesley probably couldn't get 10 goals between them in any league

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: SirSteveUK on July 18, 2020, 05:47:58 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on July 18, 2020, 05:44:53 PM

Quote from: SirSteveUK on July 18, 2020, 05:40:56 PM

You just c@nnot keep ditching 10 players every f***ing season.

you can if they're shit

Well in that case League 2 here we come.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on July 18, 2020, 05:51:12 PM

Quote from: SirSteveUK on July 18, 2020, 05:47:58 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on July 18, 2020, 05:44:53 PM

Quote from: SirSteveUK on July 18, 2020, 05:40:56 PM

You just c@nnot keep ditching 10 players every f***ing season.

you can if they're shit

Well in that case League 2 here we come.

Do a wolves - double relegation... :D

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: ozzjim on July 18, 2020, 07:40:58 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on July 18, 2020, 05:45:39 PM

Quote from: MillerBall on July 18, 2020, 02:38:55 PM

On the issue of the forward players I suspect that we have players who may perhaps be ok in the Championship (could be a bit too much biff and bang for them) but most certainly not suitable for the premiership.

Davis, Samatta and Wesley probably couldn't get 10 goals between them in any league

Samatta and Wesley got about 40 between them in Belgium last season, Samatta scoring at Liverpool in the Champions league this season, and at Wembley against Man City for us. His confidence is on the floor, but there is a decent striker in him. Likewise Wesley, who had what, 5 or 6 league goals at Christmas? Nothing to say he would not have got to 12 or 13 had he stayed fit all season. This fuck em off they are all shit mentality is so short sighted.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Des Little on July 18, 2020, 07:52:01 PM

We are absolutely crying out for pace going forward. Right now our attacks are made at the pace of an asthmatic ant.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: KevinGage on July 18, 2020, 09:47:57 PM

Quote from: mr underhill on July 18, 2020, 05:05:07 PM

I don't think we do - you need a goalscorer like Abraham to stand any chance of promotion and Samatta and Wesley are the polar opposite.

Most of the sides who have been promoted in recent seasons have had a battery of forwards to call upon.  Abraham went above and beyond last season goals-wise.

The year before that, we had Davis, Kodjia, Hogan and Grabban who all chipped in with vital goals along the way to give us a chance.

Can see Samatta leaving (think there will still be a fair bit of demand for a forward who has scored goals in the Champions League recently) but probably for about the same we paid. Wesley will stay at least until January due to his rehabilitation. So him and Davis plus someone like Dwight Gayle and Kemar Roofe puts us in decent shape for what will be a dog of a season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on July 18, 2020, 10:14:01 PM

Doubt Wesley will be fit under October. It was a very serious injury let's not forget otherwise he'd have been back in three months like McGinn.

Is he even training now as you'd need a good six weeks to get the intensity up.

Also have to remember Kodj was never the same force after his two injuries in 2017.

In an ideal world I'd loan Davis out aswell. He could kick on getting regular starts somewhere else where there's less pressure and expectation.

In the tricky situation where no one would take us seriously if the club came out and said they'd want to smash the championship and then we have a starting striker as someone who's scored 3 goals since 2017. He isn't going to kick on just having 5-10 minute sub cameos either.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on July 18, 2020, 10:45:03 PM

Quote from: mr underhill on July 18, 2020, 05:05:07 PM

I don't think we do - you need a goalscorer like Abraham to stand any chance of promotion and Samatta and Wesley are the polar opposite.

The teams in the top two places in the Championship this year have done it with Patrick Bamford and Hal Robson-Kanu. Wesley has already scored more goals in the Premier League than Bamford in less appearances. He's only three short this season of Neal Maupay who many on here would have preferred as a signing and scored plenty in the Championship. He'd be absolutely fine in the championship.

If we are down I would like us to sign a grizzled older head up front as well though - someone like Grabban - as a good option to bring on and for Wesley/Davis to learn from.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: olaftab on July 18, 2020, 10:54:05 PM

Quote from: Mister E on July 18, 2020, 12:31:46 PM

McGinn linked to the Barcodes on today's BBC rumours page; inevitably.

No chance. With their new found filthy wealth they will shopping in Paris, Madrid and Barcelona.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: The_ads on July 18, 2020, 11:05:44 PM

I’d be getting Joe Lolley, Che Adams and Marc Albrighton. Making Luiz skipper and selling Grealish and Mings. We’d piss the league

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Steve67 on July 18, 2020, 11:49:28 PM

Quote from: olaftab on July 18, 2020, 10:54:05 PM

Quote from: Mister E on July 18, 2020, 12:31:46 PM

McGinn linked to the Barcodes on today's BBC rumours page; inevitably.

No chance. With their new found filthy wealth they will shopping in Paris, Madrid and Barcelona.

For their reserve players maybe.  Who, from those regions would want to go and live in Newcastle?  The only reason McGinn would go is because it's closer to his family in Scotland.  If he does go, I'd want a loan deal for Gayle and a swap for Hayden, plus lots of incoming money.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Mister E on July 19, 2020, 10:38:31 AM

Quote from: The_ads on July 18, 2020, 11:05:44 PM

I’d be getting Joe Lolley, Che Adams and Marc Albrighton. Making Luiz skipper and selling Grealish and Mings. We’d piss the league

You list 3 players that would definitely add some quality to our squad; could also do with a speedster.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: nigel on July 19, 2020, 10:49:17 AM

Quote from: Mister E on July 19, 2020, 10:38:31 AM

Quote from: The_ads on July 18, 2020, 11:05:44 PM

I’d be getting Joe Lolley, Che Adams and Marc Albrighton. Making Luiz skipper and selling Grealish and Mings. We’d piss the league

You list 3 players that would definitely add some quality to our squad; could also do with a speedster.

Che Adams is not a bad shout. is he getting any time at Southampton?
I think him and Wesley/Davis would make a good pairing up front.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Steve67 on July 19, 2020, 10:53:56 AM

Speed and physical presence are also required.  Che Adams is a good shout up front.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Clampy on July 19, 2020, 10:59:36 AM

I've never rated him. He possibly had his one good season like Gestede and got a big move out of it. I'd look elsewhere personally.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: garyellis on July 19, 2020, 11:08:22 AM

I wouldn't sell anyone other than Jack. Both McGinn and Mings are on long contracts there is no need to sell. If either fancy a season on the bench then that would be up to them. We need to make a statement if we go down that we will be coming straight back up and stronger.
I can't see the owners wanting/demanding anything less.
A goal scorer and some pace in the team with the cash from Jack is essential.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: PeterWithe on July 19, 2020, 11:10:07 AM

Quote from: garyellis on July 19, 2020, 11:08:22 AM

I wouldn't sell anyone other than Jack. Both McGinn and Mings are on long contracts there is no need to sell. If either fancy a season on the bench then that would be up to them. We need to make a statement if we go down that we will be coming straight back up and stronger.
I can't see the owners wanting/demanding anything less.
A goal scorer and some pace in the team with the cash from Jack is essential.

Maybe players will have clauses enabling them to leave in the event or relegation.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on July 19, 2020, 11:17:38 AM

Quote from: Newby on July 19, 2020, 10:53:56 AM

Speed and physical presence are also required.  Che Adams is a good shout up front.

My strategy with the strikers would be to utilise Wesley, Samatta and Davis in the championship.  I think between them, they are good enough to fill the central striker role.  The key bit is to sign wingers that can provide a goal threat.  The model being that Wesley is Firmino, we just need to find our Mane and Salah style players.

Once promoted I suspect that Abraham will be available having got bored of being on the bench for a whole season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: garyellis on July 19, 2020, 11:22:52 AM

Quote from: PeterWithe on July 19, 2020, 11:10:07 AM

Quote from: garyellis on July 19, 2020, 11:08:22 AM

I wouldn't sell anyone other than Jack. Both McGinn and Mings are on long contracts there is no need to sell. If either fancy a season on the bench then that would be up to them. We need to make a statement if we go down that we will be coming straight back up and stronger.
I can't see the owners wanting/demanding anything less.
A goal scorer and some pace in the team with the cash from Jack is essential.

Maybe players will have clauses enabling them to leave in the event or relegation.

The only one I can think of would be Douglas Luiz nobody else including Mings and McGinn. There is no way we did our business last summer exposing us to the mercy of relegation clauses. In fact just the opposite with potential reductions in the wage bill if we get relegated.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: steamer on July 19, 2020, 04:26:33 PM

Is Jack a done deal ?
Is there a release clause for relegation or a price let out ?
If we stay up, surely there is a contract in place.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: mr underhill on July 19, 2020, 05:42:37 PM

I honestly think he's off regardless - who knows it might be a cathartic moment similar to when Gray left and we rebuilt with the money.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on July 19, 2020, 05:53:07 PM

Quote from: Dante Lavelli on July 19, 2020, 11:17:38 AM

Quote from: Newby on July 19, 2020, 10:53:56 AM

Speed and physical presence are also required.  Che Adams is a good shout up front.

My strategy with the strikers would be to utilise Wesley, Samatta and Davis in the championship.  I think between them, they are good enough to fill the central striker role.  The key bit is to sign wingers that can provide a goal threat.  The model being that Wesley is Firmino, we just need to find our Mane and Salah style players.

Once promoted I suspect that Abraham will be available having got bored of being on the bench for a whole season.

I don’t see it in Davis. He just doesn’t look like he’s going to score.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: KevinGage on July 19, 2020, 06:07:46 PM

I reckon once he gets one he'll be off and running.  Maybe not in this league, but in the next step down.

Even in this league, his all-round game has looked good - and that's against decent defenders when he's often outnumbered and has had next to no service.

We go down and I hope he recaptures his form of the first part of the 17/18 season.  We stay up, I'd look to loan him out and see if he can get a run of games and build some confidence.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: KevinGage on July 19, 2020, 06:14:06 PM

Quote from: mr underhill on July 19, 2020, 05:42:37 PM

I honestly think he's off regardless - who knows it might be a cathartic moment similar to when Gray left and we rebuilt with the money.

I have a feeling Jack and McGinn could be off even if we stay up.  I was more bothered about that a few months ago, now less so.

They both look like they're playing within themselves since the restart.  In McGinn's case it could just readapting after a long-term injury.  But if the speculation has got to both and they're envisioning themselves playing elsewhere, let them at it.

Should we stay up, we should still get top dollar for both and will be in a good position to attract better quality for the rebuild.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on July 19, 2020, 06:19:46 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on July 19, 2020, 06:14:06 PM

Should we stay up, we should still get top dollar for both and will be in a good position to attract better quality for the rebuild.

Better than Jack and SJM?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: KevinGage on July 19, 2020, 06:21:49 PM

No, better quality than what will be available to us as a Championship club.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on July 19, 2020, 06:22:59 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on July 19, 2020, 06:21:49 PM

No, better quality than what will be available to us as a Championship club.

Ah, yes, see your point.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Steve67 on July 19, 2020, 06:51:19 PM

The sale of Grealish will at least stop pundits talking about us as a one man team. We need to rebuild with several good players in the side and not us having an over-reliance on a single individual.  Regardless of the division we find ourselves in.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on July 20, 2020, 12:15:28 AM

Quote from: KevinGage on July 19, 2020, 06:21:49 PM

No, better quality than what will be available to us as a Championship club.

If you ask me we signed better quality players in our three years in the championship!

If we do a great escape it's going to be a massive task to build a first 11 for 40-45 point range, we'd need our best transfer window since 2009.

With Grealish in god mode for a third of the season we've still averaged under a point a game.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: ozzjim on July 20, 2020, 08:09:34 AM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on July 20, 2020, 12:15:28 AM

Quote from: KevinGage on July 19, 2020, 06:21:49 PM

No, better quality than what will be available to us as a Championship club.

If you ask me we signed better quality players in our three years in the championship!

If we do a great escape it's going to be a massive task to build a first 11 for 40-45 point range, we'd need our best transfer window since 2009.

With Grealish in god mode for a third of the season we've still averaged under a point a game.

I actually think it will be easier. Players are better adapted now, and if you use the money to buy say 4 in the 25-30 m bracket, winger, striker, centre mid and maybe a centre back, you would be miles better next season. Got to be the right ones, and we won't survive so a moot point I guess. The El Ghazi miss at Everton is going to haunt us for many years.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Mister E on July 21, 2020, 01:42:32 PM

If we stay up, I wonder whether Abraham would be gettable. Chelsea are clearly looking to improve their goalscoring capability (Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech have already joined, and Kai Havertz is close to doing likewise. With Mount, H-Odoi, Pusilic and others also freescorers, will there be room in the squad for our Tammy?

Might well be a redundant question after this evening ...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: mr underhill on July 21, 2020, 02:03:55 PM

Fenerbache interested in Samatta apparently - at this rate half our signings will be going to Turkey! Impossible dream but I'd also love to see Abraham back.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on July 21, 2020, 02:10:02 PM

Quote from: mr underhill on July 21, 2020, 02:03:55 PM

Fenerbache interested in Samatta apparently - at this rate half our signings will be going to Turkey! Impossible dream but I'd also love to see Abraham back.

It's not impossible but he'll cost twice what he would have last summer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: OCD on July 21, 2020, 02:13:51 PM

At the moment Giroud is being preferred to Tammy so with Werner in the frame too, he's going to find opportunities few and far between at this rate.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: chrisw1 on July 21, 2020, 02:28:40 PM

Quote from: mr underhill on July 21, 2020, 02:03:55 PM

Fenerbache interested in Samatta apparently - at this rate half our signings will be going to Turkey! Impossible dream but I'd also love to see Abraham back.

I don't think Tammy would be likely to come if we've sold Jack.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: paul_e on July 21, 2020, 02:49:40 PM

Quote from: OCD on July 21, 2020, 02:13:51 PM

At the moment Giroud is being preferred to Tammy so with Werner in the frame too, he's going to find opportunities few and far between at this rate.

I like Tammy and think he did brilliantly for us but him struggling to get in ahead of Giroud despite his scoring record backs up my thinking from last summer that his all round game isn't strong enough for the premier league. Given they'd be looking for £40-50m I'm not sure he'd be a wise use of at least half of our budget.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Smithy on July 21, 2020, 03:21:22 PM

Quote from: paul_e on July 21, 2020, 02:49:40 PM

Quote from: OCD on July 21, 2020, 02:13:51 PM

At the moment Giroud is being preferred to Tammy so with Werner in the frame too, he's going to find opportunities few and far between at this rate.

I like Tammy and think he did brilliantly for us but him struggling to get in ahead of Giroud despite his scoring record backs up my thinking from last summer that his all round game isn't strong enough for the premier league. Given they'd be looking for £40-50m I'm not sure he'd be a wise use of at least half of our budget.

I don't think he'd be that much, particularly if not playing regularly.  Also, even at £40m, this season he would have been the difference between us being safe by now and hoping for a miracle.  In those terms, he's definitely worth it.

I don't think we'd get him though, unless we stay up, then it's a longshot, but possible.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: wince on July 21, 2020, 03:44:37 PM

Quote from: Newby on July 19, 2020, 06:51:19 PM

The sale of Grealish will at least stop pundits talking about us as a one man team. We need to rebuild with several good players in the side and not us having an over-reliance on a single individual.  Regardless of the division we find ourselves in.

Completely 100% agree. Having just him is hampering us as when he is off form it really shows. It will be sad to see him go but we need a squad full of team players of quality and not relying on talismans.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on July 21, 2020, 05:02:23 PM

our dog shit run has coincided with Grealish going about 12 games without a goal

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: sickbeggar on July 22, 2020, 11:41:09 AM

It's disappointing we're gonna have to find 2 forwards again if we stay up. Wesley whatever you think of him isn't gonna be upto speed till probably next year. Samatta could come good if he regains his confidence and finds his feet but you wouldn't want to be relying on it. Davis, well.. not a striker. So we'll need to spend big. Can't see Chelsea selling Abraham yet - they've caught a cold selling youngsters too early before. Not as our main striking recruit but i'd like us at least to bid for Cavani if leeds are seriously after him. its a fucking no-brainer with his record and experience.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Clampy on July 22, 2020, 11:59:28 AM

Quote from: paul_e on July 21, 2020, 02:49:40 PM

Quote from: OCD on July 21, 2020, 02:13:51 PM

At the moment Giroud is being preferred to Tammy so with Werner in the frame too, he's going to find opportunities few and far between at this rate.

I like Tammy and think he did brilliantly for us but him struggling to get in ahead of Giroud despite his scoring record backs up my thinking from last summer that his all round game isn't strong enough for the premier league. Given they'd be looking for £40-50m I'm not sure he'd be a wise use of at least half of our budget.

He's got 14 this season and 4 assists so I disagree that his all round game is not good enough for the Prem, especially as he's still only 22. I think he'd be a very wise investment for somebody.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on July 22, 2020, 12:04:12 PM

Quote from: Clampy on July 22, 2020, 11:59:28 AM

Quote from: paul_e on July 21, 2020, 02:49:40 PM

Quote from: OCD on July 21, 2020, 02:13:51 PM

At the moment Giroud is being preferred to Tammy so with Werner in the frame too, he's going to find opportunities few and far between at this rate.

I like Tammy and think he did brilliantly for us but him struggling to get in ahead of Giroud despite his scoring record backs up my thinking from last summer that his all round game isn't strong enough for the premier league. Given they'd be looking for £40-50m I'm not sure he'd be a wise use of at least half of our budget.

He's got 14 this season and 4 assists so I disagree that his all round game is not good enough for the Prem, especially as he's still only 22. I think he'd be a very wise investment for somebody.

Agree. IF we stay up, assuming the owners are willing to walk the walk regarding investment, I'd say give them whatever they want for Tammy.

Particularly with talk of FFP being relaxed for next season*, we might as well take advantage and buy big if/while we can. We need to, after all.

*(I appreciate it's not as simple as that in the long term, but we need a proper striker and it may be a risk worth taking)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: OCD on July 22, 2020, 12:46:35 PM

He would be a great signing for us and where we are and only possible with the right results Sunday.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: paul_e on July 22, 2020, 12:58:49 PM

Quote from: Clampy on July 22, 2020, 11:59:28 AM

Quote from: paul_e on July 21, 2020, 02:49:40 PM

Quote from: OCD on July 21, 2020, 02:13:51 PM

At the moment Giroud is being preferred to Tammy so with Werner in the frame too, he's going to find opportunities few and far between at this rate.

I like Tammy and think he did brilliantly for us but him struggling to get in ahead of Giroud despite his scoring record backs up my thinking from last summer that his all round game isn't strong enough for the premier league. Given they'd be looking for £40-50m I'm not sure he'd be a wise use of at least half of our budget.

He's got 14 this season and 4 assists so I disagree that his all round game is not good enough for the Prem, especially as he's still only 22. I think he'd be a very wise investment for somebody.

Chelsea are playing Giroud ahead of him because he leads the line better, that's despite him scoring goals and getting a few assists. It's because Tammy is great in the box but offers very little elsewhere. In the championship that's fine, in a team where there's 3-4 creative players putting things on a plate for him it's fine but otherwise you lose something. Lampard has clearly seen that and uses him as an impact sub instead.

To be clear I do like Tammy and I think there's definitely a place for a poacher like him in a team that wants to be top half/challenge for Europe but I just think the fee will be too steep, I thought exactly the same last summer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Clampy on July 22, 2020, 01:09:53 PM

I don't think 14 goals is too shabby really, especially as he was out injured before the lockdown. That may explain why Giroud is in at the moment, maybe Tammy is working his way back to fitness, a bit like McGinn still is. As for his all round game, I don't remember too many complaints about that whilst he was here.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Small Rodent on July 22, 2020, 01:49:24 PM

Tammy has the ability to be in the right place to nab goals. He is an instinctive player.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: paul_e on July 22, 2020, 02:08:17 PM

To be clear I'm not saying he's a bad player, just pointing out that I don't think using half our summer budget on him would be wise.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on July 22, 2020, 02:09:41 PM

Quote from: paul_e on July 22, 2020, 02:08:17 PM

To be clear I'm not saying he's a bad player, just pointing out that I don't think using half our summer budget on him would be wise.

If we stay up our transfer budget will be ridiculous. Jacks fee + £150m ‘could’ be spent

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: paul_e on July 22, 2020, 02:13:49 PM

80-100m is more realistic in my opinion. If Jack leaves and we get a maguire level fee then Tammy becomes an option

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on July 22, 2020, 02:15:46 PM

Quote from: paul_e on July 22, 2020, 02:13:49 PM

80-100m is more realistic in my opinion. If Jack leaves and we get a maguireevel fee then Tammy becomes an option

Chelsea loan to buy deal could suit both parties

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: mr underhill on July 22, 2020, 02:50:42 PM

of course we won't be Abraham's only suitor but I always thought he did develop an affinity to us last season. The crowd loved him and he loved the crowd.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: chrisw1 on July 22, 2020, 03:23:57 PM

Quote from: mr underhill on July 22, 2020, 02:50:42 PM

of course we won't be Abraham's only suitor but I always thought he did develop an affinity to us last season. The crowd loved him and he loved the crowd.

I think he will want to fight for his place at Chelsea.  If they make it clear he doesn't have a role then there would be a chance, but I can't see it.  I also think if we've sold Jack that would put him off.

 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: KevinGage on July 22, 2020, 03:43:36 PM

He’s a young player who handled the step up well to the top flight this year.

As well as the attacking threat he’d obviously bring he also played his part in making us more defensively resolute from set pieces.

He’s good in both boxes.

So it’s a yes from me, should we stay up.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Nii Lamptey on July 22, 2020, 03:45:40 PM

But would he come if Jack is going out of the exit door at the same time?

Jack was a big factor in him not ditching us in the January window for a move to Wolves remember.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: JJ-AV on July 22, 2020, 04:45:37 PM

If we have the money and we stay up, going right in for Tammy with a big offer on Monday might be smart. He and Jack are very good mates too...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on July 22, 2020, 04:47:08 PM

If we stay up think Buendia will be a very realistic signing in 15-20m range.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on July 22, 2020, 04:51:04 PM

I can't believe we're still in with a shout for staying up with the worst set of forwards we've ever had in The Premier League.

I think Gestede, Ayew, Sinclair and Agbonlahor were better.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Jockey Randall on July 22, 2020, 04:54:11 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on July 22, 2020, 04:47:08 PM

If we stay up think Buendia will be a very realistic signing in 15-20m range.

Buendia would be one I would be keen on if we lost Jack. I think he might go to an Everton or Spurs though.

I see we've been linked with John Swift in the Reading chronicle. 6 goals and 10 assists in the Championship this season. Sheffield United and Leeds also want him apparently.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on July 22, 2020, 04:59:53 PM

I'd go for Callum Wilson if Bournemouth go down and we stay up.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: paul_e on July 22, 2020, 07:19:14 PM

If we stay up I'm not sure I like the idea of targeting the relegated teams for players but I'd probably make an exception for Buendia if Jack leaves, I think he'd be a perfect replacement and would leave us with plenty of cash to use of the other 3-4 signings we'd need.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: ldavfc4eva on July 22, 2020, 07:27:52 PM

If we stay up then I think Jack will quite rightly be asking what calibre of player we will be going for.

Tammy and Callum Wilson are the level where he may think stay here and give it another season just to see where we can get to, if we go down the Untested route though again then he will be off.

On the flip side we may want to cash in if we have a massive offer and then try and attract the calibre of Tammy and Wilson which may be the wrong way of going about it if Jack could be the one to help lure a few of the better quality Players here- if you know what I mean.

We need to stay up first obviously

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: sickbeggar on July 22, 2020, 07:32:12 PM

Cavani man.  Would cost us less in wages than Samatta cost. Sell loads of shirts, help the younger players. Still have money left for another striker. If he ends up at Leeds I'll cry.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Daley’s dreads on July 22, 2020, 07:52:14 PM

What do people think of Osayi-Samuel and Eze from QPR? Lots of potential in both. Eze would be difficult if we went down I’d imagine.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on July 22, 2020, 07:54:58 PM

Quote from: Daley’s dreads on July 22, 2020, 07:52:14 PM

What do people think of Osayi-Samuel and Eze from QPR? Lots of potential in both. Eze would be difficult if we went down I’d imagine.

Osayi-Samuel is off to Bruges in Belgium I think I read. Eze's a good shout.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Three Spires Villa on July 22, 2020, 08:52:59 PM

Eze is a good player, yes every day

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on July 22, 2020, 09:03:58 PM

Quote from: mr underhill on July 22, 2020, 02:50:42 PM

of course we won't be Abraham's only suitor but I always thought he did develop an affinity to us last season. The crowd loved him and he loved the crowd.

This is one of the reasons I hope we utilise the loan market.  Get quality youngsters in and hope they recognise our awesomeness  whilst here.  Put it another way, I don’t think many clubs could tempt Tammy away from Chelsea but we’d be top of the list after the “top six”.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: curiousorange on July 22, 2020, 09:37:31 PM

Joe Lolley worth a look now Forest have bottled it?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on July 22, 2020, 10:15:01 PM

Lolley always looks pretty average to me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 22, 2020, 11:30:29 PM

"Always"? Did you not see him play against Villa? I'm not saying he's the answer, but to say he has "always" looked average when he, literally, set up FIVE goals against us in one game seems a bit unfair.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on July 22, 2020, 11:32:40 PM

He's a player I think we'll target if we go down.

Would be shocked if he's on our targets if we stay up though. International quality winger is needed and then you keep one of the two we already have and hope they kick on a bit more. Surprisingly Trez is leading that race currently.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: mr underhill on July 23, 2020, 07:55:19 AM

I've been an admirer of Eze's for a while but his ship, and Benrahma's, has sailed for us, clubs with more obvious appeal are now circling.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: LeeB on July 23, 2020, 08:06:21 AM

Quote from: mr underhill on July 23, 2020, 07:55:19 AM

I've been an admirer of Eze's for a while but his ship, and Benrahma's, has sailed for us, clubs with more obvious appeal are now circling.

We haven't got enough to tempt players from Brentford and QPR?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: PeterWithe on July 23, 2020, 08:14:38 AM

If the worst happens I’d be looking at getting Grabban in.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: chrisw1 on July 23, 2020, 08:27:30 AM

Quote from: LeeB on July 23, 2020, 08:06:21 AM

Quote from: mr underhill on July 23, 2020, 07:55:19 AM

I've been an admirer of Eze's for a while but his ship, and Benrahma's, has sailed for us, clubs with more obvious appeal are now circling.

We haven't got enough to tempt players from Brentford and QPR?

He didn't say that he said other clubs are looking who the players may prefer given how we've struggled this season.  They may be gettable, but they may prefer the likes of Newcastle, Wolves or Everton if that option is there for them.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: frank black on July 23, 2020, 08:33:30 AM

Just hope we go for 3/4 quality additions and 2 absolute gems in midfield to replace Jack and Luiz

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Mister E on July 23, 2020, 08:36:24 AM

Callum Wilson would be a good shout if we stay up, as long as our attacking strategy next season isn't to simply lump the ball.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on July 23, 2020, 08:38:07 AM

Quote from: Mister E on July 23, 2020, 08:36:24 AM

Callum Wilson would be a good shout if we stay up, as long as our attacking strategy next season isn't to simply lump the ball.

Agreed, would be a clever signing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Dave on July 23, 2020, 08:39:25 AM

Midlands boy as well so might be happy with a move back home.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: chrisw1 on July 23, 2020, 08:41:33 AM

Callum Wilson is a decent player, but far from prolific.  I was surprised to see his league scoring stats for the last 4 years most recent first are 7, 14, 8 & 6.  I'm no fan of Wesley, but if he'd stayed fit he would probably have matched three of those four years.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: sickbeggar on July 23, 2020, 09:02:19 AM

If we stay up, I'm not sure we should be looking mainly at promising championship players really unless they're for the squad to be eased in gradually. We started the season with a squad of them after all. Now we need a bit more experience in the side and probably will be able to attract players from the premiership or at least players from the top divisions in Europe if we survive. Obviously that depends if the money is there, but following a transfer strategy for a Bournemouth or Brighton is only going to end one way eventually.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: LeeB on July 23, 2020, 09:07:31 AM

Quote from: chrisw1 on July 23, 2020, 08:27:30 AM

Quote from: LeeB on July 23, 2020, 08:06:21 AM

Quote from: mr underhill on July 23, 2020, 07:55:19 AM

I've been an admirer of Eze's for a while but his ship, and Benrahma's, has sailed for us, clubs with more obvious appeal are now circling.

We haven't got enough to tempt players from Brentford and QPR?

He didn't say that he said other clubs are looking who the players may prefer given how we've struggled this season.  They may be gettable, but they may prefer the likes of Newcastle, Wolves or Everton if that option is there for them.

I wouldn't be so sure of that, players from the Championship are unlikely to walk into Wolves team at present. There may be more attractive suitors (obviously there aren't, but for the purposes of discussion), but do you want to move and be a squad player or to be first choice?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: chrisw1 on July 23, 2020, 09:16:28 AM

IF we stay up and Fulham fail in the playoffs - would Mitrovic be gettable?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: LeeB on July 23, 2020, 09:20:40 AM

Quote from: chrisw1 on July 23, 2020, 09:16:28 AM

IF we stay up and Fulham fail in the playoffs - would Mitrovic be gettable?

Hopefully not, he seems to struggle with the step up a division.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: chrisw1 on July 23, 2020, 09:32:37 AM

Quote from: LeeB on July 23, 2020, 09:20:40 AM

Quote from: chrisw1 on July 23, 2020, 09:16:28 AM

IF we stay up and Fulham fail in the playoffs - would Mitrovic be gettable?

Hopefully not, he seems to struggle with the step up a division.

He was quite young when he was at Newcastle.  Yes 11 for Fulham on the PL wasn't pulling up trees, but not too bad for such a poor team and more than Callum Wilson got in 3 of his last 4 seasons.  Overall he's scored 49 goals in 93 league appearances for Fulham, including that 'poor' PL season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: aj2k77 on July 23, 2020, 09:41:58 AM

Pace and more physical strength needed. Centre forward, both wide players, a left back and a replacement for Grealish if he's sold. That's the priority for me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Clampy on July 23, 2020, 09:53:20 AM

I'd like to see us try and bring in Dwight Gayle  to add to the squad regardless of what division we are in. Still only 29 and a bit of experience and pace up front wouldn't go amiss.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Villan82 on July 23, 2020, 10:07:35 AM

If, and still a big if, we stay up, negotiating to keep Jack, Douglas Luiz, McGinn and Mings would be my priority. We simply must try to build the team around these four players. Also, I wouldn't quite give up on Wesley. i thought he looked like a player with potential and reckon he would have got to 8-9 goals for the season if he hadn't got injured.

Then, the wish list would be:

Tammy (or another marquee striker)
Tuanzebe to partner Mings
Benrahma as an upgrade winger
A central midfield option with premier league experience. Here, I can't really think of a name to be honest. I mean, a Capoue/James McCarthy type to add much needed experience to the squad.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Duncan Shaw on July 23, 2020, 10:11:00 AM

Quote from: Villan82 on July 23, 2020, 10:07:35 AM

If, and still a big if, we stay up, negotiating to keep Jack, Douglas Luiz, McGinn and Mings would be my priority. We simply must try to build the team around these four players. Also, I wouldn't quite give up on Wesley. i thought he looked like a player with potential and reckon he would have got to 8-9 goals for the season if he hadn't got injured.

Then, the wish list would be:

Tammy (or another marquee striker)
Tuanzebe to partner Mings
Benrahma as an upgrade winger
A central midfield option with premier league experience. Here, I can't really think of a name to be honest. I mean, a Capoue/James McCarthy type to add much needed experience to the squad.

I'm very much on board with your thinking, apart from maybe we have seen Konsa's emergence to perhaps negate the need for Tuanzebe?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Villan82 on July 23, 2020, 10:19:29 AM

Quote from: Duncan Shaw on July 23, 2020, 10:11:00 AM

Quote from: Villan82 on July 23, 2020, 10:07:35 AM

If, and still a big if, we stay up, negotiating to keep Jack, Douglas Luiz, McGinn and Mings would be my priority. We simply must try to build the team around these four players. Also, I wouldn't quite give up on Wesley. i thought he looked like a player with potential and reckon he would have got to 8-9 goals for the season if he hadn't got injured.

Then, the wish list would be:

Tammy (or another marquee striker)
Tuanzebe to partner Mings
Benrahma as an upgrade winger
A central midfield option with premier league experience. Here, I can't really think of a name to be honest. I mean, a Capoue/James McCarthy type to add much needed experience to the squad.

I'm very much on board with your thinking, apart from maybe we have seen Konsa's emergence to perhaps negate the need for Tuanzebe?

I agree on Konsa to a large extent. However, my thinking is, if we want to progress we need more quality in the first team and more competition for places. Instead of Hause as a back-up have Konsa as the back-up centre back and would compete with Fred for right-back depending on the opposition. Or we also would then have the three at the back option. Konsa would still get, say, 18-20 starts a season if Tuanzebe came in.

Edit- we simply have to ensure we don't leak so many goals.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on July 23, 2020, 10:19:48 AM

It's good to have options of course.

If we survive --
1st choice: Tammy
Plan B/C etc: Wilson; Gayle
If we go down--
Any from: Watkins, Wells, Grabban

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on July 23, 2020, 10:20:01 AM

Quote from: Clampy on July 23, 2020, 09:53:20 AM

I'd like to see us try and bring in Dwight Gayle  to add to the squad regardless of what division we are in. Still only 29 and a bit of experience and pace up front wouldn't go amiss.

In the Championship definitely, he's very good at that level.

In his last five seasons in the Premier though he's scored 7 (23 games), 5 (from 25), 3 (from 16), 6 (from 35) and 3 (from 17) goals. I'd hope we go for better if we're staying up, we've got enough strikers who don't get many goals.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Mister E on July 23, 2020, 10:28:04 AM

2 good midfielders to support McGinn and Luiz; 1 striker (quick and tricky); 1 LB to give Targett proper competition; possibly a CB.
Get rid of several of the dead weight players in the squad.
Promote 3-4 youngsters into the squad and give them some gametime.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on July 23, 2020, 10:32:01 AM

Quote from: Mister E on July 23, 2020, 10:28:04 AM

2 good midfielders to support McGinn and Luiz; 1 striker (quick and tricky); 1 LB to give Targett proper competition; possibly a CB.
Get rid of several of the dead weight players in the squad.
Promote 3-4 youngsters into the squad and give them some gametime.

Sounds about right to me.

I'd say a a big, scary defensive midfielder and a fast skilful winger, then a striker and LB as you mention. Plus a Jack replacement if he goes.

Quality not quantity this summer.

I'd also like to see a couple of the leading youngsters go out on loan aged 18-19, not wait until they are 21+ like RHM and O'Hare.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: sickbeggar on July 23, 2020, 10:42:20 AM

We need more than 1 striker frankly. I mean when are people expecting Wesley to return? I can't see him being back and upto speed until 2021, so unless we fancy relying on the likes of Samatta and Davis then we need 2.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: paul_e on July 23, 2020, 10:45:07 AM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on July 23, 2020, 10:32:01 AM

Quote from: Mister E on July 23, 2020, 10:28:04 AM

2 good midfielders to support McGinn and Luiz; 1 striker (quick and tricky); 1 LB to give Targett proper competition; possibly a CB.
Get rid of several of the dead weight players in the squad.
Promote 3-4 youngsters into the squad and give them some gametime.

Sounds about right to me.

I'd say a a big, scary defensive midfielder and a fast skilful winger, then a striker and LB as you mention. Plus a Jack replacement if he goes.

Quality not quantity this summer.

I'd also like to see a couple of the leading youngsters go out on loan aged 18-19, not wait until they are 21+ like RHM and O'Hare.

Yep, this is where I'm at and in that order, a physical presence in midfield and a winger with pace have to come in as soon as possible and at almost any cost. Once that's done I'd look at the options for a striker and left back.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: frank black on July 23, 2020, 10:51:56 AM

Quote from: Duncan Shaw on July 23, 2020, 10:11:00 AM

Quote from: Villan82 on July 23, 2020, 10:07:35 AM

If, and still a big if, we stay up, negotiating to keep Jack, Douglas Luiz, McGinn and Mings would be my priority. We simply must try to build the team around these four players. Also, I wouldn't quite give up on Wesley. i thought he looked like a player with potential and reckon he would have got to 8-9 goals for the season if he hadn't got injured.

Then, the wish list would be:

Tammy (or another marquee striker)
Tuanzebe to partner Mings
Benrahma as an upgrade winger
A central midfield option with premier league experience. Here, I can't really think of a name to be honest. I mean, a Capoue/James McCarthy type to add much needed experience to the squad.

I'm very much on board with your thinking, apart from maybe we have seen Konsa's emergence to perhaps negate the need for Tuanzebe?

Me too, keeping Luiz would be amazing, keeping Jack absolutely mind blowing. I can’t see this happening especially as Man City can just buy Luiz back and sell him on if they choose....Keeping players is definitely a statement of intent

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on July 23, 2020, 11:07:43 AM

Quote from: sickbeggar on July 23, 2020, 10:42:20 AM

We need more than 1 striker frankly. I mean when are people expecting Wesley to return? I can't see him being back and upto speed until 2021, so unless we fancy relying on the likes of Samatta and Davis then we need 2.

While seeing your point, I don't want us to go down the road we travelled last summer of a £7m Trez and £8m El Ghazi instead of an £18m Bowen (for example) so that we have 'enough' players.

I know our owners are rich but the budget still isn't going to be limitless. I'd prefer one very expensive 25 goal a season striker than a couple of £10-15m 8-10 goal strikers.

If there's money left over at the end to sign extras great, but it needs to be 3-4 quality players in key positions first.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: sickbeggar on July 23, 2020, 11:12:56 AM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on July 23, 2020, 11:07:43 AM

Quote from: sickbeggar on July 23, 2020, 10:42:20 AM

We need more than 1 striker frankly. I mean when are people expecting Wesley to return? I can't see him being back and upto speed until 2021, so unless we fancy relying on the likes of Samatta and Davis then we need 2.

While seeing your point, I don't want us to go down the road we travelled last summer of a £7m Trez and £8m El Ghazi instead of an £18m Bowen (for example) so that we have 'enough' players.

I know our owners are rich but the budget still isn't going to be limitless. I'd prefer one very expensive 25 goal a season striker than a couple of £10-15m 8-10 goal strikers.

If there's money left over at the end to sign extras great, but it needs to be 3-4 quality players in key positions first.

Fair enough but relying on 1 striker to stay fit when the others can't hit a barndoor with a banjo makes me a bit......nervous

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: mr underhill on July 23, 2020, 11:28:23 AM

unquestionably 2 strikers needed and one of Samatta/Davis to go.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on July 23, 2020, 11:30:21 AM

Quote from: mr underhill on July 23, 2020, 11:28:23 AM

unquestionably 2 strikers needed and one of Samatta/Davis to go.

Ah, if one of the others go then definitely another replacement would be needed. I'd keep Davis personally.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: mr underhill on July 23, 2020, 11:31:24 AM

he might be better playing behind the main striker? as would Wesley, I think.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on July 23, 2020, 11:33:34 AM

Abraham and Benteke?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Drummond on July 23, 2020, 12:26:02 PM

Abraham I'd go for but some of the other suggestions over the past couple of pages, no thanks. Benteke if we go down perhaps but not in the Premier League.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: paul_e on July 23, 2020, 12:40:33 PM

I'm optimisitic for next season but if our main attacking signing was Wilson, Gayle or Mitrovic I'd struggle to see any positives.

Last summer there was a rumour we were looking for another striker and one of the names mentioned was Ben-Yedder who's spent a year scoring for fun in France. That's the sort of striker we should be going for, 1 that could genuinely be in the mix for top scorer in the league. signing late 20s/ early 30s strikers who've barely ever managed to get double figures in the premier league despite many chances is just wasting money for the sake of it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: mallo on July 23, 2020, 12:45:20 PM

Surely without having to lay out another 100M we can go out and get 2 strikers? Even if we pay £45M for one (caveat decent one) and stop trying to get young hopefuls we should be avoiding the relegation battle. Add in a couple of midfielders and we'd have enough. We'll see the ambition properly this time - no excuses.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: ROBBO on July 23, 2020, 01:43:41 PM

Strange with Abraham, last season with us he was unstopable for a good part of the season and faded toward the end, it seems the same with Chelsea he was an automatic pick but seems to have faded and is now coming off the bench. Could just be an age thing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Mister E on July 23, 2020, 01:48:08 PM

Quote from: ROBBO on July 23, 2020, 01:43:41 PM

Strange with Abraham, last season with us he was unstopable for a good part of the season and faded toward the end, it seems the same with Chelsea he was an automatic pick but seems to have faded and is now coming off the bench. Could just be an age thing.

And, it could be that the opponents have sussed him out as the season has gone on (and / or, opposition teams gave him too much space earlier on in the season, as our defence did at SB) .

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: paul_e on July 23, 2020, 02:25:23 PM

Quote from: mallo on July 23, 2020, 12:45:20 PM

Surely without having to lay out another 100M we can go out and get 2 strikers? Even if we pay £45M for one (caveat decent one) and stop trying to get young hopefuls we should be avoiding the relegation battle. Add in a couple of midfielders and we'd have enough. We'll see the ambition properly this time - no excuses.

Spending £40-45m on a striker doesn't guarantee anything (Joelinton and Haller are the proof here). More important is good scouting and getting someone with the right attributes to fill our needs. The top 2 are pace and finishing.

The biggest problem though is the squad size limits. We can registered 25 players that are over 21. That's 2 for each position, a 3rd keeper and 2 spare outfield players. Given we play 1 up front 3 strikers on the books is fine, especially if we have 4 wingers and 1-2 of them can play centrally. Given the squad we have right now Jota being replaced gives 1 spot as a winger and a second spot is either replacing Davis/Samatta or leaving Wesley out of the squad until the January window to give us the 1 striker. If you go for a 2nd new striker then you're saying Wesley is definitely out until January and I don't think that's the case.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: darren woolley on July 23, 2020, 02:46:16 PM

I would love us to sign Tammy Abraham.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: algy on July 23, 2020, 08:30:30 PM

If think the priority should be getting upgrades for Drinkwater & Baston, plus as an optional extra maybe Lansbury or Jota if we can shift them. Can see what happens when you spread money around too thinly. We didn't have much choice but to do that this season, but next year I'd rather we brought in small numbers of higher quality players.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: AV82EC on July 23, 2020, 10:26:06 PM

Small numbers of high quality players is exactly what we should be doing.

1 x winger preferably left sided with pace
1 x centre forward With pace
1 x central midfielder built like a brick shithouse.

Not much change out of £80-£100m with that lot.

Top that up with a reserve left back, reserve centre back and a jobbing midfielder and I’d be happy.

To make room for that lot I’d let AEG, Engels, Drinkwater, Jota, Lansbury and Taylor go and send Davis on loan. I think Hogans deal runs out as well so he’d be released as well. I’d include 1 or 2 upcoming youth players in the 25, though would that waste spaces as you’d be able to use them anyway?

This of course assumes we stay up.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on July 23, 2020, 10:28:19 PM

I think Hogan has another year, but with Chelts having an in with pet insurance I can imagine there's a deal to be done.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Risso on July 23, 2020, 10:33:36 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on July 23, 2020, 10:28:19 PM

I think Hogan has another year, but with Chelts having an in with pet insurance I can imagine there's a deal to be done.

Ah the old sack, rope and canal solution.

"Daddy, where's Scotty gone."

"Gone to live on a farm in Wales son."

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: olaftab on July 23, 2020, 11:18:05 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on July 23, 2020, 10:28:19 PM

I think Hogan has another year, but with Chelts having an in with pet insurance I can imagine there's a deal to be done.

So pet food factory it is then?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on July 23, 2020, 11:20:12 PM

Quote from: olaftab on July 23, 2020, 11:18:05 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on July 23, 2020, 10:28:19 PM

I think Hogan has another year, but with Chelts having an in with pet insurance I can imagine there's a deal to be done.

So pet food factory it is then?

I was thinking he had a future in beach transit but, ultimately, we need a signed order form.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: TonyD on July 24, 2020, 01:00:27 AM

If we stay up we need to spend big on a proven striker.

Like when we signed Bent.   

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Hillbilly on July 24, 2020, 02:54:37 AM

Bid for Troy Deeney just to piss him off.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: steamer on July 24, 2020, 07:23:35 AM

What i would not want is Jack to go to one of "the big 4" and we get an assortmen. of cast offs or never will make its big time. at an inflated valuation to make us think we had done a "Bellingam" I would include Axel and Tammy in that category.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: ldavfc4eva on July 24, 2020, 07:54:05 AM

Just ref the big scary central midfielder, if Bournemouth and Watford go down they have a few to choose from.

Capoue and Doucoure at Watford and then Billing at Bournemouth.

I quite liked Chalobah at Watford but he seems to have been very quiet for a while.

Others from those teams are Ake, Lerma and Josh King from Bournemouth and then Watford have Craig Dawson (solid experienced CB), Andre Grey, Deulefeu and Sarr as attacking options.

I can imagine Ake, Sarr and Deulefeu costing the earth so Dawson, Capoue and King would be my picks if I had to - plenty more players in the world to pick from, just trying to rationalise who I think is decent from those two teams.

Norwich wise I think they are all gash, possibly Buendia would do a job but a bit of a show pony.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: KevinGage on July 24, 2020, 08:06:04 AM

Quote from: steamer on July 24, 2020, 07:23:35 AM

What i would not want is Jack to go to one of "the big 4" and we get an assortmen. of cast offs or never will make its big time. at an inflated valuation to make us think we had done a "Bellingam" I would include Axel and Tammy in that category.

Axel yes (much as I like him).  But Tammy will move for big darts should Chelsea decide to sell, so a swap + cash adjustment there would be palatable.

I'd prefer it if Jack went abroad, but if it was to one of the top 4, better it be Chelsea or Man City than the other pair of wankers. Or Tottingham.  As a rule of thumb, anything that pisses on Yanited's chips and has the potential to turn Fergiescum even more purple is OK by me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on July 24, 2020, 08:07:06 AM

Dawson’s legs have gone..
Ake will have a lot of interest
Starr is one for the future and is very quick we really need some pace
King and Grey increasingly look like flashes in the pan.
I think Cantwell will be a good player. Aarans looks a prospect.
Dacourie I like, Billings just kicks people.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: mr underhill on July 24, 2020, 08:58:52 AM

from me its a no to all of those.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 24, 2020, 09:01:14 AM

Yes to Cantwell, not sure about the rest, no to Tuanzebe, always injured. Unless you could get him for a Hause type bargain basement fee, or the equivalent thereof if he's part-exchanged, I think you'd get better value elsewhere.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: JD on July 24, 2020, 09:16:13 AM

If we need a new left back sign Liberato Cacace from Wellington Phoenix. Brilliant attacking left back and good defender. Still very young.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Fred Crump on July 24, 2020, 09:18:50 AM

Quote from: JD on July 24, 2020, 09:16:13 AM

If we need a new left back sign Liberato Cacace from Wellington Phoenix. Brilliant attacking left back and good defender. Still very young.

I don’t really care if he can play football, I’d sign him just for his brilliant name !!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Clampy on July 24, 2020, 09:20:08 AM

I'm not keen on Cantwell. He looks ok but he has being playing in a very poor side. I'd look elsewhere.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: mr underhill on July 24, 2020, 09:20:50 AM

plus he's got really dodgy hair.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: manic-road on July 24, 2020, 09:27:04 AM

Quote from: Clampy on July 24, 2020, 09:20:08 AM

I'm not keen on Cantwell. He looks ok but he has being playing in a very poor side. I'd look elsewhere.

I don't see what playing in a poor side has got to do with a players ability, Cantwell will leave for a hefty sum I reckon.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 24, 2020, 09:30:13 AM

Quote from: Clampy on July 24, 2020, 09:20:08 AM

I'm not keen on Cantwell. He looks ok but he has being playing in a very poor side. I'd look elsewhere.

Bizarre argument. Surely looking good in a good team is a lot easier than looking good in a poor team? I'd only sign him if Grealish went, mind.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Mister E on July 24, 2020, 09:31:47 AM

Quote from: Clampy on July 24, 2020, 09:20:08 AM

I'm not keen on Cantwell. He looks ok but he has being playing in a very poor side. I'd look elsewhere.

some would say the same of Grealish.


Just sayin'.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on July 24, 2020, 09:33:39 AM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on July 24, 2020, 09:30:13 AM

Quote from: Clampy on July 24, 2020, 09:20:08 AM

I'm not keen on Cantwell. He looks ok but he has being playing in a very poor side. I'd look elsewhere.

Bizarre argument. Surely looking good in a good team is a lot easier than looking good in a poor team? I'd only sign him if Grealish went, mind.

The dodgy hair argument wins it for me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: chrisw1 on July 24, 2020, 09:37:38 AM

We're probably getting a bit (lot) ahead of ourselves here.  But yes, I think Cantwell, Buendia and Doucoure would all be good signings. Deulofeu also has quality.

I agree with Manic, I'd be surprised if there's not a few clubs in for Cantwell.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Clampy on July 24, 2020, 09:39:01 AM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on July 24, 2020, 09:30:13 AM

Quote from: Clampy on July 24, 2020, 09:20:08 AM

I'm not keen on Cantwell. He looks ok but he has being playing in a very poor side. I'd look elsewhere.

Bizarre argument. Surely looking good in a good team is a lot easier than looking good in a poor team? I'd only sign him if Grealish went, mind.

Wouldn't you stand out though if you were better than most of the players around you? Don't get me wrong, he's alright  but I think we could do better.

He does have crap hair though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on July 24, 2020, 09:46:10 AM

Imaging him and Target, 2 Alice bands on the wing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Ads on July 24, 2020, 10:11:51 AM

The transfer wish list on here seems to be a desire for perpetual struggle.

If we can stay up and we do spend £100m again, I hope its on 3 quality players.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 24, 2020, 10:23:08 AM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on July 24, 2020, 09:33:39 AM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on July 24, 2020, 09:30:13 AM

Quote from: Clampy on July 24, 2020, 09:20:08 AM

I'm not keen on Cantwell. He looks ok but he has being playing in a very poor side. I'd look elsewhere.

Bizarre argument. Surely looking good in a good team is a lot easier than looking good in a poor team? I'd only sign him if Grealish went, mind.

The dodgy hair argument wins it for me.

Again, on the same argument then Grealish is no good...

Plus his hair is bound to annoy SHA and we need another hate figure for them to obsess over like the creepy stalkers they are.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Clampy on July 24, 2020, 10:26:47 AM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on July 24, 2020, 10:23:08 AM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on July 24, 2020, 09:33:39 AM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on July 24, 2020, 09:30:13 AM

Quote from: Clampy on July 24, 2020, 09:20:08 AM

I'm not keen on Cantwell. He looks ok but he has being playing in a very poor side. I'd look elsewhere.

Bizarre argument. Surely looking good in a good team is a lot easier than looking good in a poor team? I'd only sign him if Grealish went, mind.

The dodgy hair argument wins it for me.

Again, on the same argument then Grealish is no good...

I think people are having a joke.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Chris Smith on July 24, 2020, 10:26:52 AM

Problem with Cantwell is that he is a petulant little twat.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Clampy on July 24, 2020, 10:28:43 AM

Quote from: Chris Smith on July 24, 2020, 10:26:52 AM

Problem with Cantwell is that he is a petulant little twat.

And he looks like he should be in Neighbours.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: mattjpa on July 24, 2020, 01:35:17 PM

I dont care if he is a bluenose or that he hates Villa, at 32 and having never had great pace to lose in the first place, If we were to stay up and Watford go down I would definitely be enquiring about the availability of Troy Deeney. People will not want to hear it but Year 1 plan would be to stay up, Years 2 and 3 have to be about cementing a place in the division whilst our younger or more inexperienced players develop. Our big game player is most likely about to leave, Deeney gets goals and rises to the occasion, his leadership and general 'bit of a shit' attitude would have definitely seen us safe this year. I reckon £5m would land him and get us a good couple of years

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: mr underhill on July 24, 2020, 04:08:16 PM

Deeney would cut off both feet and eat them before pulling on a Villa shirt. A definite no.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: KevinGage on July 24, 2020, 04:19:04 PM

I believe he was one of those weird Bluenoses who went to Villa games as a kid.

Or said he was Villa until the filth got promoted in 2002, then swore dying allegiance to them.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: chrisw1 on July 24, 2020, 04:45:11 PM

He would certainly have improved us this season. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: eamonn on July 24, 2020, 04:54:46 PM

Quote from: Chris Smith on July 24, 2020, 10:26:52 AM

Problem with Cantwell is that he is a petulant little twat.

Again, don't non-Villans say that about Jack (or a diver at least, who always gives a round of fucks after falling to the floor).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: WassallVillain on July 24, 2020, 05:12:24 PM

I like Troy Deeney as a centre forward. There I said it. He’s a professional footballer and would put fan allegiance aside. I doubt he would get a better offer either. Maybe he’d give it the full Craig Gardener on signing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Drummond on July 24, 2020, 05:15:19 PM

We need to be signing better than Deeney if we want to progress, we need younger and faster.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Chris Smith on July 24, 2020, 05:38:40 PM

Quote from: eamonn on July 24, 2020, 04:54:46 PM

Quote from: Chris Smith on July 24, 2020, 10:26:52 AM

Problem with Cantwell is that he is a petulant little twat.

Again, don't non-Villans say that about Jack (or a diver at least, who always gives a round of fucks after falling to the floor).

Maybe, but I’m right and they’re wrong ;-)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Smithy on July 24, 2020, 08:27:23 PM

Quote from: Ads on July 24, 2020, 10:11:51 AM

The transfer wish list on here seems to be a desire for perpetual struggle.

If we can stay up and we do spend £100m again, I hope its on 3 quality players.

I think that's my attitude too, assuming we stay up.  No more squad building. I want three (maybe four if the budget allows?) solid, proper quality signings who can walk into our starting eleven and turn a couple of our automatic first choices into squad players having to compete for their place.  Then we can lose a couple of the squad players that barely play anway.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on July 24, 2020, 09:01:17 PM

sell the fringe players and replace them with good players, so it makes the average ones that start each week to become the fringe players.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Steve67 on July 24, 2020, 09:12:14 PM

Jon Swift from Reading being linked to us and Sheffield United. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on July 24, 2020, 09:19:04 PM

Quote from: Newby on July 24, 2020, 09:12:14 PM

Jon Swift from Reading being linked to us and Sheffield United. 

is he an improvement on Luiz, McGinn or Hourihane?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: paul_e on July 24, 2020, 09:50:37 PM

Deeney is exactly the sort of signing we should be avoiding, he's currently marginally better than we have (look on the Watford forums and see how people who watch him every week feel) but clearly on the downward slide of his career and would probably not even make it to the end of next season as our first choice, at which point we've got an expensive ageing striker on the bench offering less and less.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: PaulTheVillan on July 24, 2020, 10:00:09 PM

Deeney? No way

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: The_ads on July 24, 2020, 10:12:42 PM

Fucking Troy Deeney!!!! Errr no. Not only can’t he walk, he supports the great unwashed. No chance. Plus, where’s the ambition!!? If we stop up we need to be looking at getting better players than that mug

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Ian. on July 24, 2020, 10:19:17 PM

What have come back to? A Reading midfielder and a player who hates us and only scores against us?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: The_ads on July 24, 2020, 10:26:57 PM

It’s exactly why signing these average gets you battling it out for 17th place. If we stop up, IF, we need to be setting our sights in some serious talent to consolidate our position and have a comfortable and stress free mid table or better finish. If we had any chance whatsoever of keeping JG then we need to show him we’re fucking serious about taking this club places - not signing John Swift and bastard Troy Deeney. I’d be breaking the bank to see if we could tempt Tammy back

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on July 24, 2020, 11:55:07 PM

Deeney's attitude (apart from his attitude to the concept of Aston Villa) is exactly what we need, IMAO.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: paul_e on July 25, 2020, 12:31:49 AM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on July 24, 2020, 11:55:07 PM

Deeney's attitude (apart from his attitude to the concept of Aston Villa) is exactly what we need, IMAO.

His attitude may be but his ability and mid-term fitness probably aren't. I'd rather we find someone with that attitude who's 22-24 and could play for us for the next 10 years than go for someone who might manage 2 at this level.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Mellin on July 25, 2020, 01:31:37 AM

Loyalties aside, Troy Deeney three years ago, yes. Now, no way. Younger and fitter please.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on July 25, 2020, 11:26:56 AM

Quote from: Fred Crump on July 24, 2020, 09:18:50 AM

Quote from: JD on July 24, 2020, 09:16:13 AM

If we need a new left back sign Liberato Cacace from Wellington Phoenix. Brilliant attacking left back and good defender. Still very young.

I don’t really care if he can play football, I’d sign him just for his brilliant name !!

Knowing our luck he’d be constantly rising from his arse after being burned by opposing wingers.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: DrGonzo on July 25, 2020, 01:54:15 PM

Nothing is going to happen until we know which league we are playing in.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Steve67 on July 25, 2020, 04:11:45 PM

Quote from: DrGonzo on July 25, 2020, 01:54:15 PM

Nothing is going to happen until we know which league we are playing in.

I'd like to think they are already planning for whatever awaits us.  There are only 6 weeks or so between this season finishing and the next one starting.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: eamonn on July 25, 2020, 04:19:34 PM

Yep, you would hope that Suso/Purslow have agreements in place with at least one or two transfer targets which are based on the proviso we stay up. And maybe even agreements with players if we go down.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on July 25, 2020, 04:20:39 PM

Buendia is one to get. Creates a decent amount in a very poor Norwich team and has similar traits to Grealish in that he can start centrally and drift out wide to find space. Don't think he'd cost a huge amount either, 15m perhaps. Same for Eze at QPR who's another who has that touch of class when he plays.

That said I'd like us to start targeting and signing some players from teams finishing above us. We're surely got to be targeting finishing above likes of Crystal Palace in next few years, think someone like Milivojevic at base of midfield holding would really improve likes of Luiz and make our first 11 stronger as he's simply a better player than Hourihane at this level.

He's on a long term contract at Palace but they'd rather sell him than Zaha so I'd say he's a realistic target if we stay up.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: OCD on July 25, 2020, 06:13:34 PM

Deeney's the strangest link I've seen for some time.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: manic-road on July 25, 2020, 06:18:11 PM

Looks like Lallana is off to Brighton on a free, didn't realise that he is 32 but better than AEG

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: algy on July 25, 2020, 06:38:23 PM

Deeney makes no sense to me, being a bluenose he's going to get an awful lot of stick if he's scoring anything less than 20 goals a season. It's bound to end in disaster.

No problem with pinching the best players from any relegated teams, assuming we're not one of them. Or even if we are one of them. I'd be more concerned about banking too heavily on players who look good in the Championship though, unless our goal is to build a good Championship side. If we stay up, we should be targeting players who are going to see us finish comfortably in mid table next season, and be part of a side who are pushing for a European spot the year after. To my mind, that's buying promising players who already look capable at this level.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: eamonn on July 25, 2020, 07:21:10 PM

Quote from: manic-road on July 25, 2020, 06:18:11 PM

Looks like Lallana is off to Brighton on a free, didn't realise that he is 32 but better than AEG

I know he lost his way with injuries but he's a clever, technical player and on a free would offer us a lot more than half of our midfielders. Probably happy to be back on the south coast though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: mr underhill on July 25, 2020, 08:28:59 PM

we've had enough of those sort of signings surely? He's so crocked he only plays around five games a season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on July 25, 2020, 08:30:05 PM

Quote from: OCD on July 25, 2020, 06:13:34 PM

Deeney's the strangest link I've seen for some time.

Agbonlahor the second - Deeney's past his best. He'll end up finishing like Gabby did - just disappearing away

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on July 25, 2020, 11:31:39 PM

Quote from: eamonn on July 25, 2020, 07:21:10 PM

Quote from: manic-road on July 25, 2020, 06:18:11 PM

Looks like Lallana is off to Brighton on a free, didn't realise that he is 32 but better than AEG

I know he lost his way with injuries but he's a clever, technical player and on a free would offer us a lot more than half of our midfielders. Probably happy to be back on the south coast though.

Wonder if that means Aaron Mooy may be available, would be a decent squad pick up.

I'd probably also take Shane Duffy who's lost his place there this season. Experienced international and very strong in the air so he'd be a good pick up.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: paul_e on July 26, 2020, 12:13:08 AM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on July 25, 2020, 11:31:39 PM

Quote from: eamonn on July 25, 2020, 07:21:10 PM

Quote from: manic-road on July 25, 2020, 06:18:11 PM

Looks like Lallana is off to Brighton on a free, didn't realise that he is 32 but better than AEG

I know he lost his way with injuries but he's a clever, technical player and on a free would offer us a lot more than half of our midfielders. Probably happy to be back on the south coast though.

Wonder if that means Aaron Mooy may be available, would be a decent squad pick up.

I'd probably also take Shane Duffy who's lost his place there this season. Experienced international and very strong in the air so he'd be a good pick up.

If you describe someone as 'a decent squad pick up' then they're probably not the right players to be signing.

If we want to improve we need to look at the players are playing playing regularly but aren't good enough to be where we want to go and turn them in squad options. Hourihane, Samatta and Trez are probably the 3 weakest players in the team from the last few games, so we sign players that we're sure are upgrades on them, sell the current fringe players and demote those 3 to squad filler. Do that over 3-4 windows and you have a team that's far stronger than you started with. If you buy players that are slightly better than your bench your team stays still and you're just slightly better prepared for injuries and suspensions.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Dave on July 26, 2020, 08:10:03 AM

Quote from: paul_e on July 26, 2020, 12:13:08 AM

Hourihane, Samatta and Trez are probably the 3 weakest players in the team from the last few games

Trezeguet, without whose three goals in three matches we'd already be relegated?

Tough crowd.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: PaulTheVillan on July 26, 2020, 08:29:12 AM

Quote from: Dave on July 26, 2020, 08:10:03 AM

Quote from: paul_e on July 26, 2020, 12:13:08 AM

Hourihane, Samatta and Trez are probably the 3 weakest players in the team from the last few games

Trezeguet, without whose three goals in three matches we'd already be relegated?

Tough crowd.

He's had 3 good touches lately :)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: ozzjim on July 26, 2020, 09:50:11 AM

Quote from: Dave on July 26, 2020, 08:10:03 AM

Quote from: paul_e on July 26, 2020, 12:13:08 AM

Hourihane, Samatta and Trez are probably the 3 weakest players in the team from the last few games

Trezeguet, without whose three goals in three matches we'd already be relegated?

Tough crowd.

And Hourihane who has our last 5 assists. Hmmm.

I would really like Sarr from Watford, and Brooks from Bournemouth. But they would probably like a few of ours, and it's a toss of a coin who stays up today

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: KevinGage on July 26, 2020, 10:17:44 AM

Duffy would be an upgrade - as things stand - on our other centre back options, so wouldn't be squad filler.  Konsa in time could go on to become a far better all round player than him.  But we probably wouldn't have had so many pastings this season with that extra bit of Premier League nous next to Mings.

He's not the greatest on the deck, so it depends on our intended style of play next year - and who the manager/ head coach is.

Jonny Evans at Leicester is also into the last year of his contract there, so that could be one to look at.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: nigel on July 26, 2020, 10:45:37 AM

Quote from: KevinGage on July 26, 2020, 10:17:44 AM

Duffy would be an upgrade - as things stand - on our other centre back options, so wouldn't be squad filler.  Konsa in time could go on to become a far better all round player than him.  But we probably wouldn't have had so many pastings this season with that extra bit of Premier League nous next to Mings.

He's not the greatest on the deck, so it depends on our intended style of play next year - and who the manager/ head coach is.

Jonny Evans at Leicester is also into the last year of his contract there, so that could be one to look at.

Could be argued that with an extra bit of PL nous next to Konsa we wouldn't have taken these pastings

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: paul_e on July 26, 2020, 10:46:35 AM

Quote from: Dave on July 26, 2020, 08:10:03 AM

Quote from: paul_e on July 26, 2020, 12:13:08 AM

Hourihane, Samatta and Trez are probably the 3 weakest players in the team from the last few games

Trezeguet, without whose three goals in three matches we'd already be relegated?

Tough crowd.

I like him, but on balance over the season he wouldn't be someone who I'd start every week if we want finish top half. Same for Hourihane who is great at set pieces but doesn't offer enough in open play.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Clampy on July 26, 2020, 10:49:07 AM

Quote from: paul_e on July 26, 2020, 10:46:35 AM

Quote from: Dave on July 26, 2020, 08:10:03 AM

Quote from: paul_e on July 26, 2020, 12:13:08 AM

Hourihane, Samatta and Trez are probably the 3 weakest players in the team from the last few games

Trezeguet, without whose three goals in three matches we'd already be relegated?

Tough crowd.

I like him, but on balance over the season he wouldn't be someone who I'd start every week if we want finish top half. Same for Hourihane who is great at set pieces but doesn't offer enough in open play.

But you did say that they were the weakest players from the last few games which in the case of Hourihane and Trez, is untrue.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: KevinGage on July 26, 2020, 10:52:46 AM

Trez and El Ghazi aren't players I'd be looking to bin off this summer. Both have something to offer.  I'd prefer to see more dynamic, quicker players in that final third though.

Engels, Nakamba and Taylor I'd be quite happy to see depart. You can make a case that the first two still need time to adapt.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Steve67 on July 26, 2020, 11:15:03 AM

Quote from: Clampy on July 26, 2020, 10:49:07 AM

Quote from: paul_e on July 26, 2020, 10:46:35 AM

Quote from: Dave on July 26, 2020, 08:10:03 AM

Quote from: paul_e on July 26, 2020, 12:13:08 AM

Hourihane, Samatta and Trez are probably the 3 weakest players in the team from the last few games

Trezeguet, without whose three goals in three matches we'd already be relegated?

Tough crowd.

I like him, but on balance over the season he wouldn't be someone who I'd start every week if we want finish top half. Same for Hourihane who is great at set pieces but doesn't offer enough in open play.

But you did say that they were the weakest players from the last few games which in the case of Hourihane and Trez, is untrue.

So, they have hit form at the right time, hopefully continues today.  This debate will be continued after today's result eh?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on July 26, 2020, 12:17:47 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on July 26, 2020, 10:52:46 AM

Trez and El Ghazi aren't players I'd be looking to bin off this summer. Both have something to offer.  I'd prefer to see more dynamic, quicker players in that final third though.

Engels, Nakamba and Taylor I'd be quite happy to see depart. You can make a case that the first two still need time to adapt.

Trez and El Ghazi are both Ok when they don't have time to think - to me, that's not the sign of a footballer who is going to get better. They make good contributions occasionally, nowhere near consistent enough. But, there aren't too many that are; Ah fuck I'm confused.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: paul_e on July 26, 2020, 12:33:10 PM

Are people genuinely arguing that we don't need new players to play on the wing or in midfield if we want to improve? Almost everyone who's commented on the signings we need for the summer has picked out those 2 positions as key (with most adding a striker on top).

Trez and Hourihane have something to offer, I've defended the 2 of them more than most, but they can't be starting 30+ games next season if we want to improve because over the season they've shown they blow hot and cold.

I'm not saying dump them completely, they're good squad players who can come in and have an impact. I'd look to move on Steer/Nyland, Lansbury and Jota because they offer very little and I'd try to replace Taylor so our 'style' isn't changed so much if Targett isn't available. That's assuming Hogan and Kalinic are already halfway out the door.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on July 26, 2020, 12:40:09 PM

Agree Paul_e

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Clampy on July 26, 2020, 12:49:31 PM

I don't think anyone on here is saying we don't need new players, of course we do.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: paul_e on July 26, 2020, 12:54:00 PM

Quote from: Clampy on July 26, 2020, 12:49:31 PM

I don't think anyone on here is saying we don't need new players, of course we do.

Do you dispute that a Midfielder and a winger are top of the shopping list?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on July 26, 2020, 01:12:08 PM

A striker is at the top of the list surely?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on July 26, 2020, 01:16:51 PM

The shopping list is probably....
Striker(s)
Winger(s)
Midfielder(s)
Defender(s)
Full-back(s)
Manager

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Clampy on July 26, 2020, 01:32:59 PM

Quote from: paul_e on July 26, 2020, 12:54:00 PM

Quote from: Clampy on July 26, 2020, 12:49:31 PM

I don't think anyone on here is saying we don't need new players, of course we do.

Do you dispute that a Midfielder and a winger are top of the shopping list?

The only thing I disputed is your claim that Trez, Samatta and Hourhiane have been the weakest players in the last few games. I didn't even mention new signings but yes, we do new players.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: paul_e on July 26, 2020, 02:36:28 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on July 26, 2020, 01:12:08 PM

A striker is at the top of the list surely?

For me that depends on Wesley and on the sort of winger we look for. A winger who would get 10-15 a season and Wesley coming back pretty early on would give us a chance to see if Samatta and Davis can step up. Samatta hasn't been good enough since his first 2-3 games but I don't think he's played enough games to be written off. Davis I'm more torn on, there's things I like about him but the lack of goals is clearly a problem.

If Wesley is unlikely to play before Christmas or Smith decides to go for a more traditional winger then a striker becomes far more important.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 26, 2020, 02:49:08 PM

Wesley isn't good enough. We need a striker. Ideally, at least two.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on July 26, 2020, 02:50:23 PM

Wesley might end up being good enough, but he needs to be bedded in not have all the responsibility on him. So we do need a striker.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: paul_e on July 26, 2020, 03:01:51 PM

The problem is we can't, in my opinion, carry more than 3 out and out centre forwards. To sign a striker we need to move someone on so out of the 3 who are you ready to say can go?

I'd personally look for someone who can play wide or central to sign as a 'winger' but knowing they can easily move to the main man in a front 3, Marcus Thuram would be top of the list for me but he might be tough to get for us.

I'd have a long look at Gotze as well on a free, he could be a great between the lines players in English football, if he's fit enough.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: paul_e on July 26, 2020, 03:09:26 PM

Oh, sticking in Germany I'd have a look at Kevin Volland as well, he's another who can play a few different positions.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 26, 2020, 03:13:20 PM

Haven't we got five goalkeepers? I don't think having four or more strikers would be the worst thing in the world, especially if they stick with the five subs rule.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: paul_e on July 26, 2020, 03:30:20 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on July 26, 2020, 03:13:20 PM

Haven't we got five goalkeepers? I don't think having four or more strikers would be the worst thing in the world, especially if they stick with the five subs rule.

2 keepers need to go, Kalinic being one and then steer or Nyland. We never play 2 up front so 4 strikers you have 1 who was generally an unused sub and one who rarely even makes the bench. If you get someone in who can cover a couple of positions, including striker, then you can at least use them on the wing or in midfield and still use the other striker.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on July 26, 2020, 03:57:47 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on July 26, 2020, 02:49:08 PM

Wesley isn't good enough. We need a striker. Ideally, at least two.

I don't know if he's not good enough but we certainly cannot rely on him to be the focal point of our attack. Agreed we defintely need better options but as much as that we need more creative players to make those opportunities for whoever we have up front. We are not quick enough, mobile enough, skilful and clever enough to keep the ball, press opposing defences and break them down in a mulitude of ways. We are very predictable despite having one the most gifted and intelligent footballers in the league.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Steve67 on July 26, 2020, 05:59:41 PM

Callum Wilson from Bournemouth.  Ismail Sarr from Watford for right wing please. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on July 26, 2020, 06:23:58 PM

Ryan Fraser at Bournemouth who decided not to play. He's a good player

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on July 26, 2020, 06:24:38 PM

Please let's learn the lessons now.

We should be better than a development club.

Our options upfront are a disgrace for the premier league. Our strikers scored in just 5 league games all season so you obviously start there.

We are also so slow counter attacking so obviously need a pacey wide player from somewhere.

Would like a steady head in midfield to keep everyone calm and mentor Luiz a bit. All this without planning for life without Grealish which could be a reality in next few weeks.

Brilliant we've stayed up but I can't shake off the 2013-15 vibes when we had similar escapes and because we signed rubbish we could never improve.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: KRS on July 26, 2020, 06:38:51 PM

Get rid of Wesley, Samatta, Trezeguet, Nakamba and El Ghazi...all of them are not up to standard. Replace these 5 with upgrades and we’ll be much improved next season. Questions also need to be asked at left back because Targett and Taylor are dodgy at best...same applies to Elmo and Fred but not so urgent. Our CB pairings will have learned a lot from this season, so not too concerned there after recent performances, and it’s the midfield and up front where we need to have significant improvement.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: paul_e on July 26, 2020, 07:01:14 PM

Quote from: KRS on July 26, 2020, 06:38:51 PM

Get rid of Wesley, Samatta, Trezeguet, Nakamba and El Ghazi...all of them are not up to standard. Replace these 5 with upgrades and we’ll be much improved next season. Questions also need to be asked at left back because Targett and Taylor are dodgy at best...same applies to Elmo and Fred but not so urgent. Our CB pairings will have learned a lot from this season, so not too concerned there after recent performances, and it’s the midfield and up front where we need to have significant improvement.

I assume you want Lansbury and Jota replaced as well so that's 7-9 signings, if we do that we're in the shit again having to integrate half a squad into the existing group.

For me, without any changes, this team finishes 12-15th next season so I'd focus on removing the very worst players and bringing in top quality replacements that will want to be challenging for European football. It'll be a hard sell but if we can get 3-4 of them in to replace guys who don't really contribute then we can push into the top half.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on July 26, 2020, 07:02:22 PM

Tammy Abraham may now be a realistic option

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Monty on July 26, 2020, 07:03:15 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on July 26, 2020, 07:02:22 PM

Tammy Abraham may now be a realistic option

Good shout actually. Even on loan.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on July 26, 2020, 07:05:35 PM

I'd keep AEG and Trez as bench options, what we need is them not starting so often unless they are in form. With a short turnaround the last thing we need is replacing half the squad. Again.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on July 26, 2020, 07:05:39 PM

Chelsea have already started to lash out the cash and Tammy will be well down the pecking order. He plays the perfect style for Dean Smith. You put better wingers in that side and keep Jack and we are a lot better off. He's not fucking up the chances like Davis, Samatta and even Wes earlier. And I'd still get in one or two others. Even a Daniel Sturridge to give us experience and depth.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: olaftab on July 26, 2020, 07:07:19 PM

Get Ollie Watkins and Behrama From Brentford tomorrow and Messi.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: paul_e on July 26, 2020, 07:09:46 PM

As I said earlier, I'd like us to go for players from the next level up so I'd look at Volland or Thuram (probably looking around the £40m mark for either) and I'd speak to Gotze as a freebie option. 2 from those 3 and I'd be very happy with our attacking options.

Deeper I'd still like a big nasty bugger in midfield but I haven't seen an option I'd really like yet and I'd try to find a replacement for Taylor to really compete for the left back slot.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Risso on July 26, 2020, 07:11:31 PM

Outside of the usual suspects in 6th or 7th, the rest of the league is much of a muchness, so a solid midtable position shouldn't be asking for too much.  We need a lot more pace in the side, and obviously a front three worthy of the name.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: paul_e on July 26, 2020, 07:13:28 PM

Quote from: PeterWithesShin on July 26, 2020, 07:05:35 PM

I'd keep AEG and Trez as bench options, what we need is them not starting so often unless they are in form. With a short turnaround the last thing we need is replacing half the squad. Again.

Yep, today showed why, despite his goals, we can't rely on trez to perform every game, he's just not at that level right now. Hourihane showed his limitations as well, they bypassed him for most of the game making it 3 on 2 or large parts. I'd keep both because I think they have ability and have a good attitude but we need more consistency in the starting eleven.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: West Derby Villan on July 26, 2020, 07:14:57 PM

Quote from: Risso on July 26, 2020, 07:11:31 PM

Outside of the usual suspects in 6th or 7th, the rest of the league is much of a muchness, so a solid midtable position shouldn't be asking for too much.  We need a lot more pace in the side, and obviously a front three worthy of the name.

Agree. Players with pace number one priority

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: KRS on July 26, 2020, 07:19:06 PM

Quote from: paul_e on July 26, 2020, 07:01:14 PM

Quote from: KRS on July 26, 2020, 06:38:51 PM

Get rid of Wesley, Samatta, Trezeguet, Nakamba and El Ghazi...all of them are not up to standard. Replace these 5 with upgrades and we’ll be much improved next season. Questions also need to be asked at left back because Targett and Taylor are dodgy at best...same applies to Elmo and Fred but not so urgent. Our CB pairings will have learned a lot from this season, so not too concerned there after recent performances, and it’s the midfield and up front where we need to have significant improvement.

I assume you want Lansbury and Jota replaced as well so that's 7-9 signings, if we do that we're in the shit again having to integrate half a squad into the existing group.

For me, without any changes, this team finishes 12-15th next season so I'd focus on removing the very worst players and bringing in top quality replacements that will want to be challenging for European football. It'll be a hard sell but if we can get 3-4 of them in to replace guys who don't really contribute then we can push into the top half.

True. I’d forgot about the likes of those pair, so they need to be shipped out first and we don’t want to be signing too many players again (however they hardly got any game time anyway so will hardly be missed).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: CT on July 26, 2020, 07:20:57 PM

Quote from: olaftab on July 26, 2020, 07:07:19 PM

Get Ollie Watkins and Behrama From Brentford tomorrow and Messi.

Just watched Benrahma have a brilliant run, taking out several players in the process. He looks some player.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: jwarry on July 26, 2020, 07:23:53 PM

Well this thread may now get interesting.....

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on July 26, 2020, 07:25:11 PM

Right some pace please.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Colhint on July 26, 2020, 07:32:18 PM

Pace on the wing, don't know who. Someone about 28 in the middle and up front. Too many inexperienced, I would change that if Tammy was up front, but I don't think Chelsea would let him go.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: DB on July 26, 2020, 07:35:16 PM

We need to raise our game, better quality all around. No more unknown players from Europe or Championship level. If we are to get it right then Suso needs to go.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on July 26, 2020, 07:35:20 PM

Quote from: Risso on July 26, 2020, 07:11:31 PM

Outside of the usual suspects in 6th or 7th, the rest of the league is much of a muchness, so a solid midtable position shouldn't be asking for too much.  We need a lot more pace in the side, and obviously a front three worthy of the name.

We've finished 19 points off 10th place. Everton in 12th also got 15 more point than us and we took 4 off them.

We'd have to sign incredibly well to have a small chance of top 10 next season particularly as we'll likely lose our best player.

I'd be happy just being 10 points clear of relegation.

I think our first signing of this summer will be Axel Tuanzabe anyway. Just seems an obvious move now with us staying up.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 26, 2020, 07:38:48 PM

Tuanzebe is always injured, we don't need defenders anyway. Two forwards, two wingers, if everyone stays. That's all we need. Top half is hardly that difficult to achieve. Sheffield United and Burnley managed it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Footy-Vill on July 26, 2020, 07:40:05 PM

Ok so realistically I like to see a tweaking of strategy to allow for more experience of premier league players to come in as well as the exciting overseas brands from South America
Also more sway for Deano and get what he pursuits as well as perhaps moving on Pitarch and replacing him ?
Though maybe that won't happen.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on July 26, 2020, 07:42:47 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on July 26, 2020, 07:35:20 PM

Quote from: Risso on July 26, 2020, 07:11:31 PM

Outside of the usual suspects in 6th or 7th, the rest of the league is much of a muchness, so a solid midtable position shouldn't be asking for too much.  We need a lot more pace in the side, and obviously a front three worthy of the name.

We've finished 19 points off 10th place. Everton in 12th also got 15 more point than us and we took 4 off them.

We'd have to sign incredibly well to have a small chance of top 10 next season particularly as we'll likely lose our best player.

I'd be happy just being 10 points clear of relegation.

I think our first signing of this summer will be Axel Tuanzabe anyway. Just seems an obvious move now with us staying up.

Yep, we beat Everton, Palace, Burnley, Brighton, Newcastle, Arsenal. There is a gap from us to them to varying degrees but it's not huge. We have a year of PL experience and we will be less naive from the manager through whoever remains at the club. Experience and savvy can be acquired but it's mostly earned. We will have more of that going into next season. What we don't need is more average 10-15m players. We need 4 or 5 very good players of the Douglas Luiz standard and price if we can find them.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on July 26, 2020, 07:45:30 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on July 26, 2020, 07:42:08 PM

I would suggest getting two top MLS players both south America
One is Cristian Pavon the winger attacker and the other is Josef Martinez who is the best striker in MLS and a natural goal scorer.

I also not averse to Theo Walcott . realistic and can be deployed as an attacking stroker who runs the channels has the experience has a good attitude and role model as well as good as we could possibly get with a couple seasons left in him


 

MLS is a very sub standard league. Almiron cost Newcastle 27m from Atlanta. He had 21 goals and 28 assists in 62 games and has failed at Newcastle. The jump is too big for most players. There are exceptions like Davies at Bayern, but generally they are lower PL or good Championship players at best

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on July 26, 2020, 07:47:44 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on July 26, 2020, 07:42:47 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on July 26, 2020, 07:35:20 PM

Quote from: Risso on July 26, 2020, 07:11:31 PM

Outside of the usual suspects in 6th or 7th, the rest of the league is much of a muchness, so a solid midtable position shouldn't be asking for too much.  We need a lot more pace in the side, and obviously a front three worthy of the name.

We've finished 19 points off 10th place. Everton in 12th also got 15 more point than us and we took 4 off them.

We'd have to sign incredibly well to have a small chance of top 10 next season particularly as we'll likely lose our best player.

I'd be happy just being 10 points clear of relegation.

I think our first signing of this summer will be Axel Tuanzabe anyway. Just seems an obvious move now with us staying up.

Yep, we beat Everton, Palace, Burnley, Brighton, Newcastle, Arsenal. There is a gap from us to them to varying degrees but it's not huge. We have a year of PL experience and we will be less naive from the manager through whoever remains at the club. Experience and savvy can be acquired but it's mostly earned. We will have more of that going into next season. What we don't need is more average 10-15m players. We need 4 or 5 very good players of the Douglas Luiz standard and price if we can find them.

Hopefully we can learn how to hang onto a lead, extra 10 points and mid 40s is what I'd settle for next season so well clear of relegation.

This end of season reminds me a bit of 12/13.

We looked dead and buried by the start of March and then went on a really good run playing decent attacking football. Had a spine of Guzan-Vlaar-Delph and front 3 of Weimann-Benteke-Gabby which is a much better front 3 than what we have now.

That summer we signed Okore, Luna, Bacuna, Helenius, Tonev and Kozak.

Please please please let's not make the same mistake again. It's easy to forget in the euphoria we didn't come close to getting 40 points. Next season is going to be another massive slog unless we sign well.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: simboy on July 26, 2020, 07:51:26 PM

A positive goal difference would be what I’d settle for.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: paul_e on July 26, 2020, 07:57:12 PM

I think the most important thing to remember now we're done is that in the last 10 games we conceded 11 goals, with 7 coming in the 3 games against top 4 sides. That defensive stability will go a long way to earning us the points to not need to worry about the bottom of the table.


Add a couple of players to help win the ball back higher up the pitch and take advantage of the counter-attack and adding 10-15 points to our total isn't anything like as big a job as some think. There are very few games where we haven't been in it with a few minutes to go so we haven't been far off all year.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: UK Redsox on July 26, 2020, 08:01:54 PM

Quote from: simboy on July 26, 2020, 07:51:26 PM

A positive goal difference would be what I’d settle for.

A positive goal difference would mean being pretty close to a European place

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: simboy on July 26, 2020, 08:04:39 PM

Quote from: UK Redsox on July 26, 2020, 08:01:54 PM

Quote from: simboy on July 26, 2020, 07:51:26 PM

A positive goal difference would be what I’d settle for.

A positive goal difference would mean being pretty close to a European place

Still say that should be the aim.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Steve67 on July 26, 2020, 08:05:05 PM

I don't think we want or need Tuanzebe.  No better than what we already have in Konsa. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on July 26, 2020, 08:06:16 PM

it's all about 2 strikers - how we've stayed up this season with a dog shit forward line is beyond me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Risso on July 26, 2020, 08:08:34 PM

Really hope Man City don't buy back Luiz.  Whether Jack stays or not, he should be the fulcrum of our midfield next season.  He does appear to have everything in his game, and since the restart he's been our best player by a wide margin.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on July 26, 2020, 08:13:09 PM

I think we need 3 new midfielders to improve the supply to our strikers, and we need two top class strikers to put the chances away.  I don't think we should really be looking to give AEG and Trezeguet, or Samatta and Keinan many PL starts next season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: simboy on July 26, 2020, 08:15:44 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on July 26, 2020, 08:06:16 PM

it's all about 2 strikers - how we've stayed up this season with a dog shit forward line is beyond me.

Ironic that we scored more than Bournemouth and Watford really then? We have had a shocking defence.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Steve67 on July 26, 2020, 08:18:43 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on July 26, 2020, 08:13:09 PM

I think we need 3 new midfielders to improve the supply to our strikers, and we need two top class strikers to put the chances away.  I don't think we should really be looking to give AEG and Trezeguet, or Samatta and Keinan many PL starts next season.

It's a good point Hilts and we also have to be mindful of the five subs rule as this looks set to stay in place.  At the current time, we really only have Davis and Nakamba, Engels, Hause and Elmo with any clue as to what is required of them.  Players like Henri, Taylor, Jota et al don't add a single thing, so we have to make sure that we develop the kids and sign uplifts for those named.  Also, to be fair, the Nakamba's of this world also haven't set it alight and may need a bit more time to grow into being a Premier Division player. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Mister E on July 26, 2020, 08:19:37 PM

2 strikers, 2 MF and a replacement LB to put pressure on Targett. New reserve keeper also required.
I'd move out: Nyland, Kalinic, Lansbury, Jota, Samatta, Taylor. I'm assuming Grealish goes.
I'd be putting Trez, Nakamba and AEG on notice that much improvement is required or they'll also need to be moved on.

I'd also be looking at the backroom staff to ascertain how the improvements in the mini-league were achieved compared to pre-lockdown, because I want more reassurance that our fitness and our tactics, set-pieces need to improve,.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: ez on July 26, 2020, 08:22:52 PM

I'm looking forward to seeing how ambitious we are with new signings.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 26, 2020, 08:24:46 PM

Have we not fucking signed anyone yet? This transfer window is a disgrace. 😡

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on July 26, 2020, 08:27:56 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on July 26, 2020, 08:24:46 PM

Have we not fucking signed anyone yet? This transfer window is a disgrace. 😡

It's not open until midnight. (wink).

Don't worry Suso is on the blower to Club Brugge's reserve team so we'll sign one soon enough.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Smithy on July 26, 2020, 08:31:43 PM

What I'm dreaming of is something reminiscent of the summer of 1995.  When we signed Southgate, Taylor, Wright, Savo, Draper.  5 players who walked into the team and improved it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on July 26, 2020, 08:35:01 PM

Quote from: simboy on July 26, 2020, 08:15:44 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on July 26, 2020, 08:06:16 PM

it's all about 2 strikers - how we've stayed up this season with a dog shit forward line is beyond me.

Ironic that we scored more than Bournemouth and Watford really then? We have had a shocking defence.

Lack of good defensive midfielder was a big problem. Drinkwater was a joke in the games he had and Nakamba is very average and should not be a starter next season if we want to do anything.

Think it would be a waste playing Doug there aswell, he can offer more going forward.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: mr underhill on July 26, 2020, 08:35:52 PM

five in five out should do it

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on July 26, 2020, 08:39:36 PM

Quote from: Smithy on July 26, 2020, 08:31:43 PM

What I'm dreaming of is something reminiscent of the summer of 1995.  When we signed Southgate, Taylor, Wright, Savo, Draper.  5 players who walked into the team and improved it.

Taylor and Wright were bought the previous season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Steve67 on July 26, 2020, 08:42:26 PM

Quote from: PeterWithesShin on July 26, 2020, 08:39:36 PM

Quote from: Smithy on July 26, 2020, 08:31:43 PM

What I'm dreaming of is something reminiscent of the summer of 1995.  When we signed Southgate, Taylor, Wright, Savo, Draper.  5 players who walked into the team and improved it.

Taylor and Wright were bought the previous season.

They were indeed.  Wasn't Taylor a swap deal with Sheffield Wednesday?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: gpbarr on July 26, 2020, 08:43:51 PM

Grealish goes. Bring in 4 proper PL players and we will kick on next season. No wholesale changes for me - let’s just build on what we have, achieve mid table comfort next year, and then we are set up for bigger and better things.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on July 26, 2020, 08:44:55 PM

Guy Whittingham and a million quid, iirc it meant Weds made no profit on him as Whittingham was the profit so they didn't have to pay Vale a sell on fee.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 26, 2020, 08:47:20 PM

The most important move has to be hanging on to Drinkwater, whatever the cost.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: dave17 on July 26, 2020, 08:48:16 PM

Quote from: Newby on July 26, 2020, 08:42:26 PM

Quote from: PeterWithesShin on July 26, 2020, 08:39:36 PM

Quote from: Smithy on July 26, 2020, 08:31:43 PM

What I'm dreaming of is something reminiscent of the summer of 1995.  When we signed Southgate, Taylor, Wright, Savo, Draper.  5 players who walked into the team and improved it.

Taylor and Wright were bought the previous season.

They were indeed.  Wasn't Taylor a swap deal with Sheffield Wednesday?

Taylor scored so many important goals. I was watching highlights of our runs in the uefa and he was always there chipping in

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: dave17 on July 26, 2020, 08:49:28 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on July 26, 2020, 08:47:20 PM

The most important move has to be hanging on to Drinkwater, whatever the cost.

retire that shirt. Up there with Richards and Lescott

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: brontebilly on July 26, 2020, 09:49:49 PM

I think we need to make a statement signing early on, Tammy Abraham come on home (next week will do!)

Left back, midfield, out wide, striker all urgently required. Likes of Taylor, Lansbury, Jota, Nyland, even Elmo are likely to leave. I suspect Engels has long since played his last game for us. Nakamba, Samatta, Trez, AEG it's hard to know.

I sincerely hope McGinn signs up with whatever regime Luiz was on during the lockdown. There is a lot more in McGinn.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on July 26, 2020, 09:51:21 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on July 26, 2020, 09:49:49 PM

There is a lot more in McGinn.

Agreed. I reckon cream buns.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on July 26, 2020, 09:51:27 PM

Pace into the side please. Obvious we need quality, but pace has to be part of it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: villa `cross the mersey on July 26, 2020, 10:17:11 PM

Quote from: dave17 on July 26, 2020, 08:49:28 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on July 26, 2020, 08:47:20 PM

The most important move has to be hanging on to Drinkwater, whatever the cost.

retire that shirt. Up there with Richards and Lescott

just remove the words " on to" and the statement reads better

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: KevinGage on July 26, 2020, 10:18:32 PM

Quote from: dave17 on July 26, 2020, 08:49:28 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on July 26, 2020, 08:47:20 PM

The most important move has to be hanging on to Drinkwater, whatever the cost.

retire that shirt. Up there with Richards and Lescott

Retire the shirt and kill it with fire.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: David_Nab on July 26, 2020, 10:18:38 PM

Zaha wants out at Palace .....bit of pace in the side ...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: DB on July 26, 2020, 10:26:00 PM

Quote from: David_Nab on July 26, 2020, 10:18:38 PM

Zaha wants out at Palace .....bit of pace in the side ...

No thanks, he is going backwards.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 26, 2020, 10:29:36 PM

Zaha wouldn't touch us with a bargepole, sadly.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Bryan on July 26, 2020, 10:30:41 PM

So looking at the teams that have gone down, maybe a move for David Brooks and/or Deulofeu? Both would improve us out wide. Billing as a squad player?

I see Dennis Man’s move to Norwich fell down on fee, always thought he was raw but exciting.

But centre forward is crucial. Not sure there are any young Drogba/Benteke’s out there since Haalands move, so it’s onto our scouting to find one. I think Samatta is simply not good enough and I like Wesley, but he’s not going to be playing until 2021 so we need someone.

Or we splash all the cash on wages and get Bale and Zlatan/Cavani

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: paul_e on July 26, 2020, 10:33:33 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on July 26, 2020, 10:29:36 PM

Zaha wouldn't touch us with a bargepole, sadly.

I wouldn't touch him with one, massively overrated player and comes across as a complete bellend.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Steve67 on July 26, 2020, 10:34:14 PM

The relegated teams have several useful players.  Buendia, Cantwell, Callum Wilson, Ake, Cook, Doucoure, Sarr.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: paul_e on July 26, 2020, 10:46:19 PM

Quote from: Newby on July 26, 2020, 10:34:14 PM

The relegated teams have several useful players.  Buendia, Cantwell, Callum Wilson, Ake, Cook, Doucoure, Sarr.

Buendia - maybe if Jack leaves
Cantwell - maybe but I'm not sure where he fits with how we play
Wilson - doesn't score enough to be worth it for me
Ake - I prefer Mings and he'd cost a fortune in a position where we're pretty well stocked
Cook - Nah, don't rate him
Doucoure - Worth a look
Sarr - Not a fan, looks good but not enough end product for the £40m-ish they'll be asking


More generally I'm not a fan of looking at the relegated teams for reinforcements, even if they're good players who've done well there's a hint of failure about them, I hated it when Doug used to do it almost every summer (or so it seemed).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Bryan on July 26, 2020, 10:51:25 PM

Buendia - poor mans Hourihane
Cantwell - Gary O’Neill with an Alice band
Wilson - Their Gabby
Ake - There’s a stat knocking about that says Bournemouth conceded 60 a season since promotion. So no thanks.
Cook - For the life of me, I couldn’t tell you anything he’s ever contributed to a football match
Doucoure - Fair. Would improve us.
Sarr - not for me, I dislike the kind of forward who doesn’t score enough to be striker or create enough to be a winger

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on July 26, 2020, 11:09:53 PM

I quite like Sarr but he wouldn't be cheap even after relegation. He's one of those that could go the way of Adama and Saint-Maximin or be another N'Zogbia.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 26, 2020, 11:11:14 PM

How much would Saint Maximum cost? I want us to sign him. Would only be possible if their sale falls through, I suppose.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Steve67 on July 26, 2020, 11:23:34 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on July 26, 2020, 11:11:14 PM

How much would Saint Maximum cost? I want us to sign him. Would only be possible if their sale falls through, I suppose.

I quite like Sarr but he wouldn't be cheap even after relegation. He's one of those that could go the way of Adama and Saint-Maximin or be another N'Zogbia.
[/quote]

Just suggestions, perhaps not for Villa but one or two of them will get looked at by clubs coming up the the Prem.  One or two of them will also look better with better players around them.  Buendia is the second most creative apparently, according to stats. Ake talking to Man City, despite Paul-e and Bryan thinking he must be shit because he plays in a relegated defence.  Cantwell will be the next Maddison for Norwich.  Again, not for Villa perhaps but he's a talent and the next one off their production line.  Sarr is really quick and someone I think will go for big money, whether they were relegated or not.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: David_Nab on July 26, 2020, 11:23:38 PM

Ake off to City for £35mil apparently

Fraser from Bournmouth , out of contract which is he hasn't featured since the restart.Has a lot of assists 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 26, 2020, 11:37:03 PM

Man City scored 102 goals but still didn't win the league. I'm less than convinced that Nathan Ake will be the solution to their problems.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Steve67 on July 26, 2020, 11:44:17 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on July 26, 2020, 11:37:03 PM

Man City scored 102 goals but still didn't win the league. I'm less than convinced that Nathan Ake will be the solution to their problems.

I guess it must be quite a difficult task replacing John Stones! ;-)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Small Rodent on July 26, 2020, 11:45:24 PM

Who will replace Luiz when Man City buy him back, even if it is against his wishes?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Steve67 on July 26, 2020, 11:48:30 PM

Quote from: Small Rodent on July 26, 2020, 11:45:24 PM

Who will replace Luiz when Man City buy him back, even if it is against his wishes?

Ha ha, wrong thread and aren't you bored of the debate? None of us know what the deal is.  Do they have to match the rival bid?  Is the fee already set at the £15m we paid them? They WILL struggle with the work permit for him as he will NOT be one of their main players.  I hope he stays.  He does need to show the same sort of form next season before we deem him fit for Manchester City.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Small Rodent on July 26, 2020, 11:51:56 PM

Quote from: Newby on July 26, 2020, 11:48:30 PM

Quote from: Small Rodent on July 26, 2020, 11:45:24 PM

Who will replace Luiz when Man City buy him back, even if it is against his wishes?

Ha ha, wrong thread and aren't you bored of the debate? None of us know what the deal is.  Do they have to match the rival bid?  Is the fee already set at the £15m we paid them? They WILL struggle with the work permit for him as he will NOT be one of their main players.  I hope he stays.  He does need to show the same sort of form next season before we deem him fit for Manchester City.

Wrong thread yes!!!

I do see the debate as a bit silly.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: paul_e on July 26, 2020, 11:52:52 PM

Quote from: Small Rodent on July 26, 2020, 11:51:56 PM

Quote from: Newby on July 26, 2020, 11:48:30 PM

Quote from: Small Rodent on July 26, 2020, 11:45:24 PM

Who will replace Luiz when Man City buy him back, even if it is against his wishes?

Ha ha, wrong thread and aren't you bored of the debate? None of us know what the deal is.  Do they have to match the rival bid?  Is the fee already set at the £15m we paid them? They WILL struggle with the work permit for him as he will NOT be one of their main players.  I hope he stays.  He does need to show the same sort of form next season before we deem him fit for Manchester City.

Wrong thread yes!!!

I do see the debate as a bit silly.

Me too and I was stuck in it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: ktvillan on July 26, 2020, 11:59:57 PM

I think Brookes at Bournemouth looks a decent player.

I reckon we need 5 or 6 in minimum, several of last year's intake and a few retained from the season before clearly aren't good enough or at least not on a consistent enough basis - players like Jota, Lansbury, Taylor,  probably Targett unless he converts to a left midfielder and I don't think AEG or Trezeguet are good enough either.   Maybe even Hause.  Certainly need two good forwards who can score, create and press, a left back who can both defend and contribute to the attacks, a centre back with pace and maybe another central striker or central midfielder. Hopefully they've done some groundwork already.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on July 27, 2020, 12:33:08 AM

What I do know is that we will be talking about top level players joining us and not those we can attract to a Championship side.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on July 27, 2020, 12:38:06 AM

Yep, I'm not sure we need to be looking at picking the bones out of the relegated teams.  As TV says, we should be looking at top level players.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 27, 2020, 12:42:07 AM

In the mid-nineties, we signed Southgate and Draper from relegated teams and that turned out okay. If we had gone down, clubs wouldn't suddenly have decided that, for instance, Jack Grealish was rubbish.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on July 27, 2020, 12:46:04 AM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on July 27, 2020, 12:42:07 AM

In the mid-nineties, we signed Southgate and Draper from relegated teams and that turned out okay. If we had gone down, clubs wouldn't suddenly have decided that, for instance, Jack Grealish was rubbish.

Which relegated players are as good as Southgate and Draper?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on July 27, 2020, 12:49:18 AM

1 goal and Grealish, Luiz, Mings, Heaton, SJM would have been relegated. We know the calibre of some the players in 87 and 2016. It can be fine margins and being a player that is relegated doesn't mean we shouldn't consider them. Obviously you don't really want to end up signing most of the Norwich side!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: ozzjim on July 27, 2020, 12:51:56 AM

Sarr we should be all over. Exactly the type we need - pace, direct, can cross. We should also take a look at Wilson for the £10 million touted. For that money, hes streets better than Samatta and Davis, and would be good competition for Wesley. I really like Brookes but think Bournemouth might hang on to him to help their promotion push.

Cantwell would be a good replacement for Jack but create a similar issue, as he has for Norwich, where do you play him? In a lower half team, you need to have a very rigid formation to cope, Cantwell and Grealish are constricted or become a tactical headache. Jack is so good you cope with that, but Cantwell isn't yet.

I hope we have a couple of punts for fairly low value up our sleeve to add some of that pace, and I hope we are looking for a central midfielder that can compliment Luiz in springing us from defence on the counter. Smith has got his team shape and tactics right now, he just needs some better players in certain areas to move it forward.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Risso on July 27, 2020, 12:54:36 AM

I’d rather be raiding the relegated teams than the Belgian league again if I’m honest.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on July 27, 2020, 12:54:46 AM

Put it this way, having stayed up by the skin of our teeth I'd be disappointed if 2 or 3 of our new signings were from clubs even worse than we were.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: ozzjim on July 27, 2020, 12:59:23 AM

Quote from: Risso on July 27, 2020, 12:54:36 AM

I’d rather be raiding the relegated teams than the Belgian league again if I’m honest.

You mean for players that have actually played, understand and have performed in this league? Just because Howe sets up so open a bus drives through most weeks doesn't make Wilson or Brooks bad players, likewise Sarr at Watford. They are individually better than what we have and should be considered if they improve our 11. I reckon out of the 3 relegated sides I could put a squad together that would finish 10-12th in the prem. Indeed, Bournemouth and Watford have been in the prem for 5 years before going down today, so are not filled with total dross.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on July 27, 2020, 01:05:07 AM

Sarr is exactly why I should never be in charge of transfers. I love players like him as i'm a sucker for pacey wingers (I even liked Bolasie early on with us!), but he's probably going to be £30m plus, as a player he excites me, but also scares me as a signing as it's a big chunk on the next big thing or the next flop.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 27, 2020, 01:06:16 AM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on July 27, 2020, 12:46:04 AM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on July 27, 2020, 12:42:07 AM

In the mid-nineties, we signed Southgate and Draper from relegated teams and that turned out okay. If we had gone down, clubs wouldn't suddenly have decided that, for instance, Jack Grealish was rubbish.

Which relegated players are as good as Southgate and Draper?

Dunno, I don't really watch much non-Villa stuff. Cantwell, maybe? I was just refuting the argument that a player being relegated automatically makes them not good enough to play for any of the surviving seventeen. Roy Keane had a reasonable career, for instance.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on July 27, 2020, 01:07:40 AM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on July 27, 2020, 01:06:16 AM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on July 27, 2020, 12:46:04 AM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on July 27, 2020, 12:42:07 AM

In the mid-nineties, we signed Southgate and Draper from relegated teams and that turned out okay. If we had gone down, clubs wouldn't suddenly have decided that, for instance, Jack Grealish was rubbish.

Which relegated players are as good as Southgate and Draper?

Dunno, I don't really watch much non-Villa stuff. Cantwell, maybe? I was just refuting the argument that a player being relegated automatically makes them not good enough to play for any of the surviving seventeen. Roy Keane had a reasonable career, for instance.

You're nearly as bad as me for pacey wingers, you'd love Sarr.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: paul_e on July 27, 2020, 01:08:07 AM

Not filled with dross but relegation, and the long periods of poor form that lead to it, does stay with some players. I'd rather add players who are used to winning to our group this time around, particularly when we've finished with our first really good run of form all season. The confidence is coming but it's still fragile.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 27, 2020, 01:09:41 AM

Quote from: PeterWithesShin on July 27, 2020, 01:07:40 AM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on July 27, 2020, 01:06:16 AM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on July 27, 2020, 12:46:04 AM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on July 27, 2020, 12:42:07 AM

In the mid-nineties, we signed Southgate and Draper from relegated teams and that turned out okay. If we had gone down, clubs wouldn't suddenly have decided that, for instance, Jack Grealish was rubbish.

Which relegated players are as good as Southgate and Draper?

Dunno, I don't really watch much non-Villa stuff. Cantwell, maybe? I was just refuting the argument that a player being relegated automatically makes them not good enough to play for any of the surviving seventeen. Roy Keane had a reasonable career, for instance.

You're nearly as bad as me for pacey wingers, you'd love Sarr.

Probably, by the sound of him. I also liked Bolasie for a while. Get Sarr in alongside Bale and Saint 147 and we have real competition for places.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on July 27, 2020, 01:13:03 AM

Sarr is the real deal. I would rather him than Benrahma who is unproven at the top level. Sarr can torch any top level full back.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on July 27, 2020, 01:21:39 AM

I'd rather get a few players from teams finishing above us and weaken them. We need to be finishing above likes of Crystal Palace next season imo.

Obviously can't get Zaha but who's probably their most consistant player after him....Luca Miliviojevic. Miles better as a DM than Nakamba and can take free kicks and penalties just as well as Hourihane so that's how you improve your first 11.

Burnley is another. Chris Wood had a decent scoring record for last few seasons and only 28.

These players won't get us close to qualifying for europe but they'd push up into mid table and then we continue building.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on July 27, 2020, 01:22:29 AM

I thought they'd spent about 15m on Sarr, actually looking it up and it was about £30m. Him and Saint-Maxipad probably wouldn't see much change from 80 or 90m, assuming transfer fees stay the way they were pre Covid.

So I'd spend a 100m on them and then lose interest in boring things like signing defenders or proper midfielders.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on July 27, 2020, 01:24:58 AM

Pretty sure I read Sarr hadn't scored or assisted since February until today. In the Arsenal game he was only 10 yards from goal but passed back to the penalty spot for some reason. He's very quick but I think he's where Adama was about 18 months ago.

Think Deulofeu is more realistic. His injury was a big reason Watford went down.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on July 27, 2020, 01:28:08 AM

He had assists against Norwich and Newcastle according to FPL, although they count winning a penalty or freekick that is scored as an assist.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: olaftab on July 27, 2020, 01:34:35 AM

From Bournemouth:
Nathan Ake
Callum Wilson
Josh King
From Watford:
Doucoure
From Norwich:
Cantwell
Aarons

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Matt C on July 27, 2020, 01:36:54 AM

Pace, power and goal scoring. We need 5-6 players with the emphasis on bringing people in who go straight into the first team.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on July 27, 2020, 01:55:38 AM

Ake is reported to be all but done to Man City so I think we can chalk him off as an option.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 27, 2020, 01:55:57 AM

I have been doing extensive scouting (two minutes on Wikipedia). What about this bloke? Plays in our favourite league, 18 goals from midfield, still only a babby?

https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/jonathan-david/profil/spieler/533738

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on July 27, 2020, 02:10:08 AM

Leeds interested at £27m (according to Google) so no chance as they've got Bielsa, so he has already agreed to play for free.

(https://media1.tenor.com/images/5055b300a822eea1ed33f170f93d1ca9/tenor.gif?itemid=5637385)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 27, 2020, 02:17:28 AM

We should wait until the last possible moment and then offer £27 million and a shiny pound. Gazump them.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: dave17 on July 27, 2020, 02:23:38 AM

Carlton Palmer anyone?

Would imagine we’d need to upgrade Taylor/Targett, a new CB, both wingers and the striker if we don’t sell grealish or luiz. Although I do like him I’d move hourihane on and probably hause, Taylor, landsbury, and a few others

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Steve67 on July 27, 2020, 06:41:22 AM

Taylor, Jota and Lansbury I would happily move on, throw Bree and Kalinic into that group too but the rest I would keep as our squad is not deep enough particularly with the five sub rule. Whilst five out seems a churn we need at least four players who will walk straight in to the starting 11. The likes of Hourihane, Hause, Elmo, Trezeguet and El Ghazi are useful squad players and a year more experienced at this level. I’d only allow them to leave if they are part of a swap deal. Perhaps let them go over time as we build year on year.  Trezeguet was mentioned in a swap deal for Fenerbahce player, Christian Luyundula a while ago. He looks a large chap!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: mr underhill on July 27, 2020, 06:44:10 AM

yes,I said earlier a judicious five in, five out will sort us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Villan82 on July 27, 2020, 06:50:11 AM

I wouldn't be clearing out too many, one of the keepers and Landsbury would be about it. If we're signing a striker, then Samatta could be out too.

Keep this group largely intact and add 4-5 quality first teamers: striker, winger(s), midfielder, centre back.

Abraham, Tuanzebe and Benrahama are top of my own list.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: mr underhill on July 27, 2020, 06:52:31 AM

yes to the first, no to the second and undecided on the third. i'd rather see Eze come in

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: richtheholtender on July 27, 2020, 07:01:33 AM

One of the keepers, Taylor, Engels, Davis out. Striker, Jedinak type midfielder, Strong Centre back, 2 Wingers in.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on July 27, 2020, 07:04:47 AM

Let go -Elmo, Taylor , Hourihane, Samatta Lansbury AEG. Jota

Persevere -Nakamba Target Hause Trez Albert Davis Wes should be squad players but hopefully improve

Build the team around  -Jack SJM Konsa Mings Luiz

So to compete at the other end of the league we need  2 Full backs 2 midfielders and 2 forwards.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: andyh on July 27, 2020, 07:08:02 AM

No messing about.
A quality CF is the most pressing need and if it costs us £50m then so be it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: ozzjim on July 27, 2020, 07:11:15 AM

Lansbury, Jota, Nyland, Kalinic are about all I would let go, and I'd have Reina in on a free as backup to Heaton. If you can get an upgrade on Taylor great, but it's not my first point of call this summer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: mr underhill on July 27, 2020, 07:11:27 AM

Breel Embolo as an alternative to Abraham?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: ozzjim on July 27, 2020, 07:12:05 AM

Quote from: mr underhill on July 27, 2020, 07:11:27 AM

Breel Embolo as an alternative to Abraham?

Can we swap him for Samatta

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on July 27, 2020, 07:21:36 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on July 27, 2020, 07:11:15 AM

Lansbury, Jota, Nyland, Kalinic are about all I would let go, and I'd have Reina in on a free as backup to Heaton. If you can get an upgrade on Taylor great, but it's not my first point of call this summer.

If we wanted to compete with the top 6 I don’t think you are giving any games to those I say let go, or ask would any of those players start for any top 6 teams?
This is hypothetical I know but it shows the gap between us and the top end of the league even holding onto our best players.
I expect we will bring players in aiming for mid table mediocrity and watch Our best ones walk out the door. I hope we are aiming a lot higher than that.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: JJ-AV on July 27, 2020, 07:32:40 AM

Eze seems an ideal Jack replacement
Benhrama or Sarr out wide
Watkins at £18m release
Wilson as another stiker option. Maybe King too.

Need a centre half and left back to upgrade Engels an Taylor

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Duncan Shaw on July 27, 2020, 08:31:28 AM

I too would only let Kalinic, Jota and Lansbury go from 1st tem squad.  Elmo I'd keep on as he seems a good egg and helps Trez be settled and I think we'll see improvement from him next year.

Striker is 1000% the main priority plus a top level winger/creator.  I also agree on Eze if Jack goes.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: frank black on July 27, 2020, 08:41:28 AM

Quote from: Duncan Shaw on July 27, 2020, 08:31:28 AM

I too would only let Kalinic, Jota and Lansbury go from 1st tem squad.  Elmo I'd keep on as he seems a good egg and helps Trez be settled and I think we'll see improvement from him next year.

Striker is 1000% the main priority plus a top level winger/creator.  I also agree on Eze if Jack goes.

Danny Ings cheeky 50 mil bid?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: DB on July 27, 2020, 08:43:54 AM

Quote from: frank black on July 27, 2020, 08:41:28 AM

Quote from: Duncan Shaw on July 27, 2020, 08:31:28 AM

I too would only let Kalinic, Jota and Lansbury go from 1st tem squad.  Elmo I'd keep on as he seems a good egg and helps Trez be settled and I think we'll see improvement from him next year.

Striker is 1000% the main priority plus a top level winger/creator.  I also agree on Eze if Jack goes.

Danny Ings cheeky 50 mil bid?

Why not. He has been superb.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: frank black on July 27, 2020, 09:07:16 AM

David Brooks from Bmouth.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 27, 2020, 09:10:30 AM

Quote from: DB on July 27, 2020, 08:43:54 AM

Quote from: frank black on July 27, 2020, 08:41:28 AM

Quote from: Duncan Shaw on July 27, 2020, 08:31:28 AM

I too would only let Kalinic, Jota and Lansbury go from 1st tem squad.  Elmo I'd keep on as he seems a good egg and helps Trez be settled and I think we'll see improvement from him next year.

Striker is 1000% the main priority plus a top level winger/creator.  I also agree on Eze if Jack goes.

Danny Ings cheeky 50 mil bid?

Why not. He has been superb.

I wouldn’t be wanting to spend that kind of money on a player off the back of one injury free season in about the last ten. He'd be guaransoddingteed to miss half the season if we bought him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: olaftab on July 27, 2020, 09:19:39 AM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on July 27, 2020, 01:55:57 AM

I have been doing extensive scouting (two minutes on Wikipedia). What about this bloke? Plays in our favourite league, 18 goals from midfield, still only a babby?

https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/jonathan-david/profil/spieler/533738

The boy looks good. Do you think his dad Craig will make him rewind from Bielsa and selecta us?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on July 27, 2020, 09:23:17 AM

Quote from: olaftab on July 27, 2020, 09:19:39 AM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on July 27, 2020, 01:55:57 AM

I have been doing extensive scouting (two minutes on Wikipedia). What about this bloke? Plays in our favourite league, 18 goals from midfield, still only a babby?

https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/jonathan-david/profil/spieler/533738

The boy looks good. Do you think his dad Craig will make him rewind from Bielsa and selecta us?

You've got 7 days to convince me he's the right choice.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: KevinGage on July 27, 2020, 10:23:36 AM

Seen it mentioned that Van Aanholt at Palace has only one year left on his contract. Offers physicality and pace in a position where we've been too weak this season. One in ten goal average and chips in with plenty of assists as well.

If he was 26-27 you'd probably be looking at mental £30-40 million Premier League valuations. But at 29 and with his contract coming to an end you're not paying for potential.

Would still keep Targett, but would be interested in seeing what he could do higher up the pitch with less defensive responsibility. Good distribution, but not great positional sense or reading of the game. Which you need if you lack pace to the extent he does.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: villabear on July 27, 2020, 10:45:02 AM

Jan Vertonghen now a free agent after leaving Spurs. Too old?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on July 27, 2020, 10:51:07 AM

Can we stop shopping in the Championship & Jupiler Leagues please? Thanks.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: fbriai on July 27, 2020, 10:59:39 AM

Quote from: villabear on July 27, 2020, 10:45:02 AM

Jan Vertonghen now a free agent after leaving Spurs. Too old?

Inter and Roma are apparently both interested in him over here.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Smithy on July 27, 2020, 11:00:08 AM

Does anyone know what the current FFP situation is? Both with us as a club, and within the league given the income falls most clubs have suffered?

I'm trying to gauge whether having very wealthy owners is going to give us some freedom in the transfer market this summer, or whether our spend last summer means we're a bit more limited on what we can spend regardless of the size of their wallets?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on July 27, 2020, 11:12:03 AM

I’d agree with letting go off Kalinic, Nyland, Bree, Lansbury, jota, possibly one of Davies or Samatta.

Trez and El Ghazi largely haven’t been good enough this season, but maybe as squad players with another year behind them, they may improve.
I would keep Hourihane, he can be hologram sometimes, hasn’t always got the legs, but I also think he’s been one of the key players in the run that has kept us up, he’s shown real leadership qualities. In a similar way I’d keep Elmo. 
Everything centres around Grealish though. Keep him, continue to build the team around him, he goes we need two or three in.
Smith seems to have solidified the defence in recent weeks, but another left back to challenge Targett and another CB to help out Konsa and Mings. Given how Smith likes to play another wide player, Benhrama hopefully.
And top quality striker, obviously!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Bobby Boy on July 27, 2020, 11:41:30 AM

The absolute number one priority has got to be to get a striker in with Premier League experience who can get us 12-15 goals a season.

Callum Wilson, Chris Wood, someone of that level.

I still cannot believe that we stayed up when our defenders scored more league goals than our strikers (7 to 6).

Get a decent proven striker in and we will be able to breathe.....

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Des Little on July 27, 2020, 12:00:40 PM

I’d be keen to go for Benrahma from Brentford and Brooks or Wilson from Bournemouth, and throw everything at Chelsea to try for Tammy.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: paul_e on July 27, 2020, 12:01:26 PM

I don't think I'd be looking at anyone from the championship this window, we need some real statement signings.

I put him on here a few times but I've watched a fair bit of German football since they restarted and Marcus Thuram would be top of my list by a long way.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: KevinGage on July 27, 2020, 12:01:29 PM

I like Ollie Watkins as a player.

But hope he and Benrahama go up with Brentford and remain there for at least another season.

It's bollocks that clubs like that keep on losing their best players.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Ads on July 27, 2020, 12:13:11 PM

Wesley is better than both Samatta and Davis. Why would we sell him first?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: KevinGage on July 27, 2020, 12:15:07 PM

Even the Chinese won't be buying nags with a broken leg

Then again...

Let's see how his rehab goes. Maybe he'll make similar progress to Luiz with more time at the club.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Damo70 on July 27, 2020, 12:18:55 PM

It looks like Manure are going all out for Jadon Sancho so hopefully they will leave Jack alone.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on July 27, 2020, 12:22:05 PM

I'm hoping we'll break our record transfer fee at least 2 or 3 times this summer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: chrisw1 on July 27, 2020, 12:23:44 PM

Quote from: Ads on July 27, 2020, 12:13:11 PM

Wesley is better than both Samatta and Davis. Why would we sell him first?

I don't think anybody would buy him until he's proved his fitness.  But personally I don't hink he's anywhere near good enough for the PL and doubt he ever will be.  If we could recoup the money paid then we should be biting hands off.  Hopefully he'll prove me very wrong next season, but I saw nothing in him at all that led me to believe he can be what we need going forward.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on July 27, 2020, 12:26:02 PM

Pace pace and more pace in attacking players needed. A massive CM to firm us up and make us nastier (Doucoure or Billing)
Brentford don’t go up then we have to deal Benrahma ASAP

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Des Little on July 27, 2020, 12:33:45 PM

We have to look at moving Samatta on, and loan Davis out too. Keep Wes - he’d need to prove his fitness before we could even think of selling even if we wanted to - I think there is a player there, unlike Samatta in my opinion.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: mr underhill on July 27, 2020, 12:36:46 PM

especially after Samatta saying he's going nowhere. Well in one sense, he's right.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on July 27, 2020, 12:54:53 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on July 27, 2020, 12:23:44 PM

Quote from: Ads on July 27, 2020, 12:13:11 PM

Wesley is better than both Samatta and Davis. Why would we sell him first?

I don't think anybody would buy him until he's proved his fitness.  But personally I don't hink he's anywhere near good enough for the PL and doubt he ever will be.  If we could recoup the money paid then we should be biting hands off.  Hopefully he'll prove me very wrong next season, but I saw nothing in him at all that led me to believe he can be what we need going forward.

There was a lot missing with him, like positional sense etc and lots to improve. Saying that with all the problems he still scored 6 goals by New Year’s Day, which is more than Samatta or Davies have ever looked like scoring. I think he’ll stay, Hopefully improve and become a player for us, a bit like Luiz who didn’t really look like he could cut it before lockdown. However we can’t make the same mistake again if relying on Wes as the main man, he has to be back up to someone whose more of the finished article.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Mister E on July 27, 2020, 12:57:57 PM

Quote from: RamboandBruno on July 27, 2020, 12:54:53 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on July 27, 2020, 12:23:44 PM

Quote from: Ads on July 27, 2020, 12:13:11 PM

Wesley is better than both Samatta and Davis. Why would we sell him first?

I don't think anybody would buy him until he's proved his fitness.  But personally I don't hink he's anywhere near good enough for the PL and doubt he ever will be.  If we could recoup the money paid then we should be biting hands off.  Hopefully he'll prove me very wrong next season, but I saw nothing in him at all that led me to believe he can be what we need going forward.

There was a lot missing with him, like positional sense etc and lots to improve. Saying that with all the problems he still scored 6 goals by New Year’s Day, which is more than Samatta or Davies have ever looked like scoring. I think he’ll stay, Hopefully improve and become a player for us, a bit like Luiz who didn’t really look like he could cut it before lockdown. However we can’t make the same mistake again if relying on Wes as the main man, he has to be back up to someone whose more of the finished article.

Put a decent co-striker alongside him and he'll be fine.
Certainly a better prospect than Samatta.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: chrisw1 on July 27, 2020, 01:02:02 PM

Quote from: Mister E on July 27, 2020, 12:57:57 PM

Quote from: RamboandBruno on July 27, 2020, 12:54:53 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on July 27, 2020, 12:23:44 PM

Quote from: Ads on July 27, 2020, 12:13:11 PM

Wesley is better than both Samatta and Davis. Why would we sell him first?

I don't think anybody would buy him until he's proved his fitness.  But personally I don't hink he's anywhere near good enough for the PL and doubt he ever will be.  If we could recoup the money paid then we should be biting hands off.  Hopefully he'll prove me very wrong next season, but I saw nothing in him at all that led me to believe he can be what we need going forward.

There was a lot missing with him, like positional sense etc and lots to improve. Saying that with all the problems he still scored 6 goals by New Year’s Day, which is more than Samatta or Davies have ever looked like scoring. I think he’ll stay, Hopefully improve and become a player for us, a bit like Luiz who didn’t really look like he could cut it before lockdown. However we can’t make the same mistake again if relying on Wes as the main man, he has to be back up to someone whose more of the finished article.

Put a decent co-striker alongside him and he'll be fine.
Certainly a better prospect than Samatta.

We don't play with 2 strikers. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on July 27, 2020, 01:03:41 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on July 27, 2020, 01:02:02 PM

Quote from: Mister E on July 27, 2020, 12:57:57 PM

Quote from: RamboandBruno on July 27, 2020, 12:54:53 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on July 27, 2020, 12:23:44 PM

Quote from: Ads on July 27, 2020, 12:13:11 PM

Wesley is better than both Samatta and Davis. Why would we sell him first?

I don't think anybody would buy him until he's proved his fitness.  But personally I don't hink he's anywhere near good enough for the PL and doubt he ever will be.  If we could recoup the money paid then we should be biting hands off.  Hopefully he'll prove me very wrong next season, but I saw nothing in him at all that led me to believe he can be what we need going forward.

There was a lot missing with him, like positional sense etc and lots to improve. Saying that with all the problems he still scored 6 goals by New Year’s Day, which is more than Samatta or Davies have ever looked like scoring. I think he’ll stay, Hopefully improve and become a player for us, a bit like Luiz who didn’t really look like he could cut it before lockdown. However we can’t make the same mistake again if relying on Wes as the main man, he has to be back up to someone whose more of the finished article.

Put a decent co-striker alongside him and he'll be fine.
Certainly a better prospect than Samatta.

We don't play with 2 strikers. 

Playing with one would be a start.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Mellin on July 27, 2020, 01:04:22 PM

If we keep hold of the quality already on board, I'd be very happy with Tammy and Tuanzebe, plus pace out wide.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: paul_e on July 27, 2020, 01:06:55 PM

Abraham and Tuanzebe both did well for us but I'm not sure we should go back for either. I suspect people,will call for us to sign the former every window for the next few years though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: KevinGage on July 27, 2020, 01:11:37 PM

Quote from: Mellin on July 27, 2020, 01:04:22 PM

If we keep hold of the quality already on board, I'd be very happy with Tammy and Tuanzebe, plus pace out wide.

If we hadn’t signed Konsa last season I’d have been happy with Tuanzebe. Don’t want to be in a position again where we integrating too many players with limited top flight experience.

Bringing in someone like Shane Duffy or Evans at Leicester (or a player of similar age/profile) gives us that experience but also means Konsa can see an opening to be a first team regular in a year or two.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Des Little on July 27, 2020, 01:12:04 PM

We definitely need two strikers, both proven as well. Ideally not plying their trade in Belgium, either.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: postal on July 27, 2020, 01:12:29 PM

Quote from: Mellin on July 27, 2020, 01:04:22 PM

If we keep hold of the quality already on board, I'd be very happy with Tammy and Tuanzebe, plus pace out wide.

How much would Tammy be if Chelsea were to sell.

And a fit Wesley isn't better than Samatta, who also has been a disappointment.

But we might be able to sell Samatta, and Wesley might come back fitter and we are stuck with him, he has to work. If he learns to head the ball, and attack the box more, and frigging shoot, I'll hold my hands up.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Steve67 on July 27, 2020, 01:18:33 PM

I will give my head a wobble but I wonder if the likes of Wellbeck or Sturridge will get gigs back in the Prem.  Both are goal-scorers, albeit with injury problems, Premier Division experience.  I couldn't see Villa going for them, bit I reckon the Tesco bags might.  Would be quite shrewd moves for them but only if they come off.

Dan Gosling from Bournemouth?  Is he any good? When will be make our first summer signing?  Should we have gone in for Adam Lallana? I suspect he wants to retire to the south coast.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: fbriai on July 27, 2020, 01:22:14 PM

I wonder whether having 5 substitutes and a bigger bench might have an impact on the number of strikers it's worth having in the squad next season, in that it might lead to teams being tactically more flexible. 0-1 down after an hour with 1 centre-forward on the pitch, switch it around and push 2 up front, as the bench has plenty of options. Would mean that having 4 out-and-out strikers in the squad would make more sense, even without injuries.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: ROBBO on July 27, 2020, 01:29:58 PM

We got the quantity in last season it's the quality we need now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Daley’s dreads on July 27, 2020, 01:46:01 PM

Definitely quality over quantity which is a refreshing change. Really like Brooks and Starr. Was very impressed with Josh King yesterday and he’s versatile too. Not sure how consistent he is though.
Watford fans really like Will Hughes - seems a hard worker and quite good technically but not sure he has the physicality and pace we need!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on July 27, 2020, 01:46:21 PM

Quote from: paul_e on July 27, 2020, 01:06:55 PM

Abraham and Tuanzebe both did well for us but I'm not sure we should go back for either. I suspect people,will call for us to sign the former every window for the next few years though.

Dean Smith generally in his managerial career has always signed former players. We got Konsa and Jota last summer who he'd managed previously. At Brentford he signed Sawyers and Rico Henry and at Walsall he signed a whole host of players he'd previously had on loan although of course the budget is a pittance there.

I don't think it would be that big a shock if we went in for Tammy although I think he'll see how the land lies at Chelsea next season and might wait until January before wanting out.

Tuanzabe just feels an obvious move given he did well on loan and he needs to get out of Man. United and play games somewhere.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Dick Edwards on July 27, 2020, 01:49:07 PM

Ryan Fraser, out of contract at Bournemouth would be a great signing for us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Hookeysmith on July 27, 2020, 01:53:43 PM

Keepers

Heaton
Nyland
Steer

Full backs

Elmo (Experience and never let us down)
Guilbert
Targett

Centre defenders

Mings
Konsa
Engels

Midfield

Luiz
Grealish
SJM
Nakamba
Hourihane (squad filler only)
Barry
Trezuguet - (Hard to bin him after his goals kept us up and got us to a cup final)

Strikers

Wesley
Davis - (Out on loan for the season)

Sell all the rest and then spend the £30/40 mil received plus our new budget across £100 - 150m on 3/4 players of real quality

Positions to fill

Striker(s)
Fast wide man (thinking Benrahma et al)
Quality left back
Tough tackling Centre Mid

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: chrisw1 on July 27, 2020, 01:54:14 PM

Quote from: Dick Edwards on July 27, 2020, 01:49:07 PM

Ryan Fraser, out of contract at Bournemouth would be a great signing for us.

Possibly, but that was a ****** trick he pulled on Bournemouth.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: darren woolley on July 27, 2020, 02:00:27 PM

I wouldn't either Benrahama or Ollie Watkins signing for us and King from Bournemouth too.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: oldhill_avfc on July 27, 2020, 02:10:01 PM

Quote from: Hookeysmith on July 27, 2020, 01:53:43 PM

Keepers

Heaton
Nyland
Steer

Full backs

Elmo (Experience and never let us down)
Guilbert
Targett

Centre defenders

Mings
Konsa
Engels

Midfield

Luiz
Grealish
SJM
Nakamba
Hourihane (squad filler only)
Barry
Trezuguet - (Hard to bin him after his goals kept us up and got us to a cup final)

Strikers

Wesley
Davis - (Out on loan for the season)

Sell all the rest and then spend the £30/40 mil received plus our new budget across £100 - 150m on 3/4 players of real quality

Positions to fill

Striker(s)
Fast wide man (thinking Benrahma et al)
Quality left back
Tough tackling Centre Mid

Who's Barry?

Over all this looks about right, though I'd ditch Engels and keep Hause.

Also I think the idea of a tough tacking midfielder is as outmoded as tackles themselves.  You need mobility and be able to retain possession under pressure in the centre of midfield these days - which Luiz has adapted to and the jury is still out on with respect to nakamba.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Luke8 on July 27, 2020, 02:14:41 PM

Quote from: oldhill_avfc on July 27, 2020, 02:10:01 PM

Who's Barry?

Over all this looks about right, though I'd ditch Engels and keep Hause.

Also I think the idea of a tough tacking midfielder is as outmoded as tackles themselves.  You need mobility and be able to retain possession under pressure in the centre of midfield these days - which Luiz has adapted to and the jury is still out on with respect to nakamba.

Louie Barry presumably. Academy boy we signed from Barcelona (previously at WBA). He’s an excellent prospect but only just 17 so might be a bit early to expect too much from him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Luke8 on July 27, 2020, 02:19:16 PM

Quote from: Hookeysmith on July 27, 2020, 01:53:43 PM

Positions to fill

Striker(s)
Fast wide man (thinking Benrahma et al)
Quality left back
Tough tackling Centre Mid

Agree with the sentiment of less players but more quality, but I think on the basis left back is probably ok for another season. Be nice to have a bit more pace there, but otherwise Targett is ok and links up nicely with Grealish. Taylor is reasonable back up.

Beating in mind it would probably cost at least £15-20 million to upgrade that position then I think there are other areas (wide players and striker for a start) where the money would be better spent.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on July 27, 2020, 02:30:50 PM

Signing Sturridge would be monumentally daft.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 27, 2020, 02:32:11 PM

Sturridge??? Fuck no. Where has that suggestion come from?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on July 27, 2020, 02:33:44 PM

Terrible, terrible idea.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on July 27, 2020, 02:35:17 PM

I'd give AEM another 12 months tbh. Really like his mentality, someone who dosen't play for ages and then comes in and gives consistant performances. If we had more of his type in our squad we'd have been safe well before the final day.

Try to offer Taylor in a swop with a club who's got a decent young LB.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on July 27, 2020, 02:49:22 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on July 27, 2020, 02:32:11 PM

Sturridge??? Fuck no. Where has that suggestion come from?

It’s been floating out there. He’s looking for a club. I’d rather we didn’t sign him but don’t think it’s that bad under very defined circumstances. That is contract is not ridiculous and the expectation of him is that he is a squad player at best and not someone who will demand a regular starting position which he is no longer capable of providing. But if I have to put up with that fucking shit goal celebration the rather it was with us.

But we should be looking at way, way better than him; starting options and squad.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: mr underhill on July 27, 2020, 02:51:15 PM

haven't we just been through the let's sign a has been thing yet again with Drinkwater? Please let that be the last act in the last chance Villa saloon.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Steve67 on July 27, 2020, 02:55:43 PM

Quote from: mr underhill on July 27, 2020, 02:51:15 PM

haven't we just been through the let's sign a has been thing yet again with Drinkwater? Please let that be the last act in the last chance Villa saloon.

Whilst I think there are always exceptions to the rule, for instance, Pepe Reina coming in at the age of 60, I just don't see Villa going in that direction. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on July 27, 2020, 02:56:41 PM

Signing Sturridge would indicate we haven't learned from past mistakes.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 27, 2020, 02:56:59 PM

Goalkeepers are different. Under no circumstances should we decide to fix our most problematic area with a player who last played three succesive games when John Major was Prime Minister.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Mister E on July 27, 2020, 02:58:31 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on July 27, 2020, 01:02:02 PM

Quote from: Mister E on July 27, 2020, 12:57:57 PM

Quote from: RamboandBruno on July 27, 2020, 12:54:53 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on July 27, 2020, 12:23:44 PM

Quote from: Ads on July 27, 2020, 12:13:11 PM

Wesley is better than both Samatta and Davis. Why would we sell him first?

I don't think anybody would buy him until he's proved his fitness.  But personally I don't hink he's anywhere near good enough for the PL and doubt he ever will be.  If we could recoup the money paid then we should be biting hands off.  Hopefully he'll prove me very wrong next season, but I saw nothing in him at all that led me to believe he can be what we need going forward.

There was a lot missing with him, like positional sense etc and lots to improve. Saying that with all the problems he still scored 6 goals by New Year’s Day, which is more than Samatta or Davies have ever looked like scoring. I think he’ll stay, Hopefully improve and become a player for us, a bit like Luiz who didn’t really look like he could cut it before lockdown. However we can’t make the same mistake again if relying on Wes as the main man, he has to be back up to someone whose more of the finished article.

Put a decent co-striker alongside him and he'll be fine.
Certainly a better prospect than Samatta.

We don't play with 2 strikers. 

Well, I think AEG and Trez would disagree with you (after all, we know they're not proper wingers!!).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Bobby Boy on July 27, 2020, 02:59:17 PM

We are probably at a disadvantage to most teams in the division in that we haven't known whether we would still be a Premier League team until yesterday.

The level of player available to us and the budget would only now become clear.

It also doesn't help that the turnaround to the start of the season is so short. September 12th is what 6 weeks away?

Should be a fascinating few weeks ahead of us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Mister E on July 27, 2020, 03:00:39 PM

Quote from: postal on July 27, 2020, 01:12:29 PM

And a fit Wesley isn't better than Samatta, who also has been a disappointment.

Errr, if you check the facts of the just-finished season I think you'll find he is.
In his first season in the EPL, Wesley did ok for the time he was available to play. There's much more we should expect of him next season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Mister E on July 27, 2020, 03:01:55 PM

Quote from: Daley’s dreads on July 27, 2020, 01:46:01 PM

Definitely quality over quantity which is a refreshing change. Really like Brooks and Starr...

Ringo or Freddy?
Both are a little old, I reckon.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: chrisw1 on July 27, 2020, 03:06:46 PM

Quote from: Mister E on July 27, 2020, 02:58:31 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on July 27, 2020, 01:02:02 PM

Quote from: Mister E on July 27, 2020, 12:57:57 PM

Quote from: RamboandBruno on July 27, 2020, 12:54:53 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on July 27, 2020, 12:23:44 PM

Quote from: Ads on July 27, 2020, 12:13:11 PM

Wesley is better than both Samatta and Davis. Why would we sell him first?

I don't think anybody would buy him until he's proved his fitness.  But personally I don't hink he's anywhere near good enough for the PL and doubt he ever will be.  If we could recoup the money paid then we should be biting hands off.  Hopefully he'll prove me very wrong next season, but I saw nothing in him at all that led me to believe he can be what we need going forward.

There was a lot missing with him, like positional sense etc and lots to improve. Saying that with all the problems he still scored 6 goals by New Year’s Day, which is more than Samatta or Davies have ever looked like scoring. I think he’ll stay, Hopefully improve and become a player for us, a bit like Luiz who didn’t really look like he could cut it before lockdown. However we can’t make the same mistake again if relying on Wes as the main man, he has to be back up to someone whose more of the finished article.

Put a decent co-striker alongside him and he'll be fine.
Certainly a better prospect than Samatta.

We don't play with 2 strikers. 

Well, I think AEG and Trez would disagree with you (after all, we know they're not proper wingers!!).

I'd class Trez and AEG as wingers, just pretty poor ones.  Obviously any striker should be better with better service, but I still think he's hugely limited and would not want to rely on him as a key player next season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Mister E on July 27, 2020, 03:10:21 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on July 27, 2020, 03:06:46 PM

Quote from: Mister E on July 27, 2020, 02:58:31 PM

Well, I think AEG and Trez would disagree with you (after all, we know they're not proper wingers!!).

I'd class Trez and AEG as wingers, just pretty poor ones.  Obviously any striker should be better with better service, but I still think he's hugely limited and would not want to rely on him as a key player next season.

You're right: we shouldn't rely on him - or any other player - as a 'key player', but Wesley will develop further; he has more to give us. IMHO, he needs more coaching and more assimilation-time into the EPL style (as Luiz has had).

... and: we will not get much for him now anyway, after the 9 months of injury.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: john e on July 27, 2020, 03:11:00 PM

there’s nothing more nailed on than we will end up with Jessie Lingard at some point in his career

I’m saying this as a bad thing that will happen

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: TonyD on July 27, 2020, 03:11:30 PM

Flog Wes and Samatta. 

Add £100m and buy two quality strikers to rotate with Davis.   Davis will come good.  It’s a confidence thing. 

Also flog Trez and AEG and buy one proper pacey winger. 

Simple this football lark. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: algy on July 27, 2020, 03:12:08 PM

I'd look, this summer, for focused spending.  We'll lose Baston and Drinkwater definitely, so they need replacing.  Jota isn't playing - swapping him for a pacy winger would make sense, although I'd not treat that as high a priority as the other two.  I'd bring in first team starters rather than squad players in those positions.  I'd not be against signing Pepe Reina on a 1 year contract, or extending his loan for another season, as cover.

That still leaves a few less-than-convincing players, but they'll be absolutely fine as squad players next season.  We've only got a fairly short pre-season, so I think bringing in any more than 2 or 3 players is a disaster waiting to happen - you just can't integrate that many players in the squad in such a short space of time and not expect the same kind of problems that have (necessarily) dogged us for the whole of this season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Steve67 on July 27, 2020, 03:13:17 PM

Quote from: Bobby Boy on July 27, 2020, 02:59:17 PM

We are probably at a disadvantage to most teams in the division in that we haven't known whether we would still be a Premier League team until yesterday.

The level of player available to us and the budget would only now become clear.

It also doesn't help that the turnaround to the start of the season is so short. September 12th is what 6 weeks away?

Should be a fascinating few weeks ahead of us.

I'm fairly sure they would have been planning for either outcome. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: chrisw1 on July 27, 2020, 03:14:01 PM

Quote from: Mister E on July 27, 2020, 03:10:21 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on July 27, 2020, 03:06:46 PM

Quote from: Mister E on July 27, 2020, 02:58:31 PM

Well, I think AEG and Trez would disagree with you (after all, we know they're not proper wingers!!).

I'd class Trez and AEG as wingers, just pretty poor ones.  Obviously any striker should be better with better service, but I still think he's hugely limited and would not want to rely on him as a key player next season.

You're right: we shouldn't rely on him - or any other player - as a 'key player', but Wesley will develop further; he has more to give us. IMHO, he needs more coaching and more assimilation-time into the EPL style (as Luiz has had).

... and: we will not get much for him now anyway, after the 9 months of injury.

I don't expect us to sell him because of the injury.  Equally I don't have your faith in him coming good, but would love to be proven wrong.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Mister E on July 27, 2020, 03:17:06 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on July 27, 2020, 03:14:01 PM

Quote from: Mister E on July 27, 2020, 03:10:21 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on July 27, 2020, 03:06:46 PM

Quote from: Mister E on July 27, 2020, 02:58:31 PM

Well, I think AEG and Trez would disagree with you (after all, we know they're not proper wingers!!).

I'd class Trez and AEG as wingers, just pretty poor ones.  Obviously any striker should be better with better service, but I still think he's hugely limited and would not want to rely on him as a key player next season.

You're right: we shouldn't rely on him - or any other player - as a 'key player', but Wesley will develop further; he has more to give us. IMHO, he needs more coaching and more assimilation-time into the EPL style (as Luiz has had).

... and: we will not get much for him now anyway, after the 9 months of injury.

I don't expect us to sell him because of the injury.  Equally I don't have your faith in him coming good, but would love to be proven wrong.

Well, let's hope he does!! - I like the idea of Villa having Brazilian internationals playing for us :-)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: algy on July 27, 2020, 03:20:11 PM

Quote from: algy on July 27, 2020, 03:12:08 PM

I'd look, this summer, for focused spending.  We'll lose Baston and Drinkwater definitely, so they need replacing.  Jota isn't playing - swapping him for a pacy winger would make sense, although I'd not treat that as high a priority as the other two.  I'd bring in first team starters rather than squad players in those positions.  I'd not be against signing Pepe Reina on a 1 year contract, or extending his loan for another season, as cover.

That still leaves a few less-than-convincing players, but they'll be absolutely fine as squad players next season.  We've only got a fairly short pre-season, so I think bringing in any more than 2 or 3 players is a disaster waiting to happen - you just can't integrate that many players in the squad in such a short space of time and not expect the same kind of problems that have (necessarily) dogged us for the whole of this season.

Tammy Abraham (should integrate quickly) + Sarr + the best quality holding midfielder we can afford.  Plus Reina on loan for another year.  We won't get much change from £100m, but we'll have a significantly better first team, a slightly stronger squad, and all the players (bar Reina) are almost certain to go up in value.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on July 27, 2020, 03:31:59 PM

Quote from: TonyD on July 27, 2020, 03:11:30 PM

Flog Wes and Samatta. 

Add £100m and buy two quality strikers to rotate with Davis.   Davis will come good.  It’s a confidence thing. 

Also flog Trez and AEG and buy one proper pacey winger. 

Simple this football lark. 

See it’s interesting, and I’m genuinely not having a go, but why couldn’t Wesley’s issues be down to confidence and why is Davis a better bet? Personally I’ve seen more in Wesley than in Davis.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: thick_mike on July 27, 2020, 03:40:00 PM

PACE

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on July 27, 2020, 03:42:21 PM

Too much pressure being put on Wesley. He was o.k in the early weeks but I'm struggling to remember a good game he had from middle of October up to Burnley away.

Let's remember Kodj had an electric season in 16/17 when he was one of the best forwards in championship. Two bad injuries later and he was never the same and reverted to a back up option once we got in Tammy. Also seen with McGinn it takes a long time for a player to get back the intensity they had pre injury.

I'm not expecting much from him next season, he probably won't be back until October. In an ideal world I'd loan out Davis until January then recall him and loan out Wes for the rest of the season.

Just a reminder, our collection of strikers this season scored in the grand total of 5 league games. That's with Grealish laying on second most chances in the league.

We need far far better in the final third next season if we want to get up to the giddy heights of 11th or 12th.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: London Villan on July 27, 2020, 03:47:17 PM

What’s the “warchest”? £100m £150m more... that’s before Jack’s future is sorted.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Fred Crump on July 27, 2020, 03:47:26 PM

Quote from: thick_mike on July 27, 2020, 03:40:00 PM

PACE

And finishing. Must be a proven goal scorer at the very top level

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: dicedlam on July 27, 2020, 03:58:35 PM

Whoever the person was who thought Drinkwater was a good idea is someone we should be concerned about if they were given the transfer kitty.

Personally, I think we need two wingers with a proven goalscorer upfront. We also need a left-back and a steely horrible bastard in midfield.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on July 27, 2020, 04:04:02 PM

Quote from: London Villan on July 27, 2020, 03:47:17 PM

What’s the “warchest”? £100m £150m more... that’s before Jack’s future is sorted.

I love a good war chest.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Hookeysmith on July 27, 2020, 04:21:54 PM

Quote

Davis will come good.  It’s a confidence thing. 

No its not i'm afraid - at the very best he will be a poor mans Heskey. He is decent at what he does and by bringing him on fresh at 60+ minutes has been a master stroke over recent games.

But goal scoring is a natural thing and cannot be learned, it can be improved upon but not taught as the majority of the time it is pure instinct.

Davis just does not have that in his game. All those criticising Wesley i would have bet him to have scored that chance against Arsenal.

Just to put it into how hard it is to get that special striker

1st Jamie Vardy 23 goals

2nd Danny Ings 22 goals

3rd Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 22 goals

4th Raheem Sterling 20 goals

5th Mohamed Salah 19 goals

6th Harry Kane 18 goals

7th Sadio Mané 18 goals

8th Marcus Rashford 17 goals

9th Anthony Martial 17 goals

10th Raúl Jiménez 17 goals

To put into context Wesley scored 5 goals in 21 league games so improving on that is either serious money (and even then we would not get a sniff at any in the top 10) or another gamble abroad

Its a tough call

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: tomd2103 on July 27, 2020, 04:24:30 PM

Still have a lot of holes to fill in the side for next season, so it may be a case of having to prioritise.  Key areas for me are experienced players to partner Mings and Luiz respectively (though Konsa had a good end to the season).  Then it has to be a quality striker, wide player and possibly an attacking midfielder, in that order.

I'm still far from convinced by our full backs, but we may need to prioritise other areas. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Des Little on July 27, 2020, 04:27:53 PM

Bloody hell, if Davis’ record doesn’t already scream it, let’s be very honest. He isn’t a Prem - or even Championship for that matter - striker in a million years. Willing worker, yes and probably a real pain to mark for his physicality but he doesn’t score goals, which is a key flaw in the plan for a striker.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on July 27, 2020, 04:33:23 PM

Quote from: Des Little on July 27, 2020, 04:27:53 PM

Bloody hell, if Davis’ record doesn’t already scream it, let’s be very honest. He isn’t a Prem - or even Championship for that matter - striker in a million years. Willing worker, yes and probably a real pain to mark for his physicality but he doesn’t score goals, which is a key flaw in the plan for a striker.

I know he hasn’t, and won’t, but if playing him allowed 5 of the wingers and midfielders to hit double figures he’d be a worthwhile option.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: mr underhill on July 27, 2020, 04:47:36 PM

but he won't do that either. We need so much better than Wes Samatta and Davis.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: frank black on July 27, 2020, 05:40:54 PM

First signing announcement

Carney Chukwuemeka Signs professional contract

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 27, 2020, 05:42:48 PM

Good. He's very highly rated.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: frank black on July 27, 2020, 05:45:20 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on July 27, 2020, 05:42:48 PM

Good. He's very highly rated.

Looking at the clips he looks excellent receiving and keeping the ball. Very silky.

We can sell him now and retire his shirt number

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: paul_e on July 27, 2020, 05:53:01 PM

Great news, he's one of 3-4 that I can see being involved with the first team through the season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: walsall villain on July 27, 2020, 05:53:47 PM

Quote from: frank black on July 27, 2020, 05:45:20 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on July 27, 2020, 05:42:48 PM

Good. He's very highly rated.

Looking at the clips he looks excellent receiving and keeping the ball. Very silky.

We can sell him now and retire his shirt number

There’s no room for a shirt number, not with all those letters in his name

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on July 27, 2020, 05:57:25 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on July 27, 2020, 05:42:48 PM

Good. He's very highly rated.

https://theathletic.co.uk/1731813/2020/04/09/aston-villa-carney-chukwuemeka-midfielder/

It would appear that he is so good news.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: villa `cross the mersey on July 27, 2020, 06:00:08 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on July 27, 2020, 04:04:02 PM

Quote from: London Villan on July 27, 2020, 03:47:17 PM

What’s the “warchest”? £100m £150m more... that’s before Jack’s future is sorted.

I love a good war chest.

I'm a pacifist.....I just love a good  chest

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: chrisw1 on July 27, 2020, 06:55:20 PM

Quote from: tomd2103 on July 27, 2020, 04:24:30 PM

Still have a lot of holes to fill in the side for next season, so it may be a case of having to prioritise.  Key areas for me are experienced players to partner Mings and Luiz respectively (though Konsa had a good end to the season).  Then it has to be a quality striker, wide player and possibly an attacking midfielder, in that order.

I'm still far from convinced by our full backs, but we may need to prioritise other areas. 

I suppose arguing about the order of priority is a bit academic, but I'm amazed you think a centre back is more important to us than strikers and wide players.  Surely those are the biggest holes in our squad?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Mister E on July 27, 2020, 07:03:23 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on July 27, 2020, 03:31:59 PM

Quote from: TonyD on July 27, 2020, 03:11:30 PM

Flog Wes and Samatta. 

Add £100m and buy two quality strikers to rotate with Davis.   Davis will come good.  It’s a confidence thing. 

Also flog Trez and AEG and buy one proper pacey winger. 

Simple this football lark. 

See it’s interesting, and I’m genuinely not having a go, but why couldn’t Wesley’s issues be down to confidence and why is Davis a better bet? Personally I’ve seen more in Wesley than in Davis.

Agreed, altohugh I'd agree that he is not the answer (on his own) to our goals-challenge.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Mister E on July 27, 2020, 07:06:51 PM

Quote from: paul_e on July 27, 2020, 05:53:01 PM

Great news, he's one of 3-4 that I can see being need to be involved with the first team through the season.

... if we want to develop long-term quality from within as well as through the 'cheque-book'.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: mcgrath_85 on July 27, 2020, 07:12:58 PM

Quote from: Mister E on July 27, 2020, 07:03:23 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on July 27, 2020, 03:31:59 PM

Quote from: TonyD on July 27, 2020, 03:11:30 PM

Flog Wes and Samatta. 

Add £100m and buy two quality strikers to rotate with Davis.   Davis will come good.  It’s a confidence thing. 

Also flog Trez and AEG and buy one proper pacey winger. 

Simple this football lark. 

See it’s interesting, and I’m genuinely not having a go, but why couldn’t Wesley’s issues be down to confidence and why is Davis a better bet? Personally I’ve seen more in Wesley than in Davis.

Agreed.

Very short memories. Wesley offered nothing as a lone front man. Couldn’t hold the ball up, got muscled out of most things and often just fell to floor and pretended to be injured. He was awful barring 3 games!
At least Davis give us something. 
If we can get anywhere near our money back for Wesley then we should sell, learn from our mistakes and try again!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: paul_e on July 27, 2020, 07:14:19 PM

Quote from: Mister E on July 27, 2020, 07:06:51 PM

Quote from: paul_e on July 27, 2020, 05:53:01 PM

Great news, he's one of 3-4 that I can see being need to be involved with the first team through the season.

... if we want to develop long-term quality from within as well as through the 'cheque-book'.

I'd agree with that amendment. Archer and Barry are 2 of the players I have in the group which is why I don't like the idea of 2 more strikers coming in.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: frank black on July 27, 2020, 07:19:43 PM

Quote from: mcgrath_85 on July 27, 2020, 07:12:58 PM

Quote from: Mister E on July 27, 2020, 07:03:23 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on July 27, 2020, 03:31:59 PM

Quote from: TonyD on July 27, 2020, 03:11:30 PM

Flog Wes and Samatta. 

Add £100m and buy two quality strikers to rotate with Davis.   Davis will come good.  It’s a confidence thing. 

Also flog Trez and AEG and buy one proper pacey winger. 

Simple this football lark. 

See it’s interesting, and I’m genuinely not having a go, but why couldn’t Wesley’s issues be down to confidence and why is Davis a better bet? Personally I’ve seen more in Wesley than in Davis.

Agreed.

Very short memories. Wesley offered nothing as a lone front man. Couldn’t hold the ball up, got muscled out of most things and often just fell to floor and pretended to be injured. He was awful barring 3 games!
At least Davis give us something. 
If we can get anywhere near our money back for Wesley then we should sell, learn from our mistakes and try again!

Wesley won’t be going anywhere due to his injury. Earliest would be January and even that may be too soon.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Mister E on July 27, 2020, 07:20:31 PM

Quote from: paul_e on July 27, 2020, 07:14:19 PM

Quote from: Mister E on July 27, 2020, 07:06:51 PM

Quote from: paul_e on July 27, 2020, 05:53:01 PM

Great news, he's one of 3-4 that I can see being need to be involved with the first team through the season.

... if we want to develop long-term quality from within as well as through the 'cheque-book'.

I'd agree with that amendment. Archer and Barry are 2 of the players I have in the group which is why I don't like the idea of 2 more strikers coming in.

Vassilev and Bridge are two others with good recommendations from people around this site that know better than me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: oldtimernow on July 27, 2020, 07:29:00 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on July 27, 2020, 03:06:46 PM

Quote from: Mister E on July 27, 2020, 02:58:31 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on July 27, 2020, 01:02:02 PM

Quote from: Mister E on July 27, 2020, 12:57:57 PM

Quote from: RamboandBruno on July 27, 2020, 12:54:53 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on July 27, 2020, 12:23:44 PM

Quote from: Ads on July 27, 2020, 12:13:11 PM

Wesley is better than both Samatta and Davis. Why would we sell him first?

I don't think anybody would buy him until he's proved his fitness.  But personally I don't hink he's anywhere near good enough for the PL and doubt he ever will be.  If we could recoup the money paid then we should be biting hands off.  Hopefully he'll prove me very wrong next season, but I saw nothing in him at all that led me to believe he can be what we need going forward.

There was a lot missing with him, like positional sense etc and lots to improve. Saying that with all the problems he still scored 6 goals by New Year’s Day, which is more than Samatta or Davies have ever looked like scoring. I think he’ll stay, Hopefully improve and become a player for us, a bit like Luiz who didn’t really look like he could cut it before lockdown. However we can’t make the same mistake again if relying on Wes as the main man, he has to be back up to someone whose more of the finished article.

Put a decent co-striker alongside him and he'll be fine.
Certainly a better prospect than Samatta.

We don't play with 2 strikers. 

Well, I think AEG and Trez would disagree with you (after all, we know they're not proper wingers!!).

I'd class Trez and AEG as wingers, just pretty poor ones.  Obviously any striker should be better with better service, but I still think he's hugely limited and would not want to rely on him as a key player next season.

they are no Tony Morley or Daley wingers

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on July 27, 2020, 07:42:05 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on July 27, 2020, 03:31:59 PM

Quote from: TonyD on July 27, 2020, 03:11:30 PM

Flog Wes and Samatta. 

Add £100m and buy two quality strikers to rotate with Davis.   Davis will come good.  It’s a confidence thing. 

Also flog Trez and AEG and buy one proper pacey winger. 

Simple this football lark. 

See it’s interesting, and I’m genuinely not having a go, but why couldn’t Wesley’s issues be down to confidence and why is Davis a better bet? Personally I’ve seen more in Wesley than in Davis.

When he was younger than Davis is now, he'd already netted a couple in the Champions League. It'd be daft to write Wes off after half a season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on July 27, 2020, 07:45:11 PM

Does anyone know why we've let Sarkic go and sign for Wolves? Is it a case of him refusing a contract with Villa or did we just not bother to try to keep him?

Seems very odd to me, always liked the look of him as a young backup keeper.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: paul_e on July 27, 2020, 07:45:48 PM

Quote from: Mister E on July 27, 2020, 07:20:31 PM

Quote from: paul_e on July 27, 2020, 07:14:19 PM

Quote from: Mister E on July 27, 2020, 07:06:51 PM

Quote from: paul_e on July 27, 2020, 05:53:01 PM

Great news, he's one of 3-4 that I can see being need to be involved with the first team through the season.

... if we want to develop long-term quality from within as well as through the 'cheque-book'.

I'd agree with that amendment. Archer and Barry are 2 of the players I have in the group which is why I don't like the idea of 2 more strikers coming in.

Vassilev and Bridge are two others with good recommendations from people around this site that know better than me.

And Ramsey, Kesler, Burton (and Chukwuemeka who started the conversation). if 2-3 of those lot make it with us it'll be a huge success but I hope we'll at least see them given a chance.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: TonyD on July 27, 2020, 08:32:29 PM

Quote from: mcgrath_85 on July 27, 2020, 07:12:58 PM

Quote from: Mister E on July 27, 2020, 07:03:23 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on July 27, 2020, 03:31:59 PM

Quote from: TonyD on July 27, 2020, 03:11:30 PM

Flog Wes and Samatta. 

Add £100m and buy two quality strikers to rotate with Davis.   Davis will come good.  It’s a confidence thing. 

Also flog Trez and AEG and buy one proper pacey winger. 

Simple this football lark. 

See it’s interesting, and I’m genuinely not having a go, but why couldn’t Wesley’s issues be down to confidence and why is Davis a better bet? Personally I’ve seen more in Wesley than in Davis.

Agreed.

Very short memories. Wesley offered nothing as a lone front man. Couldn’t hold the ball up, got muscled out of most things and often just fell to floor and pretended to be injured. He was awful barring 3 games!
At least Davis give us something. 
If we can get anywhere near our money back for Wesley then we should sell, learn from our mistakes and try again!

Exactly,  Davis can keep the ball, beat a player and is great at drawing players out of position and getting fouls in dangerous areas.   In some ways  quite a mature head on him.   If Davis could start every game for half a season he would have found his shooting boots.  Wes was mostly truly awful..

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Holte L2 on July 27, 2020, 08:33:16 PM

I'd go for Wilfred Zaha for one of the wide positions. Hodgson said he wants to go and won't stand in his way. £40m is the reported figure for him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on July 27, 2020, 08:36:46 PM

Quote from: Holte L2 on July 27, 2020, 08:33:16 PM

I'd go for Wilfred Zaha for one of the wide positions. Hodgson said he wants to go and won't stand in his way. £40m is the reported figure for him.

I wonder if Roy would be tempted for a straight swap for El Ghazi.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: SamTheMouse on July 27, 2020, 08:41:24 PM

We have to go for Benrahma, surely.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Bobby Boy on July 27, 2020, 08:43:56 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on July 27, 2020, 08:36:46 PM

Quote from: Holte L2 on July 27, 2020, 08:33:16 PM

I'd go for Wilfred Zaha for one of the wide positions. Hodgson said he wants to go and won't stand in his way. £40m is the reported figure for him.

I wonder if Roy would be tempted for a straight swap for El Ghazi.

Sign Zaha and keep Jack and we'll be breaking world records for fouls against in a game.....

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: ozzjim on July 27, 2020, 08:46:27 PM

Zaha is a decent strikers nightmare. Beats man, about to cross, no. Checks back... time to cross....no. Beats man again, striker makes 3rd run ready for the cros.... oh hes lost it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on July 27, 2020, 10:17:48 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on July 27, 2020, 08:46:27 PM

Zaha is a decent strikers nightmare. Beats man, about to cross, no. Checks back... time to cross....no. Beats man again, striker makes 3rd run ready for the cros.... oh hes lost it.

Zaha is one of the most overrated players I think I have come across.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Steve67 on July 27, 2020, 10:29:59 PM

Quote from: edgysatsuma89 on July 27, 2020, 10:17:48 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on July 27, 2020, 08:46:27 PM

Zaha is a decent strikers nightmare. Beats man, about to cross, no. Checks back... time to cross....no. Beats man again, striker makes 3rd run ready for the cros.... oh hes lost it.

Zaha is one of the most overrated players I think I have come across.

I think he is a talent but comes across as high maintenance.  Smith just wouldn't stand for the 'I'm better than you lot' mentality.  That said, if coached properly, having Jack on one side and Zaha on the other, we wouldn't be too shabby going forward!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: brontebilly on July 27, 2020, 10:32:54 PM

Has anyone any idea when Heaton or Steer are due back from injury? We urgently need both back fit for next season. Nyland couldn't cope with the pressure of being number one and Reina finally dropped the rick yesterday he has been threatening for weeks. Can't move backwards anymore.

GK - Heaton, Steer, +1
RB - Guilbert, Elmo (but if he got a 2 yr deal elsewhere we shouldn't stand in his way.
RCB - Konsa + 1
LCB - Mings and Hause
LB - Targett + 1
DCM - Luiz, Nakamba (though would cash in with a good offer)
CM - Hourihane, McGinn + 1
AM and Wings - Grealish, AEG, + 1
Forwards - Samatta (surely can't be as bad post restart), Davis (useful sub at worst) , + 1, Wes (injured)

Im assuming - Engels, Nyland, Taylor, Lansbury, Jota, Hogan, Bree, Kalinic are all on way out and despite his good run of goals I think we should let Trez go too.

Jack goes and it's a major overhaul of tactics and formation. All to be sorted in a matter of weeks.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on July 27, 2020, 10:35:23 PM

Quote from: edgysatsuma89 on July 27, 2020, 10:17:48 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on July 27, 2020, 08:46:27 PM

Zaha is a decent strikers nightmare. Beats man, about to cross, no. Checks back... time to cross....no. Beats man again, striker makes 3rd run ready for the cros.... oh hes lost it.

Zaha is one of the most overrated players I think I have come across.

I have to say I agree with this.  Very occasionally he'll do something astounding but that's about it.  He is however better than what we've got but for what he'd cost it's not that much of an upgrade.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: DB on July 27, 2020, 10:45:10 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on July 27, 2020, 10:32:50 PM

Quote from: Holte L2 on July 27, 2020, 08:33:16 PM

I'd go for Wilfred Zaha for one of the wide positions. Hodgson said he wants to go and won't stand in his way. £40m is the reported figure for him.

Cracking shout.
Would be great in the wide forward role of a front 3. Good pace , skills and strength

He has gone backwards and is high maintenance, avoid.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: brontebilly on July 27, 2020, 10:56:42 PM

Quote from: SamTheMouse on July 27, 2020, 08:41:24 PM

We have to go for Benrahma, surely.

From what I've seen he seems to be more of a number ten, Jack type of player? We definitely need one flyer to come in on the wings, not sure that's Benhrahma.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Des Little on July 27, 2020, 11:02:14 PM

It was reported on the wireless earlier that Zaha is on over £100k a week at Palace.  Add to this his goals tally this season (2 I think?) and it’s a no from me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on July 27, 2020, 11:09:15 PM

Zaha wouldn't be a good use of resources.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 27, 2020, 11:13:04 PM

£40 million would be cheap for him, I'd take that deal. Can't see it happening, though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on July 27, 2020, 11:14:10 PM

Zaha screams Everton.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Holy Trinity on July 27, 2020, 11:18:53 PM

Not in the know but I have a feeling we will see body's through the door fast and that the 5 or 6 we sign will be of very good quality. 3 squad players and 3 starters.

I would be surprised if the first sigings not announced by Monday.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Des Little on July 27, 2020, 11:39:29 PM

That’s quite specific for non ITK there...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: brontebilly on July 28, 2020, 12:19:49 AM

Tuanzebe will be the first one in I expect. Think a solid ITK on here confirmed a few weeks back that as a done deal if we stayed up? Just hope it's not caught up in the Grealish to United circus as they have any amount of deadwood they will try to pawn off on us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: ROBBO on July 28, 2020, 01:07:57 AM

Not disappointed in the least, his best years have gone and we have had enough of the footballers version of a retirement village.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: dave17 on July 28, 2020, 02:49:25 AM

Quote from: Vill I An on July 28, 2020, 12:24:38 AM

Anyone else disappointed missing out on a move for Lallana ??
He's gone to Brighton on a free.
Think he's sort of experience campaigner with some flair we could have done with.

classy player. But I guess we need to move away from the over 30 slightly brittle sort. Always tough as Cahill would have been a superb signing for us. Some prem experience would make sense but where and who is less easy.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Big Ming on July 28, 2020, 05:11:40 AM

A fit Danny Wellbeck still looks like a baller.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Villafirst on July 28, 2020, 05:57:46 AM

Quote from: brontebilly on July 28, 2020, 12:19:49 AM

Tuanzebe will be the first one in I expect. Think a solid ITK on here confirmed a few weeks back that as a done deal if we stayed up? Just hope it's not caught up in the Grealish to United circus as they have any amount of deadwood they will try to pawn off on us.

Tuanzebe has been injured since December! Not likely to play until September. Far too injury prone and made the princely sum of 5 League appearances for Yanited in 2019/20.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: mr underhill on July 28, 2020, 06:46:41 AM

both loan spells with us blighted by injury, avoid.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Holy Trinity on July 28, 2020, 07:01:42 AM

Quote from: brontebilly on July 28, 2020, 12:19:49 AM

Tuanzebe will be the first one in I expect. Think a solid ITK on here confirmed a few weeks back that as a done deal if we stayed up? Just hope it's not caught up in the Grealish to United circus as they have any amount of deadwood they will try to pawn off on us.

Well the itk is a defend3r had a medical the same day we played united and putting 2&2 together I guessed Tunzabe. I could be miles off and its a different premier league defender. Maybe even a left or right back.
One things for sure though, united are going to want to send us 3 or 4 players in the grealish deal if it happens and you could well be right with the bogged down in that comment.
I'd take dan James, luke Shaw and Axel plus cash but can't see that happening.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: steamer on July 28, 2020, 07:27:49 AM

They can keep their hand me downs
if we want them we should bid for them, very few clubs give away good players as make weights, Ireland anybody ?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Holy Trinity on July 28, 2020, 07:32:37 AM

I know what you mean and this is why I think Jack is going to end up staying until Jan is that nobody has any money due to massive loss on revenue from the behind closed doors games and noboy will have the 80+ million cash we will be looking for.
So expect a lot of player plus cash offerings unless barca or real come calling

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Mister E on July 28, 2020, 07:51:43 AM

Quote from: Villafirst on July 28, 2020, 05:57:46 AM

Quote from: brontebilly on July 28, 2020, 12:19:49 AM

Tuanzebe will be the first one in I expect. Think a solid ITK on here confirmed a few weeks back that as a done deal if we stayed up? Just hope it's not caught up in the Grealish to United circus as they have any amount of deadwood they will try to pawn off on us.

Tuanzebe has been injured since December! Not likely to play until September. Far too injury prone and made the princely sum of 5 League appearances for Yanited in 2019/20.

This.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: andyh on July 28, 2020, 07:58:20 AM

We have moved on from Tuanzebe, surely?
The only ‘old boys’ we should be looking at are Tammy and Allbrighton.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Holy Trinity on July 28, 2020, 08:01:20 AM

Quote from: andyh on July 28, 2020, 07:58:20 AM

We have moved on from Tuanzebe, surely?
The only ‘old boys’ we should be looking at are Tammy and Allbrighton.

The benefits of signing him is that he covers 3 positions. Rb cb cdm. Utility players in a 25 man premier league squad are a must for me. Not saying we should break the bank by any stretch but if mings who has a history of being made of glass or Konsa get injured what do we do with Hause as our only other centre back option assuming we sell engles

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Hairbandinho on July 28, 2020, 08:03:46 AM

I think we need a really quality central defender to start with.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 28, 2020, 08:09:14 AM

I'm quite happy with Konsa and Mings. Only need to sign someone as cover if Engels goes. Don't let it be Tuanzebe. I like him, but he's always injured.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Dick Edwards on July 28, 2020, 08:40:29 AM

Ideally I'd like to see some continuity this summer. If could only sign three players it would be quality additions in midfield, centre forward and wide man. All with pace.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Dave P on July 28, 2020, 08:41:10 AM

I can see Lingard being offered as part of a Grealish deal.  Not saying I agree with it but I can see him being mentioned.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: mr underhill on July 28, 2020, 08:41:36 AM

I think they will bring in five

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 28, 2020, 08:42:48 AM

Quote from: Dave P on July 28, 2020, 08:41:10 AM

I can see Lingard being offered as part of a Grealish deal.  Not saying I agree with it but I can see him being mentioned.

One goal, zero assists. It's a no from me. Especially as you can guarantee they'd probably value him at about £50 million with the England player surplus added on.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Clive W on July 28, 2020, 09:02:14 AM

I’ve also posted this link in the Pitarch thread
Article by John Percy

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2020/07/27/aston-villa-sack-sporting-director-jesus-garcia-pitarch-john/

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Diablo on July 28, 2020, 09:06:48 AM

Quote from: Clive W on July 28, 2020, 09:02:14 AM

I’ve also posted this link in the Pitarch thread
Article by John Percy

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2020/07/27/aston-villa-sack-sporting-director-jesus-garcia-pitarch-john/

Is there any chance a nice person could cut and paste this article?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: robbo1874 on July 28, 2020, 09:13:12 AM

I know we’ve been talking about Wolves a bit recently. A raid on them for one of their players would be a nice statement of intent and put them back in their box a bit!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on July 28, 2020, 09:16:19 AM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on July 27, 2020, 11:14:10 PM

Zaha screams Everton.

This.

He's the sort of player they'll pay 60m for and he'll have an entirely unremarkable stay there.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Dick Edwards on July 28, 2020, 09:20:11 AM

Quote from: robbo1874 on July 28, 2020, 09:13:12 AM

I know we’ve been talking about Wolves a bit recently. A raid on them for one of their players would be a nice statement of intent and put them back in their box a bit!

Traore looks useful

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: DB on July 28, 2020, 09:29:36 AM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on July 28, 2020, 09:16:19 AM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on July 27, 2020, 11:14:10 PM

Zaha screams Everton.

This.

He's the sort of player they'll pay 60m for and he'll have an entirely unremarkable stay there.

See also Delph, Walcott

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: LeeB on July 28, 2020, 09:30:36 AM

Quote from: DB on July 28, 2020, 09:29:36 AM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on July 28, 2020, 09:16:19 AM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on July 27, 2020, 11:14:10 PM

Zaha screams Everton.

This.

He's the sort of player they'll pay 60m for and he'll have an entirely unremarkable stay there.

See also Delph, Walcott

Bolassie.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Dave on July 28, 2020, 09:32:17 AM

Quote from: LeeB on July 28, 2020, 09:30:36 AM

Quote from: DB on July 28, 2020, 09:29:36 AM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on July 28, 2020, 09:16:19 AM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on July 27, 2020, 11:14:10 PM

Zaha screams Everton.

This.

He's the sort of player they'll pay 60m for and he'll have an entirely unremarkable stay there.

See also Delph, Walcott

Bolassie.

A reminder that they spent £40m on Alex Iwobi.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Chipsticks on July 28, 2020, 09:34:03 AM

Quote from: Dave on July 28, 2020, 09:32:17 AM

Quote from: LeeB on July 28, 2020, 09:30:36 AM

Quote from: DB on July 28, 2020, 09:29:36 AM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on July 28, 2020, 09:16:19 AM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on July 27, 2020, 11:14:10 PM

Zaha screams Everton.

This.

He's the sort of player they'll pay 60m for and he'll have an entirely unremarkable stay there.

See also Delph, Walcott

Bolassie.

A reminder that they spent £40m on Alex Iwobi.

Yikes.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: AllanW on July 28, 2020, 09:35:30 AM

GK; Heaton, Steer, Kalinic, Reina, Nyland (Sarkic gone to Dogheads)

CB;                   RB;               LB;

Chester         Elmohamady         Taylor
Konsa            Guilbert         Targett
Engels            Bree
Hause
Mings

DM;                  CM;            AM;

Drinkwater         McGinn         Lansbury
Luiz                   Hourihane         Jota
Nakamba                             Grealish

Wingers;         Strikers;   

El Ghazi         Wesley
Trezeguet         Samatta
Green            Davis
                   Hogan
                   Vassiliev

Players; 31

To Go;
- Loans returned, contracts already notified as ending; 5;
Chester £0m, Drinkwater £0m, Lansbury £0m, Hogan £0m, Green £0m,
- To be sold, my guess; 2; Kalinic £3m, Nyland £2.5m (unless they return Reina)

Need;                                                                                              Upgrade;
Winger (L), Striker (to start the season), CB (if Engels is going), CM      LB,             

Possibilities;
*Lots of youngsters 18 – 21 we don’t know about*
Ryan Fraser (winger L) (free),
Jetro Willems (LB) (final year of contract, coming back from injury, played at NUFC on loan),
Angelino (LB) (on loan at Leipzig from Man City, looking to sell him),
Hernandez (striker) (on loan at Mallorca from Watford),
Benrahma (winger L) (Brentford, Smith knows him),
Grujic (CM) (Liverpool player returning from loan at Hertha Berlin)
Longstaff (CM/DM) (Newcastle youngster yet to sign a new contract)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Ian. on July 28, 2020, 09:36:44 AM

I reckon Zaha would score on his debut followed by a few more before drying up for the season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: robbo1874 on July 28, 2020, 09:37:26 AM

Quote from: Dick Edwards on July 28, 2020, 09:20:11 AM

Quote from: robbo1874 on July 28, 2020, 09:13:12 AM

I know we’ve been talking about Wolves a bit recently. A raid on them for one of their players would be a nice statement of intent and put them back in their box a bit!

Traore looks useful

maybe we’ll get a discount because of some kind of sell-on clause when we first sold him! 😄

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Clive W on July 28, 2020, 09:41:53 AM

Not sure whether my cut and paste skills are up to it but here goes
By John Percy from the DT

Aston Villa have sacked sporting director Jesús García Pitarch after securing Premier League survival, with John McGinn insisting they need to add more “quality” players.

Pitarch was axed on Monday as the club took action for the maligned £140 million spend on recruitment, with the decision rubber-stamped by owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens.

Villa avoided the drop on the final day and, as reported by Telegraph Sport last month, are conducting a full review of their football operations with the inquest led by chief executive Christian Purslow.

Pitarch has paid the price after a number of summer signings failed to pay off. It is understood the Spaniard was behind the recruitment of record £21m signing Wesley, Trezeguet, Matt Targett, Mbwana Samatta and Marvelous Nakamba, who have all struggled to impress over the course of the season.

Villa will look to replace Pitarch, known as Suso, and view the position as a priority.


Jesus Garcia Pitarch has been sacked Credit: GETTY IMAGES
Dean Smith, the head coach, has been assured of funds for new signings over the summer and will target players in attacking areas, plus a central midfielder, a right-back and possibly another centre-half.

McGinn, the Scotland international, is expecting major changes and has warned that Villa cannot risk another season struggling near the bottom.

He said: “I think everyone is aware we need quality added. We obviously spent a lot of money last summer and we may need to go and do it again.

“We can’t get complacent and think everything is alright now. It was a poor season overall, we know that - us as players and I am sure everyone upstairs is fully aware of that.

“There will be changes, I am sure of that. The ones who know what this club means, know what it means to play here, need to get that across as quickly as possible to whoever comes in.

“There is no way we should be celebrating finishing 17th with the size and stature of this place and the money we have spent.”

Villa’s summer strategy appears likely to be defined by the future of captain Jack Grealish, who is on the radar of both Manchester clubs, although Grealish’s hopes of a move to Old Trafford have been fading for some time. Manchester United have little appetite to pay anywhere in the region of £80m and their priorities have changed with Paul Pogba staying and the impact of Bruno Fernandes.

Grealish scored the goal at West Ham on Sunday which ultimately secured Villa’s survival and admitted last week he was uncertain where he would be playing next season.

McGinn said: “We are not thinking about that now. He scored a massive goal for this club and no-one can get away from that.


Brothers in arms... but for how long? Jack Grealish (right) and John McGinn (left) shake hands Credit: GETTY IMAGES
“He woke up on Sunday and we had a chat, all the focus was on keeping Villa in this league. Our focus last season was getting the club promoted, our focus this year was keeping them in the league and we have managed to do that.

“What happens now, I’m not sure, but Jack is still contracted here. It has been a privilege to play alongside him and hopefully that continues but you never know in football.”

McGinn has confirmed he suffered a second stress fracture in March, after initially breaking his ankle in December, and is already focusing on next season.

The 25 year-old admitted 2020 has been “horrible” but believes Villa silenced their critics by staying up.

Premier League 2019/20 final standings (bottom five)

“I know we had 90,000 people at Wembley last season celebrating a play-off victory but this definitely feels sweeter,” he said.

“With four games to go we were seven points behind and not one person outside the club really believed we could stay up. In that sense the togetherness we showed and the character we showed to keep this club up is unbelievable.

“We were under enormous pressure, I’ve never known pressure like it before. There is a massive feeling of relief and elation.”

Smith, the head coach, has revealed he slept in his office at the training ground after a night of celebrations on Sunday.

Villa’s players returned to Bodymoor Heath after the West Ham game with the party going on into the early hours.

"I'm not great because it was a heavy night but I'm ok," Smith told talkSPORT on Monday morning. “I'm not sure what time it was. I slipped off before the lads could see me.

"I am immensely proud of the players and the staff because we had been written off by everybody. We walked off the pitch against Leicester and everybody was already saying we had been relegated.”

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Diablo on July 28, 2020, 09:43:59 AM

Thanks Clive, much appreciated!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: tomd2103 on July 28, 2020, 09:48:29 AM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on July 28, 2020, 08:09:14 AM

I'm quite happy with Konsa and Mings. Only need to sign someone as cover if Engels goes. Don't let it be Tuanzebe. I like him, but he's always injured.

Konsa has done well in the last few games, but I would be looking to bring some experience at both centre half and in central midfield to partner Mings and Luiz respectively.

Think the 4-2-3-1 formation has worked pretty well over the last few weeks and we just need to add a bit of experience and quality.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Clive W on July 28, 2020, 09:49:55 AM

Quote from: Diablo on July 28, 2020, 09:43:59 AM

Thanks Clive, much appreciated!

No problems mate

Encouraging article - I get the impression Percy is one of us

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: chrisw1 on July 28, 2020, 09:53:42 AM

I didn't know McGinn had that stress fracture setback in March.  The lockdown really did save us then.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Monty on July 28, 2020, 10:00:23 AM

Good news about United perhaps doing one on Jack as well. If for nothing else, if he went to City at least he really would be going to get better under a coach who's perfect for him, rather than becoming another scapegoat for the spoiled brats in Peckham to whinge about on 606, demanding to sign Mbappe instead or something.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: olaftab on July 28, 2020, 10:37:06 AM

Thanks Clive.
We need Jack situation settled one way or the other this week as there is not much time and we must sign 3 real quality players.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: paul_e on July 28, 2020, 11:44:29 AM

Quote from: Big Ming on July 28, 2020, 05:11:40 AM

A fit Danny Wellbeck still looks like a baller.

14 goals in the last 5 seasons Danny Welbeck?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: brontebilly on July 28, 2020, 11:53:37 AM

Jack Cork and Isaac Hayden have only a year left on their contracts. Both proven performers in the top division, Cork in particular is underrated I think. Either would be a solid signing for us in an area that desperately needs strengthening.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on July 28, 2020, 11:56:21 AM

Shiqiri from Liverpool would be worth a look, hardly kicked a ball this season but an experienced international wide player who scores and creates, temperament wise I’m not sure but the talent is certainly there.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on July 28, 2020, 11:58:24 AM

Quote from: paul_e on July 28, 2020, 11:44:29 AM

Quote from: Big Ming on July 28, 2020, 05:11:40 AM

A fit Danny Wellbeck still looks like a baller.

14 goals in the last 5 seasons Danny Welbeck?

Couldn't agree more.  The absolute last thing we need is yet another goal shy striker.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 28, 2020, 12:01:29 PM

In fairness, that's quite prolific for us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: danno on July 28, 2020, 12:03:43 PM

I'm not actually sure which is worse his scoring record or his injury record. He's had at least two major injuries since he joined Arsenal.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Drummond on July 28, 2020, 12:07:11 PM

There's talk of West Ham letting Noble go......

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 28, 2020, 12:07:45 PM

For me, in:

That Canadian bloke I looked up (Belgian team) £30 million
St Maximum £30 million
Sarr £30 million
That Norwich bloke with the shit hair £25 million
Abraham £30 million
Haarland £70 million

Out:

Lansbury £10 million
Jota £10 million
Bree £5 million
Chester £5 million
Samatta £20 million
The Croatian goalkeeper can't remember his name £5 million
Hogan (Small Heath) £190 million and we'll throw in Drinkwater.

We massively improve the squad, make a profit AND bankrupt the Blose.

Piece of piss this management lark.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: LeeB on July 28, 2020, 12:08:14 PM

Quote from: Drummond on July 28, 2020, 12:07:11 PM

There's talk of West Ham letting Noble go......

I have my thoughts and Risso has his. I'll leave it at that.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on July 28, 2020, 12:10:50 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on July 28, 2020, 12:07:45 PM

For me, in:

That Canadian bloke I looked up (Belgian team) £30 million
St Maximum £30 million
Sarr £30 million
That Norwich bloke with the shit hair £25 million
Abraham £30 million
Haarland £70 million

Out:

Lansbury £10 million
Jota £10 million
Bree £5 million
Chester £5 million
Samatta £20 million
The Croatian goalkeeper can't remember his name £5 million
Hogan (Small Heath) £190 million and we'll throw in Drinkwater.

We massively improve the squad, make a profit AND bankrupt the Blose.

Piece of piss this management lark.

All I'd add to that is Gerd Muller and Stanley Matthews.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: LeeB on July 28, 2020, 12:12:17 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on July 28, 2020, 12:10:50 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on July 28, 2020, 12:07:45 PM

For me, in:

That Canadian bloke I looked up (Belgian team) £30 million
St Maximum £30 million
Sarr £30 million
That Norwich bloke with the shit hair £25 million
Abraham £30 million
Haarland £70 million

Out:

Lansbury £10 million
Jota £10 million
Bree £5 million
Chester £5 million
Samatta £20 million
The Croatian goalkeeper can't remember his name £5 million
Hogan (Small Heath) £190 million and we'll throw in Drinkwater.

We massively improve the squad, make a profit AND bankrupt the Blose.

Piece of piss this management lark.

All I'd add to that is Gerd Muller and Stanley Matthews.

Muller doesn't do enough outside the box, just a German Scott Hogan.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: frank black on July 28, 2020, 12:13:13 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on July 28, 2020, 12:10:50 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on July 28, 2020, 12:07:45 PM

For me, in:

That Canadian bloke I looked up (Belgian team) £30 million
St Maximum £30 million
Sarr £30 million
That Norwich bloke with the shit hair £25 million
Abraham £30 million
Haarland £70 million

Out:

Lansbury £10 million
Jota £10 million
Bree £5 million
Chester £5 million
Samatta £20 million
The Croatian goalkeeper can't remember his name £5 million
Hogan (Small Heath) £190 million and we'll throw in Drinkwater.

We massively improve the squad, make a profit AND bankrupt the Blose.

Piece of piss this management lark.

All I'd add to that is Gerd Muller and Stanley Matthews.

That’s just silly they’re both too slow for premier league football.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: sid1964 on July 28, 2020, 12:14:34 PM

Danny Drinkwater seems to have settled in well - i would imagine he will be our 1st signing for £5 million

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 28, 2020, 12:15:15 PM

Quote from: frank black on July 28, 2020, 12:13:13 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on July 28, 2020, 12:10:50 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on July 28, 2020, 12:07:45 PM

For me, in:

That Canadian bloke I looked up (Belgian team) £30 million
St Maximum £30 million
Sarr £30 million
That Norwich bloke with the shit hair £25 million
Abraham £30 million
Haarland £70 million

Out:

Lansbury £10 million
Jota £10 million
Bree £5 million
Chester £5 million
Samatta £20 million
The Croatian goalkeeper can't remember his name £5 million
Hogan (Small Heath) £190 million and we'll throw in Drinkwater.

We massively improve the squad, make a profit AND bankrupt the Blose.

Piece of piss this management lark.

All I'd add to that is Gerd Muller and Stanley Matthews.

That’s just silly they’re both too slow for premier league football.

Still faster than Drinkwater.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Drummond on July 28, 2020, 12:15:52 PM

Quote from: LeeB on July 28, 2020, 12:08:14 PM

Quote from: Drummond on July 28, 2020, 12:07:11 PM

There's talk of West Ham letting Noble go......

I have my thoughts and Risso has his. I'll leave it at that.

Hmmm....

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: paul_e on July 28, 2020, 12:16:30 PM

Quote from: LeeB on July 28, 2020, 12:08:14 PM

Quote from: Drummond on July 28, 2020, 12:07:11 PM

There's talk of West Ham letting Noble go......

I have my thoughts and Risso has his. I'll leave it at that.

I don't know which side either of you are on but I think he's shit and a twat.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on July 28, 2020, 12:16:45 PM

Quote from: LeeB on July 28, 2020, 12:12:17 PM

Muller doesn't do enough outside the box, just a German Scott Hogan.

Ah, remember the days when Darren Bent wasn't good enough for us because all he did was score?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: LeeB on July 28, 2020, 12:17:08 PM

Quote from: paul_e on July 28, 2020, 12:16:30 PM

Quote from: LeeB on July 28, 2020, 12:08:14 PM

Quote from: Drummond on July 28, 2020, 12:07:11 PM

There's talk of West Ham letting Noble go......

I have my thoughts and Risso has his. I'll leave it at that.

I don't know which side either of you are on but I think he's shit and a twat.

That puts you firmly in my camp Paul, good man.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: andyh on July 28, 2020, 12:35:59 PM

We need a serious upgrade on AEG and Trezeguet.
I’d love us to try and bring Albrighton home.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 28, 2020, 12:36:48 PM

Exciting pacey winger x 2 is essential.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: OzVilla on July 28, 2020, 12:39:42 PM

Quote from: andyh on July 28, 2020, 12:35:59 PM

We need a serious upgrade on AEG and Trezeguet.
I’d love us to try and bring Albrighton home.

Would he be much of an upgrade? No more sentimental stuff, quality please.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: chrisw1 on July 28, 2020, 12:40:00 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on July 28, 2020, 12:07:45 PM

For me, in:

That Canadian bloke I looked up (Belgian team) £30 million
St Maximum £30 million
Sarr £30 million
That Norwich bloke with the shit hair £25 million
Abraham £30 million
Haarland £70 million

Out:

Lansbury £10 million
Jota £10 million
Bree £5 million
Chester £5 million
Samatta £20 million
The Croatian goalkeeper can't remember his name £5 million
Hogan (Small Heath) £190 million and we'll throw in Drinkwater.

We massively improve the squad, make a profit AND bankrupt the Blose.

Piece of piss this management lark.

Don't be daft we'll never get £5m for Chester.  But otherwise sounds legit.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 28, 2020, 12:41:18 PM

I was including £4 million for his image rights, I'm not crazy.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: chrisw1 on July 28, 2020, 12:43:05 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on July 28, 2020, 12:41:18 PM

I was including £4 million for his image rights, I'm not crazy.

ah, got ya.  Let it be so.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: andyh on July 28, 2020, 12:54:28 PM

Quote from: OzVilla on July 28, 2020, 12:39:42 PM

Quote from: andyh on July 28, 2020, 12:35:59 PM

We need a serious upgrade on AEG and Trezeguet.
I’d love us to try and bring Albrighton home.

Would he be much of an upgrade? No more sentimental stuff, quality please.

Completely agree on the sentimental stuff. I don’t want us bringing players back because they were good for us when were a different team.
And to be honest I was never Albrightons biggest fan first time around.
But, he has improved immensely since he left us and has a lot more craft and guile to his game now, plus he now has some serious experience at this level (and higher).
For me, he is massive upgrade on the 2 wide men we have.

I doubt we would actually be in for him, but I certainly wouldn’t be disappointed if we were.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: postal on July 28, 2020, 01:16:19 PM

We can't throw Drinkwater in as he was a loan. Gone back to Chelsea I guess, via a supermarket to get some booze.

And sad that Samatta hasn't flourished, but if we can make £10m on what we paid for him, could be a good bit of business. And throw a crooked Wesley in for £5m

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 28, 2020, 01:29:33 PM

Quote from: postal on July 28, 2020, 01:16:19 PM

We can't throw Drinkwater in as he was a loan.

Shush! They'll never notice.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: postal on July 28, 2020, 01:39:24 PM

 St Maximum £30 million from Newcastle? he is essential to them, and isnt going anywhere.

There must be some Bournemouth players that could be worth poaching. None spring to mind atm though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: aev on July 28, 2020, 01:48:38 PM

Quote from: postal on July 28, 2020, 01:39:24 PM

St Maximum £30 million from Newcastle? he is essential to them, and isnt going anywhere.

There must be some Bournemouth players that could be worth poaching. None spring to mind atm though.

Billing, Fraser and perhaps Wilson.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: in exile on July 28, 2020, 01:51:43 PM

Quote from: aev on July 28, 2020, 01:48:38 PM

Quote from: postal on July 28, 2020, 01:39:24 PM

St Maximum £30 million from Newcastle? he is essential to them, and isnt going anywhere.

There must be some Bournemouth players that could be worth poaching. None spring to mind atm though.

Billing, Fraser and perhaps Wilson.

They're Dads Army characters aren't they? 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: tomd2103 on July 28, 2020, 01:59:10 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on July 28, 2020, 12:36:48 PM

Exciting pacey winger x 2 is essential.

Not if Grealish stays.  Just the one needed in that scenario.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: LeeB on July 28, 2020, 02:03:05 PM

Of the relegated teams, I've always liked Doucoure at Watford. He's a good footballer and a bloody unit, would beef up the middle of the park where we need it and probably wouldn't cost the earth. 27 as well, so plenty in the tank.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 28, 2020, 02:03:30 PM

Two for me. Would rather have Grealish and two wingers. Grealish is wasted out wide.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: paul_e on July 28, 2020, 02:09:42 PM

Quote from: tomd2103 on July 28, 2020, 01:59:10 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on July 28, 2020, 12:36:48 PM

Exciting pacey winger x 2 is essential.

Not if Grealish stays.  Just the one needed in that scenario.

Yep, especially if we get a striker who could be pushed out wide if needed as well. That's how I'd be approaching this, a forward in the mould of Aubamayang who can play anywhere across the pitch and a winger who can go inside and out from either wing would be perfect. I've already given the names of the 2 I'd be after (Volland and Thuram) a couple of times, I think they'd be perfect for what we need to add.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: avfcpg on July 28, 2020, 02:13:37 PM

Quote from: postal on July 28, 2020, 01:39:24 PM

St Maximum £30 million from Newcastle? he is essential to them, and isnt going anywhere.

There must be some Bournemouth players that could be worth poaching. None spring to mind atm though.

Brooks and Callum Wilson...Ake will go to a top 8 club I would think..

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: mr underhill on July 28, 2020, 02:54:50 PM

Looks like Eze is off to Palace - real shame if true.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: JUAN PABLO on July 28, 2020, 02:56:57 PM

Quote from: mr underhill on July 28, 2020, 02:54:50 PM

Looks like Eze is off to Palace - real shame if true.

probably relying on the Zaha money as they have not got much money CP but no way wil they get 70 million for Zaha

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: paul_e on July 28, 2020, 02:59:10 PM

I really like the look of Eze but I'm not sure he'd be the right option for us this season, I think we need players a year or 2 further down the line than him. If he does go to Palace I wouldn't expect a massive impact next season, it'll take him a while to get up to speed just like a number of our players this year.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Richard E on July 28, 2020, 03:14:48 PM

During the shutdown I wasn't really interested in the season restarting and was rather apathetic about whether we stayed up or not. Now football has returned and we have stayed up I wish the new season could begin today. I really think we have a chance to push on now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Bobby Boy on July 28, 2020, 03:36:39 PM

Quote from: avfcpg on July 28, 2020, 02:13:37 PM

Quote from: postal on July 28, 2020, 01:39:24 PM

St Maximum £30 million from Newcastle? he is essential to them, and isnt going anywhere.

There must be some Bournemouth players that could be worth poaching. None spring to mind atm though.

Brooks and Callum Wilson...Ake will go to a top 8 club I would think..

Callum Wilson, if he can stay fit, would be great for us. Hasn't had the best of seasons but generally over the last 3-4 years has been excellent.

Wouldn't cost the earth either.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: paul_e on July 28, 2020, 04:02:38 PM

I'm not interested in Wilson, something about him makes me think of Gabby and I'm not sure what it is or why, probably that he looked promising and then just stood still as a player all through the time where he should've been reaching his peak.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: themossman on July 28, 2020, 04:09:54 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on July 27, 2020, 11:14:10 PM

Zaha screams Everton.

He does doesn’t he. Dinosaur’s graveyard.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Drummond on July 28, 2020, 04:34:38 PM

Quote from: Richard E on July 28, 2020, 03:14:48 PM

During the shutdown I wasn't really interested in the season restarting and was rather apathetic about whether we stayed up or not. Now football has returned and we have stayed up I wish the new season could begin today. I really think we have a chance to push on now.

I know what you mean, I still don't think it was the right thing to do even though we benefited the most from it. I worry about football carrying on without the crowds, it's sets a dangerous precedent for the TV companies to exploit. Why not play matches at 11pm or 7am? Suits the worldwide TV market etc and fans can watch at home, we don't need them.....

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: brontebilly on July 28, 2020, 04:48:32 PM

Quote from: aev on July 28, 2020, 01:48:38 PM

Quote from: postal on July 28, 2020, 01:39:24 PM

St Maximum £30 million from Newcastle? he is essential to them, and isnt going anywhere.

There must be some Bournemouth players that could be worth poaching. None spring to mind atm though.

Billing, Fraser and perhaps Wilson.

The same Fraser who literally downed tools for them in the middle of a relegation scrap? Definite no for me. That St Maxime (sic) guy looks a far better prospect than Zaha for one.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: paul_e on July 28, 2020, 05:01:46 PM

Quote from: Drummond on July 28, 2020, 04:34:38 PM

Quote from: Richard E on July 28, 2020, 03:14:48 PM

During the shutdown I wasn't really interested in the season restarting and was rather apathetic about whether we stayed up or not. Now football has returned and we have stayed up I wish the new season could begin today. I really think we have a chance to push on now.

I know what you mean, I still don't think it was the right thing to do even though we benefited the most from it. I worry about football carrying on without the crowds, it's sets a dangerous precedent for the TV companies to exploit. Why not play matches at 11pm or 7am? Suits the worldwide TV market etc and fans can watch at home, we don't need them.....

I'm in about the same place, I don't think the season should've been finished in this way. To offer the simplest reason for that would Bournemouth have been relegated if Fraser hadn't effectively made himself unavailablr for a quarter of their games? Would we have got the same results we did if McGinn had missed our last 10 games? I said all along that I thought we'd stay up if the games were played but that I just didn't agree with it if the games weren't done by the end of June and I stick by that. That's not even going into the very real argument of what this means for scheduling going forward.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on July 28, 2020, 05:20:22 PM

If we're talking QPR, I think Osayi-Samuel is pretty decent. Pacy and strong winger.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Seb_AVFC on July 28, 2020, 05:27:35 PM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on July 28, 2020, 05:20:22 PM

If we're talking QPR, I think Osayi-Samuel is pretty decent. Pacy and strong winger.

Off to Bruges apparently.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Dave on July 28, 2020, 05:53:13 PM

Quote from: Seb_AVFC on July 28, 2020, 05:27:35 PM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on July 28, 2020, 05:20:22 PM

If we're talking QPR, I think Osayi-Samuel is pretty decent. Pacy and strong winger.

Off to Bruges apparently.

At least we'll buy him once he's passed our "is he any good in Belgium?" test.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: OCD on July 28, 2020, 05:57:14 PM

Wasn't Callum Wilson a bit of a twat about us when he was a Coventry player?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Risso on July 28, 2020, 05:57:16 PM

Quote from: Dave on July 28, 2020, 05:53:13 PM

Quote from: Seb_AVFC on July 28, 2020, 05:27:35 PM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on July 28, 2020, 05:20:22 PM

If we're talking QPR, I think Osayi-Samuel is pretty decent. Pacy and strong winger.

Off to Bruges apparently.

At least we'll buy him once he's passed our "is he any good in Belgium?" test.

I think that's over-egging our policy, which would more correctly be described as "does he play in Belgium?".

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 28, 2020, 06:39:39 PM

"Has he ever heard of Hercule Poirot?"

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Rudy65 on July 28, 2020, 06:40:04 PM

Quote from: andyh on July 28, 2020, 12:35:59 PM

We need a serious upgrade on AEG and Trezeguet.
I’d love us to try and bring Albrighton home.

Why? He is past it. Would have taken him in the championship but not now. We need quality not has beens. A good player in his day though

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on July 28, 2020, 06:42:47 PM

If we get a fee for Chester it would be the greatest transfer scam in history, and we once got £20m for Downing!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Villafirst on July 28, 2020, 08:33:41 PM

Reports that we're battling West Brom for QPR's Eze. Apparently Rangers want £20m. Surely if we're interested he would choose Villa?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: rougegorge on July 28, 2020, 08:42:48 PM

Quote from: PeterWithesShin on July 28, 2020, 06:42:47 PM

If we get a fee for Chester it would be the greatest transfer scam in history, and we once got £20m for Downing!

Not a significant fee at this stage of his career, but that's harsh to say the least. He improved Stoke since he moved and he's not some throw away player.

I would be generally wary of picking off the players form relegated teams. In particular it would be a 'no'to Philip Billing and Jefferson Lerma.

Billing has been relegated twice and like Lerma is a walking yellow card and they are very limited in what they provide.

Brooks and Wilson might be a different matter though.

Eze I would also take. We let
Benrahma slip through the net last year and Eze could be another one that is within our reach and he has the capacity to improve both us and himself.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on July 28, 2020, 08:54:47 PM

Lerma is a bell end - looks like a red card about to happen every week.

I'd go for Lewis Cook, Callum Wilson from Bournemough.

From Watford I'd go for Doucoure, Deulofeu

Norwich's full backs Lewis and Aarons are decent

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: garyellis on July 28, 2020, 08:59:03 PM

Quote from: Villafirst on July 28, 2020, 08:33:41 PM

Reports that we're battling West Brom for QPR's Eze. Apparently Rangers want £20m. Surely if we're interested he would choose Villa?

Someone posted earlier that if we do have to lose Jack eventually we should do like Leicester did with Maguire and buy a guy we can develop for a season as a capable replacement.
For me Eze has that potential

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on July 28, 2020, 09:00:30 PM

Quote from: rougegorge on July 28, 2020, 08:42:48 PM

Quote from: PeterWithesShin on July 28, 2020, 06:42:47 PM

If we get a fee for Chester it would be the greatest transfer scam in history, and we once got £20m for Downing!

Not a significant fee at this stage of his career, but that's harsh to say the least. He improved Stoke since he moved and he's not some throw away player.

We released him a month ago, he's a free agent.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on July 28, 2020, 09:00:40 PM

he's a good player, I've heard he's off to Palace as Zaha's replacement

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on July 28, 2020, 09:15:08 PM

I read something about Eze being West Ham bound.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 28, 2020, 09:17:33 PM

Meh. Eze come, Eze go.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on July 28, 2020, 10:03:05 PM

Joining a few of other people’s comments together; if Jack is likely to go in January (corona-crisis drying up other clubs’ cash) then it would make sense to buy the replacement now so 1) we are not paying a premium 2) gives the guy a chance to settle 3) weirdly he won’t seem like a replacement so less pressure.

No idea who that guy is or indeed if losing jack should equal a tactical switch.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 28, 2020, 10:10:57 PM

Doubt he would go in January.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on July 28, 2020, 10:49:17 PM

Was watching Inter-Napoli tonight and Alexis Sanchez actually had a really good game. I know people think he's semi retired now but he's started reguarly in Serie A and I reckon he's got one good season left in him and Man. United will obviously be loaning him out again next year so.....

More realistically some good players on the Napoli bench who might be available on loan.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: eamonn on July 28, 2020, 11:41:28 PM

Isn't Sanchez on insane in the membrane money ? ie £350k a week? I imagine Yanited would happily take a haircut on the transfer fee they paid just to get him off the books but there's no way we would be in for him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip and speculation thread
Post by: Holte L2 on July 28, 2020, 11:41:44 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on July 28, 2020, 10:49:17 PM

Was watching Inter-Napoli tonight and Alexis Sanchez actually had a really good game. I know people think he's semi retired now but he's started reguarly in Serie A and I reckon he's got one good season left in him and Man. United will obviously be loaning him out again next year so.....

More realistically some good players on the Napoli bench who might be available on loan.

Sanchez is currently picking up £350k a week at Old Trafford.......

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on July 29, 2020, 12:37:55 AM

Quote from: Holte L2 on July 28, 2020, 11:41:44 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on July 28, 2020, 10:49:17 PM

Was watching Inter-Napoli tonight and Alexis Sanchez actually had a really good game. I know people think he's semi retired now but he's started reguarly in Serie A and I reckon he's got one good season left in him and Man. United will obviously be loaning him out again next year so.....

More realistically some good players on the Napoli bench who might be available on loan.

Sanchez is currently picking up £350k a week at Old Trafford.......

We get Man. United to commit to paying 80% of his wages of course like any sensible club would.

We must be only club out there that get rinsed on loan deals, having to pay full wages of Jenas for full season even when he got injured in the November and went back to Spurs. Even a rumour we were paying most of Drinkwater's wages which I really hope isn't true as he was on about 70k a week at Chelsea.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on July 29, 2020, 01:08:27 AM

I don't understand the Fraser at Bournemouth situation, why would he not extend his contract for a couple of months? What does he gain from not doing it? I read that 3 Charlton players also refused (one of which sounded like he was their best player) and I just don't get the mentality of that decision.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: stevo_st on July 29, 2020, 05:40:09 AM

Quote from: edgysatsuma89 on July 29, 2020, 01:08:27 AM

I don't understand the Fraser at Bournemouth situation, why would he not extend his contract for a couple of months? What does he gain from not doing it? I read that 3 Charlton players also refused (one of which sounded like he was their best player) and I just don't get the mentality of that decision.

The argument generally given is that they don’t want to risk getting injured and jeopardise a potential move.

No doubt agents are involved someway as well

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sid1964 on July 29, 2020, 05:52:30 AM

I should imagine that due to the financial impact of Covid-19 we will have to sell to buy, even our owners have been hit by the financial crisis.

Therefore it will be interesting to see who we are prepared to sell (no one will want Lansbury or any of squad players), so we may have to sacrifice selling a Mings for example to get in Abraham or a top class forward?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: jwarry on July 29, 2020, 06:39:30 AM

2 days into the window and no signings, come on Villa sort it out 😁

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on July 29, 2020, 07:00:26 AM

completely unpardonable Villa, sort it out.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: frank black on July 29, 2020, 07:07:28 AM

Quote from: edgysatsuma89 on July 29, 2020, 01:08:27 AM

I don't understand the Fraser at Bournemouth situation, why would he not extend his contract for a couple of months? What does he gain from not doing it? I read that 3 Charlton players also refused (one of which sounded like he was their best player) and I just don't get the mentality of that decision.

Snaps leg in second game, no income after 2 months. That’s the fear

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on July 29, 2020, 07:19:29 AM

Quote from: sid1964 on July 29, 2020, 05:52:30 AM

I should imagine that due to the financial impact of Covid-19 we will have to sell to buy, even our owners have been hit by the financial crisis.

Therefore it will be interesting to see who we are prepared to sell (no one will want Lansbury or any of squad players), so we may have to sacrifice selling a Mings for example to get in Abraham or a top class forward?

Of course someone will want them: it's the price and their wages that will be the sticking issues.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on July 29, 2020, 08:46:54 AM

Bree did reasonably well at Luton, so I can see us getting a small fee for him, but players like Ange and Hogan are the real issue - maybe have to pay off their last year to see the back of them?. Hogan looked like he was playing himself into a move and then reverted to type on resumption just to spite us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on July 29, 2020, 08:47:42 AM

Clicked on an article about Villa wanting to sign a forward for 16M, that was keen on joining, only to be disappointed.

It was an article from July 2019 about Benrahma.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on July 29, 2020, 08:48:58 AM

i suspect they'll want double that now if they don't go up.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on July 29, 2020, 09:30:46 AM

Quote from: Mister E on July 29, 2020, 07:19:29 AM

Quote from: sid1964 on July 29, 2020, 05:52:30 AM

I should imagine that due to the financial impact of Covid-19 we will have to sell to buy, even our owners have been hit by the financial crisis.

Therefore it will be interesting to see who we are prepared to sell (no one will want Lansbury or any of squad players), so we may have to sacrifice selling a Mings for example to get in Abraham or a top class forward?

Of course someone will want them: it's the price and their wages that will be the sticking issues.

Quite right.  We should know by now that we always find it difficult to get players we don't want off our books.  I doubt we'll be any getting any significant fees for the likes of Lansbury, Jota or Bree.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on July 29, 2020, 11:07:52 AM

Quote from: chrisw1 on July 29, 2020, 09:30:46 AM

Quote from: Mister E on July 29, 2020, 07:19:29 AM

Quote from: sid1964 on July 29, 2020, 05:52:30 AM

I should imagine that due to the financial impact of Covid-19 we will have to sell to buy, even our owners have been hit by the financial crisis.

Therefore it will be interesting to see who we are prepared to sell (no one will want Lansbury or any of squad players), so we may have to sacrifice selling a Mings for example to get in Abraham or a top class forward?

Of course someone will want them: it's the price and their wages that will be the sticking issues.

Quite right.  We should know by now that we always find it difficult to get players we don't want off our books.  I doubt we'll be any getting any significant fees for the likes of Lansbury, Jota or Bree.

It's a bit concerning that Smith didn't rate any of our youth players better prospects than the first two last season. Are the likes of Ramsey nowhere near ready? To be honest I never saw anything in Bree, came with a biggish reputation but couldn't defend to save himself.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ROBBO on July 29, 2020, 11:21:59 AM

I know we may let a junior player go and regret it afterwards but for me we hold on to young reserve players for far too long. If after two or the odd exception possibly three years in the reserves they can't break through they should be let go.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on July 29, 2020, 11:23:26 AM

Quote from: sid1964 on July 29, 2020, 05:52:30 AM

I should imagine that due to the financial impact of Covid-19 we will have to sell to buy, even our owners have been hit by the financial crisis.

Therefore it will be interesting to see who we are prepared to sell (no one will want Lansbury or any of squad players), so we may have to sacrifice selling a Mings for example to get in Abraham or a top class forward?

I'm sure there will be an impact - across all clubs. 

Whether that's in the form of lower transfer fees, less movement or clubs leaving the bulk of their business up until the the very last moment remains to be seen.

If, even after the season we've just endured, owners scupper recruitment before we get rid of Lansbury, Bree and co we'll rightfully be at the arse end of the table again next year.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on July 29, 2020, 11:28:21 AM

The young players need to be getting game time at 17/18 in League 1 and 2. By the time they're going on loan they've missed out on too much development.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mamuu on July 29, 2020, 11:28:42 AM

if the club are replacing Suso then presumably he will come in with his own plans/ideas. Doubt much will happen before then.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: olaftab on July 29, 2020, 11:33:21 AM

Quote from: sid1964 on July 29, 2020, 05:52:30 AM

I should imagine that due to the financial impact of Covid-19 we will have to sell to buy, even our owners have been hit by the financial crisis.

Therefore it will be interesting to see who we are prepared to sell (no one will want Lansbury or any of squad players), so we may have to sacrifice selling a Mings for example to get in Abraham or a top class forward?

The market and the economics are same for every club. It has been adjusted so we will not be in any adverse position than  any other Club.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on July 29, 2020, 12:59:06 PM

New bollocks/rumours: Jerome Roussillon - LB from Wolfsburg and the Brazilian striker Everton.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on July 29, 2020, 01:02:16 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on July 29, 2020, 12:59:06 PM

New bollocks/rumours: Jerome Roussillon - LB from Wolfsburg and the Brazilian striker Everton.

That's the more like the kind of level we should be shopping at now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on July 29, 2020, 01:10:25 PM

Looking at  Germany for signings is a good idea, there's a lot of very good players in the price range we're talking about.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on July 29, 2020, 01:11:19 PM

Quote from: paul_e on July 29, 2020, 01:10:25 PM

Looking at  Germany for signings is a good idea, there's a lot of very good players in the price range we're talking about.

And it's not far from Belgium.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy65 on July 29, 2020, 01:12:02 PM

Quote from: edgysatsuma89 on July 29, 2020, 01:08:27 AM

I don't understand the Fraser at Bournemouth situation, why would he not extend his contract for a couple of months? What does he gain from not doing it? I read that 3 Charlton players also refused (one of which sounded like he was their best player) and I just don't get the mentality of that decision.

I completely understand their stance.

What happens If under the short term contract they get seriously injured?

They have no loyalty to the club anymore than we do to our employers

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: luke:lamf on July 29, 2020, 01:20:16 PM

Quote from: paul_e on July 29, 2020, 01:10:25 PM

Looking at  Germany for signings is a good idea, there's a lot of very good players in the price range we're talking about.

It all seems a bit Football-Manager-simplistic, but the French and German leagues must abound with fairly cheap-and-cheerful, technically (and, more importantly, tactically) competent players, especially full-backs. Look how Pavard came through from nowhere to WC winner, Guilbert is clearly the best FB at the club, Kanté was a steal from Caen too.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on July 29, 2020, 01:27:06 PM

Quote from: luke:lamf on July 29, 2020, 01:20:16 PM

Quote from: paul_e on July 29, 2020, 01:10:25 PM

Looking at  Germany for signings is a good idea, there's a lot of very good players in the price range we're talking about.

It all seems a bit Football-Manager-simplistic, but the French and German leagues must abound with fairly cheap-and-cheerful, technically (and, more importantly, tactically) competent players, especially full-backs. Look how Pavard came through from nowhere to WC winner, Guilbert is clearly the best FB at the club, Kanté was a steal from Caen too.

How dare you overlook James Bree like this

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on July 29, 2020, 01:53:06 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on July 29, 2020, 01:27:06 PM

Quote from: luke:lamf on July 29, 2020, 01:20:16 PM

Quote from: paul_e on July 29, 2020, 01:10:25 PM

Looking at  Germany for signings is a good idea, there's a lot of very good players in the price range we're talking about.

It all seems a bit Football-Manager-simplistic, but the French and German leagues must abound with fairly cheap-and-cheerful, technically (and, more importantly, tactically) competent players, especially full-backs. Look how Pavard came through from nowhere to WC winner, Guilbert is clearly the best FB at the club, Kanté was a steal from Caen too.

How dare you overlook James Bree like this

I had forgotten James Bree was even 'a thing' as the kids say.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on July 29, 2020, 01:58:05 PM

Bizarrely he is on set piece duty at Luton.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on July 29, 2020, 02:02:24 PM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on July 29, 2020, 08:47:42 AM

Clicked on an article about Villa wanting to sign a forward for 16M, that was keen on joining, only to be disappointed.

It was an article from July 2019 about Benrahma.

I believe that was Mateta at Mainz who got a bad injury around that time. Only 23 still and scored v Dortmund when play restarted. Not sure if he was our first choice ahead of Wes or an additional player.

That's plenty of decent players around in europe who wouldn't cost half as much as premier league equivilants. Newcastle signed Saint Maximin for about 18m and he's been one of the most exciting attackers in the league. Zaha would cost more than double that plus ridiculous wages.

We actually had the right idea in summer 2015 but chose to sign them all at a time when we'd lost the spine of our team so was too much pressure on them all to hit the ground running.

Having a foreign splurge would make far more sense this summer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on July 29, 2020, 02:06:54 PM

Quote from: Ads on July 29, 2020, 11:28:21 AM

The young players need to be getting game time at 17/18 in League 1 and 2. By the time they're going on loan they've missed out on too much development.

That's why it's great we loaned Ramsey out to Doncaster last season and he was doing well there before the season stopped. Hopefully next season he gets another loan and then can challenge for squad place in 12 months time.

Compare that to O'Hare who we didn't loan out until he was nearly 21 even though he was getting nowhere near the squad for league games.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on July 29, 2020, 02:48:29 PM

I'd agree with that, most players in our academy should've had a year on loan by the time they're 20, we've been awful at both pushing the players out and, probably more importantly, finding teams where they'll get regular game time. Some players come through later, and that's ok as well, but the norm should be getting these kids into senior football as early as possible.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Smithy on July 29, 2020, 03:04:17 PM

Quote from: Rudy65 on July 29, 2020, 01:12:02 PM

Quote from: edgysatsuma89 on July 29, 2020, 01:08:27 AM

I don't understand the Fraser at Bournemouth situation, why would he not extend his contract for a couple of months? What does he gain from not doing it? I read that 3 Charlton players also refused (one of which sounded like he was their best player) and I just don't get the mentality of that decision.

I completely understand their stance.

What happens If under the short term contract they get seriously injured?

They have no loyalty to the club anymore than we do to our employers

Yeah, that was my take on it too.  Yes, if his contract had been a month longer, he'd have played a few more games for them - but why sign a NEW contract, for what probably amounts to 20k, and risk a massive payday that would come from signing as a free transfer in August?

If they were playing in the hope of earning a new contract with the club, fair enough.  But they were certainly not under any obligation to do so.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on July 29, 2020, 03:07:47 PM

Well I'm just glad it didn't happen to us. We'd be cursing the fcuker all summer had we been relegated.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Smithy on July 29, 2020, 03:35:48 PM

Quote from: eamonn on July 29, 2020, 03:07:47 PM

Well I'm just glad it didn't happen to us. We'd be cursing the fcuker all summer had we been relegated.

I'm sure there were ways to handle it commercially i.e. they only want him for 6 more weeks, so pay him an inflated wage, but guarantee that if he gets injured they pay his wages until he's back fit enough to play in the first team and can sign on a free elsewhere?  Puts all the risk on the club, not the player.

Like you, I'd be pissed if a player did it to us, but I'd understand why, and I'd be equally disappointed that the club couldn't make it financially attractive enough and low enough risk that it was a no-brainer for the player (if they were important enough).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eric woolban woolban on July 29, 2020, 05:50:46 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on July 29, 2020, 12:59:06 PM

New bollocks/rumours: Jerome Roussillon - LB from Wolfsburg and the Brazilian striker Everton.

As long as its not the Everton striker who is Brazilian. 
Spends more time on the floor than on his feet.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LukeJames on July 29, 2020, 07:56:25 PM

Albrighton and Robinson? It feels like we were actually relegated on Sunday.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on July 29, 2020, 08:11:45 PM

Quote from: eric woolban woolban on July 29, 2020, 05:50:46 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on July 29, 2020, 12:59:06 PM

New bollocks/rumours: Jerome Roussillon - LB from Wolfsburg and the Brazilian striker Everton.

As long as its not the Everton striker who is Brazilian. 
Spends more time on the floor than on his feet.

Everton is the business. Would be a massive statement signing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: fredm on July 29, 2020, 08:17:48 PM

Quote from: paul_e on July 29, 2020, 02:48:29 PM

I'd agree with that, most players in our academy should've had a year on loan by the time they're 20, we've been awful at both pushing the players out and, probably more importantly, finding teams where they'll get regular game time. Some players come through later, and that's ok as well, but the norm should be getting these kids into senior football as early as possible.

Purslow said at the recent Supporters Trust meeting that in future if a player reaches 21/22 and is not a regular member of the first team squad he will be on his way.  Said the U-23 team will consist of far younger players in future.  It will not consist of 22/23 year olds who wont ever become first team players.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on July 29, 2020, 08:57:03 PM

Kelechi Ineacho being linked somewhere. He seems to play well against us but no-one else!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on July 29, 2020, 09:02:15 PM

Quote from: Newby on July 29, 2020, 08:57:03 PM

Kelechi Ineacho being linked somewhere. He seems to play well against us but no-one else!

That would be a classic Villa signing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Des Little on July 29, 2020, 09:05:28 PM

Isn’t he on (even more than normal) eye watering money?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on July 29, 2020, 09:07:34 PM

Quote from: Des Little on July 29, 2020, 09:05:28 PM

Isn’t he on (even more than normal) eye watering money?

aren't they all?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Keeno on July 29, 2020, 10:02:19 PM

Benrahma was different class for Brentford tonight. I hope we pay them what they want and get that over the line this summer regardless of whether they're promoted or not.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on July 29, 2020, 10:09:12 PM

Yeah, I was really impressed with Benrahma tonight.

So hoping Fulham get promoted.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Holte L2 on July 29, 2020, 10:19:44 PM

Quote from: Newby on July 29, 2020, 08:57:03 PM

Kelechi Ineacho being linked somewhere. He seems to play well against us but no-one else!

I didn't realise he'd scored as few goals as he had.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 29, 2020, 10:21:31 PM

I've always rated him but, as above, it's probably because I only see him against us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on July 29, 2020, 10:26:10 PM

He's shite for the money they'd ask. Leave him and his wage bill at Leicester and not think we can reawaken or polish turds, we almost never ever do.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on July 29, 2020, 10:59:57 PM

I was looking at the top scorers chart earlier, and the thing that stood out for me was the experience of most of the top 6-7 on the list. Vardy, Aubagymang, Aguerro all over 30, Ings, Kane, Salah, Mane, Jimenez all 28 or over etc. I think while I would like us to get a Tammy, or a Watkins if Brentford don't come up, I would also really like us to sign a Callum Wilson type, that has that bit of experience and can sniff out a few goals over the season.

Trez did brilliantly to get a few goals at the end of the season, but our right winger (if Jack is left) has to also carry a more consistent goal threat.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on July 29, 2020, 11:16:03 PM

I only caught the second half of the game tonight but the Swansea left back looked decent, think they said he was on loan from Chelsea. Chelsea also sold a young fullback to Brighton, Lamptey (?) in January who looks flip hot whenever I’ve seen him play.
Perhaps a mooch around their squad for young players to fill gaps as they appear to be coached really well and show bags of promise.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Legion on July 29, 2020, 11:36:32 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on June 27, 2020, 06:26:07 PM

Mings, Grealish, McGinn, Luiz all will go anyway.

Not necessarily.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Legion on July 29, 2020, 11:37:06 PM

Stickied until the start of the new season (September?).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on July 30, 2020, 01:13:04 AM

Quote from: Legion on July 29, 2020, 11:37:06 PM

Stickied until the start of the new season (September?).

I think the window extends into October, a few weeks after the new season starts.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dazvillain on July 30, 2020, 07:46:25 AM

I e said it a few close seasons in a row now the one player we should get for not loads of cash is Dwight Gayle . Always scored against us for whoever he played for . Reminds me of a Dean Saunders type and runs at pace and covers every blade of grass. Can’t get a decent run in toon starting 11 for some reason

Thoughts  ?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Duncan Shaw on July 30, 2020, 08:03:43 AM

I think Gayle would be a decent shout alongside a more stellar striker.

Good mention of Brighton above (won't add to the quotathon) and they seem to be going about their business impressively early - Lallana is a decent signing and they have signed an impressive looking centre back from Ajax.

Hopefully the DOF changes will be sorted swiftly and we can get to work on our targets.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: andyh on July 30, 2020, 08:12:30 AM

Quote from: Holte L2 on July 29, 2020, 10:19:44 PM

Quote from: Newby on July 29, 2020, 08:57:03 PM

Kelechi Ineacho being linked somewhere. He seems to play well against us but no-one else!

I didn't realise he'd scored as few goals as he had.

And then, as if like magic, the shopkeeper appeared.

https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/iheanacho-newcastle-villa-west-brom-4377578

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on July 30, 2020, 08:22:12 AM

Quote from: Dazvillain on July 30, 2020, 07:46:25 AM

I e said it a few close seasons in a row now the one player we should get for not loads of cash is Dwight Gayle . Always scored against us for whoever he played for . Reminds me of a Dean Saunders type and runs at pace and covers every blade of grass. Can’t get a decent run in toon starting 11 for some reason

Thoughts  ?

If we were in the Championship, he'd be a good signing, he scores goals for fun.

In the Premier League, not so much - a goal nearly every 5 games.
2019-20 - 4 goals in 20 games
2017-18 - 6 goals in 35 games
2015-16 - 3 goals in 16 games
2014-15 - 5 goals in 25 games
2013-14 - 7 goals in 23 games

Seems to be one of those strikers great in the Championship but not good enough for the step up.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: fbriai on July 30, 2020, 09:00:02 AM

Quote from: eamonn on July 30, 2020, 01:13:04 AM

Quote from: Legion on July 29, 2020, 11:37:06 PM

Stickied until the start of the new season (September?).

I think the window extends into October, a few weeks after the new season starts.

I think it closes on the 5th of October.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on July 30, 2020, 09:29:18 AM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on July 30, 2020, 08:22:12 AM

Quote from: Dazvillain on July 30, 2020, 07:46:25 AM

I e said it a few close seasons in a row now the one player we should get for not loads of cash is Dwight Gayle . Always scored against us for whoever he played for . Reminds me of a Dean Saunders type and runs at pace and covers every blade of grass. Can’t get a decent run in toon starting 11 for some reason

Thoughts  ?

If we were in the Championship, he'd be a good signing, he scores goals for fun.

In the Premier League, not so much - a goal nearly every 5 games.
2019-20 - 4 goals in 20 games
2017-18 - 6 goals in 35 games
2015-16 - 3 goals in 16 games
2014-15 - 5 goals in 25 games
2013-14 - 7 goals in 23 games

Seems to be one of those strikers great in the Championship but not good enough for the step up.

How many of those PL games were as sub rather than starter? He always seems to come on in games. Not that I'd be too keen on signing him now that we've stayed up. Had we gone down, definitely.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on July 30, 2020, 11:08:18 AM

Ineacho, Robinson, Albrighton, Walcott, Demari Gray ...
Is it 2016?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: robleflaneur on July 30, 2020, 11:12:11 AM

Wait for the outcome of the play off final and bid for Mitrovic or Watkins ,dependent on who doesn't get promoted.Add Benrahma if Brentford lose.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: andyh on July 30, 2020, 11:50:14 AM

Watkins will have the pick of many clubs who will want him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on July 30, 2020, 11:57:14 AM

Mitrovic isn't PL standard.  He's proven that season after season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on July 30, 2020, 12:01:32 PM

Ake to Man City for £40m.....

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on July 30, 2020, 12:02:17 PM

The Poundland Mings.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on July 30, 2020, 12:06:27 PM

Well I'd be pleased if we signed Iheanacho.  Seems to have been developing at a decent rate, and despite playing second fiddle to Vardy this year, he still got 10 goals in 26 appearances.  Don't think we can turn our noses up at that to be honest.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: itbrvilla on July 30, 2020, 12:07:54 PM

Quote from: Risso on July 30, 2020, 12:06:27 PM

Well I'd be pleased if we signed Iheanacho.  Seems to have been developing at a decent rate, and despite playing second fiddle to Vardy this year, he still got 10 goals in 26 appearances.  Don't think we can turn our noses up at that to be honest.

19/20: 20 apps, 8 as sub, 5 goals

18/19: 30 apps, 21 as sub, 1 goal

17/80: 21 apps, 14 as sub, 3 goals

Total 71 apps, 43 of them as sub.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sid1964 on July 30, 2020, 12:23:57 PM

Looking at Iheanacho - goal scoring this season and he has scored 5 goals in a good side, that create a fair few chances - Wes has scored the same amount in a crap team - and most on here don't rate Wes at all

For me Iheanacho is not the forward that we need

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: luke:lamf on July 30, 2020, 12:28:16 PM

Iheanacho is this generation's Nicklas Bendtner. Massively hyped (but perhaps not so much by himself), but actually bog-standard. Perfectly fine if you're paying £10-15 mil and comparatively limited wages for squad fodder, but as he has come up through Man City and been a "wunderkind" at one point, his selling club will be pushing for an inflated fee and his agent for stupid wages.

For the same return I'd expect from him I'd hope someone would have a poke around Europe and for just a bit of effort grab a bargain.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: JJ-AV on July 30, 2020, 12:35:39 PM

15% of Ihenacho's domestic career goals have come against us.

He's only played against us in two of his five professional seasons (2015/16 and 2019/20)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: fbriai on July 30, 2020, 12:42:16 PM

Quote from: JJ-AV on July 30, 2020, 12:35:39 PM

15% of Ihenacho's domestic career goals have come against us.

He's only played against us in two of his five professional seasons (2015/16 and 2019/20)

Now I'm wondering whether it's worth us signing him just to stop him scoring against us!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on July 30, 2020, 12:58:10 PM

Quote from: fbriai on July 30, 2020, 12:42:16 PM

Quote from: JJ-AV on July 30, 2020, 12:35:39 PM

15% of Ihenacho's domestic career goals have come against us.

He's only played against us in two of his five professional seasons (2015/16 and 2019/20)

Now I'm wondering whether it's worth us signing him just to stop him scoring against us!

Get Shane Long and Ian Rush while we are at it

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithe on July 30, 2020, 01:10:00 PM

I've just remembered that I was very impressed with West Hams left back on Sunday, exactly what we need. Doubt we will be shopping from  the first team of other PL clubs but we need someone similar.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on July 30, 2020, 01:32:13 PM

Wonder what we'll do with the keeper situation. Will surely look to move out Nyland and Kalinic and Heaton will still probably be crocked for start of the season. If Jed is fit he'll probably start but he's another that seems to pick up a bad injury a season.

It's ripe to get another experienced keeper in. Looking at Lange at Copenhagen they did well with keepers, sold Robin Olsen and Joronan to Serie A. One has been loaned out by Roma and the other has been relegated so both are available and first choices for their national teams.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on July 30, 2020, 01:57:32 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on July 30, 2020, 01:04:29 PM

This Ian Aceho chap as I call him is quite lazy in closing down. Perhaps  doesn't press as much as Dean would like but is a definite type of goals scorer. He would have to be made the main striker and I rather have some one else than Nigerian Ian .

WTF!! Get a grip mate.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: darren woolley on July 30, 2020, 02:19:50 PM

Quote from: Ads on July 30, 2020, 12:02:17 PM

The Poundland Mings.

Love it Ads lol

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on July 30, 2020, 02:24:06 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on July 30, 2020, 02:01:54 PM

An attacking midfielder, winger  who despite previous failure in England , circumstances didn't suit , could be a gamble I think we all know signing Viktor depends on Fischer price  :P

He can play mobile.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: robleflaneur on July 30, 2020, 02:37:39 PM

Haven't seen him play in a full game but Karlan Grant of Huddersfield  has a good goal scoring record  since the beginning of 2018,46 in 99 appearances for Charlton,Crawley and Huddersfield,.4 of them in the Premier for Huddersfield and 19 in the Championship this season.I do know that he is powerful and strong and will be only 23 in September.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Stu on July 30, 2020, 02:43:57 PM

Quote from: Drummond on July 30, 2020, 12:01:32 PM

Ake to Man City for £40m.....

What price Grealish?

Club captain
Most goals
Most assists
Most minutes played
Most free kicks (in the league) won

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks threade
Post by: Skerra on July 30, 2020, 02:48:08 PM

Jeepers, if Ake is worth £40 million, how much is Jack really worth!!!
KaroAKE sounds like a bad tune at that price!!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on July 30, 2020, 02:48:20 PM

Quote from: robleflaneur on July 30, 2020, 02:37:39 PM

Haven't seen him play in a full game but Karlan Grant of Huddersfield  has a good goal scoring record  since the beginning of 2018,46 in 99 appearances for Charlton,Crawley and Huddersfield,.4 of them in the Premier for Huddersfield and 19 in the Championship this season.I do know that he is powerful and strong and will be only 23 in September.

Looks decent on the YouTubes.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on July 30, 2020, 03:14:23 PM

as a back possibly but we need someone with more experience

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on July 30, 2020, 03:17:17 PM

Kalinic has made 11 appearances in two years. Nyland has made 30 appearances in two years. Heaton is 34. Steer is at his peak at 27. We brought in a loan keeper last season. I reckon Smith might sell Kalinic and go with Heaton and Steer with Nyland very much a third choice back up if he stays.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on July 30, 2020, 03:20:40 PM

Quote from: Damo70 on July 30, 2020, 03:17:17 PM

Kalinic has made 11 appearances in two years. Nyland has made 30 appearances in two years. Heaton is 34. Steer is at his peak at 27. We brought in a loan keeper last season. I reckon Smith might sell Kalinic and go with Heaton and Steer with Nyland very much a third choice back up if he stays.

That would be my preference tbh. I'd like to see more of Steer this season, it's clear he and Heaton both have shit luck with injuries though, they've been plagued throughout their careers so far. Is Nyland a good enough 3rd choice? In any circumstance I'd say yes but I doubt we've seen his last run of games in a Villa shirt either way.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on July 30, 2020, 03:25:34 PM

Quote from: darren woolley on July 30, 2020, 02:19:50 PM

Quote from: Ads on July 30, 2020, 12:02:17 PM

The Poundland Mings.

Love it Ads lol

Fischer Price was even better after the Ian Acheao wildcard.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks threade
Post by: robleflaneur on July 30, 2020, 04:04:14 PM

Quote from: Skerra on July 30, 2020, 02:48:08 PM

Jeepers, if Ake is worth £40 million, how much is Jack really worth!!!
KaroAKE sounds like a bad tune at that price!!

Could never understand why Howe didn't rate Mings.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Londonvilla on July 30, 2020, 04:33:16 PM

My top 3 gets for 2020/21


John Swift £5m

Eberechi Eze £17m

Said Benrahma £27m

Quality, speed, right age and resale value or am I wrong?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villafirst on July 30, 2020, 05:03:01 PM

I see the Saudi takeover is off at Newcastle......shame

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on July 30, 2020, 05:33:01 PM

Guess the Saudis just don’t understan’ tha Geordie peepl.

Like 99.9 per cent of humanity.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villafirst on July 30, 2020, 05:45:59 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on July 30, 2020, 05:33:01 PM

Guess the Saudis just don’t understan’ tha Geordie peepl.

Like 99.9 per cent of humanity.

Apparently,  the Geordies are heart broken......stuck with fat Mike

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Skerra on July 30, 2020, 05:59:01 PM

I still think they’ve got Ake mixed up with Mings. Similar hairstyle though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on July 30, 2020, 08:37:44 PM

Iheanacho is better than anything we have got, and given a season in the championship I am pretty confident would have banged in as many as Tammy. Realistically the next step for us is to get better players than we have in key areas. Iheanacho would definitely be that, as would Batshuayi. We are not going to go and get a 20 goal a season striker very easily, attracting them would be pretty tough. I very much doubt Leicester are letting him go though, Vardy is injury prone and they have not got a lot of depth there.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on July 30, 2020, 08:54:07 PM

Batshuayi might be a decent shout Jim. I can't see him going for all that much as he's fallen well down the pecking order at Chelsea.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: garyellis on July 30, 2020, 08:54:56 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on July 30, 2020, 08:37:44 PM

Iheanacho is better than anything we have got, and given a season in the championship I am pretty confident would have banged in as many as Tammy. Realistically the next step for us is to get better players than we have in key areas. Iheanacho would definitely be that, as would Batshuayi. We are not going to go and get a 20 goal a season striker very easily, attracting them would be pretty tough. I very much doubt Leicester are letting him go though, Vardy is injury prone and they have not got a lot of depth there.

I have no idea if Iheanacho is the answer but totally agree with your comment regarding a 20 goal a season striker.
If Tammy was available for us then it's a no brainer, after that it's a real challenge. We have to have more goals from our forwards.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on July 30, 2020, 08:57:59 PM

Quote from: Villafirst on July 30, 2020, 05:03:01 PM

I see the Saudi takeover is off at Newcastle......shame

best news I've heard all day.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on July 30, 2020, 09:00:27 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on July 30, 2020, 08:37:44 PM

Iheanacho is better than anything we have got, and given a season in the championship I am pretty confident would have banged in as many as Tammy. Realistically the next step for us is to get better players than we have in key areas. Iheanacho would definitely be that, as would Batshuayi. We are not going to go and get a 20 goal a season striker very easily, attracting them would be pretty tough. I very much doubt Leicester are letting him go though, Vardy is injury prone and they have not got a lot of depth there.

With Iheanacho; he might be 10% better than Wesley but they’d want £30m.  Whereas £30m could get a player that is easily 30% better than Trez/El Ghazi.  We cannot improve everywhere so we need to prioritise and drive value.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Des Little on July 30, 2020, 09:04:44 PM

I’m hoping Fulham shank the play offs, mainly because I’d like Mitrovic at VP. Not everyone’s cup of tea, but I rate him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on July 30, 2020, 09:12:42 PM

Quote from: Des Little on July 30, 2020, 09:04:44 PM

I’m hoping Fulham shank the play offs, mainly because I’d like Mitrovic at VP. Not everyone’s cup of tea, but I rate him.

Same. Cardiff need another goal to force ET

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: nigel on July 30, 2020, 09:13:02 PM

Quote from: Des Little on July 30, 2020, 09:04:44 PM

I’m hoping Fulham shank the play offs, mainly because I’d like Mitrovic at VP. Not everyone’s cup of tea, but I rate him.

I'm the other way as I'd quite like Benrama

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on July 30, 2020, 09:16:44 PM

Quote from: nigel on July 30, 2020, 09:13:02 PM

Quote from: Des Little on July 30, 2020, 09:04:44 PM

I’m hoping Fulham shank the play offs, mainly because I’d like Mitrovic at VP. Not everyone’s cup of tea, but I rate him.

I'm the other way as I'd quite like Benrama

Ideal result for potential signings is Fulham out in the semis, Brentford out in the final.

Soft spot for Brentford though, being the small fish (relatively speaking) in the contest

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on July 30, 2020, 09:18:23 PM

Quote from: Risso on July 30, 2020, 12:06:27 PM

Well I'd be pleased if we signed Iheanacho.  Seems to have been developing at a decent rate, and despite playing second fiddle to Vardy this year, he still got 10 goals in 26 appearances.  Don't think we can turn our noses up at that to be honest.

You surprise me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 30, 2020, 09:19:20 PM

Not a huge Mitrovic fan. Was hoping we would be moving onto "wow" signings ny now, rather than those that will do a job. I don't want to spend every season battling to finish seventeenth. If we are going to challenge near the top end of the league a striker likely costs around £50 million. Noone is going be spending that sort of cash on Mitrovic.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on July 30, 2020, 09:20:18 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on July 30, 2020, 02:01:54 PM

Good shout above on the GK and on the København (as they call it) the once highly rated , product of Ajax , Viktor Fischer being a villa signing all day long.

This guy promised big things few years ago , middelsboro signed him but was largely underwhelming , disappointing and didn't score in league that one season there (relegation)

Get this though Fischer one and only goal came at villa park in a pre season friendly .
At 26 this may be the type of signing villa take from Lange previous employers. An attacking midfielder, winger  who despite previous failure in England , circumstances didn't suit , could be a gamble I think we all know signing Viktor depends on Fischer price  :P

???

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Russ aka Big Nose on July 30, 2020, 09:20:48 PM

We're not likely to raise much through sales, though players like AEG and Trez are probably available for the right price and one, preferably both, need to be upgraded.

But we're surely not looking for gems to develop or players to take a punt on. I think we want three or four 'proven' players, i.e. in the £20m+ or maybe two over £30m and two over £10m.

Assuming Jack stays then I guess about £15-20m from disposals and then c.£70m net spend. If that is how it pans out, I think we trust Heaton to come back as good as before even if he doesn't start the season.

In order of priority - as close to a reliable goalscorer as our budget will get. Then a centre-half and attacking wide player. Then a DCM and a fullback (probably left-back).

Davis to go on loan, keep Wesley and Samatta and bin Drinkwater and a few others.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on July 30, 2020, 09:22:04 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on July 30, 2020, 09:19:20 PM

Not a huge Mitrovic fan. Was hoping we would be moving onto "wow" signings ny now, rather than those that will do a job. I don't want to spend every season battling to finish seventeenth. If we are going to challenge near the top end of the league a striker likely costs around £50 million. Noone is going be spending that sort of cash on Mitrovic.

And we are unlikely to be spending £50m on a striker either

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on July 30, 2020, 10:10:57 PM

Quote from: Mister E on July 30, 2020, 09:20:18 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on July 30, 2020, 02:01:54 PM

Good shout above on the GK and on the København (as they call it) the once highly rated , product of Ajax , Viktor Fischer being a villa signing all day long.

This guy promised big things few years ago , middelsboro signed him but was largely underwhelming , disappointing and didn't score in league that one season there (relegation)

Get this though Fischer one and only goal came at villa park in a pre season friendly .
At 26 this may be the type of signing villa take from Lange previous employers. An attacking midfielder, winger  who despite previous failure in England , circumstances didn't suit , could be a gamble I think we all know signing Viktor depends on Fischer price  :P

???

Because we have a Danish DOF we'll be better placed to sign Danes who have failed here before, I think?

It's untapped bounty for sure.

As much low hanging fruit as that market will clearly provide I hope Coulhard extends the search a wee bit further. Let's be greedy.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on July 30, 2020, 10:12:35 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on July 30, 2020, 10:10:57 PM

Quote from: Mister E on July 30, 2020, 09:20:18 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on July 30, 2020, 02:01:54 PM

Good shout above on the GK and on the København (as they call it) the once highly rated , product of Ajax , Viktor Fischer being a villa signing all day long.

This guy promised big things few years ago , middelsboro signed him but was largely underwhelming , disappointing and didn't score in league that one season there (relegation)

Get this though Fischer one and only goal came at villa park in a pre season friendly .
At 26 this may be the type of signing villa take from Lange previous employers. An attacking midfielder, winger  who despite previous failure in England , circumstances didn't suit , could be a gamble I think we all know signing Viktor depends on Fischer price  :P

???

Because we have a Danish DOF we'll be better placed to sign Danes who have failed here before, I think?

It's untapped bounty for sure.

The glorious return of Jores Okore and Niklas Helenius.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on July 30, 2020, 11:09:14 PM

Can't see anything wrong with Footy's idea. Not that unfeasible that Lange might go back in for a player he has signed before, who was once very highly thought of at Ajax, or that if we do go back in for any players Lange knows from Denmark it'll be a Fischer type of profile with something to prove in a higher league.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on July 30, 2020, 11:58:12 PM

Oh absolutely. I hope we're aware of all the Danish strays who deserve a second chance at knockdown, low low prices.  I also hope we cast the net a bit wider. Don't think that's particularly leftfield, but let's see.

As an aside, it shows how messed up football is when you can acquire Brendan Rodgers at £10 million a year (based on his current contract), Abraham for a fee prob in the £40 million bracket based on recent dealings but you can pick up a sporting director - the guy who coordinates the whole thing - for a fraction of that. 

It's the one position you probably don't want to skimp on.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on July 31, 2020, 05:37:33 AM

Quote from: KevinGage on July 30, 2020, 11:58:12 PM

Oh absolutely. I hope we're aware of all the Danish strays who deserve a second chance at knockdown, low low prices.  I also hope we cast the net a bit wider. Don't think that's particularly leftfield, but let's see.

As an aside, it shows how messed up football is when you can acquire Brendan Rodgers at £10 million a year (based on his current contract), Abraham for a fee prob in the £40 million bracket based on recent dealings but you can pick up a sporting director - the guy who coordinates the whole thing - for a fraction of that. 

It's the one position you probably don't want to skimp on.

I had always presumed that Director of Football was just the role of patsy who would take the fall to protect the Chief Executive when it all went tits up or, at least, fell short of expectations.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on July 31, 2020, 09:38:25 AM

off topic but got my ST refund email last night - for some reason they have split the refund into six payments spread over a week or so. Is this to comply with some accounting proceedure?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 31, 2020, 09:47:57 AM

It's split up into the six remaining home games. Not sure why.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: The Edge on July 31, 2020, 10:02:32 AM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on July 30, 2020, 09:19:20 PM

Not a huge Mitrovic fan. Was hoping we would be moving onto "wow" signings ny now, rather than those that will do a job. I don't want to spend every season battling to finish seventeenth. If we are going to challenge near the top end of the league a striker likely costs around £50 million. Noone is going be spending that sort of cash on Mitrovic.

Who's this Noone? He always gets a mention. Must be loaded though if he's prepared to spend 50 million on Mitrovic

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: nigel on July 31, 2020, 10:29:59 AM

Quote from: The Edge on July 31, 2020, 10:02:32 AM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on July 30, 2020, 09:19:20 PM

Not a huge Mitrovic fan. Was hoping we would be moving onto "wow" signings ny now, rather than those that will do a job. I don't want to spend every season battling to finish seventeenth. If we are going to challenge near the top end of the league a striker likely costs around £50 million. Noone is going be spending that sort of cash on Mitrovic.

Who's this Noone? He always gets a mention. Must be loaded though if he's prepared to spend 50 million on Mitrovic

Must be getting good royalties from him Herman’s Hermits days

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Small Rodent on July 31, 2020, 10:56:59 AM

Quote from: nigel on July 31, 2020, 10:29:59 AM

Quote from: The Edge on July 31, 2020, 10:02:32 AM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on July 30, 2020, 09:19:20 PM

Not a huge Mitrovic fan. Was hoping we would be moving onto "wow" signings ny now, rather than those that will do a job. I don't want to spend every season battling to finish seventeenth. If we are going to challenge near the top end of the league a striker likely costs around £50 million. Noone is going be spending that sort of cash on Mitrovic.

Who's this Noone? He always gets a mention. Must be loaded though if he's prepared to spend 50 million on Mitrovic

Must be getting good royalties from him Herman’s Hermits days

Something tells me he's into something good.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: in exile on July 31, 2020, 10:58:43 AM

After Tammy has taken all of his Chelsea references off his Instagram profile, I'd be calling Chelsea asap.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on July 31, 2020, 11:23:20 AM

What's Skillz's obsession with Victor Fischer all about? He looks shite.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on July 31, 2020, 11:26:51 AM

Quote from: mr underhill on July 31, 2020, 11:23:20 AM

What's Skillz's obsession with Victor Fischer all about? He looks shite.

He's mentioned him twice. Hardly an obsession.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on July 31, 2020, 11:54:35 AM

I'd hope our bar was set a few degrees higher.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on July 31, 2020, 12:35:54 PM

What position does he play Footy? Age, etc. Give us the lowdown dude.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Holy Trinity on July 31, 2020, 12:45:22 PM

Quote from: Newby on July 31, 2020, 12:35:54 PM

What position does he play Footy? Age, etc. Give us the lowdown dude.

Fischer is a good player and I think I suggested him last season or Jan. Winger who can play though the middle.

He's 26 but struggled in his 13 games at Middlesbrough.

He would be an option not a solution. If we rely on him we are boned. But is a massive upgrade on the lost at sea el ghazi

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on July 31, 2020, 12:53:36 PM

Fischer was a top prospect a few years back but he struggled when given a chance to step up a level. He'd be a big risk.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on July 31, 2020, 01:07:28 PM

Better than Baston?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: johnny from donny on July 31, 2020, 01:12:43 PM

John Swift?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on July 31, 2020, 01:23:18 PM

Quote from: johnny from donny on July 31, 2020, 01:12:43 PM

John Swift?

No from me, he'd be squad filler rather than a guaranteed starter, I don't want us signing players to sit on the bench unless they're U21.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on July 31, 2020, 01:43:57 PM

Quote from: The Edge on July 31, 2020, 10:02:32 AM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on July 30, 2020, 09:19:20 PM

Not a huge Mitrovic fan. Was hoping we would be moving onto "wow" signings ny now, rather than those that will do a job. I don't want to spend every season battling to finish seventeenth. If we are going to challenge near the top end of the league a striker likely costs around £50 million. Noone is going be spending that sort of cash on Mitrovic.

Who's this Noone? He always gets a mention. Must be loaded though if he's prepared to spend 50 million on Mitrovic

Good premier league experience....

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Craig_Noone

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on July 31, 2020, 01:45:30 PM

Quote from: Holy Trinity on July 31, 2020, 12:45:22 PM

Quote from: Newby on July 31, 2020, 12:35:54 PM

What position does he play Footy? Age, etc. Give us the lowdown dude.

Fischer is a good player and I think I suggested him last season or Jan. Winger who can play though the middle.

He's 26 but struggled in his 13 games at Middlesbrough.

He would be an option not a solution. If we rely on him we are boned. But is a massive upgrade on the lost at sea el ghazi

Boro also signed Marton De Roon a few years back (think it was same season) and he also flopped but doing very well at Atalanta now.

Would love Gosens from them, fantastic LB.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on July 31, 2020, 01:56:09 PM

Was Fischer signed by Karanka, the geezer now linked with SHA?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on July 31, 2020, 02:11:12 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on July 31, 2020, 01:45:30 PM

Quote from: Holy Trinity on July 31, 2020, 12:45:22 PM

Quote from: Newby on July 31, 2020, 12:35:54 PM

What position does he play Footy? Age, etc. Give us the lowdown dude.

Fischer is a good player and I think I suggested him last season or Jan. Winger who can play though the middle.

He's 26 but struggled in his 13 games at Middlesbrough.

He would be an option not a solution. If we rely on him we are boned. But is a massive upgrade on the lost at sea el ghazi

Boro also signed Marton De Roon a few years back (think it was same season) and he also flopped but doing very well at Atalanta now.

Would love Gosens from them, fantastic LB.

They bought Martin Braithwaite off the bench when we humped them 3-0 up there last, and he signed for Barcelona in January.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: jwarry on July 31, 2020, 02:48:17 PM

Rumours of Buendia

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on July 31, 2020, 02:53:22 PM

Quote from: jwarry on July 31, 2020, 02:48:17 PM

Rumours of Buendia

All I know about him beyond a shadow of a doubt is that he definitely cannot tackle to save his life.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on July 31, 2020, 02:57:38 PM

Would be a good pick up no question. Can find pockets of space and has a good number of assists over last few seasons.

Interested the fee Norwich will want.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on July 31, 2020, 02:57:46 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on July 31, 2020, 02:53:22 PM

Quote from: jwarry on July 31, 2020, 02:48:17 PM

Rumours of Buendia

All I know about him beyond a shadow of a doubt is that he definitely cannot tackle to save his life.

Great assist stats for last season, IIRC

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on July 31, 2020, 03:01:31 PM

Quote from: jwarry on July 31, 2020, 02:48:17 PM

Rumours of Buendia

Great curry house, staff very polite and food was excellent. Would definitely eat here again.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on July 31, 2020, 03:04:01 PM

Quote from: LeeB on July 31, 2020, 03:01:31 PM

Quote from: jwarry on July 31, 2020, 02:48:17 PM

Rumours of Buendia

Great curry house, staff very polite and food was excellent. Would definitely eat here again.

LOL - nice one, Lee; very funny!!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on July 31, 2020, 03:05:21 PM

Would bulk the squad up. Improvement on Angela and Jota for sure.

I'd want to be targeting the first XI replacements rather than the squad first though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villan82 on July 31, 2020, 03:09:33 PM

At the end of the season I felt we needed to target signings for the first eleven. On reflection, the new 5 sub rule basically means you are looking at needing 16 quality players every game week.

So, yeah, Buendia makes sense as somebody to be a rotation option ahead of say a Jota. For instance, I think El Chazi could be a good impact sub next season rather than a regular starter. So somebody coming in who can play wing makes sense.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Smithy on July 31, 2020, 03:17:04 PM

Quote from: Mister E on July 31, 2020, 02:57:46 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on July 31, 2020, 02:53:22 PM

Quote from: jwarry on July 31, 2020, 02:48:17 PM

Rumours of Buendia

All I know about him beyond a shadow of a doubt is that he definitely cannot tackle to save his life.

Great assist stats for last season, IIRC

Yup - fourth in the entire league behind De Bruyne, Jack and Alexander-Arnold. Not bad for the side at the very bottom of the league.

He didn't score many though, maybe a couple all season?  Also not entirely sure what position Norwich played him in?

Edit: Also fourth in the league in successful 'take ons', behind Traore, Zaha and Saint-Maximin.  None of whom got anywhere close to his numbers of chances created.

So, he beats players and creates chances.  Sounds like a good option to have in the front three?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on July 31, 2020, 03:41:38 PM

Buendia wouldn't be replacing Jota, he would be replacing El Ghazi, with El Ghazi replacing Jota on the bench.

Buendia would be a big improvement on both Trezuguet and El Ghazi so would be in the first team regularly. Both Trezuguet and El Ghazi would benefit from startong next season more experienced and from having enough competition to be rested when off form.

Not worried about him coming from a relegated club, Jack wouldn't have become a worse player had we gone down, just his price would have dropped. You could easily make a top squad from players in that went down, so makes sense for us to look at some of the better players in them.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on July 31, 2020, 04:13:05 PM

Buendia is a good player.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on July 31, 2020, 04:18:27 PM

We can't discount that his name means 'good day'. It's about time the first team started punching their weight given the excellent work the young lads are doing name-wise.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on July 31, 2020, 04:22:29 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on July 31, 2020, 03:41:38 PM

Buendia wouldn't be replacing Jota, he would be replacing El Ghazi, with El Ghazi replacing Jota on the bench.

Buendia would be a big improvement on both Trezuguet and El Ghazi so would be in the first team regularly. Both Trezuguet and El Ghazi would benefit from startong next season more experienced and from having enough competition to be rested when off form.

Not worried about him coming from a relegated club, Jack wouldn't have become a worse player had we gone down, just his price would have dropped. You could easily make a top squad from players in that went down, so makes sense for us to look at some of the better players in them.

Agree with all of that. The biggest prerequisite for signing players this summer should be 'are they better than xyz who currently is the first choice in their position?' Is Buendia better than Trez or El Ghazi? Definite yes from me. Buendia in the team, one of Trez/El Ghazi on the bench, Jota thanked for his efforts and his locker cleared.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on July 31, 2020, 04:25:43 PM

Imagine running out to Patsy Cline at VP! Crazy!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Diablo on July 31, 2020, 04:28:49 PM

Quote from: Smithy on July 31, 2020, 03:17:04 PM

Quote from: Mister E on July 31, 2020, 02:57:46 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on July 31, 2020, 02:53:22 PM

Quote from: jwarry on July 31, 2020, 02:48:17 PM

Rumours of Buendia

All I know about him beyond a shadow of a doubt is that he definitely cannot tackle to save his life.

Great assist stats for last season, IIRC

Yup - fourth in the entire league behind De Bruyne, Jack and Alexander-Arnold. Not bad for the side at the very bottom of the league.

He didn't score many though, maybe a couple all season?  Also not entirely sure what position Norwich played him in?

Edit: Also fourth in the league in successful 'take ons', behind Traore, Zaha and Saint-Maximin.  None of whom got anywhere close to his numbers of chances created.

So, he beats players and creates chances.  Sounds like a good option to have in the front three?

Going off this video he'd be a great addition - if of course we had a forward that could convert the chances

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: richtheholtender on July 31, 2020, 04:42:58 PM

I think we need a centre half, defensive midfielder, a winger and a striker. The centre half been stones for £20 mill alongside Tyrone.

The partnership could Stones and Mings,  “Stings” At the back.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: NorthYvillan on July 31, 2020, 04:50:20 PM

Quote from: richtheholtender on July 31, 2020, 04:42:58 PM

I think we need a centre half, defensive midfielder, a winger and a striker. The centre half been stones for £20 mill alongside Tyrone.

The partnership could Stones and Mings,  “Stings” At the back.

Don't rate Stones. Think what we have is better.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 31, 2020, 04:57:05 PM

We on about the Man City Stones? Surely you wouldn't get him for £20 million when they paid more than double that?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on July 31, 2020, 04:59:05 PM

Buendia to replace Grealish perhaps.

I can't decide whether better forwards would have scored more from the chances he created or whether the chances weren't that great after all but looked good. Either way, unless we get an Abrahams type player he'd be pointless for us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on July 31, 2020, 04:59:40 PM

I wouldn't go near Stones, I don't think he's any better than Mings and he's just as error-prone if not moreso. 100% there is better out there for less than he'd cost. Wages also would be huge.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on July 31, 2020, 05:14:00 PM

If jack goes then buendia would be a good replacement but I'm not sure I'd want them both in the team.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: richtheholtender on July 31, 2020, 05:14:58 PM

He seems to get a lot of negative press but I think he’s a decent player. If we sell Engels and upgrade to Stones or a player of premier league quality I for one would be more confident next season. Konsa has impressed me this year but if we are talking about squad depth and improving our league position an upgrade at centre half is essential.

What is equally important is we get a physical presence in front of the defence. Nobody wants instantly springs to mind (thank go it’s not my job) but someone like Jedinak at 27 would be ideal. Nkamba is decent and has his place but a big tough git would be great please.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dorsetvillian on July 31, 2020, 05:16:48 PM

Love the weight of his passing. Just like Jack..

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 31, 2020, 05:17:41 PM

I don't think centre half is essential. Mings and Konsa look very good together and we have two centre halves as cover.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on July 31, 2020, 05:22:00 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on July 31, 2020, 05:17:41 PM

I don't think centre half is essential. Mings and Konsa look very good together and we have two centre halves as cover.

If we're strengthening in defense, left back should be the priority to push Targett down to sub and push Taylor somewhere that isn't Villa.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on July 31, 2020, 05:22:35 PM

Quote from: paul_e on July 31, 2020, 05:14:00 PM

If jack goes then buendia would be a good replacement but I'm not sure I'd want them both in the team.

I do!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 31, 2020, 05:29:59 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on July 31, 2020, 05:22:00 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on July 31, 2020, 05:17:41 PM

I don't think centre half is essential. Mings and Konsa look very good together and we have two centre halves as cover.

If we're strengthening in defense, left back should be the priority to push Targett down to sub and push Taylor somewhere that isn't Villa.

Not for me, happy with Targett as first choice and Taylor/Hause cover.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: robleflaneur on July 31, 2020, 05:39:45 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on July 31, 2020, 05:22:00 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on July 31, 2020, 05:17:41 PM

I don't think centre half is essential. Mings and Konsa look very good together and we have two centre halves as cover.

If we're strengthening in defense, left back should be the priority to push Targett down to sub and push Taylor somewhere that isn't Villa.

Agreed. The  two other priorities for me would be a more physical player than Hourihane,we would then have a superb midfield ,and a decent upgrade on Sambatta and Davis.Add Heaton,we then should be above the likes of Burnley and Sheff U. If the funds stretch to a wide player  that would be nice.
If Grealish went ,then we would have to buy another 3 and make sure we have no weak links in the squad.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 31, 2020, 05:41:44 PM

At least one wide player is essential, I reckon. I'd like two, but not even getting one would be madness. And at least two forwards. So if one doesn't work, the other might. No putting all our eggs in one basket again.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on July 31, 2020, 06:14:25 PM

I could see Buendia happening. Smith's supposedly been after him for a few windows now and seems very realistic now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on July 31, 2020, 06:21:02 PM

If Norwich had a quick, good finisher up front, they would not have finished bottom!  Buendia's passing is very good.  I'd be very happy with him in the squad, whether Jack is here or not.  I quite like Jon Swift too.  Get him in as well, especially for the fee they are talking about as I reckon Villa will improve him. Squad player, rather than starter, replacement on the bench for Hoorah Henri.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on July 31, 2020, 06:29:02 PM

I have no issue with Buendia, i think he's a very good player, but I think him and Jack are too similar, I think a winger who gets in the box and scores goals (i.e. a better version of trez) is the most important signing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on July 31, 2020, 06:32:15 PM

Quote from: paul_e on July 31, 2020, 06:29:02 PM

I have no issue with Buendia, i think he's a very good player, but I think him and Jack are too similar, I think a winger who gets in the box and scores goals (i.e. a better version of trez) is the most important signing.

This makes no sense.  Centre halves are similar, full backs are similar, Tony Daley and Dwight Yorker were (too) similar.  Sign him as it's a squad game and taking the pressure off Jack and asking teams to concentrate on two tricky players allows more space for others.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Olof's Beard on July 31, 2020, 06:34:57 PM

Quote from: paul_e on July 31, 2020, 06:29:02 PM

I have no issue with Buendia, i think he's a very good player, but I think him and Jack are too similar, I think a winger who gets in the box and scores goals (i.e. a better version of trez) is the most important signing.

Agree with this. If Jack stays, then we need pace on the other side. We may try to move Jack back inside but all his best games came from that wide left position, both he and we struggled with him in the centre for the most part. A quick, goalscoring winger (or two) is the biggest priority for me. If he can deputise at centre forward when needed too then all the better.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on July 31, 2020, 06:36:22 PM

Quote from: Newby on July 31, 2020, 06:32:15 PM

Quote from: paul_e on July 31, 2020, 06:29:02 PM

I have no issue with Buendia, i think he's a very good player, but I think him and Jack are too similar, I think a winger who gets in the box and scores goals (i.e. a better version of trez) is the most important signing.

This makes no sense.  Centre halves are similar, full backs are similar, Tony Daley and Dwight Yorker were (too) similar.  Sign him as it's a squad game and taking the pressure off Jack and asking teams to concentrate on two tricky players allows more space for others.

Have to agree. I think having Jack and Buendia (or similar) in the same team would see both of their goal tallies go up because the tactic of doubling up on Jack which some teams have used this season would just give Buendia more space (and vice versa).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on July 31, 2020, 07:01:40 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on July 31, 2020, 06:36:22 PM

Quote from: Newby on July 31, 2020, 06:32:15 PM

Quote from: paul_e on July 31, 2020, 06:29:02 PM

I have no issue with Buendia, i think he's a very good player, but I think him and Jack are too similar, I think a winger who gets in the box and scores goals (i.e. a better version of trez) is the most important signing.

This makes no sense.  Centre halves are similar, full backs are similar, Tony Daley and Dwight Yorker were (too) similar.  Sign him as it's a squad game and taking the pressure off Jack and asking teams to concentrate on two tricky players allows more space for others.

Have to agree. I think having Jack and Buendia (or similar) in the same team would see both of their goal tallies go up because the tactic of doubling up on Jack which some teams have used this season would just give Buendia more space (and vice versa).

We play with 1 striker, if both of our wide players are play makers coming deep to get the ball then that striker will be isolated, just like they have been this season. A winger with pace who's looking to get into the box regularly remedies that without us needing to change our shape massively. I'd take Buendia if Jack goes or as the 4th or 5th signing of the summer when other key problems have been fixed but he's not a priority for me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on July 31, 2020, 07:16:50 PM

It totally depends on the type of striker we have Paul.  Someone quick and who's movement is really good.  Let the opposition worry about us, push the full backs further forward, play with pace and power.  Have runners coming from everywhere.  That's why Sheffield United have been so good this season, well, that and their hard work.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on July 31, 2020, 07:39:23 PM

Quote from: Newby on July 31, 2020, 07:16:50 PM

It totally depends on the type of striker we have Paul.  Someone quick and who's movement is really good.  Let the opposition worry about us, push the full backs further forward, play with pace and power.  Have runners coming from everywhere.  That's why Sheffield United have been so good this season, well, that and their hard work.

I agree with the first bit, which is why I'd like the other signings first. Longer term I agree with the rest but I don't think we can shift into that sort of team in the short time from now until next season starts so I'd rather we build on what we can do which is to press high and counter-attack.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: garyellis on July 31, 2020, 08:08:24 PM

Quote from: paul_e on July 31, 2020, 07:39:23 PM

Quote from: Newby on July 31, 2020, 07:16:50 PM

It totally depends on the type of striker we have Paul.  Someone quick and who's movement is really good.  Let the opposition worry about us, push the full backs further forward, play with pace and power.  Have runners coming from everywhere.  That's why Sheffield United have been so good this season, well, that and their hard work.

I agree with the first bit, which is why I'd like the other signings first. Longer term I agree with the rest but I don't think we can shift into that sort of team in the short time from now until next season starts so I'd rather we build on what we can do which is to press high and counter-attack.

I am not disagreeing with your overall point of view. But if the budget is available the order players arrive in matters not.
It also makes sense to have someone in for a season who can take up the gap when Barcelona eventually (next season) come in for Jack 👍

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on July 31, 2020, 09:14:03 PM

Quote from: garyellis on July 31, 2020, 08:08:24 PM

Quote from: paul_e on July 31, 2020, 07:39:23 PM

Quote from: Newby on July 31, 2020, 07:16:50 PM

It totally depends on the type of striker we have Paul.  Someone quick and who's movement is really good.  Let the opposition worry about us, push the full backs further forward, play with pace and power.  Have runners coming from everywhere.  That's why Sheffield United have been so good this season, well, that and their hard work.

I agree with the first bit, which is why I'd like the other signings first. Longer term I agree with the rest but I don't think we can shift into that sort of team in the short time from now until next season starts so I'd rather we build on what we can do which is to press high and counter-attack.

I am not disagreeing with your overall point of view. But if the budget is available the order players arrive in matters not.
It also makes sense to have someone in for a season who can take up the gap when Barcelona eventually (next season) come in for Jack 👍

I generally agree but this summer we really need someone who can run in behind teams and stop them coming too high up the pitch (if for no other reason than it creates gaps for players like Grealish and Buendia to work in). Last season we created a good amount of chances but what I don't remember seeing much of was genuine 1-on-1 chances. there were a handful but nothing like enough because we don't have anyone making those sort of runs on a regular basis. I think that's why you get people like Souness saying Jack holds onto the ball too long, it's because he doesn't get enough chances to play those killer passes through the defence.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: robleflaneur on July 31, 2020, 09:16:42 PM

Quote from: Newby on July 31, 2020, 07:16:50 PM

It totally depends on the type of striker we have Paul.  Someone quick and who's movement is really good.  Let the opposition worry about us, push the full backs further forward, play with pace and power.  Have runners coming from everywhere.  That's why Sheffield United have been so good this season, well, that and their hard work.

I agree with both  the need for  a second goalscorer, who comes in from wide to attack the box and above all to play with pace and power.Teams until lockdown were often  overpowering  us physically.A midfielder with those physical attributes  is essential for us.Buendia,fine player that he is, would only make the midfield even flimsier and he doesn't score enough to fit the second goalscorer role.Back up for Jack ok,so he would be a low priority for me,unless Jack goes.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: themossman on July 31, 2020, 09:22:19 PM

I feel like we’ve always had a small team, especially midfield.

O’Neill liked big players didn’t he

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on July 31, 2020, 09:38:47 PM

Petrov, NRC, Ash, Milner are all under 6ft. Gaz Baz was a player he inherited and he’s just over 6.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on July 31, 2020, 11:02:14 PM

O'Neill had a habit of not bothering picking Fullbacks and playing CBs or Midfielders in those positions.

So Mellberg, Cuellar or Craig Gardner at RB for example.

Definitely felt like we were a physically bigger team under MON.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: robleflaneur on July 31, 2020, 11:15:44 PM

It's not the size of the midfield but their lack of pace  and how poor they were at tracking runners,probably Grealish's only weakness..Hourihane is the prime example,great at set pieces,good shot ,seemingly ideal for a no.10 but his movement is woeful.Early in the season Luiz wasn't offering the protection that he did later.Nakamba is just technically poor,he creates danger when in possession, for us.
McGinn is the ideal role model and unfortunately sustained injuries and never fully recovered .A midfielder who offers protection to the back four ,allowing Luiz to attack or a box to box midfielder would be invaluable.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on July 31, 2020, 11:26:29 PM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on July 31, 2020, 11:02:14 PM

O'Neill had a habit of not bothering picking Fullbacks and playing CBs or Midfielders in those positions.

So Mellberg, Cuellar or Craig Gardner at RB for example.

Definitely felt like we were a physically bigger team under MON.

Milner, NRC too.

75 minutes, Sidwell on, right back off, NRC to right back.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 01, 2020, 12:12:36 AM

Quote from: robleflaneur on July 31, 2020, 11:15:44 PM

It's not the size of the midfield but their lack of pace  and how poor they were at tracking runners,probably Grealish's only weakness..Hourihane is the prime example,great at set pieces,good shot ,seemingly ideal for a no.10 but his movement is woeful.Early in the season Luiz wasn't offering the protection that he did later.Nakamba is just technically poor,he creates danger when in possession, for us.
McGinn is the ideal role model and unfortunately sustained injuries and never fully recovered .A midfielder who offers protection to the back four ,allowing Luiz to attack or a box to box midfielder would be invaluable.

Luiz in front of the back 4 lets us counter really well because his use of the ball is so good, and he is a natural leader. Keep hold of him next season and a proper, quality box to box midfielder is where I would be looking, with some physicality. Sheffield United bought that big Norwegian in Jan for a similar role and hes show flashes but is just settling down. Someone like Dacoure at Watford would be a decent shout in there. Whoever it is needs the engine to do both sides of the game.

Buendia being linked I am ok with, hes a bit like a right sided Jack, and would be a good signing, as long as we get a fairly pacey striker with good movement AND another winger with genuine pace. If it was just 2 wingers, a top centre mid and a really good striker this window I would be pretty content that we are going to improve significantly on last too. Might need to replace Engels if he goes, and certainly need to get Nyland and Kalinic out and bring back Reina as number 2 keeper but that i more minor surgery than the other areas.

Someone made a great point earlier too, we need 3 forward players, and another midfielder just to give us options that can affect games from the bench now it has become a 16 man game next season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on August 01, 2020, 12:33:53 AM

Honestly I think the main problem with the midfield is the inadequate attack. Luiz, McGinn and Jack form a really formidable trio, but without options to pass to opponents know they just need to sit in and wait for us to get desperate. We can't really on our midfield to defend, create and score - better attackers and we can ease the burden on them.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 01, 2020, 01:18:08 AM

Jack’s creativity based stats in a better side yields him close to Kevin DeBruyne type assist numbers. We find forwards and wingers who can move into threatening areas in the penalty area; players like Jack or Luiz will find them. We are either static or too spread out and thus we rarely in key scoring positions, nor do we get enough shots away.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ben.H on August 01, 2020, 08:08:41 AM

https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aston-villa-transfers-abraham-buendia-18699130 (https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aston-villa-transfers-abraham-buendia-18699130)

Hard to believe but this is actually a pretty decent analysis of the team last season from the Mail.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on August 01, 2020, 08:42:05 AM

Quote from: Ben.H on August 01, 2020, 08:08:41 AM

https://www.xxxx.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aston-villa-transfers-abraham-buendia-18699130 (https://www.xxxx.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aston-villa-transfers-abraham-buendia-18699130)

Hard to believe but this is actually a pretty decent analysis of the team last season from the Mail.

Well, that link doesn't work for me. Can you copy the text here, please.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on August 01, 2020, 08:46:13 AM

I think the JG / Buendia discussion is an interesting one. I could see both players in the same side, alternating being wide and being central. As pointed out above, it would give opponents much more to think about.
The key to its success would be both a mobile, quick CF and a good out-and-out winger to come on to change the point of attack. It would also need an upgraded MF to support Luiz and McGinn.
In this scenario I think we'd get away with not enhancing our CB players but would still need another LB to give Targett competition.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 01, 2020, 09:38:51 AM

Quote from: Mister E on August 01, 2020, 08:46:13 AM

I think the JG / Buendia discussion is an interesting one. I could see both players in the same side, alternating being wide and being central. As pointed out above, it would give opponents much more to think about.
The key to its success would be both a mobile, quick CF and a good out-and-out winger to come on to change the point of attack. It would also need an upgraded MF to support Luiz and McGinn.
In this scenario I think we'd get away with not enhancing our CB players but would still need another LB to give Targett competition.

I think he and Jack would be fine in the same side, both work hard for "flair" players, but like you say, that industrious box to box midfielder, a much faster, athletic pacey winger option and a fast, powerful striker to go with them would be needed.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Scott Nielsen on August 01, 2020, 09:40:38 AM

Quote from: Mister E on August 01, 2020, 08:42:05 AM

Quote from: Ben.H on August 01, 2020, 08:08:41 AM

https://www.xxxx.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aston-villa-transfers-abraham-buendia-18699130 (https://www.xxxx.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aston-villa-transfers-abraham-buendia-18699130)

Hard to believe but this is actually a pretty decent analysis of the team last season from the Mail.

Well, that link doesn't work for me. Can you copy the text here, please.

Just replace 'xxxx' with the name of the paper.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kipeye on August 01, 2020, 09:59:38 AM

I would like us to add Pukki to Buendia. He looked great early on and would fit our style.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on August 01, 2020, 10:19:07 AM

Quote from: Scott Nielsen on August 01, 2020, 09:40:38 AM

Quote from: Mister E on August 01, 2020, 08:42:05 AM

Quote from: Ben.H on August 01, 2020, 08:08:41 AM

https://www.xxxx.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aston-villa-transfers-abraham-buendia-18699130 (https://www.xxxx.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aston-villa-transfers-abraham-buendia-18699130)

Hard to believe but this is actually a pretty decent analysis of the team last season from the Mail.

Well, that link doesn't work for me. Can you copy the text here, please.

Just replace 'xxxx' with the name of the paper.

Okay, I'll level with you - don't want  have that site on my search history!!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: nigel on August 01, 2020, 10:20:17 AM

Quote from: Mister E on August 01, 2020, 08:42:05 AM

Quote from: Ben.H on August 01, 2020, 08:08:41 AM

https://www.xxxx.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aston-villa-transfers-abraham-buendia-18699130 (https://www.xxxx.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aston-villa-transfers-abraham-buendia-18699130)

Hard to believe but this is actually a pretty decent analysis of the team last season from the Mail.

Well, that link doesn't work for me. Can you copy the text here, please.

I don’t know why people do this, Mr E, why can’t they just put the proper link?  ::)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on August 01, 2020, 10:39:01 AM

H&V word filter. Copy the link, change the xxxx to birmingham mail instead, but without the space.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on August 01, 2020, 10:49:17 AM

E&S interview with Dean Smith available on Newsnow this morning.  Dean stating that he still wants players with Premier Division experience to add to the squad.  Speculation that we want 5 new players although no suggested players.  With the players now a year experienced, I would have thought that we might mix the experience up a bit and hopefully still pull a quality rabbit from the hat from Spain or Holland etc. If we are only going for Prem experience, it may cost us more. Also rules out players from the Championship like Benrahma, Watkins and Swift?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: robleflaneur on August 01, 2020, 10:50:25 AM

Quote from: kipeye on August 01, 2020, 09:59:38 AM

I would like us to add Pukki to Buendia. He looked great early on and would fit our style.

His goalscoring record for Schalke and Celtic was not impressive,he's a  good Championship striker in a Norwich team that creates lots of chances.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: olaftab on August 01, 2020, 11:00:02 AM

Yes we need a forward who can do a bit more than Pukki. He proved to be a limited player in the PL.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: olaftab on August 01, 2020, 11:01:48 AM

Quote from: Newby on August 01, 2020, 10:49:17 AM

E&S interview with Dean Smith available on Newsnow this morning.  Dean stating that he still wants players with Premier Division experience to add to the squad.  Speculation that we want 5 new players although no suggested players.  With the players now a year experienced, I would have thought that we might mix the experience up a bit and hopefully still pull a quality rabbit from the hat from Spain or Holland etc. If we are only going for Prem experience, it may cost us more. Also rules out players from the Championship like Benrahma, Watkins and Swift?

I honestly think Watkins will emerge as a very good top level player.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Border villan on August 01, 2020, 11:50:02 AM

Off topic I know. On the Pravda site, in the “on this day”, it talks about a 3-1 win in Europe many years ago with one goal scored by Ray Houghton. The accompanying picture has Steph Houghton in a Man City shirt, or have we signed her?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: jwarry on August 01, 2020, 12:33:45 PM

Shakpoke anyone?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 01, 2020, 12:34:05 PM

Pukki - no thanks.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ben.H on August 01, 2020, 12:54:03 PM

Quote from: nigel on August 01, 2020, 10:20:17 AM

Quote from: Mister E on August 01, 2020, 08:42:05 AM

Quote from: Ben.H on August 01, 2020, 08:08:41 AM

https://www.xxxx.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aston-villa-transfers-abraham-buendia-18699130 (https://www.xxxx.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aston-villa-transfers-abraham-buendia-18699130)

Hard to believe but this is actually a pretty decent analysis of the team last season from the Mail.

Well, that link doesn't work for me. Can you copy the text here, please.

I don’t know why people do this, Mr E, why can’t they just put the proper link?  ::)

Sorry, I didn't realise it would get filtered out.  try:

https://tinyurl.com/yyshvm94 (https://tinyurl.com/yyshvm94)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on August 01, 2020, 01:04:16 PM

Quote from: Ben.H on August 01, 2020, 12:54:03 PM

Quote from: nigel on August 01, 2020, 10:20:17 AM

Quote from: Mister E on August 01, 2020, 08:42:05 AM

Quote from: Ben.H on August 01, 2020, 08:08:41 AM

https://www.xxxx.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aston-villa-transfers-abraham-buendia-18699130 (https://www.xxxx.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aston-villa-transfers-abraham-buendia-18699130)

Hard to believe but this is actually a pretty decent analysis of the team last season from the Mail.

Well, that link doesn't work for me. Can you copy the text here, please.

I don’t know why people do this, Mr E, why can’t they just put the proper link?  ::)

Sorry, I didn't realise it would get filtered out.  try:

https://tinyurl.com/yyshvm94 (https://tinyurl.com/yyshvm94)

The starting 11 that the article ends with is pretty exciting to be fair.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 01, 2020, 01:06:14 PM

Reading anything on the Mail website is such an eye burner for all the other shit on there.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john2710 on August 01, 2020, 02:08:36 PM

Not sure about the Buendia links, unless it's as a contingency should Jack leave.
If he stays we need first choice;

Centre half to play alongside Mings
Right back
Defensive midfielder (allowing Luis to play further forward or as part of a 2 defensive midfield)
Winger - with pace
Centre forward - with pace & finishing

The last two are the priority.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 01, 2020, 02:24:22 PM

Mostly agree John but surely left back is a bigger priority than right back and maybe another forward rather than a CB.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Arsey on August 01, 2020, 02:38:05 PM

Quote from: john2710 on August 01, 2020, 02:08:36 PM

Not sure about the Buendia links, unless it's as a contingency should Jack leave.
If he stays we need first choice;

Centre half to play alongside Mings
Right back
Defensive midfielder (allowing Luis to play further forward or as part of a 2 defensive midfield)
Winger - with pace
Centre forward - with pace & finishing

The last two are the priority.

If fit Targett is more than good enough imo (okay big if but he played a lot of games this season). I actually don’t think Taylor did much wrong when he came in.

Konsa/Mings seemed to have formed a good partnership and we have Engels and Konsa in reserve.

If Grealish stays I think without question the priority is at least one Premiership standard winger, Sarr?

and then a decent striker

and then a decent midfielder


Edit - i meant to quote BV

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 01, 2020, 02:48:39 PM

Having Konsa as a backup to Konsa is risky in my view.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on August 01, 2020, 02:53:37 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on August 01, 2020, 02:24:22 PM

Mostly agree John but surely left back is a bigger priority than right back..

Absolutely. Neither Targett or Taylor are good enough. I see Everton have made an £18m bid for Real Madrid's Sergio Reguilón. I would hope we'd also be interested.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Tayls_7 on August 01, 2020, 03:28:00 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on August 01, 2020, 02:48:39 PM

Having Konsa as a backup to Konsa is risky in my view.

I'd bet my house he meant the other one. I forget his name?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: maidstonevillain on August 01, 2020, 04:21:38 PM

A cheeky 1 year loan bid for Ozil. He is persona non grata at Arsenal, and intends playing out his contract. Gives him game time and Arsenal would probably be grateful for a contribution towards his salary.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 01, 2020, 04:22:24 PM

Getting worried about the time its taking for signings.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Bobby Boy on August 01, 2020, 04:25:42 PM

Quote from: maidstonevillain on August 01, 2020, 04:21:38 PM

A cheeky 1 year loan bid for Ozil. He is persona non grata at Arsenal, and intends playing out his contract. Gives him game time and Arsenal would probably be grateful for a contribution towards his salary.

Has clearly got ability but disappears when it matters.

He can't be arsed to perform for the team that owns him so what would his attitude be if he was on loan?

We want players who are hungry to succeed. Wouldn't touch Ozil with a bargepole.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Bobby Boy on August 01, 2020, 04:26:55 PM

Quote from: Ads on August 01, 2020, 04:22:24 PM

Getting worried about the time its taking for signings.

This is tongue in cheek, yes? Just checking...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on August 01, 2020, 04:32:32 PM

no I agree, glaciers move at a quicker pace. Sort it out Villa.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on August 01, 2020, 04:37:25 PM

Looks like we're going into the new season with the dreadful range of striker options we finished the last one with.

Do we ever learn?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on August 01, 2020, 04:40:21 PM

that's no excuse!!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 01, 2020, 04:41:52 PM

Targett is ok as a squad player. We definitely need a first choice.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: TheMalandro on August 01, 2020, 04:55:53 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on August 01, 2020, 04:41:52 PM

Targett is ok as a squad player. We definitely need a first choice.

I've always rated Rebus above him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Taylor on August 01, 2020, 05:38:18 PM

I see Tammy isn’t starting the cup final. Come on home man.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ktvillan on August 01, 2020, 05:53:30 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on July 31, 2020, 05:29:59 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on July 31, 2020, 05:22:00 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on July 31, 2020, 05:17:41 PM

I don't think centre half is essential. Mings and Konsa look very good together and we have two centre halves as cover.

If we're strengthening in defense, left back should be the priority to push Targett down to sub and push Taylor somewhere that isn't Villa.

Not for me, happy with Targett as first choice and Taylor/Hause cover.

It was very noticeable that many teams targeted our right flank as a weak link, regardless of who was playing left back.  I'd say it's one of our top priorities to get a LB in that's better than the current options.  Targett could make a decent attacking left midfielder.  Haus could make a reasonable backup CB. Taylor could make a total disappearance for all I care.  None of them make a decent left back.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave P on August 01, 2020, 07:00:10 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on August 01, 2020, 04:41:52 PM

Targett is ok as a squad player. We definitely need a first choice.

I’m quite happy with Targett tbf. There are more pressing targets elsewhere on the pitch I think.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on August 01, 2020, 07:27:59 PM

I see there was no Loftus-cheek on the bench for Chelsea.  if not injured, I hope we might be interested in him.  Tammy and Loftus-Cheek combo bid.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on August 01, 2020, 07:54:53 PM

Quote from: Newby on August 01, 2020, 07:27:59 PM

I see there was no Loftus-cheek on the bench for Chelsea.  if not injured, I hope we might be interested in him.  Tammy and Loftus-Cheek combo bid.

That would be something. I think loftus Cheek is quality if he stays fit. And Tammy obviously!
In terms of Targett, he’s very good going forwards but suspect positionally and pace wise defensively. I think he can still develop positionally wise, which could make up for a lack of pace, but I’d try and get another LB in to push him.
LB
CM
RW
CF
Priorities, get a move on Villa!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: villa `cross the mersey on August 01, 2020, 08:06:27 PM

I can't see us signing Tammy unless Chelsea are willing to send him out on loan

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave shelley on August 01, 2020, 08:19:04 PM

He looked properly pissed off, before, during and after that match, it will be interesting to see how this all pans out.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on August 01, 2020, 08:38:01 PM

slap in a bid tomorrow Dean

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 01, 2020, 08:40:42 PM

Come home Tammy.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Colhint on August 01, 2020, 09:35:06 PM

I guess it's all down to how much money they want to spend. There's a world of difference between what we could achieve with £100m to £50m

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 01, 2020, 10:16:39 PM

Would anyone take Sokratis as a CB option?

Completely forgot about him until he came on for Arsenal tonight. They said he's leaving Arsenal as he dosen't fit Arteta's build from the back plan but he does have excellent experience playing for Milan, Bremen and Dortmund and would be a rugged CB next to Mings. 90 caps for Greece and they do actually have some good CBs to pick from.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dinas_Caerdydd on August 01, 2020, 10:32:51 PM

Eddie Howe is looking for a new role . seeing as the majority on here has slated your current boss this season worth a punt ?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 01, 2020, 10:36:10 PM

Quote from: Dinas_Caerdydd on August 01, 2020, 10:32:51 PM

Eddie Howe is looking for a new role . seeing as the majority on here has slated your current boss this season worth a punt ?

That was last week. Us fickle vilers love him again now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on August 01, 2020, 10:37:58 PM

Howe is a coward.  He took them down, he should be a man and take them back up.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on August 01, 2020, 10:40:57 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 01, 2020, 10:16:39 PM

Would anyone take Sokratis as a CB option?

Completely forgot about him until he came on for Arsenal tonight. They said he's leaving Arsenal as he dosen't fit Arteta's build from the back plan but he does have excellent experience playing for Milan, Bremen and Dortmund and would be a rugged CB next to Mings. 90 caps for Greece and they do actually have some good CBs to pick from.

He is a complete twat.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dinas_Caerdydd on August 01, 2020, 10:43:00 PM

maybe he's got something lined up already ?
think he would be a huge asset to any lower prem league club / top level club abroad
his teams play the right way
if VAR worked they might still be in the prem !

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on August 01, 2020, 10:47:43 PM

Quote from: Dinas_Caerdydd on August 01, 2020, 10:43:00 PM

maybe he's got something lined up already ?
think he would be a huge asset to any lower prem league club / top level club abroad
his teams play the right way
if VAR worked they might still be in the prem !

If VAR worked, we may not have been in a relegation scrap. Or at least, out of the running before the last day.  Bournemouth were poor, they couldn't defend and went down.  Howe was unlucky with injuries and some poor decisions from a couple who chose not to play after their contracts ran out, but he should do the right thing and make an effort to bring them back up.  It's not as if he won't have money to spend.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 01, 2020, 10:56:39 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 01, 2020, 10:16:39 PM

Would anyone take Sokratis as a CB option?

Completely forgot about him until he came on for Arsenal tonight. They said he's leaving Arsenal as he dosen't fit Arteta's build from the back plan but he does have excellent experience playing for Milan, Bremen and Dortmund and would be a rugged CB next to Mings. 90 caps for Greece and they do actually have some good CBs to pick from.

I think we’re good at CB. The last few games showed great promise that collectively we can defend well in games. You could argue it came about through Hause’s misfortune and the introduction of Elmo/Freddie. Also the true arrival of Douglas Luiz as a DM. His work rate was incredible in helping out the back four. We absolutely have to improve at LB. Targett is a solid enough back up but he shouldn’t be relied upon to start next season. If we add or improve at CB it should be once all of our business is done. The weak link for me of the 4 is Hause but he’s an adequate option to back up Mings. Plus I imagine a player like Sokratis will be able to get a spot in a number of clubs playing European competition to finish his career.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 01, 2020, 11:01:11 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 01, 2020, 10:16:39 PM

Would anyone take Sokratis as a CB option?

Ironically not the thinking man's CB.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 01, 2020, 11:06:05 PM

Quote from: Dinas_Caerdydd on August 01, 2020, 10:43:00 PM

maybe he's got something lined up already ?
think he would be a huge asset to any lower prem league club / top level club abroad
his teams play the right way
if VAR worked they might still be in the prem !

He seems a decent bloke but Bournemouth let in 60+ goals in each of the last 5 seasons. Previously their goals scored kept them up but they dried up this year. Maybe they were lucky to stay in the Prem this long. As others have noted here I think he needs a break from football for a while before coming back to a new challenge.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 01, 2020, 11:08:40 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 01, 2020, 10:56:39 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 01, 2020, 10:16:39 PM

Would anyone take Sokratis as a CB option?

Completely forgot about him until he came on for Arsenal tonight. They said he's leaving Arsenal as he dosen't fit Arteta's build from the back plan but he does have excellent experience playing for Milan, Bremen and Dortmund and would be a rugged CB next to Mings. 90 caps for Greece and they do actually have some good CBs to pick from.

I think we’re good at CB. The last few games showed great promise that collectively we can defend well in games. You could argue it came about through Hause’s misfortune and the introduction of Elmo/Freddie. Also the true arrival of Douglas Luiz as a DM. His work rate was incredible in helping out the back four. We absolutely have to improve at LB. Targett is a solid enough back up but he shouldn’t be relied upon to start next season. If we add or improve at CB it should be once all of our business is done. The weak link for me of the 4 is Hause but he’s an adequate option to back up Mings. Plus I imagine a player like Sokratis will be able to get a spot in a number of clubs playing European competition to finish his career.

We did improve in defence since restart but to me it's a small sample size against a couple of teams on the beach. The Arsenal performance was very good though so that's something to build for next season as we still crumble a bit when better teams start to attack us more e.g. Chelsea scoring twice in about four minutes at VP.

Konsa has obviously improved but a worry to me is if Mings is out for a month or two next season as it completely fell apart at the back when he was out in December. And to a lesser extent v Spurs when they could've easily scored 6 despite us being well in that match.

I would prefer another experienced CB in the squad even just to come in when Mings can't play and provide that vocal leadership that Konsa won't have quite yet.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Colhint on August 01, 2020, 11:18:50 PM

I think the thing is we need to buy the equivalent of £30m pound prem players, or a bit less outside the prem.
If the budget this year is 60m, just get 2. Then use loans if we have to. If the Budget is 60 I don't really want 5 £12m  players to fill the squad.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: robleflaneur on August 02, 2020, 12:08:19 AM

Quote from: Colhint on August 01, 2020, 11:18:50 PM

I think the thing is we need to buy the equivalent of £30m pound prem players, or a bit less outside the prem.
If the budget this year is 60m, just get 2. Then use loans if we have to. If the Budget is 60 I don't really want 5 £12m  players to fill the squad.

£30m certainly gets you prem.players and quality is better than quantity but Championship midfielders like Swift or Grimes for 6-7m would be an upgrade on Hourihane and Karlan Grant,prolific  Huddersfield striker at £15-17m,would be better than our current fit strikers.Aaron Hickey,Scottish 18 yr old full back will be better than Neil Taylor at 2-3m and have 30m to spend on someone else.Or if Brentford don't get promoted buy Benrhama and Watkins at 40-50m and get Swift/ Grimes and Hickey.The essential is to back your judgement and experience means already conditioned to English football.
People have decried buying from the Belgian league,Lille bought a 20 yr old striker,Osimhen, from Charleroi last year, for £13m and have sold him to Napoli for at least £45m.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave17 on August 02, 2020, 04:01:19 AM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on August 01, 2020, 11:06:05 PM

Quote from: Dinas_Caerdydd on August 01, 2020, 10:43:00 PM

maybe he's got something lined up already ?
think he would be a huge asset to any lower prem league club / top level club abroad
his teams play the right way
if VAR worked they might still be in the prem !

He seems a decent bloke but Bournemouth let in 60+ goals in each of the last 5 seasons. Previously their goals scored kept them up but they dried up this year. Maybe they were lucky to stay in the Prem this long. As others have noted here I think he needs a break from football for a while before coming back to a new challenge.

he bought well too :)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: jwarry on August 02, 2020, 07:13:40 AM

Mail suggesting we after James MCarthy for £5m.  Underwhelming if true, but fits what Dean said about PL experience

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on August 02, 2020, 07:55:49 AM

Good Premier League player & if we are sticking to 5 from 9 subs we will need 2/3 reliable experienced players for the squad

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on August 02, 2020, 08:32:06 AM

Quote from: Vill I An on August 01, 2020, 08:41:53 PM

So supposing there is something in that theory ...

... a spurious link, IMHO, footy.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on August 02, 2020, 08:34:51 AM

Quote from: Newby on August 01, 2020, 10:47:43 PM

Quote from: Dinas_Caerdydd on August 01, 2020, 10:43:00 PM

maybe he's got something lined up already ?
think he would be a huge asset to any lower prem league club / top level club abroad
his teams play the right way
if VAR worked they might still be in the prem !

If VAR worked, we may not have been in a relegation scrap. Or at least, out of the running before the last day.  Bournemouth were poor, they couldn't defend and went down.  Howe was unlucky with injuries and some poor decisions from a couple who chose not to play after their contracts ran out, but he should do the right thing and make an effort to bring them back up.  It's not as if he won't have money to spend.

Defensively crap but beat us twice and their main CB has just moved for £41m ...
... but I do take your point that their attacking capabilities let them down this season relative to their propensity to let in goals.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on August 02, 2020, 08:39:15 AM

Quote from: robleflaneur on August 02, 2020, 12:08:19 AM

£30m certainly gets you prem.players and quality is better than quantity but Championship midfielders like Swift or Grimes for 6-7m would be an upgrade on Hourihane and Karlan Grant,prolific  Huddersfield striker at £15-17m,would be better than our current fit strikers.Aaron Hickey,Scottish 18 yr old full back will be better than Neil Taylor at 2-3m and have 30m to spend on someone else.Or if Brentford don't get promoted buy Benrhama and Watkins at 40-50m and get Swift/ Grimes and Hickey.The essential is to back your judgement and experience means already conditioned to English football.
People have decried buying from the Belgian league,Lille bought a 20 yr old striker,Osimhen, from Charleroi last year, for £13m and have sold him to Napoli for at least £45m.

You may be right, RF, but all the players you mention need to be integrated and to get their 'EPL legs'; we know all about that from last season.
I think we'll end up with a mixed strategy, where we get 2-3 experienced players in from the EPL and 2-3 from elsewhere.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on August 02, 2020, 09:07:20 AM

Hickey, Scottish 18 year old left back being linked for £1.5m.  Worth the punt at that price.  Supposed to be a real talent.  McCarthy would be an upgrade on the likes of Angela and Jota, bags of experience in the Premier Division and a bit of a bargain.  Probably not true but would make sense.  Spend the big money on the winger and striker we need.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on August 02, 2020, 09:55:20 AM

A few clubs chasing Hickey looks a promising player - a no from me to McCarthy.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 02, 2020, 09:58:38 AM

McCarthy as squad player would be fine.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: olaftab on August 02, 2020, 10:02:55 AM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 02, 2020, 09:58:38 AM

McCarthy as squad player would be fine.

at Kidderminster Harriers.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on August 02, 2020, 10:19:37 AM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 02, 2020, 09:58:38 AM

McCarthy as squad player would be fine.

I'd rather we didn't buy squad players, it seems a bit pointless - you either buy players for the first team, or you bring in youngsters who are expected to be first team regulars in a few seasons. We need to put an end to buying players to maintain the status quo or trying to persist with youngsters who are at best going to keep us standing still. Until we're reigning champions of Europe, of course - then we sign players to maintain the status quo.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 02, 2020, 10:20:11 AM

We have squad players. They're occupying our first XI.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Bobby Boy on August 02, 2020, 10:36:47 AM

Quote from: Newby on August 01, 2020, 10:37:58 PM

Howe is a coward.  He took them down, he should be a man and take them back up.

That's a bit strong. I thought that we were troubled by calling folk out as 'cowards'.

He did a great job at Bournemouth. Maybe he thought he had taken them as far as he could, who knows?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: RichardBatchelor on August 02, 2020, 10:43:16 AM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on August 01, 2020, 11:01:11 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 01, 2020, 10:16:39 PM

Would anyone take Sokratis as a CB option?

Ironically not the thinking man's CB.

Ha ha, very good.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: RichardBatchelor on August 02, 2020, 10:44:56 AM

Quote from: Bobby Boy on August 02, 2020, 10:36:47 AM

Quote from: Newby on August 01, 2020, 10:37:58 PM

Howe is a coward.  He took them down, he should be a man and take them back up.

That's a bit strong. I thought that we were troubled by calling folk out as 'cowards'.

He did a great job at Bournemouth. Maybe he thought he had taken them as far as he could, who knows?

Yes, coward is absurd. Last time I quit a job because I’d had enough of it/been in it too long I don’t remember accusations of ‘cowardice’.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on August 02, 2020, 10:45:54 AM

If we want to progress, every player has to be good enough to start. Genuine competition for places is what we want to have, not a 25 where the majority are sub-par covers who'll only ever get a game in extremis.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: themossman on August 02, 2020, 10:47:17 AM

I think we should send a walk of shame delegation to Eddie Howe’s house right now to apologise for calling him the c word.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Axl Rose on August 02, 2020, 10:50:21 AM

Quote from: themossman on August 02, 2020, 10:47:17 AM

I think we should send a walk of shame delegation to Eddie Howe’s house right now to apologise for calling him the c word.

'Dropping the c-bomb'.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on August 02, 2020, 10:54:11 AM

Quote from: Bobby Boy on August 02, 2020, 10:36:47 AM

Quote from: Newby on August 01, 2020, 10:37:58 PM

Howe is a coward.  He took them down, he should be a man and take them back up.

That's a bit strong. I thought that we were troubled by calling folk out as 'cowards'.

He did a great job at Bournemouth. Maybe he thought he had taken them as far as he could, who knows?

I actually think he took Bournemouth as far as they could go. The only real money generated was from TV deals so when the bad season came there was little resilience and opportunity to buy their way out of the problem.

Like others have said, Howe should take a break.  I’d imagine he will be first pick come the autumn when PL clubs start chopping and changing managers.  Porch for the top 6, Howe for everyone below that.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on August 02, 2020, 10:57:28 AM

Poor old Eddie Howe.  Took them from the brink of collapse when they were in the bottom division, then all the way up the Premier League.  Did brilliantly, but when it got too hard for him, and the got relegated, he bailed.  Coward, yes, ok, may be a bit strong.  But I think he's done well with them and should stick around to put it right.  One bad season, and he leaves. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on August 02, 2020, 11:03:20 AM

Maybe he just doesn't fancy it?  He doesn't owe them anything. They're still better off than when he found them.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 02, 2020, 11:05:37 AM

Quote from: Newby on August 02, 2020, 10:57:28 AM

Poor old Eddie Howe.  Took them from the brink of collapse when they were in the bottom division, then all the way up the Premier League.  Did brilliantly, but when it got too hard for him, and the got relegated, he bailed.  Coward, yes, ok, may be a bit strong.  But I think he's done well with them and should stick around to put it right.  One bad season, and he leaves. 

Mutual agreement usually means sacked. The rest of what you said, you could argue about Sir Graham at Watford. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on August 02, 2020, 11:09:10 AM

Quote from: Dante Lavelli on August 02, 2020, 10:54:11 AM

Quote from: Bobby Boy on August 02, 2020, 10:36:47 AM

Quote from: Newby on August 01, 2020, 10:37:58 PM

Howe is a coward.  He took them down, he should be a man and take them back up.

That's a bit strong. I thought that we were troubled by calling folk out as 'cowards'.

He did a great job at Bournemouth. Maybe he thought he had taken them as far as he could, who knows?

I actually think he took Bournemouth as far as they could go. The only real money generated was from TV deals so when the bad season came there was little resilience and opportunity to buy their way out of the problem.

Like others have said, Howe should take a break.  I’d imagine he will be first pick come the autumn when PL clubs start chopping and changing managers.  Porch for the top 6, Howe for everyone below that.

The problem for practically every team is there's a huge jump between mid table and the top 5/6 clubs. There's a handful of club's who are big enough to break in to it if their own accord - Liverpool, Manchester United, clubs who basically you have to be utterly incompetent to not have them in that group.

There's then maybe a second group, the likes of ourselves or Man City, who are reasonably big, need a bit of a financial push to get in to that group, but once in are big enough to sustain that place. Bournemouth are one of a big group below that which are only likely to break in to the group with massive funding, and would need continued massive funding to maintain a seat at that table.

The worry with Howe is that he's been a Premier League manager for a while and Bournemouth still leak goals like anything. He's not learning at that top level (unlike Smith who is adapting, it seems).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on August 02, 2020, 11:23:13 AM

Quote from: Newby on August 02, 2020, 10:57:28 AM

Poor old Eddie Howe.  Took them from the brink of collapse when they were in the bottom division, then all the way up the Premier League.  Did brilliantly, but when it got too hard for him, and the got relegated, he bailed.  Coward, yes, ok, may be a bit strong.  But I think he's done well with them and should stick around to put it right.  One bad season, and he leaves.

In 2014, Bournemouth achieved what was at that point their highest ever league position of tenth in the Championship after 90 years of scrabbling around the bottom two divisions. What he's achieved there is an anomoly, he's nothing to put right.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: olaftab on August 02, 2020, 11:29:44 AM

He’s been absolutely brilliant for Bournemouth. Let’s not forget they are a standard 4th tier club and he made them punch massively above their weight. He can not resurrect them again as they slowly drift towards their natural lair.
He will probably end up at Crystal Palace when Woy walks out in October.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villafirst on August 02, 2020, 11:36:33 AM

Quote from: Dante Lavelli on August 02, 2020, 10:54:11 AM

Quote from: Bobby Boy on August 02, 2020, 10:36:47 AM

Quote from: Newby on August 01, 2020, 10:37:58 PM

Howe is a coward.  He took them down, he should be a man and take them back up.

That's a bit strong. I thought that we were troubled by calling folk out as 'cowards'.

He did a great job at Bournemouth. Maybe he thought he had taken them as far as he could, who knows?

I actually think he took Bournemouth as far as they could go. The only real money generated was from TV deals so when the bad season came there was little resilience and opportunity to buy their way out of the problem.

Like others have said, Howe should take a break.  I’d imagine he will be first pick come the autumn when PL clubs start chopping and changing managers.  Porch for the top 6, Howe for everyone below that.

After 5 years of Premier League TV riches, they're still playing in a Stadium with a capacity of 11,329. That's pathetic (Walsall's Bescot Stadium is 11,300).  Wholly reliant on TV money. The Holte End is around 13,500 capacity - bigger than their whole ground!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 02, 2020, 11:39:00 AM

Quote from: Villafirst on August 02, 2020, 11:36:33 AM

Quote from: Dante Lavelli on August 02, 2020, 10:54:11 AM

Quote from: Bobby Boy on August 02, 2020, 10:36:47 AM

Quote from: Newby on August 01, 2020, 10:37:58 PM

Howe is a coward.  He took them down, he should be a man and take them back up.

That's a bit strong. I thought that we were troubled by calling folk out as 'cowards'.

He did a great job at Bournemouth. Maybe he thought he had taken them as far as he could, who knows?

I actually think he took Bournemouth as far as they could go. The only real money generated was from TV deals so when the bad season came there was little resilience and opportunity to buy their way out of the problem.

Like others have said, Howe should take a break.  I’d imagine he will be first pick come the autumn when PL clubs start chopping and changing managers.  Porch for the top 6, Howe for everyone below that.

After 5 years of Premier League TV riches, they're still playing in a Stadium with a capacity of 11,329. That's pathetic (Walsall's Bescot Stadium is 11,300).  Wholly reliant on TV money. The Holte End is around 13,500 capacity - bigger than their whole ground!

Would you expect them to have built a 30,000 capacity stadium that they'll never fill?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villafirst on August 02, 2020, 11:45:11 AM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 02, 2020, 11:39:00 AM

Quote from: Villafirst on August 02, 2020, 11:36:33 AM

Quote from: Dante Lavelli on August 02, 2020, 10:54:11 AM

Quote from: Bobby Boy on August 02, 2020, 10:36:47 AM

Quote from: Newby on August 01, 2020, 10:37:58 PM

Howe is a coward.  He took them down, he should be a man and take them back up.

That's a bit strong. I thought that we were troubled by calling folk out as 'cowards'.

He did a great job at Bournemouth. Maybe he thought he had taken them as far as he could, who knows?

I actually think he took Bournemouth as far as they could go. The only real money generated was from TV deals so when the bad season came there was little resilience and opportunity to buy their way out of the problem.

Like others have said, Howe should take a break.  I’d imagine he will be first pick come the autumn when PL clubs start chopping and changing managers.  Porch for the top 6, Howe for everyone below that.

After 5 years of Premier League TV riches, they're still playing in a Stadium with a capacity of 11,329. That's pathetic (Walsall's Bescot Stadium is 11,300).  Wholly reliant on TV money. The Holte End is around 13,500 capacity - bigger than their whole ground!

Would you expect them to have built a 30,000 capacity stadium that they'll never fill?

I don't know. Surely the wider catchment area and the fact they were PL should've increased their profile?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on August 02, 2020, 11:47:05 AM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 02, 2020, 11:05:37 AM

Quote from: Newby on August 02, 2020, 10:57:28 AM

Poor old Eddie Howe.  Took them from the brink of collapse when they were in the bottom division, then all the way up the Premier League.  Did brilliantly, but when it got too hard for him, and the got relegated, he bailed.  Coward, yes, ok, may be a bit strong.  But I think he's done well with them and should stick around to put it right.  One bad season, and he leaves. 

Mutual agreement usually means sacked. The rest of what you said, you could argue about Sir Graham at Watford.

I think in this case mutual agreement may actually be the case rather than just a load of old flannel. It has been a successful but challenging eight years for him at a club punching above their weight even at Championship level. In the relegation run him he seemed the most deflated manager down the bottom apart from Farke. In one interview a couple of weeks back he looked shell shocked and emotionally gone. I reckon his next job will be in the Championship or sometime midway through next season with a Premier league club struggling against relegation. But I also reckon he needs a decent break from football first.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 02, 2020, 11:52:36 AM

Quote from: Villafirst on August 02, 2020, 11:45:11 AM

I don't know. Surely the wider catchment area and the fact they were PL should've increased their profile?

Maybe if they were in the Premier League they might have sold it out most of the time, but now it would look Wiganesque if they don't come straight back.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 02, 2020, 12:01:34 PM

he is in the great position of wherever he goes next will most probably be a bigger club than the one he’s just left

( I like Howe I think he a good manager)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on August 02, 2020, 12:05:58 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 02, 2020, 11:52:36 AM

Quote from: Villafirst on August 02, 2020, 11:45:11 AM

I don't know. Surely the wider catchment area and the fact they were PL should've increased their profile?

Maybe if they were in the Premier League they might have sold it out most of the time, but now it would look Wiganesque if they don't come straight back.

I think the Wigan ground has more than double the seats that Bournemouth have. So rather than 'doing a Wigan' and rattling around in a stadium that is too big for them Bournemouth will still probably sell out most games in the Championship, especially with the away supporters of several bigger Championship sides.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 02, 2020, 12:07:50 PM

Quote from: Bobby Boy on August 02, 2020, 10:36:47 AM

Quote from: Newby on August 01, 2020, 10:37:58 PM

Howe is a coward.  He took them down, he should be a man and take them back up.

That's a bit strong. I thought that we were troubled by calling folk out as 'cowards'.

He did a great job at Bournemouth. Maybe he thought he had taken them as far as he could, who knows?

A bit strong?! Blimey I’d say unbelievably harsh. He’s done an incredible job there and I don’t blame him for deciding it’s time to move on.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: gpbarr on August 02, 2020, 12:26:15 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on August 02, 2020, 12:07:50 PM

Quote from: Bobby Boy on August 02, 2020, 10:36:47 AM

Quote from: Newby on August 01, 2020, 10:37:58 PM

Howe is a coward.  He took them down, he should be a man and take them back up.

That's a bit strong. I thought that we were troubled by calling folk out as 'cowards'.

He did a great job at Bournemouth. Maybe he thought he had taken them as far as he could, who knows?

A bit strong?! Blimey I’d say unbelievably harsh. He’s done an incredible job there and I don’t blame him for deciding it’s time to move on.

Unbelievably harsh to say the least! He spent over a decade as their manager, and established them as a PL team after decades languishing around the lower divisions. Very, very few managers last in their jobs more than a few years - he deserves huge credit and he deserves to take a break. He'll be snapped up by a PL team as and when he decides he wants to come back. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on August 02, 2020, 12:32:11 PM

an oven ready Smith replacement should things go tits up?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on August 02, 2020, 01:05:51 PM

I'd take him if Dean crashes next season. Just get the defence to show him what they  learned in the Spring Zoom calls.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: DB on August 02, 2020, 01:14:34 PM

Quote from: mr underhill on August 02, 2020, 12:32:11 PM

an oven ready Smith replacement should things go tits up?

Oven ready. Christ on a bike.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on August 02, 2020, 01:17:31 PM

FFS it's just a bit of fun

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 02, 2020, 01:19:31 PM

Quote from: Damo70 on August 02, 2020, 12:05:58 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 02, 2020, 11:52:36 AM

Quote from: Villafirst on August 02, 2020, 11:45:11 AM

I don't know. Surely the wider catchment area and the fact they were PL should've increased their profile?

Maybe if they were in the Premier League they might have sold it out most of the time, but now it would look Wiganesque if they don't come straight back.

I think the Wigan ground has more than double the seats that Bournemouth have. So rather than 'doing a Wigan' and rattling around in a stadium that is too big for them Bournemouth will still probably sell out most games in the Championship, especially with the away supporters of several bigger Championship sides.

That's what I mean. They'd be stupid to almost treble the size of their ground.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: saunders_heroes on August 02, 2020, 01:26:53 PM

Who gives a flying shite about Bournemouth. Anyway we’ve been linked with Divock Origi from Liverpool.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 02, 2020, 01:34:39 PM

Quote from: saunders_heroes on August 02, 2020, 01:26:53 PM

Who gives a flying shite about Bournemouth. Anyway we’ve been linked with Divock Origi from Liverpool.

I'd have him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 02, 2020, 01:36:56 PM

Origi is a full international for Belgium and has developed really well at Liverpool. I think he’d be a very smart signing. Another proven PL player I wouldn’t mind at all is Troy Deeney. Yeh, yeh all the Nose stuff but he’s a brilliant professional who has proven it over many years in the PL. At 32 he wouldn’t have to play every week but for me he’d be a brilliant leader to help along Wesley and Samatta. Number one choice though is Tammy as he has everything we want in our style of play for a striker and centre forward, young and still getting better.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: nigel on August 02, 2020, 01:43:05 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 02, 2020, 11:39:00 AM

Quote from: Villafirst on August 02, 2020, 11:36:33 AM

Quote from: Dante Lavelli on August 02, 2020, 10:54:11 AM

Quote from: Bobby Boy on August 02, 2020, 10:36:47 AM

Quote from: Newby on August 01, 2020, 10:37:58 PM

Howe is a coward.  He took them down, he should be a man and take them back up.

That's a bit strong. I thought that we were troubled by calling folk out as 'cowards'.

He did a great job at Bournemouth. Maybe he thought he had taken them as far as he could, who knows?

I actually think he took Bournemouth as far as they could go. The only real money generated was from TV deals so when the bad season came there was little resilience and opportunity to buy their way out of the problem.

Like others have said, Howe should take a break.  I’d imagine he will be first pick come the autumn when PL clubs start chopping and changing managers.  Porch for the top 6, Howe for everyone below that.

After 5 years of Premier League TV riches, they're still playing in a Stadium with a capacity of 11,329. That's pathetic (Walsall's Bescot Stadium is 11,300).  Wholly reliant on TV money. The Holte End is around 13,500 capacity - bigger than their whole ground!

Would you expect them to have built a 30,000 capacity stadium that they'll never fill?

I guess they'd thought of increasing the capacity.
Maybe they realised that they wouldn't sell out every home game, so decided against it.

Did they, like we did, have a waiting list for tickets? If not, there was, obviously, no demand so a pointless exercise.
Could certainly made money from the extra away supporters, though

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on August 02, 2020, 02:01:24 PM

I believe that Bournemouth were one of the (11, I think?) PL clubs that were unreliant on any matchday income whatsoever. They'd no need of the ground they were in, let alone a bigger one.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: themossman on August 02, 2020, 02:04:12 PM

I guess in principle I prefer big clubs with big grounds/support in the top league. But you can’t blame clubs with smaller grounds when they displace them, especially since it’s often because they play very good football.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 02, 2020, 02:20:08 PM

Not convinced by Origi. Prefer the link to Iheanacho

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 02, 2020, 02:20:57 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 02, 2020, 01:36:56 PM

Origi is a full international for Belgium and has developed really well at Liverpool. I think he’d be a very smart signing. Another proven PL player I wouldn’t mind at all is Troy Deeney. Yeh, yeh all the Nose stuff but he’s a brilliant professional who has proven it over many years in the PL. At 32 he wouldn’t have to play every week but for me he’d be a brilliant leader to help along Wesley and Samatta. Number one choice though is Tammy as he has everything we want in our style of play for a striker and centre forward, young and still getting better.

Agree with you on Deeney.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 02, 2020, 02:22:52 PM

Deeney is finished at the top level, would be the attacking equivalent of the Lescott signing. No ta.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 02, 2020, 02:40:30 PM

He's being linked with Spurs. Fuck me, I thought he'd be an easy get!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on August 02, 2020, 02:59:28 PM

Too used to the Hertfordshire quality of life to stray back to Brum.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 02, 2020, 03:01:31 PM

No to Origi, Deeney or McCarthy. 3 uninspiring players who lack sufficient quality.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 02, 2020, 03:08:00 PM

Quote from: eamonn on August 02, 2020, 02:59:28 PM

Too used to the Hertfordshire quality of life to stray back to Brum.

I bet he lives in a newbuild in Hemel. There's nothing there that he can't find in Dorridge.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on August 02, 2020, 03:16:09 PM

Quote from: eamonn on August 02, 2020, 02:59:28 PM

Too used to the Hertfordshire quality of life to stray back to Brum.

From what I read about him on a Watford forum, he's a right thug, bully, picking off innocents with his mates. Seems he never grew up.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 02, 2020, 03:28:30 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on August 02, 2020, 02:40:30 PM

He's being linked with Spurs.

Saw that earlier on the BBC. Maybe an indication that only Citeh, Chelski (who may have done most of their outfield business) and Man U will be spending heavily this summer. Could be a good time for us to to splash the cash. If so, shades of the summer of 1995?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 02, 2020, 03:30:38 PM

Perhaps more a reaction to the five subs and the need to acquire players who will be happy to spend most of the season on the bench but who can do a job if required.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 02, 2020, 03:32:18 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on August 02, 2020, 03:16:09 PM

Quote from: eamonn on August 02, 2020, 02:59:28 PM

Too used to the Hertfordshire quality of life to stray back to Brum.

From what I read about him on a Watford forum, he's a right thug, bully, picking off innocents with his mates. Seems he never grew up.

Obviously I have no idea, but I read a Watford forum in the run up to last weekend and they appeared to be a shower of hysterical Nigels.

Deeney came across well in this: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p08grz6g

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 02, 2020, 03:33:02 PM

The five sub rule all season is going to be a real challenge for a lot of clubs. We need way more depth now. We simply have to have better options once you get injuries than the likes of Lansbury or Jota coming on. Yes of course we need proven talent that walks into our first XI but we also need reliable players to bring on or play in the first XI when we get injuries or suspensions.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on August 02, 2020, 03:53:23 PM

Quote from: Newby on August 02, 2020, 09:07:20 AM

Hickey, Scottish 18 year old left back being linked for £1.5m.  Worth the punt at that price.  Supposed to be a real talent.

Competing with Bayern and Bologna according to the BBC. I like the idea of going after players that the likes of Bayern rate. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/53629596

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 02, 2020, 04:00:06 PM

Germans seem to be going mad on young British talent. Wonder if Hearts will retire his shirt number?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rigadon on August 02, 2020, 04:18:36 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 02, 2020, 04:00:06 PM

Germans seem to be going mad on young British talent. Wonder if Hearts will retire his shirt number?

Chortle.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 02, 2020, 04:25:10 PM

Quote from: jwarry on August 02, 2020, 07:13:40 AM

Mail suggesting we after James MCarthy for £5m.  Underwhelming if true, but fits what Dean said about PL experience

He's not really a DM though. He'd in competition to start with McGinn and Luiz and he's not as good as those two when they're fully fit.

Not even the best James Mc at Palace.

Way to do it is buy a really good DM and so likes of Nakamba and Hourihane go to the bench for pretty much every game instead of starting 20 + games a season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: FatSam on August 02, 2020, 04:30:33 PM

Quote from: Villafirst on August 02, 2020, 11:36:33 AM

After 5 years of Premier League TV riches, they're still playing in a Stadium with a capacity of 11,329. That's pathetic (Walsall's Bescot Stadium is 11,300).  Wholly reliant on TV money. The Holte End is around 13,500 capacity - bigger than their whole ground!

They were in the third tier in 2013. They’ve only been in the top tier for 5 years ever. They do have plans to relocate to a new ground, but  the timescales for this are obviously longer and more drawn out than those of football seasons.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 02, 2020, 04:30:40 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on August 02, 2020, 02:40:30 PM

He's being linked with Spurs. Fuck me, I thought he'd be an easy get!

Spurs might be doing a small impression of us from 2010 onwards from this point. Can see Kane leaving in next 12 months and we shouldn't be too far away from a Mourinho meltdown at this point.

Spurs were pretty much always bottom half for most of the 90s and early part of 00s.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 02, 2020, 04:33:23 PM

Hickey makes plenty of sense if he's as good as people say. Get rid of Taylor and get a younger LB in to challenge Targett. Whoever that is will get games as Targett picks up injuries.

All these great Scottish players around and they'll still struggle to beat Armenia or whoever in the euro play offs. Bit like Wales in the 90s.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: robleflaneur on August 02, 2020, 05:00:04 PM

Also with Hickey he can play RB.A two footed full back who's quick could also work as a defensive midfield screen.Initially I would have prefered an older defender but this seems a no brainer.Convincing him about game time and development would be key.If Spurs are in for him,then he might not get the opportunities under risk averse Mourinho.If he opts for them,bid for Sessegnon who is being ignored by the Special One.
McCarthy,underwhelming,but surely better than Nakamba and Hourihane and fits that  physical side that was lacking in midfield.With a return for Heaton and improvements in 2 or 3 starting positions,we could be a comfortable middle of the table side.That would be ok after being  recently midtable or lower in the Championship.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 02, 2020, 05:05:58 PM

Edouard at Celtic looks like a player.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 02, 2020, 05:30:34 PM

I like him. You've recovered after your ludicrous Deeney suggestion, well done.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 02, 2020, 05:32:45 PM

Mirror saying we've got £100m to spend.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 02, 2020, 05:42:40 PM

Good. £50 million striker, £20 million striker, £20 million winger, £5 million winger, £1 million young genius that noone else has spotted x 5. Easy.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: DB on August 02, 2020, 05:44:46 PM

If we can get a few million for some of the dead wood too, that would be great.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave P on August 02, 2020, 05:48:31 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on August 02, 2020, 03:08:00 PM

Quote from: eamonn on August 02, 2020, 02:59:28 PM

Too used to the Hertfordshire quality of life to stray back to Brum.

I bet he lives in a newbuild in Hemel. There's nothing there that he can't find in Dorridge.

He lives in Claverdon In Warwickshire so very much in the area. Does that make me ITK?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 02, 2020, 05:55:41 PM

Being linked with some wunderkind from Norwich, Ruben Shakpoke, for our under-21 squad. Presumably if Norwich play hardball with the fee, we can just have our feeder club Barcelona sign him and then get him next year.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on August 02, 2020, 05:57:34 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 02, 2020, 05:55:41 PM

Being linked with some wunderkind from Norwich, Ruben Shakpoke, for our under-21 squad. Presumably if Norwich play hardball with the fee, we can just have our feeder club Barcelona sign him and then get him next year.

That's a great name.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 02, 2020, 05:58:17 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 02, 2020, 05:30:34 PM

I like him. You've recovered after your ludicrous Deeney suggestion, well done.

It's not my fault that Deeney's tattoo of bollocks doesn't say "Troy 4 CD 4eva IDST".

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 02, 2020, 05:59:41 PM

Quote from: Dave P on August 02, 2020, 05:48:31 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on August 02, 2020, 03:08:00 PM

Quote from: eamonn on August 02, 2020, 02:59:28 PM

Too used to the Hertfordshire quality of life to stray back to Brum.

I bet he lives in a newbuild in Hemel. There's nothing there that he can't find in Dorridge.

He lives in Claverdon In Warwickshire so very much in the area. Does that make me ITK?

It very much does. Where is Randy dining this evening?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: JUAN PABLO on August 02, 2020, 06:03:34 PM

Quote from: Ads on August 02, 2020, 10:20:11 AM

We have squad players. They're occupying our first XI.

fact

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AV82EC on August 02, 2020, 06:29:40 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on August 02, 2020, 05:59:41 PM

Quote from: Dave P on August 02, 2020, 05:48:31 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on August 02, 2020, 03:08:00 PM

Quote from: eamonn on August 02, 2020, 02:59:28 PM

Too used to the Hertfordshire quality of life to stray back to Brum.

I bet he lives in a newbuild in Hemel. There's nothing there that he can't find in Dorridge.

He lives in Claverdon In Warwickshire so very much in the area. Does that make me ITK?

It very much does. Where is Randy dining this evening?

There’s this fab place in the Hamptons, crap wine list but the food is nice.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 02, 2020, 06:31:33 PM

Quote from: Lastfootstamper on August 02, 2020, 02:01:24 PM

I believe that Bournemouth were one of the (11, I think?) PL clubs that were unreliant on any matchday income whatsoever. They'd no need of the ground they were in, let alone a bigger one.

In June 2109 their accounts stated that they had a wage bill of £111 million against an income of £130 million, with around 4% of that from ticket sales

They owed £76 million in transfer payment instalments and had the fourth highest paid director in the Premier League.

They averaged around 800 empty seats per match. This season their highest gate pre-lockdown was 10,832.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on August 02, 2020, 06:44:48 PM

Quote from: Ads on August 02, 2020, 05:32:45 PM

Mirror saying we've got £100m to spend.

that'll get us a few to improve the first team.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy65 on August 02, 2020, 06:47:05 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 02, 2020, 02:20:08 PM

Not convinced by Origi. Prefer the link to Iheanacho

Please a resounding no to each of them. They are bit part players at their current clubs, and whilst Origi has scored some important goals in the champs league he has never done it consistently.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on August 02, 2020, 06:57:01 PM

Quote from: Rudy65 on August 02, 2020, 06:47:05 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 02, 2020, 02:20:08 PM

Not convinced by Origi. Prefer the link to Iheanacho

Please a resounding no to each of them. They are bit part players at their current clubs, and whilst Origi has scored some important goals in the champs league he has never done it consistently.

that's the sort of striker we always sign :D

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 02, 2020, 06:59:47 PM

Danny Ings was a bit part player at his last club.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 02, 2020, 07:05:21 PM

Very true and I think we need to calibrate our expectations. We want quality, but there’s going to be an element of speculation given where we are.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on August 02, 2020, 07:06:34 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on August 02, 2020, 06:57:01 PM

Quote from: Rudy65 on August 02, 2020, 06:47:05 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 02, 2020, 02:20:08 PM

Not convinced by Origi. Prefer the link to Iheanacho

Please a resounding no to each of them. They are bit part players at their current clubs, and whilst Origi has scored some important goals in the champs league he has never done it consistently.

that's the sort of striker we always sign :D

Bit harsh on Origi, from the outside looking in, he’s always seemed to well for Liverpool when needed no matter what the opposition. He’s also a bit part player as he’s behind 3 of the best strikers in world football at the moment. If we could keep jack and benhrama or someone of that quality in, I think Orgi could do ok for us.
Never seen anything of the Hearts fullback but at that price got to be worth a punt, just like we did with McGinn.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: JUAN PABLO on August 02, 2020, 07:19:14 PM

Sil Swinkels  linked

no idea neither

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 02, 2020, 07:21:40 PM

Quote from: Ads on August 02, 2020, 10:20:11 AM

We have squad players. They're occupying our first XI.

and that right there is the major problem that needs addressing

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on August 02, 2020, 07:27:58 PM

Quote from: JUAN PABLO on August 02, 2020, 07:19:14 PM

Sil Swinkels  linked

no idea neither

Youth signing. Defender. Highly rated, apparently.  Part of the major effort going into building a truly productive Academy.
Same story with Shapoke.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 02, 2020, 07:29:40 PM

We’re not going to get players who will immediately want or expect European football without paying way over the odds. We need to find players that are obviously going to be better than what we have, but are also motivated to come to us to improve themselves and us, but also will be contributors to our progression. It will be an achievement on our part to secure a mid table position and properly compete in every game vs the top 6 or 7 sides, even winning a few. We only did that once last season. So yes, we need better but our expectations need to be measured and it includes who we can bring in based on what we are and hope to be in the next 2 or 3 seasons.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 02, 2020, 07:34:35 PM

Quote from: Rudy65 on August 02, 2020, 06:47:05 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 02, 2020, 02:20:08 PM

Not convinced by Origi. Prefer the link to Iheanacho

Please a resounding no to each of them. They are bit part players at their current clubs, and whilst Origi has scored some important goals in the champs league he has never done it consistently.

Let's face it we arnt in a position to sign the first choice players from their respective clubs at the moment

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: olaftab on August 02, 2020, 08:00:22 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on August 02, 2020, 06:57:01 PM

Quote from: Rudy65 on August 02, 2020, 06:47:05 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 02, 2020, 02:20:08 PM

Not convinced by Origi. Prefer the link to Iheanacho

Please a resounding no to each of them. They are bit part players at their current clubs, and whilst Origi has scored some important goals in the champs league he has never done it consistently.

that's the sort of striker we always sign :D

As TV said if we follow your logic we would have said no to Ings. We will not get top class finisher at this stage in our development. We took a chance on Benteke and he came good but that’s a rare occurrence.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on August 02, 2020, 08:00:32 PM

The priority has to be Top level centre forward and 2 Midfielders. That would potentially enable us to put out a competitive 11.
Heaton Gilbert  Mings Konsa Target Luiz SJM Jack +3 above.
I do not think that the rest of the squad are PL quality and should be at best squad players.
Maybe nakamba Indiana Hause Trez Engels Wes Davis will come good . I can see an argument for keeping Hourihane as an impact sub.
Taylor AEG Elmo Nyland Samatta Jota  need to make way for replacements and hopefully a couple of youngsters making an impact.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on August 02, 2020, 08:03:12 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 02, 2020, 01:36:56 PM

Origi is a full international for Belgium and has developed really well at Liverpool. I think he’d be a very smart signing. Another proven PL player I wouldn’t mind at all is Troy Deeney. Yeh, yeh all the Nose stuff but he’s a brilliant professional who has proven it over many years in the PL. At 32 he wouldn’t have to play every week but for me he’d be a brilliant leader to help along Wesley and Samatta. Number one choice though is Tammy as he has everything we want in our style of play for a striker and centre forward, young and still getting better.

How has Origi developed well at Liverpool? 7 goals in 40 league appearances in last 2 seasons, when Liverpool have been hammering all around then. Granted he is up against three quality forwards but he looks distinctly average I think. Deeney is a great warrior but was dogged by injuries this season, think his legs are gone to be honest.

Agreed on Tammy as number one choice. Ive always liked Che Adams who struggled for most of this season but got going post lockdown. Chris Wood is a decent target man too.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 02, 2020, 08:33:46 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on August 02, 2020, 08:03:12 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 02, 2020, 01:36:56 PM

Origi is a full international for Belgium and has developed really well at Liverpool. I think he’d be a very smart signing. Another proven PL player I wouldn’t mind at all is Troy Deeney. Yeh, yeh all the Nose stuff but he’s a brilliant professional who has proven it over many years in the PL. At 32 he wouldn’t have to play every week but for me he’d be a brilliant leader to help along Wesley and Samatta. Number one choice though is Tammy as he has everything we want in our style of play for a striker and centre forward, young and still getting better.

How has Origi developed well at Liverpool? 7 goals in 40 league appearances in last 2 seasons, when Liverpool have been hammering all around then. Granted he is up against three quality forwards but he looks distinctly average I think. Deeney is a great warrior but was dogged by injuries this season, think his legs are gone to be honest.

Agreed on Tammy as number one choice. Ive always liked Che Adams who struggled for most of this season but got going post lockdown. Chris Wood is a decent target man too.

He’s scored in cup games too most notably in the CL. And his time naturally was always going to be limited by who he plays with. His stats are certainly favourable last season to Danny Ings’ last season at Liverpool. I don’t know if he’s the answer but you have to think (as with Ings) he’s been coached really well and learned a thing or two by playing with some of the best forwards in Europe. He’s 25 so it’s about time he started playing on a regular basis. So for me it wouldn’t be the worst signing for the right price.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on August 02, 2020, 09:10:03 PM

We'd have probably all said no to Jamie Vardy 5 years ago...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on August 02, 2020, 09:33:44 PM

The goals per game is always harsh when it relates to a player who rarely starts. His goals last season work out as every 176 mins apparently, so 0.51 a game. I'm not saying it means much (Firminio's is 0.26 and is quality) but neither does the the 7 in 40. Maybe 6 of the goals were against Hereford.

I just think he's alright and it all depends on how much they're asking for. I'd have him ahead of Samatta and Davis but that isn't exactly saying much.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on August 02, 2020, 09:36:20 PM

Origi strikes me as the next Milan Baros.  I just can’t see his heart being in it.  I read he was regularly booed whilst on loan from Liverpool in France (Lille?) Which suggests he thinks he should be at a big club or is a flat track bully.

he’s the sort of player where a loan (with buy option) would be the way to go.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on August 02, 2020, 09:38:02 PM

Quote from: Dante Lavelli on August 02, 2020, 09:36:20 PM

Origi strikes me as the next Milan Baros.  I just can’t see his heart being in it.  I read he was regularly booed whilst on loan from Liverpool in France (Lille?) Which suggests he thinks he should be at a big club or is a flat track bully.

he’s the sort of player where a loan (with buy option) would be the way to go.

Yeah I think that's fair.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 02, 2020, 09:45:28 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 02, 2020, 07:29:40 PM

We’re not going to get players who will immediately want or expect European football without paying way over the odds. We need to find players that are obviously going to be better than what we have, but are also motivated to come to us to improve themselves and us, but also will be contributors to our progression. It will be an achievement on our part to secure a mid table position and properly compete in every game vs the top 6 or 7 sides, even winning a few. We only did that once last season. So yes, we need better but our expectations need to be measured and it includes who we can bring in based on what we are and hope to be in the next 2 or 3 seasons.

Yep. Players in that 25-28 age range who might be out of favour but still have that hunger and drive, Laursen and Carew were good examples of that. Helped lift us to regular 6th place finishes.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 02, 2020, 10:03:51 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on August 01, 2020, 10:40:57 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 01, 2020, 10:16:39 PM

Would anyone take Sokratis as a CB option?

Completely forgot about him until he came on for Arsenal tonight. They said he's leaving Arsenal as he dosen't fit Arteta's build from the back plan but he does have excellent experience playing for Milan, Bremen and Dortmund and would be a rugged CB next to Mings. 90 caps for Greece and they do actually have some good CBs to pick from.

He is a complete twat.

Ha, sounds like you’ve been on a stag do or something with him in the past.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ROBBO on August 02, 2020, 10:43:11 PM

Can i have the next John Carew please.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 02, 2020, 10:46:09 PM

Quote from: ROBBO on August 02, 2020, 10:43:11 PM

Can i have the next John Carew please.

To think we got him for one Milan Baros. And to think that someone wanted Baros so much that he would give up Carew.

And to think we then gave that person the bloody managers job when it next came up.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on August 02, 2020, 10:48:49 PM

Sokratis - I'm not sure it's sensible to look at central defenders that can't get a game ahead of sideshow bob.

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 02, 2020, 09:45:28 PM

Yep. Players in that 25-28 age range who might be out of favour but still have that hunger and drive, Laursen and Carew were good examples of that. Helped lift us to regular 6th place finishes.

Players in that range are really hard to judge though, for every Laursen and Carew there's an Ireland, Drinkwater or Richards. Finding players with talent, fitness and something to prove after they've had a spell out of favour or with injuries is the aim of almost every scouting network in the 4-5 big leagues across Europe.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on August 02, 2020, 10:53:17 PM

Quote from: paul_e on August 02, 2020, 10:48:49 PM

Sokratis - I'm not sure it's sensible to look at central defenders that can't get a game ahead of sideshow bob.

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 02, 2020, 09:45:28 PM

Yep. Players in that 25-28 age range who might be out of favour but still have that hunger and drive, Laursen and Carew were good examples of that. Helped lift us to regular 6th place finishes.

Players in that range are really hard to judge though, for every Laursen and Carew there's an Ireland, Drinkwater or Richards. Finding players with talent, fitness and something to prove after they've had a spell out of favour or with injuries is the aim of almost every scouting network in the 4-5 big leagues across Europe.

The David Luiz thing baffles me more than anything else in football. He once made some big team of the year if I remember correctly and yet he's widely laughed at. For so many managers to stick with him as a defender we must be wrong. We have to be.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 02, 2020, 10:55:19 PM

Quote from: edgysatsuma89 on August 02, 2020, 10:53:17 PM

Quote from: paul_e on August 02, 2020, 10:48:49 PM

Sokratis - I'm not sure it's sensible to look at central defenders that can't get a game ahead of sideshow bob.

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 02, 2020, 09:45:28 PM

Yep. Players in that 25-28 age range who might be out of favour but still have that hunger and drive, Laursen and Carew were good examples of that. Helped lift us to regular 6th place finishes.

Players in that range are really hard to judge though, for every Laursen and Carew there's an Ireland, Drinkwater or Richards. Finding players with talent, fitness and something to prove after they've had a spell out of favour or with injuries is the aim of almost every scouting network in the 4-5 big leagues across Europe.

The David Luiz thing baffles me more than anything else in football. He once made some big team of the year if I remember correctly and yet he's widely laughed at. For so many managers to stick with him as a defender we must be wrong. We have to be.

He can play, he's just not a defender.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 02, 2020, 10:57:46 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on August 02, 2020, 10:55:19 PM

Quote from: edgysatsuma89 on August 02, 2020, 10:53:17 PM

Quote from: paul_e on August 02, 2020, 10:48:49 PM

Sokratis - I'm not sure it's sensible to look at central defenders that can't get a game ahead of sideshow bob.

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 02, 2020, 09:45:28 PM

Yep. Players in that 25-28 age range who might be out of favour but still have that hunger and drive, Laursen and Carew were good examples of that. Helped lift us to regular 6th place finishes.

Players in that range are really hard to judge though, for every Laursen and Carew there's an Ireland, Drinkwater or Richards. Finding players with talent, fitness and something to prove after they've had a spell out of favour or with injuries is the aim of almost every scouting network in the 4-5 big leagues across Europe.

The David Luiz thing baffles me more than anything else in football. He once made some big team of the year if I remember correctly and yet he's widely laughed at. For so many managers to stick with him as a defender we must be wrong. We have to be.

He can play, he's just not a defender.

Probably not quite quick enough in midfield, but has major skill. Concentration seems to be his achillies.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on August 02, 2020, 10:58:49 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on August 02, 2020, 10:55:19 PM

Quote from: edgysatsuma89 on August 02, 2020, 10:53:17 PM

Quote from: paul_e on August 02, 2020, 10:48:49 PM

Sokratis - I'm not sure it's sensible to look at central defenders that can't get a game ahead of sideshow bob.

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 02, 2020, 09:45:28 PM

Yep. Players in that 25-28 age range who might be out of favour but still have that hunger and drive, Laursen and Carew were good examples of that. Helped lift us to regular 6th place finishes.

Players in that range are really hard to judge though, for every Laursen and Carew there's an Ireland, Drinkwater or Richards. Finding players with talent, fitness and something to prove after they've had a spell out of favour or with injuries is the aim of almost every scouting network in the 4-5 big leagues across Europe.

The David Luiz thing baffles me more than anything else in football. He once made some big team of the year if I remember correctly and yet he's widely laughed at. For so many managers to stick with him as a defender we must be wrong. We have to be.

He can play, he's just not a defender.

I completely agree, I always assumed he would end up in midfield. So why does he play in defence? At a push he can work in a 3 but even then he just hasn't got the concentration to maintain that week in week out. As so many managers persevere with him though we must be missing something.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on August 02, 2020, 11:03:18 PM

I wish we had someone who could hit a free-kick like he can.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on August 02, 2020, 11:03:55 PM

David Luiz could've been a very good defensive midfielder because he really does look like a great footballer but he's never a centre back, he doesn't have the discipline. I'm sure he gets picked because managers think they can use him as a playmaker and work on his positioning and coach away the tendency to chase the ball but it's never happened.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on August 02, 2020, 11:04:01 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 02, 2020, 08:33:46 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on August 02, 2020, 08:03:12 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 02, 2020, 01:36:56 PM

Origi is a full international for Belgium and has developed really well at Liverpool. I think he’d be a very smart signing. Another proven PL player I wouldn’t mind at all is Troy Deeney. Yeh, yeh all the Nose stuff but he’s a brilliant professional who has proven it over many years in the PL. At 32 he wouldn’t have to play every week but for me he’d be a brilliant leader to help along Wesley and Samatta. Number one choice though is Tammy as he has everything we want in our style of play for a striker and centre forward, young and still getting better.

How has Origi developed well at Liverpool? 7 goals in 40 league appearances in last 2 seasons, when Liverpool have been hammering all around then. Granted he is up against three quality forwards but he looks distinctly average I think. Deeney is a great warrior but was dogged by injuries this season, think his legs are gone to be honest.

Agreed on Tammy as number one choice. Ive always liked Che Adams who struggled for most of this season but got going post lockdown. Chris Wood is a decent target man too.

He’s scored in cup games too most notably in the CL. And his time naturally was always going to be limited by who he plays with. His stats are certainly favourable last season to Danny Ings’ last season at Liverpool. I don’t know if he’s the answer but you have to think (as with Ings) he’s been coached really well and learned a thing or two by playing with some of the best forwards in Europe. He’s 25 so it’s about time he started playing on a regular basis. So for me it wouldn’t be the worst signing for the right price.

Ings had a track record pre Liverpool though, two decent seasons with Burnley. In fairness to him, has done very well to come back from some serious injuries to the level he is currently at.

Origi hasn't been prolific at Lille or Wolfsburg. We need a starting number nine and I don't think he is that at all.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: enigma on August 02, 2020, 11:08:08 PM

I'd be happy with either Callum Wilson or Josh King from Bournemouth. In fact there's a few other players from relegated clubs that would improve us such as  Doucoure, Delofeu, Cantwell, Buendia etc. Wouldn't want all of them necessarily but a couple of them would improve our first 11.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on August 02, 2020, 11:22:30 PM

Origi is a 1 in 5 striker.  No thanks.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave17 on August 03, 2020, 01:18:54 AM

Quote from: paul_e on August 02, 2020, 11:03:55 PM

David Luiz could've been a very good defensive midfielder because he really does look like a great footballer but he's never a centre back, he doesn't have the discipline. I'm sure he gets picked because managers think they can use him as a playmaker and work on his positioning and coach away the tendency to chase the ball but it's never happened.

Always thought he was a good player particularly in a back three. The sideshow bob routine doesn’t help. In a back four someone like Dublin would destroy him I feel

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ROBBO on August 03, 2020, 01:25:17 AM

Delofeu is a decent call, like the way he goes about things.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on August 03, 2020, 07:57:37 AM

Quote from: enigma on August 02, 2020, 11:08:08 PM

I'd be happy with either Callum Wilson or Josh King from Bournemouth. In fact there's a few other players from relegated clubs that would improve us such as  Doucoure, Delofeu, Cantwell, Buendia etc. Wouldn't want all of them necessarily but a couple of them would improve our first 11.

Wilson & King are decent strikers, maybe a question mark on injuries regards Wilson.

Doucoure was hugely rated this time last year, Watford fans don’t seem overly happy with his efforts this season tho....like a central midfielder with strength & mobility.

Delofeu is quality, sure they wouldn’t have gone down had he been fit post lockdown.

Cantwell & Buendia, can’t say seen a lot of Norwich this season but Buendia stats are very good in such a poor side.  Cantwell I’m not sure if he is just a decent player standing out in that poor side....would be happy to let someone else buy him & then we will see.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rob_bridge on August 03, 2020, 08:04:15 AM

Quote from: dave17 on August 03, 2020, 01:18:54 AM

Quote from: paul_e on August 02, 2020, 11:03:55 PM

David Luiz could've been a very good defensive midfielder because he really does look like a great footballer but he's never a centre back, he doesn't have the discipline. I'm sure he gets picked because managers think they can use him as a playmaker and work on his positioning and coach away the tendency to chase the ball but it's never happened.

Always thought he was a good player particularly in a back three. The sideshow bob routine doesn’t help. In a back four someone like Dublin would destroy him I feel

Technically he a fine footballer, tactically and positionally he is inept in a back four.

Seriously that performance v Germany in the World Cup was like a playground kid playing Rush Goalie very poorly.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on August 03, 2020, 08:49:16 AM

and the afro is so body and Doyle.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on August 03, 2020, 09:03:24 AM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on August 02, 2020, 11:22:30 PM

Origi is a 1 in 5 striker.  No thanks.

By appearances but not by minutes.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 03, 2020, 09:07:00 AM

Minutes per goal: 179. My maths might not be great but pretty sure that's better than "one in five".

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 03, 2020, 09:14:39 AM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 03, 2020, 09:07:00 AM

Minutes per goal: 179. My maths might not be great but pretty sure that's better than "one in five".

That would make him 1 in 2. I'm really unsure about him, although that stat surprises me.

Can't see Liverpool selling unless ACON is cancelled as both Mane and Salah will be off.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on August 03, 2020, 09:15:09 AM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 03, 2020, 09:07:00 AM

Minutes per goal: 179. My maths might not be great but pretty sure that's better than "one in five".

A one-in-two striker? If he wants to come, let's have him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on August 03, 2020, 09:19:45 AM

Origi has never really been given a run of games to establish himself properly in the Liverpool team has he?  That said, he never seems to let them down with effort and chipping in with the odd goal here and there.  I wonder whether we liken him to others who have left Liverpool, only to turn out pants and at high cost, such as Ibe, Solanke et al.  If we signed him, I'd hope that he wouldn't see it as doing us a favour and turn out like the others.  Perhaps he is seen as a stepping stone to better players when Villa are more established in the Premier Division.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 03, 2020, 09:28:23 AM

Quote from: Ads on August 03, 2020, 09:14:39 AM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 03, 2020, 09:07:00 AM

Minutes per goal: 179. My maths might not be great but pretty sure that's better than "one in five".

That would make him 1 in 2. I'm really unsure about him, although that stat surprises me.

Can't see Liverpool selling unless ACON is cancelled as both Mane and Salah will be off.

That's only based on a small sample, ie last seaaon. Also doesn't take into account FA Cup in which he failed to score in 250 minutes.

Premier League only stats from previous seasons:

2018/19: 124 minutes per goal
2017/18: only played ten minutes, no goals
2016/17: 209 minutes per goal

Bundesliga:

2017/18 (on loan at Wolfsburg): 328 minutes per goal.

Either way, better than one in five. Although maybe his figures are boosted by often coming on against tired legs. Plus he plays for a good side, who are likely to create loads of chances.

Still, might be worth a look at based on stats. I don't watch enough non-Villa matches to have any real opinion of him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 03, 2020, 09:29:41 AM

I like Origi and think he could be a good player for someone, but personally I wouldn't go near a player like that in our position.

However much we paid him, it's a step down, and although he may be a fabulous pro and give everything to the cause, in our case it generally seems to go the other way, God aside.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dick Edwards on August 03, 2020, 09:35:32 AM

Quote from: Newby on August 03, 2020, 09:19:45 AM

Origi has never really been given a run of games to establish himself properly in the Liverpool team has he?  That said, he never seems to let them down with effort and chipping in with the odd goal here and there.  I wonder whether we liken him to others who have left Liverpool, only to turn out pants and at high cost, such as Ibe, Solanke et al.  If we signed him, I'd hope that he wouldn't see it as doing us a favour and turn out like the others.  Perhaps he is seen as a stepping stone to better players when Villa are more established in the Premier Division.

Ray Houghton, Steve Staunton and Dean Saunders didn't do so bad here.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 03, 2020, 09:42:19 AM

Quote from: LeeB on August 03, 2020, 09:29:41 AM

I like Origi and think he could be a good player for someone, but personally I wouldn't go near a player like that in our position.

However much we paid him, it's a step down, and although he may be a fabulous pro and give everything to the cause, in our case it generally seems to go the other way, God aside.

Saunders, Carew, Penrice?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 03, 2020, 09:42:31 AM

If Newcastle sale isn't going through, let's go and give the sweatshop owner a few quid for St 147. Ta.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 03, 2020, 09:44:20 AM

Cliff Thorburn isn't going to sign for Villa.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on August 03, 2020, 09:45:01 AM

Origi is a hard one to judge, when he comes on for Liverpool it is generally either in a team cruising to a win & resting one of the top forwards or one that is throwing kitchen sink chasing a goal so he can always get involved in action & will get chances - not really seen him in a team where he will spend large chunks of games isolated up too & might only get one chance. 

That’s where Ings has been so good this season, you compare Soton when they have hard working, hardly scoring Long up top with hard working finisher Ings...one would easily have got them relegated, one got them mid table.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 03, 2020, 09:45:59 AM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on August 03, 2020, 09:44:20 AM

Cliff Thorburn isn't going to sign for Villa.

Shame, he would add a bit of pace.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 03, 2020, 09:47:33 AM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on August 03, 2020, 09:44:20 AM

Cliff Thorburn isn't going to sign for Villa.

But he's not under a cow.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 03, 2020, 09:48:43 AM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on August 03, 2020, 09:44:20 AM

Cliff Thorburn isn't going to sign for Villa.

I think there might be a cue of teams in for him.

Sorry.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 03, 2020, 09:49:49 AM

Quote from: Clampy on August 03, 2020, 09:48:43 AM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on August 03, 2020, 09:44:20 AM

Cliff Thorburn isn't going to sign for Villa.

I think there might be a cue of teams in for him.

Sorry.

Give me a break.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Towser on August 03, 2020, 09:50:02 AM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on August 03, 2020, 09:44:20 AM

Cliff Thorburn isn't going to sign for Villa.

Give it a rest

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: themossman on August 03, 2020, 09:55:11 AM

I'm really sceptical about taking on players who are stepping down (yes, I know, I know) or where they're past their peak but we're hoping to get a late surge out of them.

I reckon if you looked at the raw numbers, the chance of success with those kind of signings is tiny, but the few big pressworthy successes skew your thinking.

I think the ideal signing for us at this stage is a good, young championship player who is stepping up but stands out in their team to a degree that means there is little doubt about their ability to do it. Bowen is a perfect example. They aren't cheap but I think these are the best signings on a risk vs cost basis.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: themossman on August 03, 2020, 09:56:32 AM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on August 03, 2020, 09:49:49 AM

Quote from: Clampy on August 03, 2020, 09:48:43 AM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on August 03, 2020, 09:44:20 AM

Cliff Thorburn isn't going to sign for Villa.

I think there might be a cue of teams in for him.

Sorry.

Give me a break.

Yes I felt that was a bit harsh.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 03, 2020, 09:57:08 AM

Basically unless you're Man City, the transfer market is an absolute roulette table.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on August 03, 2020, 10:06:13 AM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 03, 2020, 09:28:23 AM

Quote from: Ads on August 03, 2020, 09:14:39 AM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 03, 2020, 09:07:00 AM

Minutes per goal: 179. My maths might not be great but pretty sure that's better than "one in five".

That would make him 1 in 2. I'm really unsure about him, although that stat surprises me.

Can't see Liverpool selling unless ACON is cancelled as both Mane and Salah will be off.

That's only based on a small sample, ie last seaaon. Also doesn't take into account FA Cup in which he failed to score in 250 minutes.

Premier League only stats from previous seasons:

2018/19: 124 minutes per goal
2017/18: only played ten minutes, no goals
2016/17: 209 minutes per goal

Bundesliga:

2017/18 (on loan at Wolfsburg): 328 minutes per goal.

Either way, better than one in five. Although maybe his figures are boosted by often coming on against tired legs. Plus he plays for a good side, who are likely to create loads of chances.

Still, might be worth a look at based on stats. I don't watch enough non-Villa matches to have any real opinion of him.

His stats in france before he joined Liverpool work out, on minutes per goal, at a little under 1 in 3 so I suspect all combined that's about what you could expect, I think he'd definitely be in the 10-15 for the season range.

He'd be a decent signing and I'd certainly rate him higher than all the other names given on here (Wilson, King, Deeney, inheanacho).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on August 03, 2020, 10:23:59 AM

you missed Abraham. Tammy's twice the player than all of them.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Des Little on August 03, 2020, 10:40:10 AM

Of course, we should go all out to get Tammy, but I do think we need two strikers coming in - I'd like a nippy, mobile striker to mix things up - Callum Wilson would be my choice.  We can't go into the season relying on one man up front.

I'd also look to move Samatta on too, I just can't see a player there at all.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on August 03, 2020, 10:45:51 AM

Tammy is an odd one, think he’s done a decent job at Chelsea this season without really pressing the accelerator and looking like the long term 9 that they (like all of us!!) want.

Given that in our team he would have less chances to score does everyone feel his all round game hold up / link play / defensive at set pieces etc justifies they outlay ie 45m + circa 100k a week??

I’m not 100% convinced however if we did sign him it would obviously be a huge upgrade on anything we had after New Year’s Day

Personally would like to see us sign a first choice striker be it Tammy, King or ANOther & possibly a Brewster on loan from Liverpool then use the season to loan out our own youngsters like Keinan on a season long & Archer/Vassilev for 1/2 season

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on August 03, 2020, 11:01:17 AM

Quote from: Ads on August 03, 2020, 09:57:08 AM

Basically unless you're Man City, the transfer market is an absolute roulette table.

Leicester seem to have done alright.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on August 03, 2020, 11:02:53 AM

Quote from: LeeB on August 03, 2020, 09:29:41 AM

I like Origi and think he could be a good player for someone, but personally I wouldn't go near a player like that in our position.

However much we paid him, it's a step down, and although he may be a fabulous pro and give everything to the cause, in our case it generally seems to go the other way, God aside.

Agree with this. I see  Origi as a Tricky player that comes on for a great team against tired legs type. Not convinced he is the real deal.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 03, 2020, 11:03:52 AM

Quote from: OCD on August 03, 2020, 11:01:17 AM

Quote from: Ads on August 03, 2020, 09:57:08 AM

Basically unless you're Man City, the transfer market is an absolute roulette table.

Leicester seem to have done alright.

You say that, but Slimani was a total flop, as were quite a few big money purchases after they won the league.

Vardy, Kante and Mahrez (I know they weren't signed together) was outstanding business.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on August 03, 2020, 11:03:54 AM

Quote from: mr underhill on August 03, 2020, 10:23:59 AM

you missed Abraham. Tammy's twice the player than all of them.

I don't see him as realistic right now and even if he was I'm not sure I'd agree with that. He's a better goalscorer than all of them, but I don't think a better player than anyone on that list. As always the decision to sign a striker like Abraham is around balancing the work he does in the opposition box against the fact that he doesn't do much outside it, for me he's pretty similar to Bent.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on August 03, 2020, 11:07:28 AM

Quote from: Ads on August 03, 2020, 11:03:52 AM

Quote from: OCD on August 03, 2020, 11:01:17 AM

Quote from: Ads on August 03, 2020, 09:57:08 AM

Basically unless you're Man City, the transfer market is an absolute roulette table.

Leicester seem to have done alright.

You say that, but Slimani was a total flop, as were quite a few big money purchases after they won the league.

Vardy, Kante and Mahrez (I know they weren't signed together) was outstanding business.

You could add Albrighton to those 3 from the title winning team too. I was thinking more of their current squad though. Nobody's recruitment will be perfect, even Man City but Leicester's recruitment process is something to try and emulate. I could live with the odd Slimani if it meant title wins, Champions League qualification and being in the mix all season for CL spots.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mattjpa on August 03, 2020, 11:17:06 AM

Giroud has said he is likely to leave and feels he has top level football in him for a couple of seasons. A 1year deal offer with a 1 year option could be exactly what we need

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 03, 2020, 11:21:14 AM

Yeah, Giroud and Abraham would do me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: DB on August 03, 2020, 11:23:40 AM

Go for Ings and Tammy. Easy...ish.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on August 03, 2020, 11:31:21 AM

Quote from: mattjpa on August 03, 2020, 11:17:06 AM

Giroud has said he is likely to leave and feels he has top level football in him for a couple of seasons. A 1year deal offer with a 1 year option could be exactly what we need

He didn't fancy us in Jan and I can't see that having changed.  Certainly not for a 1 year deal in our wage structure.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: garyellis on August 03, 2020, 11:37:14 AM

As a second striker come wide player what about the lad from Huddersfield (Karlan Grant) - he has done well in a side that has struggled for the last two seasons. He is quick and a fair unit. Well within our catchment area.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: robleflaneur on August 03, 2020, 11:53:37 AM

Quote from: garyellis on August 03, 2020, 11:37:14 AM

As a second striker come wide player what about the lad from Huddersfield (Karlan Grant) - he has done well in a side that has struggled for the last two seasons. He is quick and a fair unit. Well within our catchment area.

He could be the main striker.His goalscoring recordin recent years is outstanding and should get better as he's only 23 next month.WBA and us are rumoured to have bid £15m for him in Jan.So he's on our radar.Looks useful in you tube clips but they don't tell you about work rate,ability to hold the ball up ,passing and surprisingly for a big 'un there weren't many headed goals.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sid1964 on August 03, 2020, 12:44:40 PM

£40 million for the Liverpool forward - if we pay that we must be mad (a poor mans Heskey, and for me he was an terrible signing)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on August 03, 2020, 01:00:01 PM

Quote from: DB on August 03, 2020, 11:23:40 AM

Go for Ings and Tammy. Easy...ish.

If we sign Ings what are the odds of him immediately turning into a sicknote again?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Holte L2 on August 03, 2020, 01:17:58 PM

How about Abraham and Cavani?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dorsetvillian on August 03, 2020, 01:19:24 PM

Why would Saints sell Ings?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 03, 2020, 01:19:40 PM

What kind of wages do you suppose Cavani would want? And why would he end his career not playing CL football?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 03, 2020, 01:20:59 PM

Quote from: dorsetvillian on August 03, 2020, 01:19:24 PM

Why would Saints sell Ings?

He literally almost single handed saved their season. If we think Jack is worth £70m+, then Ings is at least that to them if not much more.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Holte L2 on August 03, 2020, 01:32:01 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 03, 2020, 01:19:40 PM

What kind of wages do you suppose Cavani would want? And why would he end his career not playing CL football?

Leeds are said to be in for him so you'd think it can't be out of reach.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on August 03, 2020, 01:51:00 PM

Quote from: Big Ming on August 02, 2020, 07:27:58 PM

Quote from: JUAN PABLO on August 02, 2020, 07:19:14 PM

Sil Swinkels  linked

no idea neither

Youth signing. Defender. Highly rated, apparently.  Part of the major effort going into building a truly productive Academy.
Same story with Shapoke.

Signed an hour ago apparently. Now on Vitesse Twitter.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 03, 2020, 02:13:11 PM

Born in 2004. Fucking hell!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 03, 2020, 02:24:35 PM

Quote from: Ads on August 03, 2020, 02:13:11 PM

Born in 2004. Fucking hell!

I know. That’s probably around the time a lot of us saw our first grey hairs

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on August 03, 2020, 02:28:05 PM

Not Villa related, Ross related.

Ross County have just signed Ross Doohan from Celtic.

Ross joins Ross County’s other 2 goalkeepers Ross Laidlaw & Ross Munro.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 03, 2020, 02:33:30 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 03, 2020, 02:24:35 PM

Quote from: Ads on August 03, 2020, 02:13:11 PM

Born in 2004. Fucking hell!

I know. That’s probably around the time a lot of us saw our first grey hairs

Would be inbetween 6th Form and Uni. Depressing!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 03, 2020, 02:38:19 PM

Spot the other Villa player in the photo...

https://mobile.twitter.com/MijnVitesse/status/1290232135597486086

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 03, 2020, 02:39:33 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 03, 2020, 02:38:19 PM

Spot the other Villa player in the photo...

https://mobile.twitter.com/MijnVitesse/status/1290232135597486086

Our boy Marv

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 03, 2020, 02:51:40 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 03, 2020, 02:38:19 PM

Spot the other Villa player in the photo...

https://mobile.twitter.com/MijnVitesse/status/1290232135597486086

He is one for the futute. Be a bridge too far for him at the moment.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 03, 2020, 03:00:10 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 03, 2020, 02:39:33 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 03, 2020, 02:38:19 PM

Spot the other Villa player in the photo...

https://mobile.twitter.com/MijnVitesse/status/1290232135597486086

Our boy Marv

Well done, TV. You've won yourself a Bronx hat.

(You haven't really, don't PM me your address).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on August 03, 2020, 03:26:35 PM

Hans Gilhaus (if a trialist counts as an ex Villa player).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 03, 2020, 03:38:49 PM

Impressive anorakdom, there.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: stuart r on August 03, 2020, 03:41:23 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on August 03, 2020, 03:26:35 PM

Hans Gilhaus (if a trialist counts as an ex Villa player).

Hans Gilhaus trialled at Villa? I didn't know that. He was great for Aberdeen.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on August 03, 2020, 03:43:22 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on August 03, 2020, 03:26:35 PM

Hans Gilhaus (if a trialist counts as an ex Villa player).

Unpromising name, a mashup of three hapless Simpsons characters.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 03, 2020, 03:48:04 PM

That's very good, made even better by the fact that it was posted by someone with a Simpsons username.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Richard E on August 03, 2020, 03:54:16 PM

I must have missed the episode of the Simpsons featuring Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery, 1st Viscount of Alamein.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on August 03, 2020, 04:03:47 PM

Quote from: stuart r on August 03, 2020, 03:41:23 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on August 03, 2020, 03:26:35 PM

Hans Gilhaus (if a trialist counts as an ex Villa player).

Hans Gilhaus trialled at Villa? I didn't know that. He was great for Aberdeen.

During Big Ron's second season.  Around the time we had Frank McAvennie as well.

Gillhaus played (and scored) when we beat Liverpool reserves 7-1 or summat like that.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 03, 2020, 04:16:05 PM

Quote from: Richard E on August 03, 2020, 03:54:16 PM

I must have missed the episode of the Simpsons featuring Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery, 1st Viscount of Alamein.

He must be the only celebrity who hasn't had a tedious cameo, then.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Richard E on August 03, 2020, 04:26:03 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 03, 2020, 04:16:05 PM

Quote from: Richard E on August 03, 2020, 03:54:16 PM

I must have missed the episode of the Simpsons featuring Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery, 1st Viscount of Alamein.

He must be the only celebrity who hasn't had a tedious cameo, then.

He deliberately died in 1976 to get out of it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Percy McCarthy on August 03, 2020, 06:47:57 PM

Quote from: Richard E on August 03, 2020, 04:26:03 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 03, 2020, 04:16:05 PM

Quote from: Richard E on August 03, 2020, 03:54:16 PM

I must have missed the episode of the Simpsons featuring Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery, 1st Viscount of Alamein.

He must be the only celebrity who hasn't had a tedious cameo, then.

He deliberately died in 1976 to get out of it.

Admirable resolve.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: DB on August 03, 2020, 08:15:01 PM

Quote from: dorsetvillian on August 03, 2020, 01:19:24 PM

Why would Saints sell Ings?

It was more of a wish than an expectation we would get him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on August 03, 2020, 09:47:13 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on August 03, 2020, 04:03:47 PM

Quote from: stuart r on August 03, 2020, 03:41:23 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on August 03, 2020, 03:26:35 PM

Hans Gilhaus (if a trialist counts as an ex Villa player).

Hans Gilhaus trialled at Villa? I didn't know that. He was great for Aberdeen.

During Big Ron's second season.  Around the time we had Frank McAvennie as well.

Gillhaus played (and scored) when we beat Liverpool reserves 7-1 or summat like that.

I was at that game, was all about Beinlich & Breitkreuz (sp!), didn’t realise we had a trialist playing

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: olaftab on August 03, 2020, 10:13:54 PM

Linked with Michy Batshuayi in the local rag.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on August 03, 2020, 11:07:38 PM

Quote from: olaftab on August 03, 2020, 10:13:54 PM

Linked with Michy Batshuayi in the local rag.

I rate him quite highly. He has scored a decent amount of goals everywhere he has played. Ironically apart from a loan spell at Valencia the only other team he has failed to score goals at is his parent club Chelsea. I would have thought he might have been the sort of player Lampard likes and at 26 he should be at his peak.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on August 04, 2020, 07:46:47 AM

I can't see him wanting to come to us tbh the sort of player who would view it as a demotion.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: nigel on August 04, 2020, 08:01:29 AM

Quote from: mr underhill on August 04, 2020, 07:46:47 AM

I can't see him wanting to come to us tbh the sort of player who would view it as a demotion.

I can’t see him being wanted by any of our top 7-10 or a top team in Europe, so if he wants to play he has to make a ‘step down’ so to speak.
Given the choice between any team lower than 10th I think we’d be in a strong position.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: JUAN PABLO on August 04, 2020, 08:48:55 AM

Quote from: nigel on August 04, 2020, 08:01:29 AM

Quote from: mr underhill on August 04, 2020, 07:46:47 AM

I can't see him wanting to come to us tbh the sort of player who would view it as a demotion.

I can’t see him being wanted by any of our top 7-10 or a top team in Europe, so if he wants to play he has to make a ‘step down’ so to speak.
Given the choice between any team lower than 10th I think we’d be in a strong position.

my Palace supporting father in law , really rated him at Palace.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 04, 2020, 09:01:59 AM

Batshuayi has quality but didn't we try and fail to get him on loan in January?

I'd be highly hesitant about us buying somebody who didn't want to play for us before.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on August 04, 2020, 09:20:34 AM

yes, hence my point about seeing it as a step down - he didn't fancy us in January so why would he now?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on August 04, 2020, 09:26:22 AM

Because we were embroiled in a relegation battle in January and now it's a new season, new slate. With AFC Bournemouth relegated, we are second in the table behind Arsenal and have  lots of cash to spend to improve us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on August 04, 2020, 09:36:33 AM

but we might struggle again as far as the player is concerned? I think he's a good player but to me, he doesn't seem like a Villa player.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on August 04, 2020, 09:56:53 AM

Quote from: olaftab on August 03, 2020, 10:13:54 PM

Linked with Michy Batshuayi in the local rag.

Every time I have seen him play he looks crap, admittedly usually as a sub for Chelsea but I really don’t get what he is about, not particular quick, strong, skill full or good in the air.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kieron on August 04, 2020, 10:01:23 AM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on August 04, 2020, 09:56:53 AM

Quote from: olaftab on August 03, 2020, 10:13:54 PM

Linked with Michy Batshuayi in the local rag.

Every time I have seen him play he looks crap, admittedly usually as a sub for Chelsea but I really don’t get what he is about, not particular quick, strong, skill full or good in the air.

He sounds absolutely perfect for us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on August 04, 2020, 10:11:08 AM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on August 04, 2020, 09:56:53 AM

Quote from: olaftab on August 03, 2020, 10:13:54 PM

Linked with Michy Batshuayi in the local rag.

Every time I have seen him play he looks crap, admittedly usually as a sub for Chelsea but I really don’t get what he is about, not particular quick, strong, skill full or good in the air.

Exactly what I think when I see Origi :-)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: bodkins14 on August 04, 2020, 10:56:20 AM

Harry Wilson anyone ?
Looked good for Bournemouth but I think he was injured later on. Only 23 and is a right winger and doesn't seem to fit in at 'The Mighty Reds YNWA'.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Hookeysmith on August 04, 2020, 11:00:51 AM

Quote from: bodkins14 on August 04, 2020, 10:56:20 AM

Harry Wilson anyone ?
Looked good for Bournemouth but I think he was injured later on. Only 23 and is a right winger and doesn't seem to fit in at 'The Mighty Reds YNWA'.

Not a bad shout and he has nice hair.

An upgrade on ElGhahzi or Trez

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave P on August 04, 2020, 11:10:47 AM

There's a Joe Lolley link somewhere which I suppose is inevitable. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villa Lew on August 04, 2020, 11:20:36 AM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on August 03, 2020, 09:44:20 AM

Cliff Thorburn isn't going to sign for Villa.

I think that's a load of balls

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on August 04, 2020, 11:23:56 AM

I'd be tickled pink though, if he did.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on August 04, 2020, 12:03:01 PM

Quote from: Dave P on August 04, 2020, 11:10:47 AM

There's a Joe Lolley link somewhere which I suppose is inevitable.

Yeah, I saw that. Also Jeff Hendrick, an out of contract 28yo last at Burnley being touted to us. I'd like to think we've moved on to fish in a better pond, thankyouverymuch indeedy.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villan82 on August 04, 2020, 12:27:39 PM

Hendrick is a decent player to be fair and has premier league experience which we lack.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on August 04, 2020, 12:38:39 PM

He has been linked to AC Milan this summer, somewhat bizarrely. He'd probably "do a job" and be an upgrade on Lansbury/Drinkwater but he's not exactly sexy, is he ?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: johnny from donny on August 04, 2020, 12:42:57 PM

Hendrick would be ok as a squad filler if his wages are sensible and we don't give him a massively long contract.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 04, 2020, 12:43:07 PM

If Sean Dyche rolled into Villa Park Hendrick (ironically previously a Burnley player) is precisely the type of signing he’d make to get us to be strong and stable in the PL. Not in any glamorous but hard working, reliable players that you can call on to start on occasion and solid off the bench. Given we are aspiring to be a mid table team and not a relegation battler I wouldn’t turn my nose up at players like McCarthy or Hendrick. Both are a lot better than bringing on a Lansbury or Jota. It doesn’t change the fact we need really good starting players either. We need both types of acquisition this summer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on August 04, 2020, 12:50:38 PM

Quote from: eamonn on August 04, 2020, 12:38:39 PM

He has been linked to AC Milan this summer, somewhat bizarrely. He'd probably "do a job" and be an upgrade on Lansbury/Drinkwater but he's not exactly sexy, is he ?

Has he got Reo-Coker's agent? From what I can tell, he's been offered to us, Newcastle, manure, Milan, Celtic...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on August 04, 2020, 01:03:02 PM

McCarthy and Hendrick coming in would add a lot of experience and industry to the squad. Far better to have in and around the team than Lansbury, Drinkwater, and Nakamba and proven to be able to contribute to mid table teams. Not signings to set the pulse racing, but for a combined £6-10m it would leave plenty of budget free for more exciting signings.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on August 04, 2020, 01:14:08 PM

I suppose that would work if we can rid ourselves of Ange whose 20 odd games in three and a half years has probably cost us more than a small country's GDP.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: olaftab on August 04, 2020, 01:16:05 PM

Lolley, Wilson, Hendrick and McCarthy would have been ideal if we had been relegated. Please don't not now. We need to add 4 top quality players not bulk up the squad with dross.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on August 04, 2020, 01:23:20 PM

but we also need to think about the quality of the bench now that we have the five subs rule

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 04, 2020, 01:33:10 PM

Quote from: mr underhill on August 04, 2020, 01:23:20 PM

but we also need to think about the quality of the bench now that we have the five subs rule

Very true

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on August 04, 2020, 01:34:39 PM

Is the 5 sub rule permanent or just for next season due to the peculiarities of the C-19 situation?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on August 04, 2020, 01:41:05 PM

Quote from: olaftab on August 04, 2020, 01:16:05 PM

Lolley, Wilson, Hendrick and McCarthy would have been ideal if we had been relegated. Please don't not now. We need to add 4 top quality players not bulk up the squad with dross.

They would all replace squad members that got game time last season with better players. I agree these kind of signings alone would leave us struggling, but 2-3 of these plus three more expensive nailed on first teamers would do more for us than four nailed on first teamers would.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on August 04, 2020, 01:49:58 PM

Quote from: mr underhill on August 04, 2020, 01:23:20 PM

but we also need to think about the quality of the bench now that we have the five subs rule

You improve the quality of the bench by buying starters and pushing the current regulars out, not by buying players to sit and watch games. We've made this mistake far too many times already. Any signings this summer should either be on a par with McGinn and Mings in terms of relative ability or should be younger and able to improve over the next 12-18 months where they become that standard (but can be eased into the team rather than left to sink or swim like many were last year).


Signing 28+ year olds as cover is mon-ism at its very worst.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Pat Mustard on August 04, 2020, 01:50:30 PM

For the first time in probably the last decade we have got a chance to have a proper, balanced strategy for transfers with a decent amount to spend.  Whilst we definitely need some upgrades to the starting 11, it's important not to throw away the improvements we have started to see from a number of players, and as others have said also improve the quality of the bench with some solid Premier League players to fill in when necessary. 

I would have no problem with Hendrick coming in - a solid Premier League midfielder who is still only 28 on a free.  As long as his agent isn't asking for silly money on wages then it definitely seems like an upgrade on the likes of Lansbury or Drinkwater.  Similarly I wouldn't be averse to Fraser from Bournemouth, again solid Premier League experience and no fee.  We can then look at spending real money on the problem positions, I'm sure we could attract the likes of Benrahma and Eze from the Championship, and look out for better quality at left-back, shipping out Taylor.  I'd also definitely be looking at Edouard at Celtic, no idea what kind of money they would expect but surely will be a lot less than trying to get Tammy back - I think if he spend a lot of time sitting on the bench at Chelsea then we could go back for him in the new year or next summer. GK is a position that worries me a bit, but if Heaton and Steer are both fully fit then I think we would have enough.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 04, 2020, 01:50:34 PM

Quote from: Jon Crofts on August 04, 2020, 01:34:39 PM

Is the 5 sub rule permanent or just for next season due to the peculiarities of the C-19 situation?

They're positioning it as an 'extension' of the special measure for Covid-19, but I think we all know where this one is going unless the 20 PL clubs band together to oppose it; and the 'bigger' clubs won't.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 04, 2020, 01:55:23 PM

Quote from: paul_e on August 04, 2020, 01:49:58 PM

Quote from: mr underhill on August 04, 2020, 01:23:20 PM

but we also need to think about the quality of the bench now that we have the five subs rule

You improve the quality of the bench by buying starters and pushing the current regulars out, not by buying players to sit and watch games. We've made this mistake far too many times already. Any signings this summer should either be on a par with McGinn and Mings in terms of relative ability or should be younger and able to improve over the next 12-18 months where they become that standard (but can be eased into the team rather than left to sink or swim like many were last year).


Signing 28+ year olds as cover is mon-ism at its very worst.

The bigger mistake that we've made far more recently is putting out a significant outlay in fees and wages for players intended for the first team who simply aren't good enough; over the past few years the would include the likes of Kalinic, Hogan, Lansbury, Targett, Trezeguet, Wesley, Samatta, Nakamba etc. etc.

I think there are worse things we could do than sign 1 or 2 free agents on reasonable wages who can put in a shift when needed and help us to see out games.

Poor game management being one of the things that had us down in the relegation zone to begin with.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LukeJames on August 04, 2020, 02:27:37 PM

If last pre-season taught me one thing its that the media don't have a fucking clue who we are after, pretty much all our business was done with little links to them beforehand.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on August 04, 2020, 02:30:57 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 04, 2020, 01:50:34 PM

Quote from: Jon Crofts on August 04, 2020, 01:34:39 PM

Is the 5 sub rule permanent or just for next season due to the peculiarities of the C-19 situation?

They're positioning it as an 'extension' of the special measure for Covid-19, but I think we all know where this one is going unless the 20 PL clubs band together to oppose it; and the 'bigger' clubs won't.

I don't think it would be so bad if they said 2 of the 5 had to be young, say U23 players...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: fredm on August 04, 2020, 03:04:57 PM

Doesn't it need 14 clubs in favour of a motion to get it passed?  If so, then only 7 need vote against it to prevent it and I would anticipate Villa as being one of those seeing how strongly we opposed it this year.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on August 04, 2020, 03:05:36 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on August 04, 2020, 01:03:02 PM

McCarthy and Hendrick coming in would add a lot of experience and industry to the squad. Far better to have in and around the team than Lansbury, Drinkwater, and Nakamba and proven to be able to contribute to mid table teams. Not signings to set the pulse racing, but for a combined £6-10m it would leave plenty of budget free for more exciting signings.

I get to see enough of Hendrick, McCarthy and Hourihane for Ireland and it's a midfield that bores the arse off me every time they play. Conor is enough at club level.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 04, 2020, 03:08:55 PM

villareport
@villareport
Aston Villa are set to win the race for highly rated Exeter City midfielder Ben Chrisene. [devon live] #avfc
3:03 PM · Aug 4, 2020·Twitter for iPhone

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on August 04, 2020, 03:10:35 PM

16 year old Ben Chrisene?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 04, 2020, 03:14:10 PM

It would seem so.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Chris Smith on August 04, 2020, 03:38:15 PM

Ben Chrisine sounds like it should be a cream for athletes foot.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on August 04, 2020, 03:48:41 PM

If he proves as good as Watkins then he'll be ok

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on August 04, 2020, 04:14:19 PM

No to Hendrick.

He makes Drinkwater look like Zidane with the ball at his feet. 

Fine if you're looking to play the Burnleh way and want midfielders who will primarily get up and down the pitch and hack the ball away under pressure. We should be looking for a bit more, even from players coming off the bench.

Nathaniel Chalobah at Watford was highly rated when he was breaking through at Chelsea a few years ago. Still only 25 and -providing the fee wasn't mental - still something to work with. Extra height in midfield would aid some of our shortcomings at set pieces and he's fiesty enough when it comes to tackling.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 04, 2020, 05:06:45 PM

They're really trying to revolutionise the academy. Hoovering up a lot of very highly rated young players.

I wonder of the aim is the do a bit of a Chelsea?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on August 04, 2020, 05:51:23 PM

Quote from: Ads on August 04, 2020, 05:06:45 PM

They're really trying to revolutionise the academy. Hoovering up a lot of very highly rated young players.

I wonder of the aim is the do a bit of a Chelsea?

I agree with you about hoovering up the quality but hope that we are sufficiently improved, coaching wise, to make real stars of those players we've recently signed.  We do look like we mean business!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on August 04, 2020, 06:03:10 PM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on August 04, 2020, 01:50:30 PM

I'd also definitely be looking at Edouard at Celtic, no idea what kind of money they would expect but surely will be a lot less than trying to get Tammy back - I think if he spend a lot of time sitting on the bench at Chelsea then we could go back for him in the new year or next summer.

Seen £30m mentioned in a couple of newspaper articles. I think he's a really good shout and should be gettable. Good lineage coming from PSG, 40 goals in 60 games for Celtic (I know it's only a tinpot league but still good going), has played for all the French age group squads and still only 22.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on August 04, 2020, 06:11:10 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on August 04, 2020, 06:03:10 PM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on August 04, 2020, 01:50:30 PM

I'd also definitely be looking at Edouard at Celtic, no idea what kind of money they would expect but surely will be a lot less than trying to get Tammy back - I think if he spend a lot of time sitting on the bench at Chelsea then we could go back for him in the new year or next summer.

Seen £30m mentioned in a couple of newspaper articles. I think he's a really good shout and should be gettable. Good lineage coming from PSG, 40 goals in 60 games for Celtic (I know it's only a tinpot league but still good going), has played for all the French age group squads and still only 22.

The hot money is on Leicester to land Edouard.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on August 04, 2020, 06:16:56 PM

Quote from: Mister E on August 04, 2020, 06:11:10 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on August 04, 2020, 06:03:10 PM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on August 04, 2020, 01:50:30 PM

I'd also definitely be looking at Edouard at Celtic, no idea what kind of money they would expect but surely will be a lot less than trying to get Tammy back - I think if he spend a lot of time sitting on the bench at Chelsea then we could go back for him in the new year or next summer.

Seen £30m mentioned in a couple of newspaper articles. I think he's a really good shout and should be gettable. Good lineage coming from PSG, 40 goals in 60 games for Celtic (I know it's only a tinpot league but still good going), has played for all the French age group squads and still only 22.

The hot money is on Leicester to land Edouard.

Then we should definitely go after him, offer him more cash and irritate Rodgers again like we did when we beat him to McGinn.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on August 04, 2020, 06:17:00 PM

If they did get him I wonder f they'd entertain letting Vardy leave.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 04, 2020, 07:05:56 PM

Iheanacho will be the one to go if they get him. And I would take Iheanacho like a shot. Miles better than our lot.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aev on August 04, 2020, 07:33:36 PM

I’d take Watkins as our centre forward. Guess he will go if they don’t win tonight.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Pat Mustard on August 04, 2020, 07:36:49 PM

Quote from: Mister E on August 04, 2020, 06:11:10 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on August 04, 2020, 06:03:10 PM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on August 04, 2020, 01:50:30 PM

I'd also definitely be looking at Edouard at Celtic, no idea what kind of money they would expect but surely will be a lot less than trying to get Tammy back - I think if he spend a lot of time sitting on the bench at Chelsea then we could go back for him in the new year or next summer.

Seen £30m mentioned in a couple of newspaper articles. I think he's a really good shout and should be gettable. Good lineage coming from PSG, 40 goals in 60 games for Celtic (I know it's only a tinpot league but still good going), has played for all the French age group squads and still only 22.

The hot money is on Leicester to land Edouard.

Is Leicester still in lockdown? If we get our skates on we could get him signed before Rodgers can even leave his house

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on August 04, 2020, 07:49:58 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on August 04, 2020, 04:14:19 PM

No to Hendrick.

He makes Drinkwater look like Zidane with the ball at his feet. 

Fine if you're looking to play the Burnleh way and want midfielders who will primarily get up and down the pitch and hack the ball away under pressure. We should be looking for a bit more, even from players coming off the bench.

Nathaniel Chalobah at Watford was highly rated when he was breaking through at Chelsea a few years ago. Still only 25 and -providing the fee wasn't mental - still something to work with. Extra height in midfield would aid some of our shortcomings at set pieces and he's fiesty enough when it comes to tackling.

Chalobah is closer to what I'd want for a squad filler signing than people like Hendricks and McCarthy.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 04, 2020, 07:54:40 PM

Quote from: Newby on August 04, 2020, 05:51:23 PM

Quote from: Ads on August 04, 2020, 05:06:45 PM

They're really trying to revolutionise the academy. Hoovering up a lot of very highly rated young players.

I wonder of the aim is the do a bit of a Chelsea?

I agree with you about hoovering up the quality but hope that we are sufficiently improved, coaching wise, to make real stars of those players we've recently signed.  We do look like we mean business!

We've pinched quite a few staff from the Stripey Filth  who have a decent academy. Hopefully Lange will help continue the structural side of things as what I don't think we're very good at is when players hit that 17-18 in getting game time. That's when loans need to happen. Grealish is the player he is, in part, thanks to the education and minutes he got at Notts County.

Lets hope we develop a good culture, bring these kids through with game time and some make the grade and others make us a profit.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Des Little on August 04, 2020, 08:03:46 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 04, 2020, 07:05:56 PM

Iheanacho will be the one to go if they get him. And I would take Iheanacho like a shot. Miles better than our lot.

Now that is damning with faint praise right there!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on August 04, 2020, 08:18:24 PM

Quote from: Ads on August 04, 2020, 07:54:40 PM

Quote from: Newby on August 04, 2020, 05:51:23 PM

Quote from: Ads on August 04, 2020, 05:06:45 PM

They're really trying to revolutionise the academy. Hoovering up a lot of very highly rated young players.

I wonder of the aim is the do a bit of a Chelsea?

I agree with you about hoovering up the quality but hope that we are sufficiently improved, coaching wise, to make real stars of those players we've recently signed.  We do look like we mean business!

We've pinched quite a few staff from the Stripey Filth  who have a decent academy. Hopefully Lange will help continue the structural side of things as what I don't think we're very good at is when players hit that 17-18 in getting game time. That's when loans need to happen. Grealish is the player he is, in part, thanks to the education and minutes he got at Notts County.

Lets hope we develop a good culture, bring these kids through with game time and some make the grade and others make us a profit.

I'd have someone in the academy structure whose job is to do that bit, find clubs for players in the window and then work with those clubs during the season to make sure everything is working out.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on August 04, 2020, 08:25:23 PM

Watching the playoff final I'm not impressed by Benrahma so far. Watkins on the other hand seems to be well used to being completely on his own up front so he'd fit in well with us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 04, 2020, 08:33:35 PM

Justin Kluivert hasn't played much at Roma this season. Was very highly rated at Ajax 2-3 years ago (not just because of who his Dad is) so perhaps that could be a loan option? Only 21 and can play upfront or out wide so that's the type we need in final third.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on August 04, 2020, 08:38:27 PM

Quote from: paul_e on August 04, 2020, 08:25:23 PM

Watching the playoff final I'm not impressed by Benrahma so far. Watkins on the other hand seems to be well used to being completely on his own up front so he'd fit in well with us.

I rate Benrahma but recently I think Watkins has been performing better than Benrahma.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LukeJames on August 04, 2020, 08:49:20 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 04, 2020, 08:33:35 PM

Justin Kluivert hasn't played much at Roma this season. Was very highly rated at Ajax 2-3 years ago (not just because of who his Dad is) so perhaps that could be a loan option? Only 21 and can play upfront or out wide so that's the type we need in final third.

I'd love for us to make a stand out winger signing like this, Kluivert, Leon Bailey, David Neres.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on August 04, 2020, 09:10:00 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 04, 2020, 08:33:35 PM

Justin Kluivert hasn't played much at Roma this season. Was very highly rated at Ajax 2-3 years ago (not just because of who his Dad is) so perhaps that could be a loan option? Only 21 and can play upfront or out wide so that's the type we need in final third.

I'd go for that, he's exactly the sort of player I want us to add as a wide option.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithe on August 04, 2020, 09:34:23 PM

Might have missed someone else posting this but Marvelous Nakamba to Trabzonspor in Turkey is being mooted.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 04, 2020, 09:35:17 PM

Quote from: PeterWithe on August 04, 2020, 09:34:23 PM

Might have missed someone else posting this but Marvelous Nakamba to Trabzonspor in Turkey is being mooted.

I am in favour of this.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithe on August 04, 2020, 09:37:14 PM

Aye, I'd have kept him if we went down but we need better.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on August 04, 2020, 09:40:16 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on August 04, 2020, 09:35:17 PM

Quote from: PeterWithe on August 04, 2020, 09:34:23 PM

Might have missed someone else posting this but Marvelous Nakamba to Trabzonspor in Turkey is being mooted.

I am in favour of this.

Me too, especially if we tell them they have to purchase him if he plays a single minute of any of their games next season.  I wonder if the have any half decent players to swap with us?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Keeno on August 04, 2020, 10:26:56 PM

Right, lets bag Benrahma tomorrow morning then.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on August 04, 2020, 10:30:45 PM

I think Rico Henry could make the step up, if he can stay fit.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 04, 2020, 10:32:23 PM

Quote from: Newby on August 04, 2020, 10:30:45 PM

I think Rico Henry could make the step up, if he can stay fit.

He's a sha fan, should anyone be interested.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on August 04, 2020, 10:33:49 PM

Quote from: PeterWithesShin on August 04, 2020, 10:32:23 PM

Quote from: Newby on August 04, 2020, 10:30:45 PM

I think Rico Henry could make the step up, if he can stay fit.

He's a sha fan, should anyone be interested.

That's not a good thing.  Perhaps let the bitters have first dibs in that case.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on August 04, 2020, 10:34:30 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on August 04, 2020, 09:35:17 PM

Quote from: PeterWithe on August 04, 2020, 09:34:23 PM

Might have missed someone else posting this but Marvelous Nakamba to Trabzonspor in Turkey is being mooted.

I am in favour of this.

I'll pay the postage.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rory on August 04, 2020, 10:40:27 PM

Quote from: Keeno on August 04, 2020, 10:26:56 PM

Right, lets bag Benrahma tomorrow morning then.

Might just be me, but Benrahma has the N'Zogbias about him. Strikes me as a bit of a sulky wimp.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on August 04, 2020, 10:43:35 PM

Quote from: Rory Christopher on August 04, 2020, 10:40:27 PM

Quote from: Keeno on August 04, 2020, 10:26:56 PM

Right, lets bag Benrahma tomorrow morning then.

Might just be me, but Benrahma has the N'Zogbias about him. Strikes me as a bit of a sulky wimp.

Definitely the wimp.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave P on August 04, 2020, 10:45:04 PM

Benrahma has had an excellent season and plays in a position which we need. I’m still firmly in the ‘lets sign him’ camp.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave P on August 04, 2020, 10:45:24 PM

Plus he should be a bit cheaper now

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on August 04, 2020, 10:50:06 PM

Quote from: Dave P on August 04, 2020, 10:45:04 PM

Benrahma has had an excellent season and plays in a position which we need. I’m still firmly in the ‘lets sign him’ camp.

I don't get this bit either as he plays predominantly on the left, where Jack plays? 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LukeJames on August 04, 2020, 10:50:14 PM

Benrahma looks so flimsy. I know its a bit of a cliche to say he's too small for the Premier League and theres lots of examples of small players being a success up here but I just think he'd be dominated too often.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 04, 2020, 10:50:20 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on August 04, 2020, 09:35:17 PM

Quote from: PeterWithe on August 04, 2020, 09:34:23 PM

Might have missed someone else posting this but Marvelous Nakamba to Trabzonspor in Turkey is being mooted.

I am in favour of this.

On loan, they can get fucked. We gain nothing from that. No money and his value goes down. Plus I think there is something to work with. Spending lots of money on a player then getting rid again before he's even settled, having recouped fuck all money, is O'Neill personified.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 04, 2020, 10:51:59 PM

What I said in the Trez thread. He might be great but it’s hard to tell when he’s only played against Championship players. And in a game where he might have justified the hype he did next to nothing all game. Lots of farting not much shitting.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave P on August 04, 2020, 10:52:40 PM

Quote from: Newby on August 04, 2020, 10:50:06 PM

Quote from: Dave P on August 04, 2020, 10:45:04 PM

Benrahma has had an excellent season and plays in a position which we need. I’m still firmly in the ‘lets sign him’ camp.

I don't get this bit either as he plays predominantly on the left, where Jack plays? 

Jack would prefer to play more central so we could have both in the team quite comfortably

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LukeJames on August 04, 2020, 10:57:19 PM

Id much prefer Jack on the left cutting in and too get an absolute rapid winger on the right.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on August 04, 2020, 10:58:47 PM

Quote from: Dave P on August 04, 2020, 10:52:40 PM

Quote from: Newby on August 04, 2020, 10:50:06 PM

Quote from: Dave P on August 04, 2020, 10:45:04 PM

Benrahma has had an excellent season and plays in a position which we need. I’m still firmly in the ‘lets sign him’ camp.

I don't get this bit either as he plays predominantly on the left, where Jack plays? 

Jack would prefer to play more central so we could have both in the team quite comfortably

I guess so Dave but I think we can't have a midfield three with SJM, Luiz and Jack as it's too lightweight.  I appreciate it's a great debate but I'd really like us to bring in a top central midfielder to play next to Luiz and SJM and keep Jack out on the left, where he does so much damage?  Maybe we move Jack to the right and still bring in Benrahma.  We need a better squad after all.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Keeno on August 04, 2020, 11:22:20 PM

We'll get him for a really good price now, to the point where it won't be much of a 'gamble'. 

Notwithstanding tonight (where the whole XI bottled it), he's had a quality season. 27 goals in the last 2 seasons from the wide area. Offers us something that we certainly do not get from our current two main wingers, namely direct dribbling at pace, with a genuine ability to leave a defender on his arse.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 04, 2020, 11:23:08 PM

Offer them £10m and Jota.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on August 04, 2020, 11:27:51 PM

Quote from: PeterWithesShin on August 04, 2020, 11:23:08 PM

Offer them £10m and Jota.

Or £12m with Lansbury thrown in?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on August 04, 2020, 11:59:50 PM

Or 20 mil with Jota, Lansbury, Samatta, half a curly-wurly and a packet of lovehearts.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 05, 2020, 12:37:26 AM

So with Deano being there today is a double deal for Benrahma and Watkins now on the cards? Do we need to “brace” ourselves for transfer activity over the next few days?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 05, 2020, 12:53:12 AM

Wasn't he just there because he was working for Sky?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 05, 2020, 02:05:19 AM

We need 2 wingers and 2 strikers this summer if we want to progress. None of our strikers are good enough for top 10 and Wesley is half fit. If you offered me Samatta going somewhere and Watkins coming in as replacement I would bite your hand off, but we would still need an Iheanacho or Origi as first choice. Watkins can play wide too.

Benrahma is clearly a very very talented player. No reason to think he couldn't be for us. But again, I'd still want a really quick alternative, even if on loan from somewhere. Our front 3 was carried by Jack last season. I'd sooner he was feeding our front 3, certainly at home. We want to get onto mid table, 3 or 4 players need to come in the, with at least 2 being able to hit the ground running in the prem. The 5 subs thing also comes into play.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on August 05, 2020, 06:01:50 AM

Article in The Sun says...
- Offering Grealish a £100k 5 year contract
- New contracts for McGinn and Mings
- £100m available for 3 or 4 quality players
- At least one top class striker and winger on the wish-list
- Enquired about Edouard but Celtic want to keep him. Rated at £40m.
- Stlll keen on Benrahma.
- Signing Ben Chrisene from Exeter - Liverpool, Chelsea and Bayern were interested.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on August 05, 2020, 07:33:51 AM

Quote from: PeterWithesShin on August 04, 2020, 10:32:23 PM

Quote from: Newby on August 04, 2020, 10:30:45 PM

I think Rico Henry could make the step up, if he can stay fit.

He's a sha fan, should anyone be interested.

It takes all sorts! I grew up and was friends as younger kid (Junior school) with a huge Blue nose Fan, went to the games regularly with his dad, who now has quite an influential role at Villa, not that I know him now.

Rico Henry I think could make the step up and challenge Targett for the left bk role. Benhrama was poor last night but jacks been poor in show piece games we’ve had, so can’t judge him in that. I’d have him, looks more dynamic the Ghazi, and more of a footie brain than Trez.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on August 05, 2020, 08:39:25 AM

For me Watkins is a better player and more versatile.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on August 05, 2020, 08:51:58 AM

If we sign Eze from QPR it needs to be on a Sunday, with him pictured in his apartment, in a dressing gown, drinking coffee with a cat on his lap.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: DB on August 05, 2020, 09:02:22 AM

With the Shamen playing in the background

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 05, 2020, 09:15:25 AM

I heard he goes backwards and then forwards, forwards and then backwards.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Pat Mustard on August 05, 2020, 09:40:45 AM

Quote from: Clampy on August 05, 2020, 09:15:25 AM

I heard he goes backwards and then forwards, forwards and then backwards.

I just hope that if we do sign him and he doesn’t get off to a good start that the crowd don’t get on his back. He’s the kind of geezer who must never be abused.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on August 05, 2020, 09:43:33 AM

Do we know when the players are reporting back to pre-season training?  I think Dean Smith likes to get business done so new players are part of pre-season training. 

How much are we thinking Watkins and/or Benrahma are worth?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on August 05, 2020, 09:43:54 AM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on August 05, 2020, 09:40:45 AM

Quote from: Clampy on August 05, 2020, 09:15:25 AM

I heard he goes backwards and then forwards, forwards and then backwards.

I just hope that if we do sign him and he doesn’t get off to a good start that the crowd don’t get on his back. He’s the kind of geezer who must never be abused.

Christ...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Des Little on August 05, 2020, 09:45:35 AM

What a carry on

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on August 05, 2020, 09:49:52 AM

according to Leeds fans, all out targets are going there. Cnuts.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 05, 2020, 09:53:13 AM

In that case, can we announce that our targets are Jota, Lansbury and Hogan?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Des Little on August 05, 2020, 10:13:24 AM

According to Leeds fans, it's 1973. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on August 05, 2020, 10:18:19 AM

Quote from: Newby on August 05, 2020, 09:43:33 AM

Do we know when the players are reporting back to pre-season training?  I think Dean Smith likes to get business done so new players are part of pre-season training. 

How much are we thinking Watkins and/or Benrahma are worth?

£30m for the pair, they haven't turned up on the big occasions.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on August 05, 2020, 10:19:21 AM

(https://i.ibb.co/4Z9m1LN/F74774-BD-7335-4-CCD-BF22-7041-FF0-B248-E.jpg) (https://ibb.co/4Z9m1LN)

Never gets old.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 05, 2020, 10:55:21 AM

Quote from: mr underhill on August 05, 2020, 09:49:52 AM

according to Leeds fans, all out targets are going there. Cnuts.

Where they saying that?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 05, 2020, 10:58:21 AM

Quote from: Ads on August 05, 2020, 10:55:21 AM

Quote from: mr underhill on August 05, 2020, 09:49:52 AM

according to Leeds fans, all out targets are going there. Cnuts.

Where they saying that?

The caves they dwell in

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on August 05, 2020, 11:13:55 AM

various fan sites and social media all convinced Benrahma is nailed on for them.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on August 05, 2020, 11:17:14 AM

Quote from: mr underhill on August 05, 2020, 09:49:52 AM

according to Leeds fans, all out targets are going there. Cnuts.

Ah, so his agent has offered Hendrick to them, too?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 05, 2020, 11:18:50 AM

Quote from: mr underhill on August 05, 2020, 11:13:55 AM

various fan sites and social media all convinced Benrahma is nailed on for them.

They can have him. I like Benrahma but I'd also hope we're shopping for bigger fish than Championship players with zero top flight experience, especially to the tune of £30m or whatever he'd cost us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Yeltzer on August 05, 2020, 11:25:12 AM

BBC say Ollie Watkins has an £18m buy out clause now Brentford failed to get promotion

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on August 05, 2020, 11:26:37 AM

Well he'll be off somewhere then, 18m is cheap nowadays

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: DB on August 05, 2020, 11:37:38 AM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 05, 2020, 11:18:50 AM

Quote from: mr underhill on August 05, 2020, 11:13:55 AM

various fan sites and social media all convinced Benrahma is nailed on for them.

They can have him. I like Benrahma but I'd also hope we're shopping for bigger fish than Championship players with zero top flight experience, especially to the tune of £30m or whatever he'd cost us.

Agree with that. Need proven players in the prem than Championship gambles.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on August 05, 2020, 11:38:31 AM

Quote from: Yeltzer on August 05, 2020, 11:25:12 AM

BBC say Ollie Watkins has an £18m buy out clause now Brentford failed to get promotion

We should be on that like a tramp on chips.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 05, 2020, 11:40:32 AM

Watkins would be a very good signing for us, he can play both wide and down the middle, has an exceptional attitude, a bit of pace and works like a dog. For £18m he would be a bargain. Get Edouard too and it would be a massive improvement.

Benrahma I fear will be one of those that we are destined to not get.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on August 05, 2020, 11:47:47 AM

Watkins is a team player and has a football brain. I had a Brentford game on recently where a player left his position and Watkins saw it and stepped into that position. Very good for a 24 year old. I think £18m would be very good business.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on August 05, 2020, 11:51:25 AM

I'd be happy with Watkins as one of 3 signings in the front 3, add a midfielder and a left back and I'd be done with that.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OzVilla on August 05, 2020, 11:54:16 AM

Wasn’t the brief for a proven Premier League striker? Is Ollie Watkins really going to come to play as a 2nd or 3rd fiddle centre forward?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on August 05, 2020, 11:57:41 AM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 05, 2020, 09:53:13 AM

In that case, can we announce that our targets are Jota, Lansbury and Hogan?

- take a bow, Sir!! LOL

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 05, 2020, 12:08:05 PM

Watkins is an interesting one. It's a lot of money (if the £18m buy clause is true) so they have to decide if they think he could make the step up. He's had one really good goalscoring season in the Championship but so did Che Adams and Gestede. On the other side of the coin, it looks like Konsa was a good bit of business so it can work. I'd say go for it as long as he wasn't the only striker coming in.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 05, 2020, 12:11:04 PM

Quote from: Clampy on August 05, 2020, 12:08:05 PM

Watkins is an interesting one. It's a lot of money (if the £18m buy clause is true) so they have to decide if they think he could make the step up. He's had one really good goalscoring season in the Championship but so did Che Adams and Gestede. On the other side of the coin, it looks like Konsa was a good bit of business so it can work. I'd say go for it as long as he wasn't the only striker coming in.

I know - you could get two Scott Hogans for that price!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: itbrvilla on August 05, 2020, 12:11:05 PM

(https://preview.redd.it/ld6a47abvze51.jpg?width=960&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=d2926b1d5404a7ed7162d433d9648eea29c9407d)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 05, 2020, 12:12:25 PM

All seems plausible. Proper ITK is hard to find these days.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 05, 2020, 12:12:59 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 05, 2020, 12:11:04 PM

Quote from: Clampy on August 05, 2020, 12:08:05 PM

Watkins is an interesting one. It's a lot of money (if the £18m buy clause is true) so they have to decide if they think he could make the step up. He's had one really good goalscoring season in the Championship but so did Che Adams and Gestede. On the other side of the coin, it looks like Konsa was a good bit of business so it can work. I'd say go for it as long as he wasn't the only striker coming in.

I know - you could get two Scott Hogans for that price!

No, you could only get one.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on August 05, 2020, 12:19:21 PM

Quote from: OzVilla on August 05, 2020, 11:54:16 AM

Wasn’t the brief for a proven Premier League striker? Is Ollie Watkins really going to come to play as a 2nd or 3rd fiddle centre forward?

What is a "proven Premier League striker" though? We're obviously not buying Kane or Aubameyang anytime soon.

So we're either trying to buy:

(a) the main striker from a club slightly higher up than us. Wood? Maupay? Benteke? Calvert-Lewin?

(b) a reserve striker from the same. Iheanacho? Gayle? Rodriguez? Adams? Barnes?

(c) a relegated striker. Deeney? Wilson? Pukki? Mitrovic?

I reckon that any of the above are probably good for (at best) around ten league goals. And Wesley has probably shown that he's good for around ten league goals. So we're not really upgrading.

The best you can probably hope for is that a player coming back from serious injury suddenly clicks at a new club (like Ings), so that would probably be Wilson. Maybe Iheanacho suddenly thrives being the main striker at a club for the first time. But is a punt like that any more nailed on to succeed than Watkins or a £25m striker from France or Germany?

I'd argue not.

Abraham is probably the only "gettable" player that doesn't fit the above. And even then I reckon he'd be more keen to stick around for another year.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 05, 2020, 12:20:58 PM

According to Percy we will be triggering Watkins’ release clause. I think we will also sign Benrahma for a bit of a knock down price. But we need to get in another so good to see we are being linked with the Celtic lad.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 05, 2020, 12:24:57 PM

Quote from: itbrvilla on August 05, 2020, 12:11:05 PM

(https://preview.redd.it/ld6a47abvze51.jpg?width=960&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=d2926b1d5404a7ed7162d433d9648eea29c9407d)

That's the end of my laptop now, just spat coffee all over it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LukeJames on August 05, 2020, 12:24:59 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 05, 2020, 12:20:58 PM

According to Percy we will be triggering Watkins’ release clause.

Good stuff, hopefully we get it done before anybody can out bid us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Holy Trinity on August 05, 2020, 01:08:22 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 05, 2020, 12:24:57 PM

Quote from: itbrvilla on August 05, 2020, 12:11:05 PM

(https://preview.redd.it/ld6a47abvze51.jpg?width=960&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=d2926b1d5404a7ed7162d433d9648eea29c9407d)

That's the end of my laptop now, just spat coffee all over it.

This post just almost got me sent home from work. The laughter that erupted followed hy a raspy laughing cough had the h&s bloke sprinting at me with the contact less thermometer

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Duncan Shaw on August 05, 2020, 01:15:00 PM

Quote from: LukeJames on August 05, 2020, 12:24:59 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 05, 2020, 12:20:58 PM

According to Percy we will be triggering Watkins’ release clause.

Good stuff, hopefully we get it done before anybody can out bid us.

Yes it's one thing taking a punt on an expensive Brentford striker (our track record of that is second to none) but another thing altogether if we get dragged into a bidding war!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on August 05, 2020, 01:19:34 PM

Apologies if I’m being slightly obtuse, but if he has a release clause surely all interested will be bid the same then it will come down to the players personal terms?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 05, 2020, 01:22:37 PM

Would be o.k as a signing for out wide or cover for main striker. If he comes as number 1 striker I fear we're repeating mistakes of the last decade as I just don't think he's that good, certainly not from what I've seen in the last 5 games when Brentford totally bottled promotion.

He scored 26 goals last season. Pretty good. Worth remembering though that Rudy Gestede scored 22 goals for Blackburn in 14/15 season. Main concern is he dosen't really create much for himself.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Smoke on August 05, 2020, 01:23:48 PM

Quote from: WilliamStanding on August 05, 2020, 01:19:34 PM

Apologies if I’m being slightly obtuse, but if he has a release clause surely all interested will be bid the same then it will come down to the players personal terms?

[really old H&V Joke] Doesn't account for a bidding war though. [/really old H&V Joke]

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on August 05, 2020, 01:24:46 PM

 Watkins used to play out wide and scored pretty regularly. He has the advantage to us of  being able to play wide or centrally, after a very successful season as a lone striker. I rate the guy highly as I know Brian Green does!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: JJ-AV on August 05, 2020, 01:27:51 PM

I like the look of him alot. Didn't have the best games last night but tactically smart and held the ball well.

Smith knows him and at £18m looks value. Even if he completely flops you'd be able to get most of that back from a Championship side who needs someone proven at that level.

3-4 years ago Hogan, McCormack and Kodjia were going for £12m+

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on August 05, 2020, 01:31:11 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 05, 2020, 01:22:37 PM

Would be o.k as a signing for out wide or cover for main striker. If he comes as number 1 striker I fear we're repeating mistakes of the last decade as I just don't think he's that good, certainly not from what I've seen in the last 5 games when Brentford totally bottled promotion.

He scored 26 goals last season. Pretty good. Worth remembering though that Rudy Gestede scored 22 goals for Blackburn in 14/15 season. Main concern is he dosen't really create much for himself.

Rudy Gestede is the single worst centre forward I’ve ever seen down villa park, followed closely by Simon Stainrod (even though he did score a few goals).
I get the comparison or analogy, Tammy also scores 26 for us and did just ok to decent last year in a very good team. Watkins looks like he’s got far more in his locker than a Gestede, but it would be a risk if he was our main man. Depends how close they think Wesley is to bring back. If we are getting Watkins, I would like us to cut our losses on Samatta and get an older head in, Rodriguez type.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on August 05, 2020, 01:40:32 PM

The thing is I could well-imagine Tammy winking at you and putting you in a headlock if asked whether he was coming back. He does have that rogueish charm to him. Not sure about the toilet cubicle shenanigans or the McGinn bit though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: oldhill_avfc on August 05, 2020, 01:47:15 PM

Quote from: Clampy on August 05, 2020, 12:12:59 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 05, 2020, 12:11:04 PM

Quote from: Clampy on August 05, 2020, 12:08:05 PM

Watkins is an interesting one. It's a lot of money (if the £18m buy clause is true) so they have to decide if they think he could make the step up. He's had one really good goalscoring season in the Championship but so did Che Adams and Gestede. On the other side of the coin, it looks like Konsa was a good bit of business so it can work. I'd say go for it as long as he wasn't the only striker coming in.

I know - you could get two Scott Hogans for that price!

No, you could only get one.

Perhaps they're trying to start a bidding war with £18m as the starting price .................

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: oldhill_avfc on August 05, 2020, 01:51:20 PM

Quote from: Dave on August 05, 2020, 12:19:21 PM

Quote from: OzVilla on August 05, 2020, 11:54:16 AM

Wasn’t the brief for a proven Premier League striker? Is Ollie Watkins really going to come to play as a 2nd or 3rd fiddle centre forward?

What is a "proven Premier League striker" though? We're obviously not buying Kane or Aubameyang anytime soon.

So we're either trying to buy:

(a) the main striker from a club slightly higher up than us. Wood? Maupay? Benteke? Calvert-Lewin?

(b) a reserve striker from the same. Iheanacho? Gayle? Rodriguez? Adams? Barnes?

(c) a relegated striker. Deeney? Wilson? Pukki? Mitrovic?

I reckon that any of the above are probably good for (at best) around ten league goals. And Wesley has probably shown that he's good for around ten league goals. So we're not really upgrading.

The best you can probably hope for is that a player coming back from serious injury suddenly clicks at a new club (like Ings), so that would probably be Wilson. Maybe Iheanacho suddenly thrives being the main striker at a club for the first time. But is a punt like that any more nailed on to succeed than Watkins or a £25m striker from France or Germany?

I'd argue not.

Abraham is probably the only "gettable" player that doesn't fit the above. And even then I reckon he'd be more keen to stick around for another year.

I think the 20 goal a year striker is an almost mythical beast.   They don't exist - at least on the budget we can afford.

If you can get somebody at the 12-15 level you're almost guaranteed to finish upper mid table.

In terms of bang for buck we need more goals from the attacking midfielders/wide players (Jack excepted) - and more from defenders/set pieces.

So if Watkins can play wide and score it's worth a punt.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: robleflaneur on August 05, 2020, 01:54:28 PM

http://

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 05, 2020, 01:22:37 PM

Would be o.k as a signing for out wide or cover for main striker. If he comes as number 1 striker I fear we're repeating mistakes of the last decade as I just don't think he's that good, certainly not from what I've seen in the last 5 games when Brentford totally bottled promotion.

He scored 26 goals last season. Pretty good. Worth remembering though that Rudy Gestede scored 22 goals for Blackburn in 14/15 season. Main concern is he dosen't really create much for himself.

Gestede had that one prolific year at Blackburn and before and after struggles to get one in five and woeful technique.Watkins has had a good consistent goalscoring record.
Who creates something for himself apart from Messi and Ronaldo ? Kane and Abrahams don't.His goal in the play offs v Swansea was a long through ball and he used his positional sense and pace to have a long run in on goal,similar to Vardy.That he was able to score goals from the flank and then convert to a more central role,shows that he has skill,pace and intelligence and a competitive mentality to adapt to a more physical role. AEG for instance was unable to do that.As you can guess I rate him highly.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: oldhill_avfc on August 05, 2020, 01:56:28 PM

All strikers need good players around them but Kane creates a lot for himself with a brilliant first touch - he doesnt score many tap ins

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: DrGonzo on August 05, 2020, 02:22:13 PM

£18m isn't expensive.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: garyellis on August 05, 2020, 02:39:58 PM

Quote from: oldhill_avfc on August 05, 2020, 01:51:20 PM

Quote from: Dave on August 05, 2020, 12:19:21 PM

Quote from: OzVilla on August 05, 2020, 11:54:16 AM

Wasn’t the brief for a proven Premier League striker? Is Ollie Watkins really going to come to play as a 2nd or 3rd fiddle centre forward?

What is a "proven Premier League striker" though? We're obviously not buying Kane or Aubameyang anytime soon.

So we're either trying to buy:

(a) the main striker from a club slightly higher up than us. Wood? Maupay? Benteke? Calvert-Lewin?

(b) a reserve striker from the same. Iheanacho? Gayle? Rodriguez? Adams? Barnes?

(c) a relegated striker. Deeney? Wilson? Pukki? Mitrovic?

I reckon that any of the above are probably good for (at best) around ten league goals. And Wesley has probably shown that he's good for around ten league goals. So we're not really upgrading.

The best you can probably hope for is that a player coming back from serious injury suddenly clicks at a new club (like Ings), so that would probably be Wilson. Maybe Iheanacho suddenly thrives being the main striker at a club for the first time. But is a punt like that any more nailed on to succeed than Watkins or a £25m striker from France or Germany?

I'd argue not.

Abraham is probably the only "gettable" player that doesn't fit the above. And even then I reckon he'd be more keen to stick around for another year.

I think the 20 goal a year striker is an almost mythical beast.   They don't exist - at least on the budget we can afford.

If you can get somebody at the 12-15 level you're almost guaranteed to finish upper mid table.

In terms of bang for buck we need more goals from the attacking midfielders/wide players (Jack excepted) - and more from defenders/set pieces.

So if Watkins can play wide and score it's worth a punt.

This is the conundrum the only proven premier league striker I can think of that we would stand the remotest chance of landing is Tammy. After that its about buying quality not quantity and that is down to the manager and his scouting team. For what it is worth I think Watkins will make the step up. He as mobility and tenacity. He may not have had is best game last night but if anyone was going to change the game for Brentford I thought it would be him. And who knows him better than Dean Smith?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on August 05, 2020, 03:15:17 PM

It won't matter who we buy as a striker unless we supply them with a steady stream of chances.

There are some strikers who can create their own openings, but  those are pretty rare and very expensive.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on August 05, 2020, 04:21:05 PM

Quote from: Big Ming on August 05, 2020, 03:15:17 PM

It won't matter who we buy as a striker unless we supply them with a steady stream of chances.

There are some strikers who can create their own openings, but  those are pretty rare and very expensive.

We've created plenty chances though, that's the issue.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: frank black on August 05, 2020, 04:22:31 PM

Watkins is a classy footballer, make it so Villa.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gary Penrice on August 05, 2020, 04:45:15 PM

I'd be more than happy with Watkins & Edouard.....for starters!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: andyh on August 05, 2020, 05:00:02 PM

Still need to be linked with a top quality midfielder.
We can’t be continuing with SJM, Dougie and then one of Hourihane/Nakamba

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: CT on August 05, 2020, 05:00:21 PM

If Watkins has more movement than an asthmatic tortoise, then he’s an upgrade on Rudy.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on August 05, 2020, 05:51:03 PM

Quote from: andyh on August 05, 2020, 05:00:02 PM

Still need to be linked with a top quality midfielder.
We can’t be continuing with SJM, Dougie and then one of Hourihane/Nakamba

Apparently Gueye is going to leave PSG and Wolves are interested.

Bring him home-ish.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Percy McCarthy on August 05, 2020, 05:55:27 PM

Quote from: Dave on August 05, 2020, 05:51:03 PM

Quote from: andyh on August 05, 2020, 05:00:02 PM

Still need to be linked with a top quality midfielder.
We can’t be continuing with SJM, Dougie and then one of Hourihane/Nakamba

Apparently Gueye is going to leave PSG and Wolves are interested.

Bring him home-ish.

Absolutely agree. How are the others from that intake doing? The left-back and the midfielder who went to Italy?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on August 05, 2020, 06:04:02 PM

Quote from: Percy McCarthy on August 05, 2020, 05:55:27 PM

Quote from: Dave on August 05, 2020, 05:51:03 PM

Quote from: andyh on August 05, 2020, 05:00:02 PM

Still need to be linked with a top quality midfielder.
We can’t be continuing with SJM, Dougie and then one of Hourihane/Nakamba

Apparently Gueye is going to leave PSG and Wolves are interested.

Bring him home-ish.

Absolutely agree. How are the others from that intake doing? The left-back and the midfielder who went to Italy?

Veretout was really good for Fiorentina and was pretty good for Roma last season. He's just joined them permanently for €16m.

Amavi is doing fine for Marseille. Playing every game, they were second when Ligue 1 stopped.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on August 05, 2020, 06:05:45 PM

Amavi pretty much ever present for Marseille, who finished runners-up the season just gone.
Veretout played 32, scoring 6, for Roma as they finished 5th.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on August 05, 2020, 07:05:45 PM

Quote from: OzVilla on August 05, 2020, 11:54:16 AM

Wasn’t the brief for a proven Premier League striker? Is Ollie Watkins really going to come to play as a 2nd or 3rd fiddle centre forward?

Quick, direct and can play across the front three. Ticks a lot of boxes for us. If Tammy isn't gettable, Watkins would be a decent alternative. Not sure if Brentford could be mugged off to take one or more of our deadwood as part of the deal (Jota, Hogan, Lansbury come to mind).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Percy McCarthy on August 05, 2020, 07:09:57 PM

Thanks guys. I couldn’t remember their names but I remembered they were fucking good players. Shame about all the other mugs they had to play with.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aev on August 05, 2020, 07:13:08 PM

I know nobody has actually moved yet but all the talk about fees being reduced because of COVID seem wide of the mark.

Norwich looking for 20m for each of their young defenders is pretty eye watering.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: andyh on August 05, 2020, 07:17:05 PM

£20m is the new £5m.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on August 05, 2020, 07:18:28 PM

Quote from: aev on August 05, 2020, 07:13:08 PM

I know nobody has actually moved yet but all the talk about fees being reduced because of COVID seem wide of the mark.

Norwich looking for 20m for each of their young defenders is pretty eye watering.

Brighton will apparently want £35m from Leeds if they want to take 22yo Ben White permanently, but only if Dunk doesn't leave.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on August 05, 2020, 07:21:14 PM

Quote from: aev on August 05, 2020, 07:13:08 PM

I know nobody has actually moved yet but all the talk about fees being reduced because of COVID seem wide of the mark.

Norwich looking for 20m for each of their young defenders is pretty eye watering.

Not so sure. If we were to sell Konsa, I'd be disappointed with less than £20m and he has a similar background - one season in the Prem after impressing in the Championship.

Is it Aarons and Lewis they're quoting that for? Aarons has impressed me the few times I've seen him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on August 05, 2020, 07:31:40 PM

Get Abraham and Watkins and have Wesley available too, and the job is done upfront.  Trez, AEG also available on the bench. Offload Samatta.
Bring in a couple of MF (Bunedia and EZE for me) and a LB - job done.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Fred Crump on August 05, 2020, 07:39:20 PM

Quote from: Lastfootstamper on August 05, 2020, 07:18:28 PM

Quote from: aev on August 05, 2020, 07:13:08 PM

I know nobody has actually moved yet but all the talk about fees being reduced because of COVID seem wide of the mark.

Norwich looking for 20m for each of their young defenders is pretty eye watering.

Brighton will apparently want £35m from Leeds if they want to take 22yo Ben White permanently, but only if Dunk doesn't leave.

Mind you , that Ben White looks a proper player

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on August 05, 2020, 07:45:03 PM

Quote from: Mister E on August 05, 2020, 07:31:40 PM

Get Abraham and Watkins and have Wesley available too, and the job is done upfront.  Trez, AEG also available on the bench. Offload Samatta.
Bring in a couple of MF (Bunedia and EZE for me) and a LB - job done.

I'd swap one of your midfield choices for a big unit of a defensive midfielder but other than that, that would be a great transfer window.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on August 05, 2020, 09:05:35 PM

Watkins at £18m seems a no brainier.  He and Wes can duel it out for the central striker role.
That leaves £40m for a pacy right winger and another £40 for an athletic CM.

Watkins is insurance policy but the two £40m players should significantly improve the first XI.

Loans can fill the other areas where we need depth and options.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: olaftab on August 05, 2020, 09:13:32 PM

Apparently according to SSN Brentford want £25M for Watkins and same for Benrahma.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on August 05, 2020, 09:19:22 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on August 05, 2020, 07:45:03 PM

Quote from: Mister E on August 05, 2020, 07:31:40 PM

Get Abraham and Watkins and have Wesley available too, and the job is done upfront.  Trez, AEG also available on the bench. Offload Samatta.
Bring in a couple of MF (Bunedia and EZE for me) and a LB - job done.

I'd swap one of your midfield choices for a big unit of a defensive midfielder but other than that, that would be a great transfer window.

By all accounts it was a Pitarch move* so unlikely to be resurrected, but I'd chuck a two year deal at N'Zonzi.

*then again, it looks like three different regimes tried to sign Kalinic, so God knows.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 05, 2020, 09:33:57 PM

Quote from: olaftab on August 05, 2020, 09:13:32 PM

Apparently according to SSN Brentford want £25M for Watkins and same for Benrahma.

awesome a bidding war after we activate the alleged release clause of £18M

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: fredm on August 05, 2020, 09:41:53 PM

Now, allegedly, there is no release clause for Watkins.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 05, 2020, 09:57:20 PM

Quote from: fredm on August 05, 2020, 09:41:53 PM

Now, allegedly, there is no release clause for Watkins.

So we offer £18,000,001?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on August 05, 2020, 09:58:58 PM

All these prices will come down the closer the end of the transfer window. Championship clubs particularly need to balance the books with no matchday income for the foreseeable future.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on August 05, 2020, 10:31:52 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on August 05, 2020, 09:58:58 PM

All these prices will come down the closer the end of the transfer window. Championship clubs particularly need to balance the books with no matchday income for the foreseeable future.

And Brentford moving in to their new stadium, which isn't going to pay for itself.  I appreciate that Percy has said that there is no release clause for Watkins but I don't think he's worth what Brentford are asking for him and reckon we can get better value elsewhere. Especially for the supposed £25m asking price.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 05, 2020, 10:42:37 PM

If Brentford want £25m for Watkins we should offer £30m to show Watkins just how much we want him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 05, 2020, 10:49:37 PM

Offer £50 million but do it with our fingers crossed behind our backs. This will work even better if we make the offer by phone.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 05, 2020, 10:53:51 PM

If we phone them we should tell them we'll take Watkins and Benrahma for 60m, one time offer. When they say yes we laugh at them and say we didn't specify way currency and send them a cheque for 60,000,000 Burundian Francs.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: themossman on August 05, 2020, 10:57:53 PM

I love how we are simultaneously posturing about jack ‘going early or not at all’ while being convinced we can chip away at Brentford by waiting until the last day of the window!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 05, 2020, 10:58:29 PM

We need do that quick as the Burundian Franc will soon be worth more than pounds sterling, thanks to the Johnsonite Junta. Right, kids?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 05, 2020, 10:59:05 PM

Who's waiting, the Burundian Franc offer expires Friday at midday.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 05, 2020, 11:30:32 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 05, 2020, 10:49:37 PM

Offer £50 million but do it with our fingers crossed behind our backs. This will work even better if we make the offer by phone.

Offer it by fax. Always by fax.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 05, 2020, 11:33:35 PM

Quote from: Lastfootstamper on August 05, 2020, 07:18:28 PM

Quote from: aev on August 05, 2020, 07:13:08 PM

I know nobody has actually moved yet but all the talk about fees being reduced because of COVID seem wide of the mark.

Norwich looking for 20m for each of their young defenders is pretty eye watering.

Brighton will apparently want £35m from Leeds if they want to take 22yo Ben White permanently, but only if Dunk doesn't leave.

Brighton are ridiculously stacked at CB. They've also got Clarke coming back from Derby who had a good season in the championship.

Said before but I'd take Shane Duffy for 5-10m to give us that bit more experience at the back now Chester has gone.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Holte L2 on August 05, 2020, 11:48:52 PM

I've just bought Andres Iniesta and Gabriel Jesus for Villa on fifa 20.
If only

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave17 on August 06, 2020, 12:01:38 AM

Quote from: brontebilly on August 05, 2020, 09:58:58 PM

All these prices will come down the closer the end of the transfer window. Championship clubs particularly need to balance the books with no matchday income for the foreseeable future.

this applies anywhere unless we suddenly reopen 100%

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Hookeysmith on August 06, 2020, 12:08:08 AM

Equally I'd like to see some of the dross gotten rid of

Hogan
Lansbury
Taylor
Kalinic
Jota

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WALTERS WARRIORS on August 06, 2020, 12:17:04 AM

Quote from: olaftab on August 05, 2020, 09:13:32 PM

Apparently according to SSN Brentford want £25M for Watkins and same for Benrahma.

We have mostly seen flashes of Benrahma & Watkins. But having watched 90mins of them both in the play off`s i am extremely underwhelmed with particularly Benrahma. Watkins is worth a punt at 18m But the big step up to the prem i feel would be to much for Benrahma who cannot rise to the biggest game in his career. From a crowdless wembley to a full house at old trafford is a massive leap .......... 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on August 06, 2020, 12:45:31 AM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 05, 2020, 11:33:35 PM

Quote from: Lastfootstamper on August 05, 2020, 07:18:28 PM

Quote from: aev on August 05, 2020, 07:13:08 PM

I know nobody has actually moved yet but all the talk about fees being reduced because of COVID seem wide of the mark.

Norwich looking for 20m for each of their young defenders is pretty eye watering.

Brighton will apparently want £35m from Leeds if they want to take 22yo Ben White permanently, but only if Dunk doesn't leave.

Brighton are ridiculously stacked at CB. They've also got Clarke coming back from Derby who had a good season in the championship.

Said before but I'd take Shane Duffy for 5-10m to give us that bit more experience at the back now Chester has gone.

Have seen Duffy play countless times for Ireland. Wholehearted sure and a big physical presence. Last ditch blocks and goal line clearances. Like Mings in a lot of ways. Also a threat at set piece time which Mings isn't.

However, his positional sense is very average, hence the last ditch stuff. Very limited on the ball hence why he lost out at Brighton this season. Also petrified of playing a high line, likes defending from the 18 yard box. If we had gone down he would have been an ideal signing. But don't think he would fit for what Smith wants next season. Will probably go somewhere like Burnley or Newcastle and do very well for them.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ROBBO on August 06, 2020, 01:43:46 AM

I would sell AEG, we may get a decent bid from a championship side.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: robbo1874 on August 06, 2020, 04:42:03 AM

I think out of all the names mentioned in the last few pages, probably Abraham is the only one I’d be prepared to splash serious money for. Tried and tested with us in the championship, so we know what he’s all about. Backed it up with Chelsea last season in the Prem. He wouldn’t be cheap though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: frank black on August 06, 2020, 07:21:26 AM

Quote from: robbo1874 on August 06, 2020, 04:42:03 AM

I think out of all the names mentioned in the last few pages, probably Abraham is the only one I’d be prepared to splash serious money for. Tried and tested with us in the championship, so we know what he’s all about. Backed it up with Chelsea last season in the Prem. He wouldn’t be cheap though.

I hope we do better than Tammy.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on August 06, 2020, 08:03:15 AM

Seen Mings linked to Man Utd today, if that happens we should take Tuanzebe as part of the deal.

Gone quiet on the Grealish rumours so hopefully he is staying put.

Not seen much of the Celtic striker Eduard, but we seem to be linked a lot lately. Is he any good?

No to Benrahma at the touted prices, given Brentford enough money lately! Would rather Buendia who showed good form in the top division and is touted at far less cost.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 06, 2020, 08:34:38 AM

Maybe Mings has been linked to Man Utd just because Man City have just bought a centre half who looks like him. Lazy journalism again most likely.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 06, 2020, 08:44:24 AM

They're both left-sided centre-halves, of which there aren't many in the PL, and that appears to be what Yanited are in the market for

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 06, 2020, 08:45:56 AM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 06, 2020, 08:44:24 AM

Ake really looks nothing like him, however they are both left-sided centre-halves, of which there aren't many in the PL

Ok, resembles him then.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on August 06, 2020, 09:03:10 AM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on August 06, 2020, 08:03:15 AM

Seen Mings linked to Man Utd today, if that happens we should take Tuanzebe as part of the deal.

Gone quiet on the Grealish rumours so hopefully he is staying put.

Not seen much of the Celtic striker Eduard, but we seem to be linked a lot lately. Is he any good?

No to Benrahma at the touted prices, given Brentford enough money lately! Would rather Buendia who showed good form in the top division and is touted at far less cost.

Tuanzebe is injured again, again we'd get fleeced on the price. He's worth a few million tops. I seriously dislike having centre backs that are in and out of the team through injury as it disrupts the defence too much.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on August 06, 2020, 09:07:47 AM

fragile doesn't even begin to describe Axel.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Marlon From Bearwood on August 06, 2020, 09:21:11 AM

Has anyone mentioned Chris Smalling? Apparently United want £20m for him but Roma couldn’t come up with that in order to make his loan there permanent.  Would offer PL experience and quality. He has supposedly had a great year in Serie A.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on August 06, 2020, 09:36:26 AM

Quote from: frank black on August 06, 2020, 07:21:26 AM

Quote from: robbo1874 on August 06, 2020, 04:42:03 AM

I think out of all the names mentioned in the last few pages, probably Abraham is the only one I’d be prepared to splash serious money for. Tried and tested with us in the championship, so we know what he’s all about. Backed it up with Chelsea last season in the Prem. He wouldn’t be cheap though.

I hope we do better than Tammy.

I find posts like this remarkable.  Better than a 22 year old England player who scored 15 goals in the PL last year (+ 2 in Europe) and 26 goals for us in the Championship last year and will probably be worth c£50m.  You hope we do better than that Tammy?  Well so do I, but I can't see Harry Kane, Jiminez or Jesus signing for us this summer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mallo on August 06, 2020, 09:38:24 AM

Buendia would be a decent option - far better than Jota. Probably better than Hourihane as well. Smalling would be a decent signing and for £20 for an English player thats pretty reasonable. Still need a really good striker though. Ben Yedder was mentioned last year, but is he any better than Tammy?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on August 06, 2020, 09:40:47 AM

Smalling would be good option to add experience for the next couple of years, but at £20m for a 30 year old with no resale value I can't see us being at all interested.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: JD on August 06, 2020, 09:44:12 AM

Quote from: chrisw1 on August 06, 2020, 09:36:26 AM

Quote from: frank black on August 06, 2020, 07:21:26 AM

Quote from: robbo1874 on August 06, 2020, 04:42:03 AM

I think out of all the names mentioned in the last few pages, probably Abraham is the only one I’d be prepared to splash serious money for. Tried and tested with us in the championship, so we know what he’s all about. Backed it up with Chelsea last season in the Prem. He wouldn’t be cheap though.

I hope we do better than Tammy.

I find posts like this remarkable.  Better than a 22 year old England player who scored 15 goals in the PL last year (+ 2 in Europe) and 26 goals for us in the Championship last year and will probably be worth c£50m.  You hope we do better than that Tammy?  Well so do I, but I can't see Harry Kane, Jiminez or Jesus signing for us this summer.

Lets just sign Messi instead, he's probably better than Tammy.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 06, 2020, 09:50:38 AM

Smalling no, Tuanzebe no. Rubbish and always injured, respectively.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on August 06, 2020, 09:58:08 AM

Quote from: mallo on August 06, 2020, 09:38:24 AM

Buendia would be a decent option - far better than Jota. Probably better than Hourihane as well. Smalling would be a decent signing and for £20 for an English player thats pretty reasonable. Still need a really good striker though. Ben Yedder was mentioned last year, but is he any better than Tammy?

In my opinion yes he is. If all you look at is the number of goals scored then Tammy is great but as soon as you dig deeper he looks more and more like a modern day Darren Bent. There's nothing wrong with that but you have to setup the team knowing that he adds almost nothing outside the box.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 06, 2020, 10:00:14 AM

Quote from: paul_e on August 06, 2020, 09:58:08 AM

Quote from: mallo on August 06, 2020, 09:38:24 AM

Buendia would be a decent option - far better than Jota. Probably better than Hourihane as well. Smalling would be a decent signing and for £20 for an English player thats pretty reasonable. Still need a really good striker though. Ben Yedder was mentioned last year, but is he any better than Tammy?

In my opinion yes he is. If all you look at is the number of goals scored then Tammy is great but as soon as you dig deeper he looks more and more like a modern day Darren Bent. There's nothing wrong with that but you have to setup the team knowing that he adds almost nothing outside the box.

I seem to remember him getting back and defending, especially when the other side had a corner or a free kick. I don't recall anyone on here having a pop at his work rate or work outside the box whilst he was here.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Pat Mustard on August 06, 2020, 10:01:34 AM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on August 06, 2020, 08:03:15 AM

Not seen much of the Celtic striker Eduard, but we seem to be linked a lot lately. Is he any good?

From what I’ve seen of him I would make him the number one target. Big, fast, skilful, scores tonnes of goals and still only 22. He needs to be playing in one of the big leagues, and this summer is probably the last realistic chance we will have of getting him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ktvillan on August 06, 2020, 10:05:35 AM

I reckon Tammy has more to his all-round game than Bent ever did.  My concerns with him were that his first touch was often poor, and he had a habit of missing one sitter per game - even when he got 3 or 4 against Forest, he missed an easy header, probably his easiest chance of the night.  Still if he puts 2 or 3 out of 4 chances away it's not to be sniffed at.     

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on August 06, 2020, 10:09:59 AM

I'd guess 90% of Tammy's goals are scored in the 6 yard box, a place we rarely visited last season. It's a big ask to expect him to maintain his high level of goals unless we radically change.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on August 06, 2020, 10:22:59 AM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on August 06, 2020, 10:09:59 AM

I'd guess 90% of Tammy's goals are scored in the 6 yard box, a place we rarely visited last season. It's a big ask to expect him to maintain his high level of goals unless we radically change.

We managed to get the ball to visit there often enough, only there was seldom anybody at home to welcome it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dicedlam on August 06, 2020, 10:23:28 AM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 06, 2020, 08:44:24 AM

They're both left-sided centre-halves, of which there aren't many in the PL, and that appears to be what Yanited are in the market for

Maguire plays on the left of defence for Man Utd the same as where he played for Leicester. He also plays on the left for England so I don't think Mings would be a priority for them.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on August 06, 2020, 10:34:01 AM

Quote from: Clampy on August 06, 2020, 10:00:14 AM

Quote from: paul_e on August 06, 2020, 09:58:08 AM

Quote from: mallo on August 06, 2020, 09:38:24 AM

Buendia would be a decent option - far better than Jota. Probably better than Hourihane as well. Smalling would be a decent signing and for £20 for an English player thats pretty reasonable. Still need a really good striker though. Ben Yedder was mentioned last year, but is he any better than Tammy?

In my opinion yes he is. If all you look at is the number of goals scored then Tammy is great but as soon as you dig deeper he looks more and more like a modern day Darren Bent. There's nothing wrong with that but you have to setup the team knowing that he adds almost nothing outside the box.

I seem to remember him getting back and defending, especially when the other side had a corner or a free kick. I don't recall anyone on here having a pop at his work rate or work outside the box whilst he was here.

Of course no one did, he was scoring regularly. In much the same way no one criticised Bent when he was scoring 1 in 2. How many goals did he create for other people? How many did he score from outside the box or by creating his own chance by beating a defender? You also seemed to miss the bit where I said there was nothing wrong with having a player like that so long as you setup in a way that works for them.

I've said before, I'd take Tammy but not for half of our total transfer outlay, I'd rather throw the big money at a wide player who can score goals and create chances for himself and others. For example, Rashica who we've been linked with a few times looks exactly the sort of wide player we need to compliment Jack on the other side. He's supposedly going for £33m (which is about what I'd expect to spend on this sort of signing) which makes £50m on Tammy look like it would be our only other big signing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on August 06, 2020, 10:38:41 AM

The Bent comparison is accurate in so far as he often has poor touch and sometimes fails to execute pretty simple passes. No problem with his work rate or attitude at all.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 06, 2020, 10:42:31 AM

I didn't miss anything you said, I just disagree with you about his work rate. As for assists, 4 for Chelsea this season and 3 for us when he was here which is not too bad for a centre forward.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on August 06, 2020, 10:42:34 AM

Quote from: paul_e on August 06, 2020, 10:34:01 AM

Quote from: Clampy on August 06, 2020, 10:00:14 AM

Quote from: paul_e on August 06, 2020, 09:58:08 AM

Quote from: mallo on August 06, 2020, 09:38:24 AM

Buendia would be a decent option - far better than Jota. Probably better than Hourihane as well. Smalling would be a decent signing and for £20 for an English player thats pretty reasonable. Still need a really good striker though. Ben Yedder was mentioned last year, but is he any better than Tammy?

In my opinion yes he is. If all you look at is the number of goals scored then Tammy is great but as soon as you dig deeper he looks more and more like a modern day Darren Bent. There's nothing wrong with that but you have to setup the team knowing that he adds almost nothing outside the box.

I seem to remember him getting back and defending, especially when the other side had a corner or a free kick. I don't recall anyone on here having a pop at his work rate or work outside the box whilst he was here.

Of course no one did, he was scoring regularly. In much the same way no one criticised Bent when he was scoring 1 in 2. How many goals did he create for other people? How many did he score from outside the box or by creating his own chance by beating a defender? You also seemed to miss the bit where I said there was nothing wrong with having a player like that so long as you setup in a way that works for them.

I've said before, I'd take Tammy but not for half of our total transfer outlay, I'd rather throw the big money at a wide player who can score goals and create chances for himself and others. For example, Rashica who we've been linked with a few times looks exactly the sort of wide player we need to compliment Jack on the other side. He's supposedly going for £33m (which is about what I'd expect to spend on this sort of signing) which makes £50m on Tammy look like it would be our only other big signing.

Whether or not you'd take him at the fee being discussed is one thing, comparing him to Darren Bent is a nonsense though. Tammy worked his nuts off for us, and I imagine does the same for Chelsea.  In far fewer minutes played, he had 3 assists this season, which is more than Ings, Sterling and Kane and is the same number as Aubameyang.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 06, 2020, 10:45:20 AM

Quote from: dicedlam on August 06, 2020, 10:23:28 AM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 06, 2020, 08:44:24 AM

They're both left-sided centre-halves, of which there aren't many in the PL, and that appears to be what Yanited are in the market for

Maguire plays on the left of defence for Man Utd the same as where he played for Leicester. He also plays on the left for England so I don't think Mings would be a priority for them.

And he's been highly unconvincing there, which is why Yanited are dipping back in the market again.

It's been well documented that they're looking for a left-footed centre-half.

Not least because of this video, which appears to show Ole telling Nathan Ake "We need a left-footed centre-back so just keep going."

Edit: Forgot the link! https://twitter.com/Sam_Tyler16/status/1279908076620038144/video/1

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on August 06, 2020, 10:49:53 AM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 06, 2020, 08:44:24 AM

They're both left-sided centre-halves, of which there aren't many in the PL, and that appears to be what Yanited are in the market for

To the club that has just taken a bath on Alexi Sanchez (free transfer to Inter!!), we'll sell them Hause for £30m - a discount on MacGuire - if they want a left-footer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on August 06, 2020, 10:52:04 AM

And what a surprise, Baby face has not got his man despite the arrogant touch up, wanker

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on August 06, 2020, 10:55:48 AM

The thing you get with Tammy is certainty.  Certainty he'd settle in and certainty that he would get you a decent amount of goals.  Signing him (alongside keeping Jack and a couple of extras) would all but guarantee us staying up next season.

I also don't think his all round game is anywhere near as limited as suggested and nothing like Bent.

But I don't think Chelsea will sell him and if they do I don't think we will spend that sort of money on one player and if we do I don't think he would pick us above other options likely to be available to him.  But other than that he's pretty nailed on. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave P on August 06, 2020, 10:56:31 AM

In

Benrahma - £25m
Watkins - £20m
Eduard or Tammy - £40m
Aarons - £20m
Reina - Free

Out

Samatta - £8m
Engles - £8m
Elmo - £1m and lot of gratitude
Davis - Loan
Jota, Lansbury, Hogan - £6m the lot or offer to Brentford
Kalinic - £2m
Steer or Nyland - £2m

£82m net spend. Job done. Mid table.

GK - Heaton, Reina

RB - Guilbert, Aarons
CB - Mings, Konsa, Hause
LB - Targett, Taylor

DM - Luiz, Nakamba
CM - Hourihane, McGinn

AM - Grealish, Benrahma, Trez, El Ghazi

ST - Wesley, Watkins, Eduard/Tammy

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dicedlam on August 06, 2020, 10:56:45 AM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 06, 2020, 10:45:20 AM

Quote from: dicedlam on August 06, 2020, 10:23:28 AM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 06, 2020, 08:44:24 AM

They're both left-sided centre-halves, of which there aren't many in the PL, and that appears to be what Yanited are in the market for

Maguire plays on the left of defence for Man Utd the same as where he played for Leicester. He also plays on the left for England so I don't think Mings would be a priority for them.

And he's been highly unconvincing there, which is why Yanited are dipping back in the market again.

It's been well documented that they're looking for a left-footed centre-half.

Not least because of this video, which appears to show Ole telling Nathan Ake "We need a left-footed centre-back so just keep going."

Edit: Forgot the link! https://twitter.com/Sam_Tyler16/status/1279908076620038144/video/1

I just don't see them forking out another 40/50 million on what it would take to get Mings, giving a total of 120/130 million on left-sided defenders. And I certainly don't see anybody coming in for Maguire and paying a good chunk for what Yanited paid for him?

Let's see...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 06, 2020, 11:04:20 AM

Quote from: dicedlam on August 06, 2020, 10:56:45 AM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 06, 2020, 10:45:20 AM

Quote from: dicedlam on August 06, 2020, 10:23:28 AM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 06, 2020, 08:44:24 AM

They're both left-sided centre-halves, of which there aren't many in the PL, and that appears to be what Yanited are in the market for

Maguire plays on the left of defence for Man Utd the same as where he played for Leicester. He also plays on the left for England so I don't think Mings would be a priority for them.

And he's been highly unconvincing there, which is why Yanited are dipping back in the market again.

It's been well documented that they're looking for a left-footed centre-half.

Not least because of this video, which appears to show Ole telling Nathan Ake "We need a left-footed centre-back so just keep going."

Edit: Forgot the link! https://twitter.com/Sam_Tyler16/status/1279908076620038144/video/1

I just don't see them forking out another 40/50 million on what it would take to get Mings, giving a total of 120/130 million on left-sided defenders. And I certainly don't see anybody coming in for Maguire and paying a good chunk for what Yanited paid for him?

Let's see...

In a scenario where they buy Mings or another left-footed centre-half, they'd move Maguire to the right, since he's right-footed.

And I don't particularly want it to happen, but I could definitely see it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on August 06, 2020, 11:07:46 AM

Quote from: Dave P on August 06, 2020, 10:56:31 AM

In

Benrahma - £25m
Watkins - £20m
Eduard or Tammy - £40m
Aarons - £20m
Reina - Free

Out

Samatta - £8m
Engles - £8m
Elmo - £1m and lot of gratitude
Davis - Loan
Jota, Lansbury, Hogan - £6m the lot or offer to Brentford
Kalinic - £2m
Steer or Nyland - £2m

£82m net spend. Job done. Mid table.

GK - Heaton, Reina

RB - Guilbert, Aarons
CB - Mings, Konsa, Hause
LB - Targett, Taylor

DM - Luiz, Nakamba
CM - Hourihane, McGinn

AM - Grealish, Benrahma, Trez, El Ghazi

ST - Wesley, Watkins, Eduard/Tammy

I like Aarons but I think we're more in need of a left back than right.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: malckennedy on August 06, 2020, 11:08:02 AM

Quote from: Dave P on August 06, 2020, 10:56:31 AM

In

Benrahma - £25m
Watkins - £20m
Eduard or Tammy - £40m
Aarons - £20m
Reina - Free

Out

Samatta - £8m
Engles - £8m
Elmo - £1m and lot of gratitude
Davis - Loan
Jota, Lansbury, Hogan - £6m the lot or offer to Brentford
Kalinic - £2m
Steer or Nyland - £2m

£82m net spend. Job done. Mid table.

GK - Heaton, Reina

RB - Guilbert, Aarons
CB - Mings, Konsa, Hause
LB - Targett, Taylor

DM - Luiz, Nakamba
CM - Hourihane, McGinn

AM - Grealish, Benrahma, Trez, El Ghazi

ST - Wesley, Watkins, Eduard/Tammy

I hope we don’t start another season with Taylor in the squad!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on August 06, 2020, 11:09:30 AM

Quote from: Dave P on August 06, 2020, 10:56:31 AM

In
Benrahma - £25m
Watkins - £20m
Eduard or Tammy - £40m
Aarons - £20m
Reina - Free

Out
Samatta - £8m
Engles - £8m
Elmo - £1m and lot of gratitude
Davis - Loan
Jota, Lansbury, Hogan - £6m the lot or offer to Brentford
Kalinic - £2m
Steer or Nyland - £2m

£82m net spend. Job done. Mid table.

GK - Heaton, Reina
RB - Guilbert, Aarons
CB - Mings, Konsa, Hause
LB - Targett, Taylor
DM - Luiz, Nakamba
CM - Hourihane, McGinn
AM - Grealish, Benrahma, Trez, El Ghazi
ST - Wesley, Watkins, Eduard/Tammy

I don't think we'll be bringing  in Benrhama for £25m - I'd bring in Watkins as a winger / CF and look at Buendia and / or Eze for an alternative wide option (both can also cover the #10 role)
If Elmo goes, we'll be short at RB (Aarons is likely to be going to Liverpool).
You have no MF coming in?!?
I'd prefer to keep Steer and offload Reina
Selling Engels leaves us vulnerable at cover for CB and reduces the option to go 3 at the back; we'd need another CB if we offload him (unless Bridge or Revan can credibly make the transition to the first-team squad)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on August 06, 2020, 11:10:03 AM

I don't think Mings' stock will have risen sufficiently this season for him to bag a move to one of the top 6.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Duncan Shaw on August 06, 2020, 11:11:30 AM

Quote from: chrisw1 on August 06, 2020, 10:55:48 AM

The thing you get with Tammy is certainty.  Certainty he'd settle in and certainty that he would get you a decent amount of goals.  Signing him (alongside keeping Jack and a couple of extras) would all but guarantee us staying up next season.

I also don't think his all round game is anywhere near as limited as suggested and nothing like Bent.

But I don't think Chelsea will sell him and if they do I don't think we will spend that sort of money on one player and if we do I don't think he would pick us above other options likely to be available to him.  But other than that he's pretty nailed on. 

I agree with most of what you say other than the he wouldn't pick us bit.  I reckon if the rest of it fell in to place and we showed we were willing to spend big on him he would.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 06, 2020, 11:13:13 AM

I'd take Tammy and Watkins. I don't think anybody can look at Wesley, Samatta and Davis, the 6 goals they contributed in the league and not see that there needs to be drastic improvement.

Tammy is ideal for all the reasons Chris said. He knows the place, gets it and has a huge amount of credit in the bank. Somebody like Watkins, that has pace and can play right across the line, would be ideal too. He can fill in centrally or out wide. I'd then like an out and out wide player for the other position in the front 3.

We lack pace. Beyond Wesley's goal at home to Everton  I cannot think of too many runs off the shoulder and in behind that lead to goals.

I feel we really failed to penetrate the spaces beyond the opposition and couldn't counter as effectively as we'd like.

2 strikers, one being a Watkins type with pace and who can adapt, a winger and a central midfielder to upgrade on Hourihane.

If there's money left over, a right footed centre half.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on August 06, 2020, 11:18:52 AM

Quote from: Risso on August 06, 2020, 10:42:34 AM

Whether or not you'd take him at the fee being discussed is one thing, comparing him to Darren Bent is a nonsense though. Tammy worked his nuts off for us, and I imagine does the same for Chelsea.  In far fewer minutes played, he had 3 assists this season, which is more than Ings, Sterling and Kane and is the same number as Aubameyang.

No it really isn't, to get the best out of Bent you had to build your attack around getting the ball to him in the penalty area without expecting much involvement from him in the build up. To get the best out of Tammy you need to do the same, he is a better player than Bent but the impact on how you setup the team is the same, which is why it's a perfectly reasonable comparison.

3 assists -
1 is a counter-attack where he plays a 10 yard pass to asn unmarked Willian who beats a defender and curls into the bottom corner. I'd expect any professional footballer to be able to see and play that pass.
2 is a shot that is going slightly wide and gets tapped in from less than a yard out.
3 was a chest down (against us) that may or may not have been intended as a pass.

You can find videos showing all of this and you'll also notice that all but 1-2 of his goals are 1-2 touch finishes from around the 6 yard box.

This isn't me questioning his work rate or value to a team, it's me pointing out that almost everything good about his game happens in the opposition penalty area, that's not a bad thing but when you'd be spending half of your summer budget on him it needs to be sure that he's the right fit and, given how we've played in the last year, I'm not sure he is and importantly signing him wouldn't change our ability to play higher up the pitch which we'd need to do to create the chances he needs.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on August 06, 2020, 11:20:55 AM

The following I don’t want anywhere near our squad stinking the place out

Davis
Taylor
Jota
Landsbury

The rest of the squad I’m kind of ambivalent about just lose the above and any additions will improve us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 06, 2020, 11:22:15 AM

I respectfully disagree with all that Paul. I think he'd be a very good fit for us, mainly for the reasons Ads has mentioned.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on August 06, 2020, 11:22:43 AM

it's generally accepted that we have a long standing interest in Benrahma and to an extent Watkins so why delay? We know what Brentford want and i'm sure we know what they will accept. If dean's as keen as people say get on with it. if we rate them that highly i'd hate to miss out to Leeds Palace or Sheffield United.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: fbriai on August 06, 2020, 11:24:45 AM

Quote from: Ads on August 06, 2020, 11:13:13 AM

I'd take Tammy and Watkins. I don't think anybody can look at Wesley, Samatta and Davis, the 6 goals they contributed in the league and not see that there needs to be drastic improvement.

Tammy is ideal for all the reasons Chris said. He knows the place, gets it and has a huge amount of credit in the bank. Somebody like Watkins, that has pace and can play right across the line, would be ideal too. He can fill in centrally or out wide. I'd then like an out and out wide player for the other position in the front 3.

We lack pace. Beyond Wesley's goal at home to Everton  I cannot think of too many runs off the shoulder and in behind that lead to goals.

I feel we really failed to penetrate the spaces beyond the opposition and couldn't counter as effectively as we'd like.

2 strikers, one being a Watkins type with pace and who can adapt, a winger and a central midfielder to upgrade on Hourihane.

If there's money left over, a right footed centre half.

I agree with all of that, Ads.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 06, 2020, 11:25:27 AM

Quote from: mr underhill on August 06, 2020, 11:22:43 AM

it's generally accepted that we have a long standing interest in Benrahma and to an extent Watkins so why delay? We know what Brentford want and i'm sure we know what they will accept. If dean's as keen as people say get on with it. if we rate them that highly i'd hate to miss out to Leeds Palace or Sheffield United.

Brentford only finished their season two days ago. It's not exactly a delay.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on August 06, 2020, 11:31:00 AM

Quote from: mr underhill on August 06, 2020, 11:22:43 AM

it's generally accepted that we have a long standing interest in Benrahma and to an extent Watkins so why delay? We know what Brentford want and i'm sure we know what they will accept. If dean's as keen as people say get on with it. if we rate them that highly i'd hate to miss out to Leeds Palace or Sheffield United.

Brentford wanted much more for Maupay from us than for what they eventually sold him for.  They can afford to play the waiting game and will squeeze every penny they can.  Rightly so, I'd expect us to do the same if we were in their position.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on August 06, 2020, 11:32:42 AM

As other people are doing wishlists:

wide player with pace
box-to-box midfielder
utility forward who covers all across the front 3
striker
left back

In that order.

I understand why people are prioritising forwards but for me it's more important to upgrade on Trez and Hourihane first and then my next signing would be someone who can fit into our team alongside Wesley (when he's fit) rather than replace him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 06, 2020, 11:34:30 AM

Looking back over the past few pages, perhaps someone could tell me when, exactly, we became so good that signing Tammy Abraham would even be an argument?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on August 06, 2020, 11:37:16 AM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 06, 2020, 11:34:30 AM

Looking back over the past few pages, perhaps someone could tell me when, exactly, we became so good that signing Tammy Abraham would even be an argument?

Probably at the same time that Tammy turned into the second coming of Darren Bent.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on August 06, 2020, 11:37:25 AM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 06, 2020, 11:34:30 AM

Looking back over the past few pages, perhaps someone could tell me when, exactly, we became so good that signing Tammy Abraham would even be an argument?

It's going to be an argument every window until we either sign him or he retires, regardless of whether he's the right player in that window. Just like re-signing Milner and Barry was for years.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 06, 2020, 11:45:32 AM

I can see why it's been brought up. We've just stayed up and we have pretty rich owners. I think it's also because Chelsea are said to be signing two forwards. Besides, a lot of people did speculate that they might have sold him had it not been for Chelsea's transfer ban.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villan82 on August 06, 2020, 11:49:24 AM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 06, 2020, 11:34:30 AM

Looking back over the past few pages, perhaps someone could tell me when, exactly, we became so good that signing Tammy Abraham would even be an argument?

Honestly, we just finished 17th...I cannot understand it. Some would turn their noses up at Messi.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 06, 2020, 11:50:12 AM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 06, 2020, 11:34:30 AM

Looking back over the past few pages, perhaps someone could tell me when, exactly, we became so good that signing Tammy Abraham would even be an argument?

Quite.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on August 06, 2020, 11:52:01 AM

I've never really bought the 'yes he scores but that's all he does' argument, about anyone.  When you look at our current 'strike force' we're certainly not in a position to turn our noses up at anyone with a strike rate similar to Tammy's.  So I'd be happy to see him here but I kind of take paul's point: just because he's played for us before doesn't mean Tammy is necessarily the very best option.  That should be a minor factor; I've never understood what 'he gets the club' means.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on August 06, 2020, 11:53:40 AM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 06, 2020, 11:34:30 AM

Looking back over the past few pages, perhaps someone could tell me when, exactly, we became so good that signing Tammy Abraham would even be an argument?

This 100% - and apparently Davis is good enough to warrant a squad place because he can hold a ball up when he’s 16 stone of muscle.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on August 06, 2020, 11:53:40 AM

The Benrahma thing, are we the only interested party? Is it a real thing, or something that only exists in our H&V collective consciousness?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on August 06, 2020, 11:57:03 AM

I can completely see what paul means. That doesn't mean I think we're bigger than Tammy, I just don't rate him as highly to spend the sort of money we would need to spend to get him. I think people are too confident about him guaranteeing goals. Guaranteeing us goals in the championship and for a prem team like Chelsea is different to a struggling prem team. I do see him as a tap in merchant and it's easier to create multiple tap in chances in the big teams. The type of player like Sterling wouldn't score many if he dropped to us. Maybe we'll buy players on top of that where we'll create those sort of chances regularly, who knows? But at this moment I can see what Paul means.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on August 06, 2020, 11:57:13 AM

Chelsea were being linked with him a while ago.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on August 06, 2020, 12:00:13 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on August 06, 2020, 11:52:01 AM

I've never really bought the 'yes he scores but that's all he does' argument, about anyone.  When you look at our current 'strike force' we're certainly not in a position to turn our noses up at anyone with a strike rate similar to Tammy's.  So I'd be happy to see him here but I kind of take paul's point: just because he's played for us before doesn't mean Tammy is necessarily the very best option.  That should be a minor factor; I've never understood what 'he gets the club' means.

Well the key thing is it's not a gamble as we'd know what we're getting and know he would settle in.  You can't guarantee that with any player from outside the PL and even other PL players may not settle in the area, squad etc.  He's as close to a sure thing as you can get.  Whether that is worth paying a £10-20m premium for is the big question (assuming Chelsea would sell him etc etc).  For me, signing a 22 year old player who would hopefully all but guarantee surviving another year would be worth going the extra mile for.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on August 06, 2020, 12:13:35 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on August 06, 2020, 11:52:01 AM

I've never really bought the 'yes he scores but that's all he does' argument, about anyone.  When you look at our current 'strike force' we're certainly not in a position to turn our noses up at anyone with a strike rate similar to Tammy's.  So I'd be happy to see him here but I kind of take paul's point: just because he's played for us before doesn't mean Tammy is necessarily the very best option.  That should be a minor factor; I've never understood what 'he gets the club' means.

It's more best use of the money we have than individually the best option. Signing Tammy for ~£50m means the same left for all the other signings we need and I don't think he'd have enough of an impact on us to be worth lowering the bar elsewhere. I'd be looking at £60-70m of the money we have on a wide player and a midfielder and then see what we can do with rest once they're sorted.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on August 06, 2020, 12:25:11 PM

I think we have enough players in our squad to chip in with their fair share of goals but we do need an out and out striker like Tammy Abraham. I also think we have enough creative players like Jack and SJM to supply him with chances.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithe on August 06, 2020, 12:25:52 PM

I can see both arguments. I would love to re-sign Tammy, I remember being particularly impressed when he gave Kodja and Bolasie a right round of fucks for not joining in when he was pressing the opposition defence, great work rate and eye for goal.

On the other hand, if all our midfield and wingers were getting a decent quota of goals, playing with a version of Keinan Davis allows you to get more players up in and around him as he holds it, even if he isnt weighing in with the amount of goals you'd want from a striker. You get them elsewhere.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: FatSam on August 06, 2020, 12:27:06 PM

Saw someone provocatively suggest Gareth Bale somewhere else. Not actually that bad a shout if you ignore the issues of our perceived status, and his wages. We’re pretty much the closest EPL team to Cardiff...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on August 06, 2020, 12:38:44 PM

Quote from: FatSam on August 06, 2020, 12:27:06 PM

Saw someone provocatively suggest Gareth Bale somewhere else. Not actually that bad a shout if you ignore the issues of our perceived status, and his wages. We’re pretty much the closest EPL team to Cardiff...

I've got no time for a player who already rich beyond anybody's wildest dreams would rather piss away the final years of their career than take a pay cut to a level that would still be so much they'd struggle to spend it.  I just don't get it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: JJ-AV on August 06, 2020, 12:38:55 PM

Tammy's potentially a 15-20 goal striker for the next 10 years. £40m+ might seem a lot now but it might seem a snip in 5 years.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithe on August 06, 2020, 12:42:36 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on August 06, 2020, 12:38:44 PM

Quote from: FatSam on August 06, 2020, 12:27:06 PM

Saw someone provocatively suggest Gareth Bale somewhere else. Not actually that bad a shout if you ignore the issues of our perceived status, and his wages. We’re pretty much the closest EPL team to Cardiff...

I've got no time for a player who already rich beyond anybody's wildest dreams would rather piss away the final years of their career than take a pay cut to a level that would still be so much they'd struggle to spend it.  I just don't get it.

I guess that he's one of those players to whom its just a job, the pay is the most important thing.

A truly magnificent player but I wouldnt touch with a barge pole.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: four fornicholl on August 06, 2020, 12:48:16 PM

Come on Villa show us we mean business and make a signing!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 06, 2020, 12:51:58 PM

More than one newspaper is reporting on the one hand that Ollie Watkins has an £18m release clause but on the other that Brentford are determined to receive £25m for him.  I told you we should’ve started a bidding war for Delph that time.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 06, 2020, 12:54:11 PM

Quote from: paul_e on August 06, 2020, 12:13:35 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on August 06, 2020, 11:52:01 AM

I've never really bought the 'yes he scores but that's all he does' argument, about anyone.  When you look at our current 'strike force' we're certainly not in a position to turn our noses up at anyone with a strike rate similar to Tammy's.  So I'd be happy to see him here but I kind of take paul's point: just because he's played for us before doesn't mean Tammy is necessarily the very best option.  That should be a minor factor; I've never understood what 'he gets the club' means.

It's more best use of the money we have than individually the best option. Signing Tammy for ~£50m means the same left for all the other signings we need and I don't think he'd have enough of an impact on us to be worth lowering the bar elsewhere. I'd be looking at £60-70m of the money we have on a wide player and a midfielder and then see what we can do with rest once they're sorted.

Look at all the places where we need strengthening - a striker, wide player, midfielder, central defence, left-back. Now, think how much difference a better player in any one of those positions would have made us last season. How much earlier would we have been safe if we'd got a different player alongside Tyrone Mings - maybe two games? A more physical presence in midfield - very likely the same. A striker who could have got us even twelve goals - pretty much as soon as we started up again. That's the impact he'd have had, and that's why we should be signing the best goalscorer we can, then seeing how much we've got left for the other replacements.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: garyellis on August 06, 2020, 12:59:15 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 06, 2020, 12:54:11 PM

Quote from: paul_e on August 06, 2020, 12:13:35 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on August 06, 2020, 11:52:01 AM

I've never really bought the 'yes he scores but that's all he does' argument, about anyone.  When you look at our current 'strike force' we're certainly not in a position to turn our noses up at anyone with a strike rate similar to Tammy's.  So I'd be happy to see him here but I kind of take paul's point: just because he's played for us before doesn't mean Tammy is necessarily the very best option.  That should be a minor factor; I've never understood what 'he gets the club' means.

It's more best use of the money we have than individually the best option. Signing Tammy for ~£50m means the same left for all the other signings we need and I don't think he'd have enough of an impact on us to be worth lowering the bar elsewhere. I'd be looking at £60-70m of the money we have on a wide player and a midfielder and then see what we can do with rest once they're sorted.

Look at all the places where we need strengthening - a striker, wide player, midfielder, central defence, left-back. Now, think how much difference a better player in any one of those positions would have made us last season. How much earlier would we have been safe if we'd got a different player alongside Tyrone Mings - maybe two games? A more physical presence in midfield - very likely the same. A striker who could have got us even twelve goals - pretty much as soon as we started up again. That's the impact he'd have had, and that's why we should be signing the best goalscorer we can, then seeing how much we've got left for the other replacements.

When we were in the deep messy stuff just before lockdown I can remembr thinking to myself how daft I was for even contemplating last summer that we could do better than Tammy if he went back to Chelsea. If he is available then we should get him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on August 06, 2020, 01:00:19 PM

I don't recall Gary Lineker doing much in his career apart from scoring goals and usually from close range as opposed to goal of the season contenders. But he scored plenty of goals for a struggling Leicester side for a few years as well as better sides like Everton, Barcelona, Spurs and England.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 06, 2020, 01:01:49 PM

Remember how excited we were when we thought he was going to come to Villa.  Can’t remember whether it was from Leicester or Barca.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 06, 2020, 01:04:02 PM

Paul talks about his all round game but the kid is still only 22. That side of his game can progress as he gets older. I can't think of too many 22 year old's that have already scored 68 career goals.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 06, 2020, 01:10:25 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 06, 2020, 01:01:49 PM

Remember how excited we were when we thought he was going to come to Villa.  Can’t remember whether it was from Leicester or Barca.

There was talk around about 1989 when he left Barca. There was always talk of megastar signings when you know who was around. If we'd signed him it would have blown our transfer budget for the next two seasons, apparently.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 06, 2020, 01:13:20 PM

Quote from: paul_e on August 06, 2020, 12:13:35 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on August 06, 2020, 11:52:01 AM

I've never really bought the 'yes he scores but that's all he does' argument, about anyone.  When you look at our current 'strike force' we're certainly not in a position to turn our noses up at anyone with a strike rate similar to Tammy's.  So I'd be happy to see him here but I kind of take paul's point: just because he's played for us before doesn't mean Tammy is necessarily the very best option.  That should be a minor factor; I've never understood what 'he gets the club' means.

It's more best use of the money we have than individually the best option. Signing Tammy for ~£50m means the same left for all the other signings we need and I don't think he'd have enough of an impact on us to be worth lowering the bar elsewhere. I'd be looking at £60-70m of the money we have on a wide player and a midfielder and then see what we can do with rest once they're sorted.

Nah. Centre forward has to be top priority by an absolute mile. To get one good enough at this level you have to spend about fifty million quid. If we mean business, that's what we should be doing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 06, 2020, 01:16:13 PM

Good news - no 5 sub rule next season

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on August 06, 2020, 01:17:41 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 06, 2020, 01:10:25 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 06, 2020, 01:01:49 PM

Remember how excited we were when we thought he was going to come to Villa.  Can’t remember whether it was from Leicester or Barca.

There was talk around about 1989 when he left Barca. There was always talk of megastar signings when you know who was around. If we'd signed him it would have blown our transfer budget for the next two seasons, apparently.

The way it turned out at Spurs it would seem that the signings of Gascoigne in 1988 and 'The Boy Lineacre' in 1989 blew their budget too and nearly bankrupted the club.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 06, 2020, 01:19:39 PM

Quote from: Damo70 on August 06, 2020, 01:17:41 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 06, 2020, 01:10:25 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 06, 2020, 01:01:49 PM

Remember how excited we were when we thought he was going to come to Villa.  Can’t remember whether it was from Leicester or Barca.

There was talk around about 1989 when he left Barca. There was always talk of megastar signings when you know who was around. If we'd signed him it would have blown our transfer budget for the next two seasons, apparently.

The way it turned out at Spurs it would seem that the signings of Gascoigne in 1988 and 'The Boy Lineacre' in 1989 blew their budget too and nearly bankrupted the club.

What did for them as well was building a big stand and losing money on business ventures.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithe on August 06, 2020, 01:21:37 PM

Always seemed to be around ST renewal time as well.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mallo on August 06, 2020, 01:27:30 PM

I'd be happy with 1 defender, 1 midfielder and then splash big on striker and wide player. The wide player would be an outlet who was quick, can beat a man and keep the ball. This would mean we wouldn't rely on Jack so much and we would stretch defences more. Nice -Sarr, more likely - Brookes.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on August 06, 2020, 01:27:57 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 06, 2020, 01:16:13 PM

Good news - no 5 sub rule next season

I did think they'd bin it off now, but it won't be for long. I think it'll be used in the Euros next year, and then it'll creep in everywhere, starting in the Europa & CL, then it'll be ubiquitous in time for everybody to get used to it by the time we get to Qatar.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: DesBremner on August 06, 2020, 01:29:06 PM

Quote from: PeterWithe on August 06, 2020, 01:21:37 PM

Always seemed to be around ST renewal time as well.

And followed up with a player either returning from injury or signing a new contract with the phrase  "It's like signing a new player"

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: oldhill_avfc on August 06, 2020, 01:30:39 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 06, 2020, 12:54:11 PM

Quote from: paul_e on August 06, 2020, 12:13:35 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on August 06, 2020, 11:52:01 AM

I've never really bought the 'yes he scores but that's all he does' argument, about anyone.  When you look at our current 'strike force' we're certainly not in a position to turn our noses up at anyone with a strike rate similar to Tammy's.  So I'd be happy to see him here but I kind of take paul's point: just because he's played for us before doesn't mean Tammy is necessarily the very best option.  That should be a minor factor; I've never understood what 'he gets the club' means.

It's more best use of the money we have than individually the best option. Signing Tammy for ~£50m means the same left for all the other signings we need and I don't think he'd have enough of an impact on us to be worth lowering the bar elsewhere. I'd be looking at £60-70m of the money we have on a wide player and a midfielder and then see what we can do with rest once they're sorted.

Look at all the places where we need strengthening - a striker, wide player, midfielder, central defence, left-back. Now, think how much difference a better player in any one of those positions would have made us last season. How much earlier would we have been safe if we'd got a different player alongside Tyrone Mings - maybe two games? A more physical presence in midfield - very likely the same. A striker who could have got us even twelve goals - pretty much as soon as we started up again. That's the impact he'd have had, and that's why we should be signing the best goalscorer we can, then seeing how much we've got left for the other replacements.

Absolutely agree with the approach of investing in areas that would bring the most improvement.  I'd put a goalscorer and a quality right sided attacking midfielder who got pace as equal priorities.  An improvement in being able to quickly counter attack away from home is essential if  we're to pick up points, especially against the lower/mid table teams, away from home.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Smithy on August 06, 2020, 01:31:53 PM

Quote from: Lastfootstamper on August 06, 2020, 01:27:57 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 06, 2020, 01:16:13 PM

Good news - no 5 sub rule next season

I did think they'd bin it off now, but it won't be for long. I think it'll be used in the Euros next year, and then it'll creep in everywhere, starting in the Europa & CL, then it'll be ubiquitous in time for everybody to get used to it by the time we get to Qatar.

Maybe, but it did seem like it was a measure brought in only to help teams who don't normally play so many league games so close together and in the middle of summer.  I suspected it would carry over into next season, given the advantage it gives the bigger/richer squads, and I'm delighted it hasn't.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on August 06, 2020, 01:33:56 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 06, 2020, 12:54:11 PM

Quote from: paul_e on August 06, 2020, 12:13:35 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on August 06, 2020, 11:52:01 AM

I've never really bought the 'yes he scores but that's all he does' argument, about anyone.  When you look at our current 'strike force' we're certainly not in a position to turn our noses up at anyone with a strike rate similar to Tammy's.  So I'd be happy to see him here but I kind of take paul's point: just because he's played for us before doesn't mean Tammy is necessarily the very best option.  That should be a minor factor; I've never understood what 'he gets the club' means.

It's more best use of the money we have than individually the best option. Signing Tammy for ~£50m means the same left for all the other signings we need and I don't think he'd have enough of an impact on us to be worth lowering the bar elsewhere. I'd be looking at £60-70m of the money we have on a wide player and a midfielder and then see what we can do with rest once they're sorted.

Look at all the places where we need strengthening - a striker, wide player, midfielder, central defence, left-back. Now, think how much difference a better player in any one of those positions would have made us last season. How much earlier would we have been safe if we'd got a different player alongside Tyrone Mings - maybe two games? A more physical presence in midfield - very likely the same. A striker who could have got us even twelve goals - pretty much as soon as we started up again. That's the impact he'd have had, and that's why we should be signing the best goalscorer we can, then seeing how much we've got left for the other replacements.

Said this a few times but I think we had two types of failings last year - players who just aren't up to it at this level was one, not enough experience was another.

I think if we have had a Petrov or a Milner in the side last year we'd have done infinitely better.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on August 06, 2020, 01:34:32 PM

Quote from: Damo70 on August 06, 2020, 01:00:19 PM

I don't recall Gary Lineker doing much in his career apart from scoring goals and usually from close range as opposed to goal of the season contenders. But he scored plenty of goals for a struggling Leicester side for a few years as well as better sides like Everton, Barcelona, Spurs and England.

He never, ever scored a goal from outside the box.  Sad, but true.    I don't think we have a problem getting the ball into the box, especially with Jack playing.  Having someone 'come alive' in the box and cause problems is something. we have lacked all season, although a few of Wesley's goals were tap ins to be fair.  We need someone who troubles defenders with movement in the box.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Hookeysmith on August 06, 2020, 01:40:03 PM

Ive taken a look at the YT clips of that Edouard at Celtic - Jesus the standard is shocking in defending. Talk of £40m for him is incredible and i genuinely think a fit Wesley would score as many in that league. Tammy even more!

I cannot see anyone taking Samatta, Jota, Lansbury (wages i would imagine) or even Hogan so our incoming may be smaller than hoped.

When do we have to announce the 25man squad?
Are we actually having a pre season round of games?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on August 06, 2020, 01:42:29 PM

Quote from: Hookeysmith on August 06, 2020, 01:40:03 PM

Ive taken a look at the YT clips of that Edouard at Celtic - Jesus the standard is shocking in defending. Talk of £40m for him is incredible and i genuinely think a fit Wesley would score as many in that league. Tammy even more!

I cannot see anyone taking Samatta, Jota, Lansbury (wages i would imagine) or even Hogan so our incoming may be smaller than hoped.

When do we have to announce the 25man squad?
Are we actually having a pre season round of games?

You can only announce the final 25 once the transfer window has closed, so I would imagine around October 5th? 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 06, 2020, 01:45:35 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on August 06, 2020, 11:52:01 AM

I've never really bought the 'yes he scores but that's all he does' argument, about anyone.  When you look at our current 'strike force' we're certainly not in a position to turn our noses up at anyone with a strike rate similar to Tammy's.  So I'd be happy to see him here but I kind of take paul's point: just because he's played for us before doesn't mean Tammy is necessarily the very best option.  That should be a minor factor; I've never understood what 'he gets the club' means.

Once we sold Young and Downing I think Bent became a bit of a burden to our game. Could still pop up with goals but he also had many away games when he'd touch the ball about 8 times so our counter attack was non-existant.

People thought Lambert was crazy in early 2012 when he dropped him to the bench and started Benteke but within six months that decision was paying off amazingly well so a rare thing Lambert got right.

That said I agree with people that Tammy would be a fantastic signing. Still only 22 and knows the club well and could certainly fire us into the top half. With respect he's levels above Ollie Watkins in that he could come back and hit the ground running.

Let's be honest our striker recruitment has been abysmal since 2011 bar Benteke and Kodj for half a season so we're one of the last top flight clubs that should be just dismissing signing an England international and top 10 premier league scorer last season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on August 06, 2020, 01:51:20 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 06, 2020, 12:54:11 PM

Quote from: paul_e on August 06, 2020, 12:13:35 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on August 06, 2020, 11:52:01 AM

I've never really bought the 'yes he scores but that's all he does' argument, about anyone.  When you look at our current 'strike force' we're certainly not in a position to turn our noses up at anyone with a strike rate similar to Tammy's.  So I'd be happy to see him here but I kind of take paul's point: just because he's played for us before doesn't mean Tammy is necessarily the very best option.  That should be a minor factor; I've never understood what 'he gets the club' means.

It's more best use of the money we have than individually the best option. Signing Tammy for ~£50m means the same left for all the other signings we need and I don't think he'd have enough of an impact on us to be worth lowering the bar elsewhere. I'd be looking at £60-70m of the money we have on a wide player and a midfielder and then see what we can do with rest once they're sorted.

Look at all the places where we need strengthening - a striker, wide player, midfielder, central defence, left-back. Now, think how much difference a better player in any one of those positions would have made us last season. How much earlier would we have been safe if we'd got a different player alongside Tyrone Mings - maybe two games? A more physical presence in midfield - very likely the same. A striker who could have got us even twelve goals - pretty much as soon as we started up again. That's the impact he'd have had, and that's why we should be signing the best goalscorer we can, then seeing how much we've got left for the other replacements.

Look at the difference Ings made to Southampton as proof of your point.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on August 06, 2020, 01:52:52 PM

Quote from: Lastfootstamper on August 06, 2020, 11:53:40 AM

The Benrahma thing, are we the only interested party? Is it a real thing, or something that only exists in our H&V collective consciousness?

CP and WHU are apparently also after him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy65 on August 06, 2020, 01:53:38 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 06, 2020, 01:45:35 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on August 06, 2020, 11:52:01 AM

I've never really bought the 'yes he scores but that's all he does' argument, about anyone.  When you look at our current 'strike force' we're certainly not in a position to turn our noses up at anyone with a strike rate similar to Tammy's.  So I'd be happy to see him here but I kind of take paul's point: just because he's played for us before doesn't mean Tammy is necessarily the very best option.  That should be a minor factor; I've never understood what 'he gets the club' means.

Once we sold Young and Downing I think Bent became a bit of a burden to our game. Could still pop up with goals but he also had many away games when he'd touch the ball about 8 times so our counter attack was non-existant.

People thought Lambert was crazy in early 2012 when he dropped him to the bench and started Benteke but within six months that decision was paying off amazingly well so a rare thing Lambert got right.

That said I agree with people that Tammy would be a fantastic signing. Still only 22 and knows the club well and could certainly fire us into the top half. With respect he's levels above Ollie Watkins in that he could come back and hit the ground running.

Let's be honest our striker recruitment has been abysmal since 2011 bar Benteke and Kodj for half a season so we're one of the last top flight clubs that should be just dismissing signing an England international and top 10 premier league scorer last season.

I doubt Tammy would come. He has CL footy to look forward to in a very crowded calendar next season. If he were to leave he would get better offers than us imo. That said I would be delighted if we signed him

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on August 06, 2020, 02:00:21 PM

Watkins should be the quick wide player because of his pace and versatility (and goal instincts). Tammy would be great but my gut-feel is that he'll end up with the YamYams.
If not Tammy, we may have to go abroad for a up-and-coming / proven striker.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: andyh on August 06, 2020, 02:01:06 PM

When looking at or thinking about the bloke from Celtic remember one Scott Sinclair who scored a million goals up there but was actually shit down here.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 06, 2020, 02:01:45 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 06, 2020, 01:10:25 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 06, 2020, 01:01:49 PM

Remember how excited we were when we thought he was going to come to Villa.  Can’t remember whether it was from Leicester or Barca.

There was talk around about 1989 when he left Barca. There was always talk of megastar signings when you know who was around. If we'd signed him it would have blown our transfer budget for the next two seasons, apparently.

Laughable that was.  Remember ten years later ‘why don’t you sign both Boateng AND Keane.’ Until it came to an extra £500k that is.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on August 06, 2020, 02:01:58 PM

Tammy would be a huge coup for us given we are not yet established in the Premier Division, have a relative rookie as a Manager and have only just survived a relegation battle.  Therefore, we have to pick our targets carefully and hope we are able to persuade them to come to Villa, when they might prefer to go to Crystal Palace or West Ham, even though they are both wank.  We can be as optimistic as we want but I suspect that we may have to add relegated players, Bosman's, loans or up and comings.  All of that is absolutely fine.  Therefore, Divock Origi may actually turn out to be a useful signing for where we are at this point in our journey.  Signing Tammy, which I suspect is beyond us, would be amazing and I really hope it happens.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on August 06, 2020, 02:05:28 PM

Quote from: andyh on August 06, 2020, 02:01:06 PM

When looking at or thinking about the bloke from Celtic remember one Scott Sinclair who scored a million goals up there but was actually shit down here.

Or just for balance Moussa Dembele who Eduoard replaced with similar strengths, who scored a million goals up there and is now scoring at the same rate for Lyon.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on August 06, 2020, 02:07:52 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 06, 2020, 12:54:11 PM

Quote from: paul_e on August 06, 2020, 12:13:35 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on August 06, 2020, 11:52:01 AM

I've never really bought the 'yes he scores but that's all he does' argument, about anyone.  When you look at our current 'strike force' we're certainly not in a position to turn our noses up at anyone with a strike rate similar to Tammy's.  So I'd be happy to see him here but I kind of take paul's point: just because he's played for us before doesn't mean Tammy is necessarily the very best option.  That should be a minor factor; I've never understood what 'he gets the club' means.

It's more best use of the money we have than individually the best option. Signing Tammy for ~£50m means the same left for all the other signings we need and I don't think he'd have enough of an impact on us to be worth lowering the bar elsewhere. I'd be looking at £60-70m of the money we have on a wide player and a midfielder and then see what we can do with rest once they're sorted.

Look at all the places where we need strengthening - a striker, wide player, midfielder, central defence, left-back. Now, think how much difference a better player in any one of those positions would have made us last season. How much earlier would we have been safe if we'd got a different player alongside Tyrone Mings - maybe two games? A more physical presence in midfield - very likely the same. A striker who could have got us even twelve goals - pretty much as soon as we started up again. That's the impact he'd have had, and that's why we should be signing the best goalscorer we can, then seeing how much we've got left for the other replacements.

exactly.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: andyh on August 06, 2020, 02:10:09 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on August 06, 2020, 02:05:28 PM

Quote from: andyh on August 06, 2020, 02:01:06 PM

When looking at or thinking about the bloke from Celtic remember one Scott Sinclair who scored a million goals up there but was actually shit down here.

Or just for balance Moussa Dembele who Eduoard replaced with similar strengths, who scored a million goals up there and is now scoring at the same rate for Lyon.

Isn’t the French league like the Scottish one? 😉

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Hookeysmith on August 06, 2020, 02:10:44 PM

When we were seemingly flying under MON in that 2nd season with pace and aggression and were creating chance after chance we should of bought Bent then  but instead he bought Heskey and the rest is history.

I swore at the time if he was fit then MON would have also bought that piece of shit Savage if he could of. When you look back at the opportunity we had then and the absolute shite that was bought it makes you weep.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on August 06, 2020, 02:11:25 PM

Quote from: andyh on August 06, 2020, 02:10:09 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on August 06, 2020, 02:05:28 PM

Quote from: andyh on August 06, 2020, 02:01:06 PM

When looking at or thinking about the bloke from Celtic remember one Scott Sinclair who scored a million goals up there but was actually shit down here.

Or just for balance Moussa Dembele who Eduoard replaced with similar strengths, who scored a million goals up there and is now scoring at the same rate for Lyon.

Isn’t the French league like the Scottish one? 😉

No. Dembele has 16 goals in France this season, comparable with Neymar who has 13 and Mbappe with 18.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 06, 2020, 02:20:29 PM

Quote from: Hookeysmith on August 06, 2020, 02:10:44 PM

When we were seemingly flying under MON in that 2nd season with pace and aggression and were creating chance after chance we should of bought Bent then  but instead he bought Heskey and the rest is history.

I swore at the time if he was fit then MON would have also bought that piece of shit Savage if he could of. When you look back at the opportunity we had then and the absolute shite that was bought it makes you weep.

The first 11 was good but why we signed so many expensive squad players was beyond me and that eventually proved our downfall in the next 5 years.

That summer when we already had Luke Young, signed Habib Beye and then O'Neill within two games suddenly decided Cuellar would be the right back for the whole season was a case in point.

Likes of Heskey, Sidwell, Beye probably on more back than than Jack gets.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Pat Mustard on August 06, 2020, 02:24:01 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on August 06, 2020, 02:05:28 PM

Quote from: andyh on August 06, 2020, 02:01:06 PM

When looking at or thinking about the bloke from Celtic remember one Scott Sinclair who scored a million goals up there but was actually shit down here.

Or just for balance Moussa Dembele who Eduoard replaced with similar strengths, who scored a million goals up there and is now scoring at the same rate for Lyon.

Or Kieran Tierney, or Virgil Van Dyke who all started up there before moving to England.  Scott Sinclair was a player at the height of his powers (whatever they were) when he went to Scotland, and even then he spent a lot of his time as a bit-part player so that's not really a fair comparison.

Whatever you think about the Scottish League, I think Edouard is about as close as we are going to get to signing guaranteed goals.  He looks about 3 levels above the opposition in League games, and has a 1 in 2 scoring rate in the Champions League and Europa League for good measure.  He also has an unbelievable scoring record in the French National age groups. 

To be honest I think we would struggle to get him as there are going to be plenty of team interested, but if he is available and was significantly cheaper that Tammy then it is a no-brainer to me.  We could maybe even throw in Keinan for a year on loan to build his confidence up by scoring loads of goals!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on August 06, 2020, 02:27:38 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 06, 2020, 02:20:29 PM

Quote from: Hookeysmith on August 06, 2020, 02:10:44 PM

When we were seemingly flying under MON in that 2nd season with pace and aggression and were creating chance after chance we should of bought Bent then  but instead he bought Heskey and the rest is history.

I swore at the time if he was fit then MON would have also bought that piece of shit Savage if he could of. When you look back at the opportunity we had then and the absolute shite that was bought it makes you weep.

The first 11 was good but why we signed so many expensive squad players was beyond me and that eventually proved our downfall in the next 5 years.

That summer when we already had Luke Young, signed Habib Beye and then O'Neill within two games suddenly decided Cuellar would be the right back for the whole season was a case in point.

Likes of Heskey, Sidwell, Beye probably on more back than than Jack gets.

I remember a stat from the time saying that if I'd renewed my season ticket in A4 for the next 30 years, it'd pay Beye's wages for 3 days.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: steamer on August 06, 2020, 02:40:30 PM

Or what was the name of that Scotish bloke we bought from Dundee , wasant he a centre forward ?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Duncan Shaw on August 06, 2020, 02:46:51 PM

Quote from: Hookeysmith on August 06, 2020, 02:10:44 PM

When we were seemingly flying under MON in that 2nd season with pace and aggression and were creating chance after chance we should of bought Bent then  but instead he bought Heskey and the rest is history.

I swore at the time if he was fit then MON would have also bought that piece of shit Savage if he could of. When you look back at the opportunity we had then and the absolute shite that was bought it makes you weep.

See Harewood M.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 06, 2020, 02:47:48 PM

Quote from: steamer on August 06, 2020, 02:40:30 PM

Or what was the name of that Scotish bloke we bought from Dundee , wasant he a centre forward ?

Different world then. A SFL XI in the seventies would be a match for an English one.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on August 06, 2020, 02:53:25 PM

Quote from: Hookeysmith on August 06, 2020, 02:10:44 PM

When we were seemingly flying under MON in that 2nd season with pace and aggression and were creating chance after chance we should of bought Bent then  but instead he bought Heskey and the rest is history.

I swore at the time if he was fit then MON would have also bought that piece of shit Savage if he could of. When you look back at the opportunity we had then and the absolute shite that was bought it makes you weep.

Just about the worst thing that happened was Heskey scoring on his debut.  It "proved all the doubters wrong" for one match, before he reverted to type and got one goal in his next 13 games for the rest of the season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 06, 2020, 02:56:29 PM

Quote from: steamer on August 06, 2020, 02:40:30 PM

Or what was the name of that Scotish bloke we bought from Dundee , wasant he a centre forward ?

Ahem, Dundee United.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on August 06, 2020, 03:33:14 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 06, 2020, 12:54:11 PM

Look at all the places where we need strengthening - a striker, wide player, midfielder, central defence, left-back. Now, think how much difference a better player in any one of those positions would have made us last season. How much earlier would we have been safe if we'd got a different player alongside Tyrone Mings - maybe two games? A more physical presence in midfield - very likely the same. A striker who could have got us even twelve goals - pretty much as soon as we started up again. That's the impact he'd have had, and that's why we should be signing the best goalscorer we can, then seeing how much we've got left for the other replacements.

We'll see how it pans out but if we're looking at 4-5 players and have a budget of £100m I don't think spending half of that on Abraham is a good idea but, as I've said many times now, I think that's irrelevant anyway because I don't think he's available anyway and if he was I don't agree with the 'he loved it here and would definitely want to come back' idea.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 06, 2020, 03:38:32 PM

How does anyone know what the budget is? Did anyone accurately predict we’d spend £140m last summer?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mallo on August 06, 2020, 03:39:16 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on August 06, 2020, 02:11:25 PM

Quote from: andyh on August 06, 2020, 02:10:09 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on August 06, 2020, 02:05:28 PM

Quote from: andyh on August 06, 2020, 02:01:06 PM

When looking at or thinking about the bloke from Celtic remember one Scott Sinclair who scored a million goals up there but was actually shit down here.

Or just for balance Moussa Dembele who Eduoard replaced with similar strengths, who scored a million goals up there and is now scoring at the same rate for Lyon.

Isn’t the French league like the Scottish one? 😉

No. Dembele has 16 goals in France this season, comparable with Neymar who has 13 and Mbappe with 18.

I fear Moussa Dembele is out of our league - he's a great player.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mallo on August 06, 2020, 03:40:54 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 06, 2020, 03:38:32 PM

How does anyone know what the budget is? Did anyone accurately predict we’d spend £140m last summer?

£100,589,226.10
The 10p is for going.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on August 06, 2020, 03:41:58 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 06, 2020, 03:38:32 PM

How does anyone know what the budget is? Did anyone accurately predict we’d spend £140m last summer?

Well £100m has been thrown around a fair bit and seems about right but you're right, it might be more (or less).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Keeno on August 06, 2020, 03:56:09 PM

Origi would be an excellent signing, and I really hope the rumours of us pursuing him are true. He might have had a lack of game time, but there's no shame in being kept out of that Liverpool front three. Their fans rate him, he's got a habit of popping up with big goals at great times whenever he has played, and his work rate, pressing, and football brain will have been improved by one of the best coaches in the world for the last 3 seasons - he certainly wouldn't be coming in from a lower level.

He's a good age, clearly got quality and needs a club in the PL to make him the number one guy, ready to slot in on day one, which you wouldn't be able to say about Eduoard, as much talent as he has. If we can get him for 30m or less, it's a no brainer for me. Would give us the 10-15 goals we need from a No 9 to kick on.

If we brought him in along with Watkins/Eduoard, get Wes fit again and loan out Davis for some top end Championship experience, that would be an massive improvement to our options for the front three overall this summer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: FailsworthVillan on August 06, 2020, 04:08:05 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 06, 2020, 02:56:29 PM

Quote from: steamer on August 06, 2020, 02:40:30 PM

Or what was the name of that Scotish bloke we bought from Dundee , wasant he a centre forward ?

Ahem, Dundee United.

Maybe Steamer is thinking of Neil Tarrant from Ross County.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave P on August 06, 2020, 04:12:02 PM

I agree that for every Virgil Van Dijk there is an Ulises De La Cruz, but playing in the Scottish league doesn't instantly mean they are crap.  Especially if they tear it up in said league as Eduoard is doing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on August 06, 2020, 04:17:46 PM

Quote from: mallo on August 06, 2020, 03:39:16 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on August 06, 2020, 02:11:25 PM

Quote from: andyh on August 06, 2020, 02:10:09 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on August 06, 2020, 02:05:28 PM

Quote from: andyh on August 06, 2020, 02:01:06 PM

When looking at or thinking about the bloke from Celtic remember one Scott Sinclair who scored a million goals up there but was actually shit down here.

Or just for balance Moussa Dembele who Eduoard replaced with similar strengths, who scored a million goals up there and is now scoring at the same rate for Lyon.

Isn’t the French league like the Scottish one? 😉

No. Dembele has 16 goals in France this season, comparable with Neymar who has 13 and Mbappe with 18.

I fear Moussa Dembele is out of our league - he's a great player.

Yeah, agreed on both points. I wasn't suggesting him as a target (not quite at that level yet) but as part of a discussion on whether Scott Sinclair doing well in Scotland but not here had any bearing on whether we should target Eduoard.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: garyellis on August 06, 2020, 04:34:49 PM

Quote from: paul_e on August 06, 2020, 03:41:58 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 06, 2020, 03:38:32 PM

How does anyone know what the budget is? Did anyone accurately predict we’d spend £140m last summer?

Well £100m has been thrown around a fair bit and seems about right but you're right, it might be more (or less).

It's total guess work and probably bollocks. Nobody believed we would spend the amount we did last year so what's changed now?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on August 06, 2020, 05:09:37 PM

Quote from: paul_e on August 06, 2020, 03:33:14 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 06, 2020, 12:54:11 PM

Look at all the places where we need strengthening - a striker, wide player, midfielder, central defence, left-back. Now, think how much difference a better player in any one of those positions would have made us last season. How much earlier would we have been safe if we'd got a different player alongside Tyrone Mings - maybe two games? A more physical presence in midfield - very likely the same. A striker who could have got us even twelve goals - pretty much as soon as we started up again. That's the impact he'd have had, and that's why we should be signing the best goalscorer we can, then seeing how much we've got left for the other replacements.

We'll see how it pans out but if we're looking at 4-5 players and have a budget of £100m I don't think spending half of that on Abraham is a good idea but, as I've said many times now, I think that's irrelevant anyway because I don't think he's available anyway and if he was I don't agree with the 'he loved it here and would definitely want to come back' idea.

While an upgrade at centre forward is highly desirable I think we are forgetting how dreadful we were without the ball for most of last season. We conceded 67 goals, the second worst in division. Dreadful and all though our strikers were, 41 goals scored was 2 more than Sheff Utd. We need huge improvement at left back, centre midfield and a more experienced centre half. Possibly a backup/starting keeper too if Heaton is still a way off.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 06, 2020, 05:16:45 PM

To be fair, Heaton coming back, Konsa emerging, Luiz improving and McGinn being fit all play in to improving that, and the team shape being much more compact since lockdown. Hause proved a capable backup too. I agree that we need a better left back option to push Targett and could do with replacing Engels with something better, and potentially replace Nakamba with better, but this is a very short summer. If we had put some of our chances away at 1-0 last season, we concede less goals because we don't invite the pressure so much. Also, having better options on the counter will help us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: gpbarr on August 06, 2020, 05:26:07 PM

We absolutely must acquire a proven top goalscorer - neither Wes or Davis can claim to be that and, we must not go into a new season so limited up front.

I think we need stronger options at LB and RB - Freddie and Targett both showed glimpses but also showed inconsistency and Taylor/Elmo aren't up to Premiership quality.

I think we are ok at CH - as others have said, we started to look more stable there.

Midfield is where I think we need one or two really creative players - if Grealish goes, then 2 is an absolute must because our midfield lacks creativity in the final third. I think McGinn and Luiz are very talented and will kick on next year but, stronger defensively than creatively. Our other midfield players are squad / bench impact players - Nakamba, Hourihane, etc.

So 4 or 5 for me - with that, plus a stable spine of Heaton, Mings, Konsa, Luiz, McGinn, and Grealish, I think we'll improve by at least 12-18 points and mid table comfort.   
 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aev on August 06, 2020, 05:26:25 PM

Henry at Brentford I think we be good, and perhaps Billing as a DM.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 06, 2020, 06:06:04 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 06, 2020, 03:38:32 PM

How does anyone know what the budget is? Did anyone accurately predict we’d spend £140m last summer?

your right no one knows

but for what it's worth I think we will top 100m again this year

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SteveN on August 06, 2020, 06:09:07 PM

Danny Rose for left back perhaps?  Back at Spurs and it seems Jose is not a fan.  Only a year left on his contract I think,could get him on loan?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 06, 2020, 06:19:47 PM

the problem with this Wes, Samata and Davis arnt prolific so we need one maybe two better strikers is we can't just keep collecting them

the two latest cost around 30 mill between them and we are talking like we can just forget about them and buy some more new ones

or move them on and buy new ones
Who's going to be buying ?  Wesley's still injured and I don't think anyone is going to be breaking the door down for Samata just yet
both will be on decent wages so I don't think that's an option

I agree we need a goalscorer and I think we will get one but all these names keep coming up as if we are going to get 3
we will have to sell first (which is the big problem) before we overload one department

when you look at our forward playing options

Wesley
Samata
Davis
Trez
El Ghazi
Jota

there's not one of them that you would spend to long grieving about if they left
that's got to change this season



Edit ,  I might grieve a little bit for Davis

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Stu on August 06, 2020, 06:33:57 PM

Hmmmmmmmmm: Understand that Brentford have accepted a bid of around 45 million pounds for Benrahma and Watkins. Some add ons as well if villa avoid relegation next season (https://twitter.com/JCtransferHub/status/1291418502780329985)

No idea who this bloke is and sounds like BS.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 06, 2020, 06:46:00 PM

Quote from: Stu on August 06, 2020, 06:33:57 PM

Hmmmmmmmmm: Understand that Brentford have accepted a bid of around 45 million pounds for Benrahma and Watkins. Some add ons as well if villa avoid relegation next season (https://twitter.com/JCtransferHub/status/1291418502780329985)

No idea who this bloke is and sounds like BS.

I'd say a Twitter account with a fake photo and 262 followers s the epitome of believable.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: RichardBatchelor on August 06, 2020, 06:50:11 PM

Quote from: Ads on August 05, 2020, 09:57:20 PM

Quote from: fredm on August 05, 2020, 09:41:53 PM

Now, allegedly, there is no release clause for Watkins.

So we offer £18,000,001?

I don’t think we can afford to be that rash - we start the bidding at £18,000,000.25

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john2710 on August 06, 2020, 06:54:17 PM

Last season the priority was to buy a quantity of  players. I think we all knew that we needed more experience.

Luiz, Mings & Konsa probably increased their value.

Heaton, Targett, Guilbert, Hause probably held their value or could improve next season.

Wesley, El Ghazi, Nakamba, Engels, Jota, Trez, & Samata have probably dropped in value & are not likely to be good enough. It's tough on Wesley because he had a big task, missed a big chunk of the season & will take a long time to recover. In Jan few of us would have rated Luiz.

Overall recruitment was much more miss than hit.

You're only as good as your forwards & ours were simply not good enough. This is the priority before next season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Stu on August 06, 2020, 06:58:29 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 06, 2020, 06:46:00 PM

Quote from: Stu on August 06, 2020, 06:33:57 PM

Hmmmmmmmmm: Understand that Brentford have accepted a bid of around 45 million pounds for Benrahma and Watkins. Some add ons as well if villa avoid relegation next season (https://twitter.com/JCtransferHub/status/1291418502780329985)

No idea who this bloke is and sounds like BS.

I'd say a Twitter account with a fake photo and 262 followers s the epitome of believable.

Are you...are you telling me that people post bullshit on Twitter?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: RichardBatchelor on August 06, 2020, 07:04:51 PM

From a crowdless wembley to a full house at old trafford is a massive leap ..........
[/quote]

Decibels wise, perhaps not?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: RichardBatchelor on August 06, 2020, 07:15:32 PM

Quote from: Risso on August 06, 2020, 11:10:03 AM

I don't think Mings' stock will have risen sufficiently this season for him to bag a move to one of the top 6.

Agreed. It will have risen a bit - the England call-up, his excellent character, and some outstanding performances - but too many ricks in him for top six.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 06, 2020, 07:15:54 PM

At this time of year it’s amazing how many ITK’s are born.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 06, 2020, 07:29:09 PM

I've been phoning Brentford restaurants to check if they've got any reservations with people with American or Egyptian sounding names.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: jwarry on August 06, 2020, 07:32:44 PM

Hope there is some truth in the Rashica rumour, he looks good

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SaddVillan on August 06, 2020, 07:33:43 PM

Checked the internet this afternoon.
This is the players linked with Villa so far by Fleet Street's finest:

Said Benrahma
Divock Origi
Takefuso Kubo
Jose Gomes Campana 
Ruben Shakpoke
Kelechi Ihenacho
James McCarthy
John Swift
Christian Luyindama
Robin Olsen
Eberechi Eze 
Ollie Watkins
Emo Buendia
Aaron Hickey
Odsonne Edouard
Max Aarons
Milot Rashica
Jeff Hendrick
Ben Chisene
Sil Swinkels - signed

Wonder how many will actually join us?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 06, 2020, 07:33:49 PM

Quote from: john2710 on August 06, 2020, 06:54:17 PM

Last season the priority was to buy a quantity of  players. I think we all knew that we needed more experience.

Luiz, Mings & Konsa probably increased their value.

Heaton, Targett, Guilbert, Hause probably held their value or could improve next season.

Wesley, El Ghazi, Nakamba, Engels, Jota, Trez, & Samata have probably dropped in value & are not likely to be good enough. It's tough on Wesley because he had a big task, missed a big chunk of the season & will take a long time to recover. In Jan few of us would have rated Luiz.

Overall recruitment was much more miss than hit.

You're only as good as your forwards & ours were simply not good enough. This is the priority before next season.

Wesley won't have dropped value significantly. Nor will Nakamba. Trez probably increased from the 8 we paid. Likewise El Ghazi, we got him pretty cheaply and for all his faults, he could have easily ended the season with 8-9 goals but for some of the worst finishing known to man. I doubt Engels has dropped from the £6.5 ish we paid either, it was peanuts for a player who in the first 10-12 games looked a pretty astute buy.

Samatta, prob going to lose 3-4 million, and Jota cost 1.5 and Gardner, so 1.5. For all the "miss" element, Trez scored the goals that kept us in the Prem, Wesley was out for a full half a season and had 6 prem goals before that, and there were signs he was starting to adapt. I think the recruitment, for the money paid and the number needed, was ok. Not brilliant, but ok.

This summer, 4-5 £20 million players will improve some of the others too.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: andyh on August 06, 2020, 07:38:43 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 06, 2020, 07:15:54 PM

At this time of year it’s amazing how many ITK’s are born.

School holidays, innit!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 06, 2020, 07:47:06 PM

Engels for me is still our second best defender and the best partnership is him and Mings
I know he made mistakes didn’t they all but he had a class about him the same as Luiz had for me

Don’t know why he fell out if favour but he will play top level football somewhere else if we let him go imo

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 06, 2020, 07:50:22 PM

I think Konsa has come on a lot and will be a very good player.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 06, 2020, 07:50:58 PM

Quote from: john e on August 06, 2020, 07:47:06 PM

Engels for me is still our second best defender and the best partnership is him and Mings
I know he made mistakes didn’t they all but he had a class about him the same as Luiz had for me

Don’t know why he fell out if favour but he will play top level football somewhere else if we let him go imo

I think he lost his confidence. Was excellent in the cup final though, and then hurt his achilles and was out the rest of the season, and could be some of next. Like you though, I think he has it in him to be a good player, and would have benefited from the more compact formation. Konsa though in time will be better than any of our defenders. Kid has got a great chance of becoming a top player.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 06, 2020, 07:51:54 PM

Konsa and Mings are our best partnership by some distance, imo. I did like Engels early in the season, but we looked much less likely to concede in the concluding part of the season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john2710 on August 06, 2020, 08:00:48 PM

I'm afraid Engels lack of pace is the main issue. Maybe with a season behind him he'll come good.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 06, 2020, 08:03:42 PM

Engels is a better footballer imo
Konsa did improve but he won’t be able to make up for his limited ball playing abilities
I would rather we go with someone more comfortable on the ball which is not Konsa

if we could have played the back 4 of Guilbert-Engels-Mings-Target for most of the season we would not have been scrambling around at the end in my view

The Man City (home) game was one of the worst displays I’ve seen in a long time an utter disgrace

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 06, 2020, 08:07:27 PM

Konsa is going to be class.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 06, 2020, 08:10:04 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on August 06, 2020, 08:07:27 PM

Konsa is going to be class.

well I do hope your right but I haven’t noticed much of that yet

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 06, 2020, 08:10:31 PM

Konsa is only going to get better, imo. He and Mings could be our first choice centre half pairing for years.

Let's not forget Man City can make any central defensive pair look shite on their day. They beat Liverpool four-nil last time they met.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 06, 2020, 08:10:49 PM

Quote from: john e on August 06, 2020, 08:03:42 PM

Engels is a better footballer imo
Konsa did improve but he won’t be able to make up for his limited ball playing abilities
I would rather we go with someone more comfortable on the ball which is not Konsa

if we could have played the back 4 of Guilbert-Engels-Mings-Target for most of the season we would not have been scrambling around at the end in my view

The Man City (home) game was one of the worst displays I’ve seen in a long time an utter disgrace

I’d have it the other way around in terms of Konsa and Engels myself pal.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on August 06, 2020, 08:11:01 PM

Quote from: SaddVillan on August 06, 2020, 07:33:43 PM

Checked the internet this afternoon.
This is the players linked with Villa so far by Fleet Street's finest:

Said Benrahma
Divock Origi
Takefuso Kubo
Jose Gomes Campana
Ruben Shakpoke
Kelechi Ihenacho
James McCarthy
John Swift
Christian Luyindama
Robin Olsen
Eberechi Eze
Ollie Watkins
Emo Buendia
Aaron Hickey
Odsonne Edouard
Max Aarons
Milot Rashica
Jeff Hendrick
Ben Chisene
Sil Swinkels - signed

Wonder how many will actually join us?

who the fuck are most of them?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aev on August 06, 2020, 08:14:54 PM

South African Brentford midfielder linked - 1 year deal.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 06, 2020, 08:15:26 PM

I’d take Kubo and Hickey based on recent games of Champ Manager alone.

It’s all I have these days.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on August 06, 2020, 08:18:55 PM

Think we needed an experienced head alongside Mings (who let’s not forget hasn’t had much top flight experience himself) and still believe that.

Konsa has the raw ingredients, but raw is the key word there. Happy to see how he comes on over the next few years. Hause seems a solid option as centre half and left back cover.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on August 06, 2020, 08:19:08 PM

Quote from: john e on August 06, 2020, 08:03:42 PM

Engels is a better footballer imo
Konsa did improve but he won’t be able to make up for his limited ball playing abilities
....

totally disagree.
I think Engels has some attributes but Konsa is a real prospect and looks after the ball really well.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on August 06, 2020, 08:22:45 PM

Konsa, Engels - both are ok if you want to keep fighting relegation - if you want to make your way up the table, then neither have shown much more than that yet.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ian. on August 06, 2020, 08:31:05 PM

Quote from: LeeB on August 06, 2020, 08:15:26 PM

I’d take Kubo and Hickey based on recent games of Champ Manager alone.

It’s all I have these days.

It’s more than me, I haven’t got the foggiest who anyone is anymore. The older I get the less I know what’s going on outside of Villa.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 06, 2020, 08:32:56 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on August 06, 2020, 08:22:45 PM

Konsa, Engels - both are ok if you want to keep fighting relegation - if you want to make your way up the table, then neither have shown much more than that yet.

They've been here five minutes. One's 22 and the other's been injured for five months. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 06, 2020, 08:34:21 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 06, 2020, 08:32:56 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on August 06, 2020, 08:22:45 PM

Konsa, Engels - both are ok if you want to keep fighting relegation - if you want to make your way up the table, then neither have shown much more than that yet.

They've been here five minutes. One's 22 and the other's been injured for five months. 

It’s also odd not to notice the steep upward curve in Konsa’s development.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 06, 2020, 08:34:36 PM

Thank God we didn't have messageboards when Ugo made his debut against Norwich.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Richard E on August 06, 2020, 08:36:23 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 06, 2020, 08:34:36 PM

Thank God we didn't have messageboards when Ugo made his debut against Norwich.

I see what you did there ;-)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on August 06, 2020, 08:40:02 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 06, 2020, 08:32:56 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on August 06, 2020, 08:22:45 PM

Konsa, Engels - both are ok if you want to keep fighting relegation - if you want to make your way up the table, then neither have shown much more than that yet.

They've been here five minutes. One's 22 and the other's been injured for five months. 

  it would be nice to get a bit more experience and someone not as injury prone in to support the back line :)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 06, 2020, 08:41:57 PM

Nah. Defence is sorted. Go get some attackers. They'll all look a lot better if oppositions are scared to go all out attack because they know we offer a threat going forwards.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on August 06, 2020, 08:43:06 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 06, 2020, 08:41:57 PM

Nah. Defence is sorted. Go get some attackers. They'll all look a lot better if oppositions are scared to go all out attack because they know we offer a threat going forwards.

defence did improve - thankfully....

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SaddVillan on August 06, 2020, 08:45:15 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on August 06, 2020, 08:11:01 PM

Quote from: SaddVillan on August 06, 2020, 07:33:43 PM

Checked the internet this afternoon.
This is the players linked with Villa so far by Fleet Street's finest:

Said Benrahma
Divock Origi
Takefuso Kubo
Jose Gomes Campana
Ruben Shakpoke
Kelechi Ihenacho
James McCarthy
John Swift
Christian Luyindama
Robin Olsen
Eberechi Eze
Ollie Watkins
Emo Buendia
Aaron Hickey
Odsonne Edouard
Max Aarons
Milot Rashica
Jeff Hendrick
Ben Chisene
Sil Swinkels - signed

Wonder how many will actually join us?

who the fuck are most of them?

I do wonder if at this time of the year the sports desks have some kind of bingo machine that they pull names and clubs out of before writing an article.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 06, 2020, 08:51:04 PM

I thought Konsa was very good on the ball and did ok at full back. Cracking delivery on him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on August 06, 2020, 09:04:59 PM

Quote from: gpbarr on August 06, 2020, 05:26:07 PM

We absolutely must acquire a proven top goalscorer - neither Wes or Davis can claim to be that and, we must not go into a new season so limited up front.

I think we need stronger options at LB and RB - Freddie and Targett both showed glimpses but also showed inconsistency and Taylor/Elmo aren't up to Premiership quality.

I think we are ok at CH - as others have said, we started to look more stable there.

Midfield is where I think we need one or two really creative players - if Grealish goes, then 2 is an absolute must because our midfield lacks creativity in the final third. I think McGinn and Luiz are very talented and will kick on next year but, stronger defensively than creatively. Our other midfield players are squad / bench impact players - Nakamba, Hourihane, etc.

So 4 or 5 for me - with that, plus a stable spine of Heaton, Mings, Konsa, Luiz, McGinn, and Grealish, I think we'll improve by at least 12-18 points and mid table comfort.   

Im not sure about how stable that spine is. Heaton is 34 and coming back from a serious injury as is his backup. Just hope it's not another Shay Given type scenario with Heaton.

Mings, Konsa and McGinn have a lot to prove at this level still. Konsa has a horrible ball watching habit that could have cost us big time against West Ham as it did regularly during the season. He definitely needs competition for his spot. Mings had a poor season really and McGinn's conditioning needs a lot of improvement. If fit McGinn is more than capable so let's see if he sheds the timber before the start of the new season.

LB, LCM, CF, RW are all must have signings to go straight into the first team. And we need cover/competition at RCB, RB and possibly GK.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 06, 2020, 09:06:15 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on August 06, 2020, 08:43:06 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 06, 2020, 08:41:57 PM

Nah. Defence is sorted. Go get some attackers. They'll all look a lot better if oppositions are scared to go all out attack because they know we offer a threat going forwards.

defence did improve - thankfully....

Yeah when he started playing Guilbert and Target instead of Hause and Taylor

if you play your best players you will get better results

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 06, 2020, 09:08:44 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on August 06, 2020, 08:18:55 PM

Think we needed an experienced head alongside Mings (who let’s not forget hasn’t had much top flight experience himself) and still believe that.

Konsa has the raw ingredients, but raw is the key word there. Happy to see how he comes on over the next few years. Hause seems a solid option as centre half and left back cover.

Hause is anything but solid

One of the worst players we have in the squad

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 06, 2020, 09:11:24 PM

Hause is a reasonable squad filler who can play two positions.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 06, 2020, 09:11:54 PM

Quote from: john e on August 06, 2020, 09:06:15 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on August 06, 2020, 08:43:06 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 06, 2020, 08:41:57 PM

Nah. Defence is sorted. Go get some attackers. They'll all look a lot better if oppositions are scared to go all out attack because they know we offer a threat going forwards.

defence did improve - thankfully....

Yeah when he started playing Guilbert and Target instead of Hause and Taylor

if you play your best players you will get better results

We also played Konsa instead of Engels...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 06, 2020, 09:14:37 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 06, 2020, 09:11:54 PM

Quote from: john e on August 06, 2020, 09:06:15 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on August 06, 2020, 08:43:06 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 06, 2020, 08:41:57 PM

Nah. Defence is sorted. Go get some attackers. They'll all look a lot better if oppositions are scared to go all out attack because they know we offer a threat going forwards.

defence did improve - thankfully....

Yeah when he started playing Guilbert and Target instead of Hause and Taylor

if you play your best players you will get better results

We also played Konsa instead of Engels...

I know I’ve already said we would have been clear if we could have played GEMT for most of the season

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 06, 2020, 09:18:27 PM

Nah.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SaddVillan on August 06, 2020, 10:13:44 PM

Spoofed?

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ollie_Watkins

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SamTheMouse on August 06, 2020, 10:28:24 PM

Konsa is still a youngster really, and I've been impressed with him.

He's going to be great for us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 06, 2020, 10:39:00 PM

Quote from: SaddVillan on August 06, 2020, 10:13:44 PM

Spoofed?

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ollie_Watkins

Looks legit to me. Wikipedia have agreed that only authorised ITK influencers will be allowed to edit it during the transfer window.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on August 06, 2020, 10:48:44 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 06, 2020, 09:11:24 PM

Hause is a reasonable squad filler who can play two positions.

Badly.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on August 06, 2020, 10:51:44 PM

Quote from: LeeB on August 06, 2020, 08:10:49 PM

Quote from: john e on August 06, 2020, 08:03:42 PM

Engels is a better footballer imo
Konsa did improve but he won’t be able to make up for his limited ball playing abilities
I would rather we go with someone more comfortable on the ball which is not Konsa

if we could have played the back 4 of Guilbert-Engels-Mings-Target for most of the season we would not have been scrambling around at the end in my view

The Man City (home) game was one of the worst displays I’ve seen in a long time an utter disgrace

I’d have it the other way around in terms of Konsa and Engels myself pal.

Yes, same here.  Bizarre how people see things differently.  Konsa looks very calm and composed on the ball, whears Engels looked decent to me when all he had to do was head the ball away constantly when we were under the cosh, but didn't seem to have much more to his game.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 06, 2020, 10:52:18 PM

People that 'humorously' edit Wiki pages are generally twats.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 06, 2020, 10:57:27 PM

I, genuinely, don't see the point. Do they imagine that the player is undecided and thinks "well, I wasn't sure about turning down £300,000 a week from Real Madrid to move to South Yorkshire, but now someone's gone to the trouble of editing Wikipedia so it looks like I've signed for Barnsley, it would be rude to let them down"?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Richard E on August 06, 2020, 10:59:35 PM

It’s how Dugarry ended up at Small Heath, apparently.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 06, 2020, 11:06:16 PM

We’re appointing Rob MacKenzie, formerly of Leicester and Spurs to our Scouting group. He will be head of recruitment apparently

https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/aston-villa/2020/08/06/aston-villa-swoop-for-former-leicester-and-tottenham-talent-spotter/

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on August 06, 2020, 11:21:46 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on August 06, 2020, 10:48:44 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 06, 2020, 09:11:24 PM

Hause is a reasonable squad filler who can play two positions.

Badly.

He's looked OK since the lockdown - as did most of our defence save the Yanited game.

Wouldn't like the idea of him being in for an extended period but as third or fourth choice to come in for injuries and suspensions he's absolutely fine.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 06, 2020, 11:23:28 PM

4th or 5th choice for me. He’s really poor on the ball, which creates trouble.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on August 06, 2020, 11:26:20 PM

Decent in the air though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mellin on August 06, 2020, 11:27:58 PM

Controversial opinion - I don't think we need to waste any money at left back. Targett's a good player who's improving and Taylor as a back up is fine.

In order of priority:

Pace out wide is the obvious one and number one priority
Striker, probably with pace also. Wesley is fine as the big man
Centre mid
Centre half

Could always buy two wingers (and no centre mid) and play Grealish in the middle instead of out wide. Not sure where I prefer him tbh, which says a lot for his quality.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 06, 2020, 11:45:55 PM

Quote from: Mellin on August 06, 2020, 11:27:58 PM

Controversial opinion - I don't think we need to waste any money at left back. Targett's a good player who's improving and Taylor as a back up is fine.

In order of priority:

Pace out wide is the obvious one and number one priority
Striker, probably with pace also. Wesley is fine as the big man
Centre mid
Centre half

Could always buy two wingers (and no centre mid) and play Grealish in the middle instead of out wide. Not sure where I prefer him tbh, which says a lot for his quality.

I agree with your controversial opinion. Full backs are nearly always made scapegoats. People expect them to be Baresi in defence and Cristiano Ronaldo going forward and, with the exception of all but a handful of clubs, you can't attract players that are amazing at both.

Being very good at one discipline and satisfactory at the other is perfectly acceptable for a club with ambitions for midtable. I feel Targett is excellent going forward, he links up well with Grealish and has even chipped in with a couple of goals. While hardly the new Mcgraw, he's not had at defensively, either.

I also reckon Taylor is a reasonable backup. And you won't get many clubs outside the elite who have three left backs happy to compete for places. Hause, offering, as he does, cover at centre half, too, is better than most clubs will have as third option.

Money spent at left back could be better spent elsewhere.

Now go get some exciting attackers.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on August 06, 2020, 11:51:57 PM

Quote from: Mellin on August 06, 2020, 11:27:58 PM

Controversial opinion - I don't think we need to waste any money at left back. Targett's a good player who's improving and Taylor as a back up is fine.

You're right, that's most certainly controversial. Neither Taylor or Targett are good enough for where we want to be next season. I imagine, having paid through the arse for Targett, we're stuck with him. Taylor is a more than decent defender that can do a job with either West Brom or any Championship team looking to get promoted.

We probably will brush it under the carpet until we finally sign a decent left back and then we'll all question why did it take so long to replace them with a bit of quality. Defensively, it's where our focus should be this window.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on August 06, 2020, 11:52:30 PM

💯 agree with CDB......we need fire Power, ammunition the whole lot - we survived, were very lucky but need to be on the offensive this season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on August 06, 2020, 11:56:41 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 06, 2020, 11:45:55 PM

Money spent at left back could be better spent elsewhere.

Now go get some exciting attackers.

Raise your hand if your team had the second worst defence last season?

Now raise your hand if you think by not changing your defence from last season you expect them to suddenly improve?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 06, 2020, 11:57:29 PM

I'm with you in the main, but I'd go as far as saving on the centre half too unless one leaves. 2 strikers, 2 wingers and a centre mid would do me fine this window.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 06, 2020, 11:59:34 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on August 06, 2020, 11:56:41 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 06, 2020, 11:45:55 PM

Money spent at left back could be better spent elsewhere.

Now go get some exciting attackers.

Raise your hand if your team had the second worst defence last season?

Now raise your hand if you think by not changing your defence from last season you expect them to suddenly improve?

Also raise your hand if by Smith coaching them and not whatever went before resulted in a completely different unit that will have improved with a season in the prem, and better forward options would result in being better on the ball and this concede less chances?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 07, 2020, 12:04:51 AM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on August 06, 2020, 11:56:41 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 06, 2020, 11:45:55 PM

Money spent at left back could be better spent elsewhere.

Now go get some exciting attackers.

Raise your hand if your team had the second worst defence last season?

Now raise your hand if you think by not changing your defence from last season you expect them to suddenly improve?

They have already "suddenly" improved. That's why we don't need to strengthen there. Only seven clubs conceded fewer goals than us since lockdown, despite us playing more games than 4/5 of the league.

Plus, get players that scare the opposition and they won't be able to camp in our half like, for instance, Chelsea and Man City did at Villa Park.

Get some forwards who fucking terrify the opposition and you'll be amazed at how much better our defence gets.

In any case, with one or two exceptions, they've already proven to be pretty good since lockdown. They are, mostly, young and will continue to improve.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on August 07, 2020, 12:09:57 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 06, 2020, 11:59:34 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on August 06, 2020, 11:56:41 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 06, 2020, 11:45:55 PM

Money spent at left back could be better spent elsewhere.

Now go get some exciting attackers.

Raise your hand if your team had the second worst defence last season?

Now raise your hand if you think by not changing your defence from last season you expect them to suddenly improve?

Also raise your hand if by Smith coaching them and not whatever went before resulted in a completely different unit that will have improved with a season in the prem, and better forward options would result in being better on the ball and this concede less chances?

It is not just about buying more defenders though is it?  We don't hold the ball up well enough up front, we have a lack of physical presence in midfield, therefore a real lack of protection for the defence.  These issues are major contributors to the amount of goals we have conceded and also needs to be addressed, just as urgently as bringing in another left back.  The central midfield role has not been addressed at any point since Dean got there, although trying to buy Leroy Fer, Calvin Phillips and Steven Nzonzi had been tried, we really need to get this right this summer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on August 07, 2020, 12:10:57 AM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on August 06, 2020, 11:56:41 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 06, 2020, 11:45:55 PM

Money spent at left back could be better spent elsewhere.

Now go get some exciting attackers.

Raise your hand if your team had the second worst defence last season?

Now raise your hand if you think by not changing your defence from last season you expect them to suddenly improve?

Maintain number one goalkeeper and
Defensive unit post lockdown and you have a different scenario- that said I still want an upgrade on Targett ...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on August 07, 2020, 12:17:48 AM

If you don't have pace -as Targett clearly doesn't - your quality on the ball and reading of the game needs to be sufficiently good enough to ensure you don't become a weak link.

Modern full-backs need pace and we could acquire an established played for that role who won't break the bank.  Danny Rose as one obvious example.

Targett has quality, but I'd be more comfortable with him as a squad player - perhaps to come in if the opposition don't have a particularly quick wide player or play defensively at VP.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 07, 2020, 12:20:15 AM

Targett has pace.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on August 07, 2020, 12:23:31 AM

Odd that he regularly looks like he's running through treacle in his time with us then.

Odd too that the opposition have quite blatantly prioritised that side of the pitch to attack on more than one occasion.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Goldie.7 on August 07, 2020, 12:23:45 AM

Quote from: john e on August 06, 2020, 09:08:44 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on August 06, 2020, 08:18:55 PM

Think we needed an experienced head alongside Mings (who let’s not forget hasn’t had much top flight experience himself) and still believe that.

Konsa has the raw ingredients, but raw is the key word there. Happy to see how he comes on over the next few years. Hause seems a solid option as centre half and left back cover.

Hause is anything but solid

One of the worst players we have in the squad.

If Hause is on the pitch the opposition score goals.

We couldn't keep an away clean sheet for an entire season and finished second to last for conceded goals. Our defence is far from "sorted" as can be.

Also, did our defence really "improve" during the restart? We picked up 10 points from 10 games, but at the start of the season we picked up 11 points from 10 games. (Everton through to Wolves)

We definitely need to sign a more experienced defender.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Small Rodent on August 07, 2020, 12:24:26 AM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 06, 2020, 07:15:54 PM

At this time of year it’s amazing how many ITK’s are born.

A ray of hope
Flickers in the sky
A tiny star lights up
Way up high
All across the land
Dawns a brand new morn
This comes to pass
When ITK is born...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 07, 2020, 12:25:03 AM

Yes, our defence really improved after the break. What a silly question.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Goldie.7 on August 07, 2020, 12:32:30 AM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 07, 2020, 12:25:03 AM

Yes, our defence really improved after the break. What a silly question.

How the hell did it improve if we picked up more points over the same amount of games early on in the season?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 07, 2020, 12:35:48 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 06, 2020, 11:59:34 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on August 06, 2020, 11:56:41 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 06, 2020, 11:45:55 PM

Money spent at left back could be better spent elsewhere.

Now go get some exciting attackers.

Raise your hand if your team had the second worst defence last season?

Now raise your hand if you think by not changing your defence from last season you expect them to suddenly improve?

Also raise your hand if by Smith coaching them and not whatever went before resulted in a completely different unit that will have improved with a season in the prem, and better forward options would result in being better on the ball and this concede less chances?

Ultimately we simply can't fix every position in this window. For example we have about five senior keepers and goalkeeper position isn't perfect either but that can wait for a bit.

When you look at how dismal our general transfer record has been since 2010 it would be a minor miracle to have a transfer session where we actually significantly improve two positions.

It's vital we get the core ones right e.g. striker, good wide player, good holding midfielder and another CB would be good aswell. Then you can get away with average players in other areas as many teams who finished above us last season did.

Targett isn't a great defender but he does offer an outlet going forward. Would imagine we'll sign a younger LB to challenge him and try to get Taylor out.

On the other side I'd be o.k going into next season with existing options. Think there's a decent player lurking in Gulibert and AEM rarely lets anyone down when he plays so no problem keeping him in the squad for another 12 months.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 07, 2020, 12:40:12 AM

We conceded 11 in 10 games, 1.1 gpg. The first 28 games we conceded 56, 2 gpg.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 07, 2020, 12:42:44 AM

Quote from: Small Rodent on August 07, 2020, 12:24:26 AM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 06, 2020, 07:15:54 PM

At this time of year it’s amazing how many ITK’s are born.

A ray of hope
Flickers in the sky
A tiny star lights up
Way up high
All across the land
Dawns a brand new morn
This comes to pass
When ITK is born...

The most important bit

It's all a dream, an illusion now
It must come true, sometime soon somehow (The ITK motto)
All across the land, dawns a brand new morn
This comes to pass when ITK is born

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 07, 2020, 12:45:15 AM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on August 07, 2020, 12:32:30 AM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 07, 2020, 12:25:03 AM

Yes, our defence really improved after the break. What a silly question.

How the hell did it improve if we picked up more points over the same amount of games early on in the season?

We conceded far fewer goals after the break (eighth best defence) than we had before the break (second worst).

Now, come on. Anyone saying that our defence didn't improve after the resumption is (i) at it, and (ii) being a misery arse for the sake of it.

*checks name of poster. Goldie. Ah, yes. I remember you now. See (ii).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 07, 2020, 01:01:51 AM

Quote from: PeterWithesShin on August 07, 2020, 12:40:12 AM

We conceded 11 in 10 games, 1.1 gpg. The first 28 games we conceded 56, 2 gpg.

7 of those came against 3 of the top 4 so .57 gpg in the other 7 games.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on August 07, 2020, 08:34:19 AM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 06, 2020, 11:06:16 PM

We’re appointing Rob MacKenzie, formerly of Leicester and Spurs to our Scouting group. He will be head of recruitment apparently

https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/aston-villa/2020/08/06/aston-villa-swoop-for-former-leicester-and-tottenham-talent-spotter/

Set of articles written by him about modern scouting: https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11096/10723863/the-changing-face-of-scouting-rob-mackenzies-full-series-of-articles

I found them interesting anyway

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john2710 on August 07, 2020, 08:37:23 AM

Interesting that Guilbert only played when Elmo was injured & Konsa had moved to the centre. He's going to have to improve a lot & maybe he will but I'd like a new first choice right back.

In order, we need,
Centre forward
Winger
Defensive midfield
Right back
Centre half

Maybe a loan or two to boost numbers.

Who out of the youths is likely to make a step up?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on August 07, 2020, 08:50:55 AM

Quote from: john2710 on August 07, 2020, 08:37:23 AM

Interesting that Guilbert only played when Elmo was injured & Konsa had moved to the centre.

Hadn't he only just come back from an injury himself? If so, it's not that surprising.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on August 07, 2020, 09:00:35 AM

I have been banging on about a defensive midfielder for a while but, genuine question, has Dean played with one previously, with his other clubs? We tried for Fer, Nzonzi and Phillips, so I presume he wants one.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Kevin Dawson on August 07, 2020, 09:26:59 AM

Quote from: Newby on August 06, 2020, 01:34:32 PM

Quote from: Damo70 on August 06, 2020, 01:00:19 PM

I don't recall Gary Lineker doing much in his career apart from scoring goals and usually from close range as opposed to goal of the season contenders. But he scored plenty of goals for a struggling Leicester side for a few years as well as better sides like Everton, Barcelona, Spurs and England.

Yes he did - at Old Trafford..

He never, ever scored a goal from outside the box.  Sad, but true.    I don't think we have a problem getting the ball into the box, especially with Jack playing.  Having someone 'come alive' in the box and cause problems is something. we have lacked all season, although a few of Wesley's goals were tap ins to be fair.  We need someone who troubles defenders with movement in the box.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on August 07, 2020, 09:42:05 AM

He never got booked then, give the Lineker one distinction!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 07, 2020, 09:49:52 AM

I don’t know why we got rid if Suso when according to you lot we are stacked out with quality players we brought in on his watch

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: RussellC on August 07, 2020, 09:51:55 AM

The other point to consider with Targett is that he has reoccurring hamstring problems. He's always going to miss games, sporadically, over the course of the season. Taylor is nowhere near good enough to deputise regularly as he offer absolutely nothing going forward, whereas Targett's link-up and overlaps of Grealish is a key-part of our attacking play. We really need another LB to come-in and compete / rotate with Targett in my opinion, more-so that we do a new RB. Robinson at Wigan looks good (and cheap) and woudl be a good fit.

In terms of a CB, not sure if it's been mentioned here, but Smith was apparently desperate to sign Chris Mepham before he went to Bournemouth. I know he's been injured a lot this year, but I wouldn't be at all surprised to see him re-visit that one this summer. £15m should get him and he's got the potential to be a top-class player IMO.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on August 07, 2020, 10:04:13 AM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 07, 2020, 12:04:51 AM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on August 06, 2020, 11:56:41 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 06, 2020, 11:45:55 PM

Money spent at left back could be better spent elsewhere.

Now go get some exciting attackers.

Raise your hand if your team had the second worst defence last season?

Now raise your hand if you think by not changing your defence from last season you expect them to suddenly improve?

They have already "suddenly" improved. That's why we don't need to strengthen there. Only seven clubs conceded fewer goals than us since lockdown, despite us playing more games than 4/5 of the league.

Plus, get players that scare the opposition and they won't be able to camp in our half like, for instance, Chelsea and Man City did at Villa Park.

Get some forwards who fucking terrify the opposition and you'll be amazed at how much better our defence gets.

In any case, with one or two exceptions, they've already proven to be pretty good since lockdown. They are, mostly, young and will continue to improve.

Drawing the line at lockdown is a dangerous tactic. For starters it would have to be questioned how seriously a number of mid table clubs and players were taking some of those games. We can't simply ignore all that went before it either. Luiz for sure improved our previously powder puff midfield but there are still a number of problems we have defensively.

Left back is critical as teams continually targetted Matt pre and post lockdown. Even v Chelsea, they tried at every attempt to get Targett isolated one on one. At a minimum he needs strong competition for his place. Not Neil Taylor who was average at best at championship level.

If we were stronger defensively, we could free up the likes of Grealish and McGinn more without the ball. I also think we need to get a flyer in on the right wing to help us on the counter attack as we didn't have that threat last season really.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: DrGonzo on August 07, 2020, 10:06:15 AM

Quote from: eamonn on August 07, 2020, 09:42:05 AM

He never got booked then, give the Lineker one distinction!

He got sent off whilst playing for Grampus 8 in the last season of his professional career.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 07, 2020, 10:15:43 AM

After lockdown we took 10 points from 10 games carry that on and it’s still relegation zone form

the revisionism on here re players is staggering

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mallo on August 07, 2020, 10:24:15 AM

Quote from: john e on August 07, 2020, 10:15:43 AM

After lockdown we took 10 points from 10 games carry that on and it’s still relegation zone form

the revisionism on here re players is staggering

Actually that would have beaten our points total by 3, but I know what you mean.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 07, 2020, 10:26:16 AM

Quote from: mallo on August 07, 2020, 10:24:15 AM

Quote from: john e on August 07, 2020, 10:15:43 AM

After lockdown we took 10 points from 10 games carry that on and it’s still relegation zone form

the revisionism on here re players is staggering

Actually that would have beaten our points total by 3, but I know what you mean.

That’s why I said zone

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on August 07, 2020, 10:27:11 AM

Quote from: Kevin Dawson on August 07, 2020, 09:26:59 AM

Quote from: Newby on August 06, 2020, 01:34:32 PM

Quote from: Damo70 on August 06, 2020, 01:00:19 PM

I don't recall Gary Lineker doing much in his career apart from scoring goals and usually from close range as opposed to goal of the season contenders. But he scored plenty of goals for a struggling Leicester side for a few years as well as better sides like Everton, Barcelona, Spurs and England.

Yes he did - at Old Trafford..

He never, ever scored a goal from outside the box.  Sad, but true.    I don't think we have a problem getting the ball into the box, especially with Jack playing.  Having someone 'come alive' in the box and cause problems is something. we have lacked all season, although a few of Wesley's goals were tap ins to be fair.  We need someone who troubles defenders with movement in the box.

Gary Lineker never scored at Villa Park in his entire career. I prefer that one.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 07, 2020, 10:27:42 AM

One, ten points from ten games isn't, generally, "relegation zone form". The clue is that we started lockdown in the relegation zone and ended the season out of it. Two, we played a disproportionately tough run of games after the restart. Three, our defenders weren't to blame for us not getting more points. We had the 8th best defence after the restart and our strikers scored ZERO goals.

Genuinely baffled as to how anyone can see our strikers performing with all the skill and grace of Laurel and Hardy carrying a piano through a minefield and think to themselves "grrr... our defenders are making me angry".

Also completely bemused as to how any football fan can't spot the ability Konsa has. He is already very good and is, quite clearly, going to get better and better. Forcing him out because we conceded a few goals due to our inept forward line putting us under pressure would be the stupidest thing we have done since forcing Cahill out to accommodate Zat Knight.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on August 07, 2020, 10:30:51 AM

Quote from: john e on August 07, 2020, 09:49:52 AM

I don’t know why we got rid if Suso when according to you lot we are stacked out with quality players we brought in on his watch

For me, there's a couple of things.

Suso was brought in when we were a Championship club who expected to spend at least another season down there, and were in a tight FFP situation - we probably couldn't massively expand the recruitment side of things, so needed someone who could do several jobs competently rather than several people with specialised jobs. He may well have been the right person for the job then, he isn't now.

Also, I suspect a lot of the players brought in last summer are decent, at least at the price point we were paying (£10m average). However, what I suspect hasn't been understood is that they'd take time to adapt - Wes being a case in point - which we didn't have. As an aside, we were also hampered by injuries to 3 key players which I suspect played a large part in us being in a relegation battle rather than the relative comfort of lower mid table.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on August 07, 2020, 10:33:38 AM

Quote from: algy on August 07, 2020, 10:30:51 AM

Quote from: john e on August 07, 2020, 09:49:52 AM

I don’t know why we got rid if Suso when according to you lot we are stacked out with quality players we brought in on his watch

For me, there's a couple of things.

Suso was brought in when we were a Championship club who expected to spend at least another season down there, and were in a tight FFP situation - we probably couldn't massively expand the recruitment side of things, so needed someone who could do several jobs competently rather than several people with specialised jobs. He may well have been the right person for the job then, he isn't now.

Also, I suspect a lot of the players brought in last summer are decent, at least at the price point we were paying (£10m average). However, what I suspect hasn't been understood is that they'd take time to adapt - Wes being a case in point - which we didn't have. As an aside, we were also hampered by injuries to 3 key players which I suspect played a large part in us being in a relegation battle rather than the relative comfort of lower mid table.

The ones who didn't appear to understand it were the owners.  Going into the season with Wes as our only senior striker was stupidity beyond belief, whatever the circumstances.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 07, 2020, 10:36:05 AM

Agreed. Just as it would be stupid to only have one top striker starting next season. Mbwana has proven to be not up to it, Wesley won't be fit and Davis should be loaned out. We need two forwards. Virtually every club in the league has two forwards capable of scoring goals.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on August 07, 2020, 10:36:53 AM

Maybe Smith had reassured them/Purslow, that he could get Kodjia firing again if need be and we already know that Davis was/is highly rated by the manager.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on August 07, 2020, 10:37:32 AM

Quote from: Risso on August 07, 2020, 10:33:38 AM

Quote from: algy on August 07, 2020, 10:30:51 AM

Quote from: john e on August 07, 2020, 09:49:52 AM

I don’t know why we got rid if Suso when according to you lot we are stacked out with quality players we brought in on his watch

For me, there's a couple of things.

Suso was brought in when we were a Championship club who expected to spend at least another season down there, and were in a tight FFP situation - we probably couldn't massively expand the recruitment side of things, so needed someone who could do several jobs competently rather than several people with specialised jobs. He may well have been the right person for the job then, he isn't now.

Also, I suspect a lot of the players brought in last summer are decent, at least at the price point we were paying (£10m average). However, what I suspect hasn't been understood is that they'd take time to adapt - Wes being a case in point - which we didn't have. As an aside, we were also hampered by injuries to 3 key players which I suspect played a large part in us being in a relegation battle rather than the relative comfort of lower mid table.

The ones who didn't appear to understand it were the owners.  Going into the season with Wes as our only senior striker was stupidity beyond belief, whatever the circumstances.

Surely the owners were relying on the CEO and his reports to get that right.
I can’t see how you can blame the owners.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mallo on August 07, 2020, 10:37:43 AM

Quote from: john e on August 07, 2020, 10:26:16 AM

Quote from: mallo on August 07, 2020, 10:24:15 AM

Quote from: john e on August 07, 2020, 10:15:43 AM

After lockdown we took 10 points from 10 games carry that on and it’s still relegation zone form

the revisionism on here re players is staggering

Actually that would have beaten our points total by 3, but I know what you mean.

That’s why I said zone

Sorry - I read zone as bottom 3.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 07, 2020, 10:42:38 AM

Quote from: john e on August 07, 2020, 10:26:16 AM

Quote from: mallo on August 07, 2020, 10:24:15 AM

Quote from: john e on August 07, 2020, 10:15:43 AM

After lockdown we took 10 points from 10 games carry that on and it’s still relegation zone form

the revisionism on here re players is staggering

Actually that would have beaten our points total by 3, but I know what you mean.

That’s why I said zone

The relegation zone is the bottom three.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on August 07, 2020, 10:50:57 AM

Quote from: john e on August 07, 2020, 10:15:43 AM

After lockdown we took 10 points from 10 games carry that on and it’s still relegation zone form

the revisionism on here re players is staggering

What's your point though John, are you saying you think we should spread the funds over 7 or 8 players?  Or are you happy to go with Konsa/Engels and Guilbert/Elmo so we can get more quality up front?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on August 07, 2020, 11:38:22 AM

Quote from: RussellC on August 07, 2020, 09:51:55 AM

In terms of a CB, not sure if it's been mentioned here, but Smith was apparently desperate to sign Chris Mepham before he went to Bournemouth. I know he's been injured a lot this year, but I wouldn't be at all surprised to see him re-visit that one this summer. £15m should get him and he's got the potential to be a top-class player IMO.

Good point.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on August 07, 2020, 11:41:56 AM

For any stato's out there, how often would our finishing points total been enough to survive?

It took time for us to grow as a side and to look like a team. Some players looked a lot better after lockdown and probably showed a better reflection of what they're capable of only in the latter part of the season. I've seen Douglas Luiz say that lockdown gave him a chance to do a lot of fitness work and to get a better grip on his English.

The defence and midfield can benefit from one or two changes but the obvious priority is up top.

I think surviving probably draws the line between one era of our history and the start of our next era. Reading about the work that's being done to our youth, recruitment and even women's team really gives me hope for where we're going.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on August 07, 2020, 11:43:35 AM

Quote from: john e on August 07, 2020, 10:15:43 AM

After lockdown we took 10 points from 10 games carry that on and it’s still relegation zone form

the revisionism on here re players is staggering

I don't think it's fair or accurate to call it revisionism. Last summer most of us were happy with the business we did and thought we could do ok in our first year back, writing all that off and calling the signings a disaster is just as much revisionism as people looking back on the way the season finished and seeing positive signs in our defending.

The biggest problem with signing a large number of players in 1 window is that it takes time for the squad to grow accustomed to each other (both on the pitch and off), in business speak it's "forming, storming, norming, performing" and it applies perfectly to football. We've got through that now and it started to show towards the end of the season.

In my opinion, and I suspect many others as well, there were positive signs from a number of players (Luiz and Konsa the big ones) which suggest the defence is in a much better place, if that is a long-term improvement now would be a terrible time to make major changes because we've gone through all the shit to get here. If we revert to conceding too many soft goals then it'll show it was a mistake to trust them but it puts us back into a cycle of expecting instant results and throwing out anything that doesn't deliver them. We have to stop doing that if we want to get anywhere.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on August 07, 2020, 11:50:12 AM

Quote from: OCD on August 07, 2020, 11:41:56 AM

For any stato's out there, how often would our finishing points total been enough to survive?

It took time for us to grow as a side and to look like a team. Some players looked a lot better after lockdown and probably showed a better reflection of what they're capable of only in the latter part of the season. I've seen Douglas Luiz say that lockdown gave him a chance to do a lot of fitness work and to get a better grip on his English.

The defence and midfield can benefit from one or two changes but the obvious priority is up top.

I think surviving probably draws the line between one era of our history and the start of our next era. Reading about the work that's being done to our youth, recruitment and even women's team really gives me hope for where we're going.

I covered this somewhere else but the average points for survival in the premier league since it started are 35.6 (I think that's right, it's about there) so staying up with 35 is about 40-45% of the time. If you get the numbers in the same time period for other, comparable, leagues (Germany, Italy, Spain and France) where there are 20 teams the average is always around the same place so statistically it's pretty strong.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: JJ-AV on August 07, 2020, 11:51:01 AM

Quote from: RussellC on August 07, 2020, 09:51:55 AM

The other point to consider with Targett is that he has reoccurring hamstring problems. He's always going to miss games, sporadically, over the course of the season. Taylor is nowhere near good enough to deputise regularly as he offer absolutely nothing going forward, whereas Targett's link-up and overlaps of Grealish is a key-part of our attacking play. We really need another LB to come-in and compete / rotate with Targett in my opinion, more-so that we do a new RB. Robinson at Wigan looks good (and cheap) and woudl be a good fit.

In terms of a CB, not sure if it's been mentioned here, but Smith was apparently desperate to sign Chris Mepham before he went to Bournemouth. I know he's been injured a lot this year, but I wouldn't be at all surprised to see him re-visit that one this summer. £15m should get him and he's got the potential to be a top-class player IMO.

Mepham is a good shout - he's left-sided though so it'd be the end of Hause and would he play with Mings? I know people say two right-siders aren't an issue so why would two left siders? But a right sider is usually used to playing on the left, whereas I bet Mings and Mepham have played very few games on the right side of CB.

Agree we do need a CB though. It's a long old season and a bit of experience could help. Vertonghen would be a shout for me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on August 07, 2020, 11:57:39 AM

Thanks Paul_e.

One thing to bare in mind with all our wishlists is that most of us aren't well positioned to assess the youth talent there's coming through. Hopefully one or two will be ready to come through and if they are, we don't want to block their path.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: RussellC on August 07, 2020, 12:07:04 PM

Quote from: JJ-AV on August 07, 2020, 11:51:01 AM

Quote from: RussellC on August 07, 2020, 09:51:55 AM

The other point to consider with Targett is that he has reoccurring hamstring problems. He's always going to miss games, sporadically, over the course of the season. Taylor is nowhere near good enough to deputise regularly as he offer absolutely nothing going forward, whereas Targett's link-up and overlaps of Grealish is a key-part of our attacking play. We really need another LB to come-in and compete / rotate with Targett in my opinion, more-so that we do a new RB. Robinson at Wigan looks good (and cheap) and woudl be a good fit.

In terms of a CB, not sure if it's been mentioned here, but Smith was apparently desperate to sign Chris Mepham before he went to Bournemouth. I know he's been injured a lot this year, but I wouldn't be at all surprised to see him re-visit that one this summer. £15m should get him and he's got the potential to be a top-class player IMO.

Mepham is a good shout - he's left-sided though so it'd be the end of Hause and would he play with Mings? I know people say two right-siders aren't an issue so why would two left siders? But a right sider is usually used to playing on the left, whereas I bet Mings and Mepham have played very few games on the right side of CB.

Agree we do need a CB though. It's a long old season and a bit of experience could help. Vertonghen would be a shout for me.

I think he's pretty 2-footed to be honest. A bit like Terry. I'm unassuming that he would have played alongside Ake at Bournemouth, so could presumably do so alongside Mings too.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 07, 2020, 12:20:17 PM

Quote from: eamonn on August 07, 2020, 10:36:53 AM

Maybe Smith had reassured them/Purslow, that he could get Kodjia firing again if need be and we already know that Davis was/is highly rated by the manager.

Well that would be silly considering he never gave Kodjia a chance to do so. The Liverpool cup game where he finally scored a brace was his first and last start of the season, he didn't even get a full half of football in any other game. I don't think there's evidence that Smith thought he could rely on Kodjia; think we're grasping for straws if we're trying to justify the decisions made around our striking options last season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 07, 2020, 12:39:49 PM

Vertonghen wouldn't be happy to sit on the bench and I don't want to replace either Mings or Konsa.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on August 07, 2020, 12:59:33 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 07, 2020, 12:39:49 PM

Vertonghen wouldn't be happy to sit on the bench and I don't want to replace either Mings or Konsa.

Vertonghen is 33 and would he be up for what might at worst be another relegation scrap? He seems like too much of a Micah Richards/Joleon Lescott type of signing for me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave P on August 07, 2020, 01:09:13 PM

Quote from: paul_e on August 07, 2020, 11:50:12 AM

Quote from: OCD on August 07, 2020, 11:41:56 AM

For any stato's out there, how often would our finishing points total been enough to survive?

It took time for us to grow as a side and to look like a team. Some players looked a lot better after lockdown and probably showed a better reflection of what they're capable of only in the latter part of the season. I've seen Douglas Luiz say that lockdown gave him a chance to do a lot of fitness work and to get a better grip on his English.

The defence and midfield can benefit from one or two changes but the obvious priority is up top.

I think surviving probably draws the line between one era of our history and the start of our next era. Reading about the work that's being done to our youth, recruitment and even women's team really gives me hope for where we're going.

I covered this somewhere else but the average points for survival in the premier league since it started are 35.6 (I think that's right, it's about there) so staying up with 35 is about 40-45% of the time. If you get the numbers in the same time period for other, comparable, leagues (Germany, Italy, Spain and France) where there are 20 teams the average is always around the same place so statistically it's pretty strong.

In 25 seasons of 20 teams in the premier league, 35 points and a -26 GD would have seen us relegated in 11 of those seasons so, yeah, 44% of the time we'd have stayed up with those points.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on August 07, 2020, 01:17:00 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 07, 2020, 10:27:42 AM

We had the 8th best defence after the restart and our strikers scored ZERO goals.

No surprise with 10 men behind the ball. We need a rock solid defence this coming season. I'd hope that whoever we buy is bought to go straight into the team. Squad fillers, we have plenty.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on August 07, 2020, 01:26:51 PM

Quote from: Dave P on August 07, 2020, 01:09:13 PM

Quote from: paul_e on August 07, 2020, 11:50:12 AM

Quote from: OCD on August 07, 2020, 11:41:56 AM

For any stato's out there, how often would our finishing points total been enough to survive?

It took time for us to grow as a side and to look like a team. Some players looked a lot better after lockdown and probably showed a better reflection of what they're capable of only in the latter part of the season. I've seen Douglas Luiz say that lockdown gave him a chance to do a lot of fitness work and to get a better grip on his English.

The defence and midfield can benefit from one or two changes but the obvious priority is up top.

I think surviving probably draws the line between one era of our history and the start of our next era. Reading about the work that's being done to our youth, recruitment and even women's team really gives me hope for where we're going.

I covered this somewhere else but the average points for survival in the premier league since it started are 35.6 (I think that's right, it's about there) so staying up with 35 is about 40-45% of the time. If you get the numbers in the same time period for other, comparable, leagues (Germany, Italy, Spain and France) where there are 20 teams the average is always around the same place so statistically it's pretty strong.

In 25 seasons of 20 teams in the premier league, 35 points and a -26 GD would have seen us relegated in 11 of those seasons so, yeah, 44% of the time we'd have stayed up with those points.

It's easy to get hung-up on average points totals etc. But it's all relative to the season you're in/how competitive the division is that particular year. The points total we got this season merited 17th place in relation to all the games that were played, therefore good enough to survive. Liverpool came second last year despite a ridiculous amount of points. Is Leicester's title year (or any other season where the champions finished on less than 90+ points) diminished because of that?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on August 07, 2020, 01:28:55 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 07, 2020, 12:20:17 PM

Quote from: eamonn on August 07, 2020, 10:36:53 AM

Maybe Smith had reassured them/Purslow, that he could get Kodjia firing again if need be and we already know that Davis was/is highly rated by the manager.

Well that would be silly considering he never gave Kodjia a chance to do so. The Liverpool cup game where he finally scored a brace was his first and last start of the season, he didn't even get a full half of football in any other game. I don't think there's evidence that Smith thought he could rely on Kodjia; think we're grasping for straws if we're trying to justify the decisions made around our striking options last season.

I agree, I'm just trying to fathom of a reason for it. It was a naive move, hoping on one young centre forward from a lower league to come good with little else in support. And it nearly cost us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ROBBO on August 07, 2020, 01:32:16 PM

I we are just going to go after championship players and hope they will make the transition we are asking for trouble. There must be better players abroad that we can attract.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on August 07, 2020, 01:39:12 PM

Quote from: ROBBO on August 07, 2020, 01:32:16 PM

I we are just going to go after championship players and hope they will make the transition we are asking for trouble. There must be better players abroad that we can attract.

Its a tough one.  Last season we chose to go for mainly non-Championship players when in hindsight we would probably have been better served if Smith had stuck to his guns and got Maupay, Benrahma, Bowen etc.  The transition from Championship to PL is probably easier than from most other leagues outside the obvious big ones.  I'm all for finding good value gems, but it aint easy.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john2710 on August 07, 2020, 01:55:40 PM

I'm not sure that statistics after the lockdown can be relied upon as being representative or compared to what went before. For obvious reasons the games were played in very different circumstances. But will still be in place when the new season starts.

Our forwards scored frw goals before or after the lockdown. We'll need to improve that....

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Yeltzer on August 07, 2020, 02:06:20 PM

Lazio have made a £13m offer for Wesley according to the BHam Mail

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 07, 2020, 02:10:19 PM

Lazio can get lost.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 07, 2020, 02:16:34 PM

I'd take that. He might still work out, but I'm far from sure. Getting most of our money back wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 07, 2020, 02:17:42 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on August 07, 2020, 01:17:00 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 07, 2020, 10:27:42 AM

We had the 8th best defence after the restart and our strikers scored ZERO goals.

No surprise with 10 men behind the ball. We need a rock solid defence this coming season. I'd hope that whoever we buy is bought to go straight into the team. Squad fillers, we have plenty.

You're absolutely desperate to avoid giving our defence any credit for improving, aren’t you?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kipeye on August 07, 2020, 02:31:13 PM

Not sure why people are writing off Hause. I think he has the makings of a very good defender. Needs to improve, but looks to me like he will.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: manic-road on August 07, 2020, 02:31:33 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 07, 2020, 02:16:34 PM

I'd take that. He might still work out, but I'm far from sure. Getting most of our money back wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.

Or after his first season in England he might start to flourish, not sure why so many players are written off after just a few months.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 07, 2020, 02:34:10 PM

I know, I'd be in two minds. But would lean towards letting him go, especially with him coming back from a long injury. You could get a pretty decent second choice striker behind Abraham for £13 million.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on August 07, 2020, 02:35:56 PM

Quote from: Yeltzer on August 07, 2020, 02:06:20 PM

Lazio have made a £13m offer for Wesley according to the BHam Mail

Unless they are also offering a player that we are interested in swapping with them too, 13m is way too low for what is a promising player.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on August 07, 2020, 02:42:57 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on August 07, 2020, 01:39:12 PM

Quote from: ROBBO on August 07, 2020, 01:32:16 PM

I we are just going to go after championship players and hope they will make the transition we are asking for trouble. There must be better players abroad that we can attract.

Its a tough one.  Last season we chose to go for mainly non-Championship players when in hindsight we would probably have been better served if Smith had stuck to his guns and got Maupay, Benrahma, Bowen etc.  The transition from Championship to PL is probably easier than from most other leagues outside the obvious big ones.  I'm all for finding good value gems, but it aint easy.

Not sure the stats support that. Maupay has a worse scoring rate than Wesley in the Premier League and only managed a couple more goals than him despite playing far more games, while Bowen managed 1 goal in 11 starts + 2 sub appearances for West Ham. Been plenty of other players (especially attackers) who've been standout in the Championship but found the Premier League a step too far (Gayle, Sharp etc).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on August 07, 2020, 02:43:43 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 07, 2020, 02:17:42 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on August 07, 2020, 01:17:00 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 07, 2020, 10:27:42 AM

We had the 8th best defence after the restart and our strikers scored ZERO goals.

No surprise with 10 men behind the ball. We need a rock solid defence this coming season. I'd hope that whoever we buy is bought to go straight into the team. Squad fillers, we have plenty.

You're absolutely desperate to avoid giving our defence any credit for improving, aren’t you?

It’s a bit of a false argument mainly highlighting the defence as a weak area of the team. We finished 4th bottom and 1 point of relegation, so there is an argument that every area of the team needs improving. However, it is clear and the stats prove that we improved defensively as a team for the final 1/4 of the season. That was imo partly to do with the form of the actual defenders and just as much about the form of our defensive midfielder in Luiz and thirdly because of team shape and tactical changes made by smith. If those 3 things remain constant next season, that part of our game and the team will be ok, with some tweaks, e.g. another LB to challenge Targett (why not Rico Henry?).

What is also clear is despite improvements in that part of our game, we cannot score. Even if we keep one of Wes, Samatta or Davies, we need two forward players and another winger. Another centre mid would be nice, but within whatever budget we have, the front end of the pitch has to be the priority over other areas.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on August 07, 2020, 02:46:24 PM

Quote from: Yeltzer on August 07, 2020, 02:06:20 PM

Lazio have made a £13m offer for Wesley according to the BHam Mail

Closer to £18 million I might bite.

There's still something to work with there and not unhappy with the idea of him competing for a starting spot but not having the pressure of being a regular starter/ most expensive forward on the books etc.

Samatta I would keep as well - at least until Wesley is fully fit again.

Looked like he had good movement and awareness around the box when he first joined. He can't have completely lost that. A combination of lockdown and a change of style probably did for him with the pressure on post March. New season with less fear football might see a player closer to what we witnessed in Jan and Feb.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on August 07, 2020, 02:50:17 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on August 07, 2020, 02:42:57 PM

... while Bowen managed 1 goal in 11 starts + 2 sub appearances for West Ham.

In his defence, he did also get 4 assists in that time.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: thick_mike on August 07, 2020, 02:54:34 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on August 07, 2020, 02:46:24 PM

Quote from: Yeltzer on August 07, 2020, 02:06:20 PM

Lazio have made a £13m offer for Wesley according to the BHam Mail

Samatta I would keep as well - at least until Wesley is fully fit again.

Looked like he had good movement and awareness around the box when he first joined. He can't have completely lost that. A combination of lockdown and a change of style probably did for him with the pressure on post March. New season with less fear football might see a player closer what we witnessed in Jan and Feb.

I think Samatta really struggled with lock down. He’d just moved to a new city and club and didn’t get an opportunity to put down roots and settle in with teammates. I saw some of his posts on twitter and he looked bored out of his mind. I felt really sorry for him, must have been really depressing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on August 07, 2020, 02:55:20 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on August 07, 2020, 02:50:17 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on August 07, 2020, 02:42:57 PM

... while Bowen managed 1 goal in 11 starts + 2 sub appearances for West Ham.

In his defence, he did also get 4 assists in that time.

Fair point.

Even so, if we'd have splashed out £18m on him in January, what would be the response to 1 goal and 4 assists in the second half of the season? I doubt it would be seen as a successful signing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mallo on August 07, 2020, 03:02:05 PM

Quote from: RamboandBruno on August 07, 2020, 02:43:43 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 07, 2020, 02:17:42 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on August 07, 2020, 01:17:00 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 07, 2020, 10:27:42 AM

We had the 8th best defence after the restart and our strikers scored ZERO goals.

No surprise with 10 men behind the ball. We need a rock solid defence this coming season. I'd hope that whoever we buy is bought to go straight into the team. Squad fillers, we have plenty.

You're absolutely desperate to avoid giving our defence any credit for improving, aren’t you?

It’s a bit of a false argument mainly highlighting the defence as a weak area of the team. We finished 4th bottom and 1 point of relegation, so there is an argument that every area of the team needs improving. However, it is clear and the stats prove that we improved defensively as a team for the final 1/4 of the season. That was imo partly to do with the form of the actual defenders and just as much about the form of our defensive midfielder in Luiz and thirdly because of team shape and tactical changes made by smith. If those 3 things remain constant next season, that part of our game and the team will be ok, with some tweaks, e.g. another LB to challenge Targett (why not Rico Henry?).

What is also clear is despite improvements in that part of our game, we cannot score. Even if we keep one of Wes, Samatta or Davies, we need two forward players and another winger. Another centre mid would be nice, but within whatever budget we have, the front end of the pitch has to be the priority over other areas.

We clearly changed our defensive strategy after lockdown - we booted it a lot more rather than trying to play it out and left ourselves in a lot less trouble as a result. We also had a better tempo off the ball when challenging attacks. I don't see why we can't continue in that vein. With better players up front we can build on that as they would be more of a threat and would surely score more goals than we have in the team now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Arsey on August 07, 2020, 03:05:13 PM

Quote from: john e on August 07, 2020, 10:15:43 AM

After lockdown we took 10 points from 10 games carry that on and it’s still relegation zone form

the revisionism on here re players is staggering

If you didn’t see an improvement in our performances, particularly defensively I am not sure what to say.

You also need to consider the opposition, those final 10 games were almost all tough fixtures against top half sides.

In the previous 10 games, we lost 7 conceding 23 goals and not a single clean sheet.  Those games, on paper, were also much easier.

In the final 10 games we conceded just 11, 3 clean sheets. Only Man Utd scored more than 2 goals.  In the previous 10, Watford and Spurs put 3 past us. Leicester 4 and Man City 6.

So there really wasn’t revisionism, we did improve.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: villadelph on August 07, 2020, 03:07:49 PM

Quote from: Newby on August 07, 2020, 02:35:56 PM

Quote from: Yeltzer on August 07, 2020, 02:06:20 PM

Lazio have made a £13m offer for Wesley according to the BHam Mail

Unless they are also offering a player that we are interested in swapping with them too, 13m is way too low for what is a promising player.

I see very little promise in Wesley.. I'm not trying to be rude or negative but I just don't think he has the ability to consistently put the ball in the back of the net. He isn't strong with his head, cannot beat a defender off the dribble and doesn't seem to be comfortable with long(er) range efforts.

On the flipside, his hold-up play is decent and he can bully CBs.

Personally, I would try to recoup as much as we can and sell. Given the injury and how ineffective he was at times, I don't see a bright future for him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dicedlam on August 07, 2020, 03:17:29 PM

It seems a strange one and a bit out of the blue that Wesley is being linked to Lazio. They already have a prolific scorer in Immobile who scored well over 30 goals last season. Maybe they are going to cash in on him?

Personally, I would let him go if we got anywhere near our money back.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on August 07, 2020, 03:18:48 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on August 07, 2020, 02:55:20 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on August 07, 2020, 02:50:17 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on August 07, 2020, 02:42:57 PM

... while Bowen managed 1 goal in 11 starts + 2 sub appearances for West Ham.

In his defence, he did also get 4 assists in that time.

Fair point.

Even so, if we'd have splashed out £18m on him in January, what would be the response to 1 goal and 4 assists in the second half of the season? I doubt it would be seen as a successful signing.

As an attacking midfielder/ second striker it's fine, under the circumstances.

West Ham fans aren't viewing him as a flop anyroad. Their upturn in form has coincided with his arrival and that big Czech unit they have in midfield.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on August 07, 2020, 03:22:52 PM

Quote from: dicedlam on August 07, 2020, 03:17:29 PM

It seems a strange one and a bit out of the blue that Wesley is being linked to Lazio. They already have a prolific scorer in Immobile who scored well over 30 goals last season. Maybe they are going to cash in on him?

Personally, I would let him go if we got anywhere near our money back.

Maybe we could swap our immobile forward for Immobile?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on August 07, 2020, 03:24:22 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on August 07, 2020, 03:18:48 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on August 07, 2020, 02:55:20 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on August 07, 2020, 02:50:17 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on August 07, 2020, 02:42:57 PM

... while Bowen managed 1 goal in 11 starts + 2 sub appearances for West Ham.

In his defence, he did also get 4 assists in that time.

Fair point.

Even so, if we'd have splashed out £18m on him in January, what would be the response to 1 goal and 4 assists in the second half of the season? I doubt it would be seen as a successful signing.

As an attacking midfielder/ second striker it's fine, under the circumstances.

West Ham fans aren't viewing him as a flop anyroad. Their upturn in form has coincided with his arrival and that big Czech unit they have in midfield.

Fair enough. Anyway, my main point wasn't really Bowen (I actually think he's a good player and long-term will be a success), it was that I don't think buying Championship players en masse is any more of a guarantee than from abroad.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: robleflaneur on August 07, 2020, 03:26:54 PM

If it's true,it's a surprising conundrum. If we sold him,Nakamba and Samatta  ,on loan maybe,with the reported £100m transfer kitty we could buy
A £30m plus striker
£25m Watkins  or similar,central or wide attacker
£25m Benrhama or similar,central or wide player
£10 m upgrade on Hourihane and Nakamba
£20m full back.
Those fees can adjust to whoever is available.
Get rid of Lansbury ,Taylor,Jota ,Kalinic and Davis ,might have to subsidise wages for a year but we will have a quality first team squad and for the first time for ages, no experienced players on costly wages who aren't up to the league that we are in.
We could certainly lose out on Wesley's value and ability but with a reasonable wage bill we shouldn't hit any financial buffers and could easily strengthen again and younger players will have a clear pathway into the first team squad.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: postal on August 07, 2020, 03:28:54 PM

Quote from: Yeltzer on August 07, 2020, 02:06:20 PM

Lazio have made a £13m offer for Wesley according to the BHam Mail

Well, I'd take it with a pinch of salt what BHam Mail says.
But I'd rather have Samatta instead of Wesley, if only that one of them isn't injured, can head the ball and seems to have a better attitude than the other.

Yes if it was £13m that might not seem much and a hit to take from what was paid for him, but despite that I don't rate Wesley, he honestly just doesn't have much to offer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 07, 2020, 03:30:10 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 07, 2020, 02:16:34 PM

I'd take that. He might still work out, but I'm far from sure. Getting most of our money back wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.

We would be making a £9 million loss on a player who we’ve seen 6 months of. I think that’d be pointless. It’s way too soon to write him off, especially as his last game for us was his best.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LukeJames on August 07, 2020, 03:35:46 PM

Wesley is a 22 year old Brazilian International playing in the Premier League, that alone means we'd atleast get our money back on him if we did sell, Brazilian international forwards dont move for £13m nowadays.

Having said that I'd prefer to keep him and  try and get our money back on Samatta.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 07, 2020, 03:38:55 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on August 07, 2020, 03:30:10 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 07, 2020, 02:16:34 PM

I'd take that. He might still work out, but I'm far from sure. Getting most of our money back wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.

We would be making a £9 million loss on a player who we’ve seen 6 months of. I think that’d be pointless. It’s way too soon to write him off, especially as his last game for us was his best.

On the other hand we could see him for another 12 months then make a £15 million loss...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on August 07, 2020, 03:43:37 PM

FFP wise taking the hit on Wesley immediately will hurt us more than taking it over the rest of his contract I'd assume?

Personally I can't believe anyone would pay that for him until he's proved his fitness.  He is young and may come good, but I saw absolutely nothing in his play to suggest he will.  Hopefully I'll be proved wrong.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on August 07, 2020, 03:44:28 PM

I'd let Samatta go, he seems to get worse with each time he plays.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on August 07, 2020, 03:44:59 PM

Would bite Lazio's had off for £13m for Wesley who is the worst value striker we have signed since Balaban.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 07, 2020, 03:53:58 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 07, 2020, 10:27:42 AM

One, ten points from ten games isn't, generally, "relegation zone form". The clue is that we started lockdown in the relegation zone and ended the season out of it. Two, we played a disproportionately tough run of games after the restart. Three, our defenders weren't to blame for us not getting more points. We had the 8th best defence after the restart and our strikers scored ZERO goals.

Genuinely baffled as to how anyone can see our strikers performing with all the skill and grace of Laurel and Hardy carrying a piano through a minefield and think to themselves "grrr... our defenders are making me angry".

Also completely bemused as to how any football fan can't spot the ability Konsa has. He is already very good and is, quite clearly, going to get better and better. Forcing him out because we conceded a few goals due to our inept forward line putting us under pressure would be the stupidest thing we have done since forcing Cahill out to accommodate Zat Knight.

On your first point about 1 point a game not generally being relegation zone form
i don’t give a fuck I don’t want to be anywhere near the bottom 3

second point, I happy with the back 4 of Guilbert Engels Mings Target as I’ve said before we wouldn’t have been scraping up on goal difference if we could have played that back 4 for most of our games
I get the feeling Engels might leave anyway and we will then need a better replacement than what we have

on Konsa, i don’t want to ‘Force’ Konsa out he is improving and don’t mind him in the squad
the reason i prefer Engels is because Konsa struggles to control and pass the ball under pressure which the way Smith plays just leads to us giving the ball away and inviting trouble as seen in many of our matches

people do have differing views
my bar for players, points and abilities is obviously set higher than yours which I admit may be unrealistic in my case

we are the biggest club in the Midlands by a million miles
we are one of the richest in the premier league
I want us to start acting like it,
i would rather believe we can do what Wolves have done rather than be happy with a point a game next season and arguing whether it’s in the relegation zone or not

we are big enough and rich enough to be a top 8 club but we need to believe and have higher expectations

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: postal on August 07, 2020, 03:59:51 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on August 07, 2020, 03:44:59 PM

Would bite Lazio's had off for £13m for Wesley who is the worst value striker we have signed since Balaban.

Can someone please let  me know what Wesley offers other than holding the ball up, because I'm obviously missing something. yes he is relatively young, and in a new country.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 07, 2020, 04:03:22 PM

I would give Wesley more time. It is too soon to judge, especially as his last performance before injury was impressive.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on August 07, 2020, 04:03:57 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 07, 2020, 02:17:42 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on August 07, 2020, 01:17:00 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 07, 2020, 10:27:42 AM

We had the 8th best defence after the restart and our strikers scored ZERO goals.

No surprise with 10 men behind the ball. We need a rock solid defence this coming season. I'd hope that whoever we buy is bought to go straight into the team. Squad fillers, we have plenty.

You're absolutely desperate to avoid giving our defence any credit for improving, aren’t you?

You are funny. We defended as a team so it was pleasing our utterly shit defence improved . I put more down to the collective effort than one or two major improvements.
I hope next season our tactics Include attacking as a team but each to their own. My health can't  take another backs to wall performance never mind a season of it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: CT on August 07, 2020, 04:05:34 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on August 07, 2020, 04:03:22 PM

I would give Wesley more time. It is too soon to judge, especially as his last performance before injury was impressive.

I agree. Saw him at Norwich away, the week after Dean gave him a real bollocking. He scored two, bullied their centre back, held the ball up, did the lot. He just hasn’t done it enough.

Look at Luiz pre lockdown compared to after. Hopefully Wes can do the same once fit.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on August 07, 2020, 04:05:58 PM

Quote from: postal on August 07, 2020, 03:59:51 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on August 07, 2020, 03:44:59 PM

Would bite Lazio's had off for £13m for Wesley who is the worst value striker we have signed since Balaban.

Can someone please let  me know what Wesley offers other than holding the ball up, because I'm obviously missing something. yes he is relatively young, and in a new country.

He isn't even as good at holding the ball up as Davis, who honestly looks a better player despite never scoring.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ktvillan on August 07, 2020, 04:09:21 PM

I'm a bit surprised so many people think our defence is mainly good enough.  Ok they were often put under pressure by us not being able to keep the ball very well but pretty much every one of them made schoolboy errors on more than a few occasions to gift goals or clear chances.  And Mings was a guilty as anyone of that. 

As for improvement after the break, well it was still happening - look at the dreadful defending for Newcastle's goal, allowing Walcott a free header for Everton'e equalizer, the ghost goal against Sheffield United, the disallowed Palace goal that should have stood, allowing Pulisic a free shot at the back stick for example.

Also surprised some think Right back is a higher priority than left back.  Guilbert and Elmo have made far fewer errors than Targett and Taylor.  They also both offer something going forward unlike Taylor who is hopeless in that department.  Plus Targett's defending is suspect and he seems to lack a bit of heart for the fight sometimes.

The strike rate would improve if we had better central midfielders and wide forwards.  I think Wesley would have done much better with better, more consistent players than AEG and Trezeguet playing wide alongside him, and with Jack more central and in support.  i still think we need a midfield general / playmaker / metronome type in the centre in the mould of Neves.  Not sure where we'd find one though.     

For me we need at least one wide forward, another forward who can play wide or down the middle, a centre midfielder, a dominant centre back, and a left back who can attack and defend.   I don't rate Reina these days but think Heaton and Steer are a decent first two, and Reina or Nyland ok as third choice.     

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 07, 2020, 04:11:16 PM

Quote from: john e on August 07, 2020, 03:53:58 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 07, 2020, 10:27:42 AM

One, ten points from ten games isn't, generally, "relegation zone form". The clue is that we started lockdown in the relegation zone and ended the season out of it. Two, we played a disproportionately tough run of games after the restart. Three, our defenders weren't to blame for us not getting more points. We had the 8th best defence after the restart and our strikers scored ZERO goals.

Genuinely baffled as to how anyone can see our strikers performing with all the skill and grace of Laurel and Hardy carrying a piano through a minefield and think to themselves "grrr... our defenders are making me angry".

Also completely bemused as to how any football fan can't spot the ability Konsa has. He is already very good and is, quite clearly, going to get better and better. Forcing him out because we conceded a few goals due to our inept forward line putting us under pressure would be the stupidest thing we have done since forcing Cahill out to accommodate Zat Knight.

On your first point about 1 point a game not generally being relegation zone form
i don’t give a fuck I don’t want to be anywhere near the bottom 3

second point, I happy with the back 4 of Guilbert Engels Mings Target as I’ve said before we wouldn’t have been scraping up on goal difference if we could have played that back 4 for most of our games
I get the feeling Engels might leave anyway and we will then need a better replacement than what we have

on Konsa, i don’t want to ‘Force’ Konsa out he is improving and don’t mind him in the squad
the reason i prefer Engels is because Konsa struggles to control and pass the ball under pressure which the way Smith plays just leads to us giving the ball away and inviting trouble as seen in many of our matches

people do have differing views
my bar for players, points and abilities is obviously set higher than yours which I admit may be unrealistic in my case

we are the biggest club in the Midlands by a million miles
we are one of the richest in the premier league
I want us to start acting like it,
i would rather believe we can do what Wolves have done rather than be happy with a point a game next season and arguing whether it’s in the relegation zone or not

we are big enough and rich enough to be a top 8 club but we need to believe and have higher expectations

Okay mate, no worries.

To clarify, I'm happy for us to strengthen all over, I always am. I am going on what others have said that we are likely to only spend £100 million. If that's the case, I'd rather spend it all on amazing brilliant exciting players rather than boring defenders. 🙂

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Alex77 on August 07, 2020, 04:11:33 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on August 07, 2020, 04:05:58 PM

Quote from: postal on August 07, 2020, 03:59:51 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on August 07, 2020, 03:44:59 PM

Would bite Lazio's had off for £13m for Wesley who is the worst value striker we have signed since Balaban.

Can someone please let  me know what Wesley offers other than holding the ball up, because I'm obviously missing something. yes he is relatively young, and in a new country.

He isn't even as good at holding the ball up as Davis, who honestly looks a better player despite never scoring.

There were glimpses of improvement in his game prior to the injury and I for one think he will come good with the right support on the pitch.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 07, 2020, 04:13:03 PM

Agree. He needs to be given that chance, 6 months is nowhere near enough to judge. There were also plenty of people who didn’t rate Douglas.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: steamer on August 07, 2020, 04:17:47 PM

I was the biggest Wesley critic, but he has been here half a season and I also thought he had started to improve leading up to his injury, didnt he score in the Burnley game he was injured in ?
I would not get rid of and certainly not at a loss but I would want a proven scorer to start next season while giving him a chance to acclimatise.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: postal on August 07, 2020, 04:19:08 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on August 07, 2020, 04:05:58 PM

Quote from: postal on August 07, 2020, 03:59:51 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on August 07, 2020, 03:44:59 PM

Would bite Lazio's had off for £13m for Wesley who is the worst value striker we have signed since Balaban.

Can someone please let  me know what Wesley offers other than holding the ball up, because I'm obviously missing something. yes he is relatively young, and in a new country.

He isn't even as good at holding the ball up as Davis, who honestly looks a better player despite never scoring.

Yes, at the Arsenal game Davis ran and got into their box for a half chance
Wesley wouldnt thought of even running.
So if Lazio could give double figures for him, however unlikely, take the money.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 07, 2020, 04:20:03 PM

Quote from: steamer on August 07, 2020, 04:17:47 PM

I was the biggest Wesley critic, but he has been here half a season and I also thought he had started to improve leading up to his injury, didnt he score in the Burnley game he was injured in ?
I would not get rid of and certainly not at a loss but I would want a proven scorer to start next season while giving him a chance to acclimatise.

Yep.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: andyh on August 07, 2020, 04:24:08 PM

Thing is, By the time he is physically fit, Wesley will be a year behind those players that have come in and adapted to the PL. I’m thinking Dougie, Freddie, Konsa amongst others.
He is always going to be playing catch-up with his own team.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Alex77 on August 07, 2020, 04:26:08 PM

Quote from: postal on August 07, 2020, 04:19:08 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on August 07, 2020, 04:05:58 PM

Quote from: postal on August 07, 2020, 03:59:51 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on August 07, 2020, 03:44:59 PM

Would bite Lazio's had off for £13m for Wesley who is the worst value striker we have signed since Balaban.

Can someone please let  me know what Wesley offers other than holding the ball up, because I'm obviously missing something. yes he is relatively young, and in a new country.

He isn't even as good at holding the ball up as Davis, who honestly looks a better player despite never scoring.

Yes, at the Arsenal game Davis ran and got into their box for a half chance
Wesley wouldnt thought of even running.
So if Lazio could give double figures for him, however unlikely, take the money.

& replace him with who for £13 million? Surely we would likely recoup that or more in 12 months time. A far shrewder gamble would be to hold on to him and see if he can establish himself.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: nigel on August 07, 2020, 04:31:14 PM

Quote from: postal on August 07, 2020, 04:19:08 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on August 07, 2020, 04:05:58 PM

Quote from: postal on August 07, 2020, 03:59:51 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on August 07, 2020, 03:44:59 PM

Would bite Lazio's had off for £13m for Wesley who is the worst value striker we have signed since Balaban.

Can someone please let  me know what Wesley offers other than holding the ball up, because I'm obviously missing something. yes he is relatively young, and in a new country.

He isn't even as good at holding the ball up as Davis, who honestly looks a better player despite never scoring.

Yes, at the Arsenal game Davis ran and got into their box for a half chance
Wesley wouldnt thought of even running.
So if Lazio could give double figures for him, however unlikely, take the money.

Obviously 🎣

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 07, 2020, 04:34:16 PM

Wesley, who has scored against Arsenal, over Davis, who had a chance against Arsenal, but didn't score as he only scores against Barnsley or Burton Albion.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: olaftab on August 07, 2020, 04:38:05 PM

That postal is a funny guy. (As Jimmy would had said in the goodfellas)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: MalcolmP on August 07, 2020, 04:44:56 PM

Quote from: postal on August 07, 2020, 04:19:08 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on August 07, 2020, 04:05:58 PM

Quote from: postal on August 07, 2020, 03:59:51 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on August 07, 2020, 03:44:59 PM

Would bite Lazio's had off for £13m for Wesley who is the worst value striker we have signed since Balaban.

Wesley will come good - no doubts about that and I am always right!!
Can someone please let  me know what Wesley offers other than holding the ball up, because I'm obviously missing something. yes he is relatively young, and in a new country.

He isn't even as good at holding the ball up as Davis, who honestly looks a better player despite never scoring.

Yes, at the Arsenal game Davis ran and got into their box for a half chance
Wesley wouldnt thought of even running.
So if Lazio could give double figures for him, however unlikely, take the money.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on August 07, 2020, 04:47:16 PM

I wouldn't be upset if he went and I wouldn't be upset if he stayed.  Either way we're going to have to spend big on a good striker.  If he does go I hope we get more then 13M.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 07, 2020, 04:57:32 PM

We paid more than £13m. We’re not selling him for a loss if he does go.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on August 07, 2020, 05:00:45 PM

total BS no one knows when or if he will resume playing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: villadelph on August 07, 2020, 05:01:48 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 07, 2020, 04:57:32 PM

We paid more than £13m. We’re not selling him for a loss if he does go.

He is our record signing, the scouting department got sacked and we’re not in a sell to buy situation.

He’s not worth what we spent.

Who knows what will happen..?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 07, 2020, 05:03:49 PM

Isn't Mings out record signing?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: villadelph on August 07, 2020, 05:06:32 PM

Quote from: Ads on August 07, 2020, 05:03:49 PM

Isn't Mings out record signing?

According to TransferMarkt.. Wesley $27.5m, Mings $24.53m

#5 Matt Targett
#8 Ross McCormack
#9 Ezri Konsa

jesus..

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: postal on August 07, 2020, 05:08:21 PM

Quote from: olaftab on August 07, 2020, 04:38:05 PM

That postal is a funny guy. (As Jimmy would had said in the goodfellas)

One place I worked at they had a gag reflex.
I started to be 'funny' and their reflex was to stop listening.  ;D

Some like Wesley, I don't, but we are stuck with him so he has to work. And teach him how to head the ball  ::)
I find it hard to believe that Lazio want him

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Goldie.7 on August 07, 2020, 05:11:38 PM

It's amazing what time can do that some people have all of a sudden completely dismissed how dire Wesley was in those previous 12 matches before Burnley. The guy cannot head a ball to save his life.

Saying that. I wouldn't be selling him until at least next summer, and certainly not for a £9m loss.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Small Rodent on August 07, 2020, 05:16:36 PM

Quote from: Ads on August 07, 2020, 04:34:16 PM

Wesley, who has scored against Arsenal, over Davis, who had a chance against Arsenal, but didn't score as he only scores against Barnsley or Burton Albion.

I think the phrase the youth of the USA use is...

Buuurrrrnnn!!!

Nice one.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on August 07, 2020, 05:37:19 PM

Quote from: dicedlam on August 07, 2020, 03:17:29 PM

It seems a strange one and a bit out of the blue that Wesley is being linked to Lazio. They already have a prolific scorer in Immobile who scored well over 30 goals last season. Maybe they are going to cash in on him?

Personally, I would let him go if we got anywhere near our money back.

£13m is not 'anywhere near our money back'.
Those who say he lacks certain skills are judging a young player from a different league and a different country after half a season. The fact is, Wesley scored enough goals to suggest a season-total of 12-15 goals; not at all bad for an EPL striker. Without Mee's offensive intervention, he'd have continued to improve, IMHO.
Next season, with better defence and a more assured midfield - and with a decent wide striking partner - I think he'll come good.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on August 07, 2020, 05:42:21 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on August 07, 2020, 04:05:58 PM

Quote from: postal on August 07, 2020, 03:59:51 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on August 07, 2020, 03:44:59 PM

Would bite Lazio's had off for £13m for Wesley who is the worst value striker we have signed since Balaban.

Can someone please let  me know what Wesley offers other than holding the ball up, because I'm obviously missing something. yes he is relatively young, and in a new country.

He isn't even as good at holding the ball up as Davis, who honestly looks a better player despite never scoring.

All you have to do, guys, is look at his scoring record!This makes him better than Balaban, Davis and Samatta combined (IIRC).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on August 07, 2020, 05:43:06 PM

I hope you're right.  Honestly I think the 5 goals mask just how truly shit he was in general play.  Even his hold up play was awful - it bounced a few yards off him every touch.  He can't head it and other than the odd snap shot in general his shooting was powder puff. 

I really hope he comes good, but I'd be amazed.  With that said, we don't have the depth of squad to be writing off £10m on him and I guess there's a possibility he may come good.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on August 07, 2020, 05:46:54 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on August 07, 2020, 05:43:06 PM

I hope you're right.  Honestly I think the 5 goals mask just how truly shit he was in general play.  Even his hold up play was awful - it bounced a few yards off him every touch.  He can't head it and other than the odd snap shot in general his shooting was powder puff. 

I really hope he comes good, but I'd be amazed.  With that said, we don't have the depth of squad to be writing off £10m on him and I guess there's a possibility he may come good.

24m on 4 year deal amortisation -6 mil = 18 less 13 m - fee write off 5 mil = bargain.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on August 07, 2020, 05:48:47 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on August 07, 2020, 05:43:06 PM

I hope you're right.  Honestly I think the 5 goals mask just how truly shit he was in general play.  Even his hold up play was awful - it bounced a few yards off him every touch.  He can't head it and other than the odd snap shot in general his shooting was powder puff. 

I really hope he comes good, but I'd be amazed.  With that said, we don't have the depth of squad to be writing off £10m on him and I guess there's a possibility he may come good.

And yet, just before Xmas we were 8th in the division for goal-scoring; with him in the side.

To be clear, I'm not suggesting he should be our only striking option - the club put that monkey on Wesley's back at the start of last season - but it is far too early to scrap him as a squad member.
I hope - like Luiz - he has taken the downtime to learn English and get more familiar with the game over here.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 07, 2020, 06:24:09 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on August 07, 2020, 04:20:03 PM

Quote from: steamer on August 07, 2020, 04:17:47 PM

I was the biggest Wesley critic, but he has been here half a season and I also thought he had started to improve leading up to his injury, didnt he score in the Burnley game he was injured in ?
I would not get rid of and certainly not at a loss but I would want a proven scorer to start next season while giving him a chance to acclimatise.

Yep.

Count me in.

I thought he was good up at Old Trafford in the draw, and remember him looking like our best player in that farcical performance at home to Southampton too. He was improving and then seemed to put it all together against Burnley only to be nobbled by that donkey.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Stu on August 07, 2020, 06:25:51 PM

Quote from: postal on August 07, 2020, 04:19:08 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on August 07, 2020, 04:05:58 PM

Quote from: postal on August 07, 2020, 03:59:51 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on August 07, 2020, 03:44:59 PM

Would bite Lazio's had off for £13m for Wesley who is the worst value striker we have signed since Balaban.

Can someone please let  me know what Wesley offers other than holding the ball up, because I'm obviously missing something. yes he is relatively young, and in a new country.

He isn't even as good at holding the ball up as Davis, who honestly looks a better player despite never scoring.

Yes, at the Arsenal game Davis ran and got into their box for a half chance
Wesley wouldnt thought of even running.
So if Lazio could give double figures for him, however unlikely, take the money.

Which Arsenal game are you talking about, because I saw him score one against them at the Emirates. He didn't get to play in the one at VP due to being injured.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Stu on August 07, 2020, 06:34:04 PM

Wesley has scored 5 goals in 21 appearances for us and got injured after 5 months of playing (that game probably fucked our season considering the injuries we had, even if we did win). This is a 23 year old kid who probably doesn't speak the language too well and there's folk that want to bin him off at a £9m loss. Unreal.

As an aside, let's look at Bosko Balaban's record for Villa: 8 appearances in 2.5 years and no goals.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 07, 2020, 06:40:57 PM

Let's not forget Ross McCormack in all of this

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 07, 2020, 06:47:20 PM

Quote from: LeeB on August 07, 2020, 06:24:09 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on August 07, 2020, 04:20:03 PM

Quote from: steamer on August 07, 2020, 04:17:47 PM

I was the biggest Wesley critic, but he has been here half a season and I also thought he had started to improve leading up to his injury, didnt he score in the Burnley game he was injured in ?
I would not get rid of and certainly not at a loss but I would want a proven scorer to start next season while giving him a chance to acclimatise.

Yep.

Count me in.

I thought he was good up at Old Trafford in the draw, and remember him looking like our best player in that farcical performance at home to Southampton too. He was improving and then seemed to put it all together against Burnley only to be nobbled by that donkey.

Not a donkey. Wesley was getting the better of him so he took him out of the game/season. He's done it before and he'll do it again, since he got away with it. Fucking prick.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on August 07, 2020, 06:48:15 PM

Wesley has scored more top flight goals than Davis has had shots on target in all divisions.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 07, 2020, 06:52:43 PM

Quote from: WilliamStanding on August 07, 2020, 06:48:15 PM

Wesley has scored more top flight goals than Davis has had shots on target in all divisions.

Says it all really. Davis needs to go and play football every week for a year. Then see what he's like. Wesley needs time to settle, he clearly can score a few goals and be a nuisance. If he'd have stayed for and got to 10, that's as many as Maupay managed and got praise for at Brighton. Yeah, he was dog awful at times, but he's going to score a lot more goals than Davis.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Stu on August 07, 2020, 06:54:38 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 07, 2020, 06:47:20 PM

Not a donkey. Wesley was getting the better of him so he took him out of the game/season. He's done it before and he'll do it again, since he got away with it. Fucking prick.

I still can't believe that wasn't an instant red or even reviewed by VAR. It was a terrible challenge, reckless and designed to hurt. There's an image of it somewhere which shows how bad it was.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 07, 2020, 06:59:27 PM

Quote from: Stu on August 07, 2020, 06:54:38 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 07, 2020, 06:47:20 PM

Not a donkey. Wesley was getting the better of him so he took him out of the game/season. He's done it before and he'll do it again, since he got away with it. Fucking prick.

I still can't believe that wasn't an instant red or even reviewed by VAR. It was a terrible challenge, reckless and designed to hurt. There's an image of it somewhere which shows how bad it was.

Ben Mee - animal of a player. Hes done 3-4 players with that scissor tackle. But of course, he is not that kind of player.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Stu on August 07, 2020, 07:03:50 PM

(https://i.ibb.co/0CvsG97/ENNUNhi-X0-AEJHh-P.jpg) (https://ibb.co/0CvsG97)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on August 07, 2020, 07:14:35 PM

Quote from: LeeB on August 07, 2020, 06:40:57 PM

Let's not forget Ross McCormack in all of this

Would rather keep on drinking the mind bleach thanks.

Much like McCormack, in that regard.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 07, 2020, 07:31:53 PM

Quote from: Stu on August 07, 2020, 06:54:38 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 07, 2020, 06:47:20 PM

Not a donkey. Wesley was getting the better of him so he took him out of the game/season. He's done it before and he'll do it again, since he got away with it. Fucking prick.

I still can't believe that wasn't an instant red or even reviewed by VAR. It was a terrible challenge, reckless and designed to hurt. There's an image of it somewhere which shows how bad it was.

Beggars belief doesn't it? One of those ones that looked way worse on replay too. Tells me they didn't even look at it.

As ozzjim says - Mee is about as dirty as they come these days.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on August 07, 2020, 07:54:45 PM

Quote from: LeeB on August 07, 2020, 06:40:57 PM

Let's not forget Ross McCormack in all of this

No, let's.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on August 07, 2020, 07:56:10 PM

Quote from: olaftab on August 07, 2020, 04:38:05 PM

That postal is a funny guy. (As Jimmy would had said in the goodfellas)

What do you mean 'funny?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on August 07, 2020, 07:58:10 PM

Funny like a clown.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ROBBO on August 07, 2020, 08:29:25 PM

it's only the Mail click baiting again, don't know why but i would keep him, there are a lot of players that should go before him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on August 07, 2020, 08:53:38 PM

Quote from: ROBBO on August 07, 2020, 08:29:25 PM

it's only the Mail click baiting again, don't know why but i would keep him, there are a lot of players that should go before him.

Is the right answer.   Not reported anywhere else.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on August 07, 2020, 08:56:22 PM

I am far, far from convinced by Wesley. He's crap in the air and he resorts to loping around throwing his arms open and pulling a pained expression far too easily for my liking.

However, I am absolutely amazed anyone can compare Davis to him.

Davis is piss poor, has scored twice in the league in three years (in the championship), and just never even looks like having a shot, let alone scoring.

Wesley is unconvincing to say the least, but he's lethal compared to Davis.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Des Little on August 07, 2020, 09:03:06 PM

We absolutely need two strikers this summer. We simply cannot rely on the same two ineffective options that limped over the line last season, and Wes will be some time from full fitness. Personally I’d go for Watkins and all out for Tammy on loan if a purchase is out of the question.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: steamer on August 07, 2020, 09:09:05 PM

I said to my son, Davis must be the most "unlucky" centre forward I have ever seen.
Never scores
gets a chance because of injuries, manager says, " has been so impressive in pre start up games" has two golden opportunities in two different games and misses both.
Not saying get rid but he could do worse than buying some lavender from a gypsy

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SamTheMouse on August 07, 2020, 09:22:21 PM

I still don't think we've seen anything like the best of Wesley. The lad certainly has the physical qualities and he does know where the goal is.

He undoubtedly has a lot to learn, but if he does, he'll be quite a handful. I hope we give him a chance.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 07, 2020, 09:22:50 PM

I just don’t think Davis is any good. I think the only reason anyone has any patience with him is he played for the youth team. Wesley has a lot to prove, but he’s much better than Davis.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on August 07, 2020, 09:45:30 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on August 07, 2020, 09:22:50 PM

I just don’t think Davis is any good. I think the only reason anyone has any patience with him is he played for the youth team. 

And even that is questionable.

I think a lot of people think he came through our youth system in the way Grealish did. He didn't.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: DB on August 07, 2020, 09:46:36 PM

David Silva doesn't have club after he leaves city.  I would take him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on August 07, 2020, 09:48:20 PM

Quote from: steamer on August 07, 2020, 09:09:05 PM

Not saying get rid but he could do worse than buying some lavender from a gypsy

Not a bad shout. It's probably more likely to get a shot away than Davis is.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gary Penrice on August 07, 2020, 09:49:43 PM

Quote from: DB on August 07, 2020, 09:46:36 PM

David Silva doesn't have club after he leaves city.  I would take him.

There's no doubt people on here who would say he's shit,too old etc!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on August 07, 2020, 09:52:41 PM

Quote from: Gary Penrice on August 07, 2020, 09:49:43 PM

Quote from: DB on August 07, 2020, 09:46:36 PM

David Silva doesn't have club after he leaves city.  I would take him.

There's no doubt people on here who would say he's shit,too old etc!

I very much doubt it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 07, 2020, 10:36:37 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on August 07, 2020, 09:45:30 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on August 07, 2020, 09:22:50 PM

I just don’t think Davis is any good. I think the only reason anyone has any patience with him is he played for the youth team. 

And even that is questionable.

I think a lot of people think he came through our youth system in the way Grealish did. He didn't.

Yep absolutely.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: DB on August 07, 2020, 10:44:22 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on August 07, 2020, 09:52:41 PM

Quote from: Gary Penrice on August 07, 2020, 09:49:43 PM

Quote from: DB on August 07, 2020, 09:46:36 PM

David Silva doesn't have club after he leaves city.  I would take him.

There's no doubt people on here who would say he's shit,too old etc!

I very much doubt it.

He is still class. Wasn't it his decision to leave City? Probably looking for a move back to Spain but you never know.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on August 07, 2020, 10:50:37 PM

Quote from: DB on August 07, 2020, 10:44:22 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on August 07, 2020, 09:52:41 PM

Quote from: Gary Penrice on August 07, 2020, 09:49:43 PM

Quote from: DB on August 07, 2020, 09:46:36 PM

David Silva doesn't have club after he leaves city.  I would take him.

There's no doubt people on here who would say he's shit,too old etc!

I very much doubt it.

He is still class. Wasn't it his decision to leave City? Probably looking for a move back to Spain but you never know.

I thought he refused any new contract?  Either way a quality player.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: DB on August 07, 2020, 11:04:31 PM

Quote from: Dante Lavelli on August 07, 2020, 10:50:37 PM

Quote from: DB on August 07, 2020, 10:44:22 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on August 07, 2020, 09:52:41 PM

Quote from: Gary Penrice on August 07, 2020, 09:49:43 PM

Quote from: DB on August 07, 2020, 09:46:36 PM

David Silva doesn't have club after he leaves city.  I would take him.

There's no doubt people on here who would say he's shit,too old etc!

I very much doubt it.

He is still class. Wasn't it his decision to leave City? Probably looking for a move back to Spain but you never know.

I thought he refused any new contract?  Either way a quality player.

Same diff?
But yeah, must be loads of clubs looking at him

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on August 07, 2020, 11:30:32 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on August 07, 2020, 08:56:22 PM

I am far, far from convinced by Wesley. He's crap in the air and he resorts to loping around throwing his arms open and pulling a pained expression far too easily for my liking.

However, I am absolutely amazed anyone can compare Davis to him.

Davis is piss poor, has scored twice in the league in three years (in the championship), and just never even looks like having a shot, let alone scoring.

Wesley is unconvincing to say the least, but he's lethal compared to Davis.

I would love to argue with all of that and put a more positive spin on it but I can't. One is a big money signing and the other has come up through the ranks. But in both cases the end of term report is 'must do better'.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave17 on August 07, 2020, 11:47:32 PM

Davis needs games and goals. He’s clearly not a number 2 striker at this level. Wesley, very unclear. I wouldn’t say Tammy is any solution. 15 goals at Chelsea is very meh. And they’d be asking for 40 odd million.

Having said that no idea who we could take. Sell grealish and add in the 100m warchest and bid 150m for mbappe 🚑

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on August 07, 2020, 11:53:40 PM

Quote from: DB on August 07, 2020, 11:04:31 PM

Quote from: Dante Lavelli on August 07, 2020, 10:50:37 PM

Quote from: DB on August 07, 2020, 10:44:22 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on August 07, 2020, 09:52:41 PM

Quote from: Gary Penrice on August 07, 2020, 09:49:43 PM

Quote from: DB on August 07, 2020, 09:46:36 PM

David Silva doesn't have club after he leaves city.  I would take him.

There's no doubt people on here who would say he's shit,too old etc!

I very much doubt it.

He is still class. Wasn't it his decision to leave City? Probably looking for a move back to Spain but you never know.

I thought he refused any new contract?  Either way a quality player.

Same diff?
But yeah, must be loads of clubs looking at him

D’oh.  Yes, exactly the same, i read that completely wrong.  I blame the wine.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Londonvilla on August 08, 2020, 12:18:23 AM

"Craig Shakespeare named Aston Villa assistant head coach"

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53699260

Which Leicester or Watford players are coming to the villa?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 08, 2020, 01:07:23 AM

Quote from: DB on August 07, 2020, 09:46:36 PM

David Silva doesn't have club after he leaves city.  I would take him.

David Silva even at his age will have a long list of clubs at CL level wanting his services.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 08, 2020, 01:42:39 AM

Quote from: Londonvilla on August 08, 2020, 12:18:23 AM

"Craig Shakespeare named Aston Villa assistant head coach"

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53699260

Which Leicester or Watford players are coming to the villa?

Sarr please. Get a decent striker I'd take Albrighton back in a heartbeat.

Did he get on with Kante, he's be handy if Chelsea are selling lol

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: charleeco7 on August 08, 2020, 07:31:41 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 08, 2020, 01:42:39 AM

Quote from: Londonvilla on August 08, 2020, 12:18:23 AM

"Craig Shakespeare named Aston Villa assistant head coach"

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53699260

Which Leicester or Watford players are coming to the villa?

Sarr please. Get a decent striker I'd take Albrighton back in a heartbeat.

Did he get on with Kante, he's be handy if Chelsea are selling lol

We should definitely go for Sat, the lads a going to be some player. So strong and decent pace, can only see him improving.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kipeye on August 08, 2020, 09:08:17 AM

Quote from: dave17 on August 07, 2020, 11:47:32 PM

Davis needs games and goals. He’s clearly not a number 2 striker at this level. Wesley, very unclear. I wouldn’t say Tammy is any solution. 15 goals at Chelsea is very meh. And they’d be asking for 40 odd million.

Having said that no idea who we could take. Sell grealish and add in the 100m warchest and bid 150m for mbappe 🚑

I honestly think he has the makings of a top class CF. He needs games and a little time to develop, shows all the qualities for me. He may be overdue to show it but I would persevere and only loan him out if we get a couple more up front. I hope we keep him

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 08, 2020, 09:36:04 AM

Davis has all the hall marks of a top centre forward?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 08, 2020, 09:42:31 AM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on August 08, 2020, 09:36:04 AM

Davis has all the hall marks of a top centre forward?

I think he's confusing him with Silva.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 08, 2020, 09:44:50 AM

Quote from: kipeye on August 08, 2020, 09:08:17 AM

Quote from: dave17 on August 07, 2020, 11:47:32 PM

Davis needs games and goals. He’s clearly not a number 2 striker at this level. Wesley, very unclear. I wouldn’t say Tammy is any solution. 15 goals at Chelsea is very meh. And they’d be asking for 40 odd million.

Having said that no idea who we could take. Sell grealish and add in the 100m warchest and bid 150m for mbappe 🚑

I honestly think he has the makings of a top class CF. He needs games and a little time to develop, shows all the qualities for me. He may be overdue to show it but I would persevere and only loan him out if we get a couple more up front. I hope we keep him

I agree with every word you say Kipeye
I’ve defended and backed him loads on here I like players who can control a ball as I’ve said about other players and he can

Unfortunately the truth at the moment is he doesn’t score
and if your a striker it’s eerrr well pretty important, so you get those people like us waiting for him to notch a couple and others who don’t rate him at all saying he never will

I’ve sort of stopped making his case now not because I don’t believe in his ability any more but because there’s no come back to ‘he never scores’
maybe he will become the player we think he is somewhere else
What will be will be

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on August 08, 2020, 09:51:23 AM

Quote from: john e on August 08, 2020, 09:44:50 AM

... I’ve defended and backed him loads on here I like players who can control a ball as I’ve said about other players and he can ....

Isn't this a somewhat fundamental criterion of any player?!
I think you've really damned him with faint praise, John.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villan82 on August 08, 2020, 09:52:03 AM

When Davis first broke into the team he blew my mind. I thought, 'wow', we have ourselves a gem. Weren't there rumours back then that top flight clubs were looking at him?

He hasn't kicked on from there, mainly due to a lack of game time in the championship. Loan him out. If he could improve his finishing I think he would be a good player.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 08, 2020, 09:53:41 AM

Quote from: john e on August 08, 2020, 09:44:50 AM

Quote from: kipeye on August 08, 2020, 09:08:17 AM

Quote from: dave17 on August 07, 2020, 11:47:32 PM

Davis needs games and goals. He’s clearly not a number 2 striker at this level. Wesley, very unclear. I wouldn’t say Tammy is any solution. 15 goals at Chelsea is very meh. And they’d be asking for 40 odd million.

Having said that no idea who we could take. Sell grealish and add in the 100m warchest and bid 150m for mbappe 🚑

I honestly think he has the makings of a top class CF. He needs games and a little time to develop, shows all the qualities for me. He may be overdue to show it but I would persevere and only loan him out if we get a couple more up front. I hope we keep him

I agree with every word you say Kipeye
I’ve defended and backed him loads on here I like players who can control a ball as I’ve said about other players and he can

Unfortunately the truth at the moment is he doesn’t score
and if your a striker it’s eerrr well pretty important, so you get those people like us waiting for him to notch a couple and others who don’t rate him at all saying he never will

I’ve sort of stopped making his case now not because I don’t believe in his ability any more but because there’s no come back to ‘he never scores’
maybe he will become the player we think he is somewhere else
What will be will be

Don’t worry both, we’ll be all over these fuckers at the end of the season when he collects the Golden Boot.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 08, 2020, 10:02:55 AM

Quote from: Mister E on August 08, 2020, 09:51:23 AM

Quote from: john e on August 08, 2020, 09:44:50 AM

... I’ve defended and backed him loads on here I like players who can control a ball as I’ve said about other players and he can ....

Isn't this a somewhat fundamental criterion of any player?!
I think you've really damned him with faint praise, John.

It is fundamental
Surprising how many can’t do it under pressure and give the ball away to easily
have you not been watching us do that all season ?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on August 08, 2020, 10:05:35 AM

Happy to hold my hands on this one but I’m confident Davis will never score more than two goals in a season top flight.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on August 08, 2020, 10:28:17 AM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on August 08, 2020, 09:42:31 AM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on August 08, 2020, 09:36:04 AM

Davis has all the hall marks of a top centre forward?

I think he's confusing him with Silva.

Leaves defences more stationary than a birthday card.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on August 08, 2020, 10:29:45 AM

Quote from: eamonn on August 08, 2020, 10:28:17 AM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on August 08, 2020, 09:42:31 AM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on August 08, 2020, 09:36:04 AM

Davis has all the hall marks of a top centre forward?

I think he's confusing him with Silva.

Leaves defences more stationary than a birthday card.

how does a birthday card leave stationary?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on August 08, 2020, 10:32:33 AM

If Davis plays for .... football so can I.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Smirker on August 08, 2020, 11:15:11 AM

Considering the season starts in a few weeks, business seems slow. Been two weeks since we confirmed survival. Announce something exciting please Villa.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on August 08, 2020, 11:40:33 AM

Quote from: Smirker on August 08, 2020, 11:15:11 AM

Considering the season starts in a few weeks, business seems slow. Been two weeks since we confirmed survival. Announce something exciting please Villa.

Only clubs with generous/rich owners can justify spending money due to the massive hit on turnover.  Assuming ours fall into this category we have a very rare opportunity bridge the gap between us and any club run sustainably.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SaddVillan on August 08, 2020, 12:01:14 PM

BBC Sport's website is carrying a story that Chelsea want to raise £65m from player sales to fund the purchase of Declan Rice from Wet Spam.

Time for a Bid for Tammy Abraham?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on August 08, 2020, 12:07:18 PM

Quote from: SaddVillan on August 08, 2020, 12:01:14 PM

BBC Sport's website is carrying a story that Chelsea want to raise £65m from player sales to fund the purchase of Declan Rice from Wet Spam.

Time for a Bid for Tammy Abraham?

£65 million? The world has gone mad, Declan Mince more like.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Percy McCarthy on August 08, 2020, 12:43:23 PM

Davis is a very accomplished target man, something that some players never learn, I’m confident he will be a very good Centre-forward one day, as long as he stops being so injury prone.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on August 08, 2020, 01:13:45 PM

My postman is an accomplished talker and is a lovely chap - I still however require him to post letters in the correct doors.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: exigo on August 08, 2020, 01:18:12 PM

Most players are on holiday. Can't see any big transfers for a week, then it'll probably be a revolving door job for most clubs.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on August 08, 2020, 02:20:54 PM

Quote from: Percy McCarthy on August 08, 2020, 12:43:23 PM

Davis is a very accomplished target man, something that some players never learn, I’m confident he will be a very good Centre-forward one day, as long as he stops being so injury prone.

And works out what the white posts with the net hanging off them are.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Border villan on August 08, 2020, 02:26:33 PM

Bournemouth job gone. Terry remains with us ....... for now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on August 08, 2020, 02:37:21 PM

Quote from: SaddVillan on August 08, 2020, 12:01:14 PM

BBC Sport's website is carrying a story that Chelsea want to raise £65m from player sales to fund the purchase of Declan Rice from Wet Spam.

Time for a Bid for Tammy Abraham?

What’s Loftus Cheek like? 
Did well at Palace, getting into the England squad and might be available considering how many other options they have.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on August 08, 2020, 03:04:01 PM

Quote from: Border villan on August 08, 2020, 02:26:33 PM

Bournemouth job gone. Terry remains with us ....... for now.

The Bournemouth job is a poisoned chalice in my opinion. Their fans have got used to Premier League football and they will want a swift return to the top flight. But in reality they are a small club even by Championship standards like Luton, Millwall, Rotherham and Wycombe. They will have the parachute payments but I think it might be a long road back for Bournemouth and they may struggle to go back up quickly. I also think their managerial appointment lacks ambition given the amount of proven Championship managers there are around.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Randy Gurner on August 08, 2020, 03:06:01 PM

Quote from: Dante Lavelli on August 08, 2020, 02:37:21 PM

Quote from: SaddVillan on August 08, 2020, 12:01:14 PM

BBC Sport's website is carrying a story that Chelsea want to raise £65m from player sales to fund the purchase of Declan Rice from Wet Spam.

Time for a Bid for Tammy Abraham?

What’s Loftus Cheek like? 
Did well at Palace, getting into the England squad and might be available considering how many other options they have.

A Tammy & Loftus Cheek double swoop would as impressive as it is unlikely, unfortunately.

Loftus Cheek alongside McGinn, in front of Luiz, is right up my straße

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: jwarry on August 08, 2020, 03:33:09 PM

Can’t see any signings for a couple of weeks as the owners have said they want a review of what happened last year and the new team will need to get their heads together so I guess  we need to be patient

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on August 08, 2020, 03:49:55 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on August 08, 2020, 10:29:45 AM

Quote from: eamonn on August 08, 2020, 10:28:17 AM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on August 08, 2020, 09:42:31 AM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on August 08, 2020, 09:36:04 AM

Davis has all the hall marks of a top centre forward?

I think he's confusing him with Silva.

Leaves defences more stationary than a birthday card.

how does a birthday card leave stationary?

Mine have been on the mantelpiece for almost six months.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Border villan on August 08, 2020, 04:14:32 PM

Quote from: eamonn on August 08, 2020, 03:49:55 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on August 08, 2020, 10:29:45 AM

Quote from: eamonn on August 08, 2020, 10:28:17 AM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on August 08, 2020, 09:42:31 AM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on August 08, 2020, 09:36:04 AM

Davis has all the hall marks of a top centre forward?

I think he's confusing him with Silva.

Leaves defences more stationary than a birthday card.

how does a birthday card leave stationary?

Mine have been on the mantelpiece for almost six months.

I have some pieces of silver that have hallmarks and like Kienan they are better outside the box.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 08, 2020, 05:26:30 PM

Quote from: Smirker on August 08, 2020, 11:15:11 AM

Considering the season starts in a few weeks, business seems slow. Been two weeks since we confirmed survival. Announce something exciting please Villa.

We need to remember there's still plenty of teams in CL and europa. Let's say we did seriously want Tammy back then we need to wait for Chelsea to finish their season. Then he'll be on holiday for a few weeks. I'd like to think we'll be targeting 2-3 players from teams currently playing in europe.

In normal teams I think this period is a bit like mid June when there's either an international tournament on or loads of players are away on holiday.

I assume we're back in training on Monday August 17th so think business will pick up significantly from that point and we'll sign a player or two that week or before.

At worst we start the new season with the same squad and I'm sure we could pick up a win or two and a few draws like we did in the run in.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: andyh on August 08, 2020, 05:37:34 PM

Declan Rice.
Now there’s a player I wish we were able to go for.
Might be a year or two yet though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 08, 2020, 05:43:08 PM

Never really seen all the fuss about him to be honest. Granted I haven’t been studying his career, but he never looks that impressive to me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 08, 2020, 05:51:27 PM

If Keinan Davis played for any other PL team we’d all think he is shit

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: itbrvilla on August 08, 2020, 06:16:51 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 08, 2020, 05:51:27 PM

If Keinan Davis played for any other PL team we’d all think he is shit

I can't see the fuss either.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LukeJames on August 08, 2020, 06:34:34 PM

Quote from: itbrvilla on August 08, 2020, 06:16:51 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 08, 2020, 05:51:27 PM

If Keinan Davis played for any other PL team we’d all think he is shit

I can't see the fuss either.

Some think he's decent at hold up, hardly any fuss.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on August 08, 2020, 06:47:58 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 08, 2020, 05:51:27 PM

If Keinan Davis played for any other PL team we’d all think he is shit

Nail on head.

I had a ex missus who could hold balls up quite well - doesn’t mean she could score goals in the premier league.

He’s awful - but I’m not concerned as Smiffy won’t have him anywhere near that line up in 5 weeks.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: nordenvillain on August 08, 2020, 06:49:05 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on August 08, 2020, 05:43:08 PM

Never really seen all the fuss about him to be honest. Granted I haven’t been studying his career, but he never looks that impressive to me.

Thought he looked a class apart in the 0-0 at VP. Hardly wasted a pass and made a number of significant interceptions.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kipeye on August 08, 2020, 07:17:55 PM

FFS you lot. I only expressed an opinion, I don't know for sure about Davis because I am not a manager and not Nostradamus. You need to get over yourselves.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Joshua Fineman on August 08, 2020, 07:24:07 PM

Hav we signed anyone yet?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on August 08, 2020, 07:28:12 PM

 
I don’t think anyone needs to be a manager or Nostradamus, even Stevie Wonder could tell you that one goal in his last 7 seasons = not going to make it top flight.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: themossman on August 08, 2020, 07:29:42 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 08, 2020, 05:26:30 PM

Quote from: Smirker on August 08, 2020, 11:15:11 AM

Considering the season starts in a few weeks, business seems slow. Been two weeks since we confirmed survival. Announce something exciting please Villa.

We need to remember there's still plenty of teams in CL and europa. Let's say we did seriously want Tammy back then we need to wait for Chelsea to finish their season. Then he'll be on holiday for a few weeks. I'd like to think we'll be targeting 2-3 players from teams currently playing in europe.

In normal teams I think this period is a bit like mid June when there's either an international tournament on or loads of players are away on holiday.

I assume we're back in training on Monday August 17th so think business will pick up significantly from that point and we'll sign a player or two that week or before.

At worst we start the new season with the same squad and I'm sure we could pick up a win or two and a few draws like we did in the run in.

The fact that we’ve been recruiting a senior coach and particularly Lange is probably a factor. Only right to have them on board and feeding into the decision making process before we make any big signings.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: CT on August 08, 2020, 08:56:06 PM

Quote from: andyh on August 08, 2020, 05:37:34 PM

Declan Rice.
Now there’s a player I wish we were able to go for.
Might be a year or two yet though.

Agreed. Watched him a few times last season and he definitely made West Ham’s midfield tick. £65m though - if that’s the case, then it’s 9 digits for Jack.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on August 08, 2020, 10:08:16 PM

Quote from: WilliamStanding on August 08, 2020, 06:47:58 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 08, 2020, 05:51:27 PM

If Keinan Davis played for any other PL team we’d all think he is shit

Nail on head.

I had a ex missus who could hold balls up quite well - doesn’t mean she could score goals in the premier league.

He’s awful - but I’m not concerned as Smiffy won’t have him anywhere near that line up in 5 weeks.

Bore off with the Davis chat.  We get it, you don’t rate him.  The Davis thread might be a better place to keep repeating this than the transfer thread.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villatillidie1982 on August 08, 2020, 10:14:01 PM

Keinan Davis is like Emile Heskey. He does everything a striker should do except score goals. Him and Wesley might be able to work together but 2 up front is beyond Dean's comprehension.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villatillidie25 on August 08, 2020, 10:18:27 PM

Quote from: Villatillidie1982 on August 08, 2020, 10:14:01 PM

Keinan Davis is like Emile Heskey. He does everything a striker should do except score goals. Him and Wesley might be able to work together but 2 up front is beyond Dean's comprehension.

Excellent username 👍🏻

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 08, 2020, 10:59:16 PM

Ryan Sessegnon is available form Spurs but seems on his way to Ajax. I'd love for us to be in for him at LB/WB. Massive upgrade on Targett.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Bryan on August 08, 2020, 11:14:18 PM

I like him, but I think his future is left wing not left back. If we could get him full time I think he’d be a great signing.

Someone said Declan Rice earlier in the thread. That would be an awful signing. I struggle to see what he offers except physicality and limited ball skills.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AGRIPPA on August 08, 2020, 11:17:33 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 08, 2020, 05:51:27 PM

If Keinan Davis played for any other PL team we’d all think he is shit

I don’t think he’s as shit as Wesley though

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 08, 2020, 11:25:12 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 08, 2020, 05:51:27 PM

If Keinan Davis played for any other PL team we’d all think he is shit

ha ha
in fairness some on here think Declan Rice, James Maddison and Mason Mount are shit
so it don’t mean a lot

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 08, 2020, 11:30:22 PM

Quote from: john e on August 08, 2020, 11:25:12 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 08, 2020, 05:51:27 PM

If Keinan Davis played for any other PL team we’d all think he is shit

ha ha
in fairness some on here think Declan Rice, James Maddison and Mason Mount are shit
so it don’t mean a lot

Declan Rice is the new Mark Noble, ie basically wank. Maddison is a bloody good player, if we put him with Jack we'd be knocking on the top six. Mount is decent and could become very good, but he's not in the same class as the other two.

Davis is the new Ruud Gullit and it's just the blind that can't see it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 08, 2020, 11:53:58 PM

Declan Rice is the player you describe as “he puts in a shift” but generally in doing so achieves the square root of fuck all. If he was Finland or the Faroes and not English he’d be playing in the Azerbaijan Premier League.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Nunkin1965 on August 09, 2020, 12:00:28 AM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 08, 2020, 11:53:58 PM

Declan Rice is the player you describe as “he puts in a shift” but generally in doing so achieves the square root of fuck all. If he was Finland or the Faroes and not English he’d be playing in the Azerbaijan Premier League.

He’s getting regular outings for the national side so he must be achieving better than the square root of FA.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 09, 2020, 12:04:09 AM

Quote from: Nunkin1965 on August 09, 2020, 12:00:28 AM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 08, 2020, 11:53:58 PM

Declan Rice is the player you describe as “he puts in a shift” but generally in doing so achieves the square root of fuck all. If he was Finland or the Faroes and not English he’d be playing in the Azerbaijan Premier League.

He’s getting regular outings for the national side so he must be achieving better than the square root of FA.

The English game always has a blind spot for a player like Rice, he'll get ruthlessly exposed in an all important knockout game and they'll move onto the next plodding giant.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Des Little on August 09, 2020, 12:09:34 AM

Declan Rice is fawned upon by the London media. If he played for a team like, say Sheffield United, he wouldn’t even get a mention let alone an England call up.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dicedlam on August 09, 2020, 12:44:51 AM

Quote from: LeeB on August 09, 2020, 12:04:09 AM

The English game always has a blind spot for a player like Rice, he'll get ruthlessly exposed in an all important knockout game and they'll move onto the next plodding giant.

Another Eric Dier.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on August 09, 2020, 12:58:08 AM

Michael Carrick?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 09, 2020, 01:30:12 AM

Quote from: Nunkin1965 on August 09, 2020, 12:00:28 AM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 08, 2020, 11:53:58 PM

Declan Rice is the player you describe as “he puts in a shift” but generally in doing so achieves the square root of fuck all. If he was Finland or the Faroes and not English he’d be playing in the Azerbaijan Premier League.

He’s getting regular outings for the national side so he must be achieving better than the square root of FA.

Is that the true measure of talent? He’s just a good player, nothing more. Generally nondescript. I don’t dislike him but would you have him over McGinn or Luiz in our midfield; two players that cost a combined £18m vs Rice who will cost any team that buys him £50m+

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on August 09, 2020, 07:17:00 AM

Rice is a stodgy pudding

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on August 09, 2020, 07:18:58 AM

also doing the speculation rounds a part ex deal for Wilson from Bournemouth plus Hogan. Yes, it's the season to be silly.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on August 09, 2020, 07:33:13 AM

Quote from: mr underhill on August 09, 2020, 07:18:58 AM

also doing the speculation rounds a part ex deal for Wilson from Bournemouth plus Hogan. Yes, it's the season to be silly.

Wow, that would be worthwhile if only to get rid of Hogan let alone getting Callum Wilson.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Hookeysmith on August 09, 2020, 08:17:20 AM

I've always rated Wilson but think this is probably a bit of fantasy. With the parachute payment and £40m for Ake in their pocket they don't need to look at cut price deals.

And why would anyone look at Hogan and think he was worth a punt

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on August 09, 2020, 08:31:07 AM

Quote from: Hookeysmith on August 09, 2020, 08:17:20 AM

And why would anyone look at Hogan and think he was worth a punt

Without looking too deeply into it didn’t he score a few goals pre lockdown for SHA which might get a bite out of a championship club?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: manic-road on August 09, 2020, 08:40:16 AM

Quote from: Hookeysmith on August 09, 2020, 08:17:20 AM

I've always rated Wilson but think this is probably a bit of fantasy. With the parachute payment and £40m for Ake in their pocket they don't need to look at cut price deals.

And why would anyone look at Hogan and think he was worth a punt

I read that Bournemouth still owe £81m in transfer payments so if that is true they may be looking to sell a few more players.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 09, 2020, 09:01:15 AM

Quote from: manic-road on August 09, 2020, 08:40:16 AM

Quote from: Hookeysmith on August 09, 2020, 08:17:20 AM

I've always rated Wilson but think this is probably a bit of fantasy. With the parachute payment and £40m for Ake in their pocket they don't need to look at cut price deals.

And why would anyone look at Hogan and think he was worth a punt

I read that Bournemouth still owe £81m in transfer payments so if that is true they may be looking to sell a few more players.

The drop off in income is going to hit them hard you would think, I can see them being in real trouble in the next couple of years.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on August 09, 2020, 09:25:13 AM

Quote from: mr underhill on August 09, 2020, 07:18:58 AM

also doing the speculation rounds a part ex deal for Wilson from Bournemouth plus Hogan. Yes, it's the season to be silly.

I’d like us to sign Tammy, but this has a more realistic feel to it. Add Benhrama and Watkins and that would be our forward business done.
Someone mentioned loftus-cheek earlier in the the thread, that would be a great signing.
On Davies, despite all the ‘he’s shite’ talk, we looked a better team every time he was on the pitch instead of Samatta. He’s definitely not shite, but despite the fact he holds it up well etc, he never looks like scoring, which is obviously a problem. I think if we get two forwards and a winger in, some will have to be shifted out, so one of Samatta or Davies will go, personally I’d rather cut our losses and sell Samatta, but horses for courses.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 09, 2020, 09:51:44 AM

Wilson wants out too apparently, rumours of a fairly low relegation release clause.

If we are realistic and want to move forward, Wilson is a decent shout as an experienced front man still at a decent age. Wilson, Watkins and Benrahma would be a very, very decent step forward up front compared to where we are.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on August 09, 2020, 10:02:32 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 09, 2020, 09:51:44 AM

Wilson wants out too apparently, rumours of a fairly low relegation release clause.

If we are realistic and want to move forward, Wilson is a decent shout as an experienced front man still at a decent age. Wilson, Watkins and Benrahma would be a very, very decent step forward up front compared to where we are.

Absolutely this.
What difference this would  make to the dynamics and threat for our forward line.

Sell Samatta and give Davis away to anyone who doesn’t want goals and that’s a game changing  transfer period.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on August 09, 2020, 10:16:19 AM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 09, 2020, 01:30:12 AM

Quote from: Nunkin1965 on August 09, 2020, 12:00:28 AM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 08, 2020, 11:53:58 PM

Declan Rice is the player you describe as “he puts in a shift” but generally in doing so achieves the square root of fuck all. If he was Finland or the Faroes and not English he’d be playing in the Azerbaijan Premier League.

He’s getting regular outings for the national side so he must be achieving better than the square root of FA.

Is that the true measure of talent? He’s just a good player, nothing more. Generally nondescript. I don’t dislike him but would you have him over McGinn or Luiz in our midfield; two players that cost a combined £18m vs Rice who will cost any team that buys him £50m+

You can't really compare him to McGinn, as Rice is a defensive midfielder and McGinn is an attacking midfielder.  If I had to choose, I'd definitely take him over McGinn in a straight swap though, no question at all.  Rice will be like Henderson in future I reckon, one of those players unappreciated by fans of other teams, but a key player for the team he plays for.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 09, 2020, 10:35:36 AM

Quote from: Risso on August 09, 2020, 10:16:19 AM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 09, 2020, 01:30:12 AM

Quote from: Nunkin1965 on August 09, 2020, 12:00:28 AM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 08, 2020, 11:53:58 PM

Declan Rice is the player you describe as “he puts in a shift” but generally in doing so achieves the square root of fuck all. If he was Finland or the Faroes and not English he’d be playing in the Azerbaijan Premier League.

He’s getting regular outings for the national side so he must be achieving better than the square root of FA.

Is that the true measure of talent? He’s just a good player, nothing more. Generally nondescript. I don’t dislike him but would you have him over McGinn or Luiz in our midfield; two players that cost a combined £18m vs Rice who will cost any team that buys him £50m+

You can't really compare him to McGinn, as Rice is a defensive midfielder and McGinn is an attacking midfielder.  If I had to choose, I'd definitely take him over McGinn in a straight swap though, no question at all.  Rice will be like Henderson in future I reckon, one of those players unappreciated by fans of other teams, but a key player for the team he plays for.

Flipin eck Risso
I think that’s the first time I’ve ever agreed with you about a player
and I’ve been on here for 15 years

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 09, 2020, 10:41:09 AM

Quote from: Risso on August 09, 2020, 10:16:19 AM

You can't really compare him to McGinn, as Rice is a defensive midfielder and McGinn is an attacking midfielder.  If I had to choose, I'd definitely take him over McGinn in a straight swap though, no question at all.  Rice will be like Henderson in future I reckon, one of those players unappreciated by fans of other teams, but a key player for the team he plays for.

He's certainly unappreciated by fans of Ireland. I agree with you btw but not worth 65m.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithe on August 09, 2020, 11:19:20 AM

I like Rice, he was great against us at VP, not showy but uses the ball well and fine positioning

Good job he can’t shoot or we may be playing Championship football next year

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on August 09, 2020, 11:24:13 AM

didn't he want to come to us on loan a while ago when Bruce was here?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on August 09, 2020, 11:25:17 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 09, 2020, 09:51:44 AM

Wilson wants out too apparently, rumours of a fairly low relegation release clause.

If we are realistic and want to move forward, Wilson is a decent shout as an experienced front man still at a decent age. Wilson, Watkins and Benrahma would be a very, very decent step forward up front compared to where we are.

For me, the thought of signing 2 players from the championship would worry me at this stage - we really should start to be looking at players who are playing well in the Premier League, or ripping apart one of the weaker European leagues and look decent in the European Cup/UEFA Cup.

Not asking that we start signing Messi or whatever, just that our signings are ambitious enough to keep the likes of Jack Grealish, Tyrone Mings, and John McGinn at the club. Which means buying players who are going to get us a strong, top half finish next season, and perhaps challenging for a place in Europe.

If the budget is around £100m, I'd be looking at spending ~£70m on a centre forward and a winger*, and ~£25m on a central midfielder. Then £5m + any sales on speculative buys, e.g. youngsters & players who "look good in the championship".

* Thinking something along the lines of £30m for Edouard + £40m for Sarr

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on August 09, 2020, 11:25:55 AM

We won’t be signing Abraham. He’s not going to want to go from playing in the champions league to our level, no matter how well he knows the club. He’ll have better options than us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SaddVillan on August 09, 2020, 11:54:42 AM

Callum Wilson.
A Coventry lad and will know the area, so shouldn't have too much trouble settling in.
However he's done his cruciates in both knees whilst at Bournemouth, so the medical will be interesting and could affect his price.
On the plus side, he's experienced at age 28 and his  goals per game stars for Bournemout in the Prem are pretty good. If we can bring him in for less than £8m net, on a swap deal involving Scott Hogan then I think he's worth signing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Singapore Villa on August 09, 2020, 12:55:39 PM

Sorry, but isn’t Harry Wilson on loan from Liverpool.... therefore he is not Bournemouth’s to sell and the Scott Hogan plus cash deal rumour is clearly bollocks.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on August 09, 2020, 12:59:00 PM

wrong Wilson - Callum not Harry.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Singapore Villa on August 09, 2020, 01:06:00 PM

My apologies...

Can someone call me a taxi

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on August 09, 2020, 01:29:15 PM

Quote from: Singapore Villa on August 09, 2020, 01:06:00 PM

My apologies...

Can someone call me a taxi

You effin' taxi!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 09, 2020, 02:26:40 PM

Quote from: mr underhill on August 09, 2020, 07:18:58 AM

also doing the speculation rounds a part ex deal for Wilson from Bournemouth plus Hogan. Yes, it's the season to be silly.

is this the Bournemouth equivalent of Charlie dumping Diana for Camila

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave P on August 09, 2020, 03:33:56 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 09, 2020, 01:30:12 AM

Quote from: Nunkin1965 on August 09, 2020, 12:00:28 AM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 08, 2020, 11:53:58 PM

Declan Rice is the player you describe as “he puts in a shift” but generally in doing so achieves the square root of fuck all. If he was Finland or the Faroes and not English he’d be playing in the Azerbaijan Premier League.

He’s getting regular outings for the national side so he must be achieving better than the square root of FA.

Is that the true measure of talent? He’s just a good player, nothing more. Generally nondescript. I don’t dislike him but would you have him over McGinn or Luiz in our midfield; two players that cost a combined £18m vs Rice who will cost any team that buys him £50m+

Now I really rate Declan Rice and think he’s the best English DM. All about opinions innit?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on August 09, 2020, 03:42:54 PM

Quote from: Dave P on August 09, 2020, 03:33:56 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 09, 2020, 01:30:12 AM

Quote from: Nunkin1965 on August 09, 2020, 12:00:28 AM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 08, 2020, 11:53:58 PM

Declan Rice is the player you describe as “he puts in a shift” but generally in doing so achieves the square root of fuck all. If he was Finland or the Faroes and not English he’d be playing in the Azerbaijan Premier League.

He’s getting regular outings for the national side so he must be achieving better than the square root of FA.

Is that the true measure of talent? He’s just a good player, nothing more. Generally nondescript. I don’t dislike him but would you have him over McGinn or Luiz in our midfield; two players that cost a combined £18m vs Rice who will cost any team that buys him £50m+

Now I really rate Declan Rice and think he’s the best English DM. All about opinions innit?

I reckon if we had Rice sitting deep as a defensive midfielder Grealish, McGinn and Luiz would have the freedom to tear the opposition a new one.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 09, 2020, 03:46:41 PM

Pretty sure Chelsea want to sign Rice and play him at CB.

I thought he played well in the 0-0 at VP.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: tomd2103 on August 09, 2020, 03:57:36 PM

Quote from: SaddVillan on August 09, 2020, 11:54:42 AM

Callum Wilson.
A Coventry lad and will know the area, so shouldn't have too much trouble settling in.
However he's done his cruciates in both knees whilst at Bournemouth, so the medical will be interesting and could affect his price.
On the plus side, he's experienced at age 28 and his  goals per game stars for Bournemout in the Prem are pretty good. If we can bring him in for less than £8m net, on a swap deal involving Scott Hogan then I think he's worth signing.

Think Wilson would be a decent signing, but his injury history would be a worry.  Last thing we need is another big earner who spends most of his time on the treatment table. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on August 09, 2020, 05:19:40 PM

I'm not sure why we're talking about Rice as there's no chance he'd come to us.  I'm amazed that some people think he's shit, he's going to have a great career at a top club.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villafirst on August 09, 2020, 05:56:56 PM

Quote from: LeeB on August 09, 2020, 09:01:15 AM

Quote from: manic-road on August 09, 2020, 08:40:16 AM

Quote from: Hookeysmith on August 09, 2020, 08:17:20 AM

I've always rated Wilson but think this is probably a bit of fantasy. With the parachute payment and £40m for Ake in their pocket they don't need to look at cut price deals.

And why would anyone look at Hogan and think he was worth a punt

I read that Bournemouth still owe £81m in transfer payments so if that is true they may be looking to sell a few more players.

The drop off in income is going to hit them hard you would think, I can see them being in real trouble in the next couple of years.

Yes, with a ground capacity of only 11,300 they've been wholly reliant on the Premier League gravy train. Even with a few parachute payments, players on big money will be sold particularly if the owe millions on players bought. They will really struggle even with a reduced wage bill.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 09, 2020, 06:31:39 PM

I repeat:

Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 02, 2020, 06:31:33 PM

Quote from: Lastfootstamper on August 02, 2020, 02:01:24 PM

I believe that Bournemouth were one of the (11, I think?) PL clubs that were unreliant on any matchday income whatsoever. They'd no need of the ground they were in, let alone a bigger one.

In June 2109 their accounts stated that they had a wage bill of £111 million against an income of £130 million, with around 4% of that from ticket sales

They owed £76 million in transfer payment instalments and had the fourth highest paid director in the Premier League.

They averaged around 800 empty seats per match. This season their highest gate pre-lockdown was 10,832.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: themossman on August 09, 2020, 06:32:20 PM

It’s funny I’d sort of decided that teams like Bournemouth, by cementing their place in the PL while we were out of it, had pushed us down the financial pecking order. But actually, so much of the money gets washed out in player costs, most teams are one relegation away from potential free fall.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dorsetvillian on August 09, 2020, 07:06:05 PM

Bournemouth are in deep trouble. They haven't improved the ground or academy (still level 3). Financially nothing is sustainable so I think they will go down to Div 1.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 09, 2020, 09:56:16 PM

Quote from: Dave P on August 09, 2020, 03:33:56 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 09, 2020, 01:30:12 AM

Quote from: Nunkin1965 on August 09, 2020, 12:00:28 AM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 08, 2020, 11:53:58 PM

Declan Rice is the player you describe as “he puts in a shift” but generally in doing so achieves the square root of fuck all. If he was Finland or the Faroes and not English he’d be playing in the Azerbaijan Premier League.

He’s getting regular outings for the national side so he must be achieving better than the square root of FA.

Is that the true measure of talent? He’s just a good player, nothing more. Generally nondescript. I don’t dislike him but would you have him over McGinn or Luiz in our midfield; two players that cost a combined £18m vs Rice who will cost any team that buys him £50m+

Now I really rate Declan Rice and think he’s the best English DM. All about opinions innit?

It is Dave. It’s not that I don’t rate him. It’s more that I don’t see the fuss and I think much of the fuss is his nationality. Now he’s young, he can and will improve. He appears dedicated so I can and likely will change my opinion. Just the games I’ve seen him in he hasn’t stood out and all of a sudden he’s a £60m player.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ian. on August 09, 2020, 09:59:20 PM

My Hammers mate raves about this fella and sees their next season survival battle relying on him staying. Very much like we do with our Jack, but completely different players.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 09, 2020, 10:00:21 PM

Sarr for sale at £40m or Benrahma for £25m?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 09, 2020, 10:05:09 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 09, 2020, 10:00:21 PM

Sarr for sale at £40m or Benrahma for £25m?

(https://media1.giphy.com/media/3ohfFhG5VDtDTzQv2o/giphy.gif)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on August 09, 2020, 10:21:25 PM

 ;D What a meme!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AGRIPPA on August 09, 2020, 10:28:59 PM

I really struggle with the term “defensive midfielder “.... when did it become a specialised position...??
With nearly all teams playing a back 4 why do you need more defence??
Three/ four decent midfielders should be able to cover any gaps....
I look at the likes or Eric Dier and Declan Rice and see an out of position centre half ...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on August 09, 2020, 10:38:38 PM

Quote from: AGRIPPA on August 09, 2020, 10:28:59 PM

I really struggle with the term “defensive midfielder “.... when did it become a specialised position...??
With nearly all teams playing a back 4 why do you need more defence??
Three/ four decent midfielders should be able to cover any gaps....
I look at the likes or Eric Dier and Declan Rice and see an out of position centre half ...

I think it became known as a defensive midfielder around the same time it was termed 'The Makelele Role'.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 09, 2020, 10:43:08 PM

Defensive midfielders have been around for decades.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ian. on August 09, 2020, 10:46:56 PM

I thought that too. Nothing new with that position.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 09, 2020, 10:47:38 PM

Quote from: Damo70 on August 09, 2020, 10:38:38 PM

Quote from: AGRIPPA on August 09, 2020, 10:28:59 PM

I really struggle with the term “defensive midfielder “.... when did it become a specialised position...??
With nearly all teams playing a back 4 why do you need more defence??
Three/ four decent midfielders should be able to cover any gaps....
I look at the likes or Eric Dier and Declan Rice and see an out of position centre half ...

I think it became known as a defensive midfielder around the same time it was termed 'The Makelele Role'.

Kante, Fabinho, Fernandinho, Matic etc would all disagree with the idea that 4 at the back is enough defence. Holding midfield and the 2 full backs are where top teams are separated these days.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 09, 2020, 10:51:22 PM

Quote from: PeterWithesShin on August 09, 2020, 10:43:08 PM

Defensive midfielders have been around for decades.

Pretty sure we have pioneered defensive attackers, though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 09, 2020, 10:51:45 PM

so I presume our defensive midfielder in the legendary team was Des Bremner

he just wasn’t called that then

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on August 09, 2020, 11:15:42 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 09, 2020, 10:51:22 PM

Quote from: PeterWithesShin on August 09, 2020, 10:43:08 PM

Defensive midfielders have been around for decades.

Pretty sure we have pioneered defensive attackers, though.

Not this season we didn’t, none of them were a first line of defence Heskey (who I am in minority as I rated him)...final few games Samatta worked the press a bit better.

As opposed to needing a defensive midfielder I’d far prefer out full backs once in a while made it hard for opponents crossing a ball into the danger area.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SaddVillan on August 09, 2020, 11:17:07 PM

https://financialfootballnews.com/afc-bournemouth-2019-finances-costly-survival/

Bournemouth look to be well and truly stuffed.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: olaftab on August 09, 2020, 11:26:54 PM

Quote from: PeterWithesShin on August 09, 2020, 10:43:08 PM

Defensive midfielders have been around for decades.

Quote from: Ian J on August 09, 2020, 10:46:56 PM

I thought that too. Nothing new with that position.

Brian Godfrey the destroyer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Percy McCarthy on August 10, 2020, 08:11:15 AM

Quote from: olaftab on August 09, 2020, 11:26:54 PM

Quote from: PeterWithesShin on August 09, 2020, 10:43:08 PM

Defensive midfielders have been around for decades.

Quote from: Ian J on August 09, 2020, 10:46:56 PM

I thought that too. Nothing new with that position.

Brian Godfrey the destroyer.

James Cowan. The master.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on August 10, 2020, 09:17:29 AM

Quote from: Percy McCarthy on August 10, 2020, 08:11:15 AM

Quote from: olaftab on August 09, 2020, 11:26:54 PM

Quote from: PeterWithesShin on August 09, 2020, 10:43:08 PM

Defensive midfielders have been around for decades.

Quote from: Ian J on August 09, 2020, 10:46:56 PM

I thought that too. Nothing new with that position.

Brian Godfrey the destroyer.

James Cowan. The master.

In the relative recentish past, God himself played that role for SGT a few times. kevin Richardson, George Boateng, Petrov, Glen Whelan, I would of thought would be considered more defensive centre midfielders.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on August 10, 2020, 09:49:31 AM

Petrov turned himself into a very good holding midfielder whilst at Villa under MON. Kevin Richardson also did a great job in the role for a few seasons under BFR. Des Bremner was excellent in the role as part of the side that won the league and European Cup.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dick Edwards on August 10, 2020, 10:21:46 AM

Benteke available for £8m according to the Daily Mail.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: TonyD on August 10, 2020, 10:38:04 AM

Bloody quiet. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 10, 2020, 10:45:45 AM

I forgot how tedious the transfer window was.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: frank black on August 10, 2020, 12:43:53 PM

Quote from: Dick Edwards on August 10, 2020, 10:21:46 AM

Benteke available for £8m according to the Daily Mail.

We’ve got Keinan.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on August 10, 2020, 01:00:51 PM

the last thing we want is two non-scoring forwards

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rob_bridge on August 10, 2020, 01:04:26 PM

Defo no for Benteke.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Stu on August 10, 2020, 01:11:15 PM

Bit quiet, but players are on holiday still, I suppose. Grealish and McGinn's bromance continues, going by the formers tweet yesterday.

Looking at other clubs, only Man City and Southampton have done much so far.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 10, 2020, 01:24:20 PM

Quote from: Damo70 on August 10, 2020, 09:49:31 AM

Petrov turned himself into a very good holding midfielder whilst at Villa under MON. Kevin Richardson also did a great job in the role for a few seasons under BFR. Des Bremner was excellent in the role as part of the side that won the league and European Cup.

Townsend was excellent at it aswell. Doubt we'd sign that type nowadays with our transfer policy, think he was 30 when we got him from Chelsea.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 10, 2020, 01:24:36 PM

It’s hard in the market right now. Man City can just lash out whatever they want so we can eliminate them from conversation and Chelsea after not being able to sign anyone were always going to get in some early deals. For most of the rest, season isn’t done for certain players, just got done for others. Window closes in October so will see lots of deals done well into the start of the campaign. We need to start well, but we also need to continue what we were doing at the end of last season. Be defensively strong and resolute while we address the forward options. If the season started tomorrow I think we’d be fine doing that, but we just need to make sure we fix the key areas prior to the windows closing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on August 10, 2020, 01:39:29 PM

There’s been more pandemics in the last two years than goals between Benteke and Davis.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on August 10, 2020, 02:17:06 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 10, 2020, 01:24:20 PM

Quote from: Damo70 on August 10, 2020, 09:49:31 AM

Petrov turned himself into a very good holding midfielder whilst at Villa under MON. Kevin Richardson also did a great job in the role for a few seasons under BFR. Des Bremner was excellent in the role as part of the side that won the league and European Cup.

Townsend was excellent at it aswell. Doubt we'd sign that type nowadays with our transfer policy, think he was 30 when we got him from Chelsea.

Out of sheer boredom I’ve been watching some extracts of old seasons in the early to mid 90s, lately, a bit of trip down memory lane from my late teens/early twenties. That first season Townsend came, 93-94, he was excellent. Even though we lost too many games at home and only finished 10th compared to the heights of 2nd the season before, he looked fairly dynamic from that deep role, more than I remember, and got some important goals too, last minute winner at Arsenal, happy days those! And yes he was 30 when we signed him, must of got 3-4 seasons out of him though. Love someone of that Ilk now

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aldridgeboy on August 10, 2020, 04:23:02 PM

Sky are reporting that Sancho is staying with them for this season.
This can’t be good for us keeping Jack 😒

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 10, 2020, 04:33:18 PM

Quote from: aldridgeboy on August 10, 2020, 04:23:02 PM

Sky are reporting that Sancho is staying with them for this season.
This can’t be good for us keeping Jack 😒

Probably not, but it does mean United will be increasingly desperate now.

If you believe what's written in the press (pinch of salt time), they won't pay Dortmund's asking price of £109m for Sancho or our asking price of £80m for Jack.

If that holds any truth we should wind them up by telling them that the price for Jack is now £109m and will increase with every day that they don't meet it, due to the lost time in us finding a replacement.

Fuck the fuckers.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WRVilla on August 10, 2020, 04:49:18 PM

Why should we bend over and allow them to buy our best player for a generation just because they failed with their preferred option?
Selling Jack now would be a big setback in so many ways - he is worth far more to us than he is to them. There’s probably never been a better time to tell them to get lost and prove to everyone that we aren’t here to make up the numbers and hand over our best players when the ‘big clubs’ come calling. And also to get their media buddies to go and wind up some other club for a bit!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on August 10, 2020, 04:53:38 PM

The Guardian say it's a bargaining move and no more. Let's hope so.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on August 10, 2020, 05:09:46 PM

Depends if Sancho wants the move. If he’s non plused as he wanted to move to Liverpool, and Dortmund aren’t fussed if they sell or not, it might not happen. If the lad wants the move, it’ll happen at some point.

Same with jack, if he really wants to go enough to kick up a stink, then however wealthy our owners are, we’d be better off selling. Depends whether he would do that to ‘his’ club.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: CT on August 10, 2020, 05:10:28 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 10, 2020, 04:33:18 PM

Quote from: aldridgeboy on August 10, 2020, 04:23:02 PM

Sky are reporting that Sancho is staying with them for this season.
This can’t be good for us keeping Jack 😒

Probably not, but it does mean United will be increasingly desperate now.

If you believe what's written in the press (pinch of salt time), they won't pay Dortmund's asking price of £109m for Sancho or our asking price of £80m for Jack.

If that holds any truth we should wind them up by telling them that the price for Jack is now £109m and will increase with every day that they don't meet it, due to the lost time in us finding a replacement.

Fuck the fuckers.

The last line is good enough for me.

When I saw Declan Rice’s price as being £65m the other day, I was sure that would make Jack a nine digit signing.

I’d just like us to publicly tell Man U to go forth.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on August 10, 2020, 05:53:22 PM

Quote from: RamboandBruno on August 10, 2020, 02:17:06 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 10, 2020, 01:24:20 PM

Quote from: Damo70 on August 10, 2020, 09:49:31 AM

Petrov turned himself into a very good holding midfielder whilst at Villa under MON. Kevin Richardson also did a great job in the role for a few seasons under BFR. Des Bremner was excellent in the role as part of the side that won the league and European Cup.

Townsend was excellent at it aswell. Doubt we'd sign that type nowadays with our transfer policy, think he was 30 when we got him from Chelsea.

In '92-'93 when we came second we went out of both cups in the fourth round and had no European games to contend with. In '93-94 we played four European ties, three FA Cup ties and eight League (Coca-Cola) ties. We finished tenth. We also fell away badly after winning the League Cup. Although not as badly as Small Heath did after winning the cup. We signed Townsend for £2.1 million from Chelsea in 1993 when he was thirty and four years and 134 games later we sold him to Boro for £500,000.

Out of sheer boredom I’ve been watching some extracts of old seasons in the early to mid 90s, lately, a bit of trip down memory lane from my late teens/early twenties. That first season Townsend came, 93-94, he was excellent. Even though we lost too many games at home and only finished 10th compared to the heights of 2nd the season before, he looked fairly dynamic from that deep role, more than I remember, and got some important goals too, last minute winner at Arsenal, happy days those! And yes he was 30 when we signed him, must of got 3-4 seasons out of him though. Love someone of that Ilk now

Sorry, add that to my long list of quote fails. I am pretty sure I hold the H&V record.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on August 10, 2020, 06:18:49 PM

Quote from: RamboandBruno on August 10, 2020, 05:09:46 PM

Depends if Sancho wants the move. If he’s non plused as he wanted to move to Liverpool, and Dortmund aren’t fussed if they sell or not, it might not happen. If the lad wants the move, it’ll happen at some point.

Same with jack, if he really wants to go enough to kick up a stink, then however wealthy our owners are, we’d be better off selling. Depends whether he would do that to ‘his’ club.

He sulked for weeks after the move to Spurs fell through didn't he? The player holds all the cards in our situation, not the club. We simply can't afford for this to drag on for weeks and only a short space of time then to stack the team with replacements.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on August 10, 2020, 06:30:06 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on August 10, 2020, 06:18:49 PM

Quote from: RamboandBruno on August 10, 2020, 05:09:46 PM

Depends if Sancho wants the move. If he’s non plused as he wanted to move to Liverpool, and Dortmund aren’t fussed if they sell or not, it might not happen. If the lad wants the move, it’ll happen at some point.

Same with jack, if he really wants to go enough to kick up a stink, then however wealthy our owners are, we’d be better off selling. Depends whether he would do that to ‘his’ club.

He sulked for weeks after the move to Spurs fell through didn't he? The player holds all the cards in our situation, not the club. We simply can't afford for this to drag on for weeks and only a short space of time then to stack the team with replacements.

Yep your right, id largely forgotten that he didn’t show up for early part of the promotion season, think it was over shadowed in part by Bruce getting rid of most of our centre backs.
I think the Sancho deal is probably quite important with Jacks future. I don’t see United forking our for both of them and at the moment no else seems to sniffing about. If they sign Sancho, hopefully we’ll also make enough decent signings to convince Jack to stay for another season at least.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Taylor on August 10, 2020, 06:49:13 PM

Quote from: RamboandBruno on August 10, 2020, 06:30:06 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on August 10, 2020, 06:18:49 PM

Quote from: RamboandBruno on August 10, 2020, 05:09:46 PM

Depends if Sancho wants the move. If he’s non plused as he wanted to move to Liverpool, and Dortmund aren’t fussed if they sell or not, it might not happen. If the lad wants the move, it’ll happen at some point.

Same with jack, if he really wants to go enough to kick up a stink, then however wealthy our owners are, we’d be better off selling. Depends whether he would do that to ‘his’ club.

He sulked for weeks after the move to Spurs fell through didn't he? The player holds all the cards in our situation, not the club. We simply can't afford for this to drag on for weeks and only a short space of time then to stack the team with replacements.

Yep your right, id largely forgotten that he didn’t show up for early part of the promotion season, think it was over shadowed in part by Bruce getting rid of most of our centre backs.
I think the Sancho deal is probably quite important with Jacks future. I don’t see United forking our for both of them and at the moment no else seems to sniffing about. If they sign Sancho, hopefully we’ll also make enough decent signings to convince Jack to stay for another season at least.

I think “sulked for weeks” is a bit of an exaggeration. He even admitted his mind was elsewhere in those opening games, but don’t forget we were playing the likes of Hull and Bristol City in those days, I’d like to think that captaining Villa in the prem might focus his mind. Fingers crossed.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 10, 2020, 07:30:55 PM

IF he wants to go I have no problem with it. He's been great for us and I'd understand the need to move on. We'd make a fortune and emerge a stronger unit (hopefully).

If he wants to stay, that's obviously also great.

I don't like the idea of a club like ours shitting itself over a transfer between Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LukeJames on August 10, 2020, 07:33:40 PM

Sell Jack for 80m buy Sancho for £108m. Simples.

I jokes of course, much rather keep Jack.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ian. on August 10, 2020, 07:38:38 PM

He didn’t sulk. Loss of form maybe. He was slow starting after lockdown.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: jwarry on August 10, 2020, 07:39:45 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on August 10, 2020, 07:30:55 PM

IF he wants to go I have no problem with it. He's been great for us and I'd understand the need to move on. We'd make a fortune and emerge a stronger unit (hopefully).

If he wants to stay, that's obviously also great.

I don't like the idea of a club like ours shitting itself over a transfer between Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund.

Give it another year and I’m sure we won’t be again

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on August 10, 2020, 07:49:32 PM

I could forgive any disappointment he felt at the time because it had looked like we'd have to sell him to pay the leccy bill, and so there was little chance we'd be investing in a much depleted side from the end of the previous season to fulfil any dreams he harboured with us. And in that run of utter garbage between Hull and Preston, he was no worse than many others, he perhaps stood out more because we knew his capabilites when he's firing.

Two years later and things are considerably different, we've plenty of 50p's for the meter. But we'll see, I'm hoping the changes in our recruitment set-up are for how best we can complement him, not replace him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on August 10, 2020, 11:26:46 PM

Quote from: CT on August 10, 2020, 05:10:28 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 10, 2020, 04:33:18 PM

Quote from: aldridgeboy on August 10, 2020, 04:23:02 PM

Sky are reporting that Sancho is staying with them for this season.
This can’t be good for us keeping Jack 😒

Probably not, but it does mean United will be increasingly desperate now.

If you believe what's written in the press (pinch of salt time), they won't pay Dortmund's asking price of £109m for Sancho or our asking price of £80m for Jack.

If that holds any truth we should wind them up by telling them that the price for Jack is now £109m and will increase with every day that they don't meet it, due to the lost time in us finding a replacement.

Fuck the fuckers.

The last line is good enough for me.

When I saw Declan Rice’s price as being £65m the other day, I was sure that would make Jack a nine digit signing.

I’d just like us to publicly tell Man U to go forth.

Publicly tell a team that haven't declared an interest in our player that they can't have him?

How desperate and small time would that make us look?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on August 10, 2020, 11:32:10 PM

Quote from: WilliamStanding on August 10, 2020, 01:39:29 PM

There’s been more pandemics in the last two years than goals between Benteke and Davis.

Do you not think much of Davis then?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 10, 2020, 11:35:17 PM

Confused as to why some Man U fans seem convinced that Lingard is what is needed to seal the deal.

That's the same Lingard who managed fewer assists than Jota, a man who spent more of last season conditioning his beard than playing football. He also scored precisely one goal, and that was only because it was the last minute of the season and the opposition goalkeeper was already onto his third pint at Gatwick Wetherspoons, waiting for his flight to Benidorm. This is a bloke who had a spell on loan at Birmingham fucking City and was so atrocious that they haven't even retired his shirt number.

That's the player they think will convince us to sell our best player for half the fee they paid for Harry "Wandering Feet" Maguire?

Nah, you're alright lads, thanks.

Let's talk about whether Henri Lansbury is the man to sweeten the Rashford to Villa bid...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 10, 2020, 11:45:51 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 10, 2020, 11:35:17 PM

Confused as to why some Man U fans seem convinced that Lingard is what is needed to seal the deal.

That's the same Lingard who managed fewer assists than Jota, a man who spent more of last season conditioning his beard than playing football. He also scored precisely one goal, and that was only because it was the last minute of the season and the opposition goalkeeper was already onto his third pint at Gatwick Wetherspoons, waiting for his flight to Benidorm. This is a bloke who had a spell on loan at Birmingham fucking City and was so atrocious that they haven't even retired his shirt number.

That's the player they think will convince us to sell our best player for half the fee they paid for Harry "Wandering Feet" Maguire?

Nah, you're alright lads, thanks.

Let's talk about whether Henri Lansbury is the man to sweeten the Rashford to Villa bid...

This is an excellent post.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 10, 2020, 11:49:01 PM

We'll sign Lingard now, after that rant, won't we? 😕

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 10, 2020, 11:53:36 PM

Unquestionably.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: robbo1874 on August 11, 2020, 02:03:24 AM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 10, 2020, 04:33:18 PM

Quote from: aldridgeboy on August 10, 2020, 04:23:02 PM

Sky are reporting that Sancho is staying with them for this season.
This can’t be good for us keeping Jack 😒

Probably not, but it does mean United will be increasingly desperate now.

If you believe what's written in the press (pinch of salt time), they won't pay Dortmund's asking price of £109m for Sancho or our asking price of £80m for Jack.

If that holds any truth we should wind them up by telling them that the price for Jack is now £109m and will increase with every day that they don't meet it, due to the lost time in us finding a replacement.

Fuck the fuckers.

must admit I haven’t seen much of Sancho. If he was to be allowed to go for 109m, where do people see Grealish’s potential fee sitting in relation to that? Which is the better player?

I also read the Guardian article and Utd bleating that clubs put a premium on fees cos it’s them. Obviously overlooking how they bully clubs to try and get players on the cheap, ‘because it’s Utd’ I guess it’s all hypothetical really, as you can’t say Sancho’s value is 109m as Utd haven’t paid it yet.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 11, 2020, 05:26:49 AM

Rasmus Falk anyone?

https://underagaslitlamp.com/2020/08/10/danish-journalist-makes-bold-prediction-regarding-rasmus-falk-and-aston-villa/

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave17 on August 11, 2020, 05:33:47 AM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 10, 2020, 11:35:17 PM

Confused as to why some Man U fans seem convinced that Lingard is what is needed to seal the deal.

That's the same Lingard who managed fewer assists than Jota, a man who spent more of last season conditioning his beard than playing football. He also scored precisely one goal, and that was only because it was the last minute of the season and the opposition goalkeeper was already onto his third pint at Gatwick Wetherspoons, waiting for his flight to Benidorm. This is a bloke who had a spell on loan at Birmingham fucking City and was so atrocious that they haven't even retired his shirt number.

That's the player they think will convince us to sell our best player for half the fee they paid for Harry "Wandering Feet" Maguire?

Nah, you're alright lads, thanks.

Let's talk about whether Henri Lansbury is the man to sweeten the Rashford to Villa bid...

hahah. Jota as an alternative to Jack for them?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 11, 2020, 07:21:00 AM

I've had a read of Redcafe. Its hard ro get wound up by their stunning arrogance, as it's wrapped up in equal parts ignorance. Plastics are best ignored for that reason.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sid1964 on August 11, 2020, 07:41:16 AM

if they want Grealish then it is £80 million cash only - I dont want any of their players in part exchange - I remember how City did us a deal for Stephen Ireland!!

Lingard is currently on about £100k per week - I just hope that we dont let them bully us into taking him in part exchange for Jack (but I could understand if Jack wanted the move)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on August 11, 2020, 08:11:30 AM

Quote from: robbo1874 on August 11, 2020, 02:03:24 AM

must admit I haven’t seen much of Sancho. If he was to be allowed to go for 109m, where do people see Grealish’s potential fee sitting in relation to that? Which is the better player?

It's one of those things that is hard to judge. Different skill-sets, circumstances etc. Would Sancho be able to give to Villa what Grealish gives  to Villa? Would Grealish be as affective for Dortmund as Sancho is?

If it does need to be reduced to "who is better", Sancho. He's achieved more, at a much younger age, at a higher level. But if they are taking about £100m for him, £70 - 80m for Grealish feels about right. Certainly not much less. If we choose to sell, which hopefully we won't.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on August 11, 2020, 08:17:35 AM

Quote from: Drummond on August 10, 2020, 11:32:10 PM

Quote from: WilliamStanding on August 10, 2020, 01:39:29 PM

There’s been more pandemics in the last two years than goals between Benteke and Davis.

Do you not think much of Davis then?

Davis still may prove people wrong due to his age but Benteke has lost the plot since us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ben.H on August 11, 2020, 08:20:49 AM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 11, 2020, 05:26:49 AM

Rasmus Falk anyone?

https://underagaslitlamp.com/2020/08/10/danish-journalist-makes-bold-prediction-regarding-rasmus-falk-and-aston-villa/

Dunno, but he looked pretty good against Man U last night.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on August 11, 2020, 08:24:32 AM

there was a twitter somewhere yesterday saying he'd be a Villa player within a fortnight. But then some numpty was also saying Watkins to Leicester is a done deal.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sid1964 on August 11, 2020, 08:42:04 AM

knowing Villa our summer signings will be both Drinkwater and Lingard on 5 year contracts.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on August 11, 2020, 08:45:20 AM

Quote from: sid1964 on August 11, 2020, 08:42:04 AM

knowing Villa our summer signings will be both Drinkwater and Lingard on 5 year contracts.

This made me laugh, but scarily accurate.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: manic-road on August 11, 2020, 09:33:12 AM

Aaron Ramsey anyone? Looks lke he is available from Juventus according to the press.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Border villan on August 11, 2020, 09:33:57 AM

A yes from me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on August 11, 2020, 09:34:43 AM

Quote from: manic-road on August 11, 2020, 09:33:12 AM

Aaron Ramsey anyone? Looks lke he is available from Juventus according to the press.

File under spent force, very expensive, over rated.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sid1964 on August 11, 2020, 09:36:48 AM

Ramsey - is he not on £200k per week? a big NO from me

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 11, 2020, 09:38:14 AM

Quote from: manic-road on August 11, 2020, 09:33:12 AM

Aaron Ramsey anyone? Looks lke he is available from Juventus according to the press.

Not a bad shout to be honest, but he'd want a fortune in wages.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on August 11, 2020, 09:41:22 AM

Massive yes for Ramsey.

Not our money I’m afraid, if our filthy rich owners want to pay it then bring it on.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on August 11, 2020, 09:48:28 AM

Quote from: WilliamStanding on August 11, 2020, 09:41:22 AM

Massive yes for Ramsey.

Not our money I’m afraid, if our filthy rich owners want to pay it then bring it on.

Not as good as Davis.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on August 11, 2020, 09:53:53 AM

I think he’s goal scoring stats only slightly eclipse old Keinan.

He definitely can’t hold the ball up as well though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: steamer on August 11, 2020, 10:04:56 AM

No from me

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 11, 2020, 10:06:34 AM

Isn't he always injured? I may be confusing him with Wilshere, I tend to conflate the two.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 11, 2020, 10:09:14 AM

Quote from: sid1964 on August 11, 2020, 08:42:04 AM

knowing Villa our summer signings will be both Drinkwater and Lingard on 5 year contracts.

I’ve said before Lingard is absolutely nailed on to join us at sometime in his career

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mattjpa on August 11, 2020, 10:09:56 AM

Quote from: WilliamStanding on August 11, 2020, 08:17:35 AM

Quote from: Drummond on August 10, 2020, 11:32:10 PM

Quote from: WilliamStanding on August 10, 2020, 01:39:29 PM

There’s been more pandemics in the last two years than goals between Benteke and Davis.

Do you not think much of Davis then?

Davis still may prove people wrong due to his age but Benteke has lost the plot since us.

I always take pleasure in seeing how shit he has become. At Villa he had the world at his feet; A team built around him, designed to play to his strengths, a fan base that adored him, he was playing well and was probably 12-18months away from a move to a genuine giant club (Liverpool were still also-rans at that point) But his greedy shit agent Kismet got pound signs in his eyes, got in Benteke's tiny ear and engineered that move for a pay-day, screwing both Benteke and Villa. He can jog on now, Villa are going to be too good for Benteke within 2years.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 11, 2020, 10:13:00 AM

I don't like Liverpool a huge amount, as some may have noticed, but they've always been a huge draw, at least for most people on here's lifetimes.

I don’t really blame him for leaving. We should have been building a team around him to make us competitive, rather than relying on him to single-handedly save us from the drop every year.

We need to not make the same mistake with Grealish.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on August 11, 2020, 10:15:46 AM

100% spot on.

We have now evolved, or re evolved however you spin it.

I wouldn’t want Benteke on principle even if he could bag us 10-15 goals.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: JD on August 11, 2020, 10:21:51 AM

Quote from: WilliamStanding on August 11, 2020, 10:15:46 AM

100% spot on.

We have now evolved, or re evolved however you spin it.

I wouldn’t want Benteke on principle even if he could bag us 10-15 goals.

'kin hell, you didn't slag off Davis in this post, are you not well? 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dick Edwards on August 11, 2020, 10:23:34 AM

I remember attending an Under 21 international at Villa Park some years ago between England and Wales and I had to ask someone with a programme who the Welsh midfielder was who was easily the best player on the pitch. It was Aaron Ramsey. A very good footballer but as has been said already, he's injury prone and on crazy wages.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on August 11, 2020, 10:25:44 AM

Are you ok JD ?

Living rent free is a term recently coined.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dicedlam on August 11, 2020, 10:34:52 AM

It's a no for me on Ramsey.

We have to stay well clear from players who may either see Villa as a step-down or their last paycheque. Paying stupid amounts for players in their twilight years has been very much part of our downfall over the years. The likes of Lescott, Richards, Ireland and Pires, to name but a few.
When such names as Ramsey or Lingard are mentioned I put those players in the same bracket of the above and would probably show a lack of motivation too, yet still command a big salary.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: JD on August 11, 2020, 10:38:28 AM

Quote from: WilliamStanding on August 11, 2020, 10:25:44 AM

Are you ok JD ?

Living rent free is a term recently coined.

What the hell does that mean. I live rent free as I have just paid my mortgage off,. How did you know that? Are you a Banker?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ROBBO on August 11, 2020, 10:42:22 AM

The club has a plan and i don't believe that plan has changed, I would be suprised if we bought anyone for decent money over twenty six years old.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 11, 2020, 10:50:27 AM

Quote from: JD on August 11, 2020, 10:38:28 AM

Quote from: WilliamStanding on August 11, 2020, 10:25:44 AM

Are you ok JD ?

Living rent free is a term recently coined.

What the hell does that mean. I live rent free as I have just paid my mortgage off,. How did you know that? Are you a Banker?

I believe he was attempting to reference the popular Gen Z rebuttal: "X is 'living rent free' in Y's head"

What a burn............... you must be livid mate

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on August 11, 2020, 10:51:22 AM

Quote from: dicedlam on August 11, 2020, 10:34:52 AM

It's a no for me on Ramsey.

We have to stay well clear from players who may either see Villa as a step-down or their last paycheque. Paying stupid amounts for players in their twilight years has been very much part of our downfall over the years. The likes of Lescott, Richards, Ireland and Pires, to name but a few.
When such names as Ramsey or Lingard are mentioned I put those players in the same bracket of the above and would probably show a lack of motivation too, yet still command a big salary.

exactly how I see it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: JD on August 11, 2020, 10:53:24 AM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 11, 2020, 10:50:27 AM

Quote from: JD on August 11, 2020, 10:38:28 AM

Quote from: WilliamStanding on August 11, 2020, 10:25:44 AM

Are you ok JD ?

Living rent free is a term recently coined.

What the hell does that mean. I live rent free as I have just paid my mortgage off,. How did you know that? Are you a Banker?

I believe he was attempting to reference the popular Gen Z rebuttal: "X is 'living rent free' in Y's head"

What a burn............... you must be livid mate

Oh totally ATAL my friend. At least that was two posts he has done without slagging off Davis. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: in exile on August 11, 2020, 10:57:12 AM

Quote from: JD on August 11, 2020, 10:38:28 AM

Quote from: WilliamStanding on August 11, 2020, 10:25:44 AM

Are you ok JD ?

Living rent free is a term recently coined.

What the hell does that mean. I live rent free as I have just paid my mortgage off,. How did you know that? Are you a Banker?

Close

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on August 11, 2020, 12:06:26 PM

We already have an Aaron Ramsey, thanks .......




.... Jacob's brother.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villatillidie25 on August 11, 2020, 12:19:15 PM

Ramsey is a no because he’s on huge wages at Juve but he is not in the lescott et al bracket yet. He’s not even 30, is at Juve and not because he’s rubbish and over the hill - remember he was playing every match for Arsenal before he left so it’s not as if they wanted to let him go they just “did an Arsenal”.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on August 11, 2020, 12:21:01 PM

Has Aaron not featured much for Juve? He spoke a few words of Italian at his press conference when he joined, they all melted at his cute efforts. He could have had all the Turin honey that he wanted.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Stu on August 11, 2020, 12:24:06 PM

Anyone else sub to The Athletic? Article there reckons we're looking to raid Brentford rather than Juventus.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on August 11, 2020, 12:34:51 PM

Quote from: eamonn on August 11, 2020, 12:21:01 PM

Has Aaron not featured much for Juve? He spoke a few words of Italian at his press conference when he joined, they all melted at his cute efforts. He could have had all the Turin honey that he wanted.

They've basically stocked up on free midfielders and can't really use them all so they all get to play a bit.

He's basically getting 60 minutes or 30 minutes in most matches.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 11, 2020, 01:23:15 PM

According to our friends in the Meaning Evil based on nothing more than some bets being placed and Leicester having far more to offer than us, we could be about to lose Watkins to them.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave P on August 11, 2020, 01:28:53 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 11, 2020, 01:23:15 PM

According to our friends in the Meaning Evil based on nothing more than some bets being placed and Leicester having far more to offer than us, we could be about to lose Watkins to them.

Of all the players seriously linked with us so far, Watkins is the one I'm least concerned about.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 11, 2020, 01:32:18 PM

He isn't the "wow" signing I'm hoping for, tbh.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 11, 2020, 01:50:07 PM

Quote from: Stu on August 11, 2020, 12:24:06 PM

Anyone else sub to The Athletic? Article there reckons we're looking to raid Brentford rather than Juventus.

Says we're hopeful of getting him for less than £20m and that we will be more agressive with ages and fees.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 11, 2020, 01:56:22 PM

I don't honestly understand our obsession with age. I get it in theory, but it doesn't really work in application does it? Who are we more likely to get a decent fee for, in the current market - Davis, or Samatta? Obviously the latter

We were crying out for experience last season and missed out on it due to the strategy of signing younger potential almost exclusively. Are we really going to make that same mistake again?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 11, 2020, 02:12:50 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 11, 2020, 01:32:18 PM

He isn't the "wow" signing I'm hoping for, tbh.

I wouldn’t be holding your breath for that mate

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 11, 2020, 02:15:57 PM

I think Watkins is the one that could be the most use though. Quite quick, scores a few from out wide, decent down the middle. Ideal utility forward that would cover all 3 front positions to a better level than what we have.

I would still want a good winger and a starting centre forward though. And a box-box midfielder. And a centre half. And a left back lol....

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 11, 2020, 02:16:17 PM

I'd rather take Watkins than Benrahma. He's got pace and strength, plus versatility.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on August 11, 2020, 02:17:10 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on August 11, 2020, 10:51:22 AM

Quote from: dicedlam on August 11, 2020, 10:34:52 AM

It's a no for me on Ramsey.

We have to stay well clear from players who may either see Villa as a step-down or their last paycheque. Paying stupid amounts for players in their twilight years has been very much part of our downfall over the years. The likes of Lescott, Richards, Ireland and Pires, to name but a few.
When such names as Ramsey or Lingard are mentioned I put those players in the same bracket of the above and would probably show a lack of motivation too, yet still command a big salary.

exactly how I see it.

That is how I see it too. Plus the fact that in eleven years at Arsenal Ramsey played 262 games and missed 156 games. Admittedly some of those absences were when he wasn't picked but most of them were because he was injured. And given that he turns thirty in a few months his injury issues are not going to improve much.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave P on August 11, 2020, 02:38:11 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 11, 2020, 01:56:22 PM

Davis, or Samatta? Obviously the latter

Are you trying to write a poem?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Border villan on August 11, 2020, 02:40:11 PM

When looking at the age of signings we should remember that God was 29 before he first put on a Villa shirt and he turned out to be a fair signing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mike on August 11, 2020, 02:42:34 PM

Quote from: john e on August 11, 2020, 02:12:50 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 11, 2020, 01:32:18 PM

He isn't the "wow" signing I'm hoping for, tbh.

I wouldn’t be holding your breath for that mate

I think that is very sound advice.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 11, 2020, 02:46:10 PM

Quote from: Dave P on August 11, 2020, 02:38:11 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 11, 2020, 01:56:22 PM

Davis, or Samatta? Obviously the latter

Are you trying to write a poem?

Freestyle innit 😏

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on August 11, 2020, 02:47:00 PM

I'm not fussed about 'wow' signings. I would rather see good signings that gel quickly and fit the side well.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 11, 2020, 02:49:26 PM

Quote from: OCD on August 11, 2020, 02:47:00 PM

I'm not fussed about 'wow' signings. I would rather see good signings that gel quickly and fit the side well.

You boring git!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on August 11, 2020, 02:55:25 PM

You knw the silly season is at hand when we are yet again linked to Sturridge and Borini

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on August 11, 2020, 03:14:19 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on August 11, 2020, 02:49:26 PM

Quote from: OCD on August 11, 2020, 02:47:00 PM

I'm not fussed about 'wow' signings. I would rather see good signings that gel quickly and fit the side well.

You boring git!

:) Wow signings generally underwhelm. We've barely survived one season in the Prem, it's a bit early to be getting ahead of ourselves. Solid/decent/boring signings is what we need to be making and are more realistic. I don't see us signing some galactico on £200k+ pw for some time yet.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 11, 2020, 03:19:46 PM

Nah, I want excitement and crazy times please. Someone that makes other fans say "how the fuck have they signed him" rather than the more traditional "why the fuck have they signed him".

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: usav on August 11, 2020, 03:33:33 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 11, 2020, 03:19:46 PM

Nah, I want excitement and crazy times please. Someone that makes other fans say "how the fuck have they signed him" rather than the more traditional "why the fuck have they signed him".

That made me chuckle.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on August 11, 2020, 03:34:37 PM

i would imagine most of our recent signings have just been greeted with total indifference by the footballing community, with one or two notable exceptions

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on August 11, 2020, 03:36:08 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 11, 2020, 03:19:46 PM

Nah, I want excitement and crazy times please. Someone that makes other fans say "how the fuck have they signed him" rather than the more traditional "why the fuck have they signed him".

Widya on this. Despite the last season as a whole, the club's still riding this high we've been enjoying since late 2018, in my humble opinion. Strike while the irons hot, bollocks to mediocrity, let's go for some f****** glory.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rob_bridge on August 11, 2020, 03:37:49 PM

Quote from: mr underhill on August 11, 2020, 02:55:25 PM

You knw the silly season is at hand when we are yet again linked to Sturridge and Borini

Benteke as well don't forget. Throw in Andy Carroll for a laugh

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 11, 2020, 03:39:15 PM

So the season kicks off a month tomorrow. Which means 'pre-season' has to begin soon.

You've got to assume that all the clubs (not just ourselves) will be doing lots of business over the next week or two?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 11, 2020, 03:39:29 PM

Quote from: Dick Edwards on August 11, 2020, 10:23:34 AM

I remember attending an Under 21 international at Villa Park some years ago between England and Wales and I had to ask someone with a programme who the Welsh midfielder was who was easily the best player on the pitch. It was Aaron Ramsey. A very good footballer but as has been said already, he's injury prone and on crazy wages.

I went to that game with a few mates and we all said at the time he was by far the best player on the pitch.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: TonyD on August 11, 2020, 04:07:09 PM

Looks like Chelsea are about to buy a striker.   

Many Tammy might come. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 11, 2020, 04:15:14 PM

Quote from: OCD on August 11, 2020, 02:47:00 PM

I'm not fussed about 'wow' signings. I would rather see good signings that gel quickly and fit the side well.

Wow!!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: jwarry on August 11, 2020, 04:53:37 PM

Don’t know enough about Watkins to say whether he would be a good signing or not, but browsing Brentford forum they seem to think highly of him e.g “ Im pushed to say Ollie is certainly the best forward we have ever had. Might even say he's possibly the best player I've seen. Yes even better than Said”

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on August 11, 2020, 05:25:05 PM

All I have to say about Watkins, Benrahma etc, is that, though I rate them from what I've seen, if we are intent on photocopying Brentford onto the Villa, might it be worth asking why they aren't in the Premier League if they're that good?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 11, 2020, 05:27:56 PM

Quote from: Monty on August 11, 2020, 05:25:05 PM

All I have to say about Watkins, Benrahma etc, is that, though I rate them from what I've seen, if we are intent on photocopying Brentford onto the Villa, might it be worth asking why they aren't in the Premier League if they're that good?

They're Brentford. They're already punching several kilos above their weight.

Edit: I've lived in West London for years. If it wasn't for the football club, I'd still never have heard of Brentford. I live in the same Borough. It's a tiny club that's done amazingly well.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 11, 2020, 05:47:07 PM

Until it mattered.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on August 11, 2020, 05:51:39 PM

It all mattered.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 11, 2020, 05:52:10 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 11, 2020, 05:47:07 PM

Until it mattered.

Really harsh. I've seen a lot of comments to that effect, and I understand we all wanted to see Albion pipped at the post for the autos, but personally I have huge respect for Brentford, given that they were League Two just over 10 years ago and flirting with relegation out of the Football League altogether.

They're hardly bottlers. They're a model for smaller clubs looking to move up the leagues playing decent football while remaining financially sustainable.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 11, 2020, 05:58:26 PM

They are bottlers though. They had it in their own hands and they bottled it. The financial model, historical size of the club or other factors don't alter that fact.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Hookeysmith on August 11, 2020, 06:01:05 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 11, 2020, 05:58:26 PM

They are bottlers though. They had it in their own hands and they bottled it. The financial model, historical size of the club or other factors don't alter that fact.

Harsh but very true

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 11, 2020, 06:01:50 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 11, 2020, 05:58:26 PM

They are bottlers though. They had it in their own hands and they bottled it.

Are we bottlers for not finishing 16th then? Or if we'd finished 16th, would we be bottlers for not finishing 15th? Etc.

Nobody expected Brentford to finish 3rd at the start of the season. The Playoffs can be bloody brutal, as we all know, but being there was a big achievement for them.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 11, 2020, 06:07:58 PM

Bottlers is very harsh, to have gone up automatically they would have had to end the season with 9 wins out of 10, or 8 wins and 2 draws. Not many club manage runs like that, never mind one with the post lockdown fixture list and a limited squad.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on August 11, 2020, 06:09:26 PM

They had done a lot of the hard work and got to the point of having it in their hands though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: andyh on August 11, 2020, 06:10:21 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 11, 2020, 06:01:50 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 11, 2020, 05:58:26 PM

They are bottlers though. They had it in their own hands and they bottled it.

Are we bottlers for not finishing 16th then? Or if we'd finished 16th, would we be bottlers for not finishing 15th? Etc.

Nobody expected Brentford to finish 3rd at the start of the season. The Playoffs can be bloody brutal, as we all know, but being there was a big achievement for them.

They also had 2 league games prior to the play offs to finish 2nd and to stop the stripey fuckers finishing runners up.

Bottlers.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 11, 2020, 06:13:54 PM

Quote from: PeterWithesShin on August 11, 2020, 06:07:58 PM

Bottlers is very harsh, to have gone up automatically they would have had to end the season with 9 wins out of 10, or 8 wins and 2 draws. Not many club manage runs like that, never mind one with the post lockdown fixture list and a limited squad.

Indeed

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 11, 2020, 06:14:39 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 11, 2020, 06:01:50 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 11, 2020, 05:58:26 PM

They are bottlers though. They had it in their own hands and they bottled it.

Are we bottlers for not finishing 16th then? Or if we'd finished 16th, would we be bottlers for not finishing 15th? Etc.

Nobody expected Brentford to finish 3rd at the start of the season. The Playoffs can be bloody brutal, as we all know, but being there was a big achievement for them.

Losing to generally better teams doesn't make you bottlers. There is no real difference, other than a few quid, between 15th and 16th. They are a better team than Stoke or Barnsley, as they showed for most of the season.

They failed to beat either because they are bottlers. I'm not sure what circumstances you'd accept for calling someone bottlers if failing to get a single point from successive matches against absolute shite doesn't meet the criteria.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 11, 2020, 06:16:38 PM

Quote from: PeterWithesShin on August 11, 2020, 06:07:58 PM

Bottlers is very harsh, to have gone up automatically they would have had to end the season with 9 wins out of 10, or 8 wins and 2 draws. Not many club manage runs like that, never mind one with the post lockdown fixture list and a limited squad.

They were excellent when they were chasing the top two. When they got ahead of one of them, the arse fell out of them and they bottled it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 11, 2020, 06:17:00 PM

Doesn't alter that a 10 game run like doesn't happen very often. There's a reason it took us over 100 years to win 9 in a row again.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on August 11, 2020, 06:17:47 PM

When does our pre-season start? Just over four weeks to the first game.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on August 11, 2020, 06:17:56 PM

What an age we live in where
Brentford are classed  as bottlers ( As pissed off as I was at them letting Smethwick go up).

Their best players we are allegedly after may not be the catalyst of this alleged bottle  job.

PSG and Man City don’t too badly as CL bottle jobs.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 11, 2020, 06:28:08 PM

Quote from: PeterWithesShin on August 11, 2020, 06:17:00 PM

Doesn't alter that a 10 game run like doesn't happen very often. There's a reason it took us over 100 years to win 9 in a row again.

Yes, as I said. They were very good, until they got in a position to bottle it and did so.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on August 11, 2020, 06:31:42 PM

They do have to worst record in the English Football Playoffs, which suggests they are bottlers

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 11, 2020, 06:33:29 PM

If a player goes 17-0 up in this weekend's snooker final then loses 18-17, presumably they can't be bottlers because they did well to get to 17?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 11, 2020, 06:34:33 PM

Though Forest may be even worse.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on August 11, 2020, 06:35:50 PM

Think folk are being a bit harsh on Brentford. They've done terrifically well with far less financial clout than most/all the clubs around them. If we over-achieved on the scale they have, we'd be champions of Europe (again). It didn't work out for them this time around, but i'd not be surprised if they get promoted fairly soon.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: TheMalandro on August 11, 2020, 06:38:47 PM

Quote from: algy on August 11, 2020, 06:35:50 PM

Think folk are being a bit harsh on Brentford. They've done terrifically well with far less financial clout than most/all the clubs around them. If we over-achieved on the scale they have, we'd be champions of Europe (again). It didn't work out for them this time around, but i'd not be surprised if they get promoted fairly soon.

Agree. Even with all the money we chucked at it, the Championship is a bugger to get out it.
I think they were desperately unlucky, bottling the automatic, probably did for them.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 11, 2020, 06:39:56 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 11, 2020, 06:33:29 PM

If a player goes 17-0 up in this weekend's snooker final then loses 18-17, presumably they can't be bottlers because they did well to get to 17?

In your world if it finishes 18-4 he'd be bottler as he didn't win every frame :P

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 11, 2020, 06:42:10 PM

Well, no.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 11, 2020, 06:42:56 PM

Quote from: algy on August 11, 2020, 06:35:50 PM

Think folk are being a bit harsh on Brentford. They've done terrifically well with far less financial clout than most/all the clubs around them. If we over-achieved on the scale they have, we'd be champions of Europe (again). It didn't work out for them this time around, but i'd not be surprised if they get promoted fairly soon.

Nah they're getting what they deserve for falling apart completely, bully says so because they didn't win 10 consecutive games. Fucking bottlers.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 11, 2020, 06:46:01 PM

Come on now. They had to get ONE POINT. Against Stoke. Or Barnsley! At home! Massive Barnsley that teeny Brentford had done so amazingly to be allowed to compete against.

Come on mate, you've had your fun.

They bottled it, ergo they're bottlers.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on August 11, 2020, 06:46:13 PM

If bully boy says so it stands.

Bottlers.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 11, 2020, 06:46:52 PM

Finally some sense from the world's shittest flouncer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on August 11, 2020, 06:47:49 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 11, 2020, 06:46:01 PM

Come on now. They had to get ONE POINT. Against Stoke. Or Barnsley! At home! Massive Barnsley that teeny Brentford had done so amazingly to be allowed to compete against.

Come on mate, you've had your fun.

They bottled it, ergo they're bottlers.

Incorrect.

A point v Barnsley wouldn’t have sufficed bully.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 11, 2020, 06:48:26 PM

Anyway, I'm underwhelmed by links to Brentford players, in case you hadn't guessed.

I was hoping this transfer window would be about signing next level players, not the same sort of players we were linked with for the last two windows.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 11, 2020, 06:49:14 PM

We won 9 of 11 to finish '98, beating the sides that finished 1st, 3rd and 4th. The 2 defeats were at home to Barnsley and Bolton, both relegated. It's just incredibly hard to sustain that form over that many games, even against poorer sides.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 11, 2020, 06:50:25 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 11, 2020, 06:46:01 PM

Come on now. They had to get ONE POINT. Against Stoke. Or Barnsley! At home!

No they didn't.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 11, 2020, 06:50:42 PM

Quote from: WilliamStanding on August 11, 2020, 06:47:49 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 11, 2020, 06:46:01 PM

Come on now. They had to get ONE POINT. Against Stoke. Or Barnsley! At home! Massive Barnsley that teeny Brentford had done so amazingly to be allowed to compete against.

Come on mate, you've had your fun.

They bottled it, ergo they're bottlers.

Incorrect.

A point v Barnsley wouldn’t have sufficed bully.

OK two points against shite teams then. Though I reckon one point might have been enough  as Albion were doing their best to engineer a bottle job of their own. If Brentford had put them under pressure I think they'd have folded in that QPR game. We won't find out though due to Brentford bottling it themselves.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 11, 2020, 06:51:34 PM

Quote from: PeterWithesShin on August 11, 2020, 06:49:14 PM

We won 9 of 11 to finish '98, beating the sides that finished 1st, 3rd and 4th. The 2 defeats were at home to Barnsley and Bolton, both relegated. It's just incredibly hard to sustain that form over that many games, even against poorer sides.

That still winds me up.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 11, 2020, 06:55:48 PM

Quote from: PeterWithesShin on August 11, 2020, 06:49:14 PM

We won 9 of 11 to finish '98, beating the sides that finished 1st, 3rd and 4th. The 2 defeats were at home to Barnsley and Bolton, both relegated. It's just incredibly hard to sustain that form over that many games, even against poorer sides.

There's some absolute desperate whataboutery here to try to pretend that a team that was in a position to get promoted, with two easy games remaining, didn't bottle it when they lost both games.

Still, I'm going to do a big Billy Nobs flounce out of the thread.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on August 11, 2020, 07:08:25 PM

Tbf CDB that actually made me laugh.

Fair play to you.

Noroc.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 11, 2020, 07:09:13 PM

There is, bringing up snooker being the best example. :P

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: TheMalandro on August 11, 2020, 07:20:20 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 11, 2020, 06:48:26 PM

Anyway, I'm underwhelmed by links to Brentford players, in case you hadn't guessed.

I was hoping this transfer window would be about signing next level players, not the same sort of players we were linked with for the last two windows.

I do agree we should be going for better.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ian. on August 11, 2020, 07:22:58 PM

A couple of my mates who support Exeter have followed Watkins since he signed for Brentford and reckon he’s a fantastic talent and would be well worth signing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on August 11, 2020, 07:31:22 PM

Watkins yes please, still has growth and is worth the risk. Ramsey? Absolute yes. Good enough for Arsenal and certainly good enough for us, if his wages are sensible. Surely a signing or two soon.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ian. on August 11, 2020, 07:36:21 PM

I’d love us to sign Ramsey, even if he’s prone to the odd injury. Could be just what we need.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on August 11, 2020, 07:47:31 PM

Bottlers is a bit strong but they definitely fell apart. Won 8 games and scored for fun to get to the brink of the automatic promotion places then lost 4 of the last 5 games to miss out on both auto and the playoffs. Regardless of how well they'd done to get there that's a very disappointing way to end the season.

I'm with CD on their players as well, I'd take Watkins as cover but I've got no interest in Benrahma or anyone else.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LukeJames on August 11, 2020, 07:52:53 PM

Ramseys on 400k a week.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 11, 2020, 07:54:23 PM

Kin ell.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 11, 2020, 08:02:20 PM

Seeems fair, it's not much more than we get for moderating this place.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: villa `cross the mersey on August 11, 2020, 08:02:38 PM

Quote from: LukeJames on August 11, 2020, 07:52:53 PM

Ramseys on 400k a week.

That's just wrong on so many levels ......the world truly has gone mad

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy65 on August 11, 2020, 08:16:16 PM

Quote from: villa `cross the mersey on August 11, 2020, 08:02:38 PM

Quote from: LukeJames on August 11, 2020, 07:52:53 PM

Ramseys on 400k a week.

That's just wrong on so many levels ......the world truly has gone mad

He was a Bosman. Still ridiculous though

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy65 on August 11, 2020, 08:17:59 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 11, 2020, 06:28:08 PM

Quote from: PeterWithesShin on August 11, 2020, 06:17:00 PM

Doesn't alter that a 10 game run like doesn't happen very often. There's a reason it took us over 100 years to win 9 in a row again.

Yes, as I said. They were very good, until they got in a position to bottle it and did so.

The phrase Bottlers was made for Brentford Last season. They even had two chances to go up automatically and bottled it. How else could you describe it?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 11, 2020, 08:40:56 PM

How many games did we bottle

Liverpool
Spurs x 2
Arsenal (away)
Man Utd

we had the outstanding result against Arsenal at home (probably the only defining result against the odds ) to put the whole thing in our own hands
we were in control going into the last game against a team on the beach just turn up and win and we are virtually 100% staying up

we couldn’t even do that and had to rely on others to bail us out

count all the no shows when we really needed results against Bournemouth Watford Brighton etc
and when it comes to bottlers we are there or thereabouts near the top of the table

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on August 11, 2020, 08:44:32 PM

Quote from: LukeJames on August 11, 2020, 07:52:53 PM

Ramseys on 400k a week.

Lira though right?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on August 11, 2020, 08:49:49 PM

Talking of Brentford you have to be impressed by their simple but effective strategy:  Got fed up of coaching yoof players only to lose them to bigger clubs for minimal compensation, consequently they scrapped the youth team and focused on signing released academy graduates from the same clubs.

For villa you think we are the biggest fish in the midlands pool (historically at least) so should have clout in taking the cream from other youth systems in the area.  But for that to work we need to develop a system to turn a youth plater into a first team plater to attract talent.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Small Rodent on August 11, 2020, 08:57:32 PM

If, as people say, Watkins can play across the front. Is he better than El-Ghazi or Trezeguet in those positions?

If so, it makes sense with another striker.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on August 11, 2020, 09:00:09 PM

I’d have Watkins and Wes fight to out for the main striker role and spend £40m on a real wide forward (no idea who).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on August 11, 2020, 09:10:24 PM

Milot Rashica rumours seem to be gathering pace. Twitter! Truth or bullshit?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LukeJames on August 11, 2020, 09:14:33 PM

Nakamba put up a social media photo earlier with himself and Rashica on. I suspect the rumours are from people jumping to conclusions over this.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 11, 2020, 09:14:56 PM

Quote from: Newby on August 11, 2020, 09:10:24 PM

Milot Rashica rumours seem to be gathering pace. Twitter! Truth or bullshit?

I'd love to be wrong, but I think they're probably unfounded. He wants a move to Leipzig, people are clutching at straws because Nakamba posted a #tbt photo of the two of them on Instagram from when they used to play together. No hints in the caption or anything else to suggest he's coming here, so I highly doubt it

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 11, 2020, 09:15:39 PM

Quote from: Newby on August 11, 2020, 09:10:24 PM

Milot Rashica rumours seem to be gathering pace. Twitter! Truth or bullshit?

Was just about to ask the same. On the surface it looks like he wants to go to Leipzig. Haven't seen him but my uncle's watched him a bit and is uncharacteristically excited at the prospect.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: DrGonzo on August 11, 2020, 09:30:59 PM

Any actual physical evidence that we are after any player from Brentford? Is this just an existential argument brought about by a lack of anything better to discuss?  Personally I am glad that we seem to be trying to implement a more advanced scouting and hiring system that might mean we begin to look beyond the massively overpriced product available in Britain. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Stu on August 11, 2020, 09:37:54 PM

Quote from: Stu on August 11, 2020, 12:24:06 PM

Anyone else sub to The Athletic? Article there reckons we're looking to raid Brentford rather than Juventus.

Article:

Sensible Transfers: Villa look to Brentford to bolster attacking threat

By Gregg Evans and Alex Stewart

Aston Villa’s transfer priorities are clear. Not only do they want to address the shortage of goals from up front, but they also recognise the need for more pace and increased competition across the board.

The club are preparing for another big-spending summer after clinging on to their Premier League place. As much as £80 million could be invested on strengthening their ranks, with two or three signings expected to go straight into Dean Smith’s strongest starting XI and a couple of others targeted to freshen up the squad.

Ollie Watkins (above) is high up on the target list and Villa hope they can get him for less than £20 million following his Brentford side’s loss in the Championship play-off final.

Villa boss Dean Smith worked with the now 24-year-old striker while in charge at Brentford and also put him forward last season, but the newly-promoted club couldn’t get a deal done and moved on to other targets. The Athletic understands they will push harder this time and be more competitive, in general, with transfer fees and wages. They face competition from other Premier League clubs, including Crystal Palace. Having scored 26 goals in 50 games for Brentford last season, he looks ready to test himself in the Premier League.

Villa are also interested in Watkins’s Griffin Park team-mate Said Benrahma — another they have tracked before. They did not increase their offer of £14 million to meet Brentford’s £20 million asking price for the forward last summer, and after an impressive season in the Championship, 25-year-old Benrahma will now be worth considerably more. Villa may choose to look elsewhere if the price remains too high.

With last summer’s £22 million club-record signing Wesley Moraes expected to return to training before the start of the new season after a nine-month knee-injury lay-off, Villa will have another source of goals to which they can turn, but they may still look to recruit two new forwards. Watkins can play as a central striker or out wide, which is why he appeals.

New sporting director Johan Lange will be tasked with providing alternative options following his arrival at the start of the month. The hope is that Lange already has players on his radar who can come straight in and improve Villa’s first team.

If they are recruited for small fees and turn out to be bargain buys, that’s simply a bonus. But the focus is not so much on signing players who can be sold on for a profit in the future. Rather, it’s about finding tried and tested performers who can complement the current team and help build on what looks a relatively strong base.

Pace is needed higher up the pitch and in wide areas. It’s why Villa are also looking at wing-backs. Max Aarons of Norwich City is well thought of despite their instant relegation back to the Championship, as is Rico Henry, another Brentford player Smith has first-hand knowledge of. Reading’s Omar Richards has also been mentioned.

There’s also a desire for an experienced midfielder with Premier League know-how. Nathaniel Chalobah may come back into contention after Watford’s relegation from the Premier League — Villa have asked about him in the past.

A transfer window wouldn’t be the same without Crystal Palace’s James McCarthy being linked with a move to Villa Park. The 29-year-old might actually join one day and if signed for around £5 million, it would be a smart deal to strengthen Smith’s options.

Villa will likely move some of their fringe players on and sign younger replacements. Henri Lansbury turns 30 a month into the new season and hasn’t contributed enough, Scott Hogan has no future at the club, and Jota rarely featured last season so may consider a move away if there’s interest. Marvelous Nakamba has also been linked away with a move to Turkish side Trabzonspor.

Much of Villa’s other transfer business depends on whether Jack Grealish stays or goes.

The captain, who turns 25 just before 2020-21 kicks off, is open to a move but the club are in a strong position to put up resistance to offers they feel fall below their valuation of £80 million. Villa know it would be bordering on impossible to replace Grealish, although if he does go, the money they get for him is likely to be reinvested over the next two windows.

A player who now looks out of their reach is Werder Bremen’s attacking midfielder Milot Rashica. He was discussed last season and understood to have been on the radar although it was quickly accepted that he was likely to move elsewhere.

As part of our Sensible Transfers feature, The Athletic recommends Leicester City’s Demarai Gray as a useful addition.

The 24-year-old is not getting enough game time at King Power Stadium four years after joining the club and needs a move to kick-start his career. Villa need new additions out wide and we think he would fit the bill.

Tifo’s suggested striker: Joel Pohjanpalo (Bayer Leverkusen)

Aston Villa’s requirement for goals, pace, and versatility makes sense — the defence and midfield tightened up hugely after the restart in June to keep them above the drop zone, but goals remained hard to come by and too much reliance has been placed on Jack Grealish to create and finish.

Tifo’s selection is Joel Pohjanpalo, a 25-year-old Bayer Leverkusen striker who had a good spell on loan with Hamburg in Germany’s second tier last season, scoring nine goals in 909 minutes. He’s a busy, bustling type who likes to carry the ball, which suits Villa’s sit-deep, break-fast approach. The Finland international has also played wide right and as a second striker, which would give Dean Smith options in attack.

According to Statsbomb, he managed a creditable 3.1 shots per 90 minutes with 1.4 on target in his 14 games for Hamburg. It’s not a massive shot volume, but he’s also intelligent in his movement and positioning, which explains the good goal return in limited minutes. He’s also a useful physical threat, 5ft 10in tall and stocky, good in the air and brave when contesting headers in the box, and he presses well — he’s generally the sort of nuisance who gives teams a bit of edge and presence up front, while also possessing an interesting skill set.

Leverkusen play with one striker through the middle, and with youngster Paulinho improving and Kevin Volland the incumbent, Pohjanpalo would probably be deemed surplus to requirements.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on August 11, 2020, 09:47:16 PM

That tifo strategy is an interesting selection. 

Most papers make up the links as they go along, so this is a different spin on it.

The first two thirds of that post are essentially a reworking of the Sun and Mirror's speculation (with no quotes or timescales to do a deal) from over the weekend.  Something Smegg used to do all too often at the Birmingham Mail. No fresh info at all.  Old habits and all that.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Stu on August 11, 2020, 09:55:45 PM

Lol.

I am so cancelling my sub now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on August 11, 2020, 09:58:54 PM

Haha.  The Athletic is generally good apart from that. 

But it's odd they went after a copy and paste merchant like Evans when it looks like they tapped up all the best writers from other regional and national papers.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Stu on August 11, 2020, 10:03:52 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on August 11, 2020, 09:58:54 PM

Haha.  The Athletic is generally good apart from that. 

But it's odd they went after a copy and paste merchant like Evans when it looks like they tapped up all the best writers from other regional and national papers.

I haven't read the local paper for years, but I know the standard of journalism is low. He wrote a cracking article about the last decade we suffered a few days ago and wonder if the Mail just isn't after the sort of stories he is interested in writing. That said, my experience of journalism is from US crime dramas where the journos are kept down by the 'man' that owns the paper.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on August 11, 2020, 10:17:56 PM

If Brentford we’re not expected to go up automatically or through play offs, got themselves in a position to do both, but did neither and are bottlers, does that mean we bottled it in 89-90 and 92-93....or just ran out of steam....

There’s been a general discussion on here throughout the season about how shite Wes (open to debate obviously) is and how we should of bought Maupay, but now Ollie Watkins isn’t good enough for us, despite scoring more goals for the same Brentford.  I can see the attraction of being linked with bigger names, but I think whatever our size as a club, we just escaped relegation and might not be as attractive to those bigger names as we all think, not for another year or so anyway.
If we get Watkins, Benhrama, Callum Wilson and then the new sporting director pulls a centre midfielder and left back out of the bag, then we might have to be satisfied for now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 12, 2020, 01:09:46 AM

Quote from: john e on August 11, 2020, 08:40:56 PM

How many games did we bottle

Liverpool
Spurs x 2
Arsenal (away)
Man Utd

we had the outstanding result against Arsenal at home (probably the only defining result against the odds ) to put the whole thing in our own hands
we were in control going into the last game against a team on the beach just turn up and win and we are virtually 100% staying up

we couldn’t even do that and had to rely on others to bail us out

count all the no shows when we really needed results against Bournemouth Watford Brighton etc
and when it comes to bottlers we are there or thereabouts near the top of the table

Different scenario really. The Watford score was being told to the team so at 3-0 down we were content to play out the draw. Then they got it back to 3-2 so we had to show more urgency just in case (Bournemouth were also winning). In the end we got what we needed.

Brentford on that Friday night watched West brom blow it at Huddersfield. They'd just won 8 on the bounce and went to Stoke who'd recently lost 5-0 at Leeds. They lost. Then as they're playing Barnsley they get news West Brom again aren't winning, they then contrive to concede 90th minute goal to lose. Think they'd won 8-9 straight games at Griffin Park before that.

There were also occasions earlier on in the season when they were close to top 2 and suddenly stopped winning.

Likes of Benrahma and Watkins aren't bad players and would do o.k at premier league level but think it's optimistic to think they are of the quality to propel us into the top 8 within 2-3 years. Benrahma reminds me a little of Adel Taarabt who was ripping it up in championship a decade ago in similar manner then went on to do nothing at the top level or anywhere since.

It would be nice to sign a player or two this summer who could really improve us and get us top half in the near future. I've said it before but there are plenty of good players around we could sign who don't play for Brentford or in Belgium.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave17 on August 12, 2020, 06:59:43 AM

Quote from: KevinGage on August 11, 2020, 09:58:54 PM

Haha.  The Athletic is generally good apart from that. 

But it's odd they went after a copy and paste merchant like Evans when it looks like they tapped up all the best writers from other regional and national papers.

im regally disappointed by their content. The guardian and the ft wipe the floor with them. He seems like a nice guy with some contacts at the club but it’s hardly game changing

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 12, 2020, 07:46:34 AM

Re bottling it, I think in some games we had some truly awful decisions go against us at times. Arsenal away, Palace away, both Bournemouth games where in the first Billing commits 2 orange card offences and then another yellow in 3 minutes and doesn't get sent and away their keeper literally pinches Engels in the head and there is not a pen given. I know teams have their hard luck stories and we got the 1 lucky moment with hawk eye, but the reality is we got the rough end all season. We did though, have an awful habit of conceding soft late goals, in part due to Smith not managing the game very well. He improved at that immeasurably after lockdown, which is a decent trait for a manager to have.

What players we need to help us not be in that situation I don't know. Better quality subs I'd guess and getting a couple of goals up so we are not a nervous wreck.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on August 12, 2020, 08:09:30 AM

I'd be very disappointed if our summers work was Championship players and plundering the relegated sides. For me we'd have another season of struggle.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 12, 2020, 08:37:31 AM

Quote from: aj2k77 on August 12, 2020, 08:09:30 AM

I'd be very disappointed if our summers work was Championship players and plundering the relegated sides. For me we'd have another season of struggle.

It depends which players and how we use them.

The likes of Wilson, Watkins, Sarr and Doucoure would obviously be better than what we have in those positions.

If it were Grabban, Welbeck, Lolley and Joe Allen then I'd absolutely agree with you.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: villasjf on August 12, 2020, 08:59:27 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 12, 2020, 07:46:34 AM

Re bottling it, I think in some games we had some truly awful decisions go against us at times. Arsenal away, Palace away, both Bournemouth games where in the first Billing commits 2 orange card offences and then another yellow in 3 minutes and doesn't get sent and away their keeper literally pinches Engels in the head and there is not a pen given. I know teams have their hard luck stories and we got the 1 lucky moment with hawk eye, but the reality is we got the rough end all season. We did though, have an awful habit of conceding soft late goals, in part due to Smith not managing the game very well. He improved at that immeasurably after lockdown, which is a decent trait for a manager to have.

What players we need to help us not be in that situation I don't know. Better quality subs I'd guess and getting a couple of goals up so we are not a nervous wreck.

I want a team that can play for 90 minutes, we seem to blow up at 60 and Smith and co and the opposition know it. They make a sub and the damage seems to be done. Its years since I saw a Vvilla team play well for 90 mins.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on August 12, 2020, 09:04:44 AM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 12, 2020, 08:37:31 AM

Quote from: aj2k77 on August 12, 2020, 08:09:30 AM

I'd be very disappointed if our summers work was Championship players and plundering the relegated sides. For me we'd have another season of struggle.

It depends which players and how we use them.

The likes of Wilson, Watkins, Sarr and Doucoure would obviously be better than what we have in those positions.

If it were Grabban, Welbeck, Lolley and Joe Allen then I'd absolutely agree with you.

I was actually impressed with Welbeck after the lock-down.

Looked really sharp.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on August 12, 2020, 09:10:52 AM

Quote from: Big Ming on August 12, 2020, 09:04:44 AM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 12, 2020, 08:37:31 AM

Quote from: aj2k77 on August 12, 2020, 08:09:30 AM

I'd be very disappointed if our summers work was Championship players and plundering the relegated sides. For me we'd have another season of struggle.

It depends which players and how we use them.

The likes of Wilson, Watkins, Sarr and Doucoure would obviously be better than what we have in those positions.

If it were Grabban, Welbeck, Lolley and Joe Allen then I'd absolutely agree with you.

I was actually impressed with Welbeck after the lock-down.

Looked really sharp.

Well he would be, he has spent the last couple of years having a nice rest in the sick room. Fucking hell no.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on August 12, 2020, 09:14:08 AM

And he tried a daft back heel on the final day when it was easier just to tap it in.  If he'd scored that it would have made for an interesting last few minutes.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on August 12, 2020, 10:27:25 AM

Listening to a podcast and they’re saying that Lille have had one bid for Morelos at Rangers rejected. Didn’t mention a fee but I wonder if he’d adapt to the Premiership as he stepped up in the Europa league this last season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 12, 2020, 10:30:30 AM

I'd take him as second choice or, occasionally, to play alongside another striker. Wouldn’t want to rely on him as the main man.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 12, 2020, 10:34:33 AM

He hasn't got a very good disciplinary record either has he?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 12, 2020, 10:36:43 AM

A year ago I'd have said definitely. Has had a poor 2020, put on a bit of weight and seems a bit moody. Worth a punt though, gets goals but not a team player so best suited to 1 up front. Moving him out the Glasgow fish bowl might help get him motivated and fitter.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on August 12, 2020, 10:55:09 AM

I’ve not really seen enough of him tbh. The disciplinary record stands out but is it dirty play or more verbal? It’s often said that we’re too nice and Maupay was lauded as being a bit of a shit and horrible to play against, obviously it’s a fine line as you don’t want to be down to 10 men every other week.
Edit. I don’t mind a bit of shithousery if it’s us doing it!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 12, 2020, 10:57:23 AM

I quite fancy signing a nutter, so on that basis alone it's a yes from me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: andyh on August 12, 2020, 11:01:55 AM

I don’t know if there is any truth in what I was told yesterday that Wesley has had a second operation and will be out for months yet.
Given that part of his rehab appeared to be running (perhaps that should be hobbling) on concrete streets in Brazil, maybe it’s no surprise.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 12, 2020, 11:20:24 AM

Quote from: andyh on August 12, 2020, 11:01:55 AM

I don’t know if there is any truth in what I was told yesterday that Wesley has had a second operation and will be out for months yet.
Given that part of his rehab appeared to be running (perhaps that should be hobbling) on concrete streets in Brazil, maybe it’s no surprise.

Jesus I fucking hope not.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on August 12, 2020, 11:27:42 AM

Morelos is one of the players that Smith has repeatedly been linked with and is believed to rate.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave P on August 12, 2020, 11:32:16 AM

Quote from: Clampy on August 12, 2020, 10:34:33 AM

He hasn't got a very good disciplinary record either has he?

That's a bit like saying Charles Bronson has a bit of a temper.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 12, 2020, 11:55:26 AM

hope we don’t go for Morelos
he’s not very good he’s got a bad attitude and he’s a complete knob head

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on August 12, 2020, 12:00:42 PM

Quote from: john e on August 12, 2020, 11:55:26 AM

hope we don’t go for Morelos
he’s not very good he’s got a bad attitude and he’s a complete knob head

I totally agree. He would be a long way down on my wish list of signings.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Pat Mustard on August 12, 2020, 12:13:12 PM

Quote from: john e on August 12, 2020, 11:55:26 AM

he’s not very good he’s got a bad attitude and he’s a complete knob head

To be fair I could say that about 50% of the people I've worked with.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on August 12, 2020, 12:51:24 PM

Quote from: Bent Neilsens Screamer on August 12, 2020, 10:27:25 AM

Listening to a podcast and they’re saying that Lille have had one bid for Morelos at Rangers rejected. Didn’t mention a fee but I wonder if he’d adapt to the Premiership as he stepped up in the Europa league this last season.

Being mediocre in Scotland's Premiership is one thing; but isn't it the same as shopping in the lower reaches of the Belgian or Dutch leagues?
I haven't seen much of Morelos but from what I've read he doesn't sound much cop for the Premier League. And, he's been around long enough without attracting much serious interest from other EPL sides.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 12, 2020, 01:02:46 PM

Quote from: Mister E on August 12, 2020, 12:51:24 PM

Quote from: Bent Neilsens Screamer on August 12, 2020, 10:27:25 AM

Listening to a podcast and they’re saying that Lille have had one bid for Morelos at Rangers rejected. Didn’t mention a fee but I wonder if he’d adapt to the Premiership as he stepped up in the Europa league this last season.

Being mediocre in Scotland's Premiership is one thing; but isn't it the same as shopping in the lower reaches of the Belgian or Dutch leagues?
I haven't seen much of Morelos but from what I've read he doesn't sound much cop for the Premier League. And, he's been around long enough without attracting much serious interest from other EPL sides.

I don't want to sign him, but you could have said the same about Henrik Larsson when he was banging them in for years at Celtic*, and I'd have had him in a heartbeat.

*I know he had a brief spell on loan at the Theatre of Screams towards the end of his career.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 12, 2020, 01:18:57 PM

Quote from: andyh on August 12, 2020, 11:01:55 AM

I don’t know if there is any truth in what I was told yesterday that Wesley has had a second operation and will be out for months yet.
Given that part of his rehab appeared to be running (perhaps that should be hobbling) on concrete streets in Brazil, maybe it’s no surprise.

Was a very bad injury. If the above is true then we won't be seeing him until 2021 so certainly need two new strikers in.

I fear Wes will go the way of Kodj who never got close to the heights of 16/17 after his bad injuries the following year.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 12, 2020, 01:59:08 PM

Thinking about it I wonder where Bowen would've played if we'd signed him in January? Through the middle I bet with all the pressure on his shoulders to score the goals to keep us up.

West Ham however played him out wide and just went with Antonio central. Did a fantastic job for them in the run in (and then for us on the final day) so it worked out well.

That's what I want to see us do with Watkins. Don't be stupid and give him the pressure of having to hit the ground running as central striker but have him out wide and get him adapted to premier league in his own time.

Get someone like Rondon in on a season long loan. Probably still has a house in the midlands from his time at West Brom and he's the sort who you know will work hard for the team and chip in with 9-10 goals like he did at Newcastle.

By end of next year Watkins would hopefully be starting to look really good in the prem and so be ready to move centrally. That to me is how you build a much better forward line than what we've managed in last 5 years anyway.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 12, 2020, 02:00:40 PM

Quote from: Bent Neilsens Screamer on August 12, 2020, 10:55:09 AM

I’ve not really seen enough of him tbh. The disciplinary record stands out but is it dirty play or more verbal? It’s often said that we’re too nice and Maupay was lauded as being a bit of a shit and horrible to play against, obviously it’s a fine line as you don’t want to be down to 10 men every other week.
Edit. I don’t mind a bit of shithousery if it’s us doing it!

AFAIK his disciplinary record is better this year. It's neither verbal nor shithousery in the Maupay sense more a reaction to being wound up by the opposition which he seems to have improved on. Rangers fans say the (Celtic supporting obviously) refs have it in for him and I'd say there's an element of truth to him having his card marked by refs, so to speak.  Playing in lower profile games would probably help this further and FWIW his record in the Europa League was pretty decent.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdward on August 12, 2020, 02:20:03 PM

Comparing the PL with the Scottish PL, i think of Scott Sinclair, never really consistent enough at PL level, brilliant record in Scotland and ends up at Preston in the Championship. That's where i would gauge Morelos.
Of course he could be the exception.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mossie Hennebry on August 12, 2020, 02:21:54 PM

Rondon? Have we not filled our quota of non-scoring forwards?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on August 12, 2020, 02:24:53 PM

I think Morelos is a decent striker, but comes with too much baggage. Doesn't seem like a team player and is a complete lunatic on the field.

He'd be sent   off every game for us, but gets away with a lot playing for the Old Firm.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 12, 2020, 02:25:06 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on August 12, 2020, 01:02:46 PM

Quote from: Mister E on August 12, 2020, 12:51:24 PM

Quote from: Bent Neilsens Screamer on August 12, 2020, 10:27:25 AM

Listening to a podcast and they’re saying that Lille have had one bid for Morelos at Rangers rejected. Didn’t mention a fee but I wonder if he’d adapt to the Premiership as he stepped up in the Europa league this last season.

Being mediocre in Scotland's Premiership is one thing; but isn't it the same as shopping in the lower reaches of the Belgian or Dutch leagues?
I haven't seen much of Morelos but from what I've read he doesn't sound much cop for the Premier League. And, he's been around long enough without attracting much serious interest from other EPL sides.

I don't want to sign him, but you could have said the same about Henrik Larsson when he was banging them in for years at Celtic*, and I'd have had him in a heartbeat.

*I know he had a brief spell on loan at the Theatre of Screams towards the end of his career.

Yeah but you’ve had to pick probably the greatest player in the Scottish league history of the last 30 years to try and prove the point

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on August 12, 2020, 02:30:41 PM

What happened to that Rangers striker that scored a load of goals for them, called Marco Negri, or something like that?

Assume he wasn't as prolific elsewhere.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 12, 2020, 02:35:34 PM

Quote from: Mossie Hennebry on August 12, 2020, 02:21:54 PM

Rondon? Have we not filled our quota of non-scoring forwards?

He scored 11 goals in 30 games at Newcastle in his last prem season.

We will do pretty well to get a 1 in 3 league striker this season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 12, 2020, 02:37:20 PM

Quote from: john e on August 12, 2020, 02:25:06 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on August 12, 2020, 01:02:46 PM

Quote from: Mister E on August 12, 2020, 12:51:24 PM

Quote from: Bent Neilsens Screamer on August 12, 2020, 10:27:25 AM

Listening to a podcast and they’re saying that Lille have had one bid for Morelos at Rangers rejected. Didn’t mention a fee but I wonder if he’d adapt to the Premiership as he stepped up in the Europa league this last season.

Being mediocre in Scotland's Premiership is one thing; but isn't it the same as shopping in the lower reaches of the Belgian or Dutch leagues?
I haven't seen much of Morelos but from what I've read he doesn't sound much cop for the Premier League. And, he's been around long enough without attracting much serious interest from other EPL sides.

I don't want to sign him, but you could have said the same about Henrik Larsson when he was banging them in for years at Celtic*, and I'd have had him in a heartbeat.

*I know he had a brief spell on loan at the Theatre of Screams towards the end of his career.

Yeah but you’ve had to pick probably the greatest player in the Scottish league history of the last 30 years to try and prove the point

Well, that is my point.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 12, 2020, 02:38:35 PM

Jelavic is probably best example in recent times of last free scoring Rangers striker to get signed by prem club.

Had a mad scoring run when he first turned up at Everton but then scored 7-8 the next season and went to Hull the next season, scored 8 goals when they went down in 14/15.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 12, 2020, 02:39:57 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 12, 2020, 01:59:08 PM

Thinking about it I wonder where Bowen would've played if we'd signed him in January? Through the middle I bet with all the pressure on his shoulders to score the goals to keep us up.

West Ham however played him out wide and just went with Antonio central. Did a fantastic job for them in the run in (and then for us on the final day) so it worked out well.

That's what I want to see us do with Watkins. Don't be stupid and give him the pressure of having to hit the ground running as central striker but have him out wide and get him adapted to premier league in his own time.

Get someone like Rondon in on a season long loan. Probably still has a house in the midlands from his time at West Brom and he's the sort who you know will work hard for the team and chip in with 9-10 goals like he did at Newcastle.

By end of next year Watkins would hopefully be starting to look really good in the prem and so be ready to move centrally. That to me is how you build a much better forward line than what we've managed in last 5 years anyway.

I would be amazed if we don't sign 3 forwards - an out and out striker, an out and out winger and a player that can play across the line. Watkins is that for me. Getting an Iheanacho or Wilson type that is a centre forward, and a Benrahma type that is a genuine winger would improve our squad by miles

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 12, 2020, 02:51:46 PM

Agree with that ozz. Would certainly give us scope to loan out Davis for at least six months and Samatta then has to shape up or he'll be shipped out aswell.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 12, 2020, 03:00:03 PM

had to laugh at someone on Twitter the other day when discussing who could sign Dean Sturridge
They suggested Holby City

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Scratchins on August 12, 2020, 03:07:57 PM

Quote from: john e on August 12, 2020, 03:00:03 PM

had to laugh at someone on Twitter the other day when discussing who could sign Dean Sturridge
They suggested Holly City

Clinton Morrison said this morning that he would be a perfect fit for Villa!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on August 12, 2020, 03:16:39 PM

Quote from: Scratchins on August 12, 2020, 03:07:57 PM

Quote from: john e on August 12, 2020, 03:00:03 PM

had to laugh at someone on Twitter the other day when discussing who could sign Dean Sturridge
They suggested Holly City

Clinton Morrison said this morning that he would be a perfect fit for Villa!

With his nose tongue firmly in his nose cheek maybe!!??

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on August 12, 2020, 03:21:00 PM

I don't want us to take a chance when it comes to a goalscorer. We've just barely survived what can happen if misfortune strikes, I'd rather we didn't shorten fate's odds.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 12, 2020, 03:24:33 PM

Quote from: Scratchins on August 12, 2020, 03:07:57 PM

Quote from: john e on August 12, 2020, 03:00:03 PM

had to laugh at someone on Twitter the other day when discussing who could sign Dean Sturridge
They suggested Holly City

Clinton Morrison said this morning that he would be a perfect fit for Villa!

If we're signing a striker from Derby I'd prefer Paulo Wanchope.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on August 12, 2020, 03:30:37 PM

Quote from: Bent Neilsens Screamer on August 12, 2020, 10:27:25 AM

Listening to a podcast and they’re saying that Lille have had one bid for Morelos at Rangers rejected. Didn’t mention a fee but I wonder if he’d adapt to the Premiership as he stepped up in the Europa league this last season.

The early stages of the Europa league are a very poor quality with the stronger teams playing reserves. Wouldn't read much into form at that level. Wouldn't rule out Morelos just because he is SPL, a very suspect temperament would be the main reason to avoid him like the plague.

Rondon could still be a useful option if playing in China hasn't waned his motivation. Did a great job for Newcastle leading the line in exactly the role the likes of Wesley and Samatta failed miserably. Over 30 though which seems to rule him out from our transfer policy these days.

Watkins can play across the front three which gives us a lot of options. Dropping him in as first choice number 9 would put a lot of pressure on him from day one though. Another more experienced striker to go with him, even on loan like Rondon, might be better. Ashley Barnes or Che Adams would be good options too.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 12, 2020, 03:32:49 PM

I thought Rondon was awful personally.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on August 12, 2020, 04:35:13 PM

Quote from: Scratchins on August 12, 2020, 03:07:57 PM

Quote from: john e on August 12, 2020, 03:00:03 PM

had to laugh at someone on Twitter the other day when discussing who could sign Dean Sturridge
They suggested Holly City

Clinton Morrison said this morning that he would be a perfect fit for Villa!

The main reason I wouldn't want us to sign Dean Sturridge is the fact that he is 47 years old. Also if you manage a betting shop as I did he is a pain in the arse who puts last minute dog bets on when the hare is running. I am guessing some people on here are mixing Dean Sturridge up with his nephew Daniel 'sicknote' Sturridge.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on August 12, 2020, 04:44:50 PM

I would like to see us sign two out and out strikers. Not a Jared Bowen type. We have attacking midfielders, we have attacking wide players, we have false number nine types. We need a couple of out and out strikers/goalscorers even if they do seem to be classed as old fashioned these days. A Tammy Abraham type who might not score a single goal all season from long range but who will stick plenty of goals in from close range.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 12, 2020, 05:06:47 PM

We need an out and out striker, but we absolutely need a pacy forward type as well.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 12, 2020, 06:05:16 PM

A quick question for people who understand The Kids: I saw a tweet from someone pretending to be 'ITK' saying that Watkins has signed. It's obviously nonsense. Some of the replies are asking for the OP's source, but are spelling it 'sauce'. Do these people not know that the word is 'source', or is it a piece of genius banter that I don't understand because I'm 42?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Stu on August 12, 2020, 06:12:03 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on August 12, 2020, 06:05:16 PM

A quick question for people who understand The Kids: I saw a tweet from someone pretending to be 'ITK' saying that Watkins has signed. It's obviously nonsense. Some of the replies are asking for the OP's source, but are spelling it 'sauce'. Do these people not know that the word is 'source', or is it a piece of genius banter that I don't understand because I'm 42?

It's an acknowledgement that the story is bullshit and they know it but are also in on the 'joke' with the OP.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 12, 2020, 06:13:07 PM

Quote from: Stu on August 12, 2020, 06:12:03 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on August 12, 2020, 06:05:16 PM

A quick question for people who understand The Kids: I saw a tweet from someone pretending to be 'ITK' saying that Watkins has signed. It's obviously nonsense. Some of the replies are asking for the OP's source, but are spelling it 'sauce'. Do these people not know that the word is 'source', or is it a piece of genius banter that I don't understand because I'm 42?

It's an acknowledgement that the story is bullshit and they know it but are also in on the 'joke' with the OP.

Thank you. I hate The Kids.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: thick_mike on August 12, 2020, 06:13:19 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on August 12, 2020, 06:05:16 PM

A quick question for people who understand The Kids: I saw a tweet from someone pretending to be 'ITK' saying that Watkins has signed. It's obviously nonsense. Some of the replies are asking for the OP's source, but are spelling it 'sauce'. Do these people not know that the word is 'source', or is it a piece of genius banter that I don't understand because I'm 42?

OP’s sauce is the great British source.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Stu on August 12, 2020, 06:17:45 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on August 12, 2020, 06:13:07 PM

Quote from: Stu on August 12, 2020, 06:12:03 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on August 12, 2020, 06:05:16 PM

A quick question for people who understand The Kids: I saw a tweet from someone pretending to be 'ITK' saying that Watkins has signed. It's obviously nonsense. Some of the replies are asking for the OP's source, but are spelling it 'sauce'. Do these people not know that the word is 'source', or is it a piece of genius banter that I don't understand because I'm 42?

It's an acknowledgement that the story is bullshit and they know it but are also in on the 'joke' with the OP.

Thank you. I hate The Kids.

Sexual. When you first joined this forum, was it solely due to being a Villa fan or did you view it as a potential mine for a stand up routine? Genuine question, I've been wondering about this for ages but forget to ask.

A little from column a, a little from column b?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 12, 2020, 06:26:38 PM

Quote from: Stu on August 12, 2020, 06:17:45 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on August 12, 2020, 06:13:07 PM

Quote from: Stu on August 12, 2020, 06:12:03 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on August 12, 2020, 06:05:16 PM

A quick question for people who understand The Kids: I saw a tweet from someone pretending to be 'ITK' saying that Watkins has signed. It's obviously nonsense. Some of the replies are asking for the OP's source, but are spelling it 'sauce'. Do these people not know that the word is 'source', or is it a piece of genius banter that I don't understand because I'm 42?

It's an acknowledgement that the story is bullshit and they know it but are also in on the 'joke' with the OP.

Thank you. I hate The Kids.

Sexual. When you first joined this forum, was it solely due to being a Villa fan or did you view it as a potential mine for a stand up routine? Genuine question, I've been wondering about this for ages but forget to ask.

A little from column a, a little from column b?

Purely Villa. Never had any material about football. My presence on this site does come up in a humorous way when my partner tells people quite how long I spend on here. She refers to it generally as me spending time with my 'internet boyfriends'.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Stu on August 12, 2020, 06:30:38 PM

Yeah, but you found out how to bleed the radiators and sort the boiler.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 12, 2020, 06:34:57 PM

Fucking right. My air-con is currently on the blink but I thought that might be a bit decadent for the denizens of Off Topic.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on August 12, 2020, 06:42:33 PM

Quote from: Lastfootstamper on August 12, 2020, 03:21:00 PM

I don't want us to take a chance when it comes to a goalscorer. We've just barely survived what can happen if misfortune strikes, I'd rather we didn't shorten fate's odds.

I hope you have a few bob to throw into the kitty then cos what you're talking about will likely cost us close to £50m.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 12, 2020, 06:45:15 PM

That's the market we should be in. If we sign a player for around £20 million, same as we did last year, how are we making the step up? If we replace like for like we will be in a relegation battle again.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on August 12, 2020, 06:57:56 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 12, 2020, 06:45:15 PM

That's the market we should be in. If we sign a player for around £20 million, same as we did last year, how are we making the step up? If we replace like for like we will be in a relegation battle again.

I agree. Daft as it is, £40m is the going rate for a good-but-not-exceptional player. £20m buys you a gamble.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: garyellis on August 12, 2020, 07:44:36 PM

What about Batshuayi?
In last year of his contract and not fancied by Lamplard.
Probably a similar price to Watkins but much higher wages
He does have the premier league experience badge.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on August 12, 2020, 08:04:51 PM

Quote from: garyellis on August 12, 2020, 07:44:36 PM

What about Batshuayi?
In last year of his contract and not fancied by Lamplard.
Probably a similar price to Watkins but much higher wages
He does have the premier league experience badge.

But he is crap

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: garyellis on August 12, 2020, 08:17:36 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on August 12, 2020, 08:04:51 PM

Quote from: garyellis on August 12, 2020, 07:44:36 PM

What about Batshuayi?
In last year of his contract and not fancied by Lamplard.
Probably a similar price to Watkins but much higher wages
He does have the premier league experience badge.

But he is crap

I'm not advocating him though he had his advocates last January. Palace fans seemed to rate him given his performances for them, when on loan.
Personally I'd prefer Watkins assuming Tammy is a pipe dream.Through all the discussion on here and other forums gettable names seem to be like hens teeth. But we have to make signings in this area.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on August 12, 2020, 08:22:48 PM

Quote from: garyellis on August 12, 2020, 07:44:36 PM

What about Batshuayi?
In last year of his contract and not fancied by Lamplard.
Probably a similar price to Watkins but much higher wages
He does have the premier league experience badge.

Good shout. Rate him and won’t cost a bomb.

He can also hold the ball up well.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on August 12, 2020, 08:33:37 PM

Quote from: algy on August 12, 2020, 06:57:56 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 12, 2020, 06:45:15 PM

That's the market we should be in. If we sign a player for around £20 million, same as we did last year, how are we making the step up? If we replace like for like we will be in a relegation battle again.

I agree. Daft as it is, £40m is the going rate for a good-but-not-exceptional player. £20m buys you a gamble.

I agree.  This is part of the reason why I think a (scoring) winger should be a higher priority. For £40m I think you will get more bang for your buck, especially when the starting point is El Ghazi/Trez.  There’s still value to be squeezed out of Wes but Watkins should also be signed as insurance/competition (Davis on loan and Samatta sold).

Job done.  Except identifying the winger... 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Russ aka Big Nose on August 12, 2020, 08:49:28 PM

It's an easy post on a forum like this but - serious question - when people say 'proven goalscorer' I take it to mean someone that will score 15+ bearing in mind Wesley was on track to get 11/12 in his first season.

So the 15+ PL goalscorers for last season were: Vardy, Aubameyang, Ings, Sterling, Salah, Kane, Mane, Jimenez, Martial, Rashford, Aguero and Tammy.

You're not allowed to say someone not playing in the PL (as they cannot be regarded as 'proven') so with £50-60m to spend on the transfer (or inflated wages for Vardy/Aguero) who do people want and realistically expect we can get?

When I look at that list, I think maybe Ings, but will he replicate last year (a 'no' from me) or Tammy as a big outside bet if Chelsea sign another striker and tell him he can find a club (and I don't see that happening).

So, no offence intended but it is nonsense to talk about 'proven' versus a 'punt'. It is simply 'how much of a punt' and that is influenced by what other deals we do for other positions.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 12, 2020, 08:50:58 PM

So if we signed Messi, he wouldn't be a "proven" goalscorer because he's never done it in the Premier League?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on August 12, 2020, 08:51:27 PM

Batshuayi kind of makes me think of Loic Remy. You read about him a lot more than you see him/them playing and scoring yet they seem to be highly rated for years!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on August 12, 2020, 08:59:30 PM

Quote from: eamonn on August 12, 2020, 08:51:27 PM

Batshuayi kind of makes me think of Loic Remy. You read about him a lot more than you see him/them playing and scoring yet they seem to be highly rated for years!

A common denominator there is Chelsea and they stockpile players.  Sending them on loan until something clicks and they can sell them at optimum value. Batshuayi and Remy just never clicked so have bounced around clubs.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Russ aka Big Nose on August 12, 2020, 09:02:23 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 12, 2020, 08:50:58 PM

So if we signed Messi, he wouldn't be a "proven" goalscorer because he's never done it in the Premier League?

OK. I think you probably understood what I was saying but felt compelled to be contrary for the sake of it.

So I will indulge you - you can include Messi, Ronaldo and Neymer in the list of proven goalscorer that don't represent some degree of risk/punt.

Now, which do you think will join Villa for a fee in the region of £50-60m?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on August 12, 2020, 09:11:31 PM

Quote from: Dante Lavelli on August 12, 2020, 08:59:30 PM

Quote from: eamonn on August 12, 2020, 08:51:27 PM

Batshuayi kind of makes me think of Loic Remy. You read about him a lot more than you see him/them playing and scoring yet they seem to be highly rated for years!

A common denominator there is Chelsea and they stockpile players.  Sending them on loan until something clicks and they can sell them at optimum value. Batshuayi and Remy just never clicked so have bounced around clubs.

Just to add their strategy is genius as I’d guess inflation for FPI (footballer price index) must jump 15% each year.  Add in the fact that the commodity/player matures for the first few years and... it’s Chelseas way of ensuring that FFP is not an issue.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: nigel on August 12, 2020, 09:15:36 PM

Quote from: Stu on August 12, 2020, 06:30:38 PM

Yeah, but you found out how to bleed the radiators and sort the boiler.

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on August 12, 2020, 06:34:57 PM

Fucking right. My air-con is currently on the blink but I thought that might be a bit decadent for the denizens of Off Topic.

Flippin heck, I remember that  :D

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on August 12, 2020, 09:34:01 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on August 12, 2020, 08:04:51 PM

Quote from: garyellis on August 12, 2020, 07:44:36 PM

What about Batshuayi?
In last year of his contract and not fancied by Lamplard.
Probably a similar price to Watkins but much higher wages
He does have the premier league experience badge.

But he is crap

16 goals in 29 international games for Belgium and 5 goals in 11 games on loan to Palace last season suggests he is far from crap. Also at 26 he should be at his peak.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 12, 2020, 09:37:08 PM

Quote from: Russ aka Big Nose on August 12, 2020, 09:02:23 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 12, 2020, 08:50:58 PM

So if we signed Messi, he wouldn't be a "proven" goalscorer because he's never done it in the Premier League?

OK. I think you probably understood what I was saying but felt compelled to be contrary for the sake of it.

So I will indulge you - you can include Messi, Ronaldo and Neymer in the list of proven goalscorer that don't represent some degree of risk/punt.

Now, which do you think will join Villa for a fee in the region of £50-60m?

I dunno mate, my knowledge of European football is rubbish. I was just debating the argument that you could only get a "proven" goalscorer in the Premier League. I'm glad you've since qualified that.

I'm pretty sure you could get someone pretty amazing for £50-£60 million, tbh. I've no idea who as, like I say, I dunno. Haven't played Championship Manager for years.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on August 12, 2020, 09:38:01 PM

Sebastian Haller cost West Ham £45m and Newcastle paid £40m for Joelinton. Spending a lot of money isn't a guarantee of signing quality.

Similarly Danny Ings cost £18m. You don't have to spend mega money to be able sign a goalscorer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 12, 2020, 09:39:36 PM

No, there is no guarantee. But the £50 million range gives you a far better chance of getting someone sexy, exciting and goaly than the £20 million bracket does. Worth the extra cash.

Danny Ings would have been a £40 million striker if he had a good injury record. Spending that money on him was a massive gamble, which has paid off so far in that case.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on August 12, 2020, 09:41:05 PM

Sexy and goaly ftw !

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 12, 2020, 09:43:43 PM

Quote from: eamonn on August 12, 2020, 09:41:05 PM

Sexy and goaly ftw !

It's probably my use of phrases like that which have caused Dean Smith to stop returning my calls when I phone to offer transfer advice.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 12, 2020, 10:13:26 PM

Quote from: WilliamStanding on August 12, 2020, 08:22:48 PM

Quote from: garyellis on August 12, 2020, 07:44:36 PM

What about Batshuayi?
In last year of his contract and not fancied by Lamplard.
Probably a similar price to Watkins but much higher wages
He does have the premier league experience badge.

Good shout. Rate him and won’t cost a bomb.

He can also hold the ball up well.

He actually can't which is why he's struggled to get a start at Chelsea. Your boy Davis is better at hold up play.

I think with the striker it would make sense just to get an experienced head for a year or two while however else we sign upfront like say a Watkins develops for a year.

Valencia are selling anything that moves currently so think going for Kevin Gamiero would be a decent move. Or even Maxi Gomez after our links to him last summer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: garyellis on August 12, 2020, 10:26:41 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 12, 2020, 10:13:26 PM

Quote from: WilliamStanding on August 12, 2020, 08:22:48 PM

Quote from: garyellis on August 12, 2020, 07:44:36 PM

What about Batshuayi?
In last fffyear of his contract and not fancied by Lamplard.
Probably a similar price to Watkins but much higher wages
He does have the premier league experience badge.

Good shout. Rate him and won’t cost a bomb.

He can also hold the ball up well.

He actually can't which is why he's struggled to get a start at Chelsea. Your boy Davis is better at hold up play.

I think with the striker it would make sense just to get an experienced head for a year or two while however else we sign upfront like say a Watkins develops for a year.

Valencia are selling anything that moves currently so think going for Kevin Gamiero would be a decent move. Or even Maxi Gomez after our links to him last summer.

Gamiero a lot older and not prolific. Gomez very different and may attract champions league clubs. What about Callum Wilson as well as Watkins? I think Villa would be a big gig for both players and they would be motivated beyond the sign on fees and salary package.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: villabear on August 12, 2020, 10:44:57 PM

Apologies if posted before. Werder Bremen’s Milot Rascica being linked with us and Wolves this evening on Twitter through different sites. Apparently recently photographed with Nakamba so deal done then obviously.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on August 12, 2020, 10:47:19 PM

Quote from: villabear on August 12, 2020, 10:44:57 PM

Apologies if posted before. Werder Bremen’s Milot Rascica being linked with us and Wolves this evening on Twitter through different sites. Apparently recently photographed with Nakamba so deal done then obviously.

It's not recent, it's from when they played at Vitesse Arnham together a few years ago.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 12, 2020, 10:48:49 PM

Kosovan journalist saying we're in advanced negotiations for him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 12, 2020, 10:52:10 PM

We did just sign some young babby from them, as I recall, so it may be that we are trying to sign all their alumni. They could be for the NSWE ownership what Celtic were for the Randy Years before he started going on about Shummamites, sticking pencils up his nose and smearing his cock with Bovril. (Possibly).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 12, 2020, 10:53:43 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 12, 2020, 10:52:10 PM

We did just sign some young babby from them, as I recall, so it may be that we are trying to sign all their alumni. They could be for the NSWE ownership what Celtic were for the Randy Years before he started going on about Shummamites, sticking pencils up his nose and smearing his cock with Bovril. (Possibly).

Have you been reading my emails?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 12, 2020, 10:55:08 PM

Milot Rashica rumours heating up.

https://twitter.com/kosovanfooty_en/status/1293654032091942913?s=21

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on August 12, 2020, 10:57:15 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 12, 2020, 10:52:10 PM

We did just sign some young babby from them, as I recall, so it may be that we are trying to sign all their alumni. They could be for the NSWE ownership what Celtic were for the Randy Years before he started going on about Shummamites, sticking pencils up his nose and smearing his cock with Bovril. (Possibly).

About time Amazon or Netflix ran with a tribute to those great times.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 12, 2020, 10:58:00 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on August 12, 2020, 10:53:43 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 12, 2020, 10:52:10 PM

We did just sign some young babby from them, as I recall, so it may be that we are trying to sign all their alumni. They could be for the NSWE ownership what Celtic were for the Randy Years before he started going on about Shummamites, sticking pencils up his nose and smearing his cock with Bovril. (Possibly).

Have you been reading my emails?

Well, you stopped sending the suggestive PMs so I had to get my fun somewhere.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on August 12, 2020, 10:58:48 PM

Interesting how such a small country (province, even) has produced a succession of top class players over the past 10-15 years.

Half of that Swiss team seem to be Kosovan-born, as an example.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on August 12, 2020, 11:01:47 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on August 12, 2020, 10:58:48 PM

Interesting how such a small country (province, even) has produced a succession of top class players over the past 10-15 years.

Half of that Swiss team seem to be Kosovan-born, as an example.

Similar to Croatia in the early 90s.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 12, 2020, 11:02:08 PM

According to his YouTube video he does a lot of 'not scoring'. He'll fit right in.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 12, 2020, 11:03:16 PM

The Balkan nations, generally, are massively overachieving, and have done for years. Fair fucks.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 12, 2020, 11:03:54 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on August 12, 2020, 11:02:08 PM

According to his YouTube video he does a lot of 'not scoring'. He'll fit right in.

Haven't seen it but I would hazard a guess that the video was accompanied by some just splendid music. They always are.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on August 12, 2020, 11:06:53 PM

Illustrates the folly of Ireland and Scotland using the excuse of small populations for pish football.

NB: I have a dog in the fight when it comes to that pair so not taking the piss.

It's a lament more than anything else.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 12, 2020, 11:08:30 PM

Yep, if you like stock Garage Band beats you'll LOVE Rashica's YT.

Edit: @cd

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 12, 2020, 11:13:58 PM

Scotland seem to think that if they copy Spain and stick B teams in the lower leagues, they'll be competing in the latter stages of World Cups in no time. It is quite clearly bollocks. I've said for years they'd be better off studying the success of countries like Croatia, Switzerland, even Iceland.

When he left a very successful spell as Sweden manager, Scotland turned down the chance to appoint the future miracle worker with Iceland so they could appoint... Craig Levein. 🙄

I've given up on ever seeing an even vaguely competent Scottish men's national team in my lifetime.

I do think the ladies might qualify for a few tournaments and maybe make the odd knockout stage in the next few years, though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 12, 2020, 11:14:47 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on August 12, 2020, 11:08:30 PM

Yep, if you like stock Garage Band beats you'll LOVE Rashica's YT.

Edit: @cd

Much as I suspected. Just waiting for my Beats headphones to arrive and I'll be straight on YouTube.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 12, 2020, 11:15:48 PM

Batshuayi would be a good signing without doubt. Chelsea move has ruined him but young enough to recover his career. If the Rashica rumours are true, and Watkins, then we will still need a proper centre forward.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on August 12, 2020, 11:15:52 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 12, 2020, 10:13:26 PM

Valencia are selling anything that moves currently so think going for Kevin Gamiero would be a decent move. Or even Maxi Gomez after our links to him last summer.

Can I have a Jose Luis Gayà, please?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 12, 2020, 11:17:13 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on August 12, 2020, 11:06:53 PM

Illustrates the folly of Ireland and Scotland using the excuse of small populations for pish football.

Bit harsh on the 2 Irish teams who have made it to the knockout stages in 5 of their 6 World Cups. However the gold standard for overachievement is surely Uruguay.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on August 12, 2020, 11:22:44 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on August 12, 2020, 11:17:13 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on August 12, 2020, 11:06:53 PM

Illustrates the folly of Ireland and Scotland using the excuse of small populations for pish football.

Bit harsh on the 2 Irish teams who have made it to the knockout stages in 5 of their 6 World Cups. However the gold standard for overachievement is surely Uruguay.

Historically speaking on what they've done in tournaments it's hard to argue.

For overall quality of players produced (rather than achievement), Portugal have probably got a case to make.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 12, 2020, 11:23:55 PM

Although they stole, arguably, their greatest ever one.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 12, 2020, 11:25:12 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 12, 2020, 11:23:55 PM

Although they stole, arguably, their greatest ever one.

Where did they steal Fernando Nelson from?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 12, 2020, 11:27:06 PM

Sweden obvs. Why do you think they wrote that song about him?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 12, 2020, 11:29:47 PM

It's so sad to see the state of Scottish football now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on August 12, 2020, 11:31:01 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on August 12, 2020, 11:17:13 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on August 12, 2020, 11:06:53 PM

Illustrates the folly of Ireland and Scotland using the excuse of small populations for pish football.

Bit harsh on the 2 Irish teams who have made it to the knockout stages in 5 of their 6 World Cups. However the gold standard for overachievement is surely Uruguay.

The Ireland team of 1990 was probably the best of the bunch and still didn't win a game getting to the QF.

It's probably sacrilege so soon after Big Jack's departure but with the personnel to call upon there (top players in all of the top British sides at the time) that side underperformed. Sheedy, Whelan, McGrath, Townsend and so on. They were far better than up and at 'em under pressure bollocks.

I'm not overly familiar with the NI team of the 50s Peter Mac apart, but the latter incarnations have been all to willing to embrace the role of plucky underdog.

Even now, with the money rife in the top leagues, small nations like Belgium, Croatia, Switzerland and Kosovo show what you can achieve (the latter more with players produced rather than international success) with a coherent plan and dedication to the technical aspects of player development.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 12, 2020, 11:38:29 PM

Scotland have become like Wales were in the 80s and 90s, a few very good players but mainly a squad filled out with lower league players.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Tokyo Sexwhale on August 13, 2020, 12:03:46 AM

Quote from: PeterWithesShin on August 12, 2020, 11:38:29 PM

Scotland have become like Wales were in the 80s and 90s, a few very good players but mainly a squad filled out with lower league players.

Having a few good players seems to be an improvement from recent years when they've had none!

Robertson, McGinn, Tierney, Gilmour, McTominay and Fraser are all reasonably young players of quality, and could form the core of a decent squad if they can find a few more to fit around them.

Their striker options are awful though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 13, 2020, 12:07:24 AM

Goalkeepers are generally passable (though have declined in the last few years), right backs okay, an abundance of genuine talent at left back, some good midfielders, attacky wingy sorts, not bad.

Centre-half: utter pish.
Centre-forward: worse than centre-half.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 13, 2020, 12:07:29 AM

Quote from: KevinGage on August 12, 2020, 11:31:01 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on August 12, 2020, 11:17:13 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on August 12, 2020, 11:06:53 PM

Illustrates the folly of Ireland and Scotland using the excuse of small populations for pish football.

Bit harsh on the 2 Irish teams who have made it to the knockout stages in 5 of their 6 World Cups. However the gold standard for overachievement is surely Uruguay.

The Ireland team of 1990 was probably the best of the bunch and still didn't win a game getting to the QF.

It's probably sacrilege so soon after Big Jack's departure but with the personnel to call upon there (top players in all of the top British sides at the time) that side underperformed. Sheedy, Whelan, McGrath, Townsend and so on. They were far better than up and at 'em under pressure bollocks.

That was a common view but if you watch the Jack Charlton: The Irish Years doc (it's on Youtube) the players didn't feel that way about Jack's tactics. I also think most teams would have struggled to beat Italy in Rome in the quarter final when they're hosting the World Cup.

It could be argued that the 1982 team that didn't qualify was better (lost out to Belgium and France, the latter on goal difference). I remember reading an article in the Irish Indo many, many moons that wondered how an all-Ireland team would have fared in the 1982 WC. To the NI team that did so well you could have added Hughton, Lawrenson, Moran, O'Leary, Brady, Whelan, Stapleton and Robinson. Wouldn't have been too shabby.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 13, 2020, 12:34:02 AM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 12, 2020, 11:03:54 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on August 12, 2020, 11:02:08 PM

According to his YouTube video he does a lot of 'not scoring'. He'll fit right in.

Haven't seen it but I would hazard a guess that the video was accompanied by some just splendid music. They always are.

He is miles better than Tonev who's YT video was hilarious bad, just full of wild shots hitting row F which was exactly what he did here.

Wouldn't be a bad signing at all. Decent enough player for Bremen although was injured a bit in their ultimately successful bid to stay up. They've sort of morphed into the german version of us in the Bundesliga after Hamburg finally got relegated two years ago. Claudio Pizzaro still plays for them, 41 now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 13, 2020, 12:38:35 AM

Quote from: PeterWithesShin on August 12, 2020, 11:38:29 PM

Scotland have become like Wales were in the 80s and 90s, a few very good players but mainly a squad filled out with lower league players.

Their midfield is basically full of premier league, SJM, McTominay, Armstrong at Southampton who did well end of the season, Gilmour at Chelsea, Ryan Fraser although he's in the naughty corner now for bailing out on Bournemouth. Just lack CBs and a decent striker but I'd say in other areas it's comfortably better than the current Irish squads.

Scotland just have a weird mentality, always expecting things to go wrong so think the players feel that when they come from their succesful club teams (Robertson and Tierney). so lack of motivation. They seem to have a huge number of injury call offs compared to the other home nations which isn't a good sign either, Wales were like that a decade ago and then it all stopped once they started winning.

Compare that to Wales with Bale and Ramsey enjoying playing for them more than their clubs which is pretty incredible.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 13, 2020, 01:40:53 AM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 13, 2020, 12:38:35 AM

Scotland just have a weird mentality, always expecting things to go wrong so think the players feel that when they come from their succesful club teams (Robertson and Tierney). so lack of motivation.

Maybe it's because they are colonized by wankers. ;)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on August 13, 2020, 08:21:10 AM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on August 13, 2020, 12:07:29 AM

Quote from: KevinGage on August 12, 2020, 11:31:01 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on August 12, 2020, 11:17:13 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on August 12, 2020, 11:06:53 PM

Illustrates the folly of Ireland and Scotland using the excuse of small populations for pish football.

Bit harsh on the 2 Irish teams who have made it to the knockout stages in 5 of their 6 World Cups. However the gold standard for overachievement is surely Uruguay.

The Ireland team of 1990 was probably the best of the bunch and still didn't win a game getting to the QF.

It's probably sacrilege so soon after Big Jack's departure but with the personnel to call upon there (top players in all of the top British sides at the time) that side underperformed. Sheedy, Whelan, McGrath, Townsend and so on. They were far better than up and at 'em under pressure bollocks.

That was a common view but if you watch the Jack Charlton: The Irish Years doc (it's on Youtube) the players didn't feel that way about Jack's tactics. I also think most teams would have struggled to beat Italy in Rome in the quarter final when they're hosting the World Cup.

It could be argued that the 1982 team that didn't qualify was better (lost out to Belgium and France, the latter on goal difference). I remember reading an article in the Irish Indo many, many moons that wondered how an all-Ireland team would have fared in the 1982 WC. To the NI team that did so well you could have added Hughton, Lawrenson, Moran, O'Leary, Brady, Whelan, Stapleton and Robinson. Wouldn't have been too shabby.

I think it is probably sacrilege to be honest. My first memories of a World Cup are 82 when I was 8 which the republic obviously didn’t qualify for, but I grew up knowing from my dad and watching footie on TV (other than going down the villa) that Ireland had some great players at the time, many mentioned above. But they had always under achieved not qualifying for tournos. Charlton added to the core group of top players through hook and by crook and moulded them into a team. Within that context I really don’t know how they can be seen as underachieving at 1990 at least. 2002, is my big regret and the whole Roy Keane episode, if they had bt Spain on penalties it would of been South Korea in the QFs and who knows from there, Keane could of made the difference.

In the wider conversation, as has been said Uruguay given their population etc are the masters of over achievement. Whilst the Balkan states it could be argued have, comparing to Ireland is a little unfair, when Ireland has never had a professional league system.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on August 13, 2020, 08:27:19 AM

The GK for NI was very good in 1958. Can't remember his name, but he played for Manure. I'm assuming Blanchflower was in the team too

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Hillbilly on August 13, 2020, 08:43:29 AM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on August 13, 2020, 08:27:19 AM

The GK for NI was very good in 1958. Can't remember his name, but he played for Manure. I'm assuming Blanchflower was in the team too

Harry Gregg. Blanchflower was there and some other decent players like Jimmy McIlroy, Billy Bingham and a guy who won the FA Cup the year before ;-)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dazvillain on August 13, 2020, 09:08:54 AM

I thought I’d ask why were being linked with Milot Rashica as I can only see poor goal scoring ratio around 1 every 5 games ... thought we’d wAnt better than this ?
Sorry to disrupt ur convo everyone

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 13, 2020, 09:09:44 AM

Quote from: Dazvillain on August 13, 2020, 09:08:54 AM

I thought I’d ask why were being linked with Milot Rashica as I can only see poor goal scoring ratio around 1 every 5 games ... thought we’d wAnt better than this ?
Sorry to disrupt ur convo everyone

He's an attacking MF / winger.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: frank black on August 13, 2020, 09:19:40 AM

Blimey this thread meanders somewhat over the past few posts doesn’t it.

Anyone been spotted at the Belfry yet?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 13, 2020, 09:23:37 AM

Birmingham Mail Villa reporter Preece saying the deal for Rashica is moving along at pace.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 13, 2020, 09:27:55 AM

Pace? He'll never fit in.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brian green on August 13, 2020, 09:32:10 AM

He did well for Sheffield United.  Club legend in fact.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: oldtimernow on August 13, 2020, 09:40:00 AM

Quote from: brian green on August 13, 2020, 09:32:10 AM

He did well for Sheffield United.  Club legend in fact.

Should never go back for players who leave the shirt...

The only shirt you should pull on after a Villa shirt is an England one..

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 13, 2020, 09:41:29 AM

Seems quick and direct from his highlights reel. Almost 1 in 3 for Bremen is pretty good for a winger. Only 24 too.

Has anybody seen him play?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Bryan on August 13, 2020, 09:55:53 AM

Quote from: Ads on August 13, 2020, 09:41:29 AM

Seems quick and direct from his highlights reel. Almost 1 in 3 for Bremen is pretty good for a winger. Only 24 too.

Has anybody seen him play?

Only on TV from when I lived in Austria (the league was so bad that everyone watched the German league instead)

He was Werders top scorer last year, but they did avoid relegation on away goals only. He's very quick and very direct, can't remember him crossing much mind. Only concerns are that his left foot is for standing on, and he's not going to stick to that right wing very much.

Haven't seen enough of Benrahma to compare them sadly.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 13, 2020, 10:01:44 AM

It's a good and equivalent standard in the Bundesliga, so hopefully an indication that he could make the switch. We all demanded pace and the kid seems to have it.

Hypothetically, if we imagine he is the winger we're after, I'd still like a Watkins who is big and quick, where the ball sticks, that can play across the line, including leading it, plus a striker.

Question of whether we need 3 wingers in the squad then and whether one of Davis or Samatta can go too. You'd have Wesley (when fit) new bloke and Watkins who can play up front. Equally, Grealish, possibly this Rashica, AEG, Watkins and Trez to play wide.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Bryan on August 13, 2020, 10:06:55 AM

Quote from: Ads on August 13, 2020, 10:01:44 AM

It's a good and equivalent standard in the Bundesliga, so hopefully an indication that he could make the switch. We all demanded pace and the kid seems to have it.

Hypothetically, if we imagine he is the winger we're after, I'd still like a Watkins who is big and quick, where the ball sticks, that can play across the line, including leading it, plus a striker.

Question of whether we need 3 wingers in the squad then and whether one of Davis or Samatta can go too. You'd have Wesley (when fit) new bloke and Watkins who can play up front. Equally, Grealish, possibly this Rashica, AEG, Watkins and Trez to play wide.

I've not seen Watkins play either, but hope he could make the step. Question would be do we get 2 wingers and a striker and play Jack in midfield or do we play Jack as one of the top three and look for a central midfielder (preferably a right footed McGinn as I think Luiz is developing into the deepest lying midfielder), 1 winger and a striker?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 13, 2020, 10:10:43 AM

Quote from: Bryan on August 13, 2020, 10:06:55 AM

Quote from: Ads on August 13, 2020, 10:01:44 AM

It's a good and equivalent standard in the Bundesliga, so hopefully an indication that he could make the switch. We all demanded pace and the kid seems to have it.

Hypothetically, if we imagine he is the winger we're after, I'd still like a Watkins who is big and quick, where the ball sticks, that can play across the line, including leading it, plus a striker.

Question of whether we need 3 wingers in the squad then and whether one of Davis or Samatta can go too. You'd have Wesley (when fit) new bloke and Watkins who can play up front. Equally, Grealish, possibly this Rashica, AEG, Watkins and Trez to play wide.

I've not seen Watkins play either, but hope he could make the step. Question would be do we get 2 wingers and a striker and play Jack in midfield or do we play Jack as one of the top three and look for a central midfielder (preferably a right footed McGinn as I think Luiz is developing into the deepest lying midfielder), 1 winger and a striker?

I'd think we'd go with Jack as one of the front 3, but with these players being more versatile, it gives more flexibility in game to change things.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on August 13, 2020, 10:11:58 AM

Quote from: Ads on August 13, 2020, 10:01:44 AM

It's a good and equivalent standard in the Bundesliga, so hopefully an indication that he could make the switch. We all demanded pace and the kid seems to have it.

Hypothetically, if we imagine he is the winger we're after, I'd still like a Watkins who is big and quick, where the ball sticks, that can play across the line, including leading it, plus a striker.

Question of whether we need 3 wingers in the squad then and whether one of Davis or Samatta can go too. You'd have Wesley (when fit) new bloke and Watkins who can play up front. Equally, Grealish, possibly this Rashica, AEG, Watkins and Trez to play wide.

If we get this kid I don’t see us going for Benhrama as well, unless Grealish is going. If Jack stays, we buy this lad and Watkins, I wouldn’t be surprised to see El Ghazi go. Think he’s a better player than Trez, but Trez works harder and produced a goal threat at the end of the season.

I think if all this pans out, your right and another out and out striker needed. If Abraham beyond us, I’d be happy enough with an experienced striker such as Wilson, not a marquee signing, but good solid experienced premier league striker, to support the young guns.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 13, 2020, 10:19:36 AM

Somebody mobile like Wilson would be a decent option or somebody of that ilk anyway. I think, as I'm sure many do too, that were just too pedestrian up front and mobility and flexibility is what Smith wants. I'd very much hope that we can have an outball into the channel this season or the ability to hit on the break a bit more effectively, as I don't think we were capable of that last year with the lack of pace and transitions running almost solely through Grealish.

I think I agree with you on Tezuguet's summary. I'd briefly caught some stats which showed post lockdown his defensive work was very good indeed. But that said, he's probably the more like to go for £15m back to Turkey or the like.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on August 13, 2020, 10:20:40 AM

It's a good and really exciting signing, but I really hope he's not the Jack replacement as, depressingly, he looks exactly like that to me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Hairbandinho on August 13, 2020, 10:53:42 AM

That's my concern.If he is coming in to be in the same team as Grealish that's a big upgrade but if not it's an unknown quantity having alot of pressure heaped on him to be Grealish instantly.

If he does sign and grealish stays (Which I doubt) then statistically we would possibly be moving grealish away from his best position into a central area. Unless the plan is to have wingers that can occupy and stretch the defence giving Grealish freedom in the middle.

Who knows!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 13, 2020, 10:55:09 AM

Is part of the delay in concluding/announcing new signings (and I don't just mean for us) potentially the fact that anyone coming from outside the UK may have to quarantine for 14 days before being announced?

I'm sure clubs are being cautious around the rules, at least in terms of appearance if not in practice.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on August 13, 2020, 10:57:33 AM

If Jack does go, perhaps we'll sign two wingers and a defensive midfielder to go alongside Doug, while moving SJM forwards in a more orthodox 4-2-3-1 of the sort Smith preferred at Brentford.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 13, 2020, 11:01:38 AM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 13, 2020, 10:55:09 AM

Is part of the delay in concluding/announcing new signings (and I don't just mean for us) potentially the fact that anyone coming from outside the UK may have to quarantine for 14 days before being announced?

I'm sure clubs are being cautious around the rules, at least in terms of appearance if not in practice.

Interesting point, although maybe  footballers would just be tested before entering the country then let in, I don't know. They seem to be routinely tested anyway.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mossie Hennebry on August 13, 2020, 11:01:41 AM

I like Wilson, but he is quite streaky and only scored 8 Lge goals league season despite playing most of it.

For proven worth, you're really looking at Tammy or Chris Wood.

Teemu Pukki anyone?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Marlon From Bearwood on August 13, 2020, 11:01:50 AM

Quote from: Monty on August 13, 2020, 10:20:40 AM

It's a good and really exciting signing, but I really hope he's not the Jack replacement as, depressingly, he looks exactly like that to me.

Not necessarily. It’s exactly the type of player we need, even if Jack stays.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 13, 2020, 11:04:11 AM

Jack's going nowhere. Nobody is going to pay the best part of £100 million for him, and we've no need to sell him on the cheap. His deal runs out in 2023.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mossie Hennebry on August 13, 2020, 11:06:44 AM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on August 13, 2020, 11:04:11 AM

Jack's going nowhere. Nobody is going to pay the best part of £100 million for him, and we've no need to sell him on the cheap. His deal runs out in 2023.

I agree. In addition to that, none of the 'big' clubs need him, so unless a club comes in for him from abroad, he ain't going nowhere.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on August 13, 2020, 11:08:37 AM

Dunno, the noises from Dortmund and Sancho are quite discouraging, and I could easily imagine Woodward just spunking out the cash for Grealish just to look like he's doing something 'high profile'.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Tebepaul on August 13, 2020, 11:13:29 AM

Re Milot Rashica: I used to travel to Bremen a fair bit on business and I've got a lot of time for SV Werder.

As others have pointed out, there are a lot of similarities with Villa in terms of the club's record of successes in the 1980s and current relegation battles. Werder were hugely fortunate to stay in the Bundesliga this year, and are under no illusions that they have to sell Rashica in order to rebuild their squad and balance the books. Rashica is the only player that would fetch the €15+ million that they need, although the club are hoping for €25-30m.

RB Leipzig were the strong favourites to sign the player last month, and Rashica let it be known that this is where he wanted to go. The ever-unlovable Red Bull kept trying to force the transfer fee down, however, and the move went quiet. Werder fans are resigned to losing Rashica, but believe that if he went to England, then it would be to one of the top six Premier League clubs.

Rashica plays on the left of the front three, or (as in the last match of the season) on the left of a front two. He was very good in the 2019 calendar year, using his pace and shooting and crossing skills to pose Werder's major threat (7 goals and three assists in the first-half of the 2019-20 Bundesliga season, despite injuries). He also doesn't mind putting in a defensive shift, which he'd need to do for Villa in the Premier League.

The wheels came off for him in 2020, especially after lockdown ended in the Bundesliga, when Rashica kept choosing the wrong option, shooting when he should have passed and vice versa. He seemed to be regressing to the unpredictable 'bull in a china shop' approach of pre-2019. On the other hand, however, he was getting no support from his team-mates as Werder went on a terrible run of form that almost saw them relegated to the 2. Bundesliga for the first time since 1981.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: GordonCowansisthegreatest on August 13, 2020, 11:14:48 AM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 13, 2020, 10:55:09 AM

Is part of the delay in concluding/announcing new signings (and I don't just mean for us) potentially the fact that anyone coming from outside the UK may have to quarantine for 14 days before being announced?
I'm sure clubs are being cautious around the rules, at least in terms of appearance if not in practice.

No, they're all still playing in the CL ;)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on August 13, 2020, 11:20:17 AM

Quote from: Tebepaul on August 13, 2020, 11:13:29 AM

Re Milot Rashica: I used to travel to Bremen a fair bit on business and I've got a lot of time for SV Werder.

As others have pointed out, there are a lot of similarities with Villa in terms of the club's record of successes in the 1980s and current relegation battles. Werder were hugely fortunate to stay in the Bundesliga this year, and are under no illusions that they have to sell Rashica in order to rebuild their squad and balance the books. Rashica is the only player that would fetch the €15+ million that they need, although the club are hoping for €25-30m.

RB Leipzig were the strong favourites to sign the player last month, and Rashica let it be known that this is where he wanted to go. The ever-unlovable Red Bull kept trying to force the transfer fee down, however, and the move went quiet. Werder fans are resigned to losing Rashica, but believe that if he went to England, then it would be to one of the top six Premier League clubs.

Rashica plays on the left of the front three, or (as in the last match of the season) on the left of a front two. He was very good in the 2019 calendar year, using his pace and shooting and crossing skills to pose Werder's major threat (7 goals and three assists in the first-half of the 2019-20 Bundesliga season, despite injuries). He also doesn't mind putting in a defensive shift, which he'd need to do for Villa in the Premier League.

The wheels came off for him in 2020, especially after lockdown ended in the Bundesliga, when Rashica kept choosing the wrong option, shooting when he should have passed and vice versa. He seemed to be regressing to the unpredictable 'bull in a china shop' approach of pre-2019. On the other hand, however, he was getting no support from his team-mates as Werder went on a terrible run of form that almost saw them relegated to the 2. Bundesliga for the first time since 1981.

Great first post, top info. How do you think he'd adapt to the premier league? And do you think he looks suspiciously like a Jack replacement, or just a bolstering of our attack whatever Jack does?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on August 13, 2020, 11:22:57 AM

He looks to me like a potential upgrade on Trezeguet and El Ghazi, which is much needed.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AV82EC on August 13, 2020, 11:24:02 AM

Quote from: Risso on August 13, 2020, 11:22:57 AM

He looks to me like a potential upgrade on Trezeguet and El Ghazi, which is much needed.

Yep quite why anyone has bought Jack into the equation I haven’t a clue.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 13, 2020, 11:24:03 AM

He's really good on Championship Manager, so it's a thumbs up here.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on August 13, 2020, 11:25:08 AM

Quote from: AV82EC on August 13, 2020, 11:24:02 AM

Quote from: Risso on August 13, 2020, 11:22:57 AM

He looks to me like a potential upgrade on Trezeguet and El Ghazi, which is much needed.

Yep quite why anyone has bought Jack into the equation I haven’t a clue.

Because he plays primarily from the left, which is where Jack has been playing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mossie Hennebry on August 13, 2020, 11:25:47 AM

Quote from: Monty on August 13, 2020, 11:08:37 AM

Dunno, the noises from Dortmund and Sancho are quite discouraging, and I could easily imagine Woodward just spunking out the cash for Grealish just to look like he's doing something 'high profile'.

I just can't see where he fits in with Rashford, Greenwood, Pogba, etc., etc. They just don't need him. I wonder was the Sancho enquiry straight out of HDE's playbook.?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on August 13, 2020, 11:31:55 AM

Quote from: Mossie Hennebry on August 13, 2020, 11:25:47 AM

Quote from: Monty on August 13, 2020, 11:08:37 AM

Dunno, the noises from Dortmund and Sancho are quite discouraging, and I could easily imagine Woodward just spunking out the cash for Grealish just to look like he's doing something 'high profile'.

I just can't see where he fits in with Rashford, Greenwood, Pogba, etc., etc. They just don't need him. I wonder was the Sancho enquiry straight out of HDE's playbook.?

Yanited are also rumoured to be looking at Barca's Dembele as an alternative to J Sancho

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on August 13, 2020, 11:43:03 AM

Quote from: Mossie Hennebry on August 13, 2020, 11:25:47 AM

Quote from: Monty on August 13, 2020, 11:08:37 AM

Dunno, the noises from Dortmund and Sancho are quite discouraging, and I could easily imagine Woodward just spunking out the cash for Grealish just to look like he's doing something 'high profile'.

I just can't see where he fits in with Rashford, Greenwood, Pogba, etc., etc. They just don't need him. I wonder was the Sancho enquiry straight out of HDE's playbook.?

Of course they don't 'need' him exactly, but since when does that stop them? They're like Bayern, they just sign players so nobody else can have them - especially now the chief branding officer is  now in charge of transfers.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kipeye on August 13, 2020, 11:48:21 AM

Quote from: Mossie Hennebry on August 13, 2020, 11:01:41 AM

I like Wilson, but he is quite streaky and only scored 8 Lge goals league season despite playing most of it.

For proven worth, you're really looking at Tammy or Chris Wood.

Teemu Pukki anyone?

Can't think why no-one is after him and would be the right style of play for us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 13, 2020, 11:52:52 AM

The issue with Pukki (apart from his goals completely drying up when Norwich needed them most) is that he's 30

He'd still cost us a wedge of money despite having virtually no sell-on value (something we're allegedly looking for from all permanent signings)

Don't see it happening unless we get really desperate. Which I wouldn't rule out either, mind, particularly if the Wesley injury rumours prove to be true.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: in exile on August 13, 2020, 11:54:53 AM

Quote from: Tebepaul on August 13, 2020, 11:13:29 AM

Re Milot Rashica: I used to travel to Bremen a fair bit on business and I've got a lot of time for SV Werder.

As others have pointed out, there are a lot of similarities with Villa in terms of the club's record of successes in the 1980s and current relegation battles. Werder were hugely fortunate to stay in the Bundesliga this year, and are under no illusions that they have to sell Rashica in order to rebuild their squad and balance the books. Rashica is the only player that would fetch the €15+ million that they need, although the club are hoping for €25-30m.

RB Leipzig were the strong favourites to sign the player last month, and Rashica let it be known that this is where he wanted to go. The ever-unlovable Red Bull kept trying to force the transfer fee down, however, and the move went quiet. Werder fans are resigned to losing Rashica, but believe that if he went to England, then it would be to one of the top six Premier League clubs.

Rashica plays on the left of the front three, or (as in the last match of the season) on the left of a front two. He was very good in the 2019 calendar year, using his pace and shooting and crossing skills to pose Werder's major threat (7 goals and three assists in the first-half of the 2019-20 Bundesliga season, despite injuries). He also doesn't mind putting in a defensive shift, which he'd need to do for Villa in the Premier League.

The wheels came off for him in 2020, especially after lockdown ended in the Bundesliga, when Rashica kept choosing the wrong option, shooting when he should have passed and vice versa. He seemed to be regressing to the unpredictable 'bull in a china shop' approach of pre-2019. On the other hand, however, he was getting no support from his team-mates as Werder went on a terrible run of form that almost saw them relegated to the 2. Bundesliga for the first time since 1981.

Great informative first post - welcome to the forum.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OzVilla on August 13, 2020, 12:00:38 PM

Does anyone know when Heaton, Steer or Wesley are expected to be back fit and in contention for selection?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kipeye on August 13, 2020, 12:13:26 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 13, 2020, 11:52:52 AM

The issue with Pukki (apart from his goals completely drying up when Norwich needed them most) is that he's 30

He'd still cost us a wedge of money despite having virtually no sell-on value (something we're allegedly looking for from all permanent signings)

Don't see it happening unless we get really desperate. Which I wouldn't rule out either, mind, particularly if the Wesley injury rumours prove to be true.

Fair enough-I can see that. he was the best forward the in the championship (bit like Mitovic) and thought he would have continued to impress in a better team.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on August 13, 2020, 12:13:34 PM

Ja, danke Tebepaul.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kipeye on August 13, 2020, 12:13:56 PM

Quote from: in exile on August 13, 2020, 11:54:53 AM

Quote from: Tebepaul on August 13, 2020, 11:13:29 AM

Re Milot Rashica: I used to travel to Bremen a fair bit on business and I've got a lot of time for SV Werder.

As others have pointed out, there are a lot of similarities with Villa in terms of the club's record of successes in the 1980s and current relegation battles. Werder were hugely fortunate to stay in the Bundesliga this year, and are under no illusions that they have to sell Rashica in order to rebuild their squad and balance the books. Rashica is the only player that would fetch the €15+ million that they need, although the club are hoping for €25-30m.

RB Leipzig were the strong favourites to sign the player last month, and Rashica let it be known that this is where he wanted to go. The ever-unlovable Red Bull kept trying to force the transfer fee down, however, and the move went quiet. Werder fans are resigned to losing Rashica, but believe that if he went to England, then it would be to one of the top six Premier League clubs.

Rashica plays on the left of the front three, or (as in the last match of the season) on the left of a front two. He was very good in the 2019 calendar year, using his pace and shooting and crossing skills to pose Werder's major threat (7 goals and three assists in the first-half of the 2019-20 Bundesliga season, despite injuries). He also doesn't mind putting in a defensive shift, which he'd need to do for Villa in the Premier League.

The wheels came off for him in 2020, especially after lockdown ended in the Bundesliga, when Rashica kept choosing the wrong option, shooting when he should have passed and vice versa. He seemed to be regressing to the unpredictable 'bull in a china shop' approach of pre-2019. On the other hand, however, he was getting no support from his team-mates as Werder went on a terrible run of form that almost saw them relegated to the 2. Bundesliga for the first time since 1981.

Great informative first post - welcome to the forum.

Looks like its getting nearer...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 13, 2020, 12:19:42 PM

Just seen one of the ITK (I know) accounts on Twitter suggesting that we've had a bid accepted by Norwich for Cantwell. He really would be a (bad) Grealish replacement.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on August 13, 2020, 12:23:37 PM

immensely stupid hair - he'd have to work on that aspect of his game if we came to us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Des Little on August 13, 2020, 12:24:55 PM

Looking at Jack's post-lockdown plait, I think he'd fit right in here.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 13, 2020, 12:29:42 PM

He can't well emulate our Jack.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 13, 2020, 12:29:53 PM

I'd be chuffed if we signed Cantwell, I really rate him. Don't think it's likely though, they'd want silly money, and imagine they're not hard pressed to sell as they must be loaded.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: JJ-AV on August 13, 2020, 12:30:09 PM

Man Utd definitely could do with Grealish. If they get Sancho or not.

Quote from: Mister E on August 13, 2020, 11:31:55 AM

Quote from: Mossie Hennebry on August 13, 2020, 11:25:47 AM

Quote from: Monty on August 13, 2020, 11:08:37 AM

Dunno, the noises from Dortmund and Sancho are quite discouraging, and I could easily imagine Woodward just spunking out the cash for Grealish just to look like he's doing something 'high profile'.

I just can't see where he fits in with Rashford, Greenwood, Pogba, etc., etc. They just don't need him. I wonder was the Sancho enquiry straight out of HDE's playbook.?

Yanited are also rumoured to be looking at Barca's Dembele as an alternative to J Sancho

I think they could do with him regardless tbh. They have about 60 games a season and four of: Martial, Rashford, Greenwood, Fernandes, Sancho and Grealish would play every week. Without injuries there's enough games for 40 starts + sub appearances each.

Greenwood is 18, Martial and Rashford are prone to dropping form and they need impact players from the bench. Pogba has been playing CM

If you think City had Aguero, Jesus, Mahrez, KDB, B Silva, D Silva, Foden, Sane this season. That's the level of options the top clubs boast these days.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Hookeysmith on August 13, 2020, 12:31:24 PM

I like the YT clip of this kid. Always excited by a fast paced, quick footed, tricky winger.
I agree with Risso  - he would be an upgrade on El Ghazi or Trez if truth be told. Trez may keep his squad place due to heroics at end of last season but El Ghazi really has not cut it in the Premiership and i think the "Bottle" job against Everton to make it 2-0 might be the final straw with Smith with him.

Watkins
Rashica
Aarons


would be a decent start

Another striker and a tough midfielder and it would really look the part

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on August 13, 2020, 12:38:59 PM

Quote from: Ads on August 13, 2020, 09:41:29 AM

Seems quick and direct from his highlights reel. Almost 1 in 3 for Bremen is pretty good for a winger. Only 24 too.

Has anybody seen him play?

Saw 2/3 Bremen games after lockdown and got to say wasn’t impressed (in a poor side has to be said) but there were enough good players in our league our Jack being one who looked bang average for most of those games so hopefully if we do get him he will be better than those performances.

Seems to be highly rated tho

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mossie Hennebry on August 13, 2020, 12:50:25 PM

Quote from: JJ-AV on August 13, 2020, 12:30:09 PM

Man Utd definitely could do with Grealish. If they get Sancho or not.

Quote from: Mister E on August 13, 2020, 11:31:55 AM

Quote from: Mossie Hennebry on August 13, 2020, 11:25:47 AM

Quote from: Monty on August 13, 2020, 11:08:37 AM

Dunno, the noises from Dortmund and Sancho are quite discouraging, and I could easily imagine Woodward just spunking out the cash for Grealish just to look like he's doing something 'high profile'.

I just can't see where he fits in with Rashford, Greenwood, Pogba, etc., etc. They just don't need him. I wonder was the Sancho enquiry straight out of HDE's playbook.?

Yanited are also rumoured to be looking at Barca's Dembele as an alternative to J Sancho

I think they could do with him regardless tbh. They have about 60 games a season and four of: Martial, Rashford, Greenwood, Fernandes, Sancho and Grealish would play every week. Without injuries there's enough games for 40 starts + sub appearances each.

Greenwood is 18, Martial and Rashford are prone to dropping form and they need impact players from the bench. Pogba has been playing CM

If you think City had Aguero, Jesus, Mahrez, KDB, B Silva, D Silva, Foden, Sane this season. That's the level of options the top clubs boast these days.

Let's hope they get either Dembele or Sancho then.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: frank black on August 13, 2020, 01:06:39 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on August 13, 2020, 12:19:42 PM

Just seen one of the ITK (I know) accounts on Twitter suggesting that we've had a bid accepted by Norwich for Cantwell. He really would be a (bad) Grealish replacement.

I disagree, he’d be a reasonable Grealish replacement. I fully expect this lad to be a very top quality midfielder

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 13, 2020, 01:06:53 PM

Quote from: Dazvillain on August 13, 2020, 09:08:54 AM

I thought I’d ask why were being linked with Milot Rashica as I can only see poor goal scoring ratio around 1 every 5 games ... thought we’d wAnt better than this ?
Sorry to disrupt ur convo everyone

No idea what stats you're looking at there Daz....in 18/19 he scored 9 Bundesliga goals and 3 more in the cup. They only play 34 games in their season. Last season he started with 9 goals in his first 13 league and cup games (scored v Leverkusen, Dortmund and Bayern Munich) before the goals dried up afterwards.

Still has close to a 1 in 3 scoring record in a top 4 euro league which here would make him comfortably our top scorer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 13, 2020, 01:09:45 PM

Quote from: Gareth on August 13, 2020, 12:38:59 PM

Quote from: Ads on August 13, 2020, 09:41:29 AM

Seems quick and direct from his highlights reel. Almost 1 in 3 for Bremen is pretty good for a winger. Only 24 too.

Has anybody seen him play?

Saw 2/3 Bremen games after lockdown and got to say wasn’t impressed (in a poor side has to be said) but there were enough good players in our league our Jack being one who looked bang average for most of those games so hopefully if we do get him he will be better than those performances.

Seems to be highly rated tho

I think he was carrying an injury as he kept on getting subbed around 60th minute mark. I agree he didn't stand out that much in their run in but had a fantastic start to the season and their form collapsed from November onwards.

Probably a bit like McGinn starting the season great and then dipping due to injury but we know the quality is there.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: DB on August 13, 2020, 01:16:46 PM

Quote from: frank black on August 13, 2020, 01:06:39 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on August 13, 2020, 12:19:42 PM

Just seen one of the ITK (I know) accounts on Twitter suggesting that we've had a bid accepted by Norwich for Cantwell. He really would be a (bad) Grealish replacement.

I disagree, he’d be a reasonable Grealish replacement. I fully expect this lad to be a very top quality midfielder

It's like Grealish has already gone.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on August 13, 2020, 01:18:31 PM

Yes to Rashica, yes to Cantwell, yes to Buendia. No to Watkins and Benrahma at the quoted prices.

Being linked to some good players, think we should have a far more comfortable season if we get quality forwards in and a more combative midfielder.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: in exile on August 13, 2020, 01:19:55 PM

So, is everyone happy with our full/wing backs?
I'm not

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Des Little on August 13, 2020, 01:20:23 PM

Like everyone else on here, I sincerely hope that Jack stays, however should the worst happen and he goes, Cantwell would be a good option, so it's a yes from me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 13, 2020, 01:20:32 PM

I am, yes. Full backs always get unfairly scapegoated.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on August 13, 2020, 01:22:41 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 13, 2020, 01:06:53 PM

Quote from: Dazvillain on August 13, 2020, 09:08:54 AM

I thought I’d ask why were being linked with Milot Rashica as I can only see poor goal scoring ratio around 1 every 5 games ... thought we’d wAnt better than this ?
Sorry to disrupt ur convo everyone

No idea what stats you're looking at there Daz....in 18/19 he scored 9 Bundesliga goals and 3 more in the cup. They only play 34 games in their season. Last season he started with 9 goals in his first 13 league and cup games (scored v Leverkusen, Dortmund and Bayern Munich) before the goals dried up afterwards.

Still has close to a 1 in 3 scoring record in a top 4 euro league which here would make him comfortably our top scorer.

I was going to make that point myself. A one in three goalscorer in a top class European League is not to be sniffed at. He is an ideal age too at 24.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on August 13, 2020, 01:26:08 PM

Quote from: Des Little on August 13, 2020, 01:20:23 PM

Like everyone else on here, I sincerely hope that Jack stays, however should the worst happen and he goes, Cantwell would be a good option, so it's a yes from me.

I think Cantwell has been Norwich's best player for the last two seasons.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on August 13, 2020, 01:27:02 PM

Quote from: in exile on August 13, 2020, 01:19:55 PM

So, is everyone happy with our full/wing backs?
I'm not

Yes and no.

I think Guilbert and Elmo are both OK, and that Guilbert will continue to improve. Less happy with the left, where Targett is suspect defensively and Taylor not offering enough going forwards. I don't think either are terrible players but we could do with replacing Taylor with someone that makes Targett a sustitute.

Thing is I would prioritise replacing Nakamba, El Ghazi and Wesley/Samatta over a new fullback. If we had more up front the defence would look better anyway.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 13, 2020, 01:27:54 PM

I think my negative opinion of Cantwell stems from his hair and his first name. And I stand by that opinion.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 13, 2020, 01:28:13 PM

Quote from: in exile on August 13, 2020, 01:19:55 PM

So, is everyone happy with our full/wing backs?
I'm not

Guilbert didn't do too much wrong and it was his first season so i'd stick with him and Elmo was as reliable as he always is. Targett was a bit hit and miss for me and seemed to pick up knocks. Taylor didn't do a lot wrong when he stepped in. If we were looking to upgrade in that position though, i'd say left back would be first.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on August 13, 2020, 01:29:58 PM

Quote from: frank black on August 13, 2020, 01:06:39 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on August 13, 2020, 12:19:42 PM

Just seen one of the ITK (I know) accounts on Twitter suggesting that we've had a bid accepted by Norwich for Cantwell. He really would be a (bad) Grealish replacement.

I disagree, he’d be a reasonable Grealish replacement. I fully expect this lad to be a very top quality midfielder

In the Rob Mackenzie thread there's a link to a series of articles he did for Sky Sports 2016/17. One was about anticipating spikes in performance (https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11096/10697160/the-changing-face-of-scouting-anticipating-spikes-in-performance). It shone a little light on a tricky element of scouting and player assessment. I assume we've employed the bloke because his approach is compatible with our longer term aims, so if we do bring in players like Cantwell (who's only 22) on his say-so, it won't be on a spur of the moment whim.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 13, 2020, 01:31:04 PM

Quote from: in exile on August 13, 2020, 01:19:55 PM

So, is everyone happy with our full/wing backs?
I'm not

We simply can't improve every single position in one transfer window, let's have more attacking threat from out wide, a better striker and then we can look at FBs in January and next summer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 13, 2020, 01:32:00 PM

You can't be going around the place calling yourself Todd though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on August 13, 2020, 01:38:05 PM

Rate Cantwell massively.

Think he would be great cover if Jack picks up a knock or add to the attacking play.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 13, 2020, 01:43:07 PM

Would be really good to have 2-3 game turning options off the bench next season. I really can't remember the last time we had a squad where someone could come off the bench and get a goal on a regular basis.

Not everyone we sign has to be straight away a first team regular. I do suspect though we'll sign a long term Grealish replacement this summer and that could well be Rashica.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on August 13, 2020, 01:45:26 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on August 13, 2020, 01:32:00 PM

You can't be going around the place calling yourself Todd though.

Means 'death' in German and makes me think of that chubby Australian with a rubbish beard off Neighbours.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: maidstonevillain on August 13, 2020, 01:49:11 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 13, 2020, 01:43:07 PM

Would be really good to have 2-3 game turning options off the bench next season. I really can't remember the last time we had a squad where someone could come off the bench and get a goal on a regular basis.

Not everyone we sign has to be straight away a first team regular. I do suspect though we'll sign a long term Grealish replacement this summer and that could well be Rashica.

I really can't remember the last time we had a squad where someone could get a goal on a regular basis.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on August 13, 2020, 02:01:57 PM

Quote from: maidstonevillain on August 13, 2020, 01:49:11 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 13, 2020, 01:43:07 PM

Would be really good to have 2-3 game turning options off the bench next season. I really can't remember the last time we had a squad where someone could come off the bench and get a goal on a regular basis.

Not everyone we sign has to be straight away a first team regular. I do suspect though we'll sign a long term Grealish replacement this summer and that could well be Rashica.

I really can't remember the last time we had a squad where someone could get a goal on a regular basis.

It was 15 monghs ago.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 13, 2020, 02:18:12 PM

Shane Duffy available on loan. Celtic, West Ham, West Brom and Burnley interested.

I'd take him tbh. Experienced and we need someone like that alongside Mings since Chester couldn't start games any longer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on August 13, 2020, 02:22:04 PM

Quote from: in exile on August 13, 2020, 01:19:55 PM

So, is everyone happy with our full/wing backs?
I'm not

No, our left back options Targett and Taylor are arguably the weakest in the division. Targett is a lot better on the ball but is a woeful defender. Opposition tactics tended to involve trying to isolate him one on one at every opportunity, Sheff Utd away or Chelsea at home come to mind. Taylor tries hard but was average in the championship and nowhere near up to this standard. We need far better at left back.

Elmo is a great pro for us but I don't think we should be standing in his way if he wanted to leave. Guilbert has a lot of potential, Konsa I guess is an option there to an extent. We might have enough cover at right back.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on August 13, 2020, 02:23:52 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 13, 2020, 02:18:12 PM

Shane Duffy available on loan. Celtic, West Ham, West Brom and Burnley interested.

I'd take him tbh. Experienced and we need someone like that alongside Mings since Chester couldn't start games any longer.

Milk turns quicker....avoid. Smith wants a ball player at the back too which is the reason Duffy lost his spot at Brighton.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 13, 2020, 02:43:23 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on August 13, 2020, 02:23:52 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 13, 2020, 02:18:12 PM

Shane Duffy available on loan. Celtic, West Ham, West Brom and Burnley interested.

I'd take him tbh. Experienced and we need someone like that alongside Mings since Chester couldn't start games any longer.

Milk turns quicker....avoid. Smith wants a ball player at the back too which is the reason Duffy lost his spot at Brighton.

Surely all the goals we concede from crosses is more of a concern to correct? Even in the improved run at the end of the season we let in 5ft 7 in Theo Walcott ghost in at the back post to head in.

Getting in an aerially dominant CB alongside Mings should be a target for this summer. Duffy is much better than Hause for a start if we're on about ball playing CBs.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: TonyD on August 13, 2020, 02:44:28 PM

Rashica looks tasty.  Pace and can hit the ball.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 13, 2020, 02:46:55 PM

Rashica, Cantwell, Watkins - all yes please. Still think it leaves us a striker light but if Samatta stays and Wesley is fit, the extra creativity might help.

If Jack does go, you need another wide option and a central midfielder on top of the above.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on August 13, 2020, 02:47:51 PM

Buendia's stats from last season are impressive, and I suspect he will be less expensive than Cantwell. The latter will end up at Spurs or Arsenal (just my guess; no ITK there).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 13, 2020, 02:56:39 PM

To be fair of the 2 I would be happy to have either, but I do like the way Cantwell wants to drive forward all the time. Both would improve our squad.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 13, 2020, 03:01:53 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 13, 2020, 02:18:12 PM

Shane Duffy available on loan. Celtic, West Ham, West Brom and Burnley interested.

I'd take him tbh. Experienced and we need someone like that alongside Mings since Chester couldn't start games any longer.

Not for me, but would be good for Celtic.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 13, 2020, 03:03:22 PM

Quote from: Mister E on August 13, 2020, 02:47:51 PM

Buendia's stats from last season are impressive, and I suspect he will be less expensive than Cantwell. The latter will end up at Spurs or Arsenal (just my guess; no ITK there).

Hope not, plus his name wouldn't sound great in a Cockney accent.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WALTERS WARRIORS on August 13, 2020, 03:22:46 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 13, 2020, 02:18:12 PM

Shane Duffy available on loan. Celtic, West Ham, West Brom and Burnley interested.

I'd take him tbh. Experienced and we need someone like that alongside Mings since Chester couldn't start games any longer.

Highly rate him with brilliant energy and presence. Would be excellent next to mings ...............

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: frank black on August 13, 2020, 04:30:07 PM

EFL hub (no idea how reliable)

Reckon bid accepted for Cantwell.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on August 13, 2020, 04:40:51 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 13, 2020, 02:43:23 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on August 13, 2020, 02:23:52 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 13, 2020, 02:18:12 PM

Shane Duffy available on loan. Celtic, West Ham, West Brom and Burnley interested.

I'd take him tbh. Experienced and we need someone like that alongside Mings since Chester couldn't start games any longer.

Milk turns quicker....avoid. Smith wants a ball player at the back too which is the reason Duffy lost his spot at Brighton.

Surely all the goals we concede from crosses is more of a concern to correct? Even in the improved run at the end of the season we let in 5ft 7 in Theo Walcott ghost in at the back post to head in.

Getting in an aerially dominant CB alongside Mings should be a target for this summer. Duffy is much better than Hause for a start if we're on about ball playing CBs.

Duffy is excellent in the air but it wasn't the fault of the right sided centre back for that Walcott header either way. Being better than Hause on the ball is something every senior player at our club can boast, including the keepers!

Duffy has his uses don't get me wrong. Excellent from set pieces for and against, Mings is very average in comparison. But he doesn't fit our style of play at all. I think we could reintegrate Engels instead and have possibly a better Duffy type centre back.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on August 13, 2020, 05:09:22 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 13, 2020, 02:43:23 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on August 13, 2020, 02:23:52 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 13, 2020, 02:18:12 PM

Shane Duffy available on loan. Celtic, West Ham, West Brom and Burnley interested.

I'd take him tbh. Experienced and we need someone like that alongside Mings since Chester couldn't start games any longer.

Milk turns quicker....avoid. Smith wants a ball player at the back too which is the reason Duffy lost his spot at Brighton.

Surely all the goals we concede from crosses is more of a concern to correct? Even in the improved run at the end of the season we let in 5ft 7 in Theo Walcott ghost in at the back post to head in.

Getting in an aerially dominant CB alongside Mings should be a target for this summer. Duffy is much better than Hause for a start if we're on about ball playing CBs.

Full backs who actually pressure & block a cross once in a while are more needed than Centre Halves imho

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on August 13, 2020, 05:10:53 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 13, 2020, 01:09:45 PM

Quote from: Gareth on August 13, 2020, 12:38:59 PM

Quote from: Ads on August 13, 2020, 09:41:29 AM

Seems quick and direct from his highlights reel. Almost 1 in 3 for Bremen is pretty good for a winger. Only 24 too.

Has anybody seen him play?

Saw 2/3 Bremen games after lockdown and got to say wasn’t impressed (in a poor side has to be said) but there were enough good players in our league our Jack being one who looked bang average for most of those games so hopefully if we do get him he will be better than those performances.

Seems to be highly rated tho

I think he was carrying an injury as he kept on getting subbed around 60th minute mark. I agree he didn't stand out that much in their run in but had a fantastic start to the season and their form collapsed from November onwards.

Probably a bit like McGinn starting the season great and then dipping due to injury but we know the quality is there.

Absolutely, he is obv much better than those games, carrying a knock would explain a lot

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on August 13, 2020, 05:46:49 PM

Quote from: frank black on August 13, 2020, 04:30:07 PM

EFL hub (no idea how reliable)

Reckon bid accepted for Cantwell.

Pornhub for people turned on by the Endsleigh League Division Two.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ian. on August 13, 2020, 06:11:55 PM

I’d love us to sign Cantwell. Hopefully Jack stays for a bit longer and eventually we’ll have a ready made replacement.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on August 13, 2020, 06:15:43 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 13, 2020, 02:46:55 PM

Rashica, Cantwell, Watkins - all yes please. Still think it leaves us a striker light but if Samatta stays and Wesley is fit, the extra creativity might help.

If Jack does go, you need another wide option and a central midfielder on top of the above.

Cantwell would be a possible Jack replacement, if he goes?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 13, 2020, 06:17:46 PM

I suspect there's little truth in the rumour but I wouldn't say no to Cantwell

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Colhint on August 13, 2020, 06:46:07 PM

check out the Bremen forum

https://worum.org/threads/16568-7-Milot-Rashica?p=11757610&viewfull=1#post11757610

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on August 13, 2020, 06:50:32 PM

Apparently Rice / JT odds on now to join Chelski.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on August 13, 2020, 06:53:08 PM

Quote from: Colhint on August 13, 2020, 06:46:07 PM

check out the Bremen forum

https://worum.org/threads/16568-7-Milot-Rashica?p=11757610&viewfull=1#post11757610

WIP = ITK?

When somebody (UKR?) went to the trouble of posting that list of players we'd already been linked with by the media, was this bloke on it?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 13, 2020, 06:54:29 PM

Quote from: Colhint on August 13, 2020, 06:46:07 PM

check out the Bremen forum

https://worum.org/threads/16568-7-Milot-Rashica?p=11757610&viewfull=1#post11757610

i can make out the bits where it says Aston Villa a lot

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Colhint on August 13, 2020, 06:58:13 PM

A lot of them think it might be happening. They seem to really rate him and Glad he's going abroad.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LukeJames on August 13, 2020, 07:01:00 PM

They dont like Leipzig then.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 13, 2020, 07:01:54 PM

Yeah one person in particular is an ITK and has said it's happening, the majority are delighted he won't be going to Leipzig, one or two fear he still might.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on August 13, 2020, 07:10:34 PM

Good read. They really don't like Leipzig, who seem to think were trying to pinch him at a bit of a steal to replace Werner, and we've gazumped them and totally effed Leipzig up, in turn giving themselves the funds to have a good dabble in the transfer market.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Holy Trinity on August 13, 2020, 07:11:50 PM

Quote from: john e on August 13, 2020, 06:54:29 PM

Quote from: Colhint on August 13, 2020, 06:46:07 PM

check out the Bremen forum

https://worum.org/threads/16568-7-Milot-Rashica?p=11757610&viewfull=1#post11757610

i can make out the bits where it says Aston Villa a lot

Basically their itk says 33 million euros including all add ons and its done today or tomorrow I think.


They prefer us to RB because RB are plastics but most dont seem to arsed about him as a player

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on August 13, 2020, 07:22:43 PM

Ha!

Quote

But on the other hand, I always think to myself that the less money Baumann* has available, the less shit he can build.

*Frank Baumann, their sporting director.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Tebepaul on August 13, 2020, 07:23:44 PM

It's possible that this story from the Werder forum is true - Bremen is one of those clubs that leaks information like a sieve. I knew from someone there, for example, that SV Werder were going to take Kevin de Bruyne on loan from Chelsea back in 2012, well before the move was announced.

Two points of caution though:
1) I can't imagine that the transfer figure would be the €33 million mentioned, even if that figure including bonus clauses.

2) Local journalists who work for the small 'Syker Kreiszeitung' newspaper tend to pick up information first on Werder, long before the much bigger regional 'Weser-Kurier' paper. There's been nothing from them so far on the story, however. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SaddVillan on August 13, 2020, 07:24:17 PM

Quote from: Lastfootstamper on August 13, 2020, 06:53:08 PM

Quote from: Colhint on August 13, 2020, 06:46:07 PM

check out the Bremen forum

https://worum.org/threads/16568-7-Milot-Rashica?p=11757610&viewfull=1#post11757610

WIP = ITK?

When somebody (UKR?) went to the trouble of posting that list of players we'd already been linked with by the media, was this bloke on it?

Posted by me on 6 August, he's on the list:

Players linked with Villa so far by Fleet Street's finest:

Said Benrahma
Divock Origi
Takefuso Kubo
Jose Gomes Campana 
Ruben Shakpoke
Kelechi Ihenacho
James McCarthy
John Swift
Christian Luyindama
Robin Olsen
Eberechi Eze 
Ollie Watkins
Emo Buendia
Aaron Hockey
Odsonne Edouard
Max Aarons
Milot Rashica
Jeff Hendrick
Ben Chisene
Sil Swinkels - signed

Wonder how many will actually join us?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Herman on August 13, 2020, 07:31:45 PM

Was speaking to a Bremen season ticket holder earlier on. Really rates Rashica and said he thought (the thoroughly despised) Leipzig was effectively a done deal a while ago. He was resigned to losing him and tho he wanted him to stay, says he was effectively too good for them and is their main saleable asset.
Said Bremen would get more money from an English club and it would help them as they needed to dismantle their squad, get rid of some of the shite they have and build again. Pretty happy if he goes to Villa rather than another German club. Said we'd be getting a very good player.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on August 13, 2020, 07:32:26 PM

They seem to be happy to see him go for an inflated figure.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on August 13, 2020, 07:37:32 PM

Quote from: eamonn on August 13, 2020, 07:32:26 PM

They seem to be happy to see him go for an inflated figure.

Wouldn't anyone for anyone?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on August 13, 2020, 08:08:48 PM

Quote from: Tebepaul on August 13, 2020, 07:23:44 PM

Two points of caution though:
1) I can't imagine that the transfer figure would be the €33 million mentioned, even if that figure including bonus clauses.

A lot of the time in Europe they'll quote the total value of the deal though don't they? So, a €20m transfer fee and a €13m contract over four years isn't implausible.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 13, 2020, 08:13:52 PM

Otamendi allegedly available for just 8m from Citeh. He's far from perfect but very hard to do better at that money, would be a far better option than Hause anyway.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 13, 2020, 08:28:38 PM

Yeah but probably £100k a week as well, no chance of that.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on August 13, 2020, 08:50:30 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 13, 2020, 08:13:52 PM

Otamendi allegedly available for just 8m from Citeh. He's far from perfect but very hard to do better at that money, would be a far better option than Hause anyway.

He'll have offers from other CL clubs I'd imagine (probably not English ones though).

We do need another centre half IMO, someone like Jonny Evans or a player of that ilk, to slot in alongside Mings and give us additional leadership there.  But old enough that Konsa will still get game time and can see a future at the club.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on August 13, 2020, 09:08:49 PM

If Man City sign Koulibaly I'd expect him to pitch up at Napoli as his replacement.  They still seem to like swap deals over in Italy.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: BoVillan esq on August 13, 2020, 10:05:23 PM

Quote from: john e on August 13, 2020, 06:17:46 PM

I suspect there's little truth in the rumour but I wouldn't say no to Cantwell

Get Cantwell and if we can keep Jack gives us 2 creative players going forward, personally I think we are yet to see the best from Cantwell, could be a very decent signing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: UK Redsox on August 13, 2020, 10:07:10 PM

Quote from: Lastfootstamper on August 13, 2020, 06:53:08 PM

Quote from: Colhint on August 13, 2020, 06:46:07 PM

check out the Bremen forum

https://worum.org/threads/16568-7-Milot-Rashica?p=11757610&viewfull=1#post11757610

WIP = ITK?

When somebody (UKR?) went to the trouble of posting that list of players we'd already been linked with by the media, was this bloke on it?

Wasn’t me

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on August 13, 2020, 10:16:26 PM

Quote from: UK Redsox on August 13, 2020, 10:07:10 PM

Quote from: Lastfootstamper on August 13, 2020, 06:53:08 PM

Quote from: Colhint on August 13, 2020, 06:46:07 PM

check out the Bremen forum

https://worum.org/threads/16568-7-Milot-Rashica?p=11757610&viewfull=1#post11757610

WIP = ITK?

When somebody (UKR?) went to the trouble of posting that list of players we'd already been linked with by the media, was this bloke on it?

Wasn’t me

Twas SaddVillan. I have no idea why I thought it was your good self, tbh, I just did!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 13, 2020, 10:36:46 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 13, 2020, 08:13:52 PM

Otamendi allegedly available for just 8m from Citeh. He's far from perfect but very hard to do better at that money, would be a far better option than Hause anyway.

He's a terrible CB, his performances for Argentina indicate his real level away from Man. City system protecting CBs (and he still has more bad than good games for them).

Rumoured going back to Valencia anyway.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 13, 2020, 10:41:02 PM

Terrible is pushing it just a bit. He's not perfect, as I said in my OP, but he's still better than Hause, as I also noted already.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 13, 2020, 10:44:12 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 13, 2020, 10:41:02 PM

Terrible is pushing it just a bit. He's not perfect, as I said in my OP, but he's still better than Hause, as I also noted already.

Haha well better than Hause is a very low bar indeed. So is Shane Duffy (wink).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithe on August 13, 2020, 10:56:16 PM

Didnt Shane Duffy come through our youth system?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 13, 2020, 10:58:47 PM

If we sign S Duffy can we call him Tin Tin and sing 'Kiss Me' to him?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on August 13, 2020, 11:00:05 PM

I thought he was the one who was in Boyzone and then ended up in Coronation Street.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 13, 2020, 11:00:46 PM

Quote from: PeterWithe on August 13, 2020, 10:56:16 PM

Didnt Shane Duffy come through our youth system?

Don't think so, think it was Everton? But my GP did save his life - true story.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithe on August 13, 2020, 11:06:51 PM

Didnt we have a a Duffy, after Daryl, who played a few games then we sold him to Millwall, I think. Australian.

I might have dreamed all this.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 13, 2020, 11:08:55 PM

Quote from: PeterWithe on August 13, 2020, 11:06:51 PM

Didnt we have a a Duffy, after Daryl, who played a few games then we sold him to Millwall, I think. Australian.

I might have dreamed all this.

Shane Lowry. Close.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on August 13, 2020, 11:10:11 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on August 13, 2020, 04:40:51 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 13, 2020, 02:43:23 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on August 13, 2020, 02:23:52 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 13, 2020, 02:18:12 PM

Shane Duffy available on loan. Celtic, West Ham, West Brom and Burnley interested.

I'd take him tbh. Experienced and we need someone like that alongside Mings since Chester couldn't start games any longer.

Milk turns quicker....avoid. Smith wants a ball player at the back too which is the reason Duffy lost his spot at Brighton.

Surely all the goals we concede from crosses is more of a concern to correct? Even in the improved run at the end of the season we let in 5ft 7 in Theo Walcott ghost in at the back post to head in.

Getting in an aerially dominant CB alongside Mings should be a target for this summer. Duffy is much better than Hause for a start if we're on about ball playing CBs.

Duffy is excellent in the air but it wasn't the fault of the right sided centre back for that Walcott header either way. Being better than Hause on the ball is something every senior player at our club can boast, including the keepers!

Duffy has his uses don't get me wrong. Excellent from set pieces for and against, Mings is very average in comparison. But he doesn't fit our style of play at all. I think we could reintegrate Engels instead and have possibly a better Duffy type centre back.

I rate Lewis Dunk higher than Shane Duffy. He chips in with the odd goal too.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 13, 2020, 11:12:09 PM

Edit: removed.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithe on August 13, 2020, 11:12:51 PM

That's the fella, I was a bit bemused when I thought there was a clamour to re-sign him. On account of him being a bit agricultural. And hopeless.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 13, 2020, 11:15:49 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on August 13, 2020, 11:12:09 PM

Edit: removed.

You'll be getting more than a warning if you keep it up.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on August 13, 2020, 11:20:22 PM

Quote from: Dave on August 13, 2020, 11:00:05 PM

I thought he was the one who was in Boyzone and then ended up in Coronation Street.

Keith. Shane Lynch was the other one.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave17 on August 14, 2020, 05:50:29 AM

Quote from: PeterWithesShin on August 13, 2020, 10:58:47 PM

If we sign S Duffy can we call him Tin Tin and sing 'Kiss Me' to him?

I’d leave Brighton to stew as they want to keep white who was brilliant for Leeds.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on August 14, 2020, 07:11:23 AM

Brentford to target winger Robin Hack of FC Nurnburg, if Benrahma is sold.

Buy Robin Hack before they do (given that they hardly ever sign a dud).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on August 14, 2020, 07:43:06 AM

Quote from: BoVillan esq on August 13, 2020, 10:05:23 PM

Quote from: john e on August 13, 2020, 06:17:46 PM

I suspect there's little truth in the rumour but I wouldn't say no to Cantwell

Get Cantwell and if we can keep Jack gives us 2 creative players going forward, personally I think we are yet to see the best from Cantwell, could be a very decent signing.

Hope we do sign Cantwell. It'd be a good move for him (stay in the PL, lots of games, bit of a chance to shine) and for us (take pressure/focus off Jack). It could propel both of them in to the England set up, if we get the right people around them.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on August 14, 2020, 08:42:49 AM

I think Cantwell and Watkins would be excellent signings.  I'm happy to start with Konsa and Mings, but we were crying out for a no nonsense stopper like Duffy at times last season and I'm sure he would have improved our squad.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Border villan on August 14, 2020, 09:08:29 AM

Are we giving up completely on Engles?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kipeye on August 14, 2020, 09:13:50 AM

Quote from: Border villan on August 14, 2020, 09:08:29 AM

Are we giving up completely on Engles?

I was wondering this. He had a poor spell but I thought he was better than Konsa and still could be. May be his attitude that is the issue.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on August 14, 2020, 09:27:05 AM

Quote from: Border villan on August 14, 2020, 09:08:29 AM

Are we giving up completely on Engles?

It’s not if we have it more whether Dean has.  There seemed to be something other than injuries for why he wasn’t used a lot after Christmas tho he did play at Wembley so who knows

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on August 14, 2020, 09:43:46 AM

Quote from: Border villan on August 14, 2020, 09:08:29 AM

Are we giving up completely on Engles?

I believe in Engles. Something good in everything I see. I have a dream.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dazvillain on August 14, 2020, 09:47:14 AM

Quote from: Herman on August 13, 2020, 07:31:45 PM

Was speaking to a Bremen season ticket holder earlier on. Really rates Rashica and said he thought (the thoroughly despised) Leipzig was effectively a done deal a while ago. He was resigned to losing him and tho he wanted him to stay, says he was effectively too good for them and is their main saleable asset.
Said Bremen would get more money from an English club and it would help them as they needed to dismantle their squad, get rid of some of the shite they have and build again. Pretty happy if he goes to Villa rather than another German club. Said we'd be getting a very good player.

18 goals in 63 games, thought we’d strive for better than that .....we’ve already got a few very good players but need seasoned goal scorers

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 14, 2020, 09:48:33 AM

Quote from: Dazvillain on August 14, 2020, 09:47:14 AM

Quote from: Herman on August 13, 2020, 07:31:45 PM

Was speaking to a Bremen season ticket holder earlier on. Really rates Rashica and said he thought (the thoroughly despised) Leipzig was effectively a done deal a while ago. He was resigned to losing him and tho he wanted him to stay, says he was effectively too good for them and is their main saleable asset.
Said Bremen would get more money from an English club and it would help them as they needed to dismantle their squad, get rid of some of the shite they have and build again. Pretty happy if he goes to Villa rather than another German club. Said we'd be getting a very good player.

18 goals in 63 games, thought we’d strive for better than that .....we’ve already got a few very good players but need seasoned goal scorers

But he's not a striker, he's a winger.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 14, 2020, 09:48:55 AM

Quote from: Dazvillain on August 14, 2020, 09:47:14 AM

Quote from: Herman on August 13, 2020, 07:31:45 PM

Was speaking to a Bremen season ticket holder earlier on. Really rates Rashica and said he thought (the thoroughly despised) Leipzig was effectively a done deal a while ago. He was resigned to losing him and tho he wanted him to stay, says he was effectively too good for them and is their main saleable asset.
Said Bremen would get more money from an English club and it would help them as they needed to dismantle their squad, get rid of some of the shite they have and build again. Pretty happy if he goes to Villa rather than another German club. Said we'd be getting a very good player.

18 goals in 63 games, thought we’d strive for better than that .....we’ve already got a few very good players but need seasoned goal scorers

I’m sure you were told the other day that he’s not a centre forward, he’s a winger/midfielder.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 14, 2020, 09:49:33 AM

1 in 3 for a winger, playing for a struggling side in one of the best leagues in Europe is very good!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dazvillain on August 14, 2020, 09:51:10 AM

Quote from: Damo70 on August 13, 2020, 01:22:41 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 13, 2020, 01:06:53 PM

Quote from: Dazvillain on August 13, 2020, 09:08:54 AM

I thought I’d ask why were being linked with Milot Rashica as I can only see poor goal scoring ratio around 1 every 5 games ... thought we’d wAnt better than this ?
Sorry to disrupt ur convo everyone

No idea what stats you're looking at there Daz....in 18/19 he scored 9 Bundesliga goals and 3 more in the cup. They only play 34 games in their season. Last season he started with 9 goals in his first 13 league and cup games (scored v Leverkusen, Dortmund and Bayern Munich) before the goals dried up afterwards.

Still has close to a 1 in 3 scoring record in a top 4 euro league which here would make him comfortably our top scorer.

I was going to make that point myself. A one in three goalscorer in a top class European League is not to be sniffed at. He is an ideal age too at 24.

Take both ur points , just added up his stats from wiki

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Border villan on August 14, 2020, 09:51:35 AM

Quote from: LeeB on August 14, 2020, 09:48:55 AM

Quote from: Dazvillain on August 14, 2020, 09:47:14 AM

Quote from: Herman on August 13, 2020, 07:31:45 PM

Was speaking to a Bremen season ticket holder earlier on. Really rates Rashica and said he thought (the thoroughly despised) Leipzig was effectively a done deal a while ago. He was resigned to losing him and tho he wanted him to stay, says he was effectively too good for them and is their main saleable asset.
Said Bremen would get more money from an English club and it would help them as they needed to dismantle their squad, get rid of some of the shite they have and build again. Pretty happy if he goes to Villa rather than another German club. Said we'd be getting a very good player.

18 goals in 63 games, thought we’d strive for better than that .....we’ve already got a few very good players but need seasoned goal scorers

I’m sure you were told the other day that he’s not a centre forward, he’s a winger/midfielder.

“He’s not the messiah, he’s a winger/midfielder” . To misquote, someone had to do it!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 14, 2020, 09:52:04 AM

Are you a bit happier with it now Daz?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on August 14, 2020, 11:04:27 AM

I wouldn't give up on Engels yet, he looked decent at the start of the season. Seems he can't get on with Smith though, so maybe he just isn't a good fit in our squad.

It is encouarging that we are being linked with players like Buendia, Rashica and Cantwell all of whom would add a lot in attack. I am hoping to see at least one striker come in though, as Wesley and Samatta are both extremely poor players.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ktvillan on August 14, 2020, 11:28:32 AM

I've given up on Engles.  Don't rate him, never seen the fuss with him, looks slow, too many errors and rash challenges. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on August 14, 2020, 11:36:33 AM

"Bloody Paul Mcgrath?!? Doesnt even score one in ten matches..."

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Holte L2 on August 14, 2020, 11:58:18 AM

Quote from: ktvillan on August 14, 2020, 11:28:32 AM

I've given up on Engles.  Don't rate him, never seen the fuss with him, looks slow, too many errors and rash challenges. 

Thats how I see him as well.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: andyh on August 14, 2020, 12:24:00 PM

Arsenal sign Will.I.am on £220k per week.

Remind me, how many people have Arsenal just made redundant ?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Goldie.7 on August 14, 2020, 12:27:52 PM

Quote from: ktvillan on August 14, 2020, 11:28:32 AM

I've given up on Engels. Don't rate him, never seen the fuss with him, looks slow, too many errors and rash challenges. 

We simply lose too often when Engels is on the pitch. 19 apps last season, 14 defeats, 10 of them being consecutive and only 3 wins. Calling him a poor defender would be too kind.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Duncan Shaw on August 14, 2020, 12:39:26 PM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on August 14, 2020, 12:27:52 PM

Quote from: ktvillan on August 14, 2020, 11:28:32 AM

I've given up on Engels. Don't rate him, never seen the fuss with him, looks slow, too many errors and rash challenges. 

We simply lose too often when Engels is on the pitch. 19 apps last season, 14 defeats, 10 of them being consecutive and only 3 wins. Calling him a poor defender would be too kind.

When you put it like that.......!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 14, 2020, 12:44:38 PM

Quote from: ktvillan on August 14, 2020, 11:28:32 AM

I've given up on Engles.  Don't rate him, never seen the fuss with him, looks slow, too many errors and rash challenges. 

I liked him the look of him when I watched him early in the season. However my uncle who watches all the games doesn't rate him either and says he lacks pace. I'd still like to give him another chance when he's fully fit.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on August 14, 2020, 12:54:02 PM

So it looks like we might be working on the Milot Rashica deal, if the papers are to be believed, oh, and the Bremen websites.  Would it be asking too much to work on, say, three or four transfers as the same time and leak it a bit?  For fuck sake Villa, stop being so professional and all behind closed doorsy!   

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Goldie.7 on August 14, 2020, 12:58:22 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on August 14, 2020, 12:44:38 PM

Quote from: ktvillan on August 14, 2020, 11:28:32 AM

I've given up on Engles.  Don't rate him, never seen the fuss with him, looks slow, too many errors and rash challenges. 

I liked him the look of him when I watched him early in the season. However my uncle who watches all the games doesn't rate him either and says he lacks pace. I'd still like to give him another chance when he's fully fit.

Seems odd that you would discard the opinion of the one who watches all of our games, but you who doesn't wants him to play, bizarre.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 14, 2020, 01:04:12 PM

He's my uncle, I didn't say he was infallible.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: luke:lamf on August 14, 2020, 01:05:57 PM

Quote from: andyh on August 14, 2020, 12:24:00 PM

Arsenal sign Will.I.am on £220k per week.

Remind me, how many people have Arsenal just made redundant ?

Alongside Cech (when he was there) and David Luiz, it appears that Arsenal are intent on becoming the North London branch of the Chelsea Pensioners.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: darren woolley on August 14, 2020, 01:08:26 PM

I wish we would hurry up and make a signing it's torture waiting doe us to make one.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on August 14, 2020, 01:19:12 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on August 14, 2020, 12:44:38 PM

Quote from: ktvillan on August 14, 2020, 11:28:32 AM

I've given up on Engles.  Don't rate him, never seen the fuss with him, looks slow, too many errors and rash challenges. 

I liked him the look of him when I watched him early in the season. However my uncle who watches all the games doesn't rate him either and says he lacks pace. I'd still like to give him another chance when he's fully fit.

I always like at least one of the centre halves in any villa team, to be the kind of big strong lump, who heads and volleys it out for fun all day, as well as last ditch blocks etc, and Engels seemed perfect for that early on. He made a few terrible mistakes at Arsenal which cost us goals, but most defenders have one of those games. Then cam Southampton at home, when literally my soon to be 84 year old mother would of shown more pace for at least one of their goals, it was painful. The most worrying thing was after that he seemed to simply go missing from the squad for nigh on two months, with no real word from the club, seems to spell serious problems with him.
Then he came back and second game, spurs, last minute winner etc. Then he went missing from the squad again post lock down ‘injured’.
Something just doesn’t feel right with him, and not sure he’s very good anyway. Konsa all the way for me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Axl Rose on August 14, 2020, 01:27:19 PM

Quote from: darren woolley on August 14, 2020, 01:08:26 PM

I wish we would hurry up and make a signing it's torture waiting doe us to make one.

Players are maybe too deer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on August 14, 2020, 01:28:44 PM

Whatever the issue is, it's just not worked out with Engels so I'd move him on.  His howler against Spurs still haunts my dreams.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on August 14, 2020, 01:37:58 PM

Quote from: Risso on August 14, 2020, 01:28:44 PM

Whatever the issue is, it's just not worked out with Engels so I'd move him on.  His howler against Spurs still haunts my dreams.

... which means we have to be in the market for another CB. I'm cool with Mings and Konsa as our first-choice CB but having only Hause as back-up when Mings - at least- is bound to have some time off for injury during a season is definitely not sustainable.
I cannot think of any obvious realistic replacements for Engels from the EPL or recent EPL teams.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: tomd2103 on August 14, 2020, 01:57:51 PM

Quote from: Risso on August 14, 2020, 01:28:44 PM

Whatever the issue is, it's just not worked out with Engels so I'd move him on.  His howler against Spurs still haunts my dreams.

Can't remember too many Villa careers taking such a sudden turn for the worse as his did in that Southampton game.  Had looked really solid up to the point where he looked like he was running in treacle chasing Shane Long.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 14, 2020, 02:01:43 PM

Quote from: Risso on August 14, 2020, 01:28:44 PM

Whatever the issue is, it's just not worked out with Engels so I'd move him on.  His howler against Spurs still haunts my dreams.

If we are going judge our defenders based on howlers then you may as well get rid of Heaton, Elmo, Mings (many times over), Targett, Taylor etc etc at the same time.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 14, 2020, 02:07:19 PM

Quote from: PeterWithe on August 13, 2020, 11:06:51 PM

Didnt we have a a Duffy, after Daryl, who played a few games then we sold him to Millwall, I think. Australian.

I might have dreamed all this.

He was a golfer wasn't he.....

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 14, 2020, 02:10:29 PM

Quote from: Ads on August 14, 2020, 09:49:33 AM

1 in 3 for a winger, playing for a struggling side in one of the best leagues in Europe is very good!

It is very good, I was expecting 4-5 goals a season so was taken aback by how good his Bundesliga scoring record was.

Will probably be told now N'zogbia scored 40 goals for Wigan in the season before we signed him but we desperately need a wide player who can chip in with close to double figures so would be a good get.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dazvillain on August 14, 2020, 02:13:03 PM

Quote from: Clampy on August 14, 2020, 09:48:33 AM

Quote from: Dazvillain on August 14, 2020, 09:47:14 AM

Quote from: Herman on August 13, 2020, 07:31:45 PM

Was speaking to a Bremen season ticket holder earlier on. Really rates Rashica and said he thought (the thoroughly despised) Leipzig was effectively a done deal a while ago. He was resigned to losing him and tho he wanted him to stay, says he was effectively too good for them and is their main saleable asset.
Said Bremen would get more money from an English club and it would help them as they needed to dismantle their squad, get rid of some of the shite they have and build again. Pretty happy if he goes to Villa rather than another German club. Said we'd be getting a very good player.

18 goals in 63 games, thought we’d strive for better than that .....we’ve already got a few very good players but need seasoned goal scorers

But he's not a striker, he's a winger.

Played as no10 too

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 14, 2020, 02:14:23 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on August 14, 2020, 11:04:27 AM

I wouldn't give up on Engels yet, he looked decent at the start of the season. Seems he can't get on with Smith though, so maybe he just isn't a good fit in our squad.

It is encouarging that we are being linked with players like Buendia, Rashica and Cantwell all of whom would add a lot in attack. I am hoping to see at least one striker come in though, as Wesley and Samatta are both extremely poor players.

The rumour mid season is Engels hated playing in the back 3 that exposed him v Southampton. Went to DS to complain about it and then was suddenly dumped from the squad for weeks with Hause coming back in from the cold. Engels then ironically came back for the Spurs game in a back 3 and was terrible although I thought he did fine in the cup final.

He's much better in a back 4 where he was decent first two months. Think it's just a question of whether he still wants to be here. I suspect we'll be tempted if some clubs abroad want him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 14, 2020, 02:18:50 PM

Quote from: Mister E on August 14, 2020, 01:37:58 PM

Quote from: Risso on August 14, 2020, 01:28:44 PM

Whatever the issue is, it's just not worked out with Engels so I'd move him on.  His howler against Spurs still haunts my dreams.

... which means we have to be in the market for another CB. I'm cool with Mings and Konsa as our first-choice CB but having only Hause as back-up when Mings - at least- is bound to have some time off for injury during a season is definitely not sustainable.
I cannot think of any obvious realistic replacements for Engels from the EPL or recent EPL teams.

We certainly need another talker at the back. Was a huge void when Mings was injured over xmas as Heaton could only do so much talking and organising. Not a  surprise when they were all young and new to the premier league.

Think the Spurs game was a good case in point. We played really well for an hour but Spurs still could've easily scored six goals (probably would've if Kane was fit) as all they did was ping balls over our defenders heads for Son or Moura to run onto and  none of the 3 cbs knew when to push up or sit deeper, those are the games when you need an organiser in there who can read the play and instruct the others what to do quickly.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Tebepaul on August 14, 2020, 02:55:17 PM

Quote

How do you think he'd adapt to the premier league? And do you think he looks suspiciously like a Jack replacement, or just a bolstering of our attack whatever Jack does?

I think Milot Rashica is level-headed enough to settle down OK, but his success in the Premier League would rely entirely on the quality of players alongside him. When SV Werder were playing well, Rashica looked like (and was) by far the best player in the team, capable of scoring wonder goals against Bayern Munich. He was of no use at all, however, when Bremen started to struggle and nosedive towards the relegation zone.

As such, I think Rashica would need Grealish to stay in order for him to flourish and we'd also need to sign another quality forward player. As Rashica is a left-sided player, Jack may need to move more into the centre - but would he want that, and would he be as effective there?     

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on August 14, 2020, 02:56:56 PM

If the Engels tale is true then fuck him off. You play where you are told.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on August 14, 2020, 03:24:09 PM

Quote from: Tebepaul on August 14, 2020, 02:55:17 PM

Quote

How do you think he'd adapt to the premier league? And do you think he looks suspiciously like a Jack replacement, or just a bolstering of our attack whatever Jack does?

I think Milot Rashica is level-headed enough to settle down OK, but his success in the Premier League would rely entirely on the quality of players alongside him. When SV Werder were playing well, Rashica looked like (and was) by far the best player in the team, capable of scoring wonder goals against Bayern Munich. He was of no use at all, however, when Bremen started to struggle and nosedive towards the relegation zone.

As such, I think Rashica would need Grealish to stay in order for him to flourish and we'd also need to sign another quality forward player. As Rashica is a left-sided player, Jack may need to move more into the centre - but would he want that, and would he be as effective there?     

With the right balance - and an attacking player on a similar wavelength to take the pressure off him - Jack could be far more effective in the centre. With licence to roam.

Too often last season it was stop Jack, stop Villa.  A player like Rashica and an actual forward will go a long way to addressing that.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: jwarry on August 14, 2020, 03:41:35 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 14, 2020, 02:01:43 PM

Quote from: Risso on August 14, 2020, 01:28:44 PM

Whatever the issue is, it's just not worked out with Engels so I'd move him on.  His howler against Spurs still haunts my dreams.

If we are going judge our defenders based on howlers then you may as well get rid of Heaton, Elmo, Mings (many times over), Targett, Taylor etc etc at the same time.

I seem to remember McNaught and Ugo had similar slow starts to their a Villa careers and look how they turned out

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 14, 2020, 03:48:28 PM

when on song the Mings-Engels partnership was the best i saw last season

Mings doing the heavy duty defensive work and Engels the ball playing centre half dovetailed nicely i thought
at last a decent pair at the back hopefully for the long term unfortunately not to be

Konsa is not good enough to go a whole season as first choice CH imo
it’s alright saying he did well here and there and the old chestnut ‘ he never let us down’ but in general he’s just not good enough on the ball yet
 he has improved but needs to become comfortable in his control and passing before he can be a first team pick

if we go into the season with a Mings-Konsa pairing it will take no more than 6 games for people to call for a upgrade, I’m not saying get rid he’s fine in the squad but not a every week first choice centre back

that’s just my opinion obviously
 and as a caveat I’m looking for players good enough to take us into the top half of the league where we should be aiming, not finishing 16th and saying it’s an improvement next season

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on August 14, 2020, 04:03:29 PM

Quote from: john e on August 14, 2020, 03:48:28 PM

when on song the Mings-Engels partnership was the best i saw last season

Mings doing the heavy duty defensive work and Engels the ball playing centre half dovetailed nicely i thought
at last a decent pair at the back hopefully for the long term unfortunately not to be

When did Engels do that as a matter of interest?  He looked quite good in the first game at Spurs heading everything away, but I honestly don't recall him looking good on the ball. Konsa is much more that player, surely?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 14, 2020, 04:06:31 PM

Well the “ITK” in Germany that had Rashica being signed yesterday or today is rapidly running out of time.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 14, 2020, 04:08:30 PM

Quote from: Risso on August 14, 2020, 04:03:29 PM

Quote from: john e on August 14, 2020, 03:48:28 PM

when on song the Mings-Engels partnership was the best i saw last season

Mings doing the heavy duty defensive work and Engels the ball playing centre half dovetailed nicely i thought
at last a decent pair at the back hopefully for the long term unfortunately not to be

When did Engels do that as a matter of interest?  He looked quite good in the first game at Spurs heading everything away, but I honestly don't recall him looking good on the ball. Konsa is much more that player, surely?

Just in general play he has more composure on the ball imo

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on August 14, 2020, 04:17:34 PM

Quote from: Risso on August 14, 2020, 04:03:29 PM

Quote from: john e on August 14, 2020, 03:48:28 PM

when on song the Mings-Engels partnership was the best i saw last season

Mings doing the heavy duty defensive work and Engels the ball playing centre half dovetailed nicely i thought
at last a decent pair at the back hopefully for the long term unfortunately not to be

When did Engels do that as a matter of interest?  He looked quite good in the first game at Spurs heading everything away, but I honestly don't recall him looking good on the ball. Konsa is much more that player, surely?

Have to agree with this. I remember Engels being the player doing all the blocks and headers and Mings playing it out.
Engels is well entitled to make some mistakes, someone mentioned mcnaught and Ugo having similar dodgy starts, although Ugo was only about 19 at the time wasn’t he. It’s more him having poor games then not being seen again for months, which may not of entirely been in his control but strange, and the earlier post about him not being happy with playing in a 3 is interesting if true.
As for Konsa, who knows whether he can go a whole season, but for me he didn’t just improve post lock down, he was our best defender.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on August 14, 2020, 04:38:27 PM

Another factor to bear in mind with Engels last season was that he was alongside another rookie in Guilbert, who also started well but whose form tailed away alarmingly.
I hope we don't jettison him too quickly , and  - if that's the plan - they really need to find someone who can demand a first-team start.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on August 14, 2020, 04:49:47 PM

I only see a need to sell Engels if he's demonstrated a poor character trait (such as putting himself before the team) or if his relationship with Smith has reached a point that it's better to sell.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 14, 2020, 04:58:03 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on August 14, 2020, 04:06:31 PM

Well the “ITK” in Germany that had Rashica being signed yesterday or today is rapidly running out of time.

I would say it's more than likely that our interest is being used by his agent to put pressure on RB Leipzig who didn't want to pay the asking price. Their qualification for the CL semis last night surely only strengthens their hand further. A move to Birmingham to play for the historical giants of Aston Villa or a move within the same country to play for a side with a decent chance of making the Champion's League final? I knew which I'd choose, but I'm betting it's not the one he or his agent prefers.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on August 14, 2020, 05:25:41 PM

Quote from: john e on August 14, 2020, 03:48:28 PM

when on song the Mings-Engels partnership was the best i saw last season

Mings doing the heavy duty defensive work and Engels the ball playing centre half dovetailed nicely i thought
at last a decent pair at the back hopefully for the long term unfortunately not to be

Konsa is not good enough to go a whole season as first choice CH imo
it’s alright saying he did well here and there and the old chestnut ‘ he never let us down’ but in general he’s just not good enough on the ball yet
 he has improved but needs to become comfortable in his control and passing before he can be a first team pick

if we go into the season with a Mings-Konsa pairing it will take no more than 6 games for people to call for a upgrade, I’m not saying get rid he’s fine in the squad but not a every week first choice centre back

that’s just my opinion obviously
 and as a caveat I’m looking for players good enough to take us into the top half of the league where we should be aiming, not finishing 16th and saying it’s an improvement next season

Early on, I was giving consideration to buying a shirt and emblazoning the back with 62 and 'Mingles'. I hope they make me think about it again, for a spell they had something about them I really liked.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on August 14, 2020, 05:46:16 PM

Playing devils advocate a little....

It seems the majority of players we are being linked with are the so called better players from teams who got relegated or in Bremen’s case just avoided said drop or players never tested at the top level....whilst these are obvious links to have been made just how many of those will significantly improve a team that finished 17th?

The goldfish bowl that is Villa with our fan base will write off players after a couple of sub par performances so the pressure to perform is massively higher with us than it is at Norwich, Watford, Bournemouth & Brentford.  Being tutted at for misplacing a pass at Carrow Road or the bungalow that Bournemouth play at is massively different to when Villa Park turns.  Alongside ability we need two or three big characters...the likes of Cantwell don’t strike me as those types.

Would particularly avoid anyone from Norwich, they did well to come up but didn’t try a lick to stay there, they’d waved the white flag by the end of first transfer window so it was easy for Cantwell / Buendia to look good because every game was a free hit in the knowledge that the club were trousering the Prem cash so zero accountability.

Personally I’d hope to see links for players in top half of Prem, Bundesliga, Serie A mixed in with the odd gamble like Benrahma / Watkins / Buendia rather than the current ones.

As I say a bit devils advocate but as I see it the scope is there for any team in the bottom half last season to aim for 7th/8th/9th if they get the recruitment right....quality, pace, physicality....not tricksters for me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 14, 2020, 05:58:53 PM

Quote from: Gareth on August 14, 2020, 05:46:16 PM

Personally I’d hope to see links for players in top half of Prem, Bundesliga, Serie A mixed in with the odd gamble like Benrahma / Watkins / Buendia rather than the current ones.

As I say a bit devils advocate but as I see it the scope is there for any team in the bottom half last season to aim for 7th/8th/9th if they get the recruitment right....quality, pace, physicality....not tricksters for me.

But why would a player who plays for a team in the top half of any of the major leagues swap that for Villa? You'd be looking at their benches or the few players that are clearly available from the top half teams (Lundstram, Smalling, Otamendi and the likes), and they don't seem to be of an acceptable quality to others on here.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on August 14, 2020, 06:19:04 PM

52 days and counting........................

Tumbleweed emoji.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: jwarry on August 14, 2020, 06:33:20 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 14, 2020, 05:58:53 PM

Quote from: Gareth on August 14, 2020, 05:46:16 PM

Personally I’d hope to see links for players in top half of Prem, Bundesliga, Serie A mixed in with the odd gamble like Benrahma / Watkins / Buendia rather than the current ones.

As I say a bit devils advocate but as I see it the scope is there for any team in the bottom half last season to aim for 7th/8th/9th if they get the recruitment right....quality, pace, physicality....not tricksters for me.

But why would a player who plays for a team in the top half of any of the major leagues swap that for Villa? You'd be looking at their benches or the few players that are clearly available from the top half teams (Lundstram, Smalling, Otamendi and the likes), and they don't seem to be of an acceptable quality to others on here.

Well judging by last season the links will be bollox and we will end up with players we’ve never heard of eg Luiz, Nakamba, Engels, Trez, and a £22m Brazilian

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Border villan on August 14, 2020, 06:43:25 PM

Quote from: jwarry on August 14, 2020, 06:33:20 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 14, 2020, 05:58:53 PM

Quote from: Gareth on August 14, 2020, 05:46:16 PM

Personally I’d hope to see links for players in top half of Prem, Bundesliga, Serie A mixed in with the odd gamble like Benrahma / Watkins / Buendia rather than the current ones.

As I say a bit devils advocate but as I see it the scope is there for any team in the bottom half last season to aim for 7th/8th/9th if they get the recruitment right....quality, pace, physicality....not tricksters for me.

But why would a player who plays for a team in the top half of any of the major leagues swap that for Villa? You'd be looking at their benches or the few players that are clearly available from the top half teams (Lundstram, Smalling, Otamendi and the likes), and they don't seem to be of an acceptable quality to others on here.

Well judging by last season the links will be bollox and we will end up with players we’ve never heard of eg Luiz, Nakamba, Engels, Trez, and a £22m Brazilian

I know beauty parlours have reopened but £22m for a Brazilian?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: jwarry on August 14, 2020, 07:11:59 PM

I see Stoke have reduced their asking price for Butland to £8m. Think we dodged a bullet there as he’s clearly gone down the Joe Hart route

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on August 14, 2020, 07:29:21 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 14, 2020, 05:58:53 PM

Quote from: Gareth on August 14, 2020, 05:46:16 PM

Personally I’d hope to see links for players in top half of Prem, Bundesliga, Serie A mixed in with the odd gamble like Benrahma / Watkins / Buendia rather than the current ones.

As I say a bit devils advocate but as I see it the scope is there for any team in the bottom half last season to aim for 7th/8th/9th if they get the recruitment right....quality, pace, physicality....not tricksters for me.

But why would a player who plays for a team in the top half of any of the major leagues swap that for Villa? You'd be looking at their benches or the few players that are clearly available from the top half teams (Lundstram, Smalling, Otamendi and the likes), and they don't seem to be of an acceptable quality to others on here.

In Prem probably right but not necessarily in Bundesliga / Serie A - obv not gonna get anyone significant from a Bayern or a Juventus but not a Wolfsburg or Hoffenheim etc.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 14, 2020, 07:32:36 PM

Quote from: jwarry on August 14, 2020, 07:11:59 PM

I see Stoke have reduced their asking price for Butland to £8m. Think we dodged a bullet there as he’s clearly gone down the Joe Hart route

He a funny one Butland, he’s been highly rated since the year dot but I’ve never watched him and thought ‘wow, what a keeper’.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 14, 2020, 07:56:14 PM

Quote from: LeeB on August 14, 2020, 07:32:36 PM

Quote from: jwarry on August 14, 2020, 07:11:59 PM

I see Stoke have reduced their asking price for Butland to £8m. Think we dodged a bullet there as he’s clearly gone down the Joe Hart route

He a funny one Butland, he’s been highly rated since the year dot but I’ve never watched him and thought ‘wow, what a keeper’.

Agreed, me neither. Wasn't long ago he was touted as a replacement for De Gea at Yanited, it's been weird to watch him languish in the Championship with no suitors clamoring for his signature.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on August 14, 2020, 09:02:45 PM

Quote from: Gareth on August 14, 2020, 05:46:16 PM

Playing devils advocate a little....

It seems the majority of players we are being linked with are the so called better players from teams who got relegated or in Bremen’s case just avoided said drop or players never tested at the top level....whilst these are obvious links to have been made just how many of those will significantly improve a team that finished 17th?

The goldfish bowl that is Villa with our fan base will write off players after a couple of sub par performances so the pressure to perform is massively higher with us than it is at Norwich, Watford, Bournemouth & Brentford.  Being tutted at for misplacing a pass at Carrow Road or the bungalow that Bournemouth play at is massively different to when Villa Park turns.  Alongside ability we need two or three big characters...the likes of Cantwell don’t strike me as those types.

Would particularly avoid anyone from Norwich, they did well to come up but didn’t try a lick to stay there, they’d waved the white flag by the end of first transfer window so it was easy for Cantwell / Buendia to look good because every game was a free hit in the knowledge that the club were trousering the Prem cash so zero accountability.

Personally I’d hope to see links for players in top half of Prem, Bundesliga, Serie A mixed in with the odd gamble like Benrahma / Watkins / Buendia rather than the current ones.

As I say a bit devils advocate but as I see it the scope is there for any team in the bottom half last season to aim for 7th/8th/9th if they get the recruitment right....quality, pace, physicality....not tricksters for me.

My thoughts are:

Jack Grealish plays for us, and we only narrowly avoided relegation. You'd still say, though, that he's at least a top half standard player, even judging conservatively. Roy Keane was signed from Nottingham Forest the season they were relegated, and that worked out ok for Man Utd. Personally, i think it's much less of a gamble signing players who look decent in a relegated Premier League side than ones who look good in the Championship.

Also, it's a lot easier to sign players who will see playing for Villa as a step up from where they are now. Realistically, if you were playing for West Ham right now, Villa would seem either a sideways or backwards move. To bring in ambitious players, we're going to have to look towards relegated teams, teams in a similar position to ours in a decent foreign league, or young players who can't break in to their own club's first team (e.g. Tammy 2 seasons ago). That's what we have to work with at the moment.

I don't think it's a bad thing. We're in a better position than we were 12 months ago, and even a half decent finish this coming season will make recruitment a lot easier.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Pat Mustard on August 14, 2020, 10:09:58 PM

I suspect Messi is going to be looking for a club that knows how to deal with Bayern Munich after tonight.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ktvillan on August 14, 2020, 10:27:52 PM

Liverpool have signed a fair few players from relegated teams over the years - Robertson, Wijnaldum and Shaqiri are three who are still there, but there were others like Danny Ings and a bit further back Peter Crouch and Charlie Adam.  Most haven't done too badly.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave17 on August 15, 2020, 03:28:46 AM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on August 14, 2020, 10:09:58 PM

I suspect Messi is going to be looking for a club that knows how to deal with Bayern Munich after tonight.

Hes off to blues so he can finally shake that rainy night in stoke cliche

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: JJ-AV on August 15, 2020, 08:29:49 AM

I wonder if we could get Ainsley Maitland Niles - he'd be a good CM next to Luiz and McGinn, and can cover both fullback spots too. Great energy and engine and lots of quality. I like him a lot. Arsenal asking for £30m but the talk is he'll go closer to £20m. Not sure we'd need a fullback if we sign him as he can cover both spots.

I'd also look at Daniel James on loan from Man Utd.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: JD on August 15, 2020, 08:52:28 AM

We need a new left back and I've said before we should sign the best left back in the Australian League. Sign him he will cost peanuts. Belive me, this kid id great.

English Championship clubs show interest in Wellington Phoenix ace Liberato Cacace
Two English Championship clubs have joined the race to sign Europe-bound Wellington Phoenix defender Liberato Cacace.

Phoenix legend Paul Ifill has revealed that scouts from separate second division clubs have contacted him in recent weeks to inquire about the sought-after teen, after Ifill mentioned his name as a player with huge potential during a podcast interview in the UK.

“When you get to my age and you’ve played as long as I have, all my friends are scouts, coaches, assistant coaches and managers so it’s pretty easy to pick up the phone,” Ifill said.

“The guy is a scout at a Championship club, I won’t say where, and he rang me and said I saw your podcast, we’ve been doing our homework and our gaffer here likes the look of him, what’s the story?

“I just passed the information onto Libby’s dad and left it with them. It’s nothing to do with me but I'm just happy to help anybody out that is good enough to play at a higher level.”

SCOTT BARBOUR/GETTY IMAGES
Former Victory coach Kevin Muscat has made a play to bring Liberato Cacace to Belgian club Sint-Truiden.
Cacace is almost certain to leave the Phoenix at the end of the current season, with Belgian Pro League club Sint-Truiden favoured to land the talented All Whites international given their strong A-League ties.

Sint-Truiden are coached by former Melbourne Victory boss Kevin Muscat and ex-Phoenix assistant coach Luciano Trani is one of Muscat’s right-hand men. That familiarity could swing Cacace’s decision.

Now the best left-back in the competition, Ifill believed Cacace was ready to take the next step in his young football career and felt Sint-Truiden would be the perfect landing pad for the 19-year-old who has offers on the table from multiple clubs in Belgium and the Netherlands.

“I think it’s ideal,” Ifill said. “For him to go to a club where the coach already knows him, and you’ve got Luciano Trani there as an assistant. Luc knows the Phoenix, he’ll know all the background of Libby and I think he even knows Libby’s father because we used to go to their restaurant and he would have sat down with his dad and broken bread.

A regular starter over the course of the past two seasons, Cacace has been the Phoenix’s most dangerous player since the A-League resumed last month. He has scored three goals in 24 appearances this campaign.

“I think he’s played with a hell of a lot of confidence, and that comes from people talking you up and playing well, and I think he probably realises now that he’s a little better than the level he’s playing at.

“You can see that in the way he’s playing every week. It’s been pretty cool to watch his progress.”

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: JUAN PABLO on August 15, 2020, 09:50:54 AM

lots of reports Manure wanting midfielder Saul Niguez . 
They wouldnt be interested in our Jack then would they?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on August 15, 2020, 12:07:05 PM

Quote from: jwarry on August 14, 2020, 07:11:59 PM

I see Stoke have reduced their asking price for Butland to £8m. Think we dodged a bullet there as he’s clearly gone down the Joe Hart route

I would have been all for signing him last summer but he had a shockingly bad season last season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: gpbarr on August 15, 2020, 12:37:07 PM

At what stage do we start to worry that we won’t make many signings in this window given circumstances - we have been linked with 20/30 players but with less than 4 weeks to go and what one would hope would be lessons learnt from having to start last season with so many new players with little time for assimilation, it’s a tad concerning to me we have yet to make one first team signing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 15, 2020, 12:43:58 PM

I think it’s fine now. There’s bound to be a bit of a lag with all the new appointments. I imagine we’ll see some movement this week.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 15, 2020, 12:52:10 PM

Quote from: gpbarr on August 15, 2020, 12:37:07 PM

At what stage do we start to worry that we won’t make many signings in this window given circumstances - we have been linked with 20/30 players but with less than 4 weeks to go and what one would hope would be lessons learnt from having to start last season with so many new players with little time for assimilation, it’s a tad concerning to me we have yet to make one first team signing.

Why would you worry when the window does not close until October?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 15, 2020, 12:56:38 PM

Quote from: Risso on August 14, 2020, 04:03:29 PM

Quote from: john e on August 14, 2020, 03:48:28 PM

when on song the Mings-Engels partnership was the best i saw last season

Mings doing the heavy duty defensive work and Engels the ball playing centre half dovetailed nicely i thought
at last a decent pair at the back hopefully for the long term unfortunately not to be

When did Engels do that as a matter of interest?  He looked quite good in the first game at Spurs heading everything away, but I honestly don't recall him looking good on the ball. Konsa is much more that player, surely?

He tried to play the ball against Spurs and look how that turned out.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john2710 on August 15, 2020, 12:57:12 PM

It's less than 3 weeks since the season ended. Player's are on holiday & European competitions are still ongoing. Hardly anyone has made a signing & the window is open into October.

It would be ideal if everyone we want is signed well before the new season starts in 4 weeks but that's not going to happen.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on August 15, 2020, 01:14:23 PM

Players and managers all returning next week. That’s when the bullshit detector will be cranked up to 11

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on August 15, 2020, 01:30:15 PM

Quote from: gpbarr on August 15, 2020, 12:37:07 PM

At what stage do we start to worry that we won’t make many signings in this window given circumstances - we have been linked with 20/30 players but with less than 4 weeks to go and what one would hope would be lessons learnt from having to start last season with so many new players with little time for assimilation, it’s a tad concerning to me we have yet to make one first team signing.

51 days left in window....plenty of time

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on August 15, 2020, 02:20:50 PM

Quote from: Gareth on August 15, 2020, 01:30:15 PM

Quote from: gpbarr on August 15, 2020, 12:37:07 PM

At what stage do we start to worry that we won’t make many signings in this window given circumstances - we have been linked with 20/30 players but with less than 4 weeks to go and what one would hope would be lessons learnt from having to start last season with so many new players with little time for assimilation, it’s a tad concerning to me we have yet to make one first team signing.

51 days left in window....plenty of time

New players need time to bed in though. Pre season is ideal for that. Likes of Luiz last summer rocked in very late and took ages to get up to speed

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AllanW on August 15, 2020, 02:32:42 PM

Quote from: gpbarr on August 15, 2020, 12:37:07 PM

At what stage do we start to worry that we won’t make many signings in this window given circumstances - we have been linked with 20/30 players but with less than 4 weeks to go and what one would hope would be lessons learnt from having to start last season with so many new players with little time for assimilation, it’s a tad concerning to me we have yet to make one first team signing.

Others have addressed the 'time' issue (October is when the window closes) so no need for me to repeat but I'll mention a couple of other points;

- 'linked with 20 to 30 players':
It's all bullshit, don't read any of it. They don't know what they are talking about all the time not just most of it. We've been linked with a midfielder from Reading, a left back from Hearts and Daniel Sturridge FFS. Those links are either the player or their agent touting their wares, the club touting their players or rent-a-mouths paying their mortgage by saying anything that occurs to them that day.

We should have got the idea now that a professionally-run club like we are now do not brag, speculate or drop hints about any of their transfer activity until they are entering the final negotiating vinegar strokes. We didn't last year or in January and we won't now. The club have said nothing so just wait and see.

'assimilation' problems:
These will always exist when people move clubs but we're not talking about 12 people like last year, only 3 or 4 at most. That's hugely easier this time. Nothing to worry about with the experienced staff we have. We'll go into pre-season and the first part of the games with a solid squad of players who know each other, including the U23 players who have trained with the first team since they came back after the covid shutdown. Our squad is better than last year, more experienced than before and will do better. It's not where we might want it to be in terms of quality and depth buut it ain't at all bad; the incoming transfers will improve us when they have settled, I'm sure.

'less than 4 weeks to go':
There will be movement in those 4 weeks even though that is well before the transfer window 'slams shut' TM SKY. We'll get 1 or 2 in, I would guess, who will participate therefore in some part of the pre-season but any others will come shortly afterwards so no problem.

Main message? Circumstances now are to be expected; only worry if it gets to the end of September and we have none in.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Zouch Villa on August 15, 2020, 02:41:08 PM

I’m still fairly chilled about state of things right now.

Undoubtedly we need to strengthen, but I am hoping we will be able to target more players that have been involved in decent competitive football for most of the season, and not so many bench warmers or loanees this time.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 15, 2020, 03:37:46 PM

Things will start to pick up next week. Players/coaches/agents; many are still on holiday. Some are still playing last season. It’s gong to be a bit of mess simply down to real life circumstances. But I’m sure we will have secured at least one or two targets in the next 7-10 days. And hopefully have confirmation on Jack one way or another.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 15, 2020, 03:47:27 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 15, 2020, 03:37:46 PM

Things will start to pick up next week. Players/coaches/agents; many are still on holiday. Some are still playing last season. It’s gong to be a bit of mess simply down to real life circumstances. But I’m sure we will have secured at least one or two targets in the next 7-10 days. And hopefully have confirmation on Jack one way or another.

There'll be no such thing as confirmation on Jack until the transfer window shuts I'm afraid. Even if the club were to make any statement on it (and why would they), it would mean next to nothing until October 5th is done.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on August 15, 2020, 03:50:43 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 15, 2020, 03:47:27 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 15, 2020, 03:37:46 PM

Things will start to pick up next week. Players/coaches/agents; many are still on holiday. Some are still playing last season. It’s gong to be a bit of mess simply down to real life circumstances. But I’m sure we will have secured at least one or two targets in the next 7-10 days. And hopefully have confirmation on Jack one way or another.

There'll be no such thing as confirmation on Jack until the transfer window shuts I'm afraid. Even if the club were to make any statement on it (and why would they), it would mean next to nothing until October 5th is done.

I think an announcement that he has extended his contract / agreed  a new one would confirm he is staying

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 15, 2020, 03:53:04 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on August 15, 2020, 03:50:43 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 15, 2020, 03:47:27 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 15, 2020, 03:37:46 PM

Things will start to pick up next week. Players/coaches/agents; many are still on holiday. Some are still playing last season. It’s gong to be a bit of mess simply down to real life circumstances. But I’m sure we will have secured at least one or two targets in the next 7-10 days. And hopefully have confirmation on Jack one way or another.

There'll be no such thing as confirmation on Jack until the transfer window shuts I'm afraid. Even if the club were to make any statement on it (and why would they), it would mean next to nothing until October 5th is done.

I think an announcement that he has extended his contract / agreed  a new one would confirm he is staying

On previous experience, we can't count on that either I'm afraid.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on August 15, 2020, 03:56:22 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 15, 2020, 03:53:04 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on August 15, 2020, 03:50:43 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 15, 2020, 03:47:27 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 15, 2020, 03:37:46 PM

Things will start to pick up next week. Players/coaches/agents; many are still on holiday. Some are still playing last season. It’s gong to be a bit of mess simply down to real life circumstances. But I’m sure we will have secured at least one or two targets in the next 7-10 days. And hopefully have confirmation on Jack one way or another.

There'll be no such thing as confirmation on Jack until the transfer window shuts I'm afraid. Even if the club were to make any statement on it (and why would they), it would mean next to nothing until October 5th is done.

I think an announcement that he has extended his contract / agreed  a new one would confirm he is staying

On previous experience, we can't count on that either I'm afraid.

he is not Delph.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 15, 2020, 04:03:09 PM

I didn't say he was, but contracts mean next to nothing these days and everybody knows it. All a hypothetical new contract would do is potentially add a few million to his price.

Nobody can foretell what's going to happen with Jack, whether a respectable bid will come in for him, whether he'll sign a new contract, what it means if he does, etc.

We all want him to stay and I appreciate people want an indicator to that effect, but realistically anything can change at any point until October 5th.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 15, 2020, 04:15:39 PM

He’s not going to do what Delph did. And I don’t blame Delph at all for the ultimate decision just the manner in which it all played out. I’m sure he has some regrets about that too as it horrible from every angle, including ours sticking him on the website before it was all settled. We looked like fools.

Jack is in a tough spot. He means everything to the club and the club means everything to him, his friends and family. But he also has a short career and while I am sure he’d love to see us achieve his ambitions he knows, at almost 25 he can get there much faster elsewhere; and very likely next season.

Our best hope is that he signs a new deal, gives us at least one more great year,  and in doing so  we surround him with great talent, so that even if he does leave we are set up beyond his time with us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aldridgeboy on August 15, 2020, 04:56:32 PM

Another season would be great. Pay him a fortune on a new contact, but put a release clause that covers his big wage increase for the next 12 months

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 15, 2020, 04:58:49 PM

If he signs a new contract that won’t be announced until after the window closes.  That’s normally how it works. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 15, 2020, 05:02:31 PM

Quote from: gpbarr on August 15, 2020, 12:37:07 PM

At what stage do we start to worry that we won’t make many signings in this window given circumstances - we have been linked with 20/30 players but with less than 4 weeks to go and what one would hope would be lessons learnt from having to start last season with so many new players with little time for assimilation, it’s a tad concerning to me we have yet to make one first team signing.

We signed most of them in July last season. I can remember watching the Walsall game about three weeks before first game and Wesley, Jota, Engels, Konsa, Gulibert were all playing. Doug was the only one who came in late with his work permit issues and he still featured in the first game at Spurs ahead of other summer signings.

We won 1 of our first 8 league games.

Way we finished the season I'd back the present squad to make an o.k start if we faced a few bottom half teams in the first 5 games. In any case I think we'll make 2-3 signings by end of August.

Have to say with the world is currently the inane nature of the transfer window isn't really something to get worked up about compared to previous years.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on August 15, 2020, 05:07:25 PM

It's also the third straight season where we've gone into the last day not knowing what league we were going to be in. We can have plans for both possibilities but I bet there's still work to do.

On the first day of pre-season we got rid of our then Sporting Director. The new Sporting Director has then come in and no doubt spent time talking to Smith/Purslow about squad requirements and then spent time sifting through the documents that the recruitment department have developed over the preceeding months.

Nowadays transfers are mega money business deals and we can't afford to get them wrong. It's far better to do all the necessary due diligence before making a move than acting hastily.

I suspect we'll see things start happening once the players have been back in pre-season training a week or two,  that's how it usually goes. At least this time we don't have about 12 signings to make.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: olaftab on August 15, 2020, 05:23:54 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 15, 2020, 12:56:38 PM

Quote from: Risso on August 14, 2020, 04:03:29 PM

Quote from: john e on August 14, 2020, 03:48:28 PM

when on song the Mings-Engels partnership was the best i saw last season
Mings doing the heavy duty defensive work and Engels the ball playing centre half dovetailed nicely i thought
at last a decent pair at the back hopefully for the long term unfortunately not to be

When did Engels do that as a matter of interest?  He looked quite good in the first game at Spurs heading everything away, but I honestly don't recall him looking good on the ball. Konsa is much more that player, surely?

He tried to play the ball against Spurs and look how that turned out.

That deft flick to deviate the ball back to Reina without making it look like a back pass was indeed a potential genius pass but....

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 15, 2020, 06:38:13 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 15, 2020, 04:03:09 PM

I didn't say he was, but contracts mean next to nothing these days and everybody knows it. All a hypothetical new contract would do is potentially add a few million to his price.

Nobody can foretell what's going to happen with Jack, whether a respectable bid will come in for him, whether he'll sign a new contract, what it means if he does, etc.

We all want him to stay and I appreciate people want an indicator to that effect, but realistically anything can change at any point until October 5th.

We can, as a club, take the stance that once football starts again we will not sell him. I am fairly sure that Grealish will be understanding and accepting of that. Selling you best player 3 weeks after the season starts would be suicide. No way of replacing him, and a huge blow for the squad.

Other clubs have done that in the past and it has caused a couple of weeks of disappointment followed by the player buckling down.

However, if we sign Rashica, Watkins, Cantwell and Benrahma in the next 2 weeks, I am pretty sure Jack is going!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 15, 2020, 06:38:43 PM

Quote from: olaftab on August 15, 2020, 05:23:54 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 15, 2020, 12:56:38 PM

Quote from: Risso on August 14, 2020, 04:03:29 PM

Quote from: john e on August 14, 2020, 03:48:28 PM

when on song the Mings-Engels partnership was the best i saw last season
Mings doing the heavy duty defensive work and Engels the ball playing centre half dovetailed nicely i thought
at last a decent pair at the back hopefully for the long term unfortunately not to be

When did Engels do that as a matter of interest?  He looked quite good in the first game at Spurs heading everything away, but I honestly don't recall him looking good on the ball. Konsa is much more that player, surely?

He tried to play the ball against Spurs and look how that turned out.

That deft flick to deviate the ball back to Reina without making it look like a back pass was indeed a potential genius pass but....

If we went down by a point that would have haunted me all summer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 15, 2020, 06:46:18 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 15, 2020, 06:38:43 PM

Quote from: olaftab on August 15, 2020, 05:23:54 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 15, 2020, 12:56:38 PM

Quote from: Risso on August 14, 2020, 04:03:29 PM

Quote from: john e on August 14, 2020, 03:48:28 PM

when on song the Mings-Engels partnership was the best i saw last season
Mings doing the heavy duty defensive work and Engels the ball playing centre half dovetailed nicely i thought
at last a decent pair at the back hopefully for the long term unfortunately not to be

When did Engels do that as a matter of interest?  He looked quite good in the first game at Spurs heading everything away, but I honestly don't recall him looking good on the ball. Konsa is much more that player, surely?

He tried to play the ball against Spurs and look how that turned out.

That deft flick to deviate the ball back to Reina without making it look like a back pass was indeed a potential genius pass but....

If we went down by a point that would have haunted me all summer.

yeah because in the whole of the season no one else in the whole team made a mistake that cost us

your all just displaying your utter ignorance of knowing anything about football or how it works
Just pathetic really

why do you bother posting about something you obviously know fuck all about

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Richard E on August 15, 2020, 06:49:55 PM

Tad unnecessary that.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 15, 2020, 06:50:25 PM

Quote from: john e on August 15, 2020, 06:46:18 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 15, 2020, 06:38:43 PM

Quote from: olaftab on August 15, 2020, 05:23:54 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 15, 2020, 12:56:38 PM

Quote from: Risso on August 14, 2020, 04:03:29 PM

Quote from: john e on August 14, 2020, 03:48:28 PM

when on song the Mings-Engels partnership was the best i saw last season
Mings doing the heavy duty defensive work and Engels the ball playing centre half dovetailed nicely i thought
at last a decent pair at the back hopefully for the long term unfortunately not to be

When did Engels do that as a matter of interest?  He looked quite good in the first game at Spurs heading everything away, but I honestly don't recall him looking good on the ball. Konsa is much more that player, surely?

He tried to play the ball against Spurs and look how that turned out.

That deft flick to deviate the ball back to Reina without making it look like a back pass was indeed a potential genius pass but....

If we went down by a point that would have haunted me all summer.

yeah because in the whole of the season no one else in the whole team made a mistake that cost us

your all just displaying your utter ignorance of knowing anything about football or how it works
Just pathetic really

why do you bother posting about something you obviously know fuck all about

Wind your neck in, and apologize.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 15, 2020, 06:52:51 PM

Jesus john, forget to take your blood pressure meds again?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on August 15, 2020, 06:52:55 PM

Bournemouth accept a reported bid of around £18m for keeper Ramsdale from Sheffield United.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on August 15, 2020, 06:55:32 PM

Quote from: john e on August 15, 2020, 06:46:18 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 15, 2020, 06:38:43 PM

Quote from: olaftab on August 15, 2020, 05:23:54 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 15, 2020, 12:56:38 PM

Quote from: Risso on August 14, 2020, 04:03:29 PM

Quote from: john e on August 14, 2020, 03:48:28 PM

when on song the Mings-Engels partnership was the best i saw last season
Mings doing the heavy duty defensive work and Engels the ball playing centre half dovetailed nicely i thought
at last a decent pair at the back hopefully for the long term unfortunately not to be

When did Engels do that as a matter of interest?  He looked quite good in the first game at Spurs heading everything away, but I honestly don't recall him looking good on the ball. Konsa is much more that player, surely?

He tried to play the ball against Spurs and look how that turned out.

That deft flick to deviate the ball back to Reina without making it look like a back pass was indeed a potential genius pass but....

If we went down by a point that would have haunted me all summer.

yeah because in the whole of the season no one else in the whole team made a mistake that cost us

Only if he's saying that that particular example is the reason we'd have gone down, which he isn't.

I could think of half a dozen instances where we've thrown points away needlessly last season (and by half a dozen, I actually mean about three dozen), but it is possible to think about that particular instant as being the 'poster boy' of all the fuck ups just because it was so agonisingly close to us getting something from the match.

It's like the Grealish / Lansbury / Crystal Palace incident. That is another good example.

It's possible to focus on one particular moment without thinking that that was the actual reason for relegation. It's not that, but it's pretty easy to see why people might see it emblematic of the problems and weaknesses we had last season.

I don't think there is much wrong with that.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on August 15, 2020, 07:06:10 PM

Quote from: Bent Neilsens Screamer on August 15, 2020, 06:52:55 PM

Bournemouth accept a reported bid of around £18m for keeper Ramsdale from Sheffield United.

Presumably means they aren't getting Henderson back on loan again from Man Utd?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on August 15, 2020, 07:17:42 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on August 15, 2020, 07:06:10 PM

Quote from: Bent Neilsens Screamer on August 15, 2020, 06:52:55 PM

Bournemouth accept a reported bid of around £18m for keeper Ramsdale from Sheffield United.

Presumably means they aren't getting Henderson back on loan again from Man Utd?

Media saying Henderson wants to fight for his place at Man U, although some saying Chelsea are interested. Either way it looks like he won’t be at Sheffield Utd next season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 15, 2020, 07:26:38 PM

Quote from: Bent Neilsens Screamer on August 15, 2020, 06:52:55 PM

Bournemouth accept a reported bid of around £18m for keeper Ramsdale from Sheffield United.

Interesting that they'd be willing to pay 18m for Ramsdale with the likes of Butland available for half that amount. Ramsdale is a decent young keeper of course, but he'll concede a lot more than Henderson did. Of course so would most keepers.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on August 15, 2020, 07:33:53 PM

Henderson was playing behind a far better defence though. Bournemouth doing well to receive the thick end of £60m for a keeper and centre back.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 15, 2020, 08:09:31 PM

Especially given it was Sheffield Utd who sold Ramsdale to Bournemouth in the first place.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on August 16, 2020, 07:40:32 AM

i think we will sign someone by October 5th

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dl9 on August 16, 2020, 08:46:32 AM

Report in The Sun this morning about us and WBA both being linked to another blunt instrument from Southampton
Please let it be bs

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: frank black on August 16, 2020, 11:26:13 AM

Be nice to have a statement of intent from our owners wouldn’t it.

#annouceIngs

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on August 16, 2020, 11:32:46 AM

Quote from: dl9 on August 16, 2020, 08:46:32 AM

Report in The Sun this morning about us and WBA both being linked to another blunt instrument from Southampton
Please let it be bs

We really need another inexperienced player who doesn't score goals. I can see the link being legit.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on August 16, 2020, 11:48:08 AM

For the benefit of people who do not read the sun, who are we linked with?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: TheMalandro on August 16, 2020, 11:54:07 AM

Quote from: Dante Lavelli on August 16, 2020, 11:48:08 AM

For the benefit of people who do not read the sun, who are we linked with?

Brett Ormerod

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 16, 2020, 12:00:45 PM

Don't buy the Sun, don't read the Sun, don't link to the Sun, don't talk about the Sun.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on August 16, 2020, 12:07:29 PM

Quote from: Dante Lavelli on August 16, 2020, 11:48:08 AM

For the benefit of people who do not read the sun, who are we linked with?

Michael Obafemi. The general consensus on their fan sites is he isn't any good.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on August 16, 2020, 12:16:23 PM

Quote from: TheMalandro on August 16, 2020, 11:54:07 AM

Quote from: Dante Lavelli on August 16, 2020, 11:48:08 AM

For the benefit of people who do not read the sun, who are we linked with?

Brett Ormerod

Always looked like a bloke who would be a minor character in a soap. Damo might welcome him signing for us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 16, 2020, 12:18:49 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on August 16, 2020, 12:07:29 PM

Quote from: Dante Lavelli on August 16, 2020, 11:48:08 AM

For the benefit of people who do not read the sun, who are we linked with?

Michael Obafemi. The general consensus on their fan sites is he isn't any good.

I watched Southampton a couple of times during the restart. He looked quick but very raw.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 16, 2020, 12:22:54 PM

We really are desperate, aren't we.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 16, 2020, 12:25:52 PM

No.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 16, 2020, 12:26:31 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 16, 2020, 12:22:54 PM

We really are desperate, aren't we.

Why do you say that?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 16, 2020, 12:29:10 PM

If it's true we're looking at Obafemi.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on August 16, 2020, 12:31:19 PM

Noticed Werder Bremen have signed a right winger on loan from Manure and Radisca has been left out of the traveling squad ... so might be movement on that front one way or another.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AV82EC on August 16, 2020, 12:31:22 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 16, 2020, 12:29:10 PM

If it's true we're looking at Obafemi.

As it was in the S*n, how much credence are you giving it?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 16, 2020, 12:32:25 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 16, 2020, 12:29:10 PM

If it's true we're looking at Obafemi.

So we are desperate because of story which might not be true that The Sun printed? Wow.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on August 16, 2020, 12:32:47 PM

the only person who had a clue about our signings last summer was Dean's son's best mate who got 95% spot on. Maybe we should try and entice himout again. as for the media - it's all bullshit. They don't have a clue

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on August 16, 2020, 12:33:04 PM

We need the obligatory Youtube vid!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 16, 2020, 12:33:19 PM

Quote from: Clampy on August 16, 2020, 12:32:25 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 16, 2020, 12:29:10 PM

If it's true we're looking at Obafemi.

So we are desperate because of story which might not be true that the The Sun printed? Wow.

Don't get your knickers in a twist about it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AV82EC on August 16, 2020, 12:34:30 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 16, 2020, 12:33:19 PM

Quote from: Clampy on August 16, 2020, 12:32:25 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 16, 2020, 12:29:10 PM

If it's true we're looking at Obafemi.

So we are desperate because of story which might not be true that the The Sun printed? Wow.

Don't get your knickers in a twist about it.

What like you, you pant wetting doom monger.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on August 16, 2020, 12:34:53 PM

can you twist a G string?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: maidstonevillain on August 16, 2020, 12:38:34 PM

As this is the speculation and "utter b*****......" thread. First of the fixture list leaks.

Brighton vs Sheffield United
Chelsea vs Southampton
Everton vs Fulham
Leeds United vs Newcastle United
Manchester City vs Crystal Palace
Manchester United vs Arsenal
Tottenham vs Aston Villa
West Brom vs Burnley
West Ham vs Liverpool
Wolves vs Leicester

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 16, 2020, 12:46:12 PM

Quote from: AV82EC on August 16, 2020, 12:34:30 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 16, 2020, 12:33:19 PM

Quote from: Clampy on August 16, 2020, 12:32:25 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 16, 2020, 12:29:10 PM

If it's true we're looking at Obafemi.

So we are desperate because of story which might not be true that the The Sun printed? Wow.

Don't get your knickers in a twist about it.

What like you, you pant wetting doom monger.

Pant wetting doom monger, really? Grow up.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on August 16, 2020, 12:50:05 PM

Lewis Dunk to Chelsea for £40m, appears to be a bit excessive to my untrained eye!!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 16, 2020, 12:53:58 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 16, 2020, 12:33:19 PM

Quote from: Clampy on August 16, 2020, 12:32:25 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 16, 2020, 12:29:10 PM

If it's true we're looking at Obafemi.

So we are desperate because of story which might not be true that the The Sun printed? Wow.

Don't get your knickers in a twist about it.

Irony meter goes into overdrive.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 16, 2020, 12:53:59 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 16, 2020, 12:46:12 PM

Quote from: AV82EC on August 16, 2020, 12:34:30 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 16, 2020, 12:33:19 PM

Quote from: Clampy on August 16, 2020, 12:32:25 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 16, 2020, 12:29:10 PM

If it's true we're looking at Obafemi.

So we are desperate because of story which might not be true that the The Sun printed? Wow.

Don't get your knickers in a twist about it.

What like you, you pant wetting doom monger.

Pant wetting doom monger, really? Grow up.

Behave, all of you.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 16, 2020, 12:57:12 PM

Imagine speculating in the speculation thread.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 16, 2020, 01:02:11 PM

Speculating is one thing. Saying we are desperate just because of a random link is another.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 16, 2020, 01:03:17 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 16, 2020, 12:57:12 PM

Imagine speculating in the speculation thread.

You don't need to imagine, you're like literally speculating right now!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 16, 2020, 01:10:58 PM

Quote from: Clampy on August 16, 2020, 01:02:11 PM

Speculating is one thing. Saying we are desperate just because of a random link is another.

I think you'll find they're the same thing mate, but carry on.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Tebepaul on August 16, 2020, 01:17:33 PM

Less positive news today about Milot Rashica signing from Bremen:

"Milot Rashica would like to take the next step in his career. Werder Bremen wouldn't stand in his way, as long as the price is right. The Kosovar already decided that he wanted to move to RB Leipzig, but the Champions League semi-finalist isn't prepared to pay the €25 million transfer fee stipulated by Werder.

Aston Villa is allegedly prepared to stump up the required money, but the forward won't go along with this. Although he finds the idea of a move to the Premier League very interesting, it would not be to a club that, like Werder, only just managed to stay up last season. The Kosovo international would like to be able to shine on the international stage with his club."

Source: https://www.deichstube.de/news/werder-bremen-milot-rashica-transfer-abloese-aston-villa-absage-wechsel-leipzig-bundesliga-zr-13810822.html (https://www.deichstube.de/news/werder-bremen-milot-rashica-transfer-abloese-aston-villa-absage-wechsel-leipzig-bundesliga-zr-13810822.html)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 16, 2020, 01:18:06 PM

They really are not. I'd say one was a massive over-reaction.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 16, 2020, 01:21:11 PM

Quote from: Tebepaul on August 16, 2020, 01:17:33 PM

Less positive news today about Milot Rashica signing from Bremen:

"Milot Rashica would like to take the next step in his career. Werder Bremen wouldn't stand in his way, as long as the price is right. The Kosovar already decided that he wanted to move to RB Leipzig, but the Champions League semi-finalist isn't prepared to pay the €25 million transfer fee stipulated by Werder.

Aston Villa is allegedly prepared to stump up the required money, but the forward won't go along with this. Although he finds the idea of a move to the Premier League very interesting, it would not be to a club that, like Werder, only just managed to stay up last season. The Kosovo international would like to be able to shine on the international stage with his club."

Source: https://www.deichstube.de/news/werder-bremen-milot-rashica-transfer-abloese-aston-villa-absage-wechsel-leipzig-bundesliga-zr-13810822.html (https://www.deichstube.de/news/werder-bremen-milot-rashica-transfer-abloese-aston-villa-absage-wechsel-leipzig-bundesliga-zr-13810822.html)

Thanks for translating that for us Tebepaul

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Stu on August 16, 2020, 01:22:49 PM

Quote from: Tebepaul on August 16, 2020, 01:17:33 PM

Less positive news today about Milot Rashica signing from Bremen:

"Milot Rashica would like to take the next step in his career. Werder Bremen wouldn't stand in his way, as long as the price is right. The Kosovar already decided that he wanted to move to RB Leipzig, but the Champions League semi-finalist isn't prepared to pay the €25 million transfer fee stipulated by Werder.

Aston Villa is allegedly prepared to stump up the required money, but the forward won't go along with this. Although he finds the idea of a move to the Premier League very interesting, it would not be to a club that, like Werder, only just managed to stay up last season. The Kosovo international would like to be able to shine on the international stage with his club."

Source: https://www.deichstube.de/news/werder-bremen-milot-rashica-transfer-abloese-aston-villa-absage-wechsel-leipzig-bundesliga-zr-13810822.html (https://www.deichstube.de/news/werder-bremen-milot-rashica-transfer-abloese-aston-villa-absage-wechsel-leipzig-bundesliga-zr-13810822.html)

Yeah. Alan Nixon tweeted something yesterday that we were going to be disappointed in general. Although it was in reply to a Villa fan having a pop at him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AllanW on August 16, 2020, 01:44:33 PM

Just to give some measure of the sheer amount of utter bollocks talked about our transfers in the last few weeks, we have been 'linked with';

Strikers         Midfielder/wingers         Backs         Keepers

Iheanacho         McCarthy         Luyindama         Reina
Callum Robinson      Cantwell         Duffy            Hart
Watkins         Benrahma         Cash         Butland      
Sturridge         Harry Wilson         Ghoulam            
Edouard         Eze            Rico Henry
Origi            Milot Rashica         Hickey
Buendia         Campana         Aarons
Obafemi         Ryan Fraser         Reguilon
            Sarr
            Jeff Hendrick
            Rodwell
            Batshuayi
            Swift
            Guendouzi

I'm sure I missed some. They know nothing, nothing at all.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 16, 2020, 01:47:33 PM

Oh well.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 16, 2020, 01:48:00 PM

Quote from: Stu on August 16, 2020, 01:22:49 PM

Quote from: Tebepaul on August 16, 2020, 01:17:33 PM

Less positive news today about Milot Rashica signing from Bremen:

"Milot Rashica would like to take the next step in his career. Werder Bremen wouldn't stand in his way, as long as the price is right. The Kosovar already decided that he wanted to move to RB Leipzig, but the Champions League semi-finalist isn't prepared to pay the €25 million transfer fee stipulated by Werder.

Aston Villa is allegedly prepared to stump up the required money, but the forward won't go along with this. Although he finds the idea of a move to the Premier League very interesting, it would not be to a club that, like Werder, only just managed to stay up last season. The Kosovo international would like to be able to shine on the international stage with his club."

Source: https://www.deichstube.de/news/werder-bremen-milot-rashica-transfer-abloese-aston-villa-absage-wechsel-leipzig-bundesliga-zr-13810822.html (https://www.deichstube.de/news/werder-bremen-milot-rashica-transfer-abloese-aston-villa-absage-wechsel-leipzig-bundesliga-zr-13810822.html)

Yeah. Alan Nixon tweeted something yesterday that we were going to be disappointed in general. Although it was in reply to a Villa fan having a pop at him.

That pant wetting doom monger.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on August 16, 2020, 01:57:34 PM

Everyone has setbacks with targets, let's hope plan b isn't from the Belgian league again.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on August 16, 2020, 02:16:34 PM

Denmark will be this year's Belgium

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on August 16, 2020, 02:17:31 PM

I’m sure a massive increase in his wages might give him food for thought.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Hookeysmith on August 16, 2020, 02:31:48 PM

But then do we want someone whose only reason for joining is bigger wages?
I don't expect bullshit about loving the club etc but would prefer that the player is swayed by the club's vision and future plans.

When do they return for training?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on August 16, 2020, 02:56:50 PM

weren't we always just stalking bull in the Rashica thing?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: frank black on August 16, 2020, 02:56:53 PM

Quote from: Hookeysmith on August 16, 2020, 02:31:48 PM

But then do we want someone whose only reason for joining is bigger wages?
I don't expect bullshit about loving the club etc but would prefer that the player is swayed by the club's vision and future plans.

When do they return for training?

Let’s not forget Tammy wasn’t keen on joining us (reported) and nearly left us In January to play premier league football. Rashica is quite right to see what offers are on the table. We are not exactly a big draw yet.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: walsall villain on August 16, 2020, 02:58:39 PM

Quote from: Hookeysmith on August 16, 2020, 02:31:48 PM

But then do we want someone whose only reason for joining is bigger wages?
I don't expect bullshit about loving the club etc but would prefer that the player is swayed by the club's vision and future plans.

When do they return for training?

Tomorrow I think

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on August 16, 2020, 03:01:05 PM

Quote from: Hookeysmith on August 16, 2020, 02:31:48 PM

But then do we want someone whose only reason for joining is bigger wages?

If they are a better player than we currently have then yes, absolutely.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 16, 2020, 03:07:19 PM

Yep. Until we establish ourselves as and upwardly mobile club it’s going to be harder to attract quality players. Paying more is one way of bridging the gap a bit.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: themossman on August 16, 2020, 03:10:48 PM

Let’s a face it a footballer’s job is almost identical wherever they play. History, development potential, game time are all factors I’m sure, but I reckon tiny secondary ones behind money.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on August 16, 2020, 03:23:56 PM

Quote from: Tebepaul on August 16, 2020, 01:17:33 PM

Less positive news today about Milot Rashica signing from Bremen

Aston Villa is allegedly prepared to stump up the required money, but the forward won't go along with this. Although he finds the idea of a move to the Premier League very interesting, it would not be to a club that, like Werder, only just managed to stay up last season. The Kosovo international would like to be able to shine on the international stage with his club."

Source: https://www.deichstube.de/news/werder-bremen-milot-rashica-transfer-abloese-aston-villa-absage-wechsel-leipzig-bundesliga-zr-13810822.html (https://www.deichstube.de/news/werder-bremen-milot-rashica-transfer-abloese-aston-villa-absage-wechsel-leipzig-bundesliga-zr-13810822.html)

I think a proper journalist using a phrase ‘prepared to stump up the required money’ :-) I think I’ll file that under the German equivalent of Kevin from Bordesley using his internet data whilst waiting for his alphabites for tea

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on August 16, 2020, 03:29:08 PM

Quote from: Gareth on August 16, 2020, 03:23:56 PM

Quote from: Tebepaul on August 16, 2020, 01:17:33 PM

Less positive news today about Milot Rashica signing from Bremen

Aston Villa is allegedly prepared to stump up the required money, but the forward won't go along with this. Although he finds the idea of a move to the Premier League very interesting, it would not be to a club that, like Werder, only just managed to stay up last season. The Kosovo international would like to be able to shine on the international stage with his club."

Source: https://www.deichstube.de/news/werder-bremen-milot-rashica-transfer-abloese-aston-villa-absage-wechsel-leipzig-bundesliga-zr-13810822.html (https://www.deichstube.de/news/werder-bremen-milot-rashica-transfer-abloese-aston-villa-absage-wechsel-leipzig-bundesliga-zr-13810822.html)

I think a proper journalist using a phrase ‘prepared to stump up the required money’ :-) I think I’ll file that under the German equivalent of Kevin from Bordesley using his internet data whilst waiting for his alphabites for tea

That's Tebepaul's own (thoughtful) translation from the original German idiom.

The journalist isn't using that precise phrase.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 16, 2020, 03:31:28 PM

If there’s one thing we should have all learned by now as regards to the transfer window is don’t get too wrapped up in gossip and suggestion. We have signed and sold too many players that were never meant to happen for one reason or a million others. Players we are looking at aren’t even on the radar. And of all the summer windows where there is uncertainty this is by the far the most uncertain of them all.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Tebepaul on August 16, 2020, 05:21:27 PM

Quote from: Gareth on August 16, 2020, 03:23:56 PM

Quote from: Tebepaul on August 16, 2020, 01:17:33 PM

Less positive news today about Milot Rashica signing from Bremen

Aston Villa is allegedly prepared to stump up the required money, but the forward won't go along with this. Although he finds the idea of a move to the Premier League very interesting, it would not be to a club that, like Werder, only just managed to stay up last season. The Kosovo international would like to be able to shine on the international stage with his club."

Source: https://www.deichstube.de/news/werder-bremen-milot-rashica-transfer-abloese-aston-villa-absage-wechsel-leipzig-bundesliga-zr-13810822.html (https://www.deichstube.de/news/werder-bremen-milot-rashica-transfer-abloese-aston-villa-absage-wechsel-leipzig-bundesliga-zr-13810822.html)

Quote from: Dave on August 16, 2020, 03:29:08 PM

Quote from: Gareth on August 16, 2020, 03:23:56 PM

Quote from: Tebepaul on August 16, 2020, 01:17:33 PM

Less positive news today about Milot Rashica signing from Bremen

Aston Villa is allegedly prepared to stump up the required money, but the forward won't go along with this. Although he finds the idea of a move to the Premier League very interesting, it would not be to a club that, like Werder, only just managed to stay up last season. The Kosovo international would like to be able to shine on the international stage with his club."

Source: https://www.deichstube.de/news/werder-bremen-milot-rashica-transfer-abloese-aston-villa-absage-wechsel-leipzig-bundesliga-zr-13810822.html (https://www.deichstube.de/news/werder-bremen-milot-rashica-transfer-abloese-aston-villa-absage-wechsel-leipzig-bundesliga-zr-13810822.html)

I think a proper journalist using a phrase ‘prepared to stump up the required money’ :-) I think I’ll file that under the German equivalent of Kevin from Bordesley using his internet data whilst waiting for his alphabites for tea

That's Tebepaul's own (thoughtful) translation from the original German idiom.

The journalist isn't using that precise phrase.

I think a proper journalist using a phrase ‘prepared to stump up the required money’ :-) I think I’ll file that under the German equivalent of Kevin from Bordesley using his internet data whilst waiting for his alphabites for tea

The original German idiom literally states that 'Villa are alleged to be ready to dig that far into their own pockets'.

If I'd translated the sentence word-for-word, I'm sure someone on here would have dismissed it for not being credible English.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 16, 2020, 05:50:03 PM

Quite.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Chris_Jephcott on August 16, 2020, 06:21:24 PM

Not a view shares by all but I think I’d rather have Benrahma than Rashica. At least Benrahma and Smith have a history together.

In reality, I’d like both. But if it was one or other...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 16, 2020, 06:39:59 PM

I might be wrong, and it’s a pure hunch, but I reckon Rashica is probably a higher bracket of player than Benrahma. Might not be, but it’s my suspicion.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 16, 2020, 06:42:54 PM

If we offer £25m and Panda Pop FC don't, why do Bremen accept a lower bid simply to acquiesce to a players wishes?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on August 16, 2020, 07:13:45 PM

I get the impression Benrahma isn't one for tracking back and helping out his fullback. Looked pretty good going forward though

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 16, 2020, 07:36:13 PM

Quote from: Ads on August 16, 2020, 06:42:54 PM

If we offer £25m and Panda Pop FC don't, why do Bremen accept a lower bid simply to acquiesce to a players wishes?

reverse bidding war?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ROBBO on August 16, 2020, 08:36:31 PM

Man City paid ridiculous wages (for those days) to attract the better players and if we want to keep Grealish that"s what we will have to do.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: wozwebs on August 16, 2020, 08:42:18 PM

From Alan Nixon 15 mins ago:

VILLA. Moving for a striker. If they pull it off it will be a big SHOCK. Bit in paper tomorrow. #AVFC

Then added

French. Currently playing in UK. #AVFC

So presume it’s the lad from Celtic

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Richard E on August 16, 2020, 08:48:55 PM

Quote from: wozwebs on August 16, 2020, 08:42:18 PM

From Alan Nixon 15 mins ago:

VILLA. Moving for a striker. If they pull it off it will be a big SHOCK. Bit in paper tomorrow. #AVFC

Then added

French. Currently playing in UK. #AVFC

So presume it’s the lad from Celtic

It’s a fake account. Only 86 tweets.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on August 16, 2020, 08:53:00 PM

Yep, copied the real Twitter account word for word, but replaced the 'i' in nicko with a '1'.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 16, 2020, 08:56:42 PM

Quote from: wozwebs on August 16, 2020, 08:42:18 PM

From Alan Nixon 15 mins ago:

VILLA. Moving for a striker. If they pull it off it will be a big SHOCK. Bit in paper tomorrow. #AVFC

Then added

French. Currently playing in UK. #AVFC

So presume it’s the lad from Celtic

L’harry kané?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 16, 2020, 08:59:21 PM

Quote from: Risso on August 16, 2020, 08:53:00 PM

Yep, copied the real Twitter account word for word, but replaced the 'i' in nicko with a '1'.

If I’m going rip someone off for ITK it wouldn’t be Nixon

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave P on August 16, 2020, 09:32:26 PM

Twitter talk that we’re rivalling Sheff Utd for Ramsdale from Bournemouth. Hadn’t a £16m bid been accepted?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on August 16, 2020, 09:41:12 PM

We are pretty short in that area with just our fifteen goalkeepers.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 16, 2020, 09:42:09 PM

Quote from: Dave P on August 16, 2020, 09:32:26 PM

Twitter talk that we’re rivalling Sheff Utd for Ramsdale from Bournemouth. Hadn’t a £16m bid been accepted?

If that were true, I'd start to wonder of the existance of some kind of sub-culture at the club with a fetish for men in gloves

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on August 16, 2020, 10:27:34 PM

You'd think he'd prefer to be No1 at Sheffield rather than have to compete with Heaton for us?

Either way I'm not convinced it would be the best use of our budget.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 16, 2020, 10:30:51 PM

Makes sense, literally the first thing I think when I look at our squad is "we're a bit short on goalkeepers."

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: frank black on August 16, 2020, 10:31:09 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on August 16, 2020, 10:27:34 PM

You'd think he'd prefer to be No1 at Sheffield rather than have to compete with Heaton for us?

Either way I'm not convinced it would be the best use of our budget.

Unless Heaton’s injury is worse than thought?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 17, 2020, 12:05:25 AM

Must be the only one who thinks Ramsdale isn't that good. Fat bloke who goes down in instalments for shots placed in the corner and judging from his performance in the away game pretty bad at crosses aswell given he tried to knock Engels out for one.

If we have to go for a short term keeper I'd look at Etheridge from Cardiff. Lost his place but he did o.k for them in their promotion season and also kept a decent number of clean sheets in the prem. There were rumours we bid 8m last summer but Cardiff wanted more and we got Heaton for that amount. Would cost far less this summer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 17, 2020, 12:07:12 AM

Quote from: frank black on August 16, 2020, 10:31:09 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on August 16, 2020, 10:27:34 PM

You'd think he'd prefer to be No1 at Sheffield rather than have to compete with Heaton for us?

Either way I'm not convinced it would be the best use of our budget.

Unless Heaton’s injury is worse than thought?

Could well be the case. I remember he was on MOTD2 months back and said his recovery wasn't going as quickly as he wanted it to. I know it's slightly different for a keeper but Wes is miles off a return and Heaton had a similar injury.

No idea what's happened to Steer. When he got injured at Wolves I'm sure people were saying he was only going to be out for 2-3 months. That was in November so very odd.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on August 17, 2020, 07:34:26 AM

I think Steer is fit again, he was pulled onto the bench last minute against Palace when Hause got injured in the warm up & Elmo had to start instead of him

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on August 17, 2020, 08:52:46 AM

No to Ramsdale. We have a lot of keepers and need to shift Kalinic and Nyland on already. Heaton is a good keeper, Steer could be a good deputy if he recovers. If one of them isn't fit for the start of the season I would rather have Reina back and keep £18m available for more pressing needs like replacing Wesley and Samatta, and finding some pace.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 17, 2020, 08:56:28 AM

Ramsdale is 22.

Our own young keeper that we just let go join Wolves for the sum total of £0, Matija Sarkic, is 23.

I'd be incensed at our overall transfer policy if we went and spent upwards of £18m on the former.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on August 17, 2020, 09:01:47 AM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 17, 2020, 08:56:28 AM

Ramsdale is 22.

Our own young keeper that we just let go join Wolves for the sum total of £0, Matija Sarkic, is 23.

I'd be incensed at our overall transfer policy if we went and spent upwards of £18m on the former.

I thought Sarkic was highly rated ....

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 17, 2020, 09:14:17 AM

Quote from: Mister E on August 17, 2020, 09:01:47 AM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 17, 2020, 08:56:28 AM

Ramsdale is 22.

Our own young keeper that we just let go join Wolves for the sum total of £0, Matija Sarkic, is 23.

I'd be incensed at our overall transfer policy if we went and spent upwards of £18m on the former.

I thought Sarkic was highly rated ....

He is, he did really well at Livingston by all accounts and to me he seemed like a future Villa #1. Instead, he might go on to be a future Wolves #1. I'm not sure why more of us aren't annoyed at that, I think it's shocking given how much trouble we've had with goalkeepers in recent years.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 17, 2020, 09:35:31 AM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 17, 2020, 09:14:17 AM

Quote from: Mister E on August 17, 2020, 09:01:47 AM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 17, 2020, 08:56:28 AM

Ramsdale is 22.

Our own young keeper that we just let go join Wolves for the sum total of £0, Matija Sarkic, is 23.

I'd be incensed at our overall transfer policy if we went and spent upwards of £18m on the former.

I thought Sarkic was highly rated ....

He is, he did really well at Livingston by all accounts and to me he seemed like a future Villa #1. Instead, he might go on to be a future Wolves #1. I'm not sure why more of us aren't annoyed at that, I think it's shocking given how much trouble we've had with goalkeepers in recent years.

And the money we've spent on them too.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: TheMalandro on August 17, 2020, 09:38:26 AM

We should try for Folarin Balogun, he's refusing to sign a new contract at Arsenal.
No doubt about it, he will be a very good player.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on August 17, 2020, 09:53:56 AM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 17, 2020, 09:14:17 AM

Quote from: Mister E on August 17, 2020, 09:01:47 AM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 17, 2020, 08:56:28 AM

Ramsdale is 22.

Our own young keeper that we just let go join Wolves for the sum total of £0, Matija Sarkic, is 23.

I'd be incensed at our overall transfer policy if we went and spent upwards of £18m on the former.

I thought Sarkic was highly rated ....

He is, he did really well at Livingston by all accounts and to me he seemed like a future Villa #1. Instead, he might go on to be a future Wolves #1. I'm not sure why more of us aren't annoyed at that, I think it's shocking given how much trouble we've had with goalkeepers in recent years.

Providing Heaton is fit enough to start I wouldn’t have thought a keeper was high on list however if Dean does and with Cutler they have identified Ramsdale as the one then they have to do it now as Sheff U are about to.

As for Sarkic he may well go on to embarrass us but only time & wherever Wolves send him on loan will tell us that.  Can’t help but think if our mgmt rated him fully he would have been number 2 from the get go last season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AV82EC on August 17, 2020, 10:01:17 AM

We’ve already been embarrassed in the goalie dept as Gollini has done wonders since being back in Italy. I’m hoping talk of yet another keeper is just that as we have more pressing priorities in my view.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on August 17, 2020, 10:14:43 AM

Quote from: AV82EC on August 17, 2020, 10:01:17 AM

We’ve already been embarrassed in the goalie dept as Gollini has done wonders since being back in Italy. I’m hoping talk of yet another keeper is just that as we have more pressing priorities in my view.

Didn't he refuse to stay when we let our Italian GK coach go after DiMatteo left.

He has gone on to be a good player, but like Veretout he left because he didn't want to play for us rather than being dumped too early.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AV82EC on August 17, 2020, 10:51:27 AM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on August 17, 2020, 10:14:43 AM

Quote from: AV82EC on August 17, 2020, 10:01:17 AM

We’ve already been embarrassed in the goalie dept as Gollini has done wonders since being back in Italy. I’m hoping talk of yet another keeper is just that as we have more pressing priorities in my view.

Didn't he refuse to stay when we let our Italian GK coach go after DiMatteo left.

He has gone on to be a good player, but like Veretout he left because he didn't want to play for us rather than being dumped too early.

If that’s the case then I stand corrected.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on August 17, 2020, 10:59:35 AM

I'd be happy with another keeper provided we moved a couple on.

Rashica is a deal for Lange and Purslow to do, evidence why were going places and sell the club to him. Because of the last 38 years (and last decade in particular) we need to sell the club to prospective signings.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Marlon From Bearwood on August 17, 2020, 11:14:23 AM

Quote from: frank black on August 16, 2020, 10:31:09 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on August 16, 2020, 10:27:34 PM

You'd think he'd prefer to be No1 at Sheffield rather than have to compete with Heaton for us?

Either way I'm not convinced it would be the best use of our budget.

Unless Heaton’s injury is worse than thought?

Sounds possible, which is a worry. I’ve heard similar rumours about Wesley. New Year’s Day at Burnley is looking like a very costly match (albeit one that produced 3 points).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: darren woolley on August 17, 2020, 11:28:22 AM

I would love to sign a striker as a priority.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 17, 2020, 11:29:46 AM

Kept us up with the points, but had we gone down, could have been the game that sent us down with the injuries. Funny old game.

If Heaton is out longer then I am with SoccerHQ - Etheridge for 3-4m is surely the better bet than Ramsdale, who looked a poor mans Pickford to me last season. I think I would sooner take a £6m punt on Butland, who is a much more talented keeper just needs a decent coach and a bit of belief.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave P on August 17, 2020, 12:00:56 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 17, 2020, 11:29:46 AM

Kept us up with the points, but had we gone down, could have been the game that sent us down with the injuries. Funny old game.

If Heaton is out longer then I am with SoccerHQ - Etheridge for 3-4m is surely the better bet than Ramsdale, who looked a poor mans Pickford to me last season. I think I would sooner take a £6m punt on Butland, who is a much more talented keeper just needs a decent coach and a bit of belief.

Don't blues get a % on a future Butland sale? If so, could we knock this off the fee to Stoke and give blues Hogan? Sort of kills 2 birds with one stone.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villan82 on August 17, 2020, 12:03:57 PM

My worry with Heaton is that the longer he is out the less likely, at his age, his return will see us getting back the same top keeper he was on 1 January 2020.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Tebepaul on August 17, 2020, 12:07:51 PM

The latest Rashica update from an ITK on the Werder Bremen fan forum seems - if accurate, of course - to confirm the trend that the player isn't keen:

"Aston Villa's offer is currently €27m fixed + bonuses which become active when various goals have been reached. These are presumably staggered bonuses dependent on whether the team don't get relegated, position in the league, number of appearances, qualification for European competition. The total figure is currently €35 million, Villa have amended their offer.

In addition, Milot is conflicted on the issue. Villa are prepared to pay considerably more than RB (Leipzig). He doesn't find either location attractive as they aren't - quote - "cool cities". He'd like to move to RB because of the Champions League. His plan is that his next career move should be the move before the really big career move. RB's offer is so bad, however, that FB (= Werder Bremen's chief executive Frank Baumann) has probably broken off negotiations and isn't prepared to discuss the matter any further.

Interestingly, Arsenal were also very interested at one point."

Source: https://worum.org/threads/16568-7-Milot-Rashica?p=11762047&viewfull=1#post11762047 (https://worum.org/threads/16568-7-Milot-Rashica?p=11762047&viewfull=1#post11762047)   

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave P on August 17, 2020, 12:11:09 PM

Tbf, it's hard to blame him.  He has a champions league club in the country where he is settled after him or a club in a new country who have just avoided relegation. Money may talk of course.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 17, 2020, 12:14:11 PM

Maybe set up a Zoom call with Percy to put him right on how 'cool' Birmingham is, the cheeky mulleted (probably), double denim wearing (again, likely) fan of David Hasselhoff's music (unverified).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdward on August 17, 2020, 12:27:20 PM

He wants cool, how about this..

Iconic brands Birds Custard, Cadbury Chocolate, Bournville Drinking Chocolate, HP Sauce and Typhoo Tea all started in Birmingham.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on August 17, 2020, 12:31:35 PM

I'd be worried, with Heaton's injury record & age, that a goalkeeper might be a note pressing concern than we'd hoped.

I'd go based on who Neil Cutler thought was the best / has the most potential regardless of price. Less "he'll do" attitude, and more buying the best players available. We need to be qualifying for Europe - maybe not this coming season, but we need to be preparing a side to be playing European football in 2/3 years time. All about showing ambition higher than being the best side in Birmingham.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on August 17, 2020, 12:33:15 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 17, 2020, 11:29:46 AM

Kept us up with the points, but had we gone down, could have been the game that sent us down with the injuries. Funny old game.

If Heaton is out longer then I am with SoccerHQ - Etheridge for 3-4m is surely the better bet than Ramsdale, who looked a poor mans Pickford to me last season. I think I would sooner take a £6m punt on Butland, who is a much more talented keeper just needs a decent coach and a bit of belief.

Every time I saw Cardiff live on TV in their last season in the premier League Etheridge impressed me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 17, 2020, 12:45:39 PM

Quote from: Gareth on August 17, 2020, 07:34:26 AM

I think Steer is fit again, he was pulled onto the bench last minute against Palace when Hause got injured in the warm up & Elmo had to start instead of him

Interesting. Odd he was number 3 considering he originally started the Wolves game ahead of Nyland.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on August 17, 2020, 12:46:51 PM

So, we're prepared to pay €37m for this guy?Is he really that good?
I'm all for upping the player-quality but that is serious shit.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 17, 2020, 12:52:50 PM

Quote from: Villan82 on August 17, 2020, 12:03:57 PM

My worry with Heaton is that the longer he is out the less likely, at his age, his return will see us getting back the same top keeper he was on 1 January 2020.

He had a serious injury with Burnley in 17-18 season. Came back and was in excellent form once he came back into their team midway through the next season and then did well for us up to January last season.

I guess the problem here is he probably won't be available for selection until October, Nyland needs to be kept away from starting games at all costs so the other option is Steer and I guess he's unproven at top level (although I'd rather give him a chance for 4-5 games than spunking 20m on an average keeper).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on August 17, 2020, 12:58:54 PM

Quote from: Mister E on August 17, 2020, 12:46:51 PM

So, we're prepared to pay €37m for this guy?Is he really that good?
I'm all for upping the player-quality but that is serious shit.

I think that is the going rate for a top player, he is very quick , but I don’t think he is on his way

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 17, 2020, 01:01:26 PM

Quote from: algy on August 17, 2020, 12:31:35 PM

I'd be worried, with Heaton's injury record & age, that a goalkeeper might be a note pressing concern than we'd hoped.

I'd go based on who Neil Cutler thought was the best / has the most potential regardless of price. Less "he'll do" attitude, and more buying the best players available. We need to be qualifying for Europe - maybe not this coming season, but we need to be preparing a side to be playing European football in 2/3 years time. All about showing ambition higher than being the best side in Birmingham.

Probably better to look abroad then. Palace signed Vicente Guiata on a free from Getafe two years ago and he's been very consistant for them.

Leeds took that young French keeper and he did well for them in the run in when the 1st choice got banned for racist abuse.

Also Newcastle with Dubravaka who I think they got for 3m, that is good scouting.

Rulli might be one to look at. Was on loan at Montpellier last season but now back at Real Sociedad where hwe was first choice for many years.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on August 17, 2020, 01:16:05 PM

Quote from: Dave P on August 17, 2020, 12:11:09 PM

Tbf, it's hard to blame him.  He has a champions league club in the country where he is settled after him or a club in a new country who have just avoided relegation. Money may talk of course.

A German club who don't rate him high enough to meet the asking price.

If he sees the next move as one before a big move, then demonstrating his abilities for a Premier League club has to be as good a shop window as any. We're clearly demonstrating to him how keen we are by how much money we're prepared to pay for him.

Unfortunately I don't think players abroad will appreciate the size of the club. He's young enough to be a naive about location.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Hookeysmith on August 17, 2020, 01:24:14 PM

get him over here, give him a few pints of M&B bitter, a Balti and a tour of Villa park

He will find out what cool is .

If he cannot be arsed to do some basic research about the club and the great city it is located in then i'm not sure i would want to be throwing that much money on him

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Tayls_7 on August 17, 2020, 01:29:35 PM

Quote from: Hookeysmith on August 17, 2020, 01:24:14 PM

get him over here, give him a few pints of M&B bitter, a Balti and a tour of Villa park

He will find out what cool is .

If he cannot be arsed to do some basic research about the club and the great city it is located in then i'm not sure i would want to be throwing that much money on him

Agreed. It worked with Ross McCormack.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 17, 2020, 01:46:37 PM

Quote from: Tayls_7 on August 17, 2020, 01:29:35 PM

Quote from: Hookeysmith on August 17, 2020, 01:24:14 PM

get him over here, give him a few pints of M&B bitter, a Balti and a tour of Villa park

He will find out what cool is .

If he cannot be arsed to do some basic research about the club and the great city it is located in then i'm not sure i would want to be throwing that much money on him

Agreed. It worked with Ross McCormack.

And look how that turned out.

This guy looks a really decent player, but I would hope we have many other targets if he isn't keen to come. We do need a bit of a statement signed to get the NSWE revolution moving a bit at some point. The one that makes other players think - yeah I will go there.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 17, 2020, 01:50:23 PM

Need to make a statement you say?  Go get him. ;)

https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/champions-league/messi-tells-barca-he-wants-to-leave-after-bayern-humiliation-39454361.html

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on August 17, 2020, 01:56:52 PM

It's shouldn't be a massive surprise that he's not that keen on joining a club that just avoided relegation when he's as highly rated as he seems to be and has had his head turned by the the potential of Champs League football at Leipzig.  We'll just need to move on to other targets.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 17, 2020, 01:56:53 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on August 17, 2020, 01:50:23 PM

Need to make a statement you say?  Go get him. ;)

https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/champions-league/messi-tells-barca-he-wants-to-leave-after-bayern-humiliation-39454361.html

Too old. We could have just kept Glenn Whelan.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on August 17, 2020, 01:57:36 PM

i think we're too big for Messi now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 17, 2020, 01:57:43 PM

Ah but could he do it on a cold, wet night in Rochdale....

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: CT on August 17, 2020, 02:20:41 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 17, 2020, 01:57:43 PM

Ah but could he do it on a cold, wet night in Rochdale....

If we sign him, he may get a chance to do it on a cold wet night in Smethwick. Same thing 😉

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 17, 2020, 02:22:03 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on August 17, 2020, 01:50:23 PM

Need to make a statement you say?  Go get him. ;)

https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/champions-league/messi-tells-barca-he-wants-to-leave-after-bayern-humiliation-39454361.html

Going to the Wolves.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 17, 2020, 02:25:21 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on August 17, 2020, 01:50:23 PM

Need to make a statement you say?  Go get him. ;)

https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/champions-league/messi-tells-barca-he-wants-to-leave-after-bayern-humiliation-39454361.html

I can just imagine him hanging round the mail box
doing the Peaky Blinders tour and visiting the Black Sabbath museum

before taking the wrong turn on spaghetti on match day and ending up in Cannock Chase with Stan

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 17, 2020, 02:28:54 PM

Quote from: Ads on August 17, 2020, 02:22:03 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on August 17, 2020, 01:50:23 PM

Need to make a statement you say?  Go get him. ;)

https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/champions-league/messi-tells-barca-he-wants-to-leave-after-bayern-humiliation-39454361.html

Going to the Wolves.

#Levels

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 17, 2020, 02:45:35 PM

A Spanish news outlet saying Man City want to reactivate Luiz's buy back. Hopefully not true.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave P on August 17, 2020, 02:55:57 PM

Quote from: Ads on August 17, 2020, 02:45:35 PM

A Spanish news outlet saying Man City want to reactivate Luiz's buy back. Hopefully not true.

I suppose this is the news we've been dreading all summer.  His performances since the restart have been stunning and they can buy him for a stupidly low fee.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on August 17, 2020, 03:00:24 PM

Quote from: Dave P on August 17, 2020, 02:55:57 PM

Quote from: Ads on August 17, 2020, 02:45:35 PM

A Spanish news outlet saying Man City want to reactivate Luiz's buy back. Hopefully not true.

I suppose this is the news we've been dreading all summer.  His performances since the restart have been stunning and they can buy him for a stupidly low fee.

seeing where they have problems he will add strength to their squad.
Let’s see if the permit theorist on here are right.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on August 17, 2020, 03:12:10 PM

Milan's left back Diego Laxalt is going cheap, around £9m. Could be a tidy bit of business to replace Taylor (and hopefully Targett).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: richardb on August 17, 2020, 03:22:28 PM

Quote from: Ads on August 17, 2020, 02:45:35 PM

A Spanish news outlet saying Man City want to reactivate Luiz's buy back. Hopefully not true.

I wonder if there's scope for us to buy out the buy back clause? It'd be an interesting statement of intent on our part, although I accept, wholly unrealistic.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on August 17, 2020, 03:33:19 PM

Quote from: richardb on August 17, 2020, 03:22:28 PM

Quote from: Ads on August 17, 2020, 02:45:35 PM

A Spanish news outlet saying Man City want to reactivate Luiz's buy back. Hopefully not true.

I wonder if there's scope for us to buy out the buy back clause? It'd be an interesting statement of intent on our part, although I accept, wholly unrealistic.

I wonder if that is what City are looking for.  It would be frustrating to have to spend £10-£15m of our budget buying out a clause, but possibly worth it?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on August 17, 2020, 03:35:12 PM

Quote from: algy on August 17, 2020, 12:31:35 PM

I'd be worried, with Heaton's injury record & age, that a goalkeeper might be a note pressing concern than we'd hoped.

I'd go based on who Neil Cutler thought was the best / has the most potential regardless of price. Less "he'll do" attitude, and more buying the best players available. We need to be qualifying for Europe - maybe not this coming season, but we need to be preparing a side to be playing European football in 2/3 years time. All about showing ambition higher than being the best side in Birmingham.

Presume Cutler gave the ok to Kalinic, Heaton and Reina? I don't think it's any surprise we are looking to strengthen our options at GK. I didn't think Heaton was anything more than ok before his injury and Smith has never seem sold on Steer or Nyland, with good reason regarding the latter. We can't afford another season like the last going through four keepers.

It does seem a little strange that Bournemouth conceded 65 goals last season but might get the bones of £65m back for their main defender and goalkeeper! Has anyone seen much of Ramsdale? Seems a very steep price. English goalkeepers tend to be wildly overrated e.g. Pickford.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 17, 2020, 03:41:59 PM

Quote from: Ads on August 17, 2020, 02:45:35 PM

A Spanish news outlet saying Man City want to reactivate Luiz's buy back. Hopefully not true.

That would be a massive blow.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WRVilla on August 17, 2020, 03:49:23 PM

Douglas Luiz would be a fool to go back there (a very rich fool no doubt).

He’s going to play every game for us in what should be an improving side and be one of our most important players. If he goes he’s probably just biding his time until their next £50/£60/£70m superstar walks through the door and he ends up glued to the bench.

Not that we can do much to stop it from happening if they decide they want him back!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 17, 2020, 03:51:20 PM

Quote from: WRVilla on August 17, 2020, 03:49:23 PM

Douglas Luiz would be a fool to go back there (a very rich fool no doubt).

He’s going to play every game for us in what should be an improving side and be one of our most important players. If he goes he’s probably just biding his time until their next £50/£60/£70m superstar walks through the door and he ends up glued to the bench.

Not that we can do much to stop it from happening if they decide they want him back!

I think he will be the next superstar. But agree his development is probably best served playing every week during the coming season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on August 17, 2020, 03:53:23 PM

How would a Spanish news outlet know that Man City would want their Brazilian ex-player (who has a Brazilian agent) back?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 17, 2020, 03:54:00 PM

We'll be in trouble if we lose him and Grealish.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 17, 2020, 03:57:50 PM

Quote from: Drummond on August 17, 2020, 03:53:23 PM

How would a Spanish news outlet know that Man City would want their Brazilian ex-player (who has a Brazilian agent) back?

Probably wouldn’t, anymore than a news outlet here, but he did used to play in Spain. So in theory there could be a contact there.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villan82 on August 17, 2020, 04:07:57 PM

Are we ever going to break this cycle? This cycle of having our best players picked off before we can build something ourselves?

Even megga rich owners, when they arrive here, seem unable to end it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 17, 2020, 04:12:07 PM

Well not if you have pre-defined buy back clauses. But to be fair that’s reasonably unusual and it also enabled us to get a superb player in.

Also it’s just speculation at the moment, so may not come to pass.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 17, 2020, 04:15:16 PM

No need to worry. I have it on good authority (from reliable sources) that anyone who believes press talk is a pant-wetter. Anyone speculating that we won't sign the cream of Europe this window is a doom monger.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 17, 2020, 04:15:48 PM

Quote from: Drummond on August 17, 2020, 03:53:23 PM

How would a Spanish news outlet know that Man City would want their Brazilian ex-player (who has a Brazilian agent) back?

Pep told them off the record when they interviewed him after the game on Saturday?

I really hope not though. Luiz will be one of the joys next season. I really think he'll be as good in midfield for us in two years as Milner was in 2010.

Hopefully he's got his head screwed on and realises playing here every week is what he needs for his career right now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on August 17, 2020, 04:20:52 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 17, 2020, 04:15:16 PM

No need to worry. I have it on good authority (from reliable sources) that anyone who believes press talk is a pant-wetter. Anyone speculating that we won't sign the cream of Europe this window is a doom monger.

Get out of the wrong side of the bed this morning?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on August 17, 2020, 04:21:08 PM

I can't see Luiz going back to Man City. The way I understood the process when we signed him was that we could get a work permit based on him being one of our highest paid players and being an important first team player.

Are Man City going to give him a 25 games next season and wage parity with Aguero and Sterling? Doubt it. Think he will stay. Only other way is if they activate the clause and sell him on for a profit elsewhere, which could happen but I don't think is very likely.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 17, 2020, 04:22:36 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on August 17, 2020, 04:21:08 PM

I can't see Luiz going back to Man City. The way I understood the process when we signed him was that we could get a work permit based on him being one of our highest paid players and being an important first team player.

Are Man City going to give him a 25 games next season and wage parity with Aguero and Sterling? Doubt it. Think he will stay. Only other way is if they activate the clause and sell him on for a profit elsewhere, which could happen but I don't think is very likely.

They can do anything they want

they proved that in court not so long back

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave P on August 17, 2020, 04:24:34 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on August 17, 2020, 04:21:08 PM

I can't see Luiz going back to Man City. The way I understood the process when we signed him was that we could get a work permit based on him being one of our highest paid players and being an important first team player.

Are Man City going to give him a 25 games next season and wage parity with Aguero and Sterling? Doubt it. Think he will stay. Only other way is if they activate the clause and sell him on for a profit elsewhere, which could happen but I don't think is very likely.

Twitter comments to this news (I know I know) has Man City fans seeing him as a replacement for Gundogan and seem quite excited by it.  They may have seen his potential before any of us obviously.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on August 17, 2020, 04:27:20 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on August 17, 2020, 04:21:08 PM

I can't see Luiz going back to Man City. The way I understood the process when we signed him was that we could get a work permit based on him being one of our highest paid players and being an important first team player.

Those are plausible reasons why Man City choose not to exercise the right to buy him.

But presumably if they opt to do it then they're presumably going to be pretty confident that they aren't going to be an issue.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave P on August 17, 2020, 04:29:17 PM

Also they can buy him for £25m knowing he's worth probably double that.  They may even have a buyer lined up, who knows?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 17, 2020, 04:46:03 PM

I don't know shit about this clause, the same as anybody else really, but I thought it was only if we decide to sell they get first dibs, they can't force us to.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on August 17, 2020, 04:48:13 PM

Quote from: LeeB on August 17, 2020, 04:46:03 PM

I don't know shit about this clause, the same as anybody else really, but I thought it was only if we decide to sell they get first dibs, they can't force us to.

That was my impression too, although that was just going on what'd been written on here (I think)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on August 17, 2020, 04:51:55 PM

Have to say, watching Man City the other day, my first thought wasn't 'not enough ball playing defensive midfielders'.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 17, 2020, 04:54:34 PM

Quote from: LeeB on August 17, 2020, 04:46:03 PM

I don't know shit about this clause, the same as anybody else really, but I thought it was only if we decide to sell they get first dibs, they can't force us to.

Assuming it's a minimum fee release clause, it means that we have to accept if the club triggers the clause. It's then up to the player if he wants to go. What you've mentioned would be a first option clause, which wouldn't make any sense in this instance since Citeh are clearly the richer club and considered the bigger club. If we (little old Villa) were willing to sell, that would imply that we didn't want him, so why would City? There aren't many scenarios in which that type of clause would be in their favour rather than ours, so it's got to be a minimum fee release clause

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Marlon From Bearwood on August 17, 2020, 04:58:48 PM

Looks like Douglas’s brother just retweeted the Man City story with something in Portuguese appearing to endorse it.

Looks like he’s off.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on August 17, 2020, 04:59:57 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 17, 2020, 04:54:34 PM

Quote from: LeeB on August 17, 2020, 04:46:03 PM

I don't know shit about this clause, the same as anybody else really, but I thought it was only if we decide to sell they get first dibs, they can't force us to.

Assuming it's a minimum fee release clause, it means that we have to accept if the club triggers the clause. It's then up to the player if he wants to go.

It's not - it was delved into quite deeply on here at the time he signed.

If they meet the pre-agreed fee, he goes. He accepted the return move at the same time he agreed the move to us. The return terms are set and if the switch is flicked then they are just enacted.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on August 17, 2020, 05:00:43 PM

which is why i always saw him as just a loan player who might make us a few quid, once his salary had been taken into account

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 17, 2020, 05:01:41 PM

Quote from: Dave on August 17, 2020, 04:59:57 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 17, 2020, 04:54:34 PM

Quote from: LeeB on August 17, 2020, 04:46:03 PM

I don't know shit about this clause, the same as anybody else really, but I thought it was only if we decide to sell they get first dibs, they can't force us to.

Assuming it's a minimum fee release clause, it means that we have to accept if the club triggers the clause. It's then up to the player if he wants to go.

It's not - it was delved into quite deeply on here at the time he signed.

If they meet the pre-agreed fee, he goes. He accepted the return move at the same time he agreed the move to us. The return terms are set and if the switch is flicked then they are just enacted.

Okay, so it's even more out of our hands than others have suggested.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on August 17, 2020, 05:04:49 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 17, 2020, 05:01:41 PM

Quote from: Dave on August 17, 2020, 04:59:57 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 17, 2020, 04:54:34 PM

Quote from: LeeB on August 17, 2020, 04:46:03 PM

I don't know shit about this clause, the same as anybody else really, but I thought it was only if we decide to sell they get first dibs, they can't force us to.

Assuming it's a minimum fee release clause, it means that we have to accept if the club triggers the clause. It's then up to the player if he wants to go.

It's not - it was delved into quite deeply on here at the time he signed.

If they meet the pre-agreed fee, he goes. He accepted the return move at the same time he agreed the move to us. The return terms are set and if the switch is flicked then they are just enacted.

Okay, so it's even more out of our hands than others have suggested.

The only input that we can have - if they are buying to sell him elsewhere then there is nothing stopping us offering their potential profit or more to overwrite the original agreement.

And if the player is happy with that (compared to his alternative move), then I can't imagine Man City would have a problem with it if they're not losing out.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: frank black on August 17, 2020, 05:06:12 PM

Oh shit this is bad news , but grateful we had him after lockdown.

Let’s hope we get very lucky replacing him, it’s a big hole to fill as he’s been excellent.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on August 17, 2020, 05:06:44 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 17, 2020, 05:01:41 PM

Quote from: Dave on August 17, 2020, 04:59:57 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 17, 2020, 04:54:34 PM

Quote from: LeeB on August 17, 2020, 04:46:03 PM

I don't know shit about this clause, the same as anybody else really, but I thought it was only if we decide to sell they get first dibs, they can't force us to.

Assuming it's a minimum fee release clause, it means that we have to accept if the club triggers the clause. It's then up to the player if he wants to go.

It's not - it was delved into quite deeply on here at the time he signed.

If they meet the pre-agreed fee, he goes. He accepted the return move at the same time he agreed the move to us. The return terms are set and if the switch is flicked then they are just enacted.

Okay, so it's even more out of our hands than others have suggested.

yes, the bollocks about games and salary. They would not have sold him with a release clause that they could not take advantage of.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 17, 2020, 05:21:13 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on August 17, 2020, 05:06:44 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 17, 2020, 05:01:41 PM

Quote from: Dave on August 17, 2020, 04:59:57 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 17, 2020, 04:54:34 PM

Quote from: LeeB on August 17, 2020, 04:46:03 PM

I don't know shit about this clause, the same as anybody else really, but I thought it was only if we decide to sell they get first dibs, they can't force us to.

Assuming it's a minimum fee release clause, it means that we have to accept if the club triggers the clause. It's then up to the player if he wants to go.

It's not - it was delved into quite deeply on here at the time he signed.

If they meet the pre-agreed fee, he goes. He accepted the return move at the same time he agreed the move to us. The return terms are set and if the switch is flicked then they are just enacted.

Okay, so it's even more out of our hands than others have suggested.

yes, the bollocks about games and salary. They would not have sold him with a release clause that they could not take advantage of.

Yeah, I basically said as much in my OP, which Dave for some reason edited down in his reply.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on August 17, 2020, 05:23:49 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 17, 2020, 05:21:13 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on August 17, 2020, 05:06:44 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 17, 2020, 05:01:41 PM

Quote from: Dave on August 17, 2020, 04:59:57 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 17, 2020, 04:54:34 PM

Quote from: LeeB on August 17, 2020, 04:46:03 PM

I don't know shit about this clause, the same as anybody else really, but I thought it was only if we decide to sell they get first dibs, they can't force us to.

Assuming it's a minimum fee release clause, it means that we have to accept if the club triggers the clause. It's then up to the player if he wants to go.

It's not - it was delved into quite deeply on here at the time he signed.

If they meet the pre-agreed fee, he goes. He accepted the return move at the same time he agreed the move to us. The return terms are set and if the switch is flicked then they are just enacted.

Okay, so it's even more out of our hands than others have suggested.

yes, the bollocks about games and salary. They would not have sold him with a release clause that they could not take advantage of.

Yeah, I basically said as much in my OP, which Dave for some reason edited down in his reply.

Because that was the particular part that I was replying to. Nothing sinister.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SaddVillan on August 17, 2020, 05:25:29 PM

If he goes back to Citeh, will Douglas be able to satisfy the work visa requirements?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on August 17, 2020, 05:32:46 PM

You know, for all the talk of consolidation, of getting through the first season back and building on that, I can't help but feel that selling our two best midfielders to the benches of Manchester might be the opposite of 'consolidation'. Without Jack and Doug this season we'd have finished bottom.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on August 17, 2020, 05:36:01 PM

Quote from: SaddVillan on August 17, 2020, 05:25:29 PM

If he goes back to Citeh, will Douglas be able to satisfy the work visa requirements?

Exactly. He has a two year working visa with us that specifies the minimum number of games he must play. He passed his English exam in June, another clause in his visa conditions. So far so good. At Man City, I can't see him meeting the minimum number of games clause. My guess is he'll be here for at least another season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 17, 2020, 05:40:55 PM

Points system is heavily influenced by fee and wages, don’t think work permit will be an issue.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 17, 2020, 05:47:58 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on August 17, 2020, 05:36:01 PM

Quote from: SaddVillan on August 17, 2020, 05:25:29 PM

If he goes back to Citeh, will Douglas be able to satisfy the work visa requirements?

Exactly. He has a two year working visa with us that specifies the minimum number of games he must play. He passed his English exam in June, another clause in his visa conditions. So far so good. At Man City, I can't see him meeting the minimum number of games clause. My guess is he'll be here for at least another season.

I think the same, it will suit all parties to wait another year. The flurry of rumours is just because Citeh got their arses handed to them the other day.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Nii Lamptey on August 17, 2020, 05:52:54 PM

Really impressed with him post-lockdown, and will be gutted if he goes back to City - Which is looking highly likely now.

We should have seen it coming really - City knew exactly what they were doing. It looks like it's basically a glorified loan where they can lend us their player, get him up to scratch with this league and sort out his visa issues in the process.   :(

He's gonna be some player in the next few years, and it will be a shame if that's not with us. If he does go, I'd wish him all the best for the future - Got his head down and put everything into our survival run.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villan82 on August 17, 2020, 05:53:31 PM

Quote from: Monty on August 17, 2020, 05:32:46 PM

You know, for all the talk of consolidation, of getting through the first season back and building on that, I can't help but feel that selling our two best midfielders to the benches of Manchester might be the opposite of 'consolidation'. Without Jack and Doug this season we'd have finished bottom.

It's pretty shit alright.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on August 17, 2020, 05:56:50 PM

Quote from: LeeB on August 17, 2020, 05:47:58 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on August 17, 2020, 05:36:01 PM

Quote from: SaddVillan on August 17, 2020, 05:25:29 PM

If he goes back to Citeh, will Douglas be able to satisfy the work visa requirements?

Exactly. He has a two year working visa with us that specifies the minimum number of games he must play. He passed his English exam in June, another clause in his visa conditions. So far so good. At Man City, I can't see him meeting the minimum number of games clause. My guess is he'll be here for at least another season.

I think the same, it will suit all parties to wait another year. The flurry of rumours is just because Citeh got their arses handed to them the other day.

Indeed. The headline that his brother linked to says pretty much the same - 'After elimination in the Champions, Manchester City have to put on the agenda the buyback of Douglas Luiz'. At least that's my understanding, it's Brazilian Portuguese and that lot don't talk proper so it could mean almost anything.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 17, 2020, 06:01:25 PM

Hope it’s bollocks, but it might make some sense.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: frank black on August 17, 2020, 06:03:37 PM

One things for sure if he goes, Marvelous will need to become Miraculous.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on August 17, 2020, 06:07:43 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on August 17, 2020, 05:40:55 PM

Points system is heavily influenced by fee and wages, don’t think work permit will be an issue.

I nicked this post the Dougie thread when we were first linked to him - I can't see how Luiz would get 4 points next season at Man City:

Quote from: Dominic22 on July 12, 2019, 12:54:10 PM

Not sure how true this is but if so it makes sense for both clubs as it would make it near imposible for him to get a work permit for Man City in the near futire.

You need to get 4pts out of this list to satisfy the requirements to get a work permit, which for us he will do 

3pts - Fee is in the top 25% of all PL transfers this summer.

2pts - Fee is in the top 50% of all PL transfers this summer.

3pts - The wages are in the top 25% at the club.

2pts - The wages are in the top 50% at the club.

1pt - The players current club is in a top league and he played 30% or more games.

1pt - the players current club is in European competition and played 30% of games.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on August 17, 2020, 06:12:52 PM

If Luiz and Grealish go (and I suspect they will) then we are going to find it extremely difficult to tackle this season with a stronger squad than last year.

Not great.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on August 17, 2020, 06:15:01 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on August 17, 2020, 06:12:52 PM

If Luiz and Grealish go (and I suspect they will) then we are going to find it extremely difficult to tackle this season with a stronger squad than last year.

Not great.

The Luiz situation is not so clear cut but if he does go we have to absolutely dig our heels in to keep Jack for at least one more season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave shelley on August 17, 2020, 06:15:39 PM

I'm beginning to feel a little bit uneasy about what's happening.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on August 17, 2020, 06:16:34 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on August 17, 2020, 06:12:52 PM

If Luiz and Grealish go (and I suspect they will) then we are going to find it extremely difficult to tackle this season with a stronger squad than last year.

Not great.

Ha! And there was me thinking I was a misery arse, Paulie. I actually think they'll both stay.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on August 17, 2020, 06:18:12 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on August 17, 2020, 06:07:43 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on August 17, 2020, 05:40:55 PM

Points system is heavily influenced by fee and wages, don’t think work permit will be an issue.

I nicked this post the Dougie thread when we were first linked to him - I can't see how Luiz would get 4 points next season at Man City:

Quote from: Dominic22 on July 12, 2019, 12:54:10 PM

Not sure how true this is but if so it makes sense for both clubs as it would make it near imposible for him to get a work permit for Man City in the near futire.

You need to get 4pts out of this list to satisfy the requirements to get a work permit, which for us he will do 

3pts - Fee is in the top 25% of all PL transfers this summer.

2pts - Fee is in the top 50% of all PL transfers this summer.

3pts - The wages are in the top 25% at the club.

2pts - The wages are in the top 50% at the club.

1pt - The players current club is in a top league and he played 30% or more games.

1pt - the players current club is in European competition and played 30% of games.

The second, fourth and fifth would all be pretty likely and get him five points surely?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 17, 2020, 06:18:33 PM

Percy says City aren't activating the buy back this summer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Tebepaul on August 17, 2020, 06:18:50 PM

"On Douglas Luiz: Manchester City have no plans to trigger the buyback this summer. Highly likely that #avfc will offer him a new contract ahead of the new season."

Source: John Percy https://twitter.com/JPercyTelegraph/status/1295409313196974082 (https://twitter.com/JPercyTelegraph/status/1295409313196974082)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 17, 2020, 06:20:33 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on August 17, 2020, 06:12:52 PM

If Luiz and Grealish go (and I suspect they will) then we are going to find it extremely difficult to tackle this season with a stronger squad than last year.

Not great.

If they both go that will be another 100 million in the kitty
so a total of £200 million to play with

we will have more than enough to cover Drinwaters wages

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Richard E on August 17, 2020, 06:21:46 PM

Rashica - so supposedly a bloke who grew up in Vučitrn, Kosovo, allegedly thinks Birmingham isn’t cool enough? That’d be like me sitting here in Tipton dissing Paris or New York.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 17, 2020, 06:22:28 PM

Quote from: Ads on August 17, 2020, 06:18:33 PM

Percy says City aren't activating the buy back this summer.

ha ha for a moment there i read that as our H&V Percy

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 17, 2020, 06:24:16 PM

Quote from: Richard E on August 17, 2020, 06:21:46 PM

Rashica - so supposedly a bloke who grew up in Vučitrn, Kosovo, allegedly thinks Birmingham isn’t cool enough? That’d be like me sitting here in Tipton dissing Paris or New York.

Does Paris have the Cracker? Check and mate.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on August 17, 2020, 06:24:25 PM

Quote from: Tebepaul on August 17, 2020, 06:18:50 PM

"On Douglas Luiz: Manchester City have no plans to trigger the buyback this summer. Highly likely that #avfc will offer him a new contract ahead of the new season."

Source: John Percy https://twitter.com/JPercyTelegraph/status/1295409313196974082 (https://twitter.com/JPercyTelegraph/status/1295409313196974082)

The replies from the Villa fans on there is something special.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on August 17, 2020, 06:26:10 PM

Luis Suarez linked with a return to Ajax, wouldn’t mind him leading the line for us!!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: themossman on August 17, 2020, 06:29:45 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on August 17, 2020, 06:16:34 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on August 17, 2020, 06:12:52 PM

If Luiz and Grealish go (and I suspect they will) then we are going to find it extremely difficult to tackle this season with a stronger squad than last year.

Not great.

Ha! And there was me thinking I was a misery arse, Paulie. I actually think they'll both stay.

I’m 50/50 on the likelihood of them going but if they both did the optics are terrible. Even if the reasons are entirely different, we’re selling our two best players and it would carry the whiff that we hadn’t convinced them we’re serious about building something better than a scraping survival/yo-yo team.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on August 17, 2020, 06:31:27 PM

Quote from: Bent Neilsens Screamer on August 17, 2020, 06:26:10 PM

Luis Suarez linked with a return to Ajax, wouldn’t mind him leading the line for us!!

I seem to recall his wife took her time moving from Holland when he joined Liverpool so maybe she wants them to move back there.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 17, 2020, 06:31:30 PM

How are we meant to convince Luiz considering we have no say in it and neither does the player.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 17, 2020, 06:32:33 PM

No Cannibals Need Apply.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on August 17, 2020, 06:33:26 PM

Quote from: Richard E on August 17, 2020, 06:21:46 PM

Rashica - so supposedly a bloke who grew up in Vučitrn, Kosovo, allegedly thinks Birmingham isn’t cool enough? That’d be like me sitting here in Tipton dissing Paris or New York.

Makes you wonder how the hell Man Utd ever signed any foreign players. No wonder they continue to invest so heavily in their Youth Academy.

EDIT: Is there any update regarding Rashica or is it dead?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: themossman on August 17, 2020, 06:42:49 PM

Quote from: PeterWithesShin on August 17, 2020, 06:31:30 PM

How are we meant to convince Luiz considering we have no say in it and neither does the player.

Oh I agree. I think it would like something it isn’t.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: johnny from donny on August 17, 2020, 07:20:25 PM

Quote from: PeterWithesShin on August 17, 2020, 06:31:30 PM

How are we meant to convince Luiz considering we have no say in it and neither does the player.

I disagree, if he doesn't want to sign a contract at Manchester City I very much doubt they could force him. Also, if he told them he didn't want to play there, I don't think they would want him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: TelfordVilla on August 17, 2020, 07:28:26 PM

No chance of either Luiz or Grealish leaving. No one will offer them 1st team football. Why would either of them want to sit on the bench

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Skerra on August 17, 2020, 07:32:46 PM

For their own sakes, I hope Doug and Jack stay at Villa. If they depart for Manchester, I’d take a good cushion with them as they’ll be sitting on the bench half of the time. Better to be top players at Villa than also rans elsewhere.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 17, 2020, 07:35:39 PM

I want them to stay, and hope they do, but they are good enough not to be also rans. I’m sure they’ll have that belief too.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on August 17, 2020, 07:48:20 PM

Quote from: TelfordVilla on August 17, 2020, 07:28:26 PM

No chance of either Luiz or Grealish leaving. No one will offer them 1st team football. Why would either of them want to sit on the bench

On the evidence of both Manchester clubs limping out of their respective European competitions in the past week both of our lads would be well capable of playing for either of them.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on August 17, 2020, 07:58:00 PM

I think if Manchester City have ambition of winning the Champions League then Luiz isn't going to help them much.
He's a good player - but not likely to improve their first team a great deal.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on August 17, 2020, 08:23:24 PM

Both Jack & Douglas would get plenty of game time at either Manchester club Imho but hopefully the nervousness of clubs to spend and the quick turnaround to playing again will keep them both here.....the worry would be if either club got any bad injuries in first 3 weeks of season that changes transfer strategy

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 17, 2020, 08:28:20 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on August 17, 2020, 07:58:00 PM

I think if Manchester City have ambition of winning the Champions League then Luiz isn't going to help them much.
He's a good player - but not likely to improve their first team a great deal.

I assume you mean at this time? Because he’s 20 and he’s going to be a superstar.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on August 17, 2020, 08:35:54 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on August 17, 2020, 08:28:20 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on August 17, 2020, 07:58:00 PM

I think if Manchester City have ambition of winning the Champions League then Luiz isn't going to help them much.
He's a good player - but not likely to improve their first team a great deal.

I assume you mean at this time? Because he’s 20 and he’s going to be a superstar.

He's 22 and he will be top-class.
Is he the answer to Citeh's problems? - probably not.
Would he fit in there? - undoubtedly on the pitch.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: simboy on August 17, 2020, 08:37:37 PM

I can’t see Luiz playing ahead of Rodri, Herrera or Fernandinho and Jack is unlikely to get ahead of Fernandes, or one of the front three at the moment. Jack will be looking to the Euro squad next year so will need regular starts. Getting 20 minutes every other game won’t get him a squad place above Foden or Mount.

Well, that’s my blinkered view ... and I’m sticking to it!!!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on August 17, 2020, 08:41:09 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on August 17, 2020, 08:28:20 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on August 17, 2020, 07:58:00 PM

I think if Manchester City have ambition of winning the Champions League then Luiz isn't going to help them much.
He's a good player - but not likely to improve their first team a great deal.

I assume you mean at this time? Because he’s 20 and he’s going to be a superstar.

in a few years he could be a top player, just not yet.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on August 17, 2020, 08:50:21 PM

Quote from: simboy on August 17, 2020, 08:37:37 PM

I can’t see Luiz playing ahead of Rodri, Herrera or Fernandinho and Jack is unlikely to get ahead of Fernandes, or one of the front three at the moment.

Herrera left to join PSG last year.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: TelfordVilla on August 17, 2020, 08:56:23 PM

2 from Norwich, 2 from Brentford and 1 from Celtic please. Goodbye Taylor and lansbury and Kalinic and samara and Davies (on loan) job done.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on August 17, 2020, 09:01:44 PM

Curtis Davies left us yonks ago.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: simboy on August 17, 2020, 09:10:53 PM

Quote from: Dave on August 17, 2020, 08:50:21 PM

Quote from: simboy on August 17, 2020, 08:37:37 PM

I can’t see Luiz playing ahead of Rodri, Herrera or Fernandinho and Jack is unlikely to get ahead of Fernandes, or one of the front three at the moment.

Herrera left to join PSG last year.

Ah. That’ll teach me to keep my Citeh knowledge up to date ... Apologies

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Richard E on August 17, 2020, 09:14:33 PM

Quote from: simboy on August 17, 2020, 09:10:53 PM

Quote from: Dave on August 17, 2020, 08:50:21 PM

Quote from: simboy on August 17, 2020, 08:37:37 PM

I can’t see Luiz playing ahead of Rodri, Herrera or Fernandinho and Jack is unlikely to get ahead of Fernandes, or one of the front three at the moment.

Herrera left to join PSG last year.

Ah. That’ll teach me to keep my Citeh knowledge up to date ... Apologies

Didn’t Herrera play for United rather than Citeh?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 17, 2020, 09:19:40 PM

Yup.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on August 17, 2020, 09:41:34 PM

Quote from: simboy on August 17, 2020, 08:37:37 PM

I can’t see Luiz playing ahead of Rodri, Herrera or Fernandinho and Jack is unlikely to get ahead of Fernandes, or one of the front three at the moment. Jack will be looking to the Euro squad next year so will need regular starts. Getting 20 minutes every other game won’t get him a squad place above Foden or Mount.

Well, that’s my blinkered view ... and I’m sticking to it!!!

Fernandinho is 35, Gundogan is off aswell isn't he? He isn't up to much anyway imo. Silva has just left. City finished 18 points behind Liverpool and knocked out by Lyon. They need a lot of changes in personnel. There are very few nailed on starters for Guardiola but both of our lads would get plenty of game time there in a 50 game odd season.

I think Grealish has more to his game than the penalty king Fernandes. Fernandes can see a pass alright but doesn't have Jack's ability to go past players. Hardly a stretch to suggest Luiz would be a better option that the likes of Matic and Fred either.

Obviously this summer it would be a lot better if a) McGinn used the off season to address his poor conditioning and b) we add another couple of players to strengthen what should be a very strong midfield.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on August 17, 2020, 10:31:47 PM

Can't we just buy the players Brentford are signing so we don't have to pay the sell on fee? 

Seriously Villa, I'm getting bored now.  Sort it out.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Smirker on August 17, 2020, 10:40:02 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on August 17, 2020, 06:12:52 PM

If Luiz and Grealish go (and I suspect they will) then we are going to find it extremely difficult to tackle this season with a stronger squad than last year.

Not great.

I'm very confident both will be here past the transfer window.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: olaftab on August 17, 2020, 11:05:33 PM

Quote from: Richard E on August 17, 2020, 09:14:33 PM

Didn’t Herrera play for United rather than Citeh?

Yes but if you are in China it doesn't matter as it's all Manchester Club.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: olaftab on August 17, 2020, 11:20:26 PM

Quote from: Tebepaul on August 17, 2020, 12:07:51 PM

The latest Rashica update from an ITK on the Werder Bremen fan forum seems - if accurate, of course - to confirm the trend that the player isn't keen:

"Aston Villa's offer is currently €27m fixed + bonuses which become active when various goals have been reached. These are presumably staggered bonuses dependent on whether the team don't get relegated, position in the league, number of appearances, qualification for European competition. The total figure is currently €35 million, Villa have amended their offer.

In addition, Milot is conflicted on the issue. Villa are prepared to pay considerably more than RB (Leipzig). He doesn't find either location attractive as they aren't - quote - "cool cities". He'd like to move to RB because of the Champions League. His plan is that his next career move should be the move before the really big career move. RB's offer is so bad, however, that FB (= Werder Bremen's chief executive Frank Baumann) has probably broken off negotiations and isn't prepared to discuss the matter any further.
Interestingly, Arsenal were also very interested at one point."
Source: https://worum.org/threads/16568-7-Milot-Rashica?p=11762047&viewfull=1#post11762047 (https://worum.org/threads/16568-7-Milot-Rashica?p=11762047&viewfull=1#post11762047)     

He can ***k off...total prima donna already.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on August 17, 2020, 11:35:43 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on August 17, 2020, 09:41:34 PM

I think Grealish has more to his game than the penalty king Fernandes. Fernandes can see a pass alright but doesn't have Jack's ability to go past players.

Completely different players. Fernandes is more your SJM and they need a right winger more than anything. Jack is the obvious replacement for Silva at Man City though they're more than happy with Foden, so no real need to splash out £80m on a player you won't play most games.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 17, 2020, 11:43:40 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on August 17, 2020, 07:35:39 PM

I want them to stay, and hope they do, but they are good enough not to be also rans. I’m sure they’ll have that belief too.

Was the same when Barry, Milner and Young left. Claims on here they weren't good enough (despite being our best players by miles) and would constantly bench warm. Milner did for a bit but the others were regulars from joining. All three did o.k. Even Delph played a fair bit at Man. City albeit at left back and think Luiz is going to be a much better midfielder.

That said we need to keep both for one more year. Really think it's important for our overall development for next five years plus it would be nice not to have a depressing relegation battle in premier league for once and we're far more likely to get to the giddy heights of 12th with both of them still around.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ROBBO on August 18, 2020, 04:33:01 AM

Barry in particular, i might have been guilty myself in criticising him, i well remember the lard arse, too slow, not good enough posts.
He went on to play well elswhere.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on August 18, 2020, 07:49:49 AM

Benrahma has pissed off Leeds fans with some sort of video showing him doing stuff on holiday - they are in total agreement that he is a narcissistic wanker who does not fit Bielsa's player profile so now nailed on for us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on August 18, 2020, 08:12:37 AM

He’s pissed Leeds fans off? Sign him just for that.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 18, 2020, 08:44:43 AM

Quote from: mr underhill on August 18, 2020, 07:49:49 AM

Benrahma has pissed off Leeds fans with some sort of video showing him doing stuff on holiday - they are in total agreement that he is a narcissistic wanker who does not fit Bielsa's player profile so now nailed on for us.

Leeds fans live in a fantasy world where footballers are still like Don Revie and Johnny Giles.

But they brought Eric Cantona to England and their #9 is Patrick Bamford.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: CT on August 18, 2020, 09:14:59 AM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 18, 2020, 08:44:43 AM

Quote from: mr underhill on August 18, 2020, 07:49:49 AM

Benrahma has pissed off Leeds fans with some sort of video showing him doing stuff on holiday - they are in total agreement that he is a narcissistic wanker who does not fit Bielsa's player profile so now nailed on for us.

Leeds fans live in a fantasy world where footballers are still like Don Revie and Johnny Giles.

But they brought Eric Cantona to England and their #9 is Patrick Bamford.

They’re right on par with Man U for their irony. Squealing about cheating and that Jack dives whenever he’s touched.

Pontus Jansen, when he was with them, was right up there for cheating. For a big strong guy, he seemed incapable of not falling over regularly.

Pablo Fernandez is another, and yes, Patrick Bamford. Falls over when the wind gets up and can pretend to be hot in the face in order to get a fellow pro sent off.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Tebepaul on August 18, 2020, 09:27:26 AM

"Villa, Newcastle, Brighton and Palace all interested in signing [Rhian] Brewster on loan. Liverpool ready to take their time over a decision."

Source: https://twitter.com/neiljonesgoal/status/1295632791430926337 (https://twitter.com/neiljonesgoal/status/1295632791430926337)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rob_bridge on August 18, 2020, 10:02:50 AM

Quote from: CT on August 18, 2020, 09:14:59 AM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 18, 2020, 08:44:43 AM

Quote from: mr underhill on August 18, 2020, 07:49:49 AM

Benrahma has pissed off Leeds fans with some sort of video showing him doing stuff on holiday - they are in total agreement that he is a narcissistic wanker who does not fit Bielsa's player profile so now nailed on for us.

Leeds fans live in a fantasy world where footballers are still like Don Revie and Johnny Giles.

But they brought Eric Cantona to England and their #9 is Patrick Bamford.

They’re right on par with Man U for their irony. Squealing about cheating and that Jack dives whenever he’s touched.

Pontus Jansen, when he was with them, was right up there for cheating. For a big strong guy, he seemed incapable of not falling over regularly.

Pablo Fernandez is another, and yes, Patrick Bamford. Falls over when the wind gets up and can pretend to be hot in the face in order to get a fellow pro sent off.

The only saving grace for Leeds is that they are not Man United. That is their only positive.

Come on they whinge about having a Rugby League team as rivals.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: TheMalandro on August 18, 2020, 10:08:24 AM

According to a Dutch guy on twitter, we've signed Winston Bogarde's nephew, from Feyenoord.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on August 18, 2020, 10:10:07 AM

Henry or dirk ?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on August 18, 2020, 10:20:04 AM

both past their best

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 18, 2020, 10:26:05 AM

Lamare Bogarde was rumoured back in July. Part of the sweep for young academy players that we're doing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on August 18, 2020, 10:28:22 AM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on August 17, 2020, 06:12:52 PM

If Luiz and Grealish go (and I suspect they will) then we are going to find it extremely difficult to tackle this season with a stronger squad than last year.

Not great.

extremely difficult to attract the right players in that scenario.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on August 18, 2020, 11:00:13 AM

Quote from: TheMalandro on August 18, 2020, 10:08:24 AM

According to a Dutch guy on twitter, we've signed Winston Bogarde's nephew, from Feyenoord.

Hope he doesn't listen too much to his uncle on how easy it is to be a rich footballer while doing sweet fcuk all.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: olaftab on August 18, 2020, 11:00:58 AM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on August 18, 2020, 10:28:22 AM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on August 17, 2020, 06:12:52 PM

If Luiz and Grealish go (and I suspect they will) then we are going to find it extremely difficult to tackle this season with a stronger squad than last year.

Not great.

extremely difficult to attract the right players in that scenario.

Totally agree CL. Much more important than new signings is that we must hold on to Jack and Dougie. If we show that sort of ambition and stand up to predators good things will follow.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Duncan Shaw on August 18, 2020, 11:18:19 AM

Quote from: eamonn on August 18, 2020, 11:00:13 AM

Quote from: TheMalandro on August 18, 2020, 10:08:24 AM

According to a Dutch guy on twitter, we've signed Winston Bogarde's nephew, from Feyenoord.

Hope he doesn't listen too much to his uncle on how easy it is to be a rich footballer while doing sweet fcuk all.

Exactly the first thing that popped into my head!!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 18, 2020, 11:20:29 AM

Quote from: olaftab on August 18, 2020, 11:00:58 AM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on August 18, 2020, 10:28:22 AM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on August 17, 2020, 06:12:52 PM

If Luiz and Grealish go (and I suspect they will) then we are going to find it extremely difficult to tackle this season with a stronger squad than last year.

Not great.

extremely difficult to attract the right players in that scenario.

Totally agree CL. Much more important than new signings is that we must hold on to Jack and Dougie. If we show that sort of ambition and stand up to predators good things will follow.

Not to labour the point, but if Citeh decide they want Douglas back there is nothing we can do about it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: maidstonevillain on August 18, 2020, 11:29:23 AM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on August 18, 2020, 11:20:29 AM

Quote from: olaftab on August 18, 2020, 11:00:58 AM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on August 18, 2020, 10:28:22 AM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on August 17, 2020, 06:12:52 PM

If Luiz and Grealish go (and I suspect they will) then we are going to find it extremely difficult to tackle this season with a stronger squad than last year.

Not great.

extremely difficult to attract the right players in that scenario.

Totally agree CL. Much more important than new signings is that we must hold on to Jack and Dougie. If we show that sort of ambition and stand up to predators good things will follow.

Not to labour the point, but if Citeh decide they want Douglas back there is nothing we can do about it.

None of us know the minutiae of the Clause. But I assume that Luiz would have the ultimate say on whether he goes or not.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on August 18, 2020, 11:30:53 AM

Quote from: maidstonevillain on August 18, 2020, 11:29:23 AM

None of us know the minutiae of the Clause. But I assume that Luiz would have the ultimate say on whether he goes or not.

There is no minutiae, in signing the contract he's already agreed to go back if they choose.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 18, 2020, 11:50:45 AM

Yep, so hence if they activate he goes.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: in exile on August 18, 2020, 11:59:42 AM

Sorry to come over a bit thick but would they need a work permit for him?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 18, 2020, 12:01:49 PM

We should start a bidding war. Ask the rags to bid and we'll chuck them Hogan for free.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 18, 2020, 12:10:52 PM

Quote from: in exile on August 18, 2020, 11:59:42 AM

Sorry to come over a bit thick but would they need a work permit for him?

Yes absolutely, however as covered here by others (PeterWithe I think), a fee of £25m + inflated wages would more than cover the points they require for a WP.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 18, 2020, 12:19:22 PM

Yes and the fact he’d be more from a club in the top flight.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on August 18, 2020, 12:21:07 PM

his brother has got in on the act now

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 18, 2020, 12:23:35 PM

The fee would need to be within the top 50% and his wages would need to be around the same at Man City to qualify, as he gains a point having played for us. It's not a certainty given the fee is market dependent and wages are likely astronomical at Man City.

I'll trust in John Percy anyway and nae worry about it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 18, 2020, 12:26:22 PM

Quote from: mr underhill on August 18, 2020, 12:21:07 PM

his brother has got in on the act now

That was yesterday.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john2710 on August 18, 2020, 12:27:34 PM

Quote from: mr underhill on August 18, 2020, 12:21:07 PM

his brother has got in on the act now

His brother's Instagram comment is barely anything of note but it's being peddled as being 'cryptic'.
Luiz won't improve the Citeh team or close the gap on Liverpool, they'll be looking for players to go straight into the first 11.
On the basis that he played less than a dozen decent games for a struggling team I can't see why Citeh would want him now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: GordonCowansisthegreatest on August 18, 2020, 12:34:13 PM

Does his price rise if we keep him for another season?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave P on August 18, 2020, 12:35:42 PM

Quote from: GordonCowansisthegreatest on August 18, 2020, 12:34:13 PM

Does his price rise if we keep him for another season?

I think the clause expires by then.  I could be wrong.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: GordonCowansisthegreatest on August 18, 2020, 12:36:36 PM

No. Pretty sure they have two years.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: usav on August 18, 2020, 01:20:50 PM

Not gossip, more of a plea.  Could we please make more of an effort to get players in before the last minute, so they have time to acclimate to the rest of the squad in pre-season, rather than the first few games of the actual season where results matter.  Ta.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 18, 2020, 01:26:44 PM

Quote from: GordonCowansisthegreatest on August 18, 2020, 12:34:13 PM

Does his price rise if we keep him for another season?

I think I read somewhere that the price rises if they buy him at the end of year 2.

Edit: here it is https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/aston-villa/2020/08/18/aston-villa-confident-of-keeping-douglas-luiz/

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 18, 2020, 01:27:16 PM

Quote from: usav on August 18, 2020, 01:20:50 PM

Not gossip, more of a plea.  Could we please make more of an effort to get players in before the last minute, so they have time to acclimate to the rest of the squad in pre-season, rather than the first few games of the actual season where results matter.  Ta.

This. No need to panic yet by any means but it's telling that we can't seem to do any early business, ever. (Unless it's to get shot of Gary Gardner as quickly as possible for whatever we're offered).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john2710 on August 18, 2020, 01:31:29 PM

Quote from: GordonCowansisthegreatest on August 18, 2020, 12:36:36 PM

No. Pretty sure they have two years.

I understand that the release clause was for 2 years, with the price being £25m after 1 year & £35m after year 2.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 18, 2020, 01:36:28 PM

Quote from: usav on August 18, 2020, 01:20:50 PM

Not gossip, more of a plea.  Could we please make more of an effort to get players in before the last minute, so they have time to acclimate to the rest of the squad in pre-season, rather than the first few games of the actual season where results matter.  Ta.

We signed no one on August 31st last yet. Indeed we signed most of our summer signings by mid July. I remember watching the Walsall friendly around that time and Gulibert, Konsa, Jota, Wesley and Konsa were all playing so that was a decent chunk of our summer business.

Not really sure where this idea we always sign players last minute comes from, only saga that dragged last summer was Douglas Luiz and that was just because it took ages for the work permit to come through. Even then he was involved at Spurs in the first game ahead of some other summer signings.

This year is completely different due to the quick turnaround between seasons so I reckon every single prem club will sign at least one player after the first game of the season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Hookeysmith on August 18, 2020, 01:40:37 PM

Nothing of note is happening at present with any clubs for a number of factors i would imagine:

Players on holiday / only recently stopped playing

Not a great of cash around and clubs will be asking for silly money to stave off potential buyers / vultures around their star assets

To move players on (as they are seemingly not great for us) will have contracts and pretty large wages - if we assume they will fall downward on the pyramid then there are not many championship clubs able to start spending big on wages etc

I'm as impatient as the next fan but i'm sure the powers that be, including the new set up back room team, know what and who they want and deals are being worked on as we panickily write.

The owners / chief exec know weaknesses when they see it - hence Suso binned almost immediately and replacements bought in super quick - these people do not make such huge fortunes by leaving anything to chance so they will have had 2 plans - one to go down and one to stay up and push on

Anyway anyone got any ITK as i have a severe itch i cannot seem to scratch  :o

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 18, 2020, 01:49:17 PM

Franco Cervi, Argentine midfielder at Benfica, being linked.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 18, 2020, 01:52:48 PM

FWIW I don't think he meant literally last-minute signings, just late window rather than early window signings. His point about the players not having enough time to acclimate is valid IMO. Signing the likes of Trez and Luiz in late July gave them very little time to adjust. Wesley's work permit situation meant he didn't get to link up with the squad until relatively late in pre-season too.

Our early performances speak to that, falling apart from a winning position against the poorest Spurs team in years and then losing at home to relegation fodder Bournemouth. 1 win across August and September. We'll need to hit the ground running this season or else end up in the same struggle all over again.

No need to panic yet and as you say there are mitigating circumstances outside of our control which have resulted in a squeezed pre-season, but nonetheless we're little more 3 weeks away from kick-off. We need signings this side of September. I'm sure there will be one or two at least, but I'll be worried if not.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 18, 2020, 01:58:51 PM

On the plus side, grateful for another window where we haven't signed Joe Hart.

Very Spursy

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 18, 2020, 02:13:14 PM

It is different to last season though because we had so many players to replace. Now we just need to add a bit of quality and get a couple out the door. The squad as a whole will have had one season together and that will be a help going into the next one. I personally wouldn't be to worried if no-one is in by the start of the season but I'm sure we will have done business by then anyway.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 18, 2020, 02:20:59 PM

Quote from: Ads on August 18, 2020, 01:49:17 PM

Franco Cervi, Argentine midfielder at Benfica, being linked.

Could make sense if Milot doesn't want to come as he's a winger. Argentine international but holds an Italian passport.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john2710 on August 18, 2020, 02:22:54 PM

The only players moving are those out of contract, where the deal was already in place or where release clauses are met.

The price of players will drop as we get closer to the window ending. I can see Brentford dropping the asking price for Watkins & Benrahma.

Clubs outside of the Premier League will want to get their business sorted, replacements brought in & more than anything get some cash into their business. It will be the same across Europe. There will be some bargains to be got if we are patient.

We paid top price for some ordinary players last summer to get the numbers in, we won't be over paying again.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on August 18, 2020, 02:37:42 PM

Quote from: Hookeysmith on August 18, 2020, 01:40:37 PM

Players on holiday / only recently stopped playing

Some clubs are still playing.

And they're clubs that could easily have a direct impact on what we do. If Rashica prefers Leipzig to us, but prefers us to Bremen then he's not going to jump straight to us while Leipizg are still trying to win the Champions League when those results will likely have a bearing on what they do in the summer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on August 18, 2020, 02:59:17 PM

he's been pulled from a game tomorrow apparently and according to some reports we have met the asking price

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on August 18, 2020, 03:03:28 PM

Quote from: Ads on August 18, 2020, 01:49:17 PM

Franco Cervi, Argentine midfielder at Benfica, being linked.

I missed this yesterday as it was in the press here. Some confusion as to his best position; originally a winger, left side midfielder that can defend or could easily be switched to left back but right now he's surplus to Benfica's requirements. They're asking €15m for him (bought him for €6m). Mixed opinions from the Benficistas about him leaving, most like him, most think he wasn't used well by previous coaches (including Lage) but pretty much all agree technically he's very good and works his balls off but has the occasional brain fart when attacking. A bit like El Ghazi but with 100% effort.
Oh and he's 165cm.

Edit: The barstewards are signing Cavani today.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: gpbarr on August 18, 2020, 03:27:38 PM

Not liking the rumors so far - we seem to have been linked with many players unproven or suspect at PL level (Watkins, Benhrama, Buendia, Cantwell, Eze, Rashica, Edouard, Brewster, etc) yet I think we all agree that we really do need proven stable PL experience to reduce the risks associated with buying players in the first category.

I guess time will tell.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on August 18, 2020, 03:35:19 PM

Quote from: gpbarr on August 18, 2020, 03:27:38 PM

I think we all agree that we really do need proven stable PL experience

I can guarantee that we don't all agree with this.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: garyellis on August 18, 2020, 03:36:55 PM

Quote from: gpbarr on August 18, 2020, 03:27:38 PM

Not liking the rumors so far - we seem to have been linked with many players unproven or suspect at PL level (Watkins, Benhrama, Buendia, Cantwell, Eze, Rashica, Edouard, Brewster, etc) yet I think we all agree that we really do need proven stable PL experience to reduce the risks associated with buying players in the first category.

I guess time will tell.

Not one of them on that list that would not improve us. If you want end of career journeymen after one big pay day then we have learned nothing. If you want proven premier league stars then dream on.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on August 18, 2020, 03:36:59 PM

Quote from: gpbarr on August 18, 2020, 03:27:38 PM

Not liking the rumors so far - we seem to have been linked with many players unproven or suspect at PL level (Watkins, Benhrama, Buendia, Cantwell, Eze, Rashica, Edouard, Brewster, etc) yet I think we all agree that we really do need proven stable PL experience to reduce the risks associated with buying players in the first category.

I guess time will tell.

We have 4 weeks to go; as does every team.
All teams will probably have to accept that it'll take a part of the new season to properly embed new players into the squad. At least, the squad we now have are all Premier-League savvy, even if the quality is not quite there yet.
After the obvious challenge of keeping in the current players, the main issue is bringing in a decent Centre Forward.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on August 18, 2020, 03:55:48 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 18, 2020, 01:52:48 PM

FWIW I don't think he meant literally last-minute signings, just late window rather than early window signings. His point about the players not having enough time to acclimate is valid IMO. Signing the likes of Trez and Luiz in late July gave them very little time to adjust. Wesley's work permit situation meant he didn't get to link up with the squad until relatively late in pre-season too.

Our early performances speak to that, falling apart from a winning position against the poorest Spurs team in years and then losing at home to relegation fodder Bournemouth. 1 win across August and September. We'll need to hit the ground running this season or else end up in the same struggle all over again.

No need to panic yet and as you say there are mitigating circumstances outside of our control which have resulted in a squeezed pre-season, but nonetheless we're little more 3 weeks away from kick-off. We need signings this side of September. I'm sure there will be one or two at least, but I'll be worried if not.

Just a couple of things. Bournemouth obviously got relegated but they weren't relegation fodder. They finished a respectable 14th and 11 points clear of relegation the previous season. Spurs were Champions League finalists just a short time before, hardly the poorest team in years.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Smithy on August 18, 2020, 04:02:04 PM

I think we're in a funny place this summer, transfer wise.  If we want established premier league players, capable of performing for teams in the top half, even the top six maybe, then they're not going to sign for us unless we offer them stupid money - or we get players towards the end of their careers with no resale value, like Brighton have with Lallana.

Our best bet, unfortunately, is signing players from abroad who want to prove themselves in the premier league, or players who've stood out a little in lower teams without setting the world alight. If teams with Champions League ambitions want them, the simple fact is we won't get them. Not yet.

I want us signing established premier league players, obviously. Players who have room to improve and could walk into our first team - but we're probably at least another year (maybe two) from being the sort of club that looks attractive to many players like that, assuming we continue to improve and establish ourselves further up the league.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on August 18, 2020, 04:08:14 PM

Quote from: Dave on August 18, 2020, 03:35:19 PM

Quote from: gpbarr on August 18, 2020, 03:27:38 PM

I think we all agree that we really do need proven stable PL experience

I can guarantee that we don't all agree with this.

The last time we tried this we bought the semi-retired Joleon Lescott and Micah Richards, and tried to buy Andros Townsend. So far this summer under the 'proven stable PL experience' banner I've heard the names James McCarthy, Isaac Hayden and Shane Duffy bandied around.

I definitely don't agree with this if 'proven stable PL experience' means 'journeyman, no better than we've already got and never going to get any better'. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 18, 2020, 04:08:31 PM

Quote from: Drummond on August 18, 2020, 03:55:48 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 18, 2020, 01:52:48 PM

FWIW I don't think he meant literally last-minute signings, just late window rather than early window signings. His point about the players not having enough time to acclimate is valid IMO. Signing the likes of Trez and Luiz in late July gave them very little time to adjust. Wesley's work permit situation meant he didn't get to link up with the squad until relatively late in pre-season too.

Our early performances speak to that, falling apart from a winning position against the poorest Spurs team in years and then losing at home to relegation fodder Bournemouth. 1 win across August and September. We'll need to hit the ground running this season or else end up in the same struggle all over again.

No need to panic yet and as you say there are mitigating circumstances outside of our control which have resulted in a squeezed pre-season, but nonetheless we're little more 3 weeks away from kick-off. We need signings this side of September. I'm sure there will be one or two at least, but I'll be worried if not.

Just a couple of things. Bournemouth obviously got relegated but they weren't relegation fodder. They finished a respectable 14th and 11 points clear of relegation the previous season. Spurs were Champions League finalists just a short time before, hardly the poorest team in years.

Well I'm talking about performance over the whole season, not sure what relevance it has that Bournemouth finished 14th the previous year as it was a different team we faced, clearly since they got relegated. Likewise Spurs who lost the likes of Eriksen and finished 6th. Was that not their worst league finish in 6 years?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 18, 2020, 04:21:12 PM

Spurs was our first game back after getting promoted. Losing that game was hardly a crime and to lose was not totally unexpected.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LukeJames on August 18, 2020, 04:26:12 PM

My curiosity got the better of me and I wondered over to Villatalk to see if there's any rumours worth getting excited about. They have a 98 page thread for Milot Rashica were they are discussing the size of Gerard Piques dick. Strange place.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 18, 2020, 04:30:01 PM

Quote from: Clampy on August 18, 2020, 04:21:12 PM

Spurs was our first game back after getting promoted. Losing that game was hardly a crime and to lose was not totally unexpected.

Nobody said it was a crime. But the team wasn't fit or organized enough, which is why we got nothing from a game that we were still leading at the 70 minute mark.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on August 18, 2020, 04:32:00 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on August 18, 2020, 04:08:14 PM

Quote from: Dave on August 18, 2020, 03:35:19 PM

Quote from: gpbarr on August 18, 2020, 03:27:38 PM

I think we all agree that we really do need proven stable PL experience

I can guarantee that we don't all agree with this.

The last time we tried this we bought the semi-retired Joleon Lescott and Micah Richards, and tried to buy Andros Townsend. So far this summer under the 'proven stable PL experience' banner I've heard the names James McCarthy, Isaac Hayden and Shane Duffy bandied around.

I definitely don't agree with this if 'proven stable PL experience' means 'journeyman, no better than we've already got and never going to get any better'.

Quite. We'd be looking at a reserve from one of the top six, a fringe player from one of the next six or feasibly a better player from one of the teams that were in and around us (if we really wanted to make it worth their while). Or maybe a better player from a once relegated team.

I'd hope that if we're about to spend £25m on a player, it's picking up the next Son or Firmimo from Europe rather than getting a nailed on 8-10 goals from Chris Wood. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 18, 2020, 04:34:10 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 18, 2020, 04:30:01 PM

Quote from: Clampy on August 18, 2020, 04:21:12 PM

Spurs was our first game back after getting promoted. Losing that game was hardly a crime and to lose was not totally unexpected.

Nobody said it was a crime. But the team wasn't fit or organized enough, which is why we got nothing from a game that we were still leading at the 70 minute mark.

I was at that game, and in hindsight we were no different to what we were for most of the rest of the season. Spurs previous competitive game had been the Champions League final.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 18, 2020, 04:36:21 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 18, 2020, 04:30:01 PM

Quote from: Clampy on August 18, 2020, 04:21:12 PM

Spurs was our first game back after getting promoted. Losing that game was hardly a crime and to lose was not totally unexpected.

Nobody said it was a crime. But the team wasn't fit or organized enough, which is why we got nothing from a game that we were still leading at the 70 minute mark.

Maybe, but it was our first game back after being promoted, away from home and playing champions league finalists. It was always going to be tough game for any team, never mind a newly promoted one.  Anyway, it's not a game I automatically think of when looking back at last season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Stu on August 18, 2020, 05:12:25 PM

Quote from: LeeB on August 18, 2020, 04:34:10 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 18, 2020, 04:30:01 PM

Quote from: Clampy on August 18, 2020, 04:21:12 PM

Spurs was our first game back after getting promoted. Losing that game was hardly a crime and to lose was not totally unexpected.

Nobody said it was a crime. But the team wasn't fit or organized enough, which is why we got nothing from a game that we were still leading at the 70 minute mark.

I was at that game, and in hindsight we were no different to what we were for most of the rest of the season. Spurs previous competitive game had been the Champions League final.

I was there too, we should have gone in 0-2 up at HT. Granted, fitness was an issue but we were properly organised in the first half and for about 15-20 mins of the second. Spurs fans next to us were getting increasingly restless until they equalised. The look on this one Spurs fan's face when McGinn scored was a picture - open mouthed astonishment, looking at us all going mental in the away end. I enjoyed that day despite the result.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 18, 2020, 05:17:41 PM

I was in there corporate seats and went mental when McGinnis scored, I did a fair bit of apologising at half time, which to be fair was taken well.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Chico Hamilton III on August 18, 2020, 05:31:43 PM

I was there too but I was so pissed I spent most of the game trying to work out how they filled the beer glasses from the bottom up.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: tomd2103 on August 18, 2020, 05:53:07 PM

Think the market has changed drastically over the past decade.  The increased TV revenue means that clubs across the board can pretty much offer the same kind of money to players. 

Sure, the so called big clubs can still attract players from other clubs in the division, but I think the rest would struggle to attract a player from another club unless they were massively out of favour, coming to the end of their contract or offered silly money.

I think we'd all love to think that we are still a big draw, but where we currently are, I just don't see us attracting a starting player from another Premier League team, unless they are in the categories above.  Therefore, our markets are the relegated teams, EFL teams, loan market or abroad.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: jwarry on August 18, 2020, 05:56:40 PM

Quote from: tomd2103 on August 18, 2020, 05:53:07 PM

Think the market has changed drastically over the past decade.  The increased TV revenue means that clubs across the board can pretty much offer the same kind of money to players. 

Sure, the so called big clubs can still attract players from other clubs in the division, but I think the rest would struggle to attract a player from another club unless they were massively out of favour, coming to the end of their contract or offered silly money.

I think we'd all love to think that we are still a big draw, but where we currently are, I just don't see us attracting a starting player from another Premier League team, unless they are in the categories above.  Therefore, our markets are the relegated teams, EFL teams, loan market or abroad.

I’m sure you are right but it didn’t stop Man City did it?!? A couple of marquee signing like Robinho and the world changed

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on August 18, 2020, 05:57:00 PM

Nicolas Gonzalez, anyone?
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/aug/18/leeds-and-brighton-interested-in-stuttgart-forward-nicolas-gonzalez
The Hitz is Stuttgart's Sporting Director ...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on August 18, 2020, 06:05:03 PM

Quote from: LukeJames on August 18, 2020, 04:26:12 PM

My curiosity got the better of me and I wondered over to Villatalk to see if there's any rumours worth getting excited about. They have a 98 page thread for Milot Rashica were they are discussing the size of Gerard Piques dick. Strange place.

How big was it ?🤔😀

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on August 18, 2020, 06:10:57 PM

Quote from: jwarry on August 18, 2020, 05:56:40 PM

Quote from: tomd2103 on August 18, 2020, 05:53:07 PM

Think the market has changed drastically over the past decade.  The increased TV revenue means that clubs across the board can pretty much offer the same kind of money to players. 

Sure, the so called big clubs can still attract players from other clubs in the division, but I think the rest would struggle to attract a player from another club unless they were massively out of favour, coming to the end of their contract or offered silly money.

I think we'd all love to think that we are still a big draw, but where we currently are, I just don't see us attracting a starting player from another Premier League team, unless they are in the categories above.  Therefore, our markets are the relegated teams, EFL teams, loan market or abroad.

I’m sure you are right but it didn’t stop Man City did it?!? A couple of marquee signing like Robinho and the world changed

And then FFP came in.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AVH87 on August 18, 2020, 07:09:23 PM

In fairness Man City had just finished 8th or 9th when they attracted Robinho hadn't they? We have to convince people like Rashica it isn't going to be a long slog against relegation. Attracting players from a mid table PL base with rich owners offering big wages and selling the ambition is easy, not when you've just finished 17th.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on August 18, 2020, 07:17:32 PM

I doubt Robinho was too bothered about where Citeh had finished. They threw money at him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on August 18, 2020, 07:24:58 PM

Quote from: AVH87 on August 18, 2020, 07:09:23 PM

In fairness Man City had just finished 8th or 9th when they attracted Robinho hadn't they? We have to convince people like Rashica it isn't going to be a long slog against relegation. Attracting players from a mid table PL base with rich owners offering big wages and selling the ambition is easy, not when you've just finished 17th.

And they had spent the previous couple of years buying up the likes of Elano, Geovanni, Kompany, Bridge, Zabaleta, Corluka etc.

It's not like they'd just got promoted from League One and Robinho was replacing Paul Dickov.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on August 18, 2020, 08:33:15 PM

Quote from: eamonn on August 18, 2020, 07:17:32 PM

I doubt Robinho was too bothered about where Citeh had finished. They threw money at him.

Didn’t Robinho think he was signing for Man United?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 18, 2020, 09:25:44 PM

Édouard just scored a lovely goal against a poor side to put Celtic 5-0 up in their CL qualifier. Does that mean he's cup tied, and therefore less attractive to those further up the food chain?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on August 18, 2020, 09:55:05 PM

Quote from: Mister E on August 18, 2020, 05:57:00 PM

Nicolas Gonzalez, anyone?
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/aug/18/leeds-and-brighton-interested-in-stuttgart-forward-nicolas-gonzalez
The Hitz is Stuttgart's Sporting Director ...

There's a few players in that Stuttgart team that are worth a look.

Gonzales was playing second division football last year for them but still made the Argentina national side.  The young Swiss  keeper they had on loan from Hertha (Kobel) is a good shot stopper and Orel Mangala in midfield has already been attracting interest from top flight sides here.

Wamangituka up top has a touch of the Bentekes about him as well (the original version). Holds the ball up well and a decent turn of pace.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SaddVillan on August 18, 2020, 10:04:17 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on August 18, 2020, 09:55:05 PM

Quote from: Mister E on August 18, 2020, 05:57:00 PM

Nicolas Gonzalez, anyone?
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/aug/18/leeds-and-brighton-interested-in-stuttgart-forward-nicolas-gonzalez
The Hitz is Stuttgart's Sporting Director ...

There's a few players in that Stuttgart team that are worth a look.

Gonzales was playing second division football last year for them but still made the Argentina national side.  The young Swiss  keeper they had on loan from Hertha (Kobel) is a good shot stopper and Orel Mangala in midfield has already been attracting interest from top flight sides here.

Wamangituka up top has a touch of the Bentekes about him as well (the original version). Holds the ball up well and a decent turn of pace.

Stuttgart have just been promoted back to the Bundesliga 1, so I expect that they'll want to keep their best players.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Baldy on August 19, 2020, 10:16:52 AM

This transfer window is a bit like the middle of a Grand Prix race when the weather forecast says 'it might rain' in a while. Should the team change to wet tyres or not?

Boards of Directors at football clubs throughout the country have no idea what their incoming revenue will be for the next 6 to 12 months (at least). Possible second wave, possible lockdowns, possible reduction in sponsorship, possible no gate receipts and so on. We are in the middle of a pandemic and nobody has a clue what the foreseeable future holds.

Would you spend one hundred million now or wait until we get a vaccine in production?

Fortune favours the brave but then again, under the current circumstances it might 'feck' you up!! Twist or stick.  ::)

For this reason, I think this window might be a damp squib. Just a thought.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on August 19, 2020, 10:21:41 AM

On the other hand, I hope they see that we were within a whisker of going down, the squad isn't good enough, and everything you mention will be far worse in the Championship.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 19, 2020, 10:26:13 AM

Quote from: Baldy on August 19, 2020, 10:16:52 AM

This transfer window is a bit like the middle of a Grand Prix race when the weather forecast says 'it might rain' in a while. Should the team change to wet tyres or not?

Boards of Directors at football clubs throughout the country have no idea what their incoming revenue will be for the next 6 to 12 months (at least). Possible second wave, possible lockdowns, possible reduction in sponsorship, possible no gate receipts and so on. We are in the middle of a pandemic and nobody has a clue what the foreseeable future holds.

Would you spend one hundred million now or wait until we get a vaccine in production?

Fortune favours the brave but then again, under the current circumstances it might 'feck' you up!! Twist or stick.  ::)

For this reason, I think this window might be a damp squib. Just a thought.

Project Restart proved that no matter how bad things get - in spite of many calling for the league to be ended and/or declared null and void - Sky will still find a way to make football happen so they can keep making their money on advertising and subscriptions.

On that basis, we need to keep up with the teams above us that we're trying to catch up with. Not investing in the squad during this window on the basis of what could happen would have disastrous consequences regardless of outside factors.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: GordonCowansisthegreatest on August 19, 2020, 11:12:57 AM

Hopefully, a bit of sensible investment now and we can leapfrog a few clubs that aren't in a position to spend.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on August 19, 2020, 11:13:45 AM

Do not be surprised if there’s not a single signing until October / November.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: GordonCowansisthegreatest on August 19, 2020, 11:15:30 AM

Quote from: WilliamStanding on August 19, 2020, 11:13:45 AM

Do not be surprised if there’s not a single signing until October / November.

Why!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 19, 2020, 11:19:43 AM

Quote from: WilliamStanding on August 19, 2020, 11:13:45 AM

Do not be surprised if there’s not a single signing until October / November.

We won't be able to buy anybody in November.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: exigo on August 19, 2020, 11:24:27 AM

Haven't we got more of a safety net now in terms of parachute payments? I'm sure I read somewhere that teams who go straight back down get smaller payments than teams who survive one, two or more seasons.
So, you would expect there to be a bit of extra investment this year, knowing that we'd have the extra revenue coming in should the worst happen. And obviously that investment would be trying to avoid it happening at all.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on August 19, 2020, 11:26:32 AM

I wouldn’t be surprised if we start the season with the same squad as we have now but the market will trigger at some point, could be a proper mad last few days of window at start of October-imagine the Twitter desperados if it’s another month before we sign anyone :-)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on August 19, 2020, 11:29:39 AM

I think teams relegated in their first season in the PL receive 2 years of parachute payments, teams who have been in more than a year receive 3 years.

The payments are a % of the PL TV money per team - 55% in year 1, then 45% and 20% for years 2 & 3.

We received £40m, £34m and 15.5m in our 3 years.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 19, 2020, 11:29:46 AM

Quote from: exigo on August 19, 2020, 11:24:27 AM

Haven't we got more of a safety net now in terms of parachute payments? I'm sure I read somewhere that teams who go straight back down get smaller payments than teams who survive one, two or more seasons.

If you go straight down you only get parachute payments for 2 seasons. Not sure if the full 3 seasons of parachute payments kick in after the second season in the PL.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on August 19, 2020, 11:42:48 AM

Just heard on Talk sport (I know) that Man U now interested in David Brookes from Bournemouth. They were touting it as I Sancho replacement but if there’s any truth in it I would see him as a cheaper, more getable alternative to Jack, which would be good news for us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: frank black on August 19, 2020, 11:45:12 AM

Quote from: Bent Neilsens Screamer on August 19, 2020, 11:42:48 AM

Just heard on Talk sport (I know) that Man U now interested in David Brookes from Bournemouth. They were touting it as I Sancho replacement but if there’s any truth in it I would see him as a cheaper, more getable alternative to Jack, which would be good news for us.

Brooks is who we should be signing rather than trying to plead with the Rashica bloke. IMO

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dazvillain on August 19, 2020, 11:50:39 AM

With no preseason tour, is anyone aware of any local friendlies planned or training camps in Uk ?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on August 19, 2020, 12:04:08 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on August 19, 2020, 11:29:46 AM

Quote from: exigo on August 19, 2020, 11:24:27 AM

Haven't we got more of a safety net now in terms of parachute payments? I'm sure I read somewhere that teams who go straight back down get smaller payments than teams who survive one, two or more seasons.

If you go straight down you only get parachute payments for 2 seasons. Not sure if the full 3 seasons of parachute payments kick in after the second season in the PL.

They do, hopefully we won't need to concern ourselves with such trifles though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on August 19, 2020, 12:13:43 PM

Walsall away.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 19, 2020, 12:24:30 PM

Quote from: Risso on August 19, 2020, 12:04:08 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on August 19, 2020, 11:29:46 AM

Quote from: exigo on August 19, 2020, 11:24:27 AM

Haven't we got more of a safety net now in terms of parachute payments? I'm sure I read somewhere that teams who go straight back down get smaller payments than teams who survive one, two or more seasons.

If you go straight down you only get parachute payments for 2 seasons. Not sure if the full 3 seasons of parachute payments kick in after the second season in the PL.

They do, hopefully we won't need to concern ourselves with such trifles though.

I’d like to think that won’t happen again as the club looks to create a more solid foundation than ones in the past seemingly made of sponge and jelly.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on August 19, 2020, 12:34:14 PM

Quote from: frank black on August 19, 2020, 11:45:12 AM

Quote from: Bent Neilsens Screamer on August 19, 2020, 11:42:48 AM

Just heard on Talk sport (I know) that Man U now interested in David Brookes from Bournemouth. They were touting it as I Sancho replacement but if there’s any truth in it I would see him as a cheaper, more getable alternative to Jack, which would be good news for us.

Brooks is who we should be signing rather than trying to plead with the Rashica bloke. IMO

Aren't they completely different types of player?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dazvillain on August 19, 2020, 01:33:26 PM

Quote from: Dazvillain on August 19, 2020, 11:50:39 AM

With no preseason tour, is anyone aware of any local friendlies planned or training camps in Uk ?

Read online , and I believe it to be correct, travelling to South Wales today. Poss using wales fa / Cardiff facilities

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on August 19, 2020, 01:48:08 PM

If Luiz stays (and i hope he does) presumably Marvelous will be his understudy.

I see Marvelous was among the top five PL players for interceptions last season. If someone can coach him to do something useful with it once he has intercepted it, we may yet be onto a winner.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: frank black on August 19, 2020, 03:06:12 PM

Quote from: Dave on August 19, 2020, 12:34:14 PM

Quote from: frank black on August 19, 2020, 11:45:12 AM

Quote from: Bent Neilsens Screamer on August 19, 2020, 11:42:48 AM

Just heard on Talk sport (I know) that Man U now interested in David Brookes from Bournemouth. They were touting it as I Sancho replacement but if there’s any truth in it I would see him as a cheaper, more getable alternative to Jack, which would be good news for us.

Brooks is who we should be signing rather than trying to plead with the Rashica bloke. IMO

Aren't they completely different types of player?

Not really no. Both AM/Wingers I believe

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: nigel on August 19, 2020, 03:17:55 PM

Quote from: Big Ming on August 19, 2020, 01:48:08 PM

If Luiz stays (and i hope he does) presumably Marvelous will be his understudy.

I see Marvelous was among the top five PL players for interceptions last season. If someone can coach him to do something useful with it once he has intercepted it, we may yet be onto a winner.

I’ve a feeling Nakamba will be a very good player for us next season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on August 19, 2020, 03:26:42 PM

Quote from: nigel on August 19, 2020, 03:17:55 PM

Quote from: Big Ming on August 19, 2020, 01:48:08 PM

If Luiz stays (and i hope he does) presumably Marvelous will be his understudy.

I see Marvelous was among the top five PL players for interceptions last season. If someone can coach him to do something useful with it once he has intercepted it, we may yet be onto a winner.

I’ve a feeling Nakamba will be a very good player for us next season.

If he could show a similar improvement to that of Luiz and Konsa, that would be a very welcome boost.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on August 19, 2020, 03:34:22 PM

Quote from: nigel on August 19, 2020, 03:17:55 PM

Quote from: Big Ming on August 19, 2020, 01:48:08 PM

If Luiz stays (and i hope he does) presumably Marvelous will be his understudy.

I see Marvelous was among the top five PL players for interceptions last season. If someone can coach him to do something useful with it once he has intercepted it, we may yet be onto a winner.

I’ve a feeling Nakamba will be a very good player for us next season.

If he can sort out his decision-making, positioning and giving-away-fouls-in-silly-places; I agree!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 19, 2020, 03:39:47 PM

We've signed Ben Chrisene from Exeter City. He's only 16 so one for the future obviously.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on August 19, 2020, 04:03:26 PM

Quote from: Mister E on August 19, 2020, 03:34:22 PM

Quote from: nigel on August 19, 2020, 03:17:55 PM

Quote from: Big Ming on August 19, 2020, 01:48:08 PM

If Luiz stays (and i hope he does) presumably Marvelous will be his understudy.

I see Marvelous was among the top five PL players for interceptions last season. If someone can coach him to do something useful with it once he has intercepted it, we may yet be onto a winner.

I’ve a feeling Nakamba will be a very good player for us next season.

If he can sort out his decision-making, positioning and giving-away-fouls-in-silly-places; I agree!

I’ll cut him some slack based purely on that tackle on Aguero. No, not interested in hearing about how you think it was a foul.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: simboy on August 19, 2020, 04:05:07 PM

Quote from: Clampy on August 19, 2020, 03:39:47 PM

We've signed Ben Chrisene from Exeter City. He's only 16 so one for the future obviously.

Helluva under 23 team incoming!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 19, 2020, 05:00:57 PM

Quote from: Mister E on August 19, 2020, 03:34:22 PM

Quote from: nigel on August 19, 2020, 03:17:55 PM

Quote from: Big Ming on August 19, 2020, 01:48:08 PM

If Luiz stays (and i hope he does) presumably Marvelous will be his understudy.

I see Marvelous was among the top five PL players for interceptions last season. If someone can coach him to do something useful with it once he has intercepted it, we may yet be onto a winner.

I’ve a feeling Nakamba will be a very good player for us next season.

If he can sort out his decision-making, positioning and giving-away-fouls-in-silly-places; I agree!

you mean like Luiz was at times before lockdown

sometimes takes a Season before overseas players settle into the prem
we judge them to early

I agree with nigel

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on August 19, 2020, 05:43:36 PM

Quote from: Clampy on August 19, 2020, 03:39:47 PM

We've signed Ben Chrisene from Exeter City. He's only 16 so one for the future obviously.

If these youngsters we keep acquiring are half as good as some of the hype, we're going to have league winning Youth/U23's next season!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on August 19, 2020, 06:09:02 PM

Quote from: john e on August 19, 2020, 05:00:57 PM

Quote from: Mister E on August 19, 2020, 03:34:22 PM

Quote from: nigel on August 19, 2020, 03:17:55 PM

Quote from: Big Ming on August 19, 2020, 01:48:08 PM

If Luiz stays (and i hope he does) presumably Marvelous will be his understudy.
I see Marvelous was among the top five PL players for interceptions last season. If someone can coach him to do something useful with it once he has intercepted it, we may yet be onto a winner.

I’ve a feeling Nakamba will be a very good player for us next season.

If he can sort out his decision-making, positioning and giving-away-fouls-in-silly-places; I agree!

you mean like Luiz was at times before lockdown
sometimes takes a Season before overseas players settle into the prem
we judge them to early
I agree with nigel

My comments were not meant to be critical! I strongly believe that it often takes a season for players new to the Premier League to 'come good', and I'd say that we can be cautiously optimistic about a few of last season's newbies.
Nakamba has some development to do, and - if he does so - he will be an asset.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: themossman on August 19, 2020, 06:31:05 PM

I think the jury’s out on nakamba but I do find it strange that he’s been written off when he looked very good early on, better than Luiz, albeit inconsistent and with the kind of very visible mistakes you’re going to get in that position while you’re developing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on August 19, 2020, 06:46:28 PM

Luiz always had the technical prowess, it was just whether he could get up to speed. Nakamba has not looked in the same class. Different type of player, granted.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: themossman on August 19, 2020, 06:54:41 PM

Yeah I agree they are very different players. But there was definitely time when people were lauding nakamba (West Ham?) as one of the few players performing for us while Luiz was making defensive mistakes and looking knackered halfway through games.

I just think it’s a really difficult season in which to judge the new players, not just because of covid.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on August 19, 2020, 07:25:19 PM

Nakamba is only kind of useful without the ball.
Luiz had probably 10 good games - thankfully they were sort of all in a good run at the end.

Thankfully what they both did got us over the line.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 19, 2020, 07:25:26 PM

I wouldn't write any of last season's signings off bar Jota.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on August 19, 2020, 07:27:06 PM

I had high hopes for Jota.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 19, 2020, 07:35:05 PM

With Luiz it was obvious from day one (added to his pedigree) that the quality was there. It just took most of the season (and lockdown) for him to adjust to the pace, and to the fact that he had to be mentally on it for 90+ minutes.

Nakamba started well enough - and has had further to travel in terms of the quality of leagues that he's come from - but his confidence seemed to be shot by halfway through the season. That's not to say he ought to be written off, but there's much more to do for him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: themossman on August 19, 2020, 07:41:15 PM

For me Nakamba is a bit like Guilbert. Good and bad games. An athlete rather than a technician, with a habit of occasionally looking reckless.

I don’t think he’s ever going to look silky or good on the ball, but I do think he could be a useful out and out play spoiler in a team that has a better shape to it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 19, 2020, 07:42:15 PM

Quote from: themossman on August 19, 2020, 07:41:15 PM

For me Nakamba is a bit like Guilbert. Good and bad games. An athlete rather than a technician, with a habit of occasionally looking reckless.

I don’t think he’s ever going to look silky or good on the ball, but I do think he could be a useful out and out play spoiler in a team that has a better shape to it.

Maybe Craig Shakespeare can turn him into the next Kante.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 19, 2020, 07:43:59 PM

Quote from: LeeB on August 19, 2020, 07:42:15 PM

Quote from: themossman on August 19, 2020, 07:41:15 PM

For me Nakamba is a bit like Guilbert. Good and bad games. An athlete rather than a technician, with a habit of occasionally looking reckless.

I don’t think he’s ever going to look silky or good on the ball, but I do think he could be a useful out and out play spoiler in a team that has a better shape to it.

Maybe Craig Shakespeare can turn him into the next Kante.

I'll be honest. I'd take it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on August 19, 2020, 07:44:52 PM

Nakamba looked like a good player earlier in the season when he first came into the team. Like Engels and Trezuguet I think he is worth persevering with.

I would though like to see at least one more winger and midfielder come in that can challenge for a nailed on first team place.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on August 19, 2020, 07:49:03 PM

If Man City don't exercise their buy back option, then we have a defensive midfielder in Luiz who can actualy play a bit.  Nakamba becomes the back up option at that point.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on August 19, 2020, 07:51:10 PM

Quote from: frank black on August 19, 2020, 03:06:12 PM

Quote from: Dave on August 19, 2020, 12:34:14 PM

Quote from: frank black on August 19, 2020, 11:45:12 AM

Quote from: Bent Neilsens Screamer on August 19, 2020, 11:42:48 AM

Just heard on Talk sport (I know) that Man U now interested in David Brookes from Bournemouth. They were touting it as I Sancho replacement but if there’s any truth in it I would see him as a cheaper, more getable alternative to Jack, which would be good news for us.

Brooks is who we should be signing rather than trying to plead with the Rashica bloke. IMO

Aren't they completely different types of player?

Not really no. Both AM/Wingers I believe

I’d agree with Frank. I think Grealish / Brookes / Cantwell / Buendia would all loosely fit into the same positional bracket.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rob_bridge on August 19, 2020, 08:53:54 PM

Agree Jota - easy to. He looked dead sharp v Everton for an hour and the ball for the opener was brilliant but too much going missing all of the time.
Samatta doesn't look great to be fair.
Heaton was good and easy to see why we bought him, and Wes was coming into his own.
Trez and Luiz ended strongly and the jury is out on the rest but can't be for too much longer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Londonvilla on August 19, 2020, 09:25:36 PM

Aston Villa and Leicester City interested in Ligue 1 winger – Set to cost €15m

Italian outlet Tutto Mercato Web today brings some interesting updates on the situation of Florian Thauvin.

http://sportwitness.co.uk/aston-villa-leicester-city-interested-ligue-1-winger-set-cost-e15m/

The 27-year-old spent nearly the whole season recovering from a knee operation, and only managed to play ten minutes in Ligue 1’s final fixture back in March.

Sounds like agent talk.............. has anyone seen him play?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 19, 2020, 09:33:25 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 16, 2020, 12:29:10 PM

If it's true we're looking at Obafemi.

To get fair he did score the winner in a league cup final once.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on August 19, 2020, 09:51:34 PM

Quote from: Londonvilla on August 19, 2020, 09:25:36 PM

Aston Villa and Leicester City interested in Ligue 1 winger – Set to cost €15m

Italian outlet Tutto Mercato Web today brings some interesting updates on the situation of Florian Thauvin.

http://sportwitness.co.uk/aston-villa-leicester-city-interested-ligue-1-winger-set-cost-e15m/

The 27-year-old spent nearly the whole season recovering from a knee operation, and only managed to play ten minutes in Ligue 1’s final fixture back in March.

Sounds like agent talk.............. has anyone seen him play?

probably a fair few of us, he was with Newcastle the season we both went down. Not sure why it didn't work out for him there.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 19, 2020, 10:08:25 PM

We're waiting to hear back from Rashica and his agent now if he fancies it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 19, 2020, 10:11:26 PM

If only transfer business was like in Football Manager. In real life it has to be a right fucking tedius process.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 19, 2020, 10:11:27 PM

Quote from: themossman on August 19, 2020, 06:31:05 PM

I think the jury’s out on nakamba but I do find it strange that he’s been written off when he looked very good early on, better than Luiz, albeit inconsistent and with the kind of very visible mistakes you’re going to get in that position while you’re developing.

Don't think Nakamba has a high potential ceiling as a player from what I've seen.

I rate Luiz hugely. I think he'll be playing in CL within 3 years just like Gana did after leaving us. Nakamba will probably be in Turkey or somewhere.

For a supposed midfield anchor player he's far too easily bypassed and really dosen't position himself well infront of the back 4, Wolves away sticks in my mind as when they were breezing past him (and Luiz) on the counter attack.

Average. Need to make sure we don't have him, Hause and Hourihane starting 20 + league games this season as that would certainly mean we haven't signed well enough.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 19, 2020, 10:15:53 PM

Quote from: Londonvilla on August 19, 2020, 09:25:36 PM

Aston Villa and Leicester City interested in Ligue 1 winger – Set to cost €15m

Italian outlet Tutto Mercato Web today brings some interesting updates on the situation of Florian Thauvin.

http://sportwitness.co.uk/aston-villa-leicester-city-interested-ligue-1-winger-set-cost-e15m/

The 27-year-old spent nearly the whole season recovering from a knee operation, and only managed to play ten minutes in Ligue 1’s final fixture back in March.

Sounds like agent talk.............. has anyone seen him play?

Been brilliant for Marseille and got recall to French squad.

If people remember Newcastle signed him the same summer as we got in half of the French league and he struggled as much as Veretout did for us, just too lightweight for English football.

Sometimes players just don't suit certain leagues and think he's one of them .

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 19, 2020, 10:19:55 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 19, 2020, 10:11:26 PM

If only transfer business was like in Football Manager. In real life it has to be a right fucking tedius process.

I would love to see a documentary on signing a player. It's the one bit of the game that is shrouded in mystique and media cliché.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 19, 2020, 10:21:11 PM

Ramsdale has signed for Sheffield United.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on August 19, 2020, 10:29:33 PM

Wow, 18.5m for a relegated keeper. Tbf other than two villa games I didn’t see much of him and Wilder certainly had credit with signings.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on August 19, 2020, 10:32:30 PM

Quote from: Ads on August 19, 2020, 10:08:25 PM

We're waiting to hear back from Rashica and his agent now if he fancies it.

Does that mean we've had a bid accepted?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: FatSam on August 19, 2020, 11:44:00 PM

Quote from: frank black on August 19, 2020, 11:45:12 AM

Brooks is who we should be signing rather than trying to plead with the Rashica bloke. IMO

Agreed. Also, beyond this summer (when we need guaranteed improvements to the quality of the squad, and need to be able to rely on our signings immediately), we should be signing players like him and Jarred Bowen directly from the Championship.

I’m in no way averse to signing players from foreign leagues, and I don’t have a problem with Rashica at the levels discussed, but I don’t think we got value last summer - especially from the Belgian market. Hopefully as the recruitment system beds down it will give more confidence in that regard.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on August 20, 2020, 05:06:01 AM

A couple of full backs that can actually stop the crosses raining in from either flank would be nice.

Getting up and down is one thing, but we shipped an awful lot of goals from crosses that should never have happened, last term.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: andrew08 on August 20, 2020, 06:47:30 AM

This should get the deal over the line then according to the Daily Mail:

Manchester United may offer Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero, 33, to Aston Villa as part of a deal for England midfielder Jack Grealish.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sid1964 on August 20, 2020, 06:59:52 AM

Knowing Man Utd they will want £10m + Grealish for Romero - you honestly could not make it up (but they probably have!)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on August 20, 2020, 07:04:33 AM

Quote from: andrew08 on August 20, 2020, 06:47:30 AM

This should get the deal over the line then according to the Daily Mail:

Manchester United may offer Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero, 33, to Aston Villa as part of a deal for England midfielder Jack Grealish.

Yeah.

They'll make us an offer we can refuse.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 20, 2020, 07:39:02 AM

Apparently they rate Romero at £30 million. In which case we rate Jack £110 million.

We need to get on with getting a signing or 2 through the door. Linked with Harry Wilson today, think I would prefer Buendia but Wilson isn't a bad player.

Some odd tweets from Algerian press about Benrahma coming too. I'd love him to sign. Think he's going to be brilliant wherever he ends up.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 20, 2020, 07:52:09 AM

What is it with the papers and their linking us with Man United squad players we neither want nor need in exchange for Grealish? It was Lingard and Jones the other week?

Skint pricks.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on August 20, 2020, 07:54:47 AM

Not thrilled about the idea of Thauvin or Harry Wilson.

Think Wilson is mainly good at set pieces, but not very good otherwise. Admittedly this is mainly from what I remember when he was at Derby and I always thought Mount was the much better player. Maybe he's improved since then.

Thauvin looks a bit lightweight, which is what I think is Trezeguet's main weakness. If Trez could bulk up a bit, he could be a real player.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Chris_Jephcott on August 20, 2020, 07:56:41 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 20, 2020, 07:39:02 AM

Apparently they rate Romero at £30 million. In which case we rate Jack £110 million.

We need to get on with getting a signing or 2 through the door. Linked with Harry Wilson today, think I would prefer Buendia but Wilson isn't a bad player.

Some odd tweets from Algerian press about Benrahma coming too. I'd love him to sign. Think he's going to be brilliant wherever he ends up.

I’m another firmly in the Benrahma camp. I would love to see him in a Villa shirt - last close season, he was just coming back from injury so I understand the reservations in signing him last time around. However, he looks superb and - in my opinion - would be something that we’re missing. I think we missed a trick with Maupay last season too, and would love to see that we’ve learnt from this.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 20, 2020, 08:02:29 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 20, 2020, 07:39:02 AM

Apparently they rate Romero at £30 million. In which case we rate Jack £110 million.

We need to get on with getting a signing or 2 through the door. Linked with Harry Wilson today, think I would prefer Buendia but Wilson isn't a bad player.

Some odd tweets from Algerian press about Benrahma coming too. I'd love him to sign. Think he's going to be brilliant wherever he ends up.

£30m for a 33 year old sub? Pha!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy65 on August 20, 2020, 08:09:30 AM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on August 20, 2020, 07:54:47 AM

Not thrilled about the idea of Thauvin or Harry Wilson.

Think Wilson is mainly good at set pieces, but not very good otherwise. Admittedly this is mainly from what I remember when he was at Derby and I always thought Mount was the much better player. Maybe he's improved since then.

Thauvin looks a bit lightweight, which is what I think is Trezeguet's main weakness. If Trez could bulk up a bit, he could be a real player.

I don’t think bulking up a bit will improve his crossing, his speed or make him braver unfortunately

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on August 20, 2020, 08:09:37 AM

Quote from: Big Ming on August 20, 2020, 05:06:01 AM

A couple of full backs that can actually stop the crosses raining in from either flank would be nice.

Getting up and down is one thing, but we shipped an awful lot of goals from crosses that should never have happened, last term.

That has been my take for a while, either we coach full backs that they defend the edge of the box & don’t have to pressure players wider or out full backs aren’t great defenders.

Somewhere along the line it seems full backs first job is to attack not defend....they aren’t all 25 year old Ashley Cole’s :-)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 20, 2020, 08:12:02 AM

Harry Wilson at £20m seems to be gaining momentum.  I really do hope not.  £20m is he better than what we’ve got?!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on August 20, 2020, 08:14:48 AM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on August 20, 2020, 07:54:47 AM

Not thrilled about the idea of Thauvin or Harry Wilson.

Think Wilson is mainly good at set pieces, but not very good otherwise. Admittedly this is mainly from what I remember when he was at Derby and I always thought Mount was the much better player. Maybe he's improved since then.

Thauvin looks a bit lightweight, which is what I think is Trezeguet's main weakness. If Trez could bulk up a bit, he could be a real player.

This shows my fear for the window, I literally don’t think there is a single player that we could sign that will be met with universal acclaim;

You sign Benrahma or Watkins & some will criticise that they have only played at Champ level

You sign Eduoard (sp!) and some will say he’s only done it in a pub league

You sign Rashica and some will say he doesn’t want to be here

You sign anyone from Norwich, Bournemouth or Watford they will be showing no ambition buying off relegated clubs

You buy anyone from the Belgian league......LOL!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Marlon From Bearwood on August 20, 2020, 08:18:25 AM

Quote from: Gareth on August 20, 2020, 08:14:48 AM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on August 20, 2020, 07:54:47 AM

Not thrilled about the idea of Thauvin or Harry Wilson.

Think Wilson is mainly good at set pieces, but not very good otherwise. Admittedly this is mainly from what I remember when he was at Derby and I always thought Mount was the much better player. Maybe he's improved since then.

Thauvin looks a bit lightweight, which is what I think is Trezeguet's main weakness. If Trez could bulk up a bit, he could be a real player.

This shows my fear for the window, I literally don’t think there is a single player that we could sign that will be met with universal acclaim;

You sign Benrahma or Watkins & some will criticise that they have only played at Champ level

You sign Eduoard (sp!) and some will say he’s only done it in a pub league

You sign Rashica and some will say he doesn’t want to be here

You sign anyone from Norwich, Bournemouth or Watford they will be showing no ambition buying off relegated clubs

You buy anyone from the Belgian league......LOL!

Spot on. As evidenced by those on here recently turning their noses up at Gareth Bale! Obviously it was a theoretical suggestion that wouldn’t happen for many reasons but the point still stands.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on August 20, 2020, 08:31:05 AM

Wilson looked ok at Derby, but not sure how he got on at Bournemouth at a higher level. Would prefer Buendia who has been linked for a similar price.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on August 20, 2020, 08:37:53 AM

Wilson would be a poor signing. Not one of Bournemouth's better players. Not quick, no physical presence, doesn't track back, average work ethic. Has a good shot on him. I'd be happy with him as a squad player but that is not what we need right now. It would be a sign that our plan B targets are not much cop for me. We need solid upgrades on the first 11 not more gambles.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: themossman on August 20, 2020, 08:42:16 AM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 19, 2020, 10:11:27 PM

Quote from: themossman on August 19, 2020, 06:31:05 PM

I think the jury’s out on nakamba but I do find it strange that he’s been written off when he looked very good early on, better than Luiz, albeit inconsistent and with the kind of very visible mistakes you’re going to get in that position while you’re developing.

Don't think Nakamba has a high potential ceiling as a player from what I've seen.

I rate Luiz hugely. I think he'll be playing in CL within 3 years just like Gana did after leaving us. Nakamba will probably be in Turkey or somewhere.

For a supposed midfield anchor player he's far too easily bypassed and really dosen't position himself well infront of the back 4, Wolves away sticks in my mind as when they were breezing past him (and Luiz) on the counter attack.

Average. Need to make sure we don't have him, Hause and Hourihane starting 20 + league games this season as that would certainly mean we haven't signed well enough.

Yeah fair points. I’d add though, I do think luiz looked better defensively in those late games partly because he was sitting more and the defence was 100 x better organised. In those games when MN was exposed we were still paying kamikaze football.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 20, 2020, 09:04:30 AM

Quote from: aj2k77 on August 20, 2020, 08:37:53 AM

Wilson would be a poor signing. Not one of Bournemouth's better players. Not quick, no physical presence, doesn't track back, average work ethic. Has a good shot on him. I'd be happy with him as a squad player but that is not what we need right now. It would be a sign that our plan B targets are not much cop for me. We need solid upgrades on the first 11 not more gambles.

I don’t rate him at all, he looks bang average but can hit a free kick.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: TaxDodger on August 20, 2020, 09:12:40 AM

Wilson's been decent for Wales and would probably be a marginal upgrade on Trezeguet and El Ghazi, but I'd have thought there'd be better options than Harry Wilson for £20m. From what I've seen of Buendia I'd probably prefer a punt on him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rob_bridge on August 20, 2020, 09:13:17 AM

No to Wilson - not developed as much as he should have

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on August 20, 2020, 09:32:55 AM

Quote from: Marlon From Bearwood on August 20, 2020, 08:18:25 AM

Spot on. As evidenced by those on here recently turning their noses up at Gareth Bale! Obviously it was a theoretical suggestion that wouldn’t happen for many reasons but the point still stands.

Not that it is going to happen anyway, but signing Gareth Bale would be a massive mistake.

He can't be fucked to go to work and play for Real Madrid, what do people think his mindset would be if he came here?

We'd be begging him to get off the Belfry.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on August 20, 2020, 09:34:13 AM

FWIW I thought our major failing last summer, when combined with the unavoidable fact we'd had to buy an entire team, was that we didn't buy anyone with a decent amount of premier league experience (bar Heaton).

That's something we need to avoid repeating this summer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 20, 2020, 09:35:14 AM

Weston McKennie, American midfielder playing for Schalke being linked.

Seems a big lad, who is box to box. Southampton have been linked with him previously.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 20, 2020, 09:39:52 AM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on August 20, 2020, 09:34:13 AM

FWIW I thought our major failing last summer, when combined with the unavoidable fact we'd had to buy an entire team, was that we didn't buy anyone with a decent amount of premier league experience (bar Heaton).

That's something we need to avoid repeating this summer.

I don't think it needs to be specifically Premier League experience though, and I'm thinking really of Moutinho at Wolves, a quality player that has played in top leagues and still has a bit to give.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 20, 2020, 09:41:55 AM

Quote from: Ads on August 20, 2020, 09:35:14 AM

Weston McKennie, American midfielder playing for Schalke being linked.

Seems a big lad, who is box to box. Southampton have been linked with him previously.

Another of my Champ Manager faves, yes please.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 20, 2020, 09:43:21 AM

Quote from: LeeB on August 20, 2020, 09:41:55 AM

Quote from: Ads on August 20, 2020, 09:35:14 AM

Weston McKennie, American midfielder playing for Schalke being linked.

Seems a big lad, who is box to box. Southampton have been linked with him previously.

Another of my Champ Manager faves, yes please.

Seems a better pedigree of links this year. Stronger leagues, such as Bundesliga and in this kids case, Champions League exprience.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 20, 2020, 10:36:53 AM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on August 20, 2020, 09:34:13 AM

FWIW I thought our major failing last summer, when combined with the unavoidable fact we'd had to buy an entire team, was that we didn't buy anyone with a decent amount of premier league experience (bar Heaton).

That's something we need to avoid repeating this summer.

That will stir Dave into posting (wink).

We could certainly do with a calm head or two at the back and at base of midfield. The amount of leads we lost in last 10 minutes of games last season was scandalous. People seem to think we had that fixed in the run in but we still couldn't beat either Everton or West Ham when leading those games 1-0 with five minutes left despite neither of those being arsed about the result.

Something we're really going to have to correct next season if we're to really kick on.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on August 20, 2020, 10:48:37 AM

Quote from: Ads on August 20, 2020, 09:35:14 AM

Weston McKennie, American midfielder playing for Schalke being linked.

Seems a big lad, who is box to box. Southampton have been linked with him previously.

Sounds like a character from The Last Dance.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on August 20, 2020, 10:51:01 AM

Aren't Schalke and Valencia both selling off all their players?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 20, 2020, 11:08:59 AM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on August 20, 2020, 10:51:01 AM

Aren't Schalke and Valencia both selling off all their players?

Would take Gameiro off Valencia no problem. Generally had a good scoring record wherever he's been. Maxi Gomez of course also linked last summer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: JJ-AV on August 20, 2020, 01:00:42 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on August 20, 2020, 09:34:13 AM

FWIW I thought our major failing last summer, when combined with the unavoidable fact we'd had to buy an entire team, was that we didn't buy anyone with a decent amount of premier league experience (bar Heaton).

That's something we need to avoid repeating this summer.

Completely agree. A couple of the free transfers would have helped. Vertonghen, Hendrick and Lallana were ideal for me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on August 20, 2020, 01:42:46 PM

Two of those may have broken our wage structure (Adam and Jan).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 20, 2020, 01:46:47 PM

A couple of freebies would help no end if they are decent quality. Trouble is Lallana is always injured, Vertonghen got a 3 year deal from Benfica and wanted a challenge away from England, and Hendrick will be on a decent wedge and is not that good.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Hookeysmith on August 20, 2020, 01:53:37 PM

[/quote]

I don’t rate him at all, he looks bang average but can hit a free kick.
[/quote]

So no upgrade on Hourihane then !

We need better than this im afraid - especially after looking at the daunting fixtures at the start and end of the seaon - we really need a decent start to get some momentum

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on August 20, 2020, 01:55:02 PM

Quote from: LeeB on August 20, 2020, 09:39:52 AM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on August 20, 2020, 09:34:13 AM

FWIW I thought our major failing last summer, when combined with the unavoidable fact we'd had to buy an entire team, was that we didn't buy anyone with a decent amount of premier league experience (bar Heaton).

That's something we need to avoid repeating this summer.

I don't think it needs to be specifically Premier League experience though, and I'm thinking really of Moutinho at Wolves, a quality player that has played in top leagues and still has a bit to give.

Fair point, that too would make a difference.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on August 20, 2020, 01:59:05 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 20, 2020, 01:46:47 PM

A couple of freebies would help no end if they are decent quality. Trouble is Lallana is always injured, Vertonghen got a 3 year deal from Benfica and wanted a challenge away from England, and Hendrick will be on a decent wedge and is not that good.

I wouldn't say Vertonghen wanted a challenge away from England. On the contrary at the age of 33 he wanted less of a challenge at one of the big three clubs in a three team league.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 20, 2020, 02:00:54 PM

Quote from: Hookeysmith on August 20, 2020, 01:53:37 PM

I don’t rate him at all, he looks bang average but can hit a free kick.
[/quote]

So no upgrade on Hourihane then !

We need better than this im afraid - especially after looking at the daunting fixtures at the start and end of the seaon - we really need a decent start to get some momentum
[/quote]

Spot on with regards to Hourihane, and yes, we need better and to be fair the links to Rashika and McKennie suggests we're shopping more in the Mailbox rather than Oasis Market.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: villadelph on August 20, 2020, 02:12:47 PM

I may be a little anxious, but with three or four weeks until the next campaign kicks off I hope we can get some deals done and develop this squad sooner rather than later.

I don't want to see another year where we blame the first two months on players getting used to one another.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on August 20, 2020, 02:16:58 PM

Benhrama, Watkins, C Wilson and Buendia - these are a few of my favourite things [at the moment].
3 of these plus a CMF and a LB, and we're done!

Please make it so.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dick Edwards on August 20, 2020, 02:22:22 PM

I may be in a minority here but I don't want to see a load of new players arrive this summer. It takes time to build a quality squad and the majority of the players bought last summer will be all the better for year's Premier League experience. A midfield player and three forwards with pace and finishing ability, assuming we buy quality to replace who we have in those positions already, will transform our results.
We can then look to strengthen the defensive positions next summer.

Quality, not quantity in the next month please Villa. Oh, and of course retain the quality we already have, Jack in particular.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: gpbarr on August 20, 2020, 02:41:21 PM

Quote from: villadelph on August 20, 2020, 02:12:47 PM

I may be a little anxious, but with three or four weeks until the next campaign kicks off I hope we can get some deals done and develop this squad sooner rather than later.

I don't want to see another year where we blame the first two months on players getting used to one another.

I think we are already in that territory. 23 days left till kick off and I'd be surprised to see any incomings this week. It's looking increasingly like we will need the current squad to step up and prove that their first year was an acclimation while any new players we do sign (I don't think it will be more than 2-3) take some time to bed in.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on August 20, 2020, 02:42:43 PM

Quote from: Dick Edwards on August 20, 2020, 02:22:22 PM

I may be in a minority here but I don't want to see a load of new players arrive this summer. It takes time to build a quality squad and the majority of the players bought last summer will be all the better for year's Premier League experience. A midfield player and three forwards with pace and finishing ability, assuming we buy quality to replace who we have in those positions already, will transform our results.
We can then look to strengthen the defensive positions next summer.

Quality, not quantity in the next month please Villa. Oh, and of course retain the quality we already have, Jack in particular.

A numbers of players in the first eleven or bench aren't good enough though. As demonstrated by a woeful points total and goals conceded total last season. I really don't get the point that our defence doesn't need strengthening.

Some players may improve (Luiz, McGinn) but I'd be very suspect of how much improvement is in a number of others (Targett, Samatta, Wesley). Plus the likes of Taylor, Lansbury, Jota, Nyland who are nowhere near good enough for this level still here as squad filler.

We can't be expecting Grealish, if he stays, to carry the team singlehandedly like he did for most of last season. I'd be of the view we need urgent surgery (LB, CM, RW, CF) to that squad to avoid another long relegation battle. Hence I'm more than a little worried that we have started pre season without a single signing and all kinds of speculation about whether our best player is staying or going.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 20, 2020, 02:45:13 PM

Quote from: Dick Edwards on August 20, 2020, 02:22:22 PM

I may be in a minority here but I don't want to see a load of new players arrive this summer. It takes time to build a quality squad and the majority of the players bought last summer will be all the better for year's Premier League experience. A midfield player and three forwards with pace and finishing ability, assuming we buy quality to replace who we have in those positions already, will transform our results.
We can then look to strengthen the defensive positions next summer.

Quality, not quantity in the next month please Villa. Oh, and of course retain the quality we already have, Jack in particular.

Agree with this.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 20, 2020, 02:50:27 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on August 20, 2020, 02:42:43 PM

Quote from: Dick Edwards on August 20, 2020, 02:22:22 PM

I may be in a minority here but I don't want to see a load of new players arrive this summer. It takes time to build a quality squad and the majority of the players bought last summer will be all the better for year's Premier League experience. A midfield player and three forwards with pace and finishing ability, assuming we buy quality to replace who we have in those positions already, will transform our results.
We can then look to strengthen the defensive positions next summer.

Quality, not quantity in the next month please Villa. Oh, and of course retain the quality we already have, Jack in particular.

A numbers of players in the first eleven or bench aren't good enough though. As demonstrated by a woeful points total and goals conceded total last season. I really don't get the point that our defence doesn't need strengthening.

Some players may improve (Luiz, McGinn) but I'd be very suspect of how much improvement is in a number of others (Targett, Samatta, Wesley). Plus the likes of Taylor, Lansbury, Jota, Nyland who are nowhere near good enough for this level still here as squad filler.

We can't be expecting Grealish, if he stays, to carry the team singlehandedly like he did for most of last season. I'd be of the view we need urgent surgery (LB, CM, RW, CF) to that squad to avoid another long relegation battle. Hence I'm more than a little worried that we have started pre season without a single signing and all kinds of speculation about whether our best player is staying or going.

Don’t really get the improvement argument. Why is Wesley less likely to improve than McGinn (for example)?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 20, 2020, 02:54:10 PM

I don’t know who Weston McKennie is but he sounds ace. We need to buy him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 20, 2020, 02:55:26 PM

Feels a bit like the end of the first Lambert season.

People thought likes of Clark, Baker, Westwood, El-Ahamdi and Bennett would all magically improve but they didn't and some of them got worse. Also Weimann was one of the best performances from January in that season and he never hit the same heights again.

From our present crop Luiz certainly improved and will be a key player next season and Konsa was looking better in the run in. However can't see anything but another relegation scrap if Hause, Hourihane and Trez are all starting 20 + games next season. We need to sign well in those areas that means they only start 5-10 games. That's how you improve the squad.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john2710 on August 20, 2020, 03:28:21 PM

We need first choice box to box midfielder, winger & centre forward.
Ideally we need a keeper, right-back & centre half (as cover).

We also need to move on:
Lansbury, Jota, Bree, Nyland, Kalanic, El Ghazi, Davies (loan).

It would be nice if everything was in place before the start but it's not critical.

Does anyone see any of the U23s making a step up?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 20, 2020, 03:33:53 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 20, 2020, 02:54:10 PM

I don’t know who Weston McKennie is but he sounds ace. We need to buy him.

He sound like he should be on Stax, touring with Booker T and the MG's.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 20, 2020, 03:35:55 PM

I’d be looking for an additional LB before RB.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rob_bridge on August 20, 2020, 03:36:42 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on August 20, 2020, 03:35:55 PM

I’d be looking for an additional LB before RB.

Agree - don't mind Targett as back up. Don't want to see Taylor here as either main or back up.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: themossman on August 20, 2020, 03:51:01 PM

I agree to a point about not having too much churn in the first team. But we absolutely, completely need a striker and winger in, fully settled before the season starts. Those positions are effectively vacant.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 20, 2020, 04:10:15 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 20, 2020, 02:54:10 PM

I don’t know who Weston McKennie is but he sounds ace. We need to buy him.

With Smith and Weston we'll be firing on all cylinders in no time.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on August 20, 2020, 04:12:14 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on August 20, 2020, 02:50:27 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on August 20, 2020, 02:42:43 PM

Quote from: Dick Edwards on August 20, 2020, 02:22:22 PM

I may be in a minority here but I don't want to see a load of new players arrive this summer. It takes time to build a quality squad and the majority of the players bought last summer will be all the better for year's Premier League experience. A midfield player and three forwards with pace and finishing ability, assuming we buy quality to replace who we have in those positions already, will transform our results.
We can then look to strengthen the defensive positions next summer.

Quality, not quantity in the next month please Villa. Oh, and of course retain the quality we already have, Jack in particular.

A numbers of players in the first eleven or bench aren't good enough though. As demonstrated by a woeful points total and goals conceded total last season. I really don't get the point that our defence doesn't need strengthening.

Some players may improve (Luiz, McGinn) but I'd be very suspect of how much improvement is in a number of others (Targett, Samatta, Wesley). Plus the likes of Taylor, Lansbury, Jota, Nyland who are nowhere near good enough for this level still here as squad filler.

We can't be expecting Grealish, if he stays, to carry the team singlehandedly like he did for most of last season. I'd be of the view we need urgent surgery (LB, CM, RW, CF) to that squad to avoid another long relegation battle. Hence I'm more than a little worried that we have started pre season without a single signing and all kinds of speculation about whether our best player is staying or going.

Don’t really get the improvement argument. Why is Wesley less likely to improve than McGinn (for example)?

Because Wesley is currently operating at the level of a Donkey on Blackpool beach, and McGinn is already pretty good. One improving means we  have a very good payer, the other improving the same amount still leaves us with someone not good enough to play for Blues.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Nii Lamptey on August 20, 2020, 04:12:32 PM

Quote from: rob_bridge on August 20, 2020, 03:36:42 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on August 20, 2020, 03:35:55 PM

I’d be looking for an additional LB before RB.

Agree - don't mind Targett as back up. Don't want to see Taylor here as either main or back up.

Agreed. I don't see the issue with RB - Fred is the best fullback we have at the club and should start next season, with Elmo as backup. LB on the other hand....
I don't rate Targett at all. He's ok in the attacking sense, but non-existent when we need to roll up our sleeves and defend. Southampton were laughing all the way to the bank with that one imo.

My shopping list would be:

2 x Strikers - Ideally Tammy, but almost certainly not going to happen, so I'd definitely go in for Watkins and the lad from Celtic
2 x Wingers - Benrahma and Rashica
1 x Box to box midfielder in the Ian Taylor mould
1 x Left back

I'd leave the keeper position till next season - Give Steer a run to see what he's made of until Heaton is ready for a return.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 20, 2020, 04:13:35 PM

Harry Wilson being linked now for 20m.

Started off last season well but ended it as a bench player for a relegated club.

If we're seriously in for him suggests Rashica deal is dead.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on August 20, 2020, 04:14:03 PM

Quote from: Nii Lamptey on August 20, 2020, 04:12:32 PM

Quote from: rob_bridge on August 20, 2020, 03:36:42 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on August 20, 2020, 03:35:55 PM

I’d be looking for an additional LB before RB.

Agree - don't mind Targett as back up. Don't want to see Taylor here as either main or back up.

Agreed. I don't see the issue with RB - Fred is the best fullback we have at the club and should start next season, with Elmo as backup. LB on the other hand....
I don't rate Targett at all. He's ok in the attacking sense, but non-existent when we need to roll up our sleeves and defend. Southampton were laughing all the way to the bank with that one imo.

My shopping list would be:

2 x Strikers - Ideally Tammy, but almost certainly not going to happen, so I'd definitely go in for Watkins and the lad from Celtic
2 x Wingers - Benrahma and Rashica
1 x Box to box midfielder in the Ian Taylor mould
1 x Left back

I'd leave the keeper position till next season - Give Steer a run to see what he's made of until Heaton is ready for a return.

Would be similar to my list, but would take Cantwell and Buendia over Benrahma and Rashica.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 20, 2020, 04:18:15 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on August 20, 2020, 04:12:14 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on August 20, 2020, 02:50:27 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on August 20, 2020, 02:42:43 PM

Quote from: Dick Edwards on August 20, 2020, 02:22:22 PM

I may be in a minority here but I don't want to see a load of new players arrive this summer. It takes time to build a quality squad and the majority of the players bought last summer will be all the better for year's Premier League experience. A midfield player and three forwards with pace and finishing ability, assuming we buy quality to replace who we have in those positions already, will transform our results.
We can then look to strengthen the defensive positions next summer.

Quality, not quantity in the next month please Villa. Oh, and of course retain the quality we already have, Jack in particular.

A numbers of players in the first eleven or bench aren't good enough though. As demonstrated by a woeful points total and goals conceded total last season. I really don't get the point that our defence doesn't need strengthening.

Some players may improve (Luiz, McGinn) but I'd be very suspect of how much improvement is in a number of others (Targett, Samatta, Wesley). Plus the likes of Taylor, Lansbury, Jota, Nyland who are nowhere near good enough for this level still here as squad filler.

We can't be expecting Grealish, if he stays, to carry the team singlehandedly like he did for most of last season. I'd be of the view we need urgent surgery (LB, CM, RW, CF) to that squad to avoid another long relegation battle. Hence I'm more than a little worried that we have started pre season without a single signing and all kinds of speculation about whether our best player is staying or going.

Don’t really get the improvement argument. Why is Wesley less likely to improve than McGinn (for example)?

Because Wesley is currently operating at the level of a Donkey on Blackpool beach, and McGinn is already pretty good. One improving means we  have a very good payer, the other improving the same amount still leaves us with someone not good enough to play for Blues.

Well that’s a different point. This about whether players can improve, not what level they improve to. In any case I wouldn’t write Wesley off yet.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on August 20, 2020, 04:47:49 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on August 20, 2020, 04:12:14 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on August 20, 2020, 02:50:27 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on August 20, 2020, 02:42:43 PM

Quote from: Dick Edwards on August 20, 2020, 02:22:22 PM

I may be in a minority here but I don't want to see a load of new players arrive this summer. It takes time to build a quality squad and the majority of the players bought last summer will be all the better for year's Premier League experience. A midfield player and three forwards with pace and finishing ability, assuming we buy quality to replace who we have in those positions already, will transform our results.
We can then look to strengthen the defensive positions next summer.

Quality, not quantity in the next month please Villa. Oh, and of course retain the quality we already have, Jack in particular.

A numbers of players in the first eleven or bench aren't good enough though. As demonstrated by a woeful points total and goals conceded total last season. I really don't get the point that our defence doesn't need strengthening.

Some players may improve (Luiz, McGinn) but I'd be very suspect of how much improvement is in a number of others (Targett, Samatta, Wesley). Plus the likes of Taylor, Lansbury, Jota, Nyland who are nowhere near good enough for this level still here as squad filler.

We can't be expecting Grealish, if he stays, to carry the team singlehandedly like he did for most of last season. I'd be of the view we need urgent surgery (LB, CM, RW, CF) to that squad to avoid another long relegation battle. Hence I'm more than a little worried that we have started pre season without a single signing and all kinds of speculation about whether our best player is staying or going.

Don’t really get the improvement argument. Why is Wesley less likely to improve than McGinn (for example)?

Because Wesley is currently operating at the level of a Donkey on Blackpool beach, and McGinn is already pretty good. One improving means we  have a very good payer, the other improving the same amount still leaves us with someone not good enough to play for Blues.

That's ridiculous. Your view of course, and one you're entitled to, but I think you're way off the mark.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on August 20, 2020, 04:49:10 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on August 20, 2020, 02:50:27 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on August 20, 2020, 02:42:43 PM

Quote from: Dick Edwards on August 20, 2020, 02:22:22 PM

I may be in a minority here but I don't want to see a load of new players arrive this summer. It takes time to build a quality squad and the majority of the players bought last summer will be all the better for year's Premier League experience. A midfield player and three forwards with pace and finishing ability, assuming we buy quality to replace who we have in those positions already, will transform our results.
We can then look to strengthen the defensive positions next summer.

Quality, not quantity in the next month please Villa. Oh, and of course retain the quality we already have, Jack in particular.

A numbers of players in the first eleven or bench aren't good enough though. As demonstrated by a woeful points total and goals conceded total last season. I really don't get the point that our defence doesn't need strengthening.

Some players may improve (Luiz, McGinn) but I'd be very suspect of how much improvement is in a number of others (Targett, Samatta, Wesley). Plus the likes of Taylor, Lansbury, Jota, Nyland who are nowhere near good enough for this level still here as squad filler.

We can't be expecting Grealish, if he stays, to carry the team singlehandedly like he did for most of last season. I'd be of the view we need urgent surgery (LB, CM, RW, CF) to that squad to avoid another long relegation battle. Hence I'm more than a little worried that we have started pre season without a single signing and all kinds of speculation about whether our best player is staying or going.

Don’t really get the improvement argument. Why is Wesley less likely to improve than McGinn (for example)?

McGinn clearly has the ability to improve from last season. If he can improve his conditioning which is easily fixable (or should be anyway for a decent professional).

Wesley as an example only but I don't see much potential in him unfortunately. Even last season, whenever he scored and you think he might kick on from it he then regressed usually to being next to useless the following week.

Targett is a better example, the manner in which he was routinely torn apart all season by opponents isn't easily fixable. At a minimum he needs strong competition for his place, not Taylor.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 20, 2020, 04:55:55 PM

Way too soon to judge Wesley. His best performance was arguably his last one and he was injured before having the chance to kick on.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on August 20, 2020, 04:58:00 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on August 20, 2020, 04:49:10 PM

Targett is a better example, the manner in which he was routinely torn apart all season by opponents isn't easily fixable. At a minimum he needs strong competition for his place, not Taylor.

Ironic in that Taylor never once got torn apart last season. If we could combine the two..but realistically we spent a fortune on Targett and he's going no where this window. To his credit he did improve defensively after lockdown. Agree though, a left back should be on the shopping list.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on August 20, 2020, 04:58:20 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 20, 2020, 04:13:35 PM

Harry Wilson being linked now for 20m.

Started off last season well but ended it as a bench player for a relegated club.

If we're seriously in for him suggests Rashica deal is dead.

Is a bit one paced too. Really think we need to bring a flyer to stretch teams on the counter attack. We didn't have that threat last season. Could Demarai Gray be that player? Career seems to be stalling a bit

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 20, 2020, 05:00:30 PM

It's too soon to judge him fully but I wouldn't be hanging any hopes on him either.

We need a top quality striker, a proven goalscorer who has enough guile in their game to do it at this level, regardless of what league they're in currently.

We all know how difficult that type of player is to find, and how much they will cost, but it's still an absolute necessity regardless.

Given the uncertainty around his injury and his very mixed form when he was fit, we have no real choice but to treat Wesley as a back-up now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on August 20, 2020, 05:09:43 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on August 20, 2020, 04:55:55 PM

Way too soon to judge Wesley. His best performance was arguably his last one and he was injured before having the chance to kick on.

It may be too soon but from what we did see it doesn't fill me with any confidence.  He struggled to hold it up, head it, pass and shoot.  Frankly Gestede offered more in his time with us. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 20, 2020, 05:32:58 PM

Wesleys best game was Everton early on imo
he had some decent displays and looked a handful at times

at other times he looked dreadful
so for me he was always hit or miss

the fact he had games when he looked great, few admittedly but then new to the league and all that gives me some hopes that he can be very useful to us in the premier league

I don’t agree he is a donkey, I think that’s a ridiculous thing to say
the thing that worries me most about Wesley is his inability to head the ball

you would expect someone with that physical presence to be dangerous from crosses but he really struggles

never the less he’s young has potential and isn’t someone we can move on because of wages and injury etc
so we have to work with him and find a way of getting the best out of him
and I’m happy with that

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on August 20, 2020, 05:39:11 PM

Or hold it up John, it bounced yards off him pretty much every time.  I agree we have to work with him and see how he develops, I'm just not holding my breath.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on August 20, 2020, 05:39:38 PM

Quote from: john e on August 20, 2020, 05:32:58 PM

Wesleys best game was Everton early on imo
he had some decent displays and looked a handful at times

at other times he looked dreadful
so for me he was always hit or miss

the fact he had games when he looked great, few admittedly but then new to the league and all that gives me some hopes that he can be very useful to us in the premier league

I don’t agree he is a donkey, I think that’s a ridiculous thing to say
the thing that worries me most about Wesley is his inability to head the ball

you would expect someone with that physical presence to be dangerous from crosses but he really struggles

never the less he’s young has potential and isn’t someone we can move on because of wages and injury etc
so we have to work with him and find a way of getting the best out of him
and I’m happy with that

If we go into the season with Wesley as our number on striker we will be struggling at the bottom again. Neither he nor Samatta have done enough to justify any confidence he can improve enough to do so. I agree we can't write him off having spent so much, but we absolutely have to buy a nailed on first team striker to ensure he improves from the bench not as the main striker.

It is more likely he will struggle more following a long injury lay off, that he will hit the ground in better form.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 20, 2020, 05:43:43 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on August 20, 2020, 05:39:38 PM

Quote from: john e on August 20, 2020, 05:32:58 PM

Wesleys best game was Everton early on imo
he had some decent displays and looked a handful at times

at other times he looked dreadful
so for me he was always hit or miss

the fact he had games when he looked great, few admittedly but then new to the league and all that gives me some hopes that he can be very useful to us in the premier league

I don’t agree he is a donkey, I think that’s a ridiculous thing to say
the thing that worries me most about Wesley is his inability to head the ball

you would expect someone with that physical presence to be dangerous from crosses but he really struggles

never the less he’s young has potential and isn’t someone we can move on because of wages and injury etc
so we have to work with him and find a way of getting the best out of him
and I’m happy with that

If we go into the season with Wesley as our number on striker we will be struggling at the bottom again. Neither he nor Samatta have done enough to justify any confidence he can improve enough to do so. I agree we can't write him off having spent so much, but we absolutely have to buy a nailed on first team striker to ensure he improves from the bench not as the main striker.

It is more likely he will struggle more following a long injury lay off, that he will hit the ground in better form.

I don’t disagree with any of that

 I just disagreed with you saying he operated like a donkey on Blackpool beach

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 20, 2020, 05:45:59 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on August 20, 2020, 05:39:11 PM

Or hold it up John, it bounced yards off him pretty much every time.  I agree we have to work with him and see how he develops, I'm just not holding my breath.

no in his good games he held the ball up well I thought
in others as you said he looked Gestede like

a proper jeckle & Hyde

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Londonvilla on August 20, 2020, 05:47:46 PM

Quote from: Gareth on August 20, 2020, 08:14:48 AM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on August 20, 2020, 07:54:47 AM

Not thrilled about the idea of Thauvin or Harry Wilson.

Think Wilson is mainly good at set pieces, but not very good otherwise. Admittedly this is mainly from what I remember when he was at Derby and I always thought Mount was the much better player. Maybe he's improved since then.

Thauvin looks a bit lightweight, which is what I think is Trezeguet's main weakness. If Trez could bulk up a bit, he could be a real player.

This shows my fear for the window, I literally don’t think there is a single player that we could sign that will be met with universal acclaim;

You sign Benrahma or Watkins & some will criticise that they have only played at Champ level

You sign Eduoard (sp!) and some will say he’s only done it in a pub league

You sign Rashica and some will say he doesn’t want to be here

You sign anyone from Norwich, Bournemouth or Watford they will be showing no ambition buying off relegated clubs

You buy anyone from the Belgian league......LOL!

Belgian league.....LOL

Best post of the day

As long as people have fun with all of this gossip and  speculation I don't have a problem. The issue is when people are a 100% sure that they are right and as a result you are not just wrong your also stupid and you smell and you love the football in the Belgian league 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on August 20, 2020, 05:57:58 PM

Quote from: john e on August 20, 2020, 05:45:59 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on August 20, 2020, 05:39:11 PM

Or hold it up John, it bounced yards off him pretty much every time.  I agree we have to work with him and see how he develops, I'm just not holding my breath.

no in his good games he held the ball up well I thought
in others as you said he looked Gestede like

a proper jeckle & Hyde

What I don't get about him is how he manages to be 1. a centre forward, 2. Brazilian and 3. tall, and utterly unable to head the ball.

Seemed incapable of timing his jumps. Remarkable.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 20, 2020, 06:15:27 PM

The funniest one is people believing ITK twitter accounts that have already admitted they are about 4 different accounts trolling on the making fake shit up.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on August 20, 2020, 06:17:37 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on August 20, 2020, 05:57:58 PM

What I don't get about him is how he manages to be 1. a centre forward, 2. Brazilian and 3. tall, and utterly unable to head the ball.

Seemed incapable of timing his jumps. Remarkable.

Even more remarkable knowing that he can't head a ball to save his life, we spent most of last season lumping it up to him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on August 20, 2020, 06:28:14 PM

Quote from: Londonvilla on August 20, 2020, 05:47:46 PM

Quote from: Gareth on August 20, 2020, 08:14:48 AM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on August 20, 2020, 07:54:47 AM

Not thrilled about the idea of Thauvin or Harry Wilson.

Think Wilson is mainly good at set pieces, but not very good otherwise. Admittedly this is mainly from what I remember when he was at Derby and I always thought Mount was the much better player. Maybe he's improved since then.

Thauvin looks a bit lightweight, which is what I think is Trezeguet's main weakness. If Trez could bulk up a bit, he could be a real player.

This shows my fear for the window, I literally don’t think there is a single player that we could sign that will be met with universal acclaim;

You sign Benrahma or Watkins & some will criticise that they have only played at Champ level

You sign Eduoard (sp!) and some will say he’s only done it in a pub league

You sign Rashica and some will say he doesn’t want to be here

You sign anyone from Norwich, Bournemouth or Watford they will be showing no ambition buying off relegated clubs

You buy anyone from the Belgian league......LOL!

Belgian league.....LOL

Best post of the day

As long as people have fun with all of this gossip and  speculation I don't have a problem. The issue is when people are a 100% sure that they are right and as a result you are not just wrong your also stupid and you smell and you love the football in the Belgian league

They’ll be dancing round the slag heaps of Charleroi :-)

If you don’t have fun with it in the transfer window silly season then you never can....plus it helps saves some bursting a blood vessel over every fake link

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 20, 2020, 06:38:07 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 20, 2020, 06:15:27 PM

The funniest one is people believing ITK twitter accounts that have already admitted they are about 4 different accounts trolling on the making fake shit up.

I was following one of those for a few days took me for a right fool when he signed off KRO

then again I’m the guy who was following Judge Rinder for a while
 only to realise it was a parody account called Judge Rimder
he/she was being very rude

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: themossman on August 20, 2020, 06:39:01 PM

Quote from: Gareth on August 20, 2020, 08:14:48 AM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on August 20, 2020, 07:54:47 AM

Not thrilled about the idea of Thauvin or Harry Wilson.

Think Wilson is mainly good at set pieces, but not very good otherwise. Admittedly this is mainly from what I remember when he was at Derby and I always thought Mount was the much better player. Maybe he's improved since then.

Thauvin looks a bit lightweight, which is what I think is Trezeguet's main weakness. If Trez could bulk up a bit, he could be a real player.

This shows my fear for the window, I literally don’t think there is a single player that we could sign that will be met with universal acclaim;

You sign Benrahma or Watkins & some will criticise that they have only played at Champ level

You sign Eduoard (sp!) and some will say he’s only done it in a pub league

You sign Rashica and some will say he doesn’t want to be here

You sign anyone from Norwich, Bournemouth or Watford they will be showing no ambition buying off relegated clubs

You buy anyone from the Belgian league......LOL!

Good post. It’s really true, and the best signings in my lifetime have all been bad or at least risky ones ‘on paper’.

You just don’t know until after the event and are reliant on having good people doing the scouting.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: villa `cross the mersey on August 20, 2020, 06:41:53 PM

Quote from: LeeB on August 20, 2020, 03:33:53 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 20, 2020, 02:54:10 PM

I don’t know who Weston McKennie is but he sounds ace. We need to buy him.

He sound like he should be on Stax, touring with Booker T and the MG's.

Play him alongside Memphis Depay

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 20, 2020, 06:45:36 PM

Quote from: villa `cross the mersey on August 20, 2020, 06:41:53 PM

Quote from: LeeB on August 20, 2020, 03:33:53 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 20, 2020, 02:54:10 PM

I don’t know who Weston McKennie is but he sounds ace. We need to buy him.

He sound like he should be on Stax, touring with Booker T and the MG's.

Play him alongside Memphis Depay

Coming to ya, on a dusty road, good crosses, I gotta truckload.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: villa `cross the mersey on August 20, 2020, 06:58:26 PM

Quote from: LeeB on August 20, 2020, 06:45:36 PM

Quote from: villa `cross the mersey on August 20, 2020, 06:41:53 PM

Quote from: LeeB on August 20, 2020, 03:33:53 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 20, 2020, 02:54:10 PM

I don’t know who Weston McKennie is but he sounds ace. We need to buy him.

He sound like he should be on Stax, touring with Booker T and the MG's.

Play him alongside Memphis Depay

Coming to ya, on a dusty road, good crosses, I gotta truckload.

Right on brother ..Keep the faith......meeting William Bell at Stax a few years back was totally awesome...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 20, 2020, 07:00:42 PM

Quote from: villa `cross the mersey on August 20, 2020, 06:58:26 PM

Quote from: LeeB on August 20, 2020, 06:45:36 PM

Quote from: villa `cross the mersey on August 20, 2020, 06:41:53 PM

Quote from: LeeB on August 20, 2020, 03:33:53 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 20, 2020, 02:54:10 PM

I don’t know who Weston McKennie is but he sounds ace. We need to buy him.

He sound like he should be on Stax, touring with Booker T and the MG's.

Play him alongside Memphis Depay

Coming to ya, on a dusty road, good crosses, I gotta truckload.

Right on brother ..Keep the faith......meeting William Bell at Stax a few years back was totally awesome...

Having Steve Cropper & Duck Dunn say thank you after a Blues Brothers gig I was running wasn't too bad either.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on August 20, 2020, 07:02:30 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on August 20, 2020, 05:57:58 PM

Quote from: john e on August 20, 2020, 05:45:59 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on August 20, 2020, 05:39:11 PM

Or hold it up John, it bounced yards off him pretty much every time.  I agree we have to work with him and see how he develops, I'm just not holding my breath.

no in his good games he held the ball up well I thought
in others as you said he looked Gestede like

a proper jeckle & Hyde

What I don't get about him is how he manages to be 1. a centre forward, 2. Brazilian and 3. tall, and utterly unable to head the ball.

Seemed incapable of timing his jumps. Remarkable.

We had the same problem with Crouch when he first joined. Had to teach him when and how to jump.

Going back further, it was the same with Ian Ormandroyd.  Huge lanky guy.... couldn't head for toffee.

Must be a Villa thing. We just assume that if they're tall enough they'll be good enough.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on August 20, 2020, 07:03:49 PM

Had any of us heard of Milot Rashica or Weston McKenzie before this window?  Genuine question as I hadn't. Are they really any good and genuine targets with Dean saying he wants Prem experienced players?

Callum Wilson. I would like us to sign him.  I think he'd be good for us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on August 20, 2020, 07:04:35 PM

Booker T and the MG's. BEST.BAND.EVER.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 20, 2020, 07:08:47 PM

Quote from: Newby on August 20, 2020, 07:03:49 PM

Had any of us heard of Milot Rashica or Weston McKenzie before this window?  Genuine question as I hadn't. Are they really any good and genuine targets with Dean saying he wants Prem experienced players?

Callum Wilson. I would like us to sign him.  I think he'd be good for us.

I hadn’t heard of either of them
but I’m not a good barometer of knowing much

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on August 20, 2020, 07:14:48 PM

Doucoure from Watford would be good to give us legs, strength and a goal threat from midfield, he’s been linked with a move away for around £25m

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 20, 2020, 07:16:13 PM

Quote from: Newby on August 20, 2020, 07:03:49 PM

Had any of us heard of Milot Rashica or Weston McKenzie before this window?  Genuine question as I hadn't. Are they really any good and genuine targets with Dean saying he wants Prem experienced players?

Callum Wilson. I would like us to sign him.  I think he'd be good for us.

I had, but only through Champ Manager, although the database is compiled from scout reports and has been a pretty good tool for spotting unknown youngsters that are stars a few years down the line.

And Tonton Zola Moukoko.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 20, 2020, 07:17:39 PM

Quote from: Bent Neilsens Screamer on August 20, 2020, 07:14:48 PM

Doucoure from Watford would be good to give us legs, strength and a goal threat from midfield, he’s been linked with a move away for around £25m

I suggested that few weeks back, good player and I think he's compliment the others well.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on August 20, 2020, 07:19:29 PM

Quote from: LeeB on August 20, 2020, 07:16:13 PM

Quote from: Newby on August 20, 2020, 07:03:49 PM

Had any of us heard of Milot Rashica or Weston McKenzie before this window?  Genuine question as I hadn't. Are they really any good and genuine targets with Dean saying he wants Prem experienced players?

Callum Wilson. I would like us to sign him.  I think he'd be good for us.

I had, but only through Champ Manager, although the database is compiled from scout reports and has been a pretty good tool for spotting unknown youngsters that are stars a few years down the line.

And Tonton Zola Moukoko.

Oh for a Cherno Samba to score a hatful for us!!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 20, 2020, 07:21:49 PM

I'd settle for Scott Huckerby on the wing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on August 20, 2020, 07:23:11 PM

Quote from: LeeB on August 20, 2020, 07:17:39 PM

Quote from: Bent Neilsens Screamer on August 20, 2020, 07:14:48 PM

Doucoure from Watford would be good to give us legs, strength and a goal threat from midfield, he’s been linked with a move away for around £25m

I suggested that few weeks back, good player and I think he's compliment the others well.

Pretty sure Watford got him in as a DM but last season finished playing further forward so he can cover a number of positions in the middle of the park.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 20, 2020, 07:30:44 PM

Quote from: Bent Neilsens Screamer on August 20, 2020, 07:23:11 PM

Quote from: LeeB on August 20, 2020, 07:17:39 PM

Quote from: Bent Neilsens Screamer on August 20, 2020, 07:14:48 PM

Doucoure from Watford would be good to give us legs, strength and a goal threat from midfield, he’s been linked with a move away for around £25m

I suggested that few weeks back, good player and I think he's compliment the others well.

Pretty sure Watford got him in as a DM but last season finished playing further forward so he can cover a number of positions in the middle of the park.

He's a unit too, gives some height in the box at both ends, which is still important however pretty want to play.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 20, 2020, 07:40:03 PM

Quote from: LeeB on August 20, 2020, 07:17:39 PM

Quote from: Bent Neilsens Screamer on August 20, 2020, 07:14:48 PM

Doucoure from Watford would be good to give us legs, strength and a goal threat from midfield, he’s been linked with a move away for around £25m

I suggested that few weeks back, good player and I think he's compliment the others well.

As in "Jack, you're playing superbly today", "Very well taken goal, Wes!" etc? ;)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 20, 2020, 07:41:09 PM

Quote from: LeeB on August 20, 2020, 07:30:44 PM

Quote from: Bent Neilsens Screamer on August 20, 2020, 07:23:11 PM

Quote from: LeeB on August 20, 2020, 07:17:39 PM

Quote from: Bent Neilsens Screamer on August 20, 2020, 07:14:48 PM

Doucoure from Watford would be good to give us legs, strength and a goal threat from midfield, he’s been linked with a move away for around £25m

I suggested that few weeks back, good player and I think he's compliment the others well.

Pretty sure Watford got him in as a DM but last season finished playing further forward so he can cover a number of positions in the middle of the park.

He's a unit too, gives some height in the box at both ends, which is still important however pretty want to play.

hope we show interest

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Nii Lamptey on August 20, 2020, 07:41:16 PM

Here’s one I’ll throw out there who could probably do a job for us..... not a clue how old he is now mind?

Marc Albrighton

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 20, 2020, 07:43:08 PM

Quote from: Nii Lamptey on August 20, 2020, 07:41:16 PM

Here’s one I’ll throw out there who could probably do a job for us..... not a clue how old he is now mind?

Marc Albrighton

30

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on August 20, 2020, 07:44:08 PM

Rashica yes, as we were linked last summer and in Jan.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 20, 2020, 07:50:25 PM

Quote from: Nii Lamptey on August 20, 2020, 07:41:16 PM

Here’s one I’ll throw out there who could probably do a job for us..... not a clue how old he is now mind?

Marc Albrighton

hasn’t done a lot since we got rid of him though  🙂

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 20, 2020, 07:51:28 PM

Yeah I’d heard of Rashica, think he’s pretty highly rated. But I’d be pretty surprised if he ends up here.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Small Rodent on August 20, 2020, 08:01:34 PM

Quote from: Newby on August 20, 2020, 07:04:35 PM

Booker T and the MG's. BEST.BAND.EVER.

The most sensible and undeniably accurate comment on the whole thread.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Skerra on August 20, 2020, 08:06:18 PM

“Time is tight” was the best, not Green Onions.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 20, 2020, 08:39:50 PM

Were we linked with Antonee Robinson? I think we were. Anyway, gone to Fulham.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on August 20, 2020, 08:54:37 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on August 20, 2020, 08:39:50 PM

Were we linked with Antonee Robinson? I think we were. Anyway, gone to Fulham.

He was on the cusp of a move to Milan in January, not sure what happened, but you’d think if we had any notion of signing left back competition we’d have been interested. Perhaps there’s other irons in the fire?!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on August 20, 2020, 08:56:37 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 20, 2020, 07:21:49 PM

I'd settle for Scott Huckerby on the wing.

I'd settle for Scott Sinclair on the wing

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on August 20, 2020, 09:00:47 PM

Quote from: LeeB on August 20, 2020, 07:17:39 PM

Quote from: Bent Neilsens Screamer on August 20, 2020, 07:14:48 PM

Doucoure from Watford would be good to give us legs, strength and a goal threat from midfield, he’s been linked with a move away for around £25m

I suggested that few weeks back, good player and I think he's compliment the others well.

Watford fans I know said he wasn’t as good last season but that might have been because he was linked with likes if Arsenal last summer & got stuck there ....but the bonus of having Shakespeare is Dean wouldn’t have to go to far to get a character reference.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: villa `cross the mersey on August 20, 2020, 09:02:39 PM

"Time is tight"- let's hope we get Stax of  signings Dunn quickly and we don't come a Cropper in the transfer market

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: markeeeebeeee2005 on August 20, 2020, 09:13:39 PM

Getting in Albrighton with a good 3 years left as a good player would be a sign of progress.

He’s an England pro and a league winner. He has pedigree and experience, he is still local and from a family of Villa fans.

This really is one the owners should go after that could show intent for other players we are after. They could really accelerate progress across the whole business by introducing a player or two of this pedigree.

Wow that turned out as a bit of an Albrighton love in. I didn’t realise I missed him so. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dinas_Caerdydd on August 20, 2020, 09:17:01 PM

john Mcginn to chelsea 25 million trending  on twitter  - haha

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 20, 2020, 09:20:20 PM

It isn't.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: themossman on August 20, 2020, 09:20:45 PM

Haha’ That and Tammy and there’s a conversation to be had. Possibly.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 20, 2020, 09:41:37 PM

Quote from: markeeeebeeee2005 on August 20, 2020, 09:13:39 PM

Getting in Albrighton with a good 3 years left as a good player would be a sign of progress.

He’s an England pro and a league winner. He has pedigree and experience, he is still local and from a family of Villa fans.

This really is one the owners should go after that could show intent for other players we are after. They could really accelerate progress across the whole business by introducing a player or two of this pedigree.

Wow that turned out as a bit of an Albrighton love in. I didn’t realise I missed him so. 

I like your admiration of Albie, and think he would be useful, but I don’t think he’d be a signing that signals intent. He would be a good addition as a squad player though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 20, 2020, 09:49:02 PM

You would need a striker with movement and an ability to head a ball

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 20, 2020, 09:53:31 PM

I still think Wesley could do that. But definitely need a quality striker.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: markeeeebeeee2005 on August 20, 2020, 10:04:51 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on August 20, 2020, 09:41:37 PM

Quote from: markeeeebeeee2005 on August 20, 2020, 09:13:39 PM

Getting in Albrighton with a good 3 years left as a good player would be a sign of progress.

He’s an England pro and a league winner. He has pedigree and experience, he is still local and from a family of Villa fans.

This really is one the owners should go after that could show intent for other players we are after. They could really accelerate progress across the whole business by introducing a player or two of this pedigree.

Wow that turned out as a bit of an Albrighton love in. I didn’t realise I missed him so. 

I like your admiration of Albie, and think he would be useful, but I don’t think he’d be a signing that signals intent. He would be a good addition as a squad player though.

You might be right it was quite nostalgic and based on just reading about his career without watching him play loads.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 20, 2020, 10:08:32 PM

Juve offering us players.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 20, 2020, 10:14:03 PM

Quote from: Ads on August 20, 2020, 10:08:32 PM

Juve offering us players.

Go on...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 20, 2020, 10:22:52 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on August 20, 2020, 10:14:03 PM

Quote from: Ads on August 20, 2020, 10:08:32 PM

Juve offering us players.

Go on...

That's all it is. They're hawking across Europe and had a sit down with us in the week according to the Gazette Dello Sport.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 20, 2020, 10:24:30 PM

Ah, fair enough. I doubt we'd be offering comparable wages for any of them.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 20, 2020, 10:26:51 PM

No, I'm guessing its Ramsey, but his wages must be huge. That Portuguese fella they have looks pretty decent up front. Might be an option if Davis doesn't work out.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on August 20, 2020, 11:34:22 PM

Quote from: Ads on August 20, 2020, 10:22:52 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on August 20, 2020, 10:14:03 PM

Quote from: Ads on August 20, 2020, 10:08:32 PM

Juve offering us players.

Go on...

That's all it is. They're hawking across Europe and had a sit down with us in the week according to the Gazette Dello Sport.

They're also here to buy Raúl Jiménez from the Dingles. They may have had a few questions about our Jack too but like Man Utd, they can't afford two players on their shopping list.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 20, 2020, 11:36:19 PM

Quote from: Ads on August 20, 2020, 10:26:51 PM

No, I'm guessing its Ramsey , but his wages must be huge. That Portuguese fella they have looks pretty decent up front. Might be an option if Davis doesn't work out.

£400k per week, I read in a few places. Good luck getting him to budge!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 21, 2020, 03:49:43 AM

Quote from: john e on August 20, 2020, 07:08:47 PM

Quote from: Newby on August 20, 2020, 07:03:49 PM

Had any of us heard of Milot Rashica or Weston McKenzie before this window?  Genuine question as I hadn't. Are they really any good and genuine targets with Dean saying he wants Prem experienced players?

Callum Wilson. I would like us to sign him.  I think he'd be good for us.

I hadn’t heard of either of them
but I’m not a good barometer of knowing much

Genuinely I had never heard of:

Wesley, Nakamba, Trezeguet, Konsa, Guilbert when we signed them.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave17 on August 21, 2020, 06:47:41 AM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on August 20, 2020, 11:36:19 PM

Quote from: Ads on August 20, 2020, 10:26:51 PM

No, I'm guessing its Ramsey , but his wages must be huge. That Portuguese fella they have looks pretty decent up front. Might be an option if Davis doesn't work out.

£400k per week, I read in a few places. Good luck getting him to budge!

manu did well to move Sanchez on but all the ‘big’ clubs have the issue. Bale costs 1/3 a grealish in wages a year, the keeper United are try ing to hawk to us is worth bugger all and 60k a week in wages. I hope we don’t go down the road of taking their cast offs. Is the keeper worth the production in terms of goals and assists plus the money we spend replacing him? Is Ireland still available?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: tomd2103 on August 21, 2020, 12:34:46 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on August 20, 2020, 09:53:31 PM

I still think Wesley could do that. But definitely need a quality striker.

Possibly two if one of Wesley, Samatta or Davis goes.  I would be looking for a starting striker and easing Wesley back in.

Would have concerns about his injury record, but Callum Wilson would be high on my list if the medical was OK.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 21, 2020, 02:26:30 PM

Harry Maguire has been arrested in Greece

Man Utd are refusing to pay the full cost of bail and have offered their goalkeeper Romero as a sweetener

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: placeforparks on August 21, 2020, 02:43:23 PM

Quote from: Ads on August 20, 2020, 10:08:32 PM

Juve offering us players.

marko pjaca, 25 year old croatian left winger who has spent much of his time at juve on loan, since an ACL injury.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sid1964 on August 21, 2020, 03:27:07 PM

He would be a good signing with his injury record - just what we need!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on August 21, 2020, 06:36:33 PM

To paraphrase the the late, great Joe Strummer, 'let's have some signings now huh?'

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 21, 2020, 06:44:17 PM

With one of the smallest squads in the league, we are now one of just 4 clubs to have not made a senior signing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 21, 2020, 06:48:02 PM

I reckon we’ll probably do the majority of our business in a short period, rather than dribs and drabs up to the end of the window.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 21, 2020, 06:50:49 PM

Could be a case of we have to sell to buy.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: DrGonzo on August 21, 2020, 08:06:52 PM

That has never been indicated Ads.  The club has consistently stated that there is a sizeable amount to sign 3 quality players...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 21, 2020, 08:11:24 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 21, 2020, 06:44:17 PM

With one of the smallest squads in the league, we are now one of just 4 clubs to have not made a senior signing.

but turning the window into good news

Grealish
McGinn
Luiz
Mings

are all still with us at the mo

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on August 21, 2020, 08:12:18 PM

and the return of Tom Heaton

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 21, 2020, 08:14:21 PM

and we have signed some 16 year old anyway

so there

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on August 21, 2020, 08:27:15 PM

Quote from: Ads on August 21, 2020, 06:50:49 PM

Could be a case of we have to sell to buy.

Well then we'd be fucked. We'd only get decent money for Grealish, Mings, McGinn or Luiz and only really Grealish would fetch a huge sum enough to invest in multiple players. The team as it is is in for another huge season long relegation fight.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villafirst on August 21, 2020, 11:07:12 PM

I can't see money being an issue to our owners. Multi billionaires. They are rumoured to be backing DS with £100m for recruitment. We do need to get a move on now though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 21, 2020, 11:45:59 PM

Our squad isn't that small in numbers, we have two senior players for each position bar striker.

Difference is we don't pad our bench out with youth players. Burnley had a few injuries in the run in and they had 5-6 on the bench who were under 20 and never played for the club.

I assume this season we'll see Louie Barry and perhaps Jacob Ramsey on the bench at some stage if they do well out on loan.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Jimsta on August 22, 2020, 06:12:04 AM

Hi there Boys and Girls,
Long time member here but don't post very much as i would like
I just want to say a big Thanks to all who contribute here as living in Thailand have to rely on the media and we all know how shit they are.
So i come here to keep up to date what's going on.
Stay Safe.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on August 22, 2020, 07:33:11 AM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 21, 2020, 06:44:17 PM

With one of the smallest squads in the league, we are now one of just 4 clubs to have not made a senior signing.

Really, I’d struggle to name four that have?!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on August 22, 2020, 08:05:13 AM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 21, 2020, 11:45:59 PM

I assume this season we'll see Louie Barry and perhaps Jacob Ramsey on the bench at some stage if they do well out on loan.

Louie Barry's still very young, think it'll be at least another season before he's anywhere near the bench.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 22, 2020, 08:51:51 AM

I don't think it matters too much that we haven't signed anybody yet. The important thing is to get who they want.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on August 22, 2020, 09:13:27 AM

Quote from: algy on August 22, 2020, 08:05:13 AM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 21, 2020, 11:45:59 PM

I assume this season we'll see Louie Barry and perhaps Jacob Ramsey on the bench at some stage if they do well out on loan.

Louie Barry's still very young, think it'll be at least another season before he's anywhere near the bench.

Guess it depends how good he is / they think he is.

He's older than Bellingham for example.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on August 22, 2020, 10:30:23 AM

With a brand new recruitment team and the players just returning from holiday it’s not surprising we have not signed any one yet.
Expect an announcement next week.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on August 22, 2020, 10:31:13 AM

Philip Billing is a bit no for me. Niggly bastard but in the annoying way not in the ''I'd love to have him on my side''. Relegated two seasons on the trot, losing mentality? I know his size is a plus but he looked very up and down performance wise the few times I saw him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Richard E on August 22, 2020, 10:34:36 AM

Quote from: Clampy on August 22, 2020, 08:51:51 AM

I don't think it matters too much that we haven't signed anybody yet. The important thing is to get who they want.

The important thing is that they get who I want.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on August 22, 2020, 11:01:54 AM

Quote from: aj2k77 on August 22, 2020, 10:31:13 AM

Philip Billing is a bit no for me. Niggly bastard but in the annoying way not in the ''I'd love to have him on my side''. Relegated two seasons on the trot, losing mentality? I know his size is a plus but he looked very up and down performance wise the few times I saw him.

A poor mans Carlton Palmer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on August 22, 2020, 11:10:45 AM

Quote from: Richard E on August 22, 2020, 10:34:36 AM

Quote from: Clampy on August 22, 2020, 08:51:51 AM

I don't think it matters too much that we haven't signed anybody yet. The important thing is to get who they want.

The important thing is that they get who I want.

But you might find that you get what you need.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on August 22, 2020, 11:25:11 AM

i think we need the person standing next to Mr Jimmy

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rory on August 22, 2020, 12:24:55 PM

Quote from: mr underhill on August 22, 2020, 11:25:11 AM

i think we need the person standing next to Mr Jimmy

Not during lockdown, he looked pretty ill.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on August 22, 2020, 12:30:54 PM

Quote from: Rory Christopher on August 22, 2020, 12:24:55 PM

Quote from: mr underhill on August 22, 2020, 11:25:11 AM

i think we need the person standing next to Mr Jimmy

Not during lockdown, he looked pretty ill.

He may have looked ill, but he is practiced at the art of deception.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Taylor on August 22, 2020, 12:52:58 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on August 22, 2020, 12:30:54 PM

Quote from: Rory Christopher on August 22, 2020, 12:24:55 PM

Quote from: mr underhill on August 22, 2020, 11:25:11 AM

i think we need the person standing next to Mr Jimmy

Not during lockdown, he looked pretty ill.

He may have looked ill, but he is practiced at the art of deception.

His favourite flavour is cherry red.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Axl Rose on August 22, 2020, 12:58:20 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on August 22, 2020, 11:01:54 AM

Quote from: aj2k77 on August 22, 2020, 10:31:13 AM

Philip Billing is a bit no for me. Niggly bastard but in the annoying way not in the ''I'd love to have him on my side''. Relegated two seasons on the trot, losing mentality? I know his size is a plus but he looked very up and down performance wise the few times I saw him.

A poor mans Carlton Palmer.

Haha. I like that description. I think I'd rather have Carlton Palmer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 22, 2020, 01:32:01 PM

Quote from: algy on August 22, 2020, 08:05:13 AM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 21, 2020, 11:45:59 PM

I assume this season we'll see Louie Barry and perhaps Jacob Ramsey on the bench at some stage if they do well out on loan.

Louie Barry's still very young, think it'll be at least another season before he's anywhere near the bench.

Was thinking he may feature in league cup and then after that we'll loan him and Ramsey out to league 1/2 up to January. Makes sense for Ramsey as he was doing really well for Doncaster.

If they hit the ground running we can always get them back in January and give them some run outs if we're comfortable in mid table. Vassilev is another candidate to be loaned out.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 22, 2020, 01:38:25 PM

Barry needs game time. A loan this season is a must. Another season without first XI football at some level would stymie his development.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 22, 2020, 01:51:44 PM

We could send him to the Albion. He'd get to experience the PL, but in an environment of much lower expectation.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on August 22, 2020, 02:22:29 PM

Alfredo Morelos has been left out of the Rangers squad to face Kilmarnock.

Presumably means someone is after him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sirlordbaltimore on August 22, 2020, 02:25:55 PM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on August 22, 2020, 02:22:29 PM

Alfredo Morelos has been left out of the Rangers squad to face Kilmarnock.

Presumably means someone is after him.

Hopefully not us

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 22, 2020, 02:45:11 PM

Quote from: sirlordbaltimore on August 22, 2020, 02:25:55 PM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on August 22, 2020, 02:22:29 PM

Alfredo Morelos has been left out of the Rangers squad to face Kilmarnock.

Presumably means someone is after him.

Hopefully not us

Lille want him apparently.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on August 22, 2020, 02:58:41 PM

Where are Lille getting all there money from? Last time I heard of them Bielsa had just been sacked, now they're spending fortunes and competing with PSG.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on August 22, 2020, 03:18:45 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on August 22, 2020, 02:58:41 PM

Where are Lille getting all there money from? Last time I heard of them Bielsa had just been sacked, now they're spending fortunes and competing with PSG.

Well, they got £70m from Arsenal last summer for Pepe. And they just got £50m from Napoli for Osimhen.

I suppose the £8m we gave them for El Ghazi helps too...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LukeJames on August 22, 2020, 03:42:56 PM

They sold £120m worth last summer, They've sold £64m already this summer and are about to sell a defender for another £25m.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: charlatan on August 22, 2020, 03:51:05 PM

every Lille helps

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 22, 2020, 04:06:54 PM

Blimey it’s been pretty boring so far!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villafirst on August 22, 2020, 04:14:48 PM

Easier said than done, but sign 3 or 4 class players around £25m each will ensure that we aren't around the relegation places next season. Pay a bit over the odds if necessary to secure the right targets.....the risk is the £200m penalty of relegation.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on August 22, 2020, 04:44:24 PM

Quote from: charlatan on August 22, 2020, 03:51:05 PM

every Lille helps

Is there a Lidl in Lille ?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on August 22, 2020, 07:15:34 PM

it is a bit slow - I hope it gathers pace... we've got a few duds to sell.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on August 22, 2020, 08:27:25 PM

Apparently James Bree is in 'advanced talks' to join Luton permanently.

The longer this Rashica stuff goes on, the less i think he's a target of ours. None of the transfers last season were particularly protracted affairs, it just doesn't seem to be our style.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 22, 2020, 08:36:57 PM

I think he is a target, he's just holding out for Panda Pop FC to see if they can scrabble enough money.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on August 22, 2020, 09:26:00 PM

Quote

There is no plan B, because Rashica absolutely wants to play internationally in the next season, so Premier League club Aston Villa is not an issue.”

Quote

Basically, Milot Rashica wants to take the next step, Werder Bremen do not want to put any obstacles in his way if the replacement is right. The Kosovar has already decided to move to RB Leipzig, but the Champions League semi-finalist does not want to pay the €25 million transfer fee demanded by Werder. Aston Villa are said to be ready to go so deep for Rashica. But the striker is not playing along. For him, a move to the Premier League is quite interesting, but not to a club that, like Werder, has just managed to maintain its class. The national player also wants to shine with his club on the international stage.

If that stuff is true, we shouldn't be touching him with a barge pole.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 22, 2020, 09:41:23 PM

'MR7' clearly sees himself as the next Cristiano

I hear he won't join after hearing that we already have a heroic #7 in Super John McGinn.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 22, 2020, 09:45:09 PM

It's all taken from a blog though, isn't it?

I had no idea who he was until he was linked, but I'm sure that he's not so daft as to pass up a massive pay rise and a season or two in the shop window in the hope that a CL club comes knocking when there's no evidence that there's one that'll come near to paying the fee.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 22, 2020, 09:51:44 PM

Brazilian Carlos Kaiser signing any day.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on August 22, 2020, 09:53:17 PM

Former Charlton, Luton, Villa, Pisa, Celtic and Chelsea defender Paul Elliott is heading up a consortium to buy Charlton. I thought this was as good a place as any to post this.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on August 22, 2020, 09:54:00 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on August 22, 2020, 09:26:00 PM

Quote

There is no plan B, because Rashica absolutely wants to play internationally in the next season, so Premier League club Aston Villa is not an issue.”

Quote

Basically, Milot Rashica wants to take the next step, Werder Bremen do not want to put any obstacles in his way if the replacement is right. The Kosovar has already decided to move to RB Leipzig, but the Champions League semi-finalist does not want to pay the €25 million transfer fee demanded by Werder. Aston Villa are said to be ready to go so deep for Rashica. But the striker is not playing along. For him, a move to the Premier League is quite interesting, but not to a club that, like Werder, has just managed to maintain its class. The national player also wants to shine with his club on the international stage.

If that stuff is true, we shouldn't be touching him with a barge pole.

As you say ‘if its true’ - I don’t think a single credible uk journalist has given anything on Rashica in this window - that may change later with the Sunday’s but at this stage it’s still a nothing story whether we are interested or whether he is either.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on August 22, 2020, 10:01:00 PM

Quote from: Gareth on August 22, 2020, 09:54:00 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on August 22, 2020, 09:26:00 PM

Quote

There is no plan B, because Rashica absolutely wants to play internationally in the next season, so Premier League club Aston Villa is not an issue.”

Quote

Basically, Milot Rashica wants to take the next step, Werder Bremen do not want to put any obstacles in his way if the replacement is right. The Kosovar has already decided to move to RB Leipzig, but the Champions League semi-finalist does not want to pay the €25 million transfer fee demanded by Werder. Aston Villa are said to be ready to go so deep for Rashica. But the striker is not playing along. For him, a move to the Premier League is quite interesting, but not to a club that, like Werder, has just managed to maintain its class. The national player also wants to shine with his club on the international stage.

If that stuff is true, we shouldn't be touching him with a barge pole.

As you say ‘if its true’ - I don’t think a single credible uk journalist has given anything on Rashica in this window - that may change later with the Sunday’s but at this stage it’s still a nothing story whether we are interested or whether he is either.

Isn't a German journalist likely to know more on this particular matter than a UK one?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 22, 2020, 10:11:53 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on August 22, 2020, 09:26:00 PM

Quote

There is no plan B, because Rashica absolutely wants to play internationally in the next season, so Premier League club Aston Villa is not an issue.”

Quote

Basically, Milot Rashica wants to take the next step, Werder Bremen do not want to put any obstacles in his way if the replacement is right. The Kosovar has already decided to move to RB Leipzig, but the Champions League semi-finalist does not want to pay the €25 million transfer fee demanded by Werder. Aston Villa are said to be ready to go so deep for Rashica. But the striker is not playing along. For him, a move to the Premier League is quite interesting, but not to a club that, like Werder, has just managed to maintain its class. The national player also wants to shine with his club on the international stage.

If that stuff is true, we shouldn't be touching him with a barge pole.

Agreed. If true not the attitude we need.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 22, 2020, 10:49:35 PM

Bidding £30m for Edouard apparently.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 22, 2020, 10:54:06 PM

Quote from: Ads on August 22, 2020, 10:49:35 PM

Bidding £30m for Edouard apparently.

Now we're talking. Source?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: adrenachrome on August 22, 2020, 10:58:20 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 22, 2020, 10:54:06 PM

Quote from: Ads on August 22, 2020, 10:49:35 PM

Bidding £30m for Edouard apparently.

Now we're talking. Source?

It's in The Sun.

https://www.soccernews.com/aston-villa-enquired-about-celtic-striker-odsonne-edouard/308849/

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 22, 2020, 10:58:38 PM

Alan Nixon, so...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 22, 2020, 11:07:46 PM

Quote from: adrenachrome on August 22, 2020, 10:58:20 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 22, 2020, 10:54:06 PM

Quote from: Ads on August 22, 2020, 10:49:35 PM

Bidding £30m for Edouard apparently.

Now we're talking. Source?

It's in The Sun.

https://www.soccernews.com/aston-villa-enquired-about-celtic-striker-odsonne-edouard/308849/

That says nothing about a 30m bid...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: andyh on August 22, 2020, 11:08:54 PM

File under sun/Nixon bollox.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 22, 2020, 11:13:18 PM

Here's the piece;

Quote

ASTON VILLA are to test Celtic with a £30million bid for French goal machine Odsonne Edouard.

Villa plan to spend big and have several targets but the forward, 22, is their priority.

Boss Dean Smith is also keen on Ollie Watkins and Said Benrahma from his old club Brentford.

But he first wants to find out if Edouard can be snatched from the Scottish champions after bagging 28 goals last season.

Arsenal may drop out of the race to leave the door open for the Midlanders.

Crystal Palace and Leicester are also in the hunt.

Edouard has not shown any sign of being interested in a move to a ‘lesser’ English club but Villa have cash to tempt him with a major contract.

Their financial power is also giving them a chance in the Watkins and Benrahma races.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 22, 2020, 11:14:24 PM

Looks a bloody good player. I hope we’re truly in for him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 22, 2020, 11:16:49 PM

"'lesser' English club" gets right on my tits, what an arsehole.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: JD on August 22, 2020, 11:18:07 PM

Quote from: AsTallAsLions on August 22, 2020, 11:16:49 PM

"'lesser' English club" gets right on my tits, what an arsehole.

Totally agree. Patronising twat.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 22, 2020, 11:24:46 PM

Thing is being called a “lesser club” is bloody annoying, but until we show we’re not one from a performance perspective that’s what’s many will perceive us as.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 22, 2020, 11:25:35 PM

“If it’s true“ is the most accurate statement made every transfer window.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Tayls_7 on August 22, 2020, 11:33:37 PM

I doubt Stylian felt he was moving to a lesser English club.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on August 22, 2020, 11:40:34 PM

Think that's Nicko's particular axe to grind after a few run ins with Villa fans in the past on twitter.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on August 23, 2020, 12:11:54 AM

Quote from: Ads on August 22, 2020, 10:49:35 PM

Bidding £30m for Edouard apparently.

Read an article this week about him; it's going to be difficult to get him with Celtic all geared for getting the 10th league title but as an opening bid it sounds serious. Hope it's true.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: villadelph on August 23, 2020, 01:22:19 AM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on August 23, 2020, 12:11:54 AM

Quote from: Ads on August 22, 2020, 10:49:35 PM

Bidding £30m for Edouard apparently.

Read an article this week about him; it's going to be difficult to get him with Celtic all geared for getting the 10th league title but as an opening bid it sounds serious. Hope it's true.

I’m a big fan of Edouard. He’s strong and good on the ball. We haven’t had a striker that can contribute in build up play in a long, long time. He’s got good work ethic and makes great off the ball runs. His composure is exactly what we need in front of net.

I would be happy if we got him in.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Colhint on August 23, 2020, 02:32:15 AM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on August 23, 2020, 12:11:54 AM

Quote from: Ads on August 22, 2020, 10:49:35 PM

Bidding £30m for Edouard apparently.

Read an article this week about him; it's going to be difficult to get him with Celtic all geared for getting the 10th league title but as an opening bid it sounds serious. Hope it's true.

Not sure about this. I checked, Celtic are in a worse position than any other club in Europe because of Covid. 36% of their revenue comes from gate receipts. little TV money. Its the highest in Europe. It accounts for £42m of their £120m income. Last year they made a £13m profit. With the Covid situation, if it lasts a while, they are looking at a £29m loss.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Jimsta on August 23, 2020, 06:59:42 AM

Edouard Would be awesome, If the stories are true, We do go out and get Ollie Watkins, Said Benrahma plus Milot Rashica that is our front line sorted.
Next a Midfielder to play along side SJM and Luiz, This one i want a wow signing and my wish would be Ross Barkley only 26, Get him firing again we would have a hell of a player. Yes i know he be on big wages but if we want get up the league then we have to start paying big money.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: andyh on August 23, 2020, 07:44:20 AM

Around £150m for that little lot ?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Three Spires Villa on August 23, 2020, 08:30:05 AM

Quote from: villadelph on August 23, 2020, 01:22:19 AM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on August 23, 2020, 12:11:54 AM

Quote from: Ads on August 22, 2020, 10:49:35 PM

Bidding £30m for Edouard apparently.

Read an article this week about him; it's going to be difficult to get him with Celtic all geared for getting the 10th league title but as an opening bid it sounds serious. Hope it's true.

I’m a big fan of Edouard. He’s strong and good on the ball. We haven’t had a striker that can contribute in build up play in a long, long time. He’s got good work ethic and makes great off the ball runs. His composure is exactly what we need in front of net.

I would be happy if we got him in.

Agree I hope it is true

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on August 23, 2020, 08:48:16 AM

if Edouard is as good as you all say; then surely there's options in a better position than us?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on August 23, 2020, 08:55:12 AM

Quote from: Tayls_7 on August 22, 2020, 11:33:37 PM

I doubt Stylian felt he was moving to a lesser English club.

Moving from pub football with Celtic to anywhere in the top 2 English divisions would be a massive step up, mind you Alan Nixon writing for Whizzer & Chips would be as well.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Three Spires Villa on August 23, 2020, 09:04:33 AM

Quote from: Jon Crofts on August 23, 2020, 08:55:12 AM

Quote from: Tayls_7 on August 22, 2020, 11:33:37 PM

I doubt Stylian felt he was moving to a lesser English club.

Moving from pub football with Celtic to anywhere in the top 2 English divisions would be a massive step up, mind you Alan Nixon writing for Whizzer & Chips would be as well.

Was that the same for SJM, he has done ok!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Fred Crump on August 23, 2020, 09:06:47 AM

Lesser club my arse. He can do one...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Percy McCarthy on August 23, 2020, 09:15:24 AM

Quote from: Fred Crump on August 23, 2020, 09:06:47 AM

Lesser club my arse. He can do one...

I get the sentiment, but it’s up to us to change peoples’ perceptions.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sdwbvf on August 23, 2020, 09:16:30 AM

According to the gossip on BBC today Wolves need to sell Traore. Reckon he would come back.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on August 23, 2020, 09:23:53 AM

A pal of mine supports Chelski and he says that the fans don't rate Tammy Abraham at all.

"Never in the right place at the right time"  and "Misses more than he scores". Also said Giroud was a far superior player as an all round CF.

My vote now goes to Edouard for similar money. Better all round skills.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 23, 2020, 09:36:19 AM

Quote from: Big Ming on August 23, 2020, 09:23:53 AM

A pal of mine supports Chelski and he says that the fans don't rate Tammy Abraham at all.

"Never in the right place at the right time"  and "Misses more than he scores". Also said Giroud was a far superior player as an all round CF.

My vote now goes to Edouard for similar money. Better all round skills.

I'm not sure what Chelsea fans think really matters. We've seen first hand what he can do

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ldavfc4eva on August 23, 2020, 09:37:00 AM

I do like the look of Edouard, if we can get him for £30m it seems a sound enough investment.

I would love us to go for the likes of Barkley and Smalling too, we need more experience and a bit of class, if we want to be a big club then it’s going to take a couple of big transfer windows to get the right players in.

As it stands I think we will struggle again unless we get 4 quality first 11 players, and by that I mean players who will come straight in and improve the first 11 not just squad players

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 23, 2020, 09:39:04 AM

Wonder if Samatta fancies a spell in Scotland as a make weight. He'd score loads up there, and could save us £10m. Not that I'm a big fan of Eduoard. Think I would sooner have Batshuayi to be honest.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 23, 2020, 09:41:42 AM

Quote from: ldavfc4eva on August 23, 2020, 09:37:00 AM

I do like the look of Edouard, if we can get him for £30m it seems a sound enough investment.

I would love us to go for the likes of Barkley and Smalling too, we need more experience and a bit of class, if we want to be a big club then it’s going to take a couple of big transfer windows to get the right players in.

As it stands I think we will struggle again unless we get 4 quality first 11 players, and by that I mean players who will come straight in and improve the first 11 not just squad players

I've never seen what the fuss is with Ross Barkley. He's alright but a tad overated in my opinion.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Holy Trinity on August 23, 2020, 09:48:08 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 23, 2020, 09:39:04 AM

Wonder if Samatta fancies a spell in Scotland as a make weight. He'd score loads up there, and could save us £10m. Not that I'm a big fan of Eduoard. Think I would sooner have Batshuayi to be honest.

I think Eduoard is a fantastic player and will go on to have a career and a half similar to a herrick larsson where he seemed to scored goals wherever he went.
The problem is the footballing world will be watching him and the second we have a bid accepted i expect everyone outside of the top 4 in the prem will start sniffing around him too. Not to mention France with Lyon, Lille, Monaco etc all likely destinations too.
I know the pull of the prem is great and he is now cup tied for the champions league due to playing and scoring in the qualifying rounds the other night but for a Spurs or a Leicester, Atalanta, or Lazio he would still be viable.

So whilst I will be excited if we have a bid accepted I dont know how realistic we will be to get him IF others come sniffing around.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on August 23, 2020, 09:50:03 AM

Rashica is not likely to come to us.
Barkley always seems to be subbed or a bench-starter (even at Everton he was very in and out).
Eduoard: isn't the Scottish premiership rather similar to the Dutch 2nd tier or the Belgian league. Would he really cut it in the EPL?
Abraham: my Chelsea-supporting mates equally question his striker-instinctiveness.

Wow, that's a negative post .... :-)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 23, 2020, 09:56:07 AM

It's amazing that a 22 year old striker who has already scored 68 professional league goals, scored in the Champions League and for his country at every level is being criticised for his ' striker instinctiveness'.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on August 23, 2020, 09:57:10 AM

Quote from: Clampy on August 23, 2020, 09:56:07 AM

It's amazing that a 22 year old striker who has already scored 68 professional league goals, scored in the Champions League and for his country at every level is being criticised for his ' striker instinctiveness'.

Wesley? :)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: baddowvillans on August 23, 2020, 10:07:18 AM

Quote from: Clampy on August 23, 2020, 09:36:19 AM

Quote from: Big Ming on August 23, 2020, 09:23:53 AM

A pal of mine supports Chelski and he says that the fans don't rate Tammy Abraham at all.

"Never in the right place at the right time"  and "Misses more than he scores". Also said Giroud was a far superior player as an all round CF.

My vote now goes to Edouard for similar money. Better all round skills.

I'm not sure what Chelsea fans think really matters. We've seen first hand what he can do

To be honest I think that summary by Chelsea fans is spot on.  He did miss as many if not more than he scored but as long as he scored as he did for us that might just be enough.  Compare that to David and Samatta who just miss full stop

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Stu on August 23, 2020, 10:15:21 AM

Alan Nixon just tweeted that Villa are going to spend a lot of money, want Edouard badly, very much want Watkins and will spend big to put off rivals.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 23, 2020, 10:20:39 AM

Beat me two it Stu. Looks like we are perhaps taking advantage of some uncertainty in the market given COVID will limit revenue for at least the next season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on August 23, 2020, 10:29:25 AM

Quote from: Stu on August 23, 2020, 10:15:21 AM

Alan Nixon just tweeted that Villa are going to spend a lot of money, want Edouard badly, very much want Watkins and will spend big to put off rivals.

I think Watkins - playing either through the middle or wide of another striker - will prove to be a great signing...

... even if unproven at this level.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: CT on August 23, 2020, 10:32:35 AM

Quote from: Mister E on August 23, 2020, 10:29:25 AM

Quote from: Stu on August 23, 2020, 10:15:21 AM

Alan Nixon just tweeted that Villa are going to spend a lot of money, want Edouard badly, very much want Watkins and will spend big to put off rivals.

I think Watkins - playing either through the middle or wide of another striker - will prove to be a great signing...

... even if unproven at this level.

Agreed. Will be nice to have some genuine pace up there.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on August 23, 2020, 10:42:10 AM

Quote from: Clampy on August 23, 2020, 09:56:07 AM

It's amazing that a 22 year old striker who has already scored 68 professional league goals, scored in the Champions League and for his country at every level is being criticised for his ' striker instinctiveness'.

And without having a particular dog in this fight, I'd guess that the same information would broadly have been the case with a 22 year old Emile Heskey.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on August 23, 2020, 10:43:17 AM

Rashica, Edouard and Watkins would be enough attacking players for me, would just want to add a midfielder then.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Russ aka Big Nose on August 23, 2020, 10:48:21 AM

I've only watched Edouard a couple of times in recent weeks (since we were first linked) so I would trust the professional scouting of the club, but I wasn't blown away with him.

A bit like strikers that score loads in the Championship but not in the PL, unless you are at a top side, you have to be able to convert a high proportion of chances as you are only likely to get one or two a game.

Celtic dominate every game and create loads of chances (yesterday 64% possession and 23 shots) so I think it would still be something of a punt - he might do brilliantly but it is far from certain.

I think it would also signal that Dean Smith is giving up on Wesley or Samatta and I think it is too early to do that with either.

In terms of our attacking threat, the absolute essential for me is pace and more of an end product from wide players on both sides.

I would upgrade AEG and Trezeguet before buying a central striker, unless Wesley is way off being fit. Especially if that wide attacker could also play centrally, like Watkins.

I think it is unlikely, but I would love to see Tammy back at the Villa, though played as a wide attacker running at defenders and sometimes rotating with the central striker or opposite forward. He claims it is his favourite and best position.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Russ aka Big Nose on August 23, 2020, 10:56:52 AM

FWIW Samatta has as many Champions League goals as Edouard and he scored loads in a league rated as being inferior to the PL (like the Scottish Premiership).

Given they are  very unlikely to play in the same side, I'm not convinced that binning Samatta and spending £30m plus on the Celtic lad is a priority. Recruiting players that will mean we create more chances absolutely is - notwithstanding the chances created by Grealish. UTV.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Percy McCarthy on August 23, 2020, 11:02:27 AM

Quote from: Russ aka Big Nose on August 23, 2020, 10:48:21 AM

I think it is unlikely, but I would love to see Tammy back at the Villa, though played as a wide attacker running at defenders and sometimes rotating with the central striker or opposite forward. He claims it is his favourite and best position.

Yes, I remember he said that, and when it was backed up by that incredible cross he put in for Grealish’s header against Forest.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 23, 2020, 11:20:15 AM

Tammy was great, and got chances other players didn't at times because of a willingness to just keep running into the positions. Great attitude too. I just can't see Chelsea selling in a hurry, at 25-26 he will be a really decent player.

Eduoard I agree with others, looks a punt to me. He might kick on but I would not be certain.

For me, Watkins is actually more exciting, has pace, great attitude, can play wide and puts himself about up there, and could be a good alternative to Wesley when the big man is fit again.

Samatta struggled with us changing the way we played, and that goes on to the other issue rightly pointed out Russ. We should be signing 2 top drawer, pacey wingers this summer. Rashica looks the right type, and IMO Benrahma or Buendia with him would be great. It means you can move Jack around from the left if you want to at home, it means you have pace to break, and you can still play the more rigid style we played post lockdown. To supplement that you then need a second McGinn in the middle, with the ability to hound, press, chase for 90 minutes, AND get in the box and get the odd goal. For me, Rashica, Benrahma, Buendia, McKennie types are more important than buying another striker. Watkins having the ability to cover across the front and still score goals makes him ideal.

It will be interesting what we do end up spending. The papers all say around £100m. I think it will be closer to £150m if we are serious about being well away from the bottom 3 next season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 23, 2020, 11:36:38 AM

Read that we have reduced the wage bill from £90m to £65m- is that right?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: in exile on August 23, 2020, 11:39:33 AM

Sorry, but I just don't get not prioritizing a goal scorer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on August 23, 2020, 11:45:55 AM

Quote from: Ads on August 23, 2020, 11:36:38 AM

Read that we have reduced the wage bill from £90m to £65m- is that right?

Over what timescale? I can fully believe those figures if comparing last season to 2015/16.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: andyh on August 23, 2020, 11:48:55 AM

Quote from: Sdwbvf on August 23, 2020, 09:16:30 AM

According to the gossip on BBC today Wolves need to sell Traore. Reckon he would come back.

I saw that, seems strange they are reporting they have to sell to buy. I thought Wolves owners were absolutely minted.

Anyway, personally I wouldn’t take Traore back.
I still think he’s a bit like a circus act.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Border villan on August 23, 2020, 11:56:48 AM

Quote from: andyh on August 23, 2020, 11:48:55 AM

Quote from: Sdwbvf on August 23, 2020, 09:16:30 AM

According to the gossip on BBC today Wolves need to sell Traore. Reckon he would come back.

I saw that, seems strange they are reporting they have to sell to buy. I thought Wolves owners were absolutely minted.

Anyway, personally I wouldn’t take Traore back.
I still think he’s a bit like a circus act.

One trick show pony.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on August 23, 2020, 11:58:10 AM

There's no way Traore would come back here. His agent will be whispering in his ear about Liverpool and Citeh. He seems destined to be an impact player wherever he goes but his star is still rising so I wouldn't be surprised to see him go to one of the SkySix if Wolves have to get in some cash.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on August 23, 2020, 11:59:13 AM

Quote from: Colhint on August 23, 2020, 02:32:15 AM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on August 23, 2020, 12:11:54 AM

Quote from: Ads on August 22, 2020, 10:49:35 PM

Bidding £30m for Edouard apparently.

Read an article this week about him; it's going to be difficult to get him with Celtic all geared for getting the 10th league title but as an opening bid it sounds serious. Hope it's true.

Not sure about this. I checked, Celtic are in a worse position than any other club in Europe because of Covid. 36% of their revenue comes from gate receipts. little TV money. Its the highest in Europe. It accounts for £42m of their £120m income. Last year they made a £13m profit. With the Covid situation, if it lasts a while, they are looking at a £29m loss.

Genuine question, can anyone remember the last time Villa posted a profit ?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: DB on August 23, 2020, 12:00:01 PM

Quote from: andyh on August 23, 2020, 11:48:55 AM

Quote from: Sdwbvf on August 23, 2020, 09:16:30 AM

According to the gossip on BBC today Wolves need to sell Traore. Reckon he would come back.

I saw that, seems strange they are reporting they have to sell to buy. I thought Wolves owners were absolutely minted.

Anyway, personally I wouldn’t take Traore back.
I still think he’s a bit like a circus act.

He has come on leaps and bounds and had an good season, therefore the press will try and stir to get him a move.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave P on August 23, 2020, 01:17:18 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on August 23, 2020, 08:48:16 AM

if Edouard is as good as you all say; then surely there's options in a better position than us?

You could say that about any player then?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on August 23, 2020, 01:42:01 PM

Traore would be ideal on the right of a front three.  His pace with Greaslish’s guile On the left would be hard for most teams to handle.  Less defensive responsibility would suit him.

He wouldn’t come back to us though, in my opinion, probably feeling that we let him down the first time around.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave P on August 23, 2020, 01:51:56 PM

Wolves would want about £70 - £80m for him. Why is he being discussed?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 23, 2020, 01:53:06 PM

Quote from: Border villan on August 23, 2020, 11:56:48 AM

Quote from: andyh on August 23, 2020, 11:48:55 AM

Quote from: Sdwbvf on August 23, 2020, 09:16:30 AM

According to the gossip on BBC today Wolves need to sell Traore. Reckon he would come back.

I saw that, seems strange they are reporting they have to sell to buy. I thought Wolves owners were absolutely minted.

Anyway, personally I wouldn’t take Traore back.
I still think he’s a bit like a circus act.

One trick show pony.

Haven’t watched him in a while I take it?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 23, 2020, 01:56:20 PM

However much Traore might have improved, Wolves staff are still covering him in fucking baby oil before games to make him 'harder to catch'. Ridiculous.

Rumour is Wolves are looking for huge money for him anyway so there's no way we're bringing him back here.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ktvillan on August 23, 2020, 02:18:05 PM

Traore in this thread is pure pie in the sky, totally unrealistic.  Wolves would want about 70m,  I sincerely doubt we'd be spending anywhere near that bracket on one player, and why on earth would Traore leave a club challenging for a top 4 place and getting into European competition to come to a club that escaped the drop by the skin of it's teeth?  If he goes anywhere it will be to someone playing at a higher level than Wolves are.  That aint us. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Holy Trinity on August 23, 2020, 02:20:43 PM

Quote from: ktvillan on August 23, 2020, 02:18:05 PM

Traore in this thread is pure pie in the sky, totally unrealistic.  Wolves would want about 70m,  I sincerely doubt we'd be spending anywhere near that bracket on one player, and why on earth would Traore leave a club challenging for a top 4 place and getting into European competition to come to a club that escaped the drop by the skin of it's teeth?  If he goes anywhere it will be to someone playing at a higher level than Wolves are.  That aint us. 

Not to mention a club that wrote him off and shoved him out in a px deal

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dick Edwards on August 23, 2020, 02:23:40 PM

Traore always had something special in him, he just needed polishing up. Villa hadn't got the time to wait for him to come good unfortunately. At the time, a swap with Albert Adomah was good business. Albert did a great job for us but Traore will spend the rest of his career at a Champions League contender. It may only be in bursts but he's a game changer, and he has the pace and power to do it at the very highest level.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: DB on August 23, 2020, 02:36:22 PM

It wasn’t a simple as coming good, but properly coached. You could see there was a player in there at us and Boro.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 23, 2020, 02:36:24 PM

Quote from: ktvillan on August 23, 2020, 02:18:05 PM

Traore in this thread is pure pie in the sky, totally unrealistic.  Wolves would want about 70m,  I sincerely doubt we'd be spending anywhere near that bracket on one player, and why on earth would Traore leave a club challenging for a top 4 place and getting into European competition to come to a club that escaped the drop by the skin of it's teeth?  If he goes anywhere it will be to someone playing at a higher level than Wolves are.  That aint us. 

Yes agree.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 23, 2020, 03:08:56 PM

He's going to hate us, we took him from Barcelona and made him go to Middlesborough, and to escape fropm that he had to go to Wolverhampton.

Most people would take 5,000 years in the Sarlacc pit over that.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Border villan on August 23, 2020, 03:20:59 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on August 23, 2020, 01:53:06 PM

Quote from: Border villan on August 23, 2020, 11:56:48 AM

Quote from: andyh on August 23, 2020, 11:48:55 AM

Quote from: Sdwbvf on August 23, 2020, 09:16:30 AM

According to the gossip on BBC today Wolves need to sell Traore. Reckon he would come back.

I saw that, seems strange they are reporting they have to sell to buy. I thought Wolves owners were absolutely minted.

Anyway, personally I wouldn’t take Traore back.
I still think he’s a bit like a circus act.

One trick show pony.

Haven’t watched him in a while I take it?

Yes I have, he was and still is an injury prone one trick pony.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on August 23, 2020, 03:57:31 PM

Quote from: LeeB on August 23, 2020, 03:08:56 PM

He's going to hate us, we took him from Barcelona and made him go to Middlesborough, and to escape fropm that he had to go to Wolverhampton.

Most people would take 5,000 years in the Sarlacc pit over that.

Made me laugh :)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 23, 2020, 04:08:46 PM

Quote from: Jon Crofts on August 23, 2020, 08:55:12 AM

Quote from: Tayls_7 on August 22, 2020, 11:33:37 PM

I doubt Stylian felt he was moving to a lesser English club.

Moving from pub football with Celtic to anywhere in the top 2 English divisions would be a massive step up, mind you Alan Nixon writing for Whizzer & Chips would be as well.

Most who've left Celtic in recent years have actually done really well, Van Dijk and Victor Wanyama both left for Southampton and quickly got bigger moves to CL clubs, Tierney done well at Arsenal since getting into the team and Dembele went to Lyon and was scoring twice v Man. City just last week.

When we were having discussions about who should be our next DOF I wouldn't have been against picking up whoever was doing their scouting for last decade as they've picked up some real gems and Edouard looks another one. Plenty of goals for France under 21s aswell.

I'd be happy with him and Watkins. Not top level but it's very hard in our current state to get one of those so you'd like to think one of them would develop into top class striker given their scoring records over last few seasons.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 23, 2020, 04:12:11 PM

Quote from: Border villan on August 23, 2020, 03:20:59 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on August 23, 2020, 01:53:06 PM

Quote from: Border villan on August 23, 2020, 11:56:48 AM

Quote from: andyh on August 23, 2020, 11:48:55 AM

Quote from: Sdwbvf on August 23, 2020, 09:16:30 AM

According to the gossip on BBC today Wolves need to sell Traore. Reckon he would come back.

I saw that, seems strange they are reporting they have to sell to buy. I thought Wolves owners were absolutely minted.

Anyway, personally I wouldn’t take Traore back.
I still think he’s a bit like a circus act.

One trick show pony.

Haven’t watched him in a while I take it?

Yes I have, he was and still is an injury prone one trick pony.

Must have vey high standard of players given what we've been playing out wide since he left!

He set up a huge amount of goals for Raul Jimenez last season. Just recently won the penalty v Sevilla which they missed.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on August 23, 2020, 04:15:49 PM

Yeh Trez and AEG are so much better ;-)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: nigel on August 23, 2020, 04:16:16 PM

Quote from: andyh on August 23, 2020, 11:48:55 AM

Quote from: Sdwbvf on August 23, 2020, 09:16:30 AM

According to the gossip on BBC today Wolves need to sell Traore. Reckon he would come back.

I saw that, seems strange they are reporting they have to sell to buy. I thought Wolves owners were absolutely minted.

Anyway, personally I wouldn’t take Traore back.
I still think he’s a bit like a circus act.

If they’re having to sell to buy, I wonder if this might be a turning of the tide for Wolves?
To be honest, I don’t think he’d come back to us, I’d guess he’d go abroad, maybe back for a Barcelona rebuild?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 23, 2020, 04:23:42 PM

Spurs would probably take him. They have Lucas Moura who's alright but think Adama is more effective.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on August 23, 2020, 04:31:11 PM

Quote from: in exile on August 23, 2020, 11:39:33 AM

Sorry, but I just don't get not prioritizing a goal scorer.

I agree. Traore has turned into a good Premier League attacker who can chip in with goals. As can Grealish, McGinn and Trezeguet. As a team we have a number of players capable of scoring a reasonable amount of goals over the course of a season. What we don't have is a reasonably prolific one in three games out and out striker like Abraham. Watkins and Benrahma are both proven one in three Championship strikers so it would be a question of if either or both of them could become a one in three Premier League striker.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on August 23, 2020, 04:46:05 PM

Quote from: nigel on August 23, 2020, 04:16:16 PM

Quote from: andyh on August 23, 2020, 11:48:55 AM

Quote from: Sdwbvf on August 23, 2020, 09:16:30 AM

According to the gossip on BBC today Wolves need to sell Traore. Reckon he would come back.

I saw that, seems strange they are reporting they have to sell to buy. I thought Wolves owners were absolutely minted.

Anyway, personally I wouldn’t take Traore back.
I still think he’s a bit like a circus act.

If they’re having to sell to buy, I wonder if this might be a turning of the tide for Wolves?
To be honest, I don’t think he’d come back to us, I’d guess he’d go abroad, maybe back for a Barcelona rebuild?

I think they're a bit busy with their own rebuild to be honest.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: olaftab on August 23, 2020, 04:48:14 PM

Quote from: Sdwbvf on August 23, 2020, 09:16:30 AM

According to the gossip on BBC today Wolves need to sell Traore. Reckon he would come back.

He is still a luxury so not the type of player we need to buy whilst we are building a strong core in the team.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 23, 2020, 05:16:37 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 23, 2020, 04:23:42 PM

Spurs would probably take him. They have Lucas Moura who's alright but think Adama is more effective.

Spurs will likely offer £5m plus some shit reserve and everyone in the media will say what a great negotiator Levy is. They won’t get him and they’ll do that again for another top player.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Marton on August 23, 2020, 05:18:04 PM

https://www.salarysport.com/football/player/alexander-isak/

This would be good business if Villa could get him away from La Liga. Guessing that they let him go for like 10-12M.
They paying him less then we pay Nyland ffs...and hes a striker that Sociedad is using as a backup despite him scoring against anyone.

At 19 he might have the strength to bully a defense alone but can play off someone like Davis or Samatta.

Hoping we do buy early if we losing Jack, so we dont do like with Milner and Delph play half season limping before panic shopping in january.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 23, 2020, 05:40:59 PM

Isak is great. He'd go for about 30-40m. We missed a trick not getting him from Dortmund last summer who may have a buy back clause.

It's true he's in rotation with Willian Jose but that's just due to him developing, what we should've done with Wesley.

Real Sociedad had one of the best transfer windows from any team in last 12 months. Picked up Isak and Martin Odegaard. Odegaard goes back to Real Madrid and they just get in David Silva to replace him.

Edit: Squad players at premier league clubs are paid stupid amounts compared to their counterparts in europe.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: andyh on August 23, 2020, 06:21:27 PM

Twitter talking about us and Kieran Trippier ?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on August 23, 2020, 06:30:47 PM

Quote from: andyh on August 23, 2020, 06:21:27 PM

Twitter talking about us and Kieran Trippier ?

Good player but not exactly a top priority position, no?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on August 23, 2020, 06:40:02 PM

Quote from: Border villan on August 23, 2020, 03:20:59 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on August 23, 2020, 01:53:06 PM

Quote from: Border villan on August 23, 2020, 11:56:48 AM

Quote from: andyh on August 23, 2020, 11:48:55 AM

Quote from: Sdwbvf on August 23, 2020, 09:16:30 AM

According to the gossip on BBC today Wolves need to sell Traore. Reckon he would come back.

I saw that, seems strange they are reporting they have to sell to buy. I thought Wolves owners were absolutely minted.

Anyway, personally I wouldn’t take Traore back.
I still think he’s a bit like a circus act.

One trick show pony.

Haven’t watched him in a while I take it?

Yes I have, he was and still is an injury prone one trick pony.

Pretty decent trick though as it keeps working.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Londonvilla on August 23, 2020, 06:40:39 PM

Aston Villa keen to sign Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid to bolster defence

Trippier, 29, moved to Spain from Tottenham a year ago and has two years left on his contract at Wanda Metropolitano


https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2020/08/23/aston-villa-keen-sign-kieran-trippier-atletico-madrid-bolster/


Good player who turn us down to go to spurs but would you give him a 3 year contract?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on August 23, 2020, 06:42:08 PM

Last thing I heard from Trippier was he's very happy there. Can't see it happening for us or any other PL club.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on August 23, 2020, 06:49:19 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 23, 2020, 05:40:59 PM

Isak is great. He'd go for about 30-40m. We missed a trick not getting him from Dortmund last summer who may have a buy back clause.

It's true he's in rotation with Willian Jose but that's just due to him developing, what we should've done with Wesley.

Real Sociedad had one of the best transfer windows from any team in last 12 months. Picked up Isak and Martin Odegaard. Odegaard goes back to Real Madrid and they just get in David Silva to replace him.

Edit: Squad players at premier league clubs are paid stupid amounts compared to their counterparts in europe.

Odegaard and Luca Jovic would be a my dream team loan options. Unlikely to feature at RM and might fall in love with us whilst they’re here.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on August 23, 2020, 06:49:58 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on August 22, 2020, 09:26:00 PM

Quote

There is no plan B, because Rashica absolutely wants to play internationally in the next season, so Premier League club Aston Villa is not an issue.”

Quote

Basically, Milot Rashica wants to take the next step, Werder Bremen do not want to put any obstacles in his way if the replacement is right. The Kosovar has already decided to move to RB Leipzig, but the Champions League semi-finalist does not want to pay the €25 million transfer fee demanded by Werder. Aston Villa are said to be ready to go so deep for Rashica. But the striker is not playing along. For him, a move to the Premier League is quite interesting, but not to a club that, like Werder, has just managed to maintain its class. The national player also wants to shine with his club on the international stage.

If that stuff is true, we shouldn't be touching him with a barge pole.

I'm not sure I agree.

If we assume that there isn't a huge pool of promising footballers around the world who grew up with posters of James Collins and Marlon Harewood on their walls and are desperate to play only for us because it's the Villa, our potential targets are one of two types of player.

(1) those who are happy to sign for anyone because they are a Premier League club, with that shop window and level of wage and status.

(2) those who think they are better than a club scrabbling around 15th -18th in the league and believe that they are good enough to be playing at the top.

I'd rather be trying to convince player (2) why their initial feeling was wrong and that we are worth taking a punt on, than player (1) who isn't all that bothered whether it's a Villa, Burnley or Palace shirt they are pulling on.

The second group are likely to be the better players.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: gpbarr on August 23, 2020, 06:51:56 PM

I can see this window being the quietest in a decade with very little activity - too many unknowns, and too many commercial concerns. We may have to consolidate with what we have got - generally the press are all over the place because nothing much is happening

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on August 23, 2020, 06:55:37 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on August 23, 2020, 06:42:08 PM

Last thing I heard from Trippier was he's very happy there. Can't see it happening for us or any other PL club.

I heard he is concerned about regaining his England place.
He was a very good player and excellent free kick specialist.
No idea how good he is now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on August 23, 2020, 07:04:24 PM

Quote from: Dave on August 23, 2020, 06:49:58 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on August 22, 2020, 09:26:00 PM

Quote

There is no plan B, because Rashica absolutely wants to play internationally in the next season, so Premier League club Aston Villa is not an issue.”

Quote

Basically, Milot Rashica wants to take the next step, Werder Bremen do not want to put any obstacles in his way if the replacement is right. The Kosovar has already decided to move to RB Leipzig, but the Champions League semi-finalist does not want to pay the €25 million transfer fee demanded by Werder. Aston Villa are said to be ready to go so deep for Rashica. But the striker is not playing along. For him, a move to the Premier League is quite interesting, but not to a club that, like Werder, has just managed to maintain its class. The national player also wants to shine with his club on the international stage.

If that stuff is true, we shouldn't be touching him with a barge pole.

I'm not sure I agree.

If we assume that there isn't a huge pool of promising footballers around the world who grew up with posters of James Collins and Marlon Harewood on their walls and are desperate to play only for us because it's the Villa, our potential targets are one of two types of player.

(1) those who are happy to sign for anyone because they are a Premier League club, with that shop window and level of wage and status.

(2) those who think they are better than a club scrabbling around 15th -18th in the league and believe that they are good enough to be playing at the top.

I'd rather be trying to convince player (2) why their initial feeling was wrong and that we are worth taking a punt on, than player (1) who isn't all that bothered whether it's a Villa, Burnley or Palace shirt they are pulling on.

The second group are likely to be the better players.

Agreed, if we want to sign players good enough to be challenging for the top 6 we need to accept that they might want to wait and see what options they have before joining a club that was in a relegation battle last year.

I think there's a very good chance that Rashica will end up with us and I doubt anyone will care that it took a few weeks to convince him if he does.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on August 23, 2020, 07:05:12 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on August 23, 2020, 06:55:37 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on August 23, 2020, 06:42:08 PM

Last thing I heard from Trippier was he's very happy there. Can't see it happening for us or any other PL club.

I heard he is concerned about regaining his England place.

Given Alexander-Arnold's development, surely it doesn't really matter what he's doing?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on August 23, 2020, 07:07:05 PM

Quote from: gpbarr on August 23, 2020, 06:51:56 PM

I can see this window being the quietest in a decade with very little activity - too many unknowns, and too many commercial concerns. We may have to consolidate with what we have got - generally the press are all over the place because nothing much is happening

I agree.  The pandemic will have hit all clubs and with no players moving there is very little cash sloshing about in the market.  It’s a huge opportunity if our owner have spare cash because players - such as Rashica - may have to consider us as there are no other easy pay rises available.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 23, 2020, 07:08:00 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on August 23, 2020, 06:55:37 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on August 23, 2020, 06:42:08 PM

Last thing I heard from Trippier was he's very happy there. Can't see it happening for us or any other PL club.

I heard he is concerned about regaining his England place.
He was a very good player and excellent free kick specialist.
No idea how good he is now.

Just sounds to me as if the press are getting desperate for links now

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 23, 2020, 07:12:03 PM

Quote from: andyh on August 23, 2020, 11:48:55 AM

Quote from: Sdwbvf on August 23, 2020, 09:16:30 AM

According to the gossip on BBC today Wolves need to sell Traore. Reckon he would come back.

I saw that, seems strange they are reporting they have to sell to buy. I thought Wolves owners were absolutely minted.

Anyway, personally I wouldn’t take Traore back.
I still think he’s a bit like a circus act.

Wolves breached FFP recently plus their owners took a massive bath when Thomas cook went down.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on August 23, 2020, 07:17:12 PM

Quote from: paul_e on August 23, 2020, 07:04:24 PM

Quote from: Dave on August 23, 2020, 06:49:58 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on August 22, 2020, 09:26:00 PM

Quote

There is no plan B, because Rashica absolutely wants to play internationally in the next season, so Premier League club Aston Villa is not an issue.”

Quote

Basically, Milot Rashica wants to take the next step, Werder Bremen do not want to put any obstacles in his way if the replacement is right. The Kosovar has already decided to move to RB Leipzig, but the Champions League semi-finalist does not want to pay the €25 million transfer fee demanded by Werder. Aston Villa are said to be ready to go so deep for Rashica. But the striker is not playing along. For him, a move to the Premier League is quite interesting, but not to a club that, like Werder, has just managed to maintain its class. The national player also wants to shine with his club on the international stage.

If that stuff is true, we shouldn't be touching him with a barge pole.

I'm not sure I agree.

If we assume that there isn't a huge pool of promising footballers around the world who grew up with posters of James Collins and Marlon Harewood on their walls and are desperate to play only for us because it's the Villa, our potential targets are one of two types of player.

(1) those who are happy to sign for anyone because they are a Premier League club, with that shop window and level of wage and status.

(2) those who think they are better than a club scrabbling around 15th -18th in the league and believe that they are good enough to be playing at the top.

I'd rather be trying to convince player (2) why their initial feeling was wrong and that we are worth taking a punt on, than player (1) who isn't all that bothered whether it's a Villa, Burnley or Palace shirt they are pulling on.

The second group are likely to be the better players.

Agreed, if we want to sign players good enough to be challenging for the top 6 we need to accept that they might want to wait and see what options they have before joining a club that was in a relegation battle last year.

I think there's a very good chance that Rashica will end up with us and I doubt anyone will care that it took a few weeks to convince him if he does.

Whilst the Luiz situation is annoying, we managed to sign him due to the befuddled contract terms.  Whilst we are where we are, we should be exploiting the loan market and entertain buy-back clauses.  The gap between us and the top clubs is huge.  Not doing so, whilst other clubs do, will just keep us near the bottom.

We May have to compromise our principles for a few more years yet before we are sufficiently established to attract the players on merit.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on August 23, 2020, 07:22:24 PM

If Wolves are skint they have that young midfielder that looks decent, Gibbs-White?
He seems to get selected for the bench but rarely gets a full game from my limited viewing of Wolves’ matches.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LukeJames on August 23, 2020, 07:27:22 PM

Quote from: Dante Lavelli on August 23, 2020, 07:22:24 PM

If Wolves are skint they have that young midfielder that looks decent, Gibbs-White?
He seems to get selected for the bench but rarely gets a full game from my limited viewing of Wolves’ matches.

My mate (Rare decent loyal Wolves fan) thinks he's awful.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Londonvilla on August 23, 2020, 07:28:22 PM

Aston Villa winger gathering transfer interest ahead of new season

Levante, Granada and Real Valladolid are three such sides would be interested in taking Jota between now and the closure of the transfer window

https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aston-villa-winger-gathering-transfer-18816815

Squad getting smaller...............but could be a good move for all parties
He needed a run of games to show if he was up to the PL but was never going to get it in a struggling team.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on August 23, 2020, 07:28:56 PM

Quote from: Dante Lavelli on August 23, 2020, 07:07:05 PM

Quote from: gpbarr on August 23, 2020, 06:51:56 PM

I can see this window being the quietest in a decade with very little activity - too many unknowns, and too many commercial concerns. We may have to consolidate with what we have got - generally the press are all over the place because nothing much is happening

I agree.  The pandemic will have hit all clubs and with no players moving there is very little cash sloshing about in the market.  It’s a huge opportunity if our owner have spare cash because players - such as Rashica - may have to consider us as there are no other easy pay rises available.

That's the thing with (very) wealthy people innit, if they're in a position to weather a crisis, they can take advantage of the ones who aren't. I see this as potentially a massive window for us, being able to snap up players who other clubs are forced to sell and we're one of only a few options they have. I'd be looking at seeing whose available in the German, Italian & Spanish leagues, and the Champions League qualifiers in the other leagues. i suspect we might be able to bring in 4 or 5 players for the money that would've normally only stretched to 2 or 3 of them.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 23, 2020, 07:34:52 PM

If there is any truth to Trippier he’d be a huge upgrade to anyone we currently have at the club.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 23, 2020, 07:36:31 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 23, 2020, 07:12:03 PM

Quote from: andyh on August 23, 2020, 11:48:55 AM

Quote from: Sdwbvf on August 23, 2020, 09:16:30 AM

According to the gossip on BBC today Wolves need to sell Traore. Reckon he would come back.

I saw that, seems strange they are reporting they have to sell to buy. I thought Wolves owners were absolutely minted.

Anyway, personally I wouldn’t take Traore back.
I still think he’s a bit like a circus act.

Wolves breached FFP recently plus their owners took a massive bath when Thomas cook went down.

Didn't fucking mind the gap in their own finances then did they??

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 23, 2020, 07:44:58 PM

Levels.

Maybe they should have hid their FFP breach from UEFA. Perhaps the deep, dark, hole they've been hiding in for the past 40 years?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: oldtimernow on August 23, 2020, 07:45:09 PM

 Fosun might be experiencing similar problems shifting cash around the world as other Chinese companies experienced  ;)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Richard E on August 23, 2020, 07:46:09 PM

Quote from: LukeJames on August 23, 2020, 07:27:22 PM

Quote from: Dante Lavelli on August 23, 2020, 07:22:24 PM

If Wolves are skint they have that young midfielder that looks decent, Gibbs-White?
He seems to get selected for the bench but rarely gets a full game from my limited viewing of Wolves’ matches.

My mate (Rare decent loyal Wolves fan) thinks he's awful.

He’s off to Swansea on loan.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 23, 2020, 08:04:41 PM

They still expect to get over £100m for Traore and Jimenez.  They would need decent replacements though.  They already have a small squad.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on August 23, 2020, 08:34:57 PM

Quote from: Dave P on August 23, 2020, 01:17:18 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on August 23, 2020, 08:48:16 AM

if Edouard is as good as you all say; then surely there's options in a better position than us?

You could say that about any player then?

I'm not the one saying it :)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on August 23, 2020, 08:42:22 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 23, 2020, 08:04:41 PM

They still expect to get over £100m for Traore and Jimenez.  They would need decent replacements though.  They already have a small squad.

If they got £100mil then they could strengthen their small squad - but I don't think they'd improve their first eleven a great deal. They're two of the best players outside the top 6 to be fair

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Richard E on August 23, 2020, 08:44:05 PM

I hope their open top bus parade tomorrow night to celebrate winning the Europa League doesn’t interfere with my commute.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 23, 2020, 08:51:47 PM

I’m on holiday in Birmingham on Sea at the minute.  I go here every year as a sacrifice for the kids.  The stereotype that is rather obese middle aged men with a massive chip on their shoulders wearing ill fitting Albion and Wolves shirts is quite real and disturbing. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LukeJames on August 23, 2020, 08:53:27 PM

Probably bullshit social media speculation but a few places saying Leeds are after Leon Bailey from Leverkusen.

If (and its a massive if) theres any truth in that then we should be all over that. He'd be my perfect signing for us this summer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on August 23, 2020, 08:59:38 PM

Quote from: LukeJames on August 23, 2020, 08:53:27 PM

Probably bullshit social media speculation but a few places saying Leeds are after Leon Bailey from Leverkusen.

If (and its a massive if) theres any truth in that then we should be all over that. He'd be my perfect signing for us this summer.

Yup, would be great. And if Leeds can get him then we should be ahead of them as he's just what we need.

I'd surprised though if they let both him and Havertz go this summer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 23, 2020, 09:36:52 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 23, 2020, 08:51:47 PM

I’m on holiday in Birmingham on Sea at the minute.  I go here every year as a sacrifice for the kids.  The stereotype that is rather obese middle aged men with a massive chip on their shoulders wearing ill fitting Albion and Wolves shirts is quite real and disturbing. 

I find that hard to believe. https://twitter.com/JakobAVFC/status/1296965250651226112

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on August 23, 2020, 09:59:37 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 23, 2020, 08:04:41 PM

They still expect to get over £100m for Traore and Jimenez.  They would need decent replacements though.  They already have a small squad.

Could be the first sign of cracks appearing. 

Nuno said after their Euro exit that he hoped lessons would be learnt and squad depth is increased in the summer.  Don't think he'll view needing to sell to buy as consistent with that.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 23, 2020, 10:02:07 PM

And he’s in the last year of his contract.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 23, 2020, 10:28:37 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on August 23, 2020, 09:36:52 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 23, 2020, 08:51:47 PM

I’m on holiday in Birmingham on Sea at the minute.  I go here every year as a sacrifice for the kids.  The stereotype that is rather obese middle aged men with a massive chip on their shoulders wearing ill fitting Albion and Wolves shirts is quite real and disturbing. 

I find that hard to believe. https://twitter.com/JakobAVFC/status/1296965250651226112

That is utterly reprehensible. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on August 23, 2020, 10:46:49 PM

Tik Cock.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Des Little on August 23, 2020, 10:51:45 PM

What size are those shorts?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 23, 2020, 11:06:00 PM

Quote from: Dave on August 23, 2020, 07:05:12 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on August 23, 2020, 06:55:37 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on August 23, 2020, 06:42:08 PM

Last thing I heard from Trippier was he's very happy there. Can't see it happening for us or any other PL club.

I heard he is concerned about regaining his England place.

Given Alexander-Arnold's development, surely it doesn't really matter what he's doing?

Well I'm sure he'd like to be first back up rather than Wan Bisakka or Kyle Walker as England always get a major injury or two before a tournament. Has Trippier even been called up for a squad since he moved from Spurs?

He's played well in Spain. Started all of Atletico Madrid's big games bar Barcelona away this season so would be pretty surprised if he came back and signed for us.

Got to love the mild panic from some on here when we get linked to a player over 25, would you give him a 3 year deal indeed. He's started about 40 games this season so think he's in decent shape.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 23, 2020, 11:07:53 PM

Quote from: Londonvilla on August 23, 2020, 07:28:22 PM

Aston Villa winger gathering transfer interest ahead of new season

Levante, Granada and Real Valladolid are three such sides would be interested in taking Jota between now and the closure of the transfer window

https://www.xxxx.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aston-villa-winger-gathering-transfer-18816815

Squad getting smaller...............but could be a good move for all parties
He needed a run of games to show if he was up to the PL but was never going to get it in a struggling team.

Bardhi is a decent winger for Levante so hopefully could get him in a swop.

Jota had a few decent games at start of the season but wasn't making the bench for months after that. If he's in the squad regularly next season that would suggest our transfer plans haven't gone well so yeah let him go somewhere to play more regularly.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 23, 2020, 11:11:04 PM

Quote from: Dave on August 23, 2020, 08:59:38 PM

Quote from: LukeJames on August 23, 2020, 08:53:27 PM

Probably bullshit social media speculation but a few places saying Leeds are after Leon Bailey from Leverkusen.

If (and its a massive if) theres any truth in that then we should be all over that. He'd be my perfect signing for us this summer.

Yup, would be great. And if Leeds can get him then we should be ahead of them as he's just what we need.

I'd surprised though if they let both him and Havertz go this summer.

Leeds also getting linked to Rodrigo at Valencia. This is the fear I have given the choice better players would rather go and play for Bielsa than Dean Smith. We'll see how it all pans out.

Hopefully we're holding fire for a bit and waiting for some good players from europa league clubs to become available. Valencia are in massive problems financially so I'd rather buy from there given the level they usually play than more randoms from Belgium.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 24, 2020, 01:18:30 AM

Quote from: Des Little on August 23, 2020, 10:51:45 PM

What size are those shorts?

Barry

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on August 24, 2020, 01:25:26 AM

I'd be surprised if Leeds out-muscled us in the salary stakes if we're both after the same player.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on August 24, 2020, 06:02:01 AM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 23, 2020, 11:07:53 PM

Quote from: Londonvilla on August 23, 2020, 07:28:22 PM

Aston Villa winger gathering transfer interest ahead of new season

Levante, Granada and Real Valladolid are three such sides would be interested in taking Jota between now and the closure of the transfer window

https://www.xxxx.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aston-villa-winger-gathering-transfer-18816815

Squad getting smaller...............but could be a good move for all parties
He needed a run of games to show if he was up to the PL but was never going to get it in a struggling team.

Bardhi is a decent winger for Levante so hopefully could get him in a swop.

Jota had a few decent games at start of the season but wasn't making the bench for months after that. If he's in the squad regularly next season that would suggest our transfer plans haven't gone well so yeah let him go somewhere to play more regularly.

Jota was never played in his best position as a deep lying No.10.

He was never a right winger. Tricky but way to slow.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 24, 2020, 07:02:15 AM

Bielsa does carry a big draw, but 3 weeks from kick off Leeds have no real incomings and can't get White who was the cornerstone of their defence. I don't think they are going to spend the sort of money we did last summer, and may well do OK because of their style of play, but with their forward options and defensive ones, they could be an injury away from difficult times like we were. For us having stayed up we at least now have the draw of looking up, and potentially offering higher wages.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 24, 2020, 07:03:49 AM

Quote from: Big Ming on August 24, 2020, 06:02:01 AM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 23, 2020, 11:07:53 PM

Quote from: Londonvilla on August 23, 2020, 07:28:22 PM

Aston Villa winger gathering transfer interest ahead of new season

Levante, Granada and Real Valladolid are three such sides would be interested in taking Jota between now and the closure of the transfer window

https://www.xxxx.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aston-villa-winger-gathering-transfer-18816815

Squad getting smaller...............but could be a good move for all parties
He needed a run of games to show if he was up to the PL but was never going to get it in a struggling team.

Bardhi is a decent winger for Levante so hopefully could get him in a swop.

Jota had a few decent games at start of the season but wasn't making the bench for months after that. If he's in the squad regularly next season that would suggest our transfer plans haven't gone well so yeah let him go somewhere to play more regularly.

Jota was never played in his best position as a deep lying No.10.

He was never a right winger. Tricky but way to slow.

Just too lightweight away from home and Smith wanted his rigid formation for defensive stabile post lockdown. There is a player in Jota, but not sure it's a lower half fighting type player.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ad@m on August 24, 2020, 07:25:14 AM

I'm not sure about the higher wages argument.

Gregg Evans wrote an article on the Athletic yesterday about how the new management have installed a strict wage structure which made signings difficult last summer, but also meant we reduced our wage bill to £65m in the Prem, versus £93m in the Championship the year before.

I know the ownership at Leeds has changed several times over since the turn of the century but they do have a history as a club of throwing money around.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Basher on August 24, 2020, 08:57:34 AM

Fosun weren't rinsed when Thomas Cook collapsed. Fosun losses were US$45.8 million, not the billions that the media chose to report because hey why let the facts get in the way of a good story.

FFP is also a massive red herring. UEFA looked at the previous three years of accounts, which included two years in the Championship when Wolves spent big when revenue streams were low. They posted a £20 million profit that first season back in the Premier League. Villa would also have failed FFP if they had qualified for Europe this season but that doesn't equate to not having a pot to pee in.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on August 24, 2020, 08:58:45 AM

Maybe the wage reduction was necessary to ensure we fell within the parameters of UEFA FFP compliance, and the new season could bring higher spending within the 3-year rollover. Despite all our woes, we did come within a one-goal swing of competing in Europe this coming season. It's looking like their failure to address such a problem has slightly hamstrung our buttercup neighbours after one season, it'd be a pisser if the same happened to us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 24, 2020, 09:03:46 AM

Quote from: Basher on August 24, 2020, 08:57:34 AM

Fosun weren't rinsed when Thomas Cook collapsed. Fosun losses were US$45.8 million, not the billions that the media chose to report because hey why let the facts get in the way of a good story.

FFP is also a massive red herring. UEFA looked at the previous three years of accounts, which included two years in the Championship when Wolves spent big when revenue streams were low. They posted a £20 million profit that first season back in the Premier League. Villa would also have failed FFP if they had qualified for Europe this season but that doesn't equate to not having a pot to pee in.

I don't think anybody is being overly serious fella. More a case of a gentle ribbing to the Wolves fans on social media who have crept out the woodwork to try and get a rivalry going.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OzVilla on August 24, 2020, 09:55:13 AM

We might even have one here.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on August 24, 2020, 09:57:21 AM

Quote from: Lastfootstamper on August 24, 2020, 08:58:45 AM

Maybe the wage reduction was necessary to ensure we fell within the parameters of UEFA FFP compliance, and the new season could bring higher spending within the 3-year rollover. Despite all our woes, we did come within a one-goal swing of competing in Europe this coming season. It's looking like their failure to address such a problem has slightly hamstrung our buttercup neighbours after one season, it'd be a pisser if the same happened to us.

We went up through the playoffs, having been mid table in the championship for most of the season. It's possibly as much of a precaution in case we went straight back down.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 24, 2020, 10:04:32 AM

Quote from: Basher on August 24, 2020, 08:57:34 AM

Fosun weren't rinsed when Thomas Cook collapsed. Fosun losses were US$45.8 million, not the billions that the media chose to report because hey why let the facts get in the way of a good story.

FFP is also a massive red herring. UEFA looked at the previous three years of accounts, which included two years in the Championship when Wolves spent big when revenue streams were low. They posted a £20 million profit that first season back in the Premier League. Villa would also have failed FFP if they had qualified for Europe this season but that doesn't equate to not having a pot to pee in.

Yes and you made a £57m loss in the championship the year before.  Hence the concern.  But you’re not in Europe this season so I’m not sure it matters.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 24, 2020, 10:26:51 AM

Amazes me with the side they have and the fact they are good for the first time in about 30 years, just how per-occupied dog heads are with Villa. When we were top 6 every season I don't think I thought about them once.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Percy McCarthy on August 24, 2020, 11:17:02 AM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 24, 2020, 01:18:30 AM

Quote from: Des Little on August 23, 2020, 10:51:45 PM

What size are those shorts?

Barry

Gareth or Austin?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Percy McCarthy on August 24, 2020, 11:23:21 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 24, 2020, 10:26:51 AM

Amazes me with the side they have and the fact they are good for the first time in about 30 years, just how per-occupied dog heads are with Villa. When we were top 6 every season I don't think I thought about them once.

Yes, some people seem to think that finishing as the highest placed Midlands club  sparks a rivalry with the biggest Midlands club, as if that title is somehow up for grabs. Never has been, never will be.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rob_bridge on August 24, 2020, 11:44:31 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 24, 2020, 10:26:51 AM

Amazes me with the side they have and the fact they are good for the first time in about 30 years, just how per-occupied dog heads are with Villa. When we were top 6 every season I don't think I thought about them once.

40 years

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: tomd2103 on August 24, 2020, 12:38:11 PM

Quote from: Percy McCarthy on August 24, 2020, 11:23:21 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 24, 2020, 10:26:51 AM

Amazes me with the side they have and the fact they are good for the first time in about 30 years, just how per-occupied dog heads are with Villa. When we were top 6 every season I don't think I thought about them once.

Yes, some people seem to think that finishing as the highest placed Midlands club  sparks a rivalry with the biggest Midlands club, as if that title is somehow up for grabs. Never has been, never will be.

Do spare a thought for all those Albion fans who spent months working on their hilarious "Mind the Gap" memes though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Holy Trinity on August 24, 2020, 01:36:00 PM

Did anybody notice the mail has run a story of how edouard will likely hold out for a better offer with no quotes and sound virtually the same as we were discussing yesterday!

These copy and paste journalists really grind my gears

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AsTallAsLions on August 24, 2020, 01:43:12 PM

Quote from: Holy Trinity on August 24, 2020, 01:36:00 PM

Did anybody notice the mail has run a story of how edouard will likely hold out for a better offer with no quotes and sound virtually the same as we were discussing yesterday!

These copy and paste journalists really grind my gears

They are to journalism what fan fiction writers are to literature.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on August 24, 2020, 01:43:31 PM

Quote from: Holy Trinity on August 24, 2020, 01:36:00 PM

Did anybody notice the mail has run a story of how edouard will likely hold out for a better offer with no quotes and sound virtually the same as we were discussing yesterday!

These copy and paste journalists really grind my gears

The flip side being that we have a hell of a lot of fans who will bite at that type of comment hence giving that journalist the ‘click’ that their employers desire.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Holy Trinity on August 24, 2020, 01:50:21 PM

To be fair I was one of the ones who said it and I STILL got click baited haha

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on August 24, 2020, 01:57:18 PM

I wouldn't mind if Jota left. He didn't do it consistently in the Championship with Small Heath so it was always unlikely he would be a consistent top flight player. When Small Heath were shown live on SKY in his last season there on a few occasions he did actually seem to be their best player on his day. But I saw more anonymous performances than man of the march performances from him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on August 24, 2020, 02:02:26 PM

Shame about Jota. When he put that lovely ball through to Wesley to score against Everton, I thought we'd unearthed a gem.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brend'Watkins on August 24, 2020, 02:18:56 PM

We would have if he could have just lifted his pace to a level above your average snail.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: placeforparks on August 24, 2020, 02:19:49 PM

we've been linked with omar colley, 27 year old central defender at sampdoria. he was at genk with samatta.

saints also looking at him as well.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on August 24, 2020, 03:02:18 PM

Omar Colley...Sky Sports news anchor crossed with The Wire legend. Worth a punt.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on August 24, 2020, 03:24:19 PM

Quote from: Holy Trinity on August 24, 2020, 01:50:21 PM

To be fair I was one of the ones who said it and I STILL got click baited haha

Haha

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Tokyo Sexwhale on August 24, 2020, 03:33:23 PM

Quote from: rob_bridge on August 24, 2020, 11:44:31 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 24, 2020, 10:26:51 AM

Amazes me with the side they have and the fact they are good for the first time in about 30 years, just how per-occupied dog heads are with Villa. When we were top 6 every season I don't think I thought about them once.

40 years

Was about to say this - 30 years ago Wolves were mid-table in the (old) Division 2, having spent a few seasons in the (old) Division 3 and 4 before that.

Last time they were more relevant than they are now was 1979-80 when they finished 6th and won the League Cup.

It's a sign of insecurity that they're trying to manufacture this rivalry which hasn't really existed since they signed Andy Gray.

They're probably solid mid-table in our rivals list.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Richard E on August 24, 2020, 03:41:16 PM

It's not even as if with all this giving it large they have actually won anything. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: placeforparks on August 24, 2020, 04:04:08 PM

Quote from: eamonn on August 24, 2020, 03:02:18 PM

Omar Colley...Sky Sports news anchor crossed with The Wire legend. Worth a punt.

twitter announcement video will be a mock up of this:

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on August 24, 2020, 04:39:27 PM

Quote from: Tokyo Sexwhale on August 24, 2020, 03:33:23 PM

Quote from: rob_bridge on August 24, 2020, 11:44:31 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 24, 2020, 10:26:51 AM

Amazes me with the side they have and the fact they are good for the first time in about 30 years, just how per-occupied dog heads are with Villa. When we were top 6 every season I don't think I thought about them once.

40 years

Was about to say this - 30 years ago Wolves were mid-table in the (old) Division 2, having spent a few seasons in the (old) Division 3 and 4 before that.

Last time they were more relevant than they are now was 1979-80 when they finished 6th and won the League Cup.

It's a sign of insecurity that they're trying to manufacture this rivalry which hasn't really existed since they signed Andy Gray.

They're probably solid mid-table in our rivals list.

Always think of the Noses and Tesco's as our main non-competition.

Hardly ever think about the Dogs at all.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on August 24, 2020, 05:53:14 PM

Last season was the first time in our history that we didn't have a single league attendance under 40,000. That's 40,000 week in week out to see a struggling team, play very average football and lose quite often.

The potential is there, the base is set. If we can push on this window and get the 3/4 improvements that almost guarantee cementing ourselves in the division and then next season push the boat our for a head turner or two then the ground is not big enough and we will need another 10,000k on top.

40,000k to watch a relegation battle, 50,000k easy to watch winning, eye catching football.

Wolves are nowhere near that level of potential, they're based purely on an agent and a bit of money. They're one bad managerial appointment away from disappearing and employing the likes of Lambert and Deano again.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: tomd2103 on August 24, 2020, 06:01:53 PM

Saw an article earlier linking West Ham with Callum Wilson and Ryan Fraser from Bournemouth.  I acknowledge that the latter hardly covered himself in glory with his behaviour last season, but think they would both be pretty decent signings for us really.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on August 24, 2020, 06:05:29 PM

Wilson they want silly money for a player of his ability and Fraser has the heart of a Downing. Big no from me to both.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 24, 2020, 06:32:50 PM

Anyone starting to think we are going to struggle to buy decent unless we pay over the odds?  I mean we have allegedly offered £30m for a 22 year old who’s been in the Scottish league for one season.  If the stories about Watkins are to be believed he has an £18m release clause but they seemingly want to just forget that and ask for £25m - not sure how that works.  And as for Benrahma completely over the top prices being quoted. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 24, 2020, 06:34:44 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 24, 2020, 06:32:50 PM

Anyone starting to think we are going to struggle to buy decent unless we pay over the odds?  I mean we have allegedly offered £30m for a 22 year old who’s been in the Scottish league for one season.  If the stories about Watkins are to be believed he has an £18m release clause but they seemingly want to just forget that and ask for £25m - not sure how that works.  And as for Benrahma completely over the top prices being quoted. 

What might seem over the odds these days is the going rate.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 24, 2020, 06:56:58 PM

I just hope our powers realise it if that’s the case.  Everyone seems to be in for the same players as well by the look of it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: taylorsworkrate on August 24, 2020, 07:00:46 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 24, 2020, 06:32:50 PM

Anyone starting to think we are going to struggle to buy decent unless we pay over the odds?  I mean we have allegedly offered £30m for a 22 year old who’s been in the Scottish league for one season.  If the stories about Watkins are to be believed he has an £18m release clause but they seemingly want to just forget that and ask for £25m - not sure how that works.  And as for Benrahma completely over the top prices being quoted. 

I don't think the 18m release clause story on Watkins was in any way true.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 24, 2020, 07:10:02 PM

I know they had to do some persuading of their star players to stay in January so they could keep up the promotion push.  Maybe it was inserted then.  Good job this is a rumours thread!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 24, 2020, 07:56:07 PM

Quote from: tomd2103 on August 24, 2020, 06:01:53 PM

Saw an article earlier linking West Ham with Callum Wilson and Ryan Fraser from Bournemouth.  I acknowledge that the latter hardly covered himself in glory with his behaviour last season, but think they would both be pretty decent signings for us really.

I think that Callum Wilson has only hit double figures once in a season for league goals in his entire career

I know he’s been dogged with injuries but I thought we were looking for a goal machine

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on August 24, 2020, 08:22:41 PM

It’s the continual ankle injuries with Wilson that would concern me + I personally think Josh King is a far better all round player

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on August 24, 2020, 08:38:53 PM

Wilson had a good season the year they got promoted and arrived with a good reputation but he's never looked remotely fit enough (120ish games in 5 seasons so missed about a third of their games in the premier league) and even when he's been fit he has been pretty streaky with long runs without scoring.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on August 24, 2020, 08:43:57 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 24, 2020, 06:32:50 PM

Anyone starting to think we are going to struggle to buy decent unless we pay over the odds?  I mean we have allegedly offered £30m for a 22 year old who’s been in the Scottish league for one season.  If the stories about Watkins are to be believed he has an £18m release clause but they seemingly want to just forget that and ask for £25m - not sure how that works.  And as for Benrahma completely over the top prices being quoted. 

In the case of Edouard he was on loan at Celtic since 2017, before making the deal permanent in 2018. Not saying he could def step up to this level, mind.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 24, 2020, 09:26:07 PM

as it’s the transfer thread and talk of wages etc

Steve Stride posted the 1972 accounts on Twitter today

the total cost of managers, Trainers and players wages for the 72 season was £161,578
money from TV was £4102

ha ha

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Nastylee on August 24, 2020, 10:14:41 PM

Clearly struggling to attract our number one choices. Do we pay over the odds or move down the list? Does having an unknown manager contribute?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on August 24, 2020, 10:49:17 PM

Quote from: Nastylee on August 24, 2020, 10:14:41 PM

Clearly struggling to attract our number one choices. Do we pay over the odds or move down the list? Does having an unknown manager contribute?

Why are we struggling?

There's one story re Rashica wanting to play in the CL, but nobody has been doing much signing, full stop, thus far.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on August 24, 2020, 10:49:18 PM

I was led tonight if I thought we'd get Henderson (Dean), I didn't even realise there was a link...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on August 24, 2020, 10:49:39 PM

Quote from: Nastylee on August 24, 2020, 10:14:41 PM

Clearly struggling to attract our number one choices. Do we pay over the odds or move down the list? Does having an unknown manager contribute?

We don’t have an unknown manager we have one who has achieved promotion and managed a season in Premier League - players don’t move for managers outside the very top clubs they move for pay packets either that or Messi, Ronaldo & de Bruyne would be forming an orderly queue outside Leeds....at least that’s the myth the Leeds fans would have us believe.

If the club believe they can attract the first choice targets then they need to stick with it not move on to lesser ones at this point, even if it’s deadline day they’ll miss what 3 games, not ideal but now is not time to panic

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 24, 2020, 10:50:39 PM

Quote from: john e on August 24, 2020, 09:26:07 PM

as it’s the transfer thread and talk of wages etc

Steve Stride posted the 1972 accounts on Twitter today

the total cost of managers, Trainers and players wages for the 72 season was £161,578
money from TV was £4102

ha ha

So Doug did fund the club then?  Runs for cover before DW arrival.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on August 24, 2020, 10:51:19 PM

Quote from: Tokyo Sexwhale on August 24, 2020, 03:33:23 PM

Quote from: rob_bridge on August 24, 2020, 11:44:31 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 24, 2020, 10:26:51 AM

Amazes me with the side they have and the fact they are good for the first time in about 30 years, just how per-occupied dog heads are with Villa. When we were top 6 every season I don't think I thought about them once.

40 years

Was about to say this - 30 years ago Wolves were mid-table in the (old) Division 2, having spent a few seasons in the (old) Division 3 and 4 before that.

Last time they were more relevant than they are now was 1979-80 when they finished 6th and won the League Cup.

It's a sign of insecurity that they're trying to manufacture this rivalry which hasn't really existed since they signed Andy Gray.

They're probably solid mid-table in our rivals list.

Wolves, Albion and Small Heath all measure themselves against us. Which rarely ends well for them. Which explains why on the rare occasions they are better than us  or beat us they all wet their pants with excitement.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 24, 2020, 10:54:49 PM

Quote from: john e on August 24, 2020, 09:26:07 PM

as it’s the transfer thread and talk of wages etc

Steve Stride posted the 1972 accounts on Twitter today

the total cost of managers, Trainers and players wages for the 72 season was £161,578
money from TV was £4102

ha ha

I looked at that too! Wages with at circa £6440 for 25 players and coaches (possibly too many accounted for there) would be £72,000 per annum in todays £. A good wage, but it is quite something that Jack is probably on that a week.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on August 24, 2020, 10:56:05 PM

Quote from: Nastylee on August 24, 2020, 10:14:41 PM

Clearly struggling to attract our number one choices. Do we pay over the odds or move down the list? Does having an unknown manager contribute?

Where is the evidence we are struggling to attract our number one choices? Who exactly are our number one choices? Who have we missed out on that we went for?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Nastylee on August 24, 2020, 11:03:26 PM

We're one of six clubs not to make a signing. Our manager stresses he wants players in quickly. It isn't happening.  That points towards things not going as smoothly as they would like.

I agree though, if the players are worth waiting for then we shouldn't fill the squad with second raters. Everyone would have expected some movement by now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on August 24, 2020, 11:14:35 PM

Quote from: Nastylee on August 24, 2020, 11:03:26 PM

We're one of six clubs not to make a signing. Our manager stresses he wants players in quickly. It isn't happening.  That points towards things not going as smoothly as they would like.

I agree though, if the players are worth waiting for then we shouldn't fill the squad with second raters. Everyone would have expected some movement by now.

I imagine a lot of clubs who were safe way before the end of the season could move deals forward faster than us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 24, 2020, 11:15:55 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 24, 2020, 10:50:39 PM

Quote from: john e on August 24, 2020, 09:26:07 PM

as it’s the transfer thread and talk of wages etc

Steve Stride posted the 1972 accounts on Twitter today

the total cost of managers, Trainers and players wages for the 72 season was £161,578
money from TV was £4102

ha ha

So Doug did fund the club then?  Runs for cover before DW arrival.

Of course. Nobody paid to get into the match and the programmes were free.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on August 24, 2020, 11:21:30 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on August 24, 2020, 11:14:35 PM

Quote from: Nastylee on August 24, 2020, 11:03:26 PM

We're one of six clubs not to make a signing. Our manager stresses he wants players in quickly. It isn't happening.  That points towards things not going as smoothly as they would like.

I agree though, if the players are worth waiting for then we shouldn't fill the squad with second raters. Everyone would have expected some movement by now.

I imagine a lot of clubs who were safe way before the end of the season could move deals forward faster than us.

Our main targets might also be the players that other clubs will allow to leave once they have their own targets signed and sealed.  Perhaps Tammy Abraham is one such player but we have to wait until Fwank has signed Havertz et al.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 25, 2020, 12:15:51 AM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 24, 2020, 11:15:55 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 24, 2020, 10:50:39 PM

Quote from: john e on August 24, 2020, 09:26:07 PM

as it’s the transfer thread and talk of wages etc

Steve Stride posted the 1972 accounts on Twitter today

the total cost of managers, Trainers and players wages for the 72 season was £161,578
money from TV was £4102

ha ha

So Doug did fund the club then?  Runs for cover before DW arrival.

Of course. Nobody paid to get into the match and the programmes were free.

I have now had the benefit of reading the full P&L and would like to withdraw my earlier statement.....

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 25, 2020, 12:20:38 AM

Anyway, by the time those accounts were published Doug had only been chairman for a few months.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 25, 2020, 12:34:29 AM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 24, 2020, 06:32:50 PM

Anyone starting to think we are going to struggle to buy decent unless we pay over the odds?  I mean we have allegedly offered £30m for a 22 year old who’s been in the Scottish league for one season.  If the stories about Watkins are to be believed he has an £18m release clause but they seemingly want to just forget that and ask for £25m - not sure how that works.  And as for Benrahma completely over the top prices being quoted. 

Welcome to the premier league. Have a look at who Everton have signed last 3 years, many of them established players or signed from Barcelona. Not that it's done them much good.

Also have to factor in as soon as prem club is interested selling club will automatically add 10-15m onto the price due to the ridiculous tv deals here.

When Celtic sold Dembele to Lyon he only actually went for 19.7m.

We overpaid for many players last summer and many of them certainly weren't good so don't have an issue paying 30m + for some who is actually pretty proven at top level.

Edit: Torino signed Swiss LB Ricardo Rodriguez from AC Milan last week. 27 years old with 71 caps for Swiss and many seasons playing in europe for likes of Wolfsburg. Was very highly rated there but lost his way in last two years. The fee was 3 million euros! Honestly think if a prem club had shown interest then Milan would've just put another 10m on the asking price so it's the sort of thing you have to contend with unless the broadcasting deals eventually collapse.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 25, 2020, 12:40:19 AM

As for the overpriced players from championship well we're guilty as charged. We paid over 40m for Hogan, McCormack and Kodjia didn't we?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 25, 2020, 01:06:42 AM

Did I hear right?  Everton have put a £140m price tag on Richarlison?!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on August 25, 2020, 05:50:12 AM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 25, 2020, 12:34:29 AM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 24, 2020, 06:32:50 PM

Anyone starting to think we are going to struggle to buy decent unless we pay over the odds?  I mean we have allegedly offered £30m for a 22 year old who’s been in the Scottish league for one season.  If the stories about Watkins are to be believed he has an £18m release clause but they seemingly want to just forget that and ask for £25m - not sure how that works.  And as for Benrahma completely over the top prices being quoted. 

Welcome to the premier league. Have a look at who Everton have signed last 3 years, many of them established players or signed from Barcelona. Not that it's done them much good.

Also have to factor in as soon as prem club is interested selling club will automatically add 10-15m onto the price due to the ridiculous tv deals here.

When Celtic sold Dembele to Lyon he only actually went for 19.7m.

We overpaid for many players last summer and many of them certainly weren't good so don't have an issue paying 30m + for some who is actually pretty proven at top level.

Edit: Torino signed Swiss LB Ricardo Rodriguez from AC Milan last week. 27 years old with 71 caps for Swiss and many seasons playing in europe for likes of Wolfsburg. Was very highly rated there but lost his way in last two years. The fee was 3 million euros! Honestly think if a prem club had shown interest then Milan would've just put another 10m on the asking price so it's the sort of thing you have to contend with unless the broadcasting deals eventually collapse.

The word is out.

Villa have big money to spend.  Maybe as much as £100m to £150m

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on August 25, 2020, 06:56:47 AM

Good points SHQ. If they had gone for the 5 subs option it would have created even more Player price  inflation.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on August 25, 2020, 07:42:20 AM

Alan Nixon, oh so reliable, telling people that we are minted but need a big one to get it all going.  Said the other day we are going to spend a LOT of money.  Might be some merit in what he's saying in terms of 'getting it going' as I suspect Villa want to open with a marquee signing to get other players thinking we mean business.  Perhaps the Trippier thing might have something in it after all?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on August 25, 2020, 07:55:10 AM

Quote from: Newby on August 24, 2020, 11:21:30 PM

Our main targets might also be the players that other clubs will allow to leave once they have their own targets signed and sealed.  Perhaps Tammy Abraham is one such player but we have to wait until Fwank has signed Havertz et al.

Yeah, that's my take on it too.

I'm not worried at the moment, it's not as if there's a week to go until the transfer window shuts, and we have been pretty active - just with players for the U23 and ladies sides!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 25, 2020, 07:57:39 AM

Keep saying it, but we need our Gullit or Robinho type moment. That player that makes the others go yep, that's where I am going. The other option is to change the manager and go for a proper name like Poch that players will want to go and play for.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 25, 2020, 07:59:46 AM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 25, 2020, 01:06:42 AM

Did I hear right?  Everton have put a £140m price tag on Richarlison?!

184 was quoted in one rag. I wouldn't swap him for McGinn let alone Jack.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dicedlam on August 25, 2020, 09:45:36 AM

Quote from: Newby on August 25, 2020, 07:42:20 AM

Might be some merit in what he's saying in terms of 'getting it going' as I suspect Villa want to open with a marquee signing to get other players thinking we mean business.  Perhaps the Trippier thing might have something in it after all?

I should hope if we are looking at bringing in a 'marquee' player it is someone better than a 30-year-old right back who is probably England's 4th choice right-back behind Trent Alexander-Arnold, Wan-Bissaka and Kyle Walker.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on August 25, 2020, 10:25:46 AM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 24, 2020, 06:32:50 PM

If the stories about Watkins are to be believed he has an £18m release clause but they seemingly want to just forget that and ask for £25m - not sure how that works.

We've been sucked into a bidding war?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on August 25, 2020, 11:04:05 AM

Quote from: dicedlam on August 25, 2020, 09:45:36 AM

Quote from: Newby on August 25, 2020, 07:42:20 AM

Might be some merit in what he's saying in terms of 'getting it going' as I suspect Villa want to open with a marquee signing to get other players thinking we mean business.  Perhaps the Trippier thing might have something in it after all?

I should hope if we are looking at bringing in a 'marquee' player it is someone better than a 30-year-old right back who is probably England's 4th choice right-back behind Trent Alexander-Arnold, Wan-Bissaka and Kyle Walker.

If he is anything like the player he was, he would be ahead of 2 of those and a long way behind one of them.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 25, 2020, 11:06:32 AM

Quote from: dicedlam on August 25, 2020, 09:45:36 AM

Quote from: Newby on August 25, 2020, 07:42:20 AM

Might be some merit in what he's saying in terms of 'getting it going' as I suspect Villa want to open with a marquee signing to get other players thinking we mean business.  Perhaps the Trippier thing might have something in it after all?

I should hope if we are looking at bringing in a 'marquee' player it is someone better than a 30-year-old right back who is probably England's 4th choice right-back behind Trent Alexander-Arnold, Wan-Bissaka and Kyle Walker.

He was starting a CL QF 10 days ago and is first choice for one of the best teams in europe is another way to spin it.

I don't think Trippier is very likely at all so no idea where that link came from but he would be marquee in my book as he's miles better than Gulibert or AEM.

Tammy Abraham would be another. Ultimately a marquee signing would cost 40m + unless we go for an older head on two year deal like a Giroud type.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 25, 2020, 11:25:22 AM

Quote from: Monty on August 25, 2020, 10:25:46 AM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 24, 2020, 06:32:50 PM

If the stories about Watkins are to be believed he has an £18m release clause but they seemingly want to just forget that and ask for £25m - not sure how that works.

We've been sucked into a bidding war?

We'll now have to consult our warchest, prepare our bid further, and as long as Brentford are braced sufficiently something may happen.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: jwarry on August 25, 2020, 11:25:41 AM

Suspect it will take £40m to get the striker we need, be it Edouard or Abraham or someone we have never heard of a la Wesley.  Not sure Watkins is what we need unless he came as well

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 25, 2020, 11:31:24 AM

Quote from: LeeB on August 25, 2020, 11:25:22 AM

Quote from: Monty on August 25, 2020, 10:25:46 AM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 24, 2020, 06:32:50 PM

If the stories about Watkins are to be believed he has an £18m release clause but they seemingly want to just forget that and ask for £25m - not sure how that works.

We've been sucked into a bidding war?

We'll now have to consult our warchest, prepare our bid further, and as long as Brentford are braced sufficiently something may happen.

We are preparing a bid to test their resolve.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on August 25, 2020, 11:42:54 AM

Quote from: jwarry on August 25, 2020, 11:25:41 AM

Suspect it will take £40m to get the striker we need, be it Edouard or Abraham or someone we have never heard of a la Wesley.  Not sure Watkins is what we need unless he came as well

I definitely see Watkins as a "in addition to ..." player, being able to play wide and through the middle.
He and one of Tammy, C Wilson or Edouard (although I really don't know much about the latter) would work; and then either Rashica or Benrhama.
And a CMF.
And possibly a new LB / CB.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on August 25, 2020, 12:24:38 PM

Quote from: Mister E on August 25, 2020, 11:42:54 AM

Quote from: jwarry on August 25, 2020, 11:25:41 AM

Suspect it will take £40m to get the striker we need, be it Edouard or Abraham or someone we have never heard of a la Wesley.  Not sure Watkins is what we need unless he came as well

I definitely see Watkins as a "in addition to ..." player, being able to play wide and through the middle.
He and one of Tammy, C Wilson or Edouard (although I really don't know much about the latter) would work; and then either Rashica or Benrhama.
And a CMF.
And possibly a new LB / CB.

Yeah, that's how I'd see it.  Main striker option as Edouard/Tammy + Wesley, with Watkins playing as either third choice striker or out wide as needed.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on August 25, 2020, 12:38:43 PM

Quote from: algy on August 25, 2020, 12:24:38 PM

Quote from: Mister E on August 25, 2020, 11:42:54 AM

Quote from: jwarry on August 25, 2020, 11:25:41 AM

Suspect it will take £40m to get the striker we need, be it Edouard or Abraham or someone we have never heard of a la Wesley.  Not sure Watkins is what we need unless he came as well

I definitely see Watkins as a "in addition to ..." player, being able to play wide and through the middle.
He and one of Tammy, C Wilson or Edouard (although I really don't know much about the latter) would work; and then either Rashica or Benrhama.
And a CMF.
And possibly a new LB / CB.

Yeah, that's how I'd see it.  Main striker option as Edouard/Tammy + Wesley, with Watkins playing as either third choice striker or out wide as needed.

I'd agree with that. If by the end of the window we're looking at wide and up front options of:

Grealish, Trez, AEG, {Rashica}
{Watkins}
Wesley, Samatta/Davis, {New Striker}

Then I reckon we're in a strong position. The main striker is the problem because I think Tammy will be too expensive, I have no idea whether Edouard is good enough and I don't rate Wilson. As I've said before Kevin Volland would be my choice, I think he'd be a perfect fit for what we need up front.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on August 25, 2020, 01:02:43 PM

As DW said, get the best centre forward we can and then spend the change on strengthening where possible. Next priority is a wide attacking option.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on August 25, 2020, 01:24:36 PM

Kevin Volland ? I love Dexys as much as the next bloke but unfortunately I think Kev was/is a Wolves fan.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 25, 2020, 01:28:30 PM

Too-rye-ay.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ROBBO on August 25, 2020, 01:40:10 PM

Tammy is not first pick at Chelsea but they would still want fifty million for him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Stu on August 25, 2020, 01:46:05 PM

Keep checking this thread every hour or so for any updates on signings. I'm a 40 year old man for God's sake.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Hookeysmith on August 25, 2020, 01:47:41 PM

I bet it really pisses the media off that they really do not have a proper clue as to who we actually want and are going after.
I would imagine the delay is down to a multitude of issues ranging from

late season ending , players returning , new recruitment and DOF set up at the club, piss takers asking for way over the top prices.

As long as the club have the following plan then all will be ok

Goal scorer - Edouard / Tammy or that ilk

Striker  who can work the front line - Watkins - or similar

Winger - fast and tricky

CM - tough tackling box to box who Nakamba can be understudy to

Left back - a first teamer who Targett can be understudy to (our most successful periods have been when we have had quality attacking LB's)

GK - possibly a loan for an older , experienced pro

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 25, 2020, 01:47:42 PM

Same. Except I'm 42.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Hookeysmith on August 25, 2020, 01:48:13 PM

Quote from: Stu on August 25, 2020, 01:46:05 PM

Keep checking this thread every hour or so for any updates on signings. I'm a 40 year old man for God's sake.

And me :(

Sad isn't it

i'm 57

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on August 25, 2020, 01:54:55 PM

If only I could keep it down to just every hour or so,

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 25, 2020, 01:58:23 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on August 25, 2020, 01:54:55 PM

If only I could keep it down to just every hour or so,

That's still a lot of masturbating to be honest.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Holy Trinity on August 25, 2020, 01:59:30 PM

I pop to the loo to check at work so often  that they think I have a bladder condition!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on August 25, 2020, 02:00:57 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on August 25, 2020, 11:04:05 AM

Quote from: dicedlam on August 25, 2020, 09:45:36 AM

Quote from: Newby on August 25, 2020, 07:42:20 AM

Might be some merit in what he's saying in terms of 'getting it going' as I suspect Villa want to open with a marquee signing to get other players thinking we mean business.  Perhaps the Trippier thing might have something in it after all?

I should hope if we are looking at bringing in a 'marquee' player it is someone better than a 30-year-old right back who is probably England's 4th choice right-back behind Trent Alexander-Arnold, Wan-Bissaka and Kyle Walker.

If he is anything like the player he was, he would be ahead of 2 of those and a long way behind one of them.

He had a dreadful last season or so at Spurs. Very average defender but with a tidy right foot. One to avoid I reckon.

Matty Cash being linked with us too. Think we should be putting more faith in Guilbert to be honest and focusing on other positions.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: in exile on August 25, 2020, 02:21:26 PM

Like a left back for example.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rob_bridge on August 25, 2020, 02:24:35 PM

Quote from: in exile on August 25, 2020, 02:21:26 PM

Like a left back for example.

First choice left back is a must. Keep Targett as back up and move Taylor on

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 25, 2020, 02:59:48 PM

Quote from: Hookeysmith on August 25, 2020, 01:48:13 PM

Quote from: Stu on August 25, 2020, 01:46:05 PM

Keep checking this thread every hour or so for any updates on signings. I'm a 40 year old man for God's sake.

And me :(

Sad isn't it

i'm 57

I'm only 38 you old gits.

Although I remember being on here (or incarnations of here) 20 ish years ago, which makes me very, very fcking old.

The blackouts days, the server switch when Matt G and I had about 40,000 posts wiped out. Ah the memories.

And we still haven't signed anyone.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 25, 2020, 03:51:40 PM

Quote from: rob_bridge on August 25, 2020, 02:24:35 PM

Quote from: in exile on August 25, 2020, 02:21:26 PM

Like a left back for example.

First choice left back is a must. Keep Targett as back up and move Taylor on

Don't really think a left back is going to push us 5 places up the league until we get the forward positions right.

It's a bit like signing Bouma in 2005 and he only really started playing consistantly well from 2007 onwards, pretty much when we signed Young and played him down the left.

Targett is average but it can wait until January.                                                     

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: CT Villan on August 25, 2020, 03:52:41 PM

I'm old enough to remember when crisps were 2p a bag  :( and still check this thread multiple times a day.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ger Regan on August 25, 2020, 03:53:43 PM

It's not either or, we can sort out the front line and a left back in this window.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on August 25, 2020, 04:00:20 PM

I'm really not relishing the thought of us opening the season with the side that finished the last one, even though we miraculously escaped relegation. Having said that, it wouldn't surprise me in the least if most if not all our business is done in the last two weeks of the window.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villafirst on August 25, 2020, 04:22:54 PM

Eze being linked with Palace and Fulham around £15m. I hope Villa are interested at that price?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 25, 2020, 04:32:20 PM

I’ve just rang 0898 12 11 48 and there’s no transfer news on there either.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: CT on August 25, 2020, 04:41:33 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 25, 2020, 04:32:20 PM

I’ve just rang 0898 12 11 48 and there’s no transfer news on there either.

I used to rack up quite the phone bill for our Mum on that. Four minutes of blurb to then find out that Ian Olney was running again in his bid for fitness.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on August 25, 2020, 04:55:05 PM

Quote from: rob_bridge on August 25, 2020, 02:24:35 PM

Quote from: in exile on August 25, 2020, 02:21:26 PM

Like a left back for example.

First choice left back is a must. Keep Targett as back up and move Taylor on

Actually thought Taylor was better than Targett last season. Rarely let us down defensively, whereas Targett was oftentimes a liability. We need a better allrounder that can both defend and go forwards, preferably with pace.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on August 25, 2020, 05:08:58 PM

Quote from: CT on August 25, 2020, 04:41:33 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 25, 2020, 04:32:20 PM

I’ve just rang 0898 12 11 48 and there’s no transfer news on there either.

I used to rack up quite the phone bill for our Mum on that. Four minutes of blurb to then find out that Ian Olney was running again in his bid for fitness.

Classic!
Got done myself in the summer of '99, crossing fingers that the link to Chris Bart-Williams was true.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on August 25, 2020, 05:38:45 PM

Quote from: eamonn on August 25, 2020, 05:08:58 PM

Quote from: CT on August 25, 2020, 04:41:33 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 25, 2020, 04:32:20 PM

I’ve just rang 0898 12 11 48 and there’s no transfer news on there either.

I remember ringing  that for updates on a friendly with monaco , Glenn hoddle played for them it was 12 p a minute ? ,  then I found porn 🤔😀
😳
I used to rack up quite the phone bill for our Mum on that. Four minutes of blurb to then find out that Ian Olney was running again in his bid for fitness.

Classic!
Got done myself in the summer of '99, crossing fingers that the link to Chris Bart-Williams was true.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: maidstonevillain on August 25, 2020, 05:39:02 PM

Quote from: CT Villan on August 25, 2020, 03:52:41 PM

I'm old enough to remember when crisps were 2p a bag  :( and still check this thread multiple times a day.

I remember when they were 2d. And I'm here.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 25, 2020, 05:56:17 PM

Quote from: VILLA MOLE on August 25, 2020, 05:38:45 PM

Quote from: eamonn on August 25, 2020, 05:08:58 PM

Quote from: CT on August 25, 2020, 04:41:33 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 25, 2020, 04:32:20 PM

I’ve just rang 0898 12 11 48 and there’s no transfer news on there either.

I remember ringing  that for updates on a friendly with monaco , Glenn hoddle played for them it was 12 p a minute ? ,  then I found porn 🤔😀
😳
I used to rack up quite the phone bill for our Mum on that. Four minutes of blurb to then find out that Ian Olney was running again in his bid for fitness.

Classic!
Got done myself in the summer of '99, crossing fingers that the link to Chris Bart-Williams was true.

I managed to never call one of those stupid transfer lines. I did find porn though. The Internet has served many purposes, but allowing 12 year olds to skip the right of passage of nicking a top shelf mag with your mates is truly a tragic one.

Fulham are in talks for Watkins apparently. We are appearing to move at glacial speed towards being possibly poised to potentially consider making a bid.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on August 25, 2020, 05:58:13 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 25, 2020, 05:56:17 PM

Quote from: VILLA MOLE on August 25, 2020, 05:38:45 PM

Quote from: eamonn on August 25, 2020, 05:08:58 PM

Quote from: CT on August 25, 2020, 04:41:33 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 25, 2020, 04:32:20 PM

I’ve just rang 0898 12 11 48 and there’s no transfer news on there either.
[/quote
I used to rack up quite the phone bill for our Mum on that. Four minutes of blurb to then find out that Ian Olney was running again in his bid for fitness.

Classic!
Got done myself in the summer of '99, crossing fingers that the link to Chris Bart-Williams was true.

I managed to never call one of those stupid transfer lines. I did find porn though. The Internet has served many purposes, but allowing 12 year olds to skip the right of passage of nicking a top shelf mag with your mates is truly a tragic one.

Fulham are in talks for Watkins apparently. We are appearing to move at glacial speed towards being possibly poised to potentially consider making a bid.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on August 25, 2020, 06:02:13 PM

Quote from: VILLA MOLE on August 25, 2020, 05:58:13 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 25, 2020, 05:56:17 PM

Quote from: VILLA MOLE on August 25, 2020, 05:38:45 PM

Quote from: eamonn on August 25, 2020, 05:08:58 PM

Quote from: CT on August 25, 2020, 04:41:33 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 25, 2020, 04:32:20 PM

I’ve just rang 0898 12 11 48 and there’s no transfer news on there either.
[/quote
I used to rack up quite the phone bill for our Mum on that. Four minutes of blurb to then find out that Ian Olney was running again in his bid for fitness.

Classic!
Got done myself in the summer of '99, crossing fingers that the link to Chris Bart-Williams was true.

I managed to never call one of those stupid transfer lines. I did find porn though. The Internet has served many purposes, but allowing 12 year olds to skip the right of passage of nicking a top shelf mag with your mates is truly a tragic one.

Fulham are in talks for Watkins apparently. We are appearing to move at glacial speed towards being possibly poised to potentially consider making a bid.

I was travelling with work and used the Villa Clubcall line one evening when we played Leicester way back in the late 90s to listen to second half commentary, I think it cost me about £200.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on August 25, 2020, 06:18:54 PM

Lads, the quotes !!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 25, 2020, 06:42:24 PM

I’m actually going to be very disappointed if we miss out on Watkins now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Footy-Vill on August 25, 2020, 06:49:31 PM

PLEASE Sawiris & Edens. Make Leo Messi happen! Sign him up ! Omg I would cry !

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on August 25, 2020, 07:10:00 PM

When teletext said we were interested in Les Ferdinand summer 95.

Whilst I would never turn back the clock on Savo ( if only we signed him when he was 25/26) we just knew Newcastle would get him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villafirst on August 25, 2020, 07:20:57 PM

I'll be pissed off if Fulham snap up Watkins! Tin pot club. Why are we dithering? Apparently Eze has agreed a deal with Palace. Come on Villa!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 25, 2020, 07:28:42 PM

I reckon we will bring someone in who hasn't even been linked.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: jwarry on August 25, 2020, 07:29:58 PM

Quote from: Stu on August 25, 2020, 01:46:05 PM

Keep checking this thread every hour or so for any updates on signings. I'm a 40 year old man for God's sake.

I’m 61 mate, it never leaves ya! 😳

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villafirst on August 25, 2020, 07:37:19 PM

Perhaps we're still poised to prepare a bid for Watkins??

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on August 25, 2020, 07:47:22 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 25, 2020, 06:42:24 PM

I’m actually going to be very disappointed if we miss out on Watkins now.

Hear, hear

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on August 25, 2020, 07:59:23 PM

What I’ve seen of Wesley in prem and Watkins on division one I think I’m happy with how things are now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villafirst on August 25, 2020, 08:09:16 PM

Quote from: WilliamStanding on August 25, 2020, 07:59:23 PM

What I’ve seen of Wesley in prem and Watkins on division one I think I’m happy with how things are now.

Watkins is far quicker than Wesley and tends to find the net rather frequently. Not much comparison?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 25, 2020, 08:11:02 PM

Quote from: Clampy on August 25, 2020, 07:28:42 PM

I reckon we will bring someone in who hasn't even been linked.

Yep like I remember Jordan Bowery

Literally out of nowhere

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Richard E on August 25, 2020, 08:13:44 PM

If we really want Watkins we’ll get him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on August 25, 2020, 08:17:12 PM

Anyone slightly concerned that players we have been consistently linked with appear to be ging to clubs who will be competing directly against us? or is it that we have bigger targets?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Richard E on August 25, 2020, 08:21:18 PM

Quote from: mr underhill on August 25, 2020, 08:17:12 PM

Anyone slightly concerned that players we have been consistently linked with appear to be ging to clubs who will be competing directly against us? or is it that we have bigger targets?

I can’t think of any player that applies to at present.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on August 25, 2020, 09:08:49 PM

The striker situation has been a shambles for a year now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 25, 2020, 09:18:46 PM

Quote from: Villafirst on August 25, 2020, 08:09:16 PM

Quote from: WilliamStanding on August 25, 2020, 07:59:23 PM

What I’ve seen of Wesley in prem and Watkins on division one I think I’m happy with how things are now.

Watkins is far quicker than Wesley and tends to find the net rather frequently. Not much comparison?

I watched a lot of Watkins last season.  His workrate is utterly incredible.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villan82 on August 25, 2020, 09:20:21 PM

I know it's a strange time and the market is all over the place but, can we get a bloody move on and bring in some much needed players?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 25, 2020, 10:20:46 PM

Messi available, possibly on a free.

Decent back up for Trez and El Ghazi.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithe on August 25, 2020, 10:26:15 PM

Too old to fit the profile. No good on the back stick defending corners.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on August 25, 2020, 10:30:06 PM

Quote from: PeterWithe on August 25, 2020, 10:26:15 PM

Too old to fit the profile. No good on the back stick defending corners.

Useless at setting traps.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: stevo_st on August 25, 2020, 10:31:24 PM

and no Prem experience

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 25, 2020, 10:35:04 PM

Yeah, I suppose. And he 'holds on to the ball too long'.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: TheMalandro on August 25, 2020, 10:42:47 PM

Too small for this league.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mcgrath_85 on August 25, 2020, 10:46:09 PM

The lack of any activity is getting a little worrying now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on August 25, 2020, 10:55:49 PM

Hopefully, we get three in a week but I'd rather wait and make sure it's the right three. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: tony scott on August 25, 2020, 11:04:28 PM

I have a feeling the owners will want to see a couple of sales Bree Hogan possibly Trez and Marv , and just maybe we’ve only got about 60 mill to allocate to Transfers especially if we keep the rest of the squad.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on August 25, 2020, 11:08:09 PM

The wage bill is one of the lowest in the division and those players mentioned are worth peanuts. It wouldn't really show us we mean business if our window is being dictated by the sale or loan of a few squaddies who aren't worth a bean.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on August 25, 2020, 11:09:04 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on August 25, 2020, 06:49:31 PM

PLEASE Sawiris & Edens. Make Leo Messi happen! Sign him up ! Omg I would cry !

Brilliant comeback post, before the Messi news broke too. Welcome again  Skillz.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 25, 2020, 11:22:55 PM

I know we need to build steadily and intelligently but the news that Everton are after James Rodriguez and might actually get him is a kick in the bollocks.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: stubbsyandy on August 25, 2020, 11:31:33 PM

I’m not sure about so called statement signings..the team is about how the players interact with each other....square pegs etc, let’s get some John Robsons, Ken McNaught, Chris Nichol type of signing...build over a few seasons

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 25, 2020, 11:46:38 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 25, 2020, 11:22:55 PM

I know we need to build steadily and intelligently but the news that Everton are after James Rodriguez and might actually get him is a kick in the bollocks.

Everton are not a club I'd be looking at jealously regarding their transfers.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on August 25, 2020, 11:47:36 PM

Quote from: LeeB on August 25, 2020, 11:46:38 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 25, 2020, 11:22:55 PM

I know we need to build steadily and intelligently but the news that Everton are after James Rodriguez and might actually get him is a kick in the bollocks.

Everton are not a club I'd be looking at jealously regarding their transfers.

They would be if they bought him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 25, 2020, 11:54:21 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on August 25, 2020, 11:47:36 PM

Quote from: LeeB on August 25, 2020, 11:46:38 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 25, 2020, 11:22:55 PM

I know we need to build steadily and intelligently but the news that Everton are after James Rodriguez and might actually get him is a kick in the bollocks.

Everton are not a club I'd be looking at jealously regarding their transfers.

They would be if they bought him.

As far as I'm aware, he's done nothing but been hawked around Europe on loan since doing nothing at Madrid. But I'm sure a move to the 2nd biggest club in it's own postcode somewhere in Northern Europe will get him firing again.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 26, 2020, 12:00:47 AM

There’s no doubt he’s been a colossal failure relative to his ability since moving to Madrid. But it was Ancelotti who bought him from Monaco and at 29 with not a lot of football recently he’s still got a lot of good years left. But he’ll be on massive money one suspects and if nothing else, Everton have proven themselves to be incredibly wasteful for a good number of seasons now while achieving the square root of fuck all. In a way, while glamorous this feels like a way to boost fan confidence while in the immense shadow of Liverpool.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on August 26, 2020, 12:19:26 AM

Quote from: LeeB on August 25, 2020, 11:54:21 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on August 25, 2020, 11:47:36 PM

Quote from: LeeB on August 25, 2020, 11:46:38 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 25, 2020, 11:22:55 PM

I know we need to build steadily and intelligently but the news that Everton are after James Rodriguez and might actually get him is a kick in the bollocks.

Everton are not a club I'd be looking at jealously regarding their transfers.

They would be if they bought him.

As far as I'm aware, he's done nothing but been hawked around Europe on loan since doing nothing at Madrid. But I'm sure a move to the 2nd biggest club in it's own postcode somewhere in Northern Europe will get him firing again.

Yep, he's talented but seems to have completely lost interest in playing, much like Bale.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ROBBO on August 26, 2020, 06:15:06 AM

Don't think any newcomers will be in their late twenties.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 26, 2020, 07:45:39 AM

To not see James Rodriguez as exciting is kidding yourself. He's was brilliant for Ancelotti at Bayern too. If we were buying him I'd be bloody excited. Put Allan and Dacoure in there too, and Ancelotti as manager, I would be pretty excited if I was an Everton fan.

Leeds signing Rodrigo too.

Fulham in for a couple of decent players.

Villa appear to be hoping to have a discussion about possibly trying to find a fax machine to maybe think about putting a bid in for a player. Somewhere.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 26, 2020, 09:03:56 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 26, 2020, 07:45:39 AM

To not see James Rodriguez as exciting is kidding yourself. He's was brilliant for Ancelotti at Bayern too. If we were buying him I'd be bloody excited. Put Allan and Dacoure in there too, and Ancelotti as manager, I would be pretty excited if I was an Everton fan.

Leeds signing Rodrigo too.

Fulham in for a couple of decent players.

Villa appear to be hoping to have a discussion about possibly trying to find a fax machine to maybe think about putting a bid in for a player. Somewhere.

All the players you mentioned in your post haven't actually moved anywhere and the clubs you also mentioned haven't signed anyone yet to my knowledge. It's not just us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Des Little on August 26, 2020, 09:27:42 AM

I have complete faith that we know what we are doing, and when it suits us, we'll get the players we need.  All will be fine.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 26, 2020, 09:31:48 AM

Come on Villa let’s see some movement. We need the quality in, so fully get that can take time but we need to bed them in as early as possible.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Border villan on August 26, 2020, 09:33:27 AM

The list of players we have been associated with to sign is so long that if we signed eve half of them the North Stand would have to be demolished and enlarged just for them.

None of us have a clue who the lucky three or four who will be plucked from relative obscurity to have the honour of representing AVFC will be.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 26, 2020, 09:59:34 AM

Quote from: Border villan on August 26, 2020, 09:33:27 AM

The list of players we have been associated with to sign is so long that if we signed eve half of them the North Stand would have to be demolished and enlarged just for them.

None of us have a clue who the lucky three or four who will be plucked from relative obscurity to have the honour of representing AVFC will be.

And neither do any of those people outside of the club that claim to.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 26, 2020, 10:24:05 AM

The longer we leave it the longer the ‘it takes time for new players to gel’ cliche will be trotted out.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on August 26, 2020, 10:29:32 AM

I am sure we go through this every transfer window 🤔😀

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Duncan Shaw on August 26, 2020, 10:40:11 AM

If it's true that we are in for Watkins and he goes to Fulham that would be very disappointing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on August 26, 2020, 10:42:42 AM

Quote from: Duncan Shaw on August 26, 2020, 10:40:11 AM

If it's true that we are in for Watkins and he goes to Fulham that would be very disappointing.

Unless he's not our first choice and we're trying to keep it warm whilst trying our first choice.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: wolfman999 on August 26, 2020, 10:44:53 AM

Quote from: Drummond on August 26, 2020, 10:42:42 AM

Quote from: Duncan Shaw on August 26, 2020, 10:40:11 AM

If it's true that we are in for Watkins and he goes to Fulham that would be very disappointing.

Unless he's not our first choice and we're trying to keep it warm whilst trying our first choice.

Who knows ? The next Jordan Bowery could be just around the corner. We just need to be patient.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 26, 2020, 10:44:59 AM

Quote from: Des Little on August 26, 2020, 09:27:42 AM

I have complete faith that we know what we are doing, and when it suits us, we'll get the players we need.  All will be fine.

That's my view. However a signing wouldn't go amiss if only to stop my Dad complaining about the lack of transfer activity for a few days.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ROBBO on August 26, 2020, 11:03:29 AM

Stop complaining, we could be looking forward to another year of championship football, all is good (at the moment).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on August 26, 2020, 11:06:46 AM

Quote from: ROBBO on August 26, 2020, 11:03:29 AM

Stop complaining, we could be looking forward to another year of championship football, all is good (at the moment).

Without significant investment we are nailed on for another relegation battle. It's a very difficult market for all clubs but our needs are more than most.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Duncan Shaw on August 26, 2020, 11:10:43 AM

The (Local) Mail are linking us with Higuain now........

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: TheMalandro on August 26, 2020, 11:14:01 AM

Quote from: Duncan Shaw on August 26, 2020, 11:10:43 AM

The (Local) Mail are linking us with Higuain now........

He looks like Grant Holt's brother now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on August 26, 2020, 11:20:52 AM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on August 26, 2020, 10:44:59 AM

Quote from: Des Little on August 26, 2020, 09:27:42 AM

I have complete faith that we know what we are doing, and when it suits us, we'll get the players we need.  All will be fine.

That's my view. However a signing wouldn't go amiss if only to stop my Dad complaining about the lack of transfer activity for a few days.

I thought this last summer, but in the end it wasn't.  And subsequently hearing we missed out on both Watkins and Benrahma in the last few days of that window made me feel even more that we made a mess of it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 26, 2020, 11:22:40 AM

Quote from: chrisw1 on August 26, 2020, 11:20:52 AM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on August 26, 2020, 10:44:59 AM

Quote from: Des Little on August 26, 2020, 09:27:42 AM

I have complete faith that we know what we are doing, and when it suits us, we'll get the players we need.  All will be fine.

That's my view. However a signing wouldn't go amiss if only to stop my Dad complaining about the lack of transfer activity for a few days.

I thought this last summer, but in the end it wasn't.  And subsequently hearing we missed out on both Watkins and Benrahma in the last few days of that window made me feel even more that we made a mess of it.

We didn't miss out on them though, they didn't go anywhere.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on August 26, 2020, 11:23:26 AM

From reading about developments in other areas of the club, it seems that we're becoming a well run football club. No reason to think recruitment would be any different.

The fixture list has also given us a slightly extended pre-season to get signings made.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on August 26, 2020, 11:25:15 AM

Quote from: Clampy on August 26, 2020, 11:22:40 AM

Quote from: chrisw1 on August 26, 2020, 11:20:52 AM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on August 26, 2020, 10:44:59 AM

Quote from: Des Little on August 26, 2020, 09:27:42 AM

I have complete faith that we know what we are doing, and when it suits us, we'll get the players we need.  All will be fine.

That's my view. However a signing wouldn't go amiss if only to stop my Dad complaining about the lack of transfer activity for a few days.

I thought this last summer, but in the end it wasn't.  And subsequently hearing we missed out on both Watkins and Benrahma in the last few days of that window made me feel even more that we made a mess of it.

We didn't miss out on them though, they didn't go anywhere.

We missed out on them in that we expected to get them but Brentford didn't agree the fees.  It's been reported that even on the last day we were very confident of securing Benrahma.  We didn't and were left massively exposed up front.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: in exile on August 26, 2020, 11:26:34 AM

Quote from: Des Little on August 26, 2020, 09:27:42 AM

I have complete faith that we know what we are doing, and when it suits us, we'll get the players we need.  All will be fine.

Yes, because that really worked well last season...how many strikers?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 26, 2020, 11:27:34 AM

Quote from: in exile on August 26, 2020, 11:26:34 AM

Quote from: Des Little on August 26, 2020, 09:27:42 AM

I have complete faith that we know what we are doing, and when it suits us, we'll get the players we need.  All will be fine.

Yes, because that really worked well last season...how many strikers?

No, you're right, lets all shit ourselves over nothing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: in exile on August 26, 2020, 11:29:15 AM

Quote from: LeeB on August 26, 2020, 11:27:34 AM

Quote from: in exile on August 26, 2020, 11:26:34 AM

Quote from: Des Little on August 26, 2020, 09:27:42 AM

I have complete faith that we know what we are doing, and when it suits us, we'll get the players we need.  All will be fine.

Yes, because that really worked well last season...how many strikers?

No, you're right, lets all shit ourselves over nothing.

Sorry, I think I've missed something here, who's shitting their self?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 26, 2020, 11:29:29 AM

Quote from: chrisw1 on August 26, 2020, 11:25:15 AM

Quote from: Clampy on August 26, 2020, 11:22:40 AM

Quote from: chrisw1 on August 26, 2020, 11:20:52 AM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on August 26, 2020, 10:44:59 AM

Quote from: Des Little on August 26, 2020, 09:27:42 AM

I have complete faith that we know what we are doing, and when it suits us, we'll get the players we need.  All will be fine.

That's my view. However a signing wouldn't go amiss if only to stop my Dad complaining about the lack of transfer activity for a few days.

I thought this last summer, but in the end it wasn't.  And subsequently hearing we missed out on both Watkins and Benrahma in the last few days of that window made me feel even more that we made a mess of it.

We didn't miss out on them though, they didn't go anywhere.

We missed out on them in that we expected to get them but Brentford didn't agree the fees.  It's been reported that even on the last day we were very confident of securing Benrahma.  We didn't and were left massively exposed up front.

I don't remember us being expected to sign Ollie Watkins last season. Benrahma was linked though but how far it went only the clubs know.

I just think as always we need to be patient. The window does not close until October.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on August 26, 2020, 11:35:23 AM

Quote from: Clampy on August 26, 2020, 11:29:29 AM

Quote from: chrisw1 on August 26, 2020, 11:25:15 AM

Quote from: Clampy on August 26, 2020, 11:22:40 AM

Quote from: chrisw1 on August 26, 2020, 11:20:52 AM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on August 26, 2020, 10:44:59 AM

Quote from: Des Little on August 26, 2020, 09:27:42 AM

I have complete faith that we know what we are doing, and when it suits us, we'll get the players we need.  All will be fine.

That's my view. However a signing wouldn't go amiss if only to stop my Dad complaining about the lack of transfer activity for a few days.

I thought this last summer, but in the end it wasn't.  And subsequently hearing we missed out on both Watkins and Benrahma in the last few days of that window made me feel even more that we made a mess of it.

We didn't miss out on them though, they didn't go anywhere.

We missed out on them in that we expected to get them but Brentford didn't agree the fees.  It's been reported that even on the last day we were very confident of securing Benrahma.  We didn't and were left massively exposed up front.

I don't remember us being expected to sign Ollie Watkins last season. Benrahma was linked though but how far it went only the clubs know.

I just think as always we need to be patient. The window does not close until October.

Well whether you believe him or not, Gregg Evans reported that we had discussions over Watkins at £10m but we decided not to go ahead and that even on the final day we were very confident of securing Benrahma.  I know he's only a reporter, but he seemed very confident in his source.  I can't help feeling that even that one extra signing could have made a significant difference to our season.

I'm not bedwetting etc, I just don't necessarily have complete faith that when it suits us we'll get the players we need.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: in exile on August 26, 2020, 11:38:04 AM

Quote from: chrisw1 on August 26, 2020, 11:35:23 AM

I'm not bedwetting etc, I just don't necessarily have complete faith that when it suits us we'll get the players we need.

I'm with you.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 26, 2020, 11:39:58 AM

Quote from: in exile on August 26, 2020, 11:38:04 AM

Quote from: chrisw1 on August 26, 2020, 11:35:23 AM

I'm not bedwetting etc, I just don't necessarily have complete faith that when it suits us we'll get the players we need.

I'm with you.

All that said, we did sign 11-12 players last pre-season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on August 26, 2020, 11:43:01 AM

Quote from: Clampy on August 26, 2020, 11:39:58 AM

Quote from: in exile on August 26, 2020, 11:38:04 AM

Quote from: chrisw1 on August 26, 2020, 11:35:23 AM

I'm not bedwetting etc, I just don't necessarily have complete faith that when it suits us we'll get the players we need.

I'm with you.

All that said, we did sign 11-12 players last pre-season.

And were still hopelessly short up front.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 26, 2020, 11:44:26 AM

Quote from: chrisw1 on August 26, 2020, 11:43:01 AM

Quote from: Clampy on August 26, 2020, 11:39:58 AM

Quote from: in exile on August 26, 2020, 11:38:04 AM

Quote from: chrisw1 on August 26, 2020, 11:35:23 AM

I'm not bedwetting etc, I just don't necessarily have complete faith that when it suits us we'll get the players we need.

I'm with you.

All that said, we did sign 11-12 players last pre-season.

And were still hopelessly short up front.

I won't argue there.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: nigel on August 26, 2020, 12:03:00 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on August 26, 2020, 11:35:23 AM

Quote from: Clampy on August 26, 2020, 11:29:29 AM

Quote from: chrisw1 on August 26, 2020, 11:25:15 AM

Quote from: Clampy on August 26, 2020, 11:22:40 AM

Quote from: chrisw1 on August 26, 2020, 11:20:52 AM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on August 26, 2020, 10:44:59 AM

Quote from: Des Little on August 26, 2020, 09:27:42 AM

I have complete faith that we know what we are doing, and when it suits us, we'll get the players we need.  All will be fine.

That's my view. However a signing wouldn't go amiss if only to stop my Dad complaining about the lack of transfer activity for a few days.

I thought this last summer, but in the end it wasn't.  And subsequently hearing we missed out on both Watkins and Benrahma in the last few days of that window made me feel even more that we made a mess of it.

We didn't miss out on them though, they didn't go anywhere.

We missed out on them in that we expected to get them but Brentford didn't agree the fees.  It's been reported that even on the last day we were very confident of securing Benrahma.  We didn't and were left massively exposed up front.

I don't remember us being expected to sign Ollie Watkins last season. Benrahma was linked though but how far it went only the clubs know.

I just think as always we need to be patient. The window does not close until October.

Well whether you believe him or not, Gregg Evans reported that we had discussions over Watkins at £10m but we decided not to go ahead and that even on the final day we were very confident of securing Benrahma.  I know he's only a reporter, but he seemed very confident in his source.  I can't help feeling that even that one extra signing could have made a significant difference to our season.

I'm not bedwetting etc, I just don't necessarily have complete faith that when it suits us we'll get the players we need.

Have to admit, Chris, I don’t remember any link to Watkins, either. Maupay and Benrahma, yes.
Wasn’t Benrahma carrying an injury, though?
I think like all ITK’s, if you throw enough names about one is bound to come off, and then they dine on that one success for the season 🙄

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on August 26, 2020, 12:28:43 PM

It's just what Gregg Evans reported.  Listen to the 1874 podcasts if you like, he was pretty adamant that we got very close on Watkins and decided not to proceed.  I think he wrote a recent article on it in the Athletic, but I'm not a subscriber so haven't read it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SaddVillan on August 26, 2020, 12:46:44 PM

It's been commented that with the City game being postponed, we've got an extra week to integrate newcomers into the squad. That of course assumes they've arrived by then.

No doubt we have a shopping list, ranked in order of preference and price, but we want to avoid pissing about and ending up with our 3rd or 4th choices being signed on deadline day. What good is saving a few £m if long term it costs league points and places?

Last season each league place was about £2m


We need to get our newbies in sooner rather than later.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 26, 2020, 12:51:59 PM

I have no problem waiting a few more weeks for 2-3 difference makers to turn up. First few weeks have shown this is difficult window for vast majority of clubs.

Hopefully though we don't wait just to sign 4-5 who are no better than what we have which seems to be a common problem year in year out.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mcgrath_85 on August 26, 2020, 01:36:47 PM

Quote from: in exile on August 26, 2020, 11:26:34 AM

Quote from: Des Little on August 26, 2020, 09:27:42 AM

I have complete faith that we know what we are doing, and when it suits us, we'll get the players we need.  All will be fine.

Yes, because that really worked well last season...how many strikers?

It’s  amazing how the four good performances that saved us from the drop last season have given folks full confidence in our recruitment strategy, manager and coaching team.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 26, 2020, 01:48:07 PM

Quote from: mcgrath_85 on August 26, 2020, 01:36:47 PM

Quote from: in exile on August 26, 2020, 11:26:34 AM

Quote from: Des Little on August 26, 2020, 09:27:42 AM

I have complete faith that we know what we are doing, and when it suits us, we'll get the players we need.  All will be fine.

Yes, because that really worked well last season...how many strikers?

It’s  amazing how the four good performances that saved us from the drop last season have given folks full confidence in our recruitment strategy, manager and coaching team.

No but if we play with same intensity in run in I don't see why 4 points from Sheffield United and Fulham isn't some unrealistic prospect with present squad, that would be a solid start to the season.

After the window closes we then have Liverpool and Leicester so obviously need to up the quality by then.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: themossman on August 26, 2020, 01:57:22 PM

Alternatively, it would be good to fill the gaps before those winnable games, as we might regret not giving ourselves the best chance of grabbing those 6 points.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 26, 2020, 02:09:25 PM

Brentford played Derby today in a friendly and played two different sides each half.  Benrahma and Watkins were both left out.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Marlon From Bearwood on August 26, 2020, 02:13:27 PM

Looks like the American lad McKennie is joining Juve, so that’s another one to cross off the list.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on August 26, 2020, 02:18:40 PM

Presuming he was on the list....

We know we are looking to spend as do agents / journalists who are either trying to drum up interest / create click bait, our name will be used a lot in both scenarios.

Sounds a good player but if he is going to Juve we were never in a realistic option

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 26, 2020, 02:21:56 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 26, 2020, 02:09:25 PM

Brentford played Derby today in a friendly and played two different sides each half.  Benrahma and Watkins were both left out.

Yeah interesting although worth remembering they played just 15 days ago so could be just resting their big hitters and giving their fringe and youth players a run out in the first few friendlies.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 26, 2020, 02:22:52 PM

Quote from: Gareth on August 26, 2020, 02:18:40 PM

Presuming he was on the list....

We know we are looking to spend as do agents / journalists who are either trying to drum up interest / create click bait, our name will be used a lot in both scenarios.

Sounds a good player but if he is going to Juve we were never in a realistic option

Premier league tax also coming into play. We were linked to him for 25m. Juventus have option to sign him for 15m next summer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 26, 2020, 02:29:59 PM

Apparently Brentford played Canos, Jansson, Pinnock, Mbeumo etc.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villafirst on August 26, 2020, 02:35:25 PM

This is starting to mirror last January's window.....and look who we ended up with: Drinkwater, Samatta (jury's still out) & Borja Baston! Villa just about scraped it, but not even a bid put in yet, seemingly?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on August 26, 2020, 02:38:10 PM

Quote from: Villafirst on August 26, 2020, 02:35:25 PM

This is starting to mirror last January's window.....and look who we ended up with: Drinkwater, Samatta (jury's still out) & Borja Baston! Villa just about scraped it, but not even a bid put in yet, seemingly?

Don't believe the hype.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 26, 2020, 02:38:14 PM

It doesn't look good at the moment does it. The season is less than 3 weeks away, and we have not appeared to have done a huge amount yet. Very concerning.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on August 26, 2020, 02:39:55 PM

We don't play the first week so it's more than 3 weeks away for us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on August 26, 2020, 02:40:08 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 26, 2020, 02:38:14 PM

It doesn't look good at the moment does it. The season is less than 3 weeks away, and we have not appeared to have done a huge amount yet. Very concerning.

No it's not.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 26, 2020, 02:41:06 PM

Quote from: Villafirst on August 26, 2020, 02:35:25 PM

This is starting to mirror last January's window.....and look who we ended up with: Drinkwater, Samatta (jury's still out) & Borja Baston! Villa just about scraped it, but not even a bid put in yet, seemingly?

No, it's not at all. You don't have a clue what is going on behind the scenes, none of us do. We could have bids in for several, we might not.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: wolfman999 on August 26, 2020, 02:41:13 PM

Quote from: mcgrath_85 on August 26, 2020, 01:36:47 PM

Quote from: in exile on August 26, 2020, 11:26:34 AM

Quote from: Des Little on August 26, 2020, 09:27:42 AM

I have complete faith that we know what we are doing, and when it suits us, we'll get the players we need.  All will be fine.

Yes, because that really worked well last season...how many strikers?

It’s  amazing how the four good performances that saved us from the drop last season have given folks full confidence in our recruitment strategy, manager and coaching team.

Quote from: Villafirst on August 26, 2020, 02:35:25 PM

This is starting to mirror last January's window.....and look who we ended up with: Drinkwater, Samatta (jury's still out) & Borja Baston! Villa just about scraped it, but not even a bid put in yet, seemingly?

We always seem to talk about shopping at Harrods and end up rummaging around in the bargain bin at Primark. Maybe this year will be different but I remain to be convinced.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 26, 2020, 02:45:05 PM

Just under 6 weeks until the transfer window closes and fans are coming out with 'It's not looking good'. Unbelieveable.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on August 26, 2020, 02:50:07 PM

Quote from: Villafirst on August 26, 2020, 02:35:25 PM

This is starting to mirror last January's window.....and look who we ended up with: Drinkwater, Samatta (jury's still out) & Borja Baston! Villa just about scraped it, but not even a bid put in yet, seemingly?

It really isn't, there are 4 big differences.

1. we haven't just lost 2 key players for the next 8-10 months in the same game.
2. we're not right on the limit of what we can spend under FFP in this window.
3. we hadn't just replaced our director of football in January.
4. We've only known which league we'd be playing in for a month.

I suspect what's happened over the last few weeks is Lange has reviewed the players we've been scouting, specifically the ones we were looking at if we stayed up, and has been deciding, with smith, purslow, etc which are worth following up on and where there are gaps we need to look for other options for. We'll then have contacted clubs and agents to get an idea of interest from the player and club and the costs so we can use that to work out the priority of targets. If we hadn't been in the relegation fight this could've happened sooner and in a normal season we'd have had most of May and early june to do it (which is about the same time we've taken any way)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 26, 2020, 02:52:12 PM

Quote from: Clampy on August 26, 2020, 02:45:05 PM

Just under 6 weeks until the transfer window closes and fans are coming out with 'It's not looking good'. Unbelieveable.

Our manager said he doesn't want another Douglas Luiz situation with him only arriving 2 days before the first game literally 3 days ago. Hardly a shock that fans are a little concerned. Mind you we finished last season a good 15 points clear didn't we so we will be fine.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 26, 2020, 02:56:47 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 26, 2020, 02:52:12 PM

Quote from: Clampy on August 26, 2020, 02:45:05 PM

Just under 6 weeks until the transfer window closes and fans are coming out with 'It's not looking good'. Unbelieveable.

Our manager said he doesn't want another Douglas Luiz situation with him only arriving 2 days before the first game literally 3 days ago. Hardly a shock that fans are a little concerned. Mind you we finished last season a good 15 points clear didn't we so we will be fine.

Just because we struggled last season doesn't mean we will this time. We had 10-11 players to replace last time, this time we don't, we have a squad who have had a full season together. Let's just try and get who we want rather than anybody just so we start the season with new names.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: villa for life on August 26, 2020, 02:59:59 PM

We’ve already got lots of players who are ok or quite good, but very few who are very good. We need game changers not squad fillers. Quite happy to wait for a while longer to hopefully get the right players.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AV82EC on August 26, 2020, 03:01:09 PM

Quote from: villa for life on August 26, 2020, 02:59:59 PM

We’ve already got lots of players who are ok or quite good, but very few who are very good. We need game changers not squad fillers. Quite happy to wait for a while longer to hopefully get the right players.

Is the right answer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 26, 2020, 03:02:15 PM

Don't get me wrong, getting players in nice and early would be great but I'm sure it's not for the want of trying. The amount of work that goes into a transfer must be very complex.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 26, 2020, 03:02:46 PM

Agree in parts, although our front line is as dangerous as a pillow in a knife fight still. It is more that the manager has made the point repeatedly about getting time to work with the new players, as recently as this week, and we have not signed any, and appear to be some way from doing so. That is a risk, whether you think it is a manageable one is open to debate, but it is a risk. Especially when we were survived by the skin of our teeth.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on August 26, 2020, 03:04:05 PM

In the main I agree. I'd be ok with younger players as cover in 1-2 positions where I'm happy with the first choice but we don't have depth. I'm also ok with filling those gaps from the U23s for a year though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 26, 2020, 03:26:53 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 26, 2020, 02:52:12 PM

Quote from: Clampy on August 26, 2020, 02:45:05 PM

Just under 6 weeks until the transfer window closes and fans are coming out with 'It's not looking good'. Unbelieveable.

Our manager said he doesn't want another Douglas Luiz situation with him only arriving 2 days before the first game literally 3 days ago. Hardly a shock that fans are a little concerned. Mind you we finished last season a good 15 points clear didn't we so we will be fine.

He said that he doesn’t want another Douglas Luiz situation in that a player is signed two days before the first game which also coincided last year with the window closing in PL. But it’s going to happen and especially this summer. It’s unavoidable. The season officially only ended last weekend and we are about to start the new English season this weekend with the Community Shield.

So whatever represents the ideal set of circumstances is also out of the window. And at a time when money isn’t as freely available, clubs will also try and get every penny they can as they are not getting the same commercial revenues as before and may not for a good while yet. So in the case of Brentford, they will hold out for the very best offer. They have two prized assets, they don’t have to sell, they have a brand new stadium and they have no fans coming to games. This will be the case for many clubs. So unless you are at the top of the food chain, which we are not, we have to be patient.

And it also goes for us unloading players too. Take Lansbury or Taylor. We have a valuation which is likely higher than clubs lower down will want to pay for all the same reasons as they will play hardball with selling their best players.

It’s just not going to be easy.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: TheMalandro on August 26, 2020, 03:38:35 PM

A loss at West Ham and we'd be begging Premier league clubs to loan us youngsters and  buying players like Hugill.

I'm not worrying too much. It’s exciting.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: themossman on August 26, 2020, 03:47:23 PM

I'm sure people are busting a gut to get the signings, but we still don't have them, and it is starting to worry me a tiny bit.

My guess is we are being very selective, or being held to ransom, or both.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 26, 2020, 03:50:49 PM

Quote from: Drummond on August 26, 2020, 02:38:10 PM

Quote from: Villafirst on August 26, 2020, 02:35:25 PM

This is starting to mirror last January's window.....and look who we ended up with: Drinkwater, Samatta (jury's still out) & Borja Baston! Villa just about scraped it, but not even a bid put in yet, seemingly?

Don't believe the hype.

Yo  Drummond, they must be on the pipe, right?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 26, 2020, 04:07:26 PM

Benrahma and Watkins ommitted from the Brentford squad to play in their warm up games.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on August 26, 2020, 04:19:15 PM

This summer is not like last summer when we had to buy practically a whole new team due to letting older players past their best and youngsters not classed as good enough go along with loan signings returning to their clubs. We can concentrate on a few signings in positions we need to strengthen. With money so tight in football at the moment I am glad we don't have to recruit as many players as we did last summer. It might be very tough for the sides newly promoted to the Premier League to recruit top players this summer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on August 26, 2020, 04:30:42 PM

Quote from: themossman on August 26, 2020, 03:47:23 PM

... My guess is we are being very selective, or being held to ransom, or both.

Could well be, and there's also that all clubs are waiting for the transfer inertia to 'break': the market needs a little more movement in it to create the momentum for other transfers to happen.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on August 26, 2020, 04:36:25 PM

Agree we do not need a drastic player turnover.

However our forward line is egregiously shit and needs very urgent attention before play resumes. As it stands we have a choice of the woeful Samatta and Davis up front (who I rate but doesn't score goals). Wesley was one of the worst I have ever seen play for us, and is coming back from a nasty injury which may have made him worse. We absolutely have to sign at least one striker before play resumes.

On the wing we have a paucity of options also. Grealish is wasted there, and El Ghazi and Trez need a better player ahead of them so they can develop from the bench and as infrequent starters. I still think both could come good, but they need to be relegated to back up players.

Because the attack needs such a lot of work, it would be far better if the business got done earlier rather than later. Other positions are rather less urgent and can fit in later if needs be. That said we need a mobile and aggressive midfielder, and a left back with pace if we are to stop flirting with relegation.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villafirst on August 26, 2020, 04:39:14 PM

If we want these players, we'll most likely have to pay over the odds. Far better to pay a bit more to ensure we stay in this League. Better to pay more now than risk losing £200m through relegation. The PL is now so money orientated you have to live with it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: themossman on August 26, 2020, 04:39:31 PM

Quote from: Mister E on August 26, 2020, 04:30:42 PM

Quote from: themossman on August 26, 2020, 03:47:23 PM

... My guess is we are being very selective, or being held to ransom, or both.

Could well be, and there's also that all clubs are waiting for the transfer inertia to 'break': the market needs a little more movement in it to create the momentum for other transfers to happen.

Agree with this and with Damo. That’s why I’m not that worried - we only need 4 players and they are by definition going to be more specific, more expensive, and harder to buy than last summer’s signings.

It is just annoying that we’re likely to have to do business after the start of the season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 26, 2020, 04:43:47 PM

Quote from: Villafirst on August 26, 2020, 04:39:14 PM

If we want these players, we'll most likely have to pay over the odds. Far better to pay a bit more to ensure we stay in this League. Better to pay more now than risk losing £200m through relegation. The PL is now so money orientated you have to live with it.

I'm not sure what that has to do with us not signing anybody yet.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on August 26, 2020, 04:58:17 PM

I'm surprised we haven't sorted Watkins yet to be honest.  It seems we want him and he wants to come.  How far apart can we be in our valuations?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on August 26, 2020, 05:36:07 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on August 26, 2020, 04:58:17 PM

I'm surprised we haven't sorted Watkins yet to be honest.  It seems we want him and he wants to come.  How far apart can we be in our valuations?

Don't Brentford have a history of selling late, to try and maximise interest of offers on players?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on August 26, 2020, 05:37:09 PM

We don’t need to have a Douglas Luiz situation even if we sign players on deadline day, simple way is not to throw them straight in so we have control of that.  Something that Dean will have learnt from last season

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: TonyD on August 26, 2020, 05:58:35 PM

Messi been seen checking into The Belfry..

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Russ aka Big Nose on August 26, 2020, 06:06:42 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 26, 2020, 02:52:12 PM

Quote from: Clampy on August 26, 2020, 02:45:05 PM

Just under 6 weeks until the transfer window closes and fans are coming out with 'It's not looking good'. Unbelieveable.

Our manager said he doesn't want another Douglas Luiz situation with him only arriving 2 days before the first game literally 3 days ago. Hardly a shock that fans are a little concerned. Mind you we finished last season a good 15 points clear didn't we so we will be fine.

Of course he said he doesn't want players signed last minute - no-one does. Though it might be what he/the club are prepared to do to get their preferred player/s and in some instances that is a risk as deals can collapse at any point.

Not wanting a situation and having to accept it for reasons beyond your control are two different things.

Not directed at you Ozzjim,but some seem to believe it is like Football Manager, i.e. Want him - will pay £x - done.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Russ aka Big Nose on August 26, 2020, 06:13:17 PM

No insider knowledge though I have to assume that if we were set on a deal for Watkins we would have done it by now.

Almost certain he will move before deadline day, though he is not the most eagerly contest transfer it would seem.

Rightly or wrongly I take from that that he is a back-up option - either because we hope to buy a striker for a very big fee and need to adjust the budget for a wide attacking option or because we are hopeful of signing someone to do the same job as Watkins that is considered an upgrade, e.g. Rashica.

I hope I'm right and the target is Tammy - to cover both wide attacker and central striker with Watkins the insurance policy. UTV.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: jwarry on August 26, 2020, 06:23:43 PM

Quote from: Russ aka Big Nose on August 26, 2020, 06:13:17 PM

No insider knowledge though I have to assume that if we were set on a deal for Watkins we would have done it by now.

Almost certain he will move before deadline day, though he is not the most eagerly contest transfer it would seem.

Rightly or wrongly I take from that that he is a back-up option - either because we hope to buy a striker for a very big fee and need to adjust the budget for a wide attacking option or because we are hopeful of signing someone to do the same job as Watkins that is considered an upgrade, e.g. Rashica.

I hope I'm right and the target is Tammy - to cover both wide attacker and central striker with Watkins the insurance policy. UTV.

Both would be nice

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villan For Life on August 26, 2020, 06:30:51 PM

It could also be that Brentford are waiting to sign a replacement, sometimes all it takes is one move to be completed for the rest to follow, it’s like a link in a chain.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 26, 2020, 06:32:53 PM

Why should the deals have been done by now? Neither were in the Brentford squad for their game earlier. So clearly something is happening behind the scenes. Whether or not we are in the driving seat for one or both players remains to be seen.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: themossman on August 26, 2020, 06:49:37 PM

Quote from: Villan For Life on August 26, 2020, 06:30:51 PM

It could also be that Brentford are waiting to sign a replacement, sometimes all it takes is one move to be completed for the rest to follow, it’s like a link in a chain.

Striker for sale, in attractive London suburb, with no onward chain.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Matt C on August 26, 2020, 06:52:01 PM

I guess there’s every chance they want to get a replacement(s) in before they get 40-50m from a couple of player sales and the prices for anyone they want increases.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on August 26, 2020, 07:07:24 PM

Chelsea spending big....Tammy would be a nice bonus but if I was shopping at Chelsea I’d love to see us go for Reece James, think he has talent to play anywhere down right hand side

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on August 26, 2020, 07:08:44 PM

They're rumoured to be after an Iranian fella, Saman Ghoddos, that plays in France for Amiens.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villatillidie25 on August 26, 2020, 07:23:27 PM

Maybe we should just buy him instead rather than paying three or four times that price in 2 years?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on August 26, 2020, 07:57:49 PM

Better off Waiting for Ghoddos than Watkins.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on August 26, 2020, 08:04:33 PM

Quote from: eamonn on August 26, 2020, 07:57:49 PM

Better off Waiting for Ghoddos than Watkins.

Very good

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: themossman on August 26, 2020, 08:55:42 PM

The Edouard omission does look a bit made up.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 26, 2020, 09:11:14 PM

The Iheanacho rumours have gone quiet, didn't realise it was Shakespeare that signed him. If Leicester spend some of the Chilwell money on Eduoard, he might come available.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: villadelph on August 26, 2020, 09:39:53 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 26, 2020, 09:11:14 PM

The Iheanacho rumours have gone quiet, didn't realise it was Shakespeare that signed him. If Leicester spend some of the Chilwell money on Eduoard, he might come available.

9 goals in 71 apps with Leicester, we need better..

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 26, 2020, 09:44:24 PM

I'm relaxed signings will come in. However it would be just us to go into Fulham and Sheffield United games with just Samatta and Davis as the two CF options. All it takes is Davis picking up a knock in training and we'd be down to no senior striker off the bench.

All last summer I was convinced we'd sign a decent striker on August 31st and it didn't happen and then on January 31st we were ringing up Swansea at the last minute to get in their reserve striker who predictably made no impact for us.

That's where the doubts come into play. Now if we have to wait last minute for a striker of Tammy Abraham's calibre to be signed then I'm sure we can all live with that.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 26, 2020, 09:46:44 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 26, 2020, 09:44:24 PM

I'm relaxed signings will come in. However it would be just us to go into Fulham and Sheffield United games with just Samatta and Davis as the two CF options. All it takes is Davis picking up a knock in training and we'd be down to no senior striker off the bench.

All last summer I was convinced we'd sign a decent striker on August 31st and it didn't happen and then on January 31st we were ringing up Swansea at the last minute to get in their reserve striker who predictably made no impact for us.

That's where the doubts come into play. Now if we have to wait last minute for a striker of Tammy Abraham's calibre to be signed then I'm sure we can all live with that.

To be honest I’m not sure, given where he is in his career, they Davis can be classed as a senior striker. I don’t know where he’ll develop to, but he shouldn’t be near the match day squad of a premier league team.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on August 26, 2020, 09:49:30 PM

Davis is a forward not a striker.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 26, 2020, 09:52:27 PM

Well whatever he is he’s not good enough to be in the match day squad of a top flight team. He may get there, I have my doubts, but we need much better.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 26, 2020, 09:54:37 PM

He's o.k off the bench for the hold it up for last 10 minutes job. The issue is we should have at least two other strikers actually capable of scoring goals but we're a long way from that.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on August 26, 2020, 09:55:16 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on August 26, 2020, 09:52:27 PM

Well whatever he is he’s not good enough to be in the match day squad of a top flight team. He may get there, I have my doubts, but we need much better.

100% this.

If we start against Sheff Utd with him near the first team I would be worried.

I have faith Deano knows what he’s doing and this will be addressed already.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on August 26, 2020, 10:01:57 PM

Quote from: villadelph on August 26, 2020, 09:39:53 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 26, 2020, 09:11:14 PM

The Iheanacho rumours have gone quiet, didn't realise it was Shakespeare that signed him. If Leicester spend some of the Chilwell money on Eduoard, he might come available.

9 goals in 71 apps with Leicester, we need better..

I think those goal stats probably look worse than they are due to the fact he hasn't started in a good number of those 71 appearances.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Des Little on August 26, 2020, 10:15:55 PM

There is no way on earth we can kick off the season with Davis or Samatta up front. If we do, it would be like saving a drowning man then throwing him back in.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 26, 2020, 10:17:02 PM

It’s deja vu on here alright

every transfer window exactly the same posters are worried we aren’t signing players fast enough
and exactly the same posters are saying calm down everything will be fine

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on August 26, 2020, 10:21:56 PM

It will be de je vu relegation fight if we don’t address goals scored column from our strike force.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 26, 2020, 10:22:28 PM

Edouard now looks a lot more likely to leave now that Celtic are out of the CL. I'd make Leicester favourites if we both want him, but then Vardy is pretty well set up front for them.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Des Little on August 26, 2020, 10:36:14 PM

Quote from: john e on August 26, 2020, 10:17:02 PM

It’s deja vu on here alright

every transfer window exactly the same posters are worried we aren’t signing players fast enough
and exactly the same posters are saying calm down everything will be fine

Let me clarify. I’m not worried at all about us not signing players soon enough, because I firmly believe we will have learned our lessons from past windows, hence the example I gave.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ldavfc4eva on August 26, 2020, 11:07:49 PM

Is this a record? 226 pages and no signing made yet?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 26, 2020, 11:12:48 PM

Maybe movement on a striker before the weekend?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Footy-Vill on August 26, 2020, 11:18:21 PM

Quote from: Damo70 on August 26, 2020, 10:01:57 PM

Quote from: villadelph on August 26, 2020, 09:39:53 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 26, 2020, 09:11:14 PM

The Iheanacho rumours have gone quiet, didn't realise it was Shakespeare that signed him. If Leicester spend some of the Chilwell money on Eduoard, he might come available.

9 goals in 71 apps with Leicester, we need better..

I think those goal stats probably look worse than they are due to the fact he hasn't started in a good number of those 71 appearances.

On Iheanacho . Leicester bought him when he was 20 years old for 25m with Man City inserting a buy back for 50m. Double your money first refusal

He has a 2 years left on the 5 year contract signed in summer 2017. (Expires 2022)

Looks like he would have to be bought at 50mil upon man city being notified and refusing to buy him back.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Footy-Vill on August 26, 2020, 11:21:16 PM

Quote from: Ads on August 26, 2020, 11:12:48 PM

Maybe movement on a striker before the weekend?

We live and hope eh!
Even though have around 23/24 days before first game like to have players in with a 3 weeks experience of the villa set up. So yeah let's hope some more news up to and over weekend and announcements! 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 26, 2020, 11:35:19 PM

Quote from: john e on August 26, 2020, 10:17:02 PM

It’s deja vu on here alright

every transfer window exactly the same posters are worried we aren’t signing players fast enough
and exactly the same posters are saying calm down everything will be fine

When you come to a fork in the road, take it. Simples.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on August 26, 2020, 11:40:50 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on August 26, 2020, 11:18:21 PM

Quote from: Damo70 on August 26, 2020, 10:01:57 PM

Quote from: villadelph on August 26, 2020, 09:39:53 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 26, 2020, 09:11:14 PM

The Iheanacho rumours have gone quiet, didn't realise it was Shakespeare that signed him. If Leicester spend some of the Chilwell money on Eduoard, he might come available.

9 goals in 71 apps with Leicester, we need better..

I think those goal stats probably look worse than they are due to the fact he hasn't started in a good number of those 71 appearances.

On Iheanacho . Leicester bought him when he was 20 years old for 25m with Man City inserting a buy back for 50m. Double your money first refusal

He has a 2 years left on the 5 year contract signed in summer 2017. (Expires 2022)

Looks like he would have to be bought at 50mil upon man city being notified and refusing to buy him back.

Not if they valued him at less than £50m.

If they wanted nothing more than their money back, then Man City could buy him for their pre-agreed price, and if they didn't want to do that then Leicester can accept whatever bid they want.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on August 27, 2020, 12:27:52 AM

The strong views on here on Davis (I actually think he made a decent impact from the bench in quite a few games), I would hold for Matt Targett. If he is our starting left back this season I'll be livid. A lot of focus on the goals for stat from last season but less focus on goals against which was a disgrace. I can already see Sheff United kicking every single ball over to our left back position if he is playing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 27, 2020, 12:33:48 AM

Celtic Twitter has basically passed through stage 5 of Kübler-Ross in regard to Edouard.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave P on August 27, 2020, 08:50:11 AM

Quote from: Damo70 on August 26, 2020, 10:01:57 PM

Quote from: villadelph on August 26, 2020, 09:39:53 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 26, 2020, 09:11:14 PM

The Iheanacho rumours have gone quiet, didn't realise it was Shakespeare that signed him. If Leicester spend some of the Chilwell money on Eduoard, he might come available.

9 goals in 71 apps with Leicester, we need better..

I think those goal stats probably look worse than they are due to the fact he hasn't started in a good number of those 71 appearances.

And the fact he can't play us every week.  In fact he'd never play us if he joined us!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on August 27, 2020, 08:58:57 AM

Chilwell to Chelsea for £45m. I’d be using Terry’s contacts there to sound out some of the players who will be struggling for game time. Tammy (no need for Terry’s influence here), Loftus-cheek, Tamori.
Disappointing that Villa don’t appear to be interested in Eze for £15m, only seen him a few times but always looks good and that price seems to be low.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on August 27, 2020, 09:46:02 AM

It's amazing how PL clubs are fleeced for fees.  Juventus have agreed  €3M loan + €18M option to buy for Weston McKennie.  We'd be lucky to get a mid-table championship player for that in this day and age.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on August 27, 2020, 09:46:43 AM

Latest rumour is that Conor could be off to Turkey?? That strikes me as a very questionable idea.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on August 27, 2020, 09:50:45 AM

Quote from: Monty on August 27, 2020, 09:46:43 AM

Latest rumour is that Conor could be off to Turkey?? That strikes me as a very questionable idea.

I'd be amazed if we sell Conor unless it's for a daft fee.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Duncan Shaw on August 27, 2020, 09:52:44 AM

might be a different transfer window, but some thing never change...from the Beeb

"Tottenham are closing in on a deal for Wolverhampton Wanderers right-back Matt Doherty. Wolves are asking for around £20m for the 28-year-old Republic of Ireland defender but Spurs are hoping to pay less."

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sid1964 on August 27, 2020, 10:00:28 AM

lets hope that it is true that Conor is on his way - apart from taking the corners and the odd free kick I do struggle to see what he does during the game - in fact I forget that he is on the pitch - as the guy who sits by me (pre-covid) calls him the "hider".

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 27, 2020, 10:07:10 AM

Yeah I hope he's off too, free up the space for Lansbury

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on August 27, 2020, 10:14:16 AM

Quote from: sid1964 on August 27, 2020, 10:00:28 AM

lets hope that it is true that Conor is on his way - apart from taking the corners and the odd free kick I do struggle to see what he does during the game - in fact I forget that he is on the pitch - as the guy who sits by me (pre-covid) calls him the "hider".

I get this, but the fact is that we stayed up by 'the odd set piece'.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on August 27, 2020, 10:19:15 AM

Quote from: LeeB on August 27, 2020, 10:07:10 AM

Yeah I hope he's off too, free up the space for Lansbury

Or Drinky maybe

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on August 27, 2020, 10:23:44 AM

Quote from: sid1964 on August 27, 2020, 10:00:28 AM

lets hope that it is true that Conor is on his way - apart from taking the corners and the odd free kick I do struggle to see what he does during the game - in fact I forget that he is on the pitch - as the guy who sits by me (pre-covid) calls him the "hider".

Why on earth would you hope one of our most productive goal threats is on his way?  Is it because our squad is littered with people who create and score goals and we've got loads of game changers on the bench?

I get that we may want to bring in more quality, but moving Conor on should be right down the bottom of our priorities.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WRVilla on August 27, 2020, 10:28:56 AM

I’d like Conor to stay. He’s a threat from set pieces and let’s face it for the last few years we’ve been crap in dead ball situations so we need him.

I shudder when I think of Westwood’s ‘floated’ corners and long range ‘shots’ from the likes of Tonev etc. Yep, Conor has his faults but he is class compared to some of the dross we’ve seen over the last few years.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ian. on August 27, 2020, 10:33:58 AM

No way should we sell Conor, that’s absolutely bonkers if we do.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Des Little on August 27, 2020, 10:33:59 AM

I can think of a number of players we should be shifting before we let Hourihane go. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 27, 2020, 10:37:24 AM

How long before someone at the Mail turns a few random twitter rumours about Hourihane into a click bait story?

edit. They already have.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: DB on August 27, 2020, 10:40:38 AM

Have you seen their latest 'story' on Twitter? Just says 'medical booked' for a player I am not sure we were even linked with going to Juve. Clickbait.
 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on August 27, 2020, 10:45:08 AM

Quote from: brontebilly on August 27, 2020, 12:27:52 AM

The strong views on here on Davis (I actually think he made a decent impact from the bench in quite a few games), I would hold for Matt Targett. If he is our starting left back this season I'll be livid. A lot of focus on the goals for stat from last season but less focus on goals against which was a disgrace. I can already see Sheff United kicking every single ball over to our left back position if he is playing.

and yet he was part of the defence that did very well after the lockdown. Some people on here have a bad habit of blaming the fullbacks for defensive problems that are more about tactics than individual errors. If the example you give were to happen then our coaches should be highlighting it as a threat and working with Targett to address it, rather than getting him to tuck inside and let teams have space behind him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: maidstonevillain on August 27, 2020, 10:49:09 AM

Fee for Watkins just gone up.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53929973

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Tebepaul on August 27, 2020, 10:59:17 AM

Stalemate in the Milot Rashica transfer situation: the player would still like to move to RB Leipzig to play international football, but Red Bull's unlovable marketing trinket refuses to bid more than €15m + €3m in bonuses. Werder Bremen are looking for a fee of ca. €25m and are now claiming that they don't need to sell Rashica this year anyway, which no-one quite believes due to their financial worries.

An unnamed London club has apparently also expressed an interest in Rashica, which may meet his need for moving to a 'cool city'. The player has doubts about Leipzig and Birmingham (sacrilege!) in that regard.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 27, 2020, 11:08:57 AM

Quote from: Tebepaul on August 27, 2020, 10:59:17 AM

Stalemate in the Milot Rashica transfer situation: the player would still like to move to RB Leipzig to play international football, but Red Bull's unlovable marketing trinket refuses to bid more than €15m + €3m in bonuses. Werder Bremen are looking for a fee of ca. €25m and are now claiming that they don't need to sell Rashica this year anyway, which no-one quite believes due to their financial worries.

An unnamed London club has apparently also expressed an interest in Rashica, which may meet his need for moving to a 'cool city'. The player has doubts about Leipzig and Birmingham (sacrilege!) in that regard.

the more info you give us about this fella the more i feel not arsed about him

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on August 27, 2020, 11:11:14 AM

Poor Red Bull, if they spent big they'd be accused of artificially destabilising the financial balance of the Bundesliga (otherwise known as 'Bayern's Buffet'); spend sustainably, and everyone calls them cheap and piss-takers. They can't win.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 27, 2020, 11:13:48 AM

Quote from: Tebepaul on August 27, 2020, 10:59:17 AM

Stalemate in the Milot Rashica transfer situation: the player would still like to move to RB Leipzig to play international football, but Red Bull's unlovable marketing trinket refuses to bid more than €15m + €3m in bonuses. Werder Bremen are looking for a fee of ca. €25m and are now claiming that they don't need to sell Rashica this year anyway, which no-one quite believes due to their financial worries.

An unnamed London club has apparently also expressed an interest in Rashica, which may meet his need for moving to a 'cool city'. The player has doubts about Leipzig and Birmingham (sacrilege!) in that regard.

I don't quite get that. He's supposedly still keen to move to Leipzig but has doubts about living in Leipzig?

I'm with John on this one. It's easy to lose interest in it until anything happens.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on August 27, 2020, 11:17:29 AM

Dean rates Conor and Hourihane said recently in an interview how buoyed he was by his first proper run of starts in the PL after the restart. He actually seemed to have improved his off the ball work a lot.

He also is a father to a young baby, I can't imagine him uprooting to a country where most British/Irish players last two weeks before everything goes to shit.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Russ aka Big Nose on August 27, 2020, 11:17:42 AM

Quote from: john e on August 27, 2020, 11:08:57 AM

Quote from: Tebepaul on August 27, 2020, 10:59:17 AM

Stalemate in the Milot Rashica transfer situation: the player would still like to move to RB Leipzig to play international football, but Red Bull's unlovable marketing trinket refuses to bid more than €15m + €3m in bonuses. Werder Bremen are looking for a fee of ca. €25m and are now claiming that they don't need to sell Rashica this year anyway, which no-one quite believes due to their financial worries.

An unnamed London club has apparently also expressed an interest in Rashica, which may meet his need for moving to a 'cool city'. The player has doubts about Leipzig and Birmingham (sacrilege!) in that regard.

the more info you give us about this fella the more i feel not arsed about him

I don't know that I agree. I think there is a difference between hoping for what you think is the best option and having a poor attitude - and from his perspective Leipzig (same country, more familar, etc.) is probably a better bet.

If he doesn't get that deal and, say, 'settles' for Villa it doesn't automatically follow that he will sulk. If he is ambitious then he is more likely in my view to work hard to showcase his ability in the PL and if he does well, it is down to us to match his ambitions with the progress we make (or cash in if he increases in value).

All that said, six weeks ago I'd never heard of him but there appears genuine interest from people who are paid to know this stuff - and I know the club's track record is not brilliant, but 'glass half full' for me this time round. UTV

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 27, 2020, 11:32:00 AM

Quote from: sid1964 on August 27, 2020, 10:00:28 AM

lets hope that it is true that Conor is on his way - apart from taking the corners and the odd free kick I do struggle to see what he does during the game - in fact I forget that he is on the pitch - as the guy who sits by me (pre-covid) calls him the "hider".

I think he’s a very useful squad player.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Tebepaul on August 27, 2020, 11:32:39 AM

Quote from: john e on August 27, 2020, 11:08:57 AM

Quote from: Tebepaul on August 27, 2020, 10:59:17 AM

Stalemate in the Milot Rashica transfer situation: the player would still like to move to RB Leipzig to play international football, but Red Bull's unlovable marketing trinket refuses to bid more than €15m + €3m in bonuses. Werder Bremen are looking for a fee of ca. €25m and are now claiming that they don't need to sell Rashica this year anyway, which no-one quite believes due to their financial worries.

An unnamed London club has apparently also expressed an interest in Rashica, which may meet his need for moving to a 'cool city'. The player has doubts about Leipzig and Birmingham (sacrilege!) in that regard.

the more info you give us about this fella the more i feel not arsed about him

Yeah, I know it doesn't sound good, but no-one at Bremen has ever questioned the player's attitude or personality. Rashica's a level-headed professional on and off the pitch (collecting Werder's old shirts from the squad to distribute in his home town, for example) and never stopped trying even when Bremen's season went downhill. Unusually for a wide player, he also works very hard defensively and tracks back well.

At the age of 24, Rashica is understandably concerned that his next career move needs to put him in the shop window. We can't offer him that at the moment. RB Leipzig also has a coach in Julian Nagelsmann who is well-known for developing young players tactically and Red Bull has a fluid attacking style into which Rashica would fit well. With the exception of Liverpool, Man City (and possibly Chelsea), English clubs really don't have a reputation for developing young players' skills, which is why Sancho, Bellingham etc. have moved the other way in order to break through.

For overseas players, Villa is a club who narrowly avoided relegation last year and who struggled badly to score goals. That's also a perfect definition of Werder Bremen, the team that Rashica is trying to leave. From the player's perspective, Leipzig sadly offer him far more.   

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: darren woolley on August 27, 2020, 11:39:07 AM

I wish we would sign somebody soon it's getting close to the season start and I would like the new players to bed in before the season starts.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on August 27, 2020, 11:49:36 AM

Rashica is doing nothing wrong if that's what he is after, then that's fair enough.

I just think we should steer well clear and not get into begging him to come - we need players who want to play for the club, and this guy clearly doesn't.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 27, 2020, 11:54:44 AM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on August 27, 2020, 11:49:36 AM

Rashica is doing nothing wrong if that's what he is after, then that's fair enough.

I just think we should steer well clear and not get into begging him to come - we need players who want to play for the club, and this guy clearly doesn't.

Get him here and he'll soon change his mind.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on August 27, 2020, 12:20:59 PM

Quote from: Tebepaul on August 27, 2020, 10:59:17 AM

Stalemate in the Milot Rashica transfer situation: the player would still like to move to RB Leipzig to play international football, but Red Bull's unlovable marketing trinket refuses to bid more than €15m + €3m in bonuses. Werder Bremen are looking for a fee of ca. €25m and are now claiming that they don't need to sell Rashica this year anyway, which no-one quite believes due to their financial worries.

An unnamed London club has apparently also expressed an interest in Rashica, which may meet his need for moving to a 'cool city'. The player has doubts about Leipzig and Birmingham (sacrilege!) in that regard.

Charlie Nicolas wanted a move to a cool city when he joined Arsenal instead of Liverpool or Manure in 1983. He then enjoyed the London nightlife and won one league cup in five years whilst Manure won two FA Cups and got to a European semi final and Liverpool won a treble in 1984 and a double in 1986.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 27, 2020, 12:38:40 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on August 27, 2020, 11:49:36 AM

Rashica is doing nothing wrong if that's what he is after, then that's fair enough.

I just think we should steer well clear and not get into begging him to come - we need players who want to play for the club, and this guy clearly doesn't.

Sounds like a modern day Sasa Curcic to me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AllanW on August 27, 2020, 12:56:12 PM

I'd be happy with;

Marco Grujic - centre mid £18-20m from Liverpool

Tammy Abraham - striker £32-36m from Chelsea

Said Benrahma - striker/winger £26-29m from Brentford

Ollie Watkins - striker/winger £18-21m from Brentford

All very possible. Total cost £94-106m.

Oh, and of course a replacement for Jack going to Yanitid for an initial £60m. No idea who his replacement should be.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on August 27, 2020, 01:00:06 PM

Was thinking today, what is Milner up to these days? Assuming he's at Liverpool, he doesn't seem to play much.

He'd be a good squad player.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 27, 2020, 01:06:51 PM

Quote from: sid1964 on August 27, 2020, 10:00:28 AM

lets hope that it is true that Conor is on his way - apart from taking the corners and the odd free kick I do struggle to see what he does during the game - in fact I forget that he is on the pitch - as the guy who sits by me (pre-covid) calls him the "hider".

Why?

He's probably our best squad player just ahead of AEM. I wouldn't want him starting 20 + games next season but we know he can come in for a few games and make an impact.

Seems a bit naive to think we won't get many injuries next season given what happened last year and the schedule is going to be even more condensed. Central midfield dosen't even seem to be an area that we're looking to strengthen and he can play in all three positions.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 27, 2020, 01:08:02 PM

Quote from: Tebepaul on August 27, 2020, 10:59:17 AM

Stalemate in the Milot Rashica transfer situation: the player would still like to move to RB Leipzig to play international football, but Red Bull's unlovable marketing trinket refuses to bid more than €15m + €3m in bonuses. Werder Bremen are looking for a fee of ca. €25m and are now claiming that they don't need to sell Rashica this year anyway, which no-one quite believes due to their financial worries.

An unnamed London club has apparently also expressed an interest in Rashica, which may meet his need for moving to a 'cool city'. The player has doubts about Leipzig and Birmingham (sacrilege!) in that regard.

Fulham or West ham I'd imagine.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Randy Gurner on August 27, 2020, 01:10:29 PM

Throwing Loftus-Cheek in the hat again, based on nothing more than daydreaming.

Keep Jack, buy Tammy, Loftus Cheek, Trippier, Benrahma, Watkins, Eze --- is what I'd do if this was Championship Manager.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on August 27, 2020, 01:14:28 PM

Quote from: AllanW on August 27, 2020, 12:56:12 PM

I'd be happy with;

Marco Grujic - centre mid £18-20m from Liverpool

Tammy Abraham - striker £32-36m from Chelsea

Said Benrahma - striker/winger £26-29m from Brentford

Ollie Watkins - striker/winger £18-21m from Brentford

All very possible. Total cost £94-106m.

Oh, and of course a replacement for Jack going to Yanitid for an initial £60m. No idea who his replacement should be.

I like Benrahma and Watkins but fifty million quid for two Championship strikers totally unproven in a top league?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 27, 2020, 01:17:55 PM

Fulham appear to be in for everyone we are so probably them.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AllanW on August 27, 2020, 01:18:49 PM

Quote from: Damo70 on August 27, 2020, 01:14:28 PM

I like Benrahma and Watkins but fifty million quid for two Championship strikers totally unproven in a top league?

I know but that's what it will take. I prefer them both to most other options. Plus it fits with the likely injection of transfer funds which has been intimated repeatedly this window. It works if we get Tammy as well because then we hit the season running while waiting for Wesley to get fit, allows us to offload Hogan, loan-out Davis and still be fine on the FFP front.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 27, 2020, 01:19:19 PM

Quote from: Randy Gurner on August 27, 2020, 01:10:29 PM

Throwing Loftus-Cheek in the hat again, based on nothing more than daydreaming.

Keep Jack, buy Tammy, Loftus Cheek, Trippier, Benrahma, Watkins, Eze --- is what I'd do if this was Championship Manager.

I'd add a second manager, take over at Man City as well, and set up loads of ridiculous swaps like Jota for De Bruuyne plus cash.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Duncan Shaw on August 27, 2020, 01:25:27 PM

Saw on Twitter that Dortmund in for Rashica now allegedly - I would imagine that would be game over!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Tebepaul on August 27, 2020, 01:26:50 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 27, 2020, 01:08:02 PM

Quote from: Tebepaul on August 27, 2020, 10:59:17 AM

Stalemate in the Milot Rashica transfer situation: the player would still like to move to RB Leipzig to play international football, but Red Bull's unlovable marketing trinket refuses to bid more than €15m + €3m in bonuses. Werder Bremen are looking for a fee of ca. €25m and are now claiming that they don't need to sell Rashica this year anyway, which no-one quite believes due to their financial worries.

An unnamed London club has apparently also expressed an interest in Rashica, which may meet his need for moving to a 'cool city'. The player has doubts about Leipzig and Birmingham (sacrilege!) in that regard.

Fulham or West ham I'd imagine.

Yep. It's apparently West Ham who are interested in Rashica.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 27, 2020, 01:28:28 PM

West Ham haven't got any money.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Stu on August 27, 2020, 01:28:46 PM

Is this bloke so much of an idiot that he can't imagine living in one place and working in another?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 27, 2020, 01:29:13 PM

I reckon Benrahma will take to the Prem like Mahrez did at Leicester. Whoever gets him will have a seriously good player on their hands.

Watkins looks a quality player too, developed really well and a good physical side for the prem.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on August 27, 2020, 01:32:32 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 27, 2020, 01:29:13 PM

I reckon Benrahma will take to the Prem like Mahrez did at Leicester. Whoever gets him will have a seriously good player on their hands.

Watkins looks a quality player too, developed really well and a good physical side for the prem.

totally agree; don't understand why they've not both been unveiled yet at VP

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 27, 2020, 01:39:58 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on August 27, 2020, 01:28:28 PM

West Ham haven't got any money.

Might offer Yarmelenko in a swop, he previously played for Dortmund.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Footy-Vill on August 27, 2020, 01:45:08 PM

Quote from: AllanW on August 27, 2020, 12:56:12 PM

I'd be happy with;

Marco Grujic - centre mid £18-20m from Liverpool

Tammy Abraham - striker £32-36m from Chelsea

Said Benrahma - striker/winger £26-29m from Brentford

Ollie Watkins - striker/winger £18-21m from Brentford

All very possible. Total cost £94-106m.

Oh, and of course a replacement for Jack going to Yanitid for an initial £60m. No idea who his replacement should be.

I would add Prem experience players get able
Loftus Cheek loan
Cantwell 16m
Walcott 8m

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on August 27, 2020, 01:48:23 PM

I'd definitely take Cantwell whether Jack goes or not.  I think he's a really good player with an excellent attitude.  Very surprised more clubs haven't been after him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LukeJames on August 27, 2020, 01:48:42 PM

Quote from: Duncan Shaw on August 27, 2020, 01:25:27 PM

Saw on Twitter that Dortmund in for Rashica now allegedly - I would imagine that would be game over!

Makes sense, They only have Reus, Brandt, Hazard, Guerreiro and Reyna that can play Left Wing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 27, 2020, 01:49:50 PM

I accept that any player we sign would probably want to be somewhere better, but wanting a club based on the attractions their city has to offer is, as has been said, heading into Curcic territory.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: tomd2103 on August 27, 2020, 02:06:58 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on August 27, 2020, 01:48:23 PM

I'd definitely take Cantwell whether Jack goes or not.  I think he's a really good player with an excellent attitude.  Very surprised more clubs haven't been after him.

Would like to see a midfield next season of Douglas and another holding midfielder with McGinn in front of them and then an exciting, young prospect who can play as an attacking midfielder or wide player added as a squad option.

With Nskamba and possibly Hourihane as further squad options, we should be OK in the midfield area.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 27, 2020, 02:10:09 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 27, 2020, 01:49:50 PM

I accept that any player we sign would probably want to be somewhere better, but wanting a club based on the attractions their city has to offer is, as has been said, heading into Curcic territory.

Added to that, it really doesn't matter where you live if you're on PL wages. Life will be rosy regardless.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on August 27, 2020, 02:12:38 PM

I think my wanted list at the minute would be;
Eduoard 40m
Dwight McNeill 25m (that might be a bit low!)
Ismaila Sarr or Benrahma 25m
Watkins 22m

Would love to see a big physical central midfielder and a pair of full backs who are actual defenders in the squad also

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on August 27, 2020, 02:35:58 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 27, 2020, 01:49:50 PM

I accept that any player we sign would probably want to be somewhere better, but wanting a club based on the attractions their city has to offer is, as has been said, heading into Curcic territory.

Have we offered Rashica several sultry maidens?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dick Edwards on August 27, 2020, 02:43:17 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 27, 2020, 01:49:50 PM

I accept that any player we sign would probably want to be somewhere better, but wanting a club based on the attractions their city has to offer is, as has been said, heading into Curcic territory.

And not forgetting that Curcic had been plying his trade very happily at the vibrant town of Bolton when we signed him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: gpbarr on August 27, 2020, 03:01:03 PM

The longer the summer goes on, the stronger my hunch that we will be lucky to sign 2 players max - not because we don't want to sign more, but because the market is largely stagnant. It doesn't matter we have money to spend, because you cannot buy unless someone is willing to sell - and thats the problem. Chelsea arguably are the only PL club moving hard and they are paying way over the odds for players - 45m for Chilwell is outrageous. I don't think our owners are going to play that game - thus we may end up largely having to hope that the squad that ended the season can step up (as I think they can) with additional (& better coaching).

I'll eat a straw hat if I'm wrong.   

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 27, 2020, 03:17:29 PM

@villareport
·
2m
Aston Villa are becoming increasingly frustrated at the lack of progress in negotiations with Brentford over a deal for Ollie Watkins. [sky sports] #avfc

Villa fear they are in the middle of an auction, and are reluctant to get involved in a bidding war. [sky sports] #avfc

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Footy-Vill on August 27, 2020, 03:24:22 PM

Quote from: Gareth on August 27, 2020, 02:12:38 PM

I think my wanted list at the minute would be;
Eduoard 40m
Dwight McNeill 25m (that might be a bit low!)
Ismaila Sarr or Benrahma 25m
Watkins 22m

Would love to see a big physical central midfielder and a pair of full backs who are actual defenders in the squad also

Liking that McNeill shout ! Decent player isn't he.

Now I hear what you're saying on the whole physical presences in midfield but I do feel Deano prefers the more Marty McFly size to a Biff Tannen!
As do I. I not really for a physical player who gets stuck in at the expense of good football.
Spoliers ?!
Though a place for a strong midfielder I'm happy with McGinn Luiz and one more in there like Cantwell.

Deano never really seemed overly concerned with the big brutes in midfield.
He made it clear he was transition from any regular minutes of Jedinak to Whelan and Hourihane

That's where Shakespeare premier league know how comes in. Can imagine he may suggest players to be a bit more physical and robust 
Mourinho always loves one of those . He's now brought in the modern type of spoiler Hojberg to do the dirty and all the fouls. Not even tactical ones like Rhodri at Man City. That's why Mourinho likes sissoko not the best footballer but a sizeable athlete . Same with Antonio Valencia at Man Utd just solid .

It's not happen now but I wish had got than little bit extra for Kalvin Phillips last summer.
He was very close to joining and maybe if someone had had an extra word he would have been signed.

He's decent for that holding mid and brings some physicality. But I still would maintain these days a holding midfielder is a technical player first and having positional awareness. So they don't have to be getting stuck in as they would be reading the game and possession of ball accordingly

Just how I see top level football.

Likes of Romeu at Southampton , Stephens at Brighton seem to be first and foremost foulers.

Harrison Reed who Fulham signed had the energy as well as added physical dimension in midfield and is not overly big in stature.

We all know Kante so it's not always some big sized player to hold midfield together that's needed.

Ndidi at Leicester , Rice and Fabinho are perhaps the type of players you're suggesting so finding the next one of those maybe ?

I think the real need is to develop a few of the players to understand the deep lying mid role in protecting the defence. Smith did a great job improving Douglas but there is scope for another player to help the deep role in midfield if Nakamba isn't going to be up to scratch. Just think having someone who is simply big an led physical in midfield doesn't solve our issues and don't see Smith a fan of those types either.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 27, 2020, 03:25:09 PM

Think we'll sign Watkins and Edouard.

After last season we simply can't take any chances upfront. Let's remember we played a whole month without a forward in the actual squad due to injuries.

Ideally I'd like a more experienced striker upfront even if it's just on a season long loan but not sure the club really fancy doing that again after not getting in Tammy full time.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Richard E on August 27, 2020, 03:25:27 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on August 27, 2020, 03:17:29 PM

@villareport
·
2m
Aston Villa are becoming increasingly frustrated at the lack of progress in negotiations with Brentford over a deal for Ollie Watkins. [sky sports] #avfc

Villa fear they are in the middle of an auction, and are reluctant to get involved in a bidding war. [sky sports] #avfc

Leaked to put pressure on somebody to get this moving. He will be a Villa player in due course, I'm sure.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on August 27, 2020, 03:28:25 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 27, 2020, 01:06:51 PM

Quote from: sid1964 on August 27, 2020, 10:00:28 AM

lets hope that it is true that Conor is on his way - apart from taking the corners and the odd free kick I do struggle to see what he does during the game - in fact I forget that he is on the pitch - as the guy who sits by me (pre-covid) calls him the "hider".

Why?

He's probably our best squad player just ahead of AEM. I wouldn't want him starting 20 + games next season but we know he can come in for a few games and make an impact.

Seems a bit naive to think we won't get many injuries next season given what happened last year and the schedule is going to be even more condensed. Central midfield dosen't even seem to be an area that we're looking to strengthen and he can play in all three positions.

Also think despite his limitations as a player, lack of pace etc, he can be a real influence with the other players. For me from the second half of Man U onwards, when he came on fecking everyone out of it and running round like a loon, he showed more leadership qualities than say the likes of Mings (not having a go at Mings just illustrating a point), in the run in that kept us up.
One of the (many) problems with last season was that we rightly let the old timer/leaders in the squad go, Whealan, Jedinack, Hutton, but apart from Heaton replaced the players but not those other qualities. It is definitely worth hanging on to hourihane for another year whilst those transitions in players coming into the club continue.
Scored 7 goals, too can’t be sniffed at

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 27, 2020, 03:35:47 PM

When will our first ‘Villa agree fee for....insert previously unheard of Bruges striker name’ happen do we think?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: darren woolley on August 27, 2020, 04:12:21 PM

Quote from: Richard E on August 27, 2020, 03:25:27 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on August 27, 2020, 03:17:29 PM

@villareport
·
2m
Aston Villa are becoming increasingly frustrated at the lack of progress in negotiations with Brentford over a deal for Ollie Watkins. [sky sports] #avfc

Villa fear they are in the middle of an auction, and are reluctant to get involved in a bidding war. [sky sports] #avfc

Leaked to put pressure on somebody to get this moving. He will be a Villa player in due course, I'm sure.

Fingers crossed we can sign him up before not too long.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: itmustbe_it is! on August 27, 2020, 04:21:24 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 27, 2020, 01:17:55 PM

Fulham appear to be in for everyone we are so probably them.

Are they going to "do a Fulham" ......

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: wolfman999 on August 27, 2020, 04:31:49 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 27, 2020, 03:35:47 PM

When will our first ‘Villa agree fee for....insert previously unheard of Bruges striker name’ happen do we think?

Late on deadline day probably.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on August 27, 2020, 04:41:35 PM

Quote from: RamboandBruno on August 27, 2020, 03:28:25 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 27, 2020, 01:06:51 PM

Quote from: sid1964 on August 27, 2020, 10:00:28 AM

lets hope that it is true that Conor is on his way - apart from taking the corners and the odd free kick I do struggle to see what he does during the game - in fact I forget that he is on the pitch - as the guy who sits by me (pre-covid) calls him the "hider".

Why?

He's probably our best squad player just ahead of AEM. I wouldn't want him starting 20 + games next season but we know he can come in for a few games and make an impact.

Seems a bit naive to think we won't get many injuries next season given what happened last year and the schedule is going to be even more condensed. Central midfield dosen't even seem to be an area that we're looking to strengthen and he can play in all three positions.

Also think despite his limitations as a player, lack of pace etc, he can be a real influence with the other players. For me from the second half of Man U onwards, when he came on fecking everyone out of it and running round like a loon, he showed more leadership qualities than say the likes of Mings (not having a go at Mings just illustrating a point), in the run in that kept us up.
One of the (many) problems with last season was that we rightly let the old timer/leaders in the squad go, Whealan, Jedinack, Hutton, but apart from Heaton replaced the players but not those other qualities. It is definitely worth hanging on to hourihane for another year whilst those transitions in players coming into the club continue.
Scored 7 goals, too can’t be sniffed at

Your a goal down with 3 minutes to go. You win a free kick around 30 yards out, perfect for a left-footer.
You have one substitution left and Conor's on the bench.
Got to be tempted. A bit like having a specialist field goal kicker in Gridiron.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on August 27, 2020, 04:50:36 PM

There's a few I'd be selling before Hourihane.
he's no world beater - but is he good enough at the moment to be a squad player for the 17th team in the Premier League? yes.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Shrek on August 27, 2020, 05:03:08 PM

Whether people are are worried about lack of new arrivals or not, I’m just still thankful we don’t have to rebuild the whole squad again.

Also it’s nice to not have bunch of journeymen lingering around like the last 5 or so years.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WALTERS WARRIORS on August 27, 2020, 05:06:02 PM

Quote from: LukeJames on August 27, 2020, 01:48:42 PM

Quote from: Duncan Shaw on August 27, 2020, 01:25:27 PM

Saw on Twitter that Dortmund in for Rashica now allegedly - I would imagine that would be game over!

Makes sense, They only have Reus, Brandt, Hazard, Guerreiro and Reyna that can play Left Wing.

Quote from: chrisw1 on August 27, 2020, 01:48:23 PM

I'd definitely take Cantwell whether Jack goes or not.  I think he's a really good player with an excellent attitude.  Very surprised more clubs haven't been after him.

Quote from: chrisw1 on August 27, 2020, 01:48:23 PM

I'd definitely take Cantwell whether Jack goes or not.  I think he's a really good player with an excellent attitude.  Very surprised more clubs haven't been after him.

I would also love cantwell in the side. He is perfect for what we need. Dynamic and direct with a great attitude and  high work rate intensity. 15-20m is a bargain ..........

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ian. on August 27, 2020, 05:06:36 PM

Quote from: Shrek on August 27, 2020, 05:03:08 PM

Whether people are are worried about lack of new arrivals or not, I’m just still thankful we don’t have to rebuild the whole squad again.

Also it’s nice to not have bunch of journeymen lingering around like the last 5 or so years.

Yep, that’s a great point about a squad with no journeymen. When was the last time we were approaching a new season and we had 3-5 high earners who did next to nothing on the books.
Some of our players may not quite be good enough to be first team players but they will give their all of called on.

We certainly need strengthening but it’s not a massive rebuild.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Shrek on August 27, 2020, 05:18:38 PM

Defo, we are for the first time in what seems like forever in a good position.
The squad will all be better than last year, maybe even Samatta... So it’s not as doom and gloom as some think.

Toney deal agreed with Brentford, hopefully that could help the Watkins situation.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 27, 2020, 05:19:16 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 27, 2020, 03:25:09 PM

Think we'll sign Watkins and Edouard.

After last season we simply can't take any chances upfront. Let's remember we played a whole month without a forward in the actual squad due to injuries.

Ideally I'd like a more experienced striker upfront even if it's just on a season long loan but not sure the club really fancy doing that again after not getting in Tammy full time.

That would be excellent.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Des Little on August 27, 2020, 05:21:22 PM

I think we’re holding out for Tammy, as well as Watkins. I hope so anyway.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on August 27, 2020, 05:28:16 PM

Abraham and Watkins would be good.
Watkins was originally a left winger, so would give us options there.
Abraham wouldn't be cheap - but Chelsea have signed Werner and Giroud had a strong end to the season, so Abraham may struggle for game time.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on August 27, 2020, 05:30:05 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on August 27, 2020, 05:28:16 PM

Abraham and Watkins would be good.
Watkins was originally a left winger, so would give us options there.
Abraham wouldn't be cheap - but Chelsea have signed Werner and Giroud had a strong end to the season, so Abraham may struggle for game time.

I think he will, but I also think he'll give it a go until January. I can't see someone with his positive attitude and drive not backing himself to get and keep his place even with the new signings.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on August 27, 2020, 05:56:44 PM

I think until Lansbury, Jota, Nyland and Kalinic - for starters - are gone, I would not want to talk about not having journeymen in our current squad.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on August 27, 2020, 06:02:19 PM

Quote from: Mister E on August 27, 2020, 05:56:44 PM

I think until Lansbury, Jota, Nyland and Kalinic - for starters - are gone, I would not want to talk about not having journeymen in our current squad.

I'd say only the first of the 4 deserves that, the other 3 are guilty of nothing more than not being good enough.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 27, 2020, 06:20:04 PM

Quote from: paul_e on August 27, 2020, 06:02:19 PM

Quote from: Mister E on August 27, 2020, 05:56:44 PM

I think until Lansbury, Jota, Nyland and Kalinic - for starters - are gone, I would not want to talk about not having journeymen in our current squad.

I'd say only the first of the 4 deserves that, the other 3 are guilty of nothing more than not being good enough.

Although to be fair to Lansbury he appears to be a decent pro, and well liked, which given he arrived with stories of missing training and acting the twat at Forest is something.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 27, 2020, 06:29:08 PM

Think with Brentford signing Toney, we'll pick up Watkins within the next week or so.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dorsetvillian on August 27, 2020, 07:53:14 PM

Trying not get concerned but really would like to see a signing soon.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: TheMalandro on August 27, 2020, 08:07:20 PM

Quote from: Ads on August 27, 2020, 06:29:08 PM

Think with Brentford signing Toney, we'll pick up Watkins within the next week or so.

Hope so.

Credit to Mr Green, he was talking about Watkins in his early Exeter days.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on August 27, 2020, 09:12:12 PM

Quote from: LeeB on August 27, 2020, 06:20:04 PM

Quote from: paul_e on August 27, 2020, 06:02:19 PM

Quote from: Mister E on August 27, 2020, 05:56:44 PM

I think until Lansbury, Jota, Nyland and Kalinic - for starters - are gone, I would not want to talk about not having journeymen in our current squad.

I'd say only the first of the 4 deserves that, the other 3 are guilty of nothing more than not being good enough.

Although to be fair to Lansbury he appears to be a decent pro, and well liked, which given he arrived with stories of missing training and acting the twat at Forest is something.

True, I was thinking mostly about the fact that he's one of the top earners at the club (apparently) whereas I doubt the other 3 are on particularly big money.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on August 27, 2020, 10:50:31 PM

Whenever I see Toney's name, I see it as Tonev, and a little part of me dies inside.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on August 27, 2020, 10:54:08 PM

As Brentford are so good at talent spotting let’s just take this guy from Peterborough 🤔😀

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Des Little on August 27, 2020, 11:01:09 PM

Quote from: Risso on August 27, 2020, 10:50:31 PM

Whenever I see Toney's name, I see it as Tonev, and a little part of me dies inside.

I automatically take cover

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 27, 2020, 11:24:50 PM

Leicester want Matt Targett to replace Ben Chilwell.  If you believe The Daily Star.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on August 27, 2020, 11:44:04 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 27, 2020, 11:24:50 PM

Leicester want Matt Targett to replace Ben Chilwell.  If you believe The Daily Star.

Vardy plus £20m and they can have him. But seriously if we can get back what we paid and get him off the wage bill we should do it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WALTERS WARRIORS on August 27, 2020, 11:48:16 PM

Whilst we are in no update land. Can someone explain if Engels is in training or has been mentioned lately ??

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 28, 2020, 12:07:28 AM

There were a lot of pics of him training in Wales.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on August 28, 2020, 07:03:50 AM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on August 27, 2020, 11:44:04 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 27, 2020, 11:24:50 PM

Leicester want Matt Targett to replace Ben Chilwell.  If you believe The Daily Star.

Vardy plus £20m and they can have him. But seriously if we can get back what we paid and get him off the wage bill we should do it.

Not sure that's a good idea, the only players moving at the moment are for silly money & we don't want to be stuck with Taylor as our only left back.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 28, 2020, 07:34:22 AM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on August 27, 2020, 11:44:04 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 27, 2020, 11:24:50 PM

Leicester want Matt Targett to replace Ben Chilwell.  If you believe The Daily Star.

Vardy plus £20m and they can have him. But seriously if we can get back what we paid and get him off the wage bill we should do it.

If it were true they wanted him firstly I wouldn’t particularly want to sell, as I think he’s a useful player. Also if we were prepared to sell I’d bloody hope our staring position was better than, “give us what we paid for him”.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on August 28, 2020, 08:02:48 AM

Targett is another youd hope will have benefited from last season and will step up somewhat this year.....can’t for life of me think he is a player Rodgers would sign.  Taylor is the deciding point not Targett for me, if Dean & co think they can get another year out of Taylor & Hause being deputy for Targett I’m sure that’s what they will do.....personally I would like to see us sign a couple of full backs who can actually defend to give alternatives to Targett & Guilbert - I like Taylor & Elmo but they are both seen as back ups not competition

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 28, 2020, 08:13:48 AM

Targett has his faults, but not one we should be considering letting go.

Rumours Swift from Reading might be the first through the door. Very tidy squad player.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 28, 2020, 08:27:51 AM

Genuinely never heard of him. What type of player is he? I would question the need for “squad players” as it feels like we have plenty of those. What we need to add is real quality.

Having said that I could be completely wrong and he might be exactly what we need!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on August 28, 2020, 08:36:43 AM

I'm not going to lie, if our first transfer is a player from a lower half of the table Championship side then I'm very underwhelmed. Who is he supposedly displacing in the side? We don't need anymore players that will be alright filling in for 10-15 games. We need solid, walk straight in to the team improvements who displace current players to the bench.

We finished 17th, stayed up by 1 point and by and large were poor the entire season. Squad players from the Championship aren't good enough in my opinion.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on August 28, 2020, 08:49:02 AM

Quote from: aj2k77 on August 28, 2020, 08:36:43 AM

I'm not going to lie, if our first transfer is a player from a lower half of the table Championship side then I'm very underwhelmed. Who is he supposedly displacing in the side? We don't need anymore players that will be alright filling in for 10-15 games. We need solid, walk straight in to the team improvements who displace current players to the bench.

We finished 17th, stayed up by 1 point and by and large were poor the entire season. Squad players from the Championship aren't good enough in my opinion.

I agree mostly.  We've been linked with Swift from Reading and Cash from Forest this morning.  They might be decent players, and it doesn't really matter what order you get players in I suppose, but if true, it's not much of a statement of intent.  I do wonder if playing for Smith is much of a draw.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Holy Trinity on August 28, 2020, 08:58:54 AM

If Smith not being a draw is the problem then he should be replaced! Simple as that.
Obviously its not going to happen but a bad start and we will have a new manager by December with someone else's team trying to rebuild in January the most expensive time to buy players

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on August 28, 2020, 09:00:31 AM

I think it's pretty clear that we aren't attracting plan A and possibly plan B targets. Maybe wages are an issue? If it's true that our wage bill was slashed down to £65m last season then new recruits last year must have been on a lot less than the previous incumbents (Whelan, Jedinak, Kodjia etc). Maybe we are driving a very hard bargain and in our position, unfortunately, the only draw we have is huge wages and if we aren't paying then we aren't getting.

I don't know. I'm just not comfortable with raiding the lower reaches of the Championship to improve a poor team.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on August 28, 2020, 09:10:38 AM

A month after we stayed up, before a balls been kicked in the new season and already Smiths got till Xmas?? Because of the lack of signings so far, wouldn’t that delve into the ‘any excuse to have a dig at smith’ territory?
I’m really not sure the lack of signings so far is anything to do with the smith name. How many Huge managerial names are there in the premier league, Ancelotti, Guardiola, Mournihio, Klopp, would that be it?
We have a sporting director responsible for signings and selling the club to prospective new players presumably.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on August 28, 2020, 09:16:11 AM

Quote from: Risso on August 28, 2020, 08:49:02 AM

I do wonder if playing for Smith is much of a draw.

Whilst I'm sure the manager, club, etc are a factor - a Premier League club offering £££ is probably the overriding reason for joining.

As with last season, there seemed to be very little speculation about people we actually signed, most were just out-of-the-blue "oh, we've just signed this player".  Usually with "from Club Brugge" added at the end :)  No leaks, no idle speculation - just a professional, no nonsense approach.  I get the impression from what the Exeter chairman had said that very little has changed - we're just quietly going about our business.  It's why I'm far from convinced that someone like Rashica is going to come ... it's been in the papers too long, and to me it seems entirely down to either Werder or him trying to push up the price/wages for his actual move by throwing our name around.

It's also worth bearing in mind that if we start throwing money around like Chelsea/Manchester City do, we're going to get hit for the same kind of prices that they do, and with it the wages that they pay.  I'm sure half the reason our wages were so high in the Championship was because we were acting like we'd got money to burn.

Not concerned yet.  I imagine Brentford will want to get a replacement lined up if they're planning on selling Watkins and/or Benrahma, much like we'd want to if we were selling Jack (which I don't think we are).  The same will be true of any other targets we have.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: tomd2103 on August 28, 2020, 09:19:14 AM

 

Quote from: PaulWinch again on August 28, 2020, 07:34:22 AM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on August 27, 2020, 11:44:04 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 27, 2020, 11:24:50 PM

Leicester want Matt Targett to replace Ben Chilwell.  If you believe The Daily Star.

Vardy plus £20m and they can have him. But seriously if we can get back what we paid and get him off the wage bill we should do it.

If it were true they wanted him firstly I wouldn’t particularly want to sell, as I think he’s a useful player. Also if we were prepared to sell I’d bloody hope our staring position was better than, “give us what we paid for him”.

If a better replacement could be lined up then I would sell.  Targett is decent going forward and linked up well with Grealish last season, but he is very suspect defensively and worryingly seemed to bottle it on a few occasions.

Think we will need better at left back moving forwards.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on August 28, 2020, 09:19:36 AM

None of our targets have moved to anyone else. Until that happens then we are still on for plan A's. How long we are willing to wait out on it is another matter

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 28, 2020, 09:20:22 AM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on August 28, 2020, 09:19:36 AM

None of our targets have moved to anyone else. Until that happens then we are still on for plan A's. How long we are willing to wait out on it is another matter

Any insight as to how things are progressing?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Taylor on August 28, 2020, 09:24:45 AM

Quote from: Holy Trinity on August 28, 2020, 08:58:54 AM

If Smith not being a draw is the problem then he should be replaced! Simple as that.
Obviously its not going to happen but a bad start and we will have a new manager by December with someone else's team trying to rebuild in January the most expensive time to buy players

You couldn’t make it up could you?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on August 28, 2020, 09:33:29 AM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on August 28, 2020, 09:20:22 AM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on August 28, 2020, 09:19:36 AM

None of our targets have moved to anyone else. Until that happens then we are still on for plan A's. How long we are willing to wait out on it is another matter

Any insight as to how things are progressing?

I have been getting very limited information than usual. A LOT has changed behind the scenes. Extremely hush hush. Internal teams have all had to sign new NDA's on policy recently.

From the limited i have had, its very much bhain reaction stuff. Clubs want to get replacements in before they sell so they are not held to ransom but selling clubs knowing they have extra cash etc

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 28, 2020, 09:34:05 AM

Cheers.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on August 28, 2020, 09:35:51 AM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on August 28, 2020, 09:34:05 AM

Cheers.

My own opinion -  i expect watkins to progress now Toney is going Brentford

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 28, 2020, 09:39:17 AM

QPR's Eze now signed for Palace.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on August 28, 2020, 09:40:20 AM

Other than Pep or Klopp there isn’t a manager in the league that would be a ‘draw’ so as a stick to hit Dean with I can’t see it - £’s & location yes, wanting to know that the best player isn’t gonna be sold before you join yes, mgr profile no

We see a lot about supposed targets but we along with the journalists no diddly squat as fact

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on August 28, 2020, 10:02:34 AM

Quote from: Clampy on August 28, 2020, 09:39:17 AM

QPR's Eze now signed for Palace.

Replacement for Zaha perhaps?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on August 28, 2020, 10:08:12 AM

Quote from: Vill I An on August 28, 2020, 09:51:40 AM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on August 28, 2020, 09:35:51 AM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on August 28, 2020, 09:34:05 AM

Cheers.

My own opinion -  i expect watkins to progress now Toney is going Brentford

Good stuff VC a man we can trust !
And thanks for the above.

Don't suppose the club gave any information on allowing extra people back into club ground in October? And trials for home fans.
It's from another club - Fulham- but they are pretty sure in 6 -8 weeks they will have fans in the stadium!
As well as the basic corporate package for a bit of revenue.
All the London clubs are keen so the rumour goes and the 3 promoted clubs super keen from a season ticket point of view Fulham especially. as such from the Clubs Prem league meeting yesterday.

Stay safe.

Re: Fans - club sent out an opinion poll to fans on next steps etc. Think all clubs are gearing up to early October (unless Gov change) Approx 30% max capacity.

How it will work, your guess is as good as mine. If i was betting, then id say they will ballot to ST holders and give equal opportunity to attend home games across a spread selection.

I know a lot of fellow ST holders who have said they have no intention of returning until the following season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on August 28, 2020, 10:21:54 AM

I looked up John Swift as I didn't know much about him. He was a Chelsea youth product and has represented England at every youth level. In 2017 he was nominated as EFL Young Player of the Season (along with Watkins ironically) and Smith had him on loan for a year at Brentford so would know exactly what he would be getting. Box-to-box midfielder who's good for a few goals. He's still only 25 and with the financial position clubs like Reading are in, it could actually be quite an astute (and easy) signing.

Matty Cash is Premier League quality and is someone who I had already thought of as a first choice right back, which was a problem post lockdown.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on August 28, 2020, 10:30:36 AM

Quote from: Vill I An on August 28, 2020, 10:07:30 AM

Quote from: Gareth on August 28, 2020, 09:40:20 AM

Other than Pep or Klopp there isn’t a manager in the league that would be a ‘draw’ so as a stick to hit Dean with I can’t see it - £’s & location yes, wanting to know that the best player isn’t gonna be sold before you join yes, mgr profile no

We see a lot about supposed targets but we along with the journalists no diddly squat as fact

Disagree plenty of players around the Europe the world are familiar to the known names in football as several managers who to some professional footballers could be quite the draw.

Ancelotti
Bielsa
Mourinho
Lampard
Maybe even Solskjær and Arteta. Bilic for his Croatian international pedigree and Hodgson England and abroad very experienced.

All are football names and when players sign they would site them I suspect.

If those names managed Southampton or Watford there would not be a stampede to join because there is every chance 6 months later you’d be managed by Bruce or Allardyce-sure they’d name them when they signed but the £ speaks loudest

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on August 28, 2020, 10:31:58 AM

Quote from: OCD on August 28, 2020, 10:21:54 AM

I looked up John Swift as I didn't know much about him. He was a Chelsea youth product and has represented England at every youth level. In 2017 he was nominated as EFL Young Player of the Season (along with Watkins ironically) and Smith had him on loan for a year at Brentford so would know exactly what he would be getting. Box-to-box midfielder who's good for a few goals. He's still only 25 and with the financial position clubs like Reading are in, it could actually be quite an astute (and easy) signing.

Matty Cash is Premier League quality and is someone who I had already thought of as a first choice right back, which was a problem post lockdown.

I'd be surprised if we're interested because, in my opinion, he'd be come in our 5th or 6th best centre midfielder (behind Luiz, McGinn, Hourihane, Grealish and possibly Nakamba).

I suspect the bold bit is the only reason this story has even been written.

On Cash I don't see him as an upgrade on Guilbert who started and finished the season superbly but had, along with most of the defensive players, a bit of a slump in the middle.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villafirst on August 28, 2020, 11:08:11 AM

Report suggesting Villa are 'preparing' a bid for John Swift!
Have we actually bid for anyone yet?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 28, 2020, 11:10:46 AM

Quote from: Villafirst on August 28, 2020, 11:08:11 AM

Report suggesting Villa are 'preparing' a bid for John Swift!
Have we actually bid for anyone yet?

It's very possible we have bids in for one or two players.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on August 28, 2020, 11:16:18 AM

Preparing a bid, so they get together, someone has to get the right piece of paper out, you know the Aston Villa header notepaper because if we sent it on a get well soon card that would not work. Shit, what font shall we use, who we going to address it to, shall we type it then or scan it or put it in the post, a second or first clas stamp.Make sure we use a white envelope.
Don’t put SWALK on the back unless JT is sending it for a Chelsea player.
Fuck Dean when you wrote here is our bid, you forgot to mention how much we are bidding. ..........

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: in exile on August 28, 2020, 11:24:07 AM

You on the glue by any chance?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on August 28, 2020, 11:32:26 AM

Quote from: paul_e on August 28, 2020, 10:31:58 AM

Quote from: OCD on August 28, 2020, 10:21:54 AM

I looked up John Swift as I didn't know much about him. He was a Chelsea youth product and has represented England at every youth level. In 2017 he was nominated as EFL Young Player of the Season (along with Watkins ironically) and Smith had him on loan for a year at Brentford so would know exactly what he would be getting. Box-to-box midfielder who's good for a few goals. He's still only 25 and with the financial position clubs like Reading are in, it could actually be quite an astute (and easy) signing.

Matty Cash is Premier League quality and is someone who I had already thought of as a first choice right back, which was a problem post lockdown.

I'd be surprised if we're interested because, in my opinion, he'd be come in our 5th or 6th best centre midfielder (behind Luiz, McGinn, Hourihane, Grealish and possibly Nakamba).

I suspect the bold bit is the only reason this story has even been written.

On Cash I don't see him as an upgrade on Guilbert who started and finished the season superbly but had, along with most of the defensive players, a bit of a slump in the middle.

I would say that we need someone who can play the Luiz role for times when he's not available. Hopefully there's more to come from Nakamba but whether he can be as effective as Luiz was post lockdown remains to be seen.

It's the same with the right back position. Hopefully Guilbert can build on what he did last season, particularly in the last few games. AEM has been good for us but we need to start planning for the future.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on August 28, 2020, 11:38:59 AM

Quote from: OCD on August 28, 2020, 11:32:26 AM

Quote from: paul_e on August 28, 2020, 10:31:58 AM

Quote from: OCD on August 28, 2020, 10:21:54 AM

I looked up John Swift as I didn't know much about him. He was a Chelsea youth product and has represented England at every youth level. In 2017 he was nominated as EFL Young Player of the Season (along with Watkins ironically) and Smith had him on loan for a year at Brentford so would know exactly what he would be getting. Box-to-box midfielder who's good for a few goals. He's still only 25 and with the financial position clubs like Reading are in, it could actually be quite an astute (and easy) signing.

Matty Cash is Premier League quality and is someone who I had already thought of as a first choice right back, which was a problem post lockdown.

I'd be surprised if we're interested because, in my opinion, he'd be come in our 5th or 6th best centre midfielder (behind Luiz, McGinn, Hourihane, Grealish and possibly Nakamba).

I suspect the bold bit is the only reason this story has even been written.

On Cash I don't see him as an upgrade on Guilbert who started and finished the season superbly but had, along with most of the defensive players, a bit of a slump in the middle.

I would say that we need someone who can play the Luiz role for times when he's not available. Hopefully there's more to come from Nakamba but whether he can be as effective as Luiz was post lockdown remains to be seen.

It's the same with the right back position. Hopefully Guilbert can build on what he did last season, particularly in the last few games. AEM has been good for us but we need to start planning for the future.

I know nothing about him but from your description he sounds like cover for McGinn

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on August 28, 2020, 11:45:15 AM

Quote from: OCD on August 28, 2020, 11:32:26 AM

Quote from: paul_e on August 28, 2020, 10:31:58 AM

Quote from: OCD on August 28, 2020, 10:21:54 AM

I looked up John Swift as I didn't know much about him. He was a Chelsea youth product and has represented England at every youth level. In 2017 he was nominated as EFL Young Player of the Season (along with Watkins ironically) and Smith had him on loan for a year at Brentford so would know exactly what he would be getting. Box-to-box midfielder who's good for a few goals. He's still only 25 and with the financial position clubs like Reading are in, it could actually be quite an astute (and easy) signing.

Matty Cash is Premier League quality and is someone who I had already thought of as a first choice right back, which was a problem post lockdown.

I'd be surprised if we're interested because, in my opinion, he'd be come in our 5th or 6th best centre midfielder (behind Luiz, McGinn, Hourihane, Grealish and possibly Nakamba).

I suspect the bold bit is the only reason this story has even been written.

On Cash I don't see him as an upgrade on Guilbert who started and finished the season superbly but had, along with most of the defensive players, a bit of a slump in the middle.

I would say that we need someone who can play the Luiz role for times when he's not available. Hopefully there's more to come from Nakamba but whether he can be as effective as Luiz was post lockdown remains to be seen.

It's the same with the right back position. Hopefully Guilbert can build on what he did last season, particularly in the last few games. AEM has been good for us but we need to start planning for the future.

but is it reasonable to expect that of someone you freely admit you didn't know much about, who no one would've cared if they'd seen him go to someone like Brighton and who has been nothing more than average for a bottom half of the championship team for the last 3-4 years?

I'm fine with adding depth to the squad, I agree we need to do it, but I'd add depth by signing players that improve the first 11 or who are still young enough to not count in the squad numbers so we can give them time to adjust. Neither Swift or Cash meet those criteria.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on August 28, 2020, 11:46:29 AM

In response to Mister E -

Yeah, I think that would be fair comment. Main bulk of our transfer spend needs to be on the front 3 with Grealish moved inside where he can have more influence.   

                           Luiz
                         (Nakamba)

                  McGinn          Grealish
                  (Swift?)        Hourihane

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on August 28, 2020, 11:53:25 AM

Quote from: paul_e on August 28, 2020, 11:45:15 AM

... I'm fine with adding depth to the squad, I agree we need to do it, but I'd add depth by signing players that improve the first 11 or who are still young enough to not count in the squad numbers so we can give them time to adjust. Neither Swift or Cash meet those criteria.

There's the rub, for me: Swift might have been a good acquisition 2 seasons' ago; will he add value to the squad or be another also-ran? The question to ask is: what does he ADD to the squad that we do not currently have?
I note that SheffU have been tracking him.

Hopefully, the main event in transfers will come later in the form of strikers and wide players.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on August 28, 2020, 11:53:31 AM

Quote from: paul_e on August 28, 2020, 11:45:15 AM

Quote from: OCD on August 28, 2020, 11:32:26 AM

Quote from: paul_e on August 28, 2020, 10:31:58 AM

Quote from: OCD on August 28, 2020, 10:21:54 AM

I looked up John Swift as I didn't know much about him. He was a Chelsea youth product and has represented England at every youth level. In 2017 he was nominated as EFL Young Player of the Season (along with Watkins ironically) and Smith had him on loan for a year at Brentford so would know exactly what he would be getting. Box-to-box midfielder who's good for a few goals. He's still only 25 and with the financial position clubs like Reading are in, it could actually be quite an astute (and easy) signing.

Matty Cash is Premier League quality and is someone who I had already thought of as a first choice right back, which was a problem post lockdown.

I'd be surprised if we're interested because, in my opinion, he'd be come in our 5th or 6th best centre midfielder (behind Luiz, McGinn, Hourihane, Grealish and possibly Nakamba).

I suspect the bold bit is the only reason this story has even been written.

On Cash I don't see him as an upgrade on Guilbert who started and finished the season superbly but had, along with most of the defensive players, a bit of a slump in the middle.

I would say that we need someone who can play the Luiz role for times when he's not available. Hopefully there's more to come from Nakamba but whether he can be as effective as Luiz was post lockdown remains to be seen.

It's the same with the right back position. Hopefully Guilbert can build on what he did last season, particularly in the last few games. AEM has been good for us but we need to start planning for the future.

but is it reasonable to expect that of someone you freely admit you didn't know much about, who no one would've cared if they'd seen him go to someone like Brighton and who has been nothing more than average for a bottom half of the championship team for the last 3-4 years?

I'm fine with adding depth to the squad, I agree we need to do it, but I'd add depth by signing players that improve the first 11 or who are still young enough to not count in the squad numbers so we can give them time to adjust. Neither Swift or Cash meet those criteria.

I'm just playing devil's advocate with one report. There may well be nothing to it for all I know.

While I agree in principle that we would ideally strengthen the first 11, I think there's got to be some acceptance that at the way transfer fees have gone, it's likely to be very expensive to do that in one go. We all know the front 3 is where the bulk of our budget needs to be spent so a player like Swift for a less needed priority would be understandable.

With the role data analytics is beginning to play in recruitment, odd seeming signings like Swift could become more common place. When Leicester signed Albrighton it was driven by analytics and he played a big role in their league winning season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on August 28, 2020, 11:55:14 AM

Quote from: OCD on August 28, 2020, 11:53:31 AM

... With the role data analytics is beginning to play in recruitment, odd seeming signings like Swift could become more common place. ....

Do you know what the data says about Swift?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on August 28, 2020, 11:58:20 AM

Has the Eze price (c.£16m) set the benchmark for Benrahama and Watkins, I wonder?
It suggests that the max for the former should be <£20m and for Watkins around £20-22m.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 28, 2020, 12:01:05 PM

I'm with a lot of others on here that we should be looking to add quality to the starting 11, that does need to happen and I'm sure it will. At the same time, if Smith sees a player who he has previously worked with and thinks may be worth adding to the squad, I think that's fine as well. He saw something in Konsa for example to think he could make the step up and he's not been a bad buy so far.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on August 28, 2020, 12:04:21 PM

From footballwhispers.com:

Quote

Swift has played 145 games in the blue and white hoops to date, scoring 20 times. But a closer look into his performances this season shows why there’s far more to the midfielder’s game than simply the number of goals he scores.
For starters, Swift’s record of ten assists in 2019/20 works out at 0.3 per 90 – the 12th most of any player in this season’s Championship. That perhaps shouldn’t be a surprise when you consider just how many chances the box-to-box midfielder creates. He is averaging 2.51 chances created per 90, only bettered by six of his peers in English football’s second tier.
They are extraordinary numbers when you factor in that the England Under-21 international isn’t one of Reading’s most advanced midfielders and contributes defensively as well as simply when the team is attacking. His ball-winning ability in the centre of the park is particularly notable, winning back possession in the middle third of the pitch a commendable 3.96 times per 90.
Swift therefore regularly finds himself on the ball (75.05 touches per 90), distributing it carefully and accurately. That’s not to suggest he is cautious when in possession though. Quite the opposite in fact. One of the playmaker’s most impressive attributes is the accuracy of his long balls, with a success rate of 63.54 per cent putting him inside the league’s top 25 players

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on August 28, 2020, 12:06:56 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on August 28, 2020, 11:16:18 AM

Preparing a bid, so they get together, someone has to get the right piece of paper out, you know the Aston Villa header notepaper because if we sent it on a get well soon card that would not work. Shit, what font shall we use, who we going to address it to, shall we type it then or scan it or put it in the post, a second or first clas stamp.Make sure we use a white envelope.
Don’t put SWALK on the back unless JT is sending it for a Chelsea player.
Fuck Dean when you wrote here is our bid, you forgot to mention how much we are bidding. ..........

Relax, there is no such thing as ‘preparing a bid’ - any article / post that contains that phrase is utter BS - by saying that you are making something up but not committing to anything so tomorrow you can make something new up. 

Nobody knows our business & thankfully those in charge of the purse strings don’t appear to be panicking, if it takes till deadline day but we get the right players we will see the benefits through the whole season not the mad panic to get it done for the first game.

 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 28, 2020, 12:19:53 PM

Preparing a bid is like doing a capex requisition.  You explain the rationale then send it to Risso who rejects it for a typo omission.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on August 28, 2020, 12:23:38 PM

Quote from: Clampy on August 28, 2020, 12:01:05 PM

I'm with a lot of others on here that we should be looking to add quality to the starting 11, that does need to happen and I'm sure it will. At the same time, if Smith sees a player who he has previously worked with and thinks may be worth adding to the squad, I think that's fine as well. He saw something in Konsa for example to think he could make the step up and he's not been a bad buy so far.

Jota has been a terrible signing though, so he's 50:50 I guess.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on August 28, 2020, 12:26:25 PM

Preparing a bid is like giving the toilet seat a wipe before you sit on it....
All well and good, but if you're constipated, then it's a waste of time :)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on August 28, 2020, 12:34:04 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 28, 2020, 12:19:53 PM

Preparing a bid is like doing a capex requisition.  You explain the rationale then send it to Risso who rejects it for a typo omission.

Preparing a bid is rather like making love to a beautiful woman. You have to get in there before somebody else does. Yes I have been watching repeats of The Fast Show on UK Gold.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 28, 2020, 12:37:25 PM

Quote from: Damo70 on August 28, 2020, 12:34:04 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 28, 2020, 12:19:53 PM

Preparing a bid is like doing a capex requisition.  You explain the rationale then send it to Risso who rejects it for a typo omission.

Preparing a bid is rather like making love to a beautiful woman. You have to get in there before somebody else does. Yes I have been watching repeats of The Fast Show on UK Gold.

You mean this week, you've been mostly watching repeats of  The Fast Show.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on August 28, 2020, 12:38:56 PM

Based on the obligatory YouTube clips*....Swift looks a little lightweight for playing regularly in a top division midfield. Any concerns there from our regular Reading watchers? Ideally the type of midfielder we bring in is an upgrade on Nakamba I would have thought to sit next to Luiz and let's the likes of McGinn and Grealish worry less about defending. Better than Lansbury or Jota isn't the benchmark we should be setting.

*YouTube infamously made KEA look a superstar

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 28, 2020, 12:39:46 PM

Th th th th th th, Ollie Watkins.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on August 28, 2020, 12:40:40 PM

Quote from: Clampy on August 28, 2020, 12:37:25 PM

Quote from: Damo70 on August 28, 2020, 12:34:04 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 28, 2020, 12:19:53 PM

Preparing a bid is like doing a capex requisition.  You explain the rationale then send it to Risso who rejects it for a typo omission.

Preparing a bid is rather like making love to a beautiful woman. You have to get in there before somebody else does. Yes I have been watching repeats of The Fast Show on UK Gold.

You mean this week, you've been mostly watching repeats of  The Fast Show.

Which was nice.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on August 28, 2020, 12:51:51 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on August 28, 2020, 12:38:56 PM

Based on the obligatory YouTube clips*....Swift looks a little lightweight for playing regularly in a top division midfield. Any concerns there from our regular Reading watchers? Ideally the type of midfielder we bring in is an upgrade on Nakamba I would have thought to sit next to Luiz and let's the likes of McGinn and Grealish worry less about defending. Better than Lansbury or Jota isn't the benchmark we should be setting.

*YouTube infamously made KEA look a superstar

On YT, he looks quite a tough tackler; not lightweight.
Hence my earlier thought that he would be a McGinn type of signing

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on August 28, 2020, 12:53:33 PM

Quote from: Mister E on August 28, 2020, 12:04:21 PM

From footballwhispers.com:

Quote

Swift has played 145 games in the blue and white hoops to date, scoring 20 times. But a closer look into his performances this season shows why there’s far more to the midfielder’s game than simply the number of goals he scores.
For starters, Swift’s record of ten assists in 2019/20 works out at 0.3 per 90 – the 12th most of any player in this season’s Championship. That perhaps shouldn’t be a surprise when you consider just how many chances the box-to-box midfielder creates. He is averaging 2.51 chances created per 90, only bettered by six of his peers in English football’s second tier.
They are extraordinary numbers when you factor in that the England Under-21 international isn’t one of Reading’s most advanced midfielders and contributes defensively as well as simply when the team is attacking. His ball-winning ability in the centre of the park is particularly notable, winning back possession in the middle third of the pitch a commendable 3.96 times per 90.
Swift therefore regularly finds himself on the ball (75.05 touches per 90), distributing it carefully and accurately. That’s not to suggest he is cautious when in possession though. Quite the opposite in fact. One of the playmaker’s most impressive attributes is the accuracy of his long balls, with a success rate of 63.54 per cent putting him inside the league’s top 25 players

Nice find. The info I found was just a simple google search. It's encouraging too that Sheffield United have been watching him for some time as their recruitment has been very good for the last few years.

May be nothing to it but if it came to be, I wouldn't be moaning about a lack of ambition or signing championship players or whatever people want to throw at it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on August 28, 2020, 12:54:04 PM

Quote from: Jon Crofts on August 28, 2020, 12:40:40 PM

Quote from: Clampy on August 28, 2020, 12:37:25 PM

Quote from: Damo70 on August 28, 2020, 12:34:04 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 28, 2020, 12:19:53 PM

Preparing a bid is like doing a capex requisition.  You explain the rationale then send it to Risso who rejects it for a typo omission.

Preparing a bid is rather like making love to a beautiful woman. You have to get in there before somebody else does. Yes I have been watching repeats of The Fast Show on UK Gold.

You mean this week, you've been mostly watching repeats of  The Fast Show.

Which was nice.

I think we should look north of the border for some value, maybe Edinurgh City's Andrew Black.

Johnny.....

The blackness! The end! Where are we sleeping tonight, Mother? In Father's Grave!  We're not signing anybody again, except for Drinkwater on a ten year contract, and we're swapping Jack for a set of corner flags!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 28, 2020, 12:56:02 PM

Quote from: Risso on August 28, 2020, 08:49:02 AM

Quote from: aj2k77 on August 28, 2020, 08:36:43 AM

I'm not going to lie, if our first transfer is a player from a lower half of the table Championship side then I'm very underwhelmed. Who is he supposedly displacing in the side? We don't need anymore players that will be alright filling in for 10-15 games. We need solid, walk straight in to the team improvements who displace current players to the bench.

We finished 17th, stayed up by 1 point and by and large were poor the entire season. Squad players from the Championship aren't good enough in my opinion.

I agree mostly.  We've been linked with Swift from Reading and Cash from Forest this morning.  They might be decent players, and it doesn't really matter what order you get players in I suppose, but if true, it's not much of a statement of intent.  I do wonder if playing for Smith is much of a draw.

They will be playing for Villa. And think of the players we have bought under Sherwood or TSM 1 and 2. We still got good players as much as we wasted those opportunities. I still think we will get our players. Unless like Chelsea you just pay the cash and get on with it the rest of the clubs in the middle and lower down are in the same boat as us. Very few transfers in or out.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on August 28, 2020, 01:00:16 PM

I wonder whether Chelsea will be looking to re-coup some of their spending especially if they spend £90m on Havertz.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on August 28, 2020, 01:05:56 PM

Quote from: Gareth on August 28, 2020, 12:06:56 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on August 28, 2020, 11:16:18 AM

Preparing a bid, so they get together, someone has to get the right piece of paper out, you know the Aston Villa header notepaper because if we sent it on a get well soon card that would not work. Shit, what font shall we use, who we going to address it to, shall we type it then or scan it or put it in the post, a second or first clas stamp.Make sure we use a white envelope.
Don’t put SWALK on the back unless JT is sending it for a Chelsea player.
Fuck Dean when you wrote here is our bid, you forgot to mention how much we are bidding. ..........

Relax, there is no such thing as ‘preparing a bid’ - any article / post that contains that phrase is utter BS - by saying that you are making something up but not committing to anything so tomorrow you can make something new up. 

Nobody knows our business & thankfully those in charge of the purse strings don’t appear to be panicking, if it takes till deadline day but we get the right players we will see the benefits through the whole season not the mad panic to get it done for the first game.

I think some of it is true but I also think it's used a catch all phrase for saying the club have spoken to the players agent to get an idea of his fee and wage demands or the club have spoken to his club to see if there's a realistic chance to sign him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Des Little on August 28, 2020, 01:08:46 PM

Quote from: OCD on August 28, 2020, 01:00:16 PM

I wonder whether Chelsea will be looking to re-coup some of their spending especially if they spend £90m on Havertz.

By all accounts, Frank wants a keeper too, but to get one in he needs to sell players to raise funds. Is that a phone ringing...?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on August 28, 2020, 01:11:24 PM

Quote from: Mister E on August 28, 2020, 12:04:21 PM

From footballwhispers.com:

Quote

Swift has played 145 games in the blue and white hoops to date, scoring 20 times. But a closer look into his performances this season shows why there’s far more to the midfielder’s game than simply the number of goals he scores.
For starters, Swift’s record of ten assists in 2019/20 works out at 0.3 per 90 – the 12th most of any player in this season’s Championship. That perhaps shouldn’t be a surprise when you consider just how many chances the box-to-box midfielder creates. He is averaging 2.51 chances created per 90, only bettered by six of his peers in English football’s second tier.
They are extraordinary numbers when you factor in that the England Under-21 international isn’t one of Reading’s most advanced midfielders and contributes defensively as well as simply when the team is attacking. His ball-winning ability in the centre of the park is particularly notable, winning back possession in the middle third of the pitch a commendable 3.96 times per 90.
Swift therefore regularly finds himself on the ball (75.05 touches per 90), distributing it carefully and accurately. That’s not to suggest he is cautious when in possession though. Quite the opposite in fact. One of the playmaker’s most impressive attributes is the accuracy of his long balls, with a success rate of 63.54 per cent putting him inside the league’s top 25 players

I'd like to see that compared to someone like McGinn when he was in that division, I suspect McGinn would come out better on almost every metric they've used there and that's really the point. He'd be squad filler and I'm not sure i want that. If I'm honest I'd rather see Jacob Ramsey get 10-15 appearances in to see if he can step up than see us make a signing like this. I'm in no way saying Swift is a bad player, I don't know anything like enough about him to say that, I just don't think there's any reason to think he'd be coming in to be a regular in the team, so what's the point?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 28, 2020, 01:14:39 PM

Quote from: Des Little on August 28, 2020, 01:08:46 PM

Quote from: OCD on August 28, 2020, 01:00:16 PM

I wonder whether Chelsea will be looking to re-coup some of their spending especially if they spend £90m on Havertz.

By all accounts, Frank wants a keeper too, but to get one in he needs to sell players to raise funds. Is that a phone ringing...?

I reckon it would be Batshuayi who would move on if anybody.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Holy Trinity on August 28, 2020, 01:19:08 PM

People are knocking me for saying that IF our targets don't want to sign for us because of Smith that he should be replaced.

If we are start this season with this squad it is entirely possible with our start that we will be bottom 3 heading into December. How many games do people think the board would give smith to turn it around with a 3rd of the season gone?

My follow up point about a new manager trying to rebuild in January is also totally valid. We can all love smith as much as we want but the football has been crap! He does not know what formation he wants to play and he can't attract his targets (supposedly).
Add to that we have one of the best players in the country shoe horned into the left wing position because that's the only option because we have mo other effective wingers.
I'm indifferent to Smith and have zero loyalty to him. He is going to be a flash in the pan of this club and he will be long gone by the time i meet my maker so why shouldn't I be more concerned with my club than some bloke who has had 2 extremely lucky end of season runs one to get us up and one to stay up. Nobody here can tell me it was his tactics that got us up and not the fact Jack came back from injury like a man possessed.

Anyway this is the transfer thread and a lot of what I have just said is hypothetical as was in my first post.
 I want us to be decisive and go get players ready for the first team not squad players and nothing we have been linked with seems to have any legs.
If we end up with another season of random players for all over Europe I will be worried. We need 2 more star players to go with Jack to kick on and 1 absolutely has to be a striker and 1 a winger. Until we have a solid link or an itsotp I'm going to remain concerned.

I'll leave you to continue sniping at posts you don't agree with. Enjoy

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 28, 2020, 01:22:20 PM

The players don't, and shouldn't, decide who the manager is.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 28, 2020, 01:24:04 PM

Let's assume that we did get rid of a manager who allegedly can't attract top players (which in itself is the daftest reason I can think of).

Then let's imagine a conversation with a prospective replacement:

"How long was the last bloke in the job."

"One and a half seasons. He came in midway through the first one."

"What did he do then?"

"Took us from mid-table, broke an all-time club record for consecutive wins and got us promoted."

"And the season after?"

"Started off badly but kept us up with the best escape in Premier League history."

"I'll get back to you on that one."

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on August 28, 2020, 01:24:11 PM

I suspect one bad run (3/4 losses on spin) in first 3 months & the trigger will be pulled, I have no doubt that it was discussed at various points this season, had lockdown not occurred and we had been dicked vs Chelsea like the Leicester game it would probs have been then.  That is why calm recruitment is vital this summer

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on August 28, 2020, 01:30:06 PM

Smith got us up, got us to a cup final and kept us up. I also believe he isn't as in control of incoming transfers as managers like Ron Saunders, BFR and MON were. He is more a a modern style head coach. He has earned himself more time in my opinion but having said that I still think that come December/January if we look like repeating the struggles of last season a change of manager would be needed.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on August 28, 2020, 01:35:04 PM

Hopefully this time next year we are starting another season as an established PL team with Dean still in charge!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on August 28, 2020, 01:37:26 PM

The premise itself is flawed because the whole argument started from 'if we aren't able to sign our targets...' and we have no way of knowing if that's the case. If a player we wanted signs elsewhere and then says he'd have signed for Villa if they had a different manager then the topic can be raised but right now it feels like someone doesn't think Smith is glamorous and is projecting that opinion onto footballers with no evidence.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Londonvilla on August 28, 2020, 01:42:59 PM

Quote from: Holy Trinity on August 28, 2020, 01:19:08 PM

People are knocking me for saying that IF our targets don't want to sign for us because of Smith that he should be replaced.

If we are start this season with this squad it is entirely possible with our start that we will be bottom 3 heading into December. How many games do people think the board would give smith to turn it around with a 3rd of the season gone?

My follow up point about a new manager trying to rebuild in January is also totally valid. We can all love smith as much as we want but the football has been crap! He does not know what formation he wants to play and he can't attract his targets (supposedly).
Add to that we have one of the best players in the country shoe horned into the left wing position because that's the only option because we have mo other effective wingers.
I'm indifferent to Smith and have zero loyalty to him. He is going to be a flash in the pan of this club and he will be long gone by the time i meet my maker so why shouldn't I be more concerned with my club than some bloke who has had 2 extremely lucky end of season runs one to get us up and one to stay up. Nobody here can tell me it was his tactics that got us up and not the fact Jack came back from injury like a man possessed.

Anyway this is the transfer thread and a lot of what I have just said is hypothetical as was in my first post.
 I want us to be decisive and go get players ready for the first team not squad players and nothing we have been linked with seems to have any legs.
If we end up with another season of random players for all over Europe I will be worried. We need 2 more star players to go with Jack to kick on and 1 absolutely has to be a striker and 1 a winger. Until we have a solid link or an itsotp I'm going to remain concerned.

I'll leave you to continue sniping at posts you don't agree with. Enjoy

This is an intervention

What a happy chappy you are..........football should be fun,,,,,,,transfer, gossip, speculation should be fun...........relax, go for a walk  at the end of the day have a drink hug someone you love and live your best life

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ROBBO on August 28, 2020, 01:52:51 PM

Lets face it the only people who know anything wont be telling the press or the likes of us before it's done and dusted, just got to be patient and save the panic for later.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 28, 2020, 01:53:48 PM

Quote from: Holy Trinity on August 28, 2020, 01:19:08 PM

People are knocking me for saying that IF our targets don't want to sign for us because of Smith that he should be replaced.

If we are start this season with this squad it is entirely possible with our start that we will be bottom 3 heading into December. How many games do people think the board would give smith to turn it around with a 3rd of the season gone?

My follow up point about a new manager trying to rebuild in January is also totally valid. We can all love smith as much as we want but the football has been crap! He does not know what formation he wants to play and he can't attract his targets (supposedly).
Add to that we have one of the best players in the country shoe horned into the left wing position because that's the only option because we have mo other effective wingers.
I'm indifferent to Smith and have zero loyalty to him. He is going to be a flash in the pan of this club and he will be long gone by the time i meet my maker so why shouldn't I be more concerned with my club than some bloke who has had 2 extremely lucky end of season runs one to get us up and one to stay up. Nobody here can tell me it was his tactics that got us up and not the fact Jack came back from injury like a man possessed.

Anyway this is the transfer thread and a lot of what I have just said is hypothetical as was in my first post.
 I want us to be decisive and go get players ready for the first team not squad players and nothing we have been linked with seems to have any legs.
If we end up with another season of random players for all over Europe I will be worried. We need 2 more star players to go with Jack to kick on and 1 absolutely has to be a striker and 1 a winger. Until we have a solid link or an itsotp I'm going to remain concerned.

I'll leave you to continue sniping at posts you don't agree with. Enjoy

What if our targets don't want to come to Brum? Should we move to London?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on August 28, 2020, 01:55:05 PM

It's also quite an unfounded assumption to think that we would automatically draw a manager that would make targets stand up and take notice. Does it go that we could flick a switch and have someone like Poch join? What if then players still had the same thoughts ('do I want to play in a less fashionable city for a club who were in a relegation fight and only survived on the last day?' - Rashica argument).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 28, 2020, 02:01:18 PM

Quote from: LeeB on August 28, 2020, 01:53:48 PM

Quote from: Holy Trinity on August 28, 2020, 01:19:08 PM

People are knocking me for saying that IF our targets don't want to sign for us because of Smith that he should be replaced.

If we are start this season with this squad it is entirely possible with our start that we will be bottom 3 heading into December. How many games do people think the board would give smith to turn it around with a 3rd of the season gone?

My follow up point about a new manager trying to rebuild in January is also totally valid. We can all love smith as much as we want but the football has been crap! He does not know what formation he wants to play and he can't attract his targets (supposedly).
Add to that we have one of the best players in the country shoe horned into the left wing position because that's the only option because we have mo other effective wingers.
I'm indifferent to Smith and have zero loyalty to him. He is going to be a flash in the pan of this club and he will be long gone by the time i meet my maker so why shouldn't I be more concerned with my club than some bloke who has had 2 extremely lucky end of season runs one to get us up and one to stay up. Nobody here can tell me it was his tactics that got us up and not the fact Jack came back from injury like a man possessed.

Anyway this is the transfer thread and a lot of what I have just said is hypothetical as was in my first post.
 I want us to be decisive and go get players ready for the first team not squad players and nothing we have been linked with seems to have any legs.
If we end up with another season of random players for all over Europe I will be worried. We need 2 more star players to go with Jack to kick on and 1 absolutely has to be a striker and 1 a winger. Until we have a solid link or an itsotp I'm going to remain concerned.

I'll leave you to continue sniping at posts you don't agree with. Enjoy

What if our targets don't want to come to Brum? Should we move to London?

Works for me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ktvillan on August 28, 2020, 02:07:12 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 28, 2020, 01:24:04 PM

Let's assume that we did get rid of a manager who allegedly can't attract top players (which in itself is the daftest reason I can think of).

Then let's imagine a conversation with a prospective replacement:

"How long was the last bloke in the job."

"One and a half seasons. He came in midway through the first one."

"What did he do then?"

"Took us from mid-table, broke an all-time club record for consecutive wins and got us promoted."

"And the season after?"

"Started off badly but kept us up with the best escape in Premier League history."

"I'll get back to you on that one."

Alternatively the prospective appointee might ask "then why have you got rid of him?" to which the answer might be "we feel that he has reached his ceiling in terms of ability and where he can take us and we want to go on to better things - preferably with you".

I'm not saying that's what we should do but I'd say there's a case for it given how lost and out of his depth Smith looked at times last season, and the fact that sometimes you have to be ruthless in the pursuit of success. 

However ultimately he didn't "underachieve" given that many of us would have taken/expected 17th at the start of last season, but it was very much skin of the teeth. 

So, for me,  he just about deserves a shot at the second season but I think he needs to display an early step up in performances and results if he is to still be in a job by Christmas.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villafirst on August 28, 2020, 02:22:37 PM

Trouble is, quite rightly DS said he didn't want a Douglas Luiz situation where he signed just 2 days from the start of the new season. But that's starting to unfold again I'm afraid.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 28, 2020, 02:29:34 PM

Quote from: ktvillan on August 28, 2020, 02:07:12 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 28, 2020, 01:24:04 PM

Let's assume that we did get rid of a manager who allegedly can't attract top players (which in itself is the daftest reason I can think of).

Then let's imagine a conversation with a prospective replacement:

"How long was the last bloke in the job."

"One and a half seasons. He came in midway through the first one."

"What did he do then?"

"Took us from mid-table, broke an all-time club record for consecutive wins and got us promoted."

"And the season after?"

"Started off badly but kept us up with the best escape in Premier League history."

"I'll get back to you on that one."

Alternatively the prospective appointee might ask "then why have you got rid of him?" to which the answer might be "we feel that he has reached his ceiling in terms of ability and where he can take us and we want to go on to better things - preferably with you".

I'm not saying that's what we should do but I'd say there's a case for it given how lost and out of his depth Smith looked at times last season, and the fact that sometimes you have to be ruthless in the pursuit of success. 

However ultimately he didn't "underachieve" given that many of us would have taken/expected 17th at the start of last season, but it was very much skin of the teeth. 

So, for me,  he just about deserves a shot at the second season but I think he needs to display an early step up in performances and results if he is to still be in a job by Christmas.

And so we go back to the same flawed argument from last season - get rid of a manager who has so far achieved every target set for him in the hope that someone better 'might' be available.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on August 28, 2020, 02:31:55 PM

Quote from: OCD on August 28, 2020, 01:55:05 PM

It's also quite an unfounded assumption to think that we would automatically draw a manager that would make targets stand up and take notice. Does it go that we could flick a switch and have someone like Poch join? What if then players still had the same thoughts ('do I want to play in a less fashionable city for a club who were in a relegation fight and only survived on the last day?' - Rashica argument).

If Everton can get Ancelotti, we could get Pocchettino.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on August 28, 2020, 02:34:45 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on August 28, 2020, 02:31:55 PM

Quote from: OCD on August 28, 2020, 01:55:05 PM

It's also quite an unfounded assumption to think that we would automatically draw a manager that would make targets stand up and take notice. Does it go that we could flick a switch and have someone like Poch join? What if then players still had the same thoughts ('do I want to play in a less fashionable city for a club who were in a relegation fight and only survived on the last day?' - Rashica argument).

If Everton can get Ancelotti, we could get Pocchettino.

Because it's that easy.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 28, 2020, 02:36:44 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on August 28, 2020, 02:31:55 PM

Quote from: OCD on August 28, 2020, 01:55:05 PM

It's also quite an unfounded assumption to think that we would automatically draw a manager that would make targets stand up and take notice. Does it go that we could flick a switch and have someone like Poch join? What if then players still had the same thoughts ('do I want to play in a less fashionable city for a club who were in a relegation fight and only survived on the last day?' - Rashica argument).

If Everton can get Ancelotti, we could get Pocchettino.

Everton wouldn't have got Ancelotti at the height of his powers, and Villa won't be getting Pochettino at the height of his. Nor would Ireland have got Trapattoni when he was good, or Colchester with Teddy Sheringham.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ktvillan on August 28, 2020, 02:48:44 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 28, 2020, 02:29:34 PM

Quote from: ktvillan on August 28, 2020, 02:07:12 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 28, 2020, 01:24:04 PM

Let's assume that we did get rid of a manager who allegedly can't attract top players (which in itself is the daftest reason I can think of).

Then let's imagine a conversation with a prospective replacement:

"How long was the last bloke in the job."

"One and a half seasons. He came in midway through the first one."

"What did he do then?"

"Took us from mid-table, broke an all-time club record for consecutive wins and got us promoted."

"And the season after?"

"Started off badly but kept us up with the best escape in Premier League history."

"I'll get back to you on that one."

Alternatively the prospective appointee might ask "then why have you got rid of him?" to which the answer might be "we feel that he has reached his ceiling in terms of ability and where he can take us and we want to go on to better things - preferably with you".

I'm not saying that's what we should do but I'd say there's a case for it given how lost and out of his depth Smith looked at times last season, and the fact that sometimes you have to be ruthless in the pursuit of success. 

However ultimately he didn't "underachieve" given that many of us would have taken/expected 17th at the start of last season, but it was very much skin of the teeth. 

So, for me,  he just about deserves a shot at the second season but I think he needs to display an early step up in performances and results if he is to still be in a job by Christmas.

And so we go back to the same flawed argument from last season - get rid of a manager who has so far achieved every target set for him in the hope that someone better 'might' be available.

It's not so much about what he's done so far - he probably over achieved by getting us promoted a year earlier than targeted - it's more about where we want to go and whether he is the man to take us there.    As I said I think he's just about earned the chance to have a go but I'm not convinced. 

Hope has nothing to do with it.  I wouldn't expect us to not have some possible replacements on the radar and/or sounded out if they did decide  it isn't working with Smith.  Good coaches are available now - Pochettino, Alegri, and Benitez might return if offered a good chunk of wedge and transfer funds.   They might not want to come to us but if Everton can get Ancelotti and Newcastle can get Benitez, who knows?  And I'd like to think Purslow and co. have knowledge of others that might see us as a step up.  Some will be available between now and December some might consider leaving their present clubs for a crack at the PL with a big club with huge potential.

Clubs like Spurs and Liverpool don't hesitate to get shot if they think someone is not up to getting them to the very top.  It sometimes doesn't work out, but I see it as a sign of calculated ruthless ambition rather than a flawed approach. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 28, 2020, 02:50:32 PM

And how exactly has that worked out for Spurs?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on August 28, 2020, 02:56:24 PM

I am not sure I subscribe to a new big name manager will bring in the big name players .  I want an up and coming manager who believes in a project and can unearth a few gems and make them by coaching into something special

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on August 28, 2020, 02:59:13 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on August 28, 2020, 02:31:55 PM

If Everton can get Ancelotti, we could get Pocchettino.

Barcelona couldn't get him last week (due to his love of neighbours Espanyol) so that's one point we have going for us. Sadly, in his case, it's probably our only attractive point right now. When we are in a position/need to bring in a top international coach, I hope we still have the money to spend. It's an expensive game now in the top half of the PL.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on August 28, 2020, 03:03:53 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on August 28, 2020, 02:34:59 PM

Swift was at Deanos Brentford  on loan from Chelsea.

Pochettino wouldn't know such gems as Konsa, Watkins and Swift .
I'm happy to keep Deano and his magic in  player squad development

it is not clear that Swift or Watkins are gems at Premier League level, they would be a punt. Neither would Pochettino be less likely to be aware of them. It is far from clear that Konsa is a gem too, for most of last season he looked like a dud we had overpaid for. Towards the end he was much improved but the jury is still out.

I think Smith has just about earned another go, but would not hesitate to replace him if a higher calibre manager like Pochettino was available.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on August 28, 2020, 03:11:35 PM

Quote from: Jon Crofts on August 28, 2020, 12:40:40 PM

Quote from: Clampy on August 28, 2020, 12:37:25 PM

Quote from: Damo70 on August 28, 2020, 12:34:04 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 28, 2020, 12:19:53 PM

Preparing a bid is like doing a capex requisition.  You explain the rationale then send it to Risso who rejects it for a typo omission.

Preparing a bid is rather like making love to a beautiful woman. You have to get in there before somebody else does. Yes I have been watching repeats of The Fast Show on UK Gold.

You mean this week, you've been mostly watching repeats of  The Fast Show.

Which was nice.

What? With his reputation?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 28, 2020, 03:13:50 PM

Konsa never looked a dud to me - for a kid of his age he looked like he had massive potential all season.

Watkins has all the attributes to make a good fist of the Prem too. Swift I don't have a clue, looks tidy enough on the ball.

I agree though, Poch was interested we should be ruthless and get him in.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 28, 2020, 03:19:06 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 28, 2020, 03:13:50 PM

Konsa never looked a dud to me - for a kid of his age he looked like he had massive potential all season.

Watkins has all the attributes to make a good fist of the Prem too. Swift I don't have a clue, looks tidy enough on the ball.

I agree though, Poch was interested we should be ruthless and get him in.

When Pitarch leaked his side of the falling out with Purslow he mentioned possible replacements for DS that he'd suggested, which included Chris Hughton. Purslow was apparently keener on Gerrard or Terry. Pochettino is available, but not to us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on August 28, 2020, 03:22:11 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on August 28, 2020, 03:19:06 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 28, 2020, 03:13:50 PM

Konsa never looked a dud to me - for a kid of his age he looked like he had massive potential all season.

Watkins has all the attributes to make a good fist of the Prem too. Swift I don't have a clue, looks tidy enough on the ball.

I agree though, Poch was interested we should be ruthless and get him in.

When Pitarch leaked his side of the falling out with Purslow he mentioned possible replacements for DS that he'd suggested, which included Chris Hughton. Purslow was apparently keener on Gerrard or Terry. Pochettino is available, but not to us.

If that is true, they should be giving Purslow a P45 too.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on August 28, 2020, 03:22:48 PM

Given the way in which managers are fired these days, and given the reasons for which they're fired, if Dave's projected conversation is accurate then no club would have any manager anymore at all. Instead, it's not uncommon for some managers to even go back to a club that sacked them earlier that same season. That's the world we live in, and if we'd let Dean go I'm not sure it would've hamstrung us at all - indeed, a harsher sacking is how Saints ended up with Pochettino to begin with.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 28, 2020, 03:38:18 PM

Remind me again - how often has a club sacked a successful manager because a better one suddenly became available, and improved?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: johnc on August 28, 2020, 03:38:36 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on August 28, 2020, 02:59:13 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on August 28, 2020, 02:31:55 PM

If Everton can get Ancelotti, we could get Pocchettino.

Barcelona couldn't get him last week (due to his love of neighbours Espanyol) so that's one point we have going for us. Sadly, in his case, it's probably our only attractive point right now. When we are in a position/need to bring in a top international coach, I hope we still have the money to spend. It's an expensive game now in the top half of the PL.

I would say Poch is PSG bound. I dont think Barca would take him due to Espanyol past

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ktvillan on August 28, 2020, 03:46:16 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 28, 2020, 02:50:32 PM

And how exactly has that worked out for Spurs?

Well let's just say 10 years ago we were arguably in a stronger position and better place than Spurs.  Since then we've largely gone in opposite directions, our journey includes several seasons circling the plughole, a relegation,  three seasons out of the PL and another relegation battle.  Theirs includes several top 4 finishes and thus several CL campaigns including a CL final.  I'd say their policy has been significantly more successful than ours, as has Liverpool's in removing Hodgson and then Rogers when they decided they could and should do better. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on August 28, 2020, 03:52:17 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 28, 2020, 03:38:18 PM

Remind me again - how often has a club sacked a successful manager because a better one suddenly became available, and improved?

Depends how you define successful, but these days? Happens everywhere. Brighton are doing ok, Southampton built their modern success (if you like) on doing just that. Also Pearson did pretty well at Leicester but I think his successor also did okay.

In any case, I would argue that the team virtually never looked like more than the sum of their parts last year and frequently seemed less, and we stayed up by nothing. I'd say there's room for improvement.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ktvillan on August 28, 2020, 03:53:41 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 28, 2020, 03:38:18 PM

Remind me again - how often has a club sacked a successful manager because a better one suddenly became available, and improved?

Probably not that often but it does happen and it depends on how you define success -  if you rate avoiding the drop as success then you could say Leicester sacking Pearson, who successfully kept them up, and hiring Ranieri who then won the league with them.  Similarly with Southampton sacking Adkins who kept them up for Pochettino.   Rogers got Liverpool to second place, as well as anyone had done with them since 1990 but still went and sought out someone better.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on August 28, 2020, 04:03:38 PM

Quote from: ktvillan on August 28, 2020, 03:53:41 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 28, 2020, 03:38:18 PM

Remind me again - how often has a club sacked a successful manager because a better one suddenly became available, and improved?

Probably not that often but it does happen and it depends on how you define success -  if you rate avoiding the drop as success then you could say Leicester sacking Pearson, who successfully kept them up, and hiring Ranieri who then won the league with them.  Similarly with Southampton sacking Adkins who kept them up for Pochettino.   Rogers got Liverpool to second place, as well as anyone had done with them since 1990 but still went and sought out someone better.

Pearson was sacked because he had fallen out with the board and been involved in several high profile incidents, not because they thought his results weren't up to it.

Rodgers was sacked because Liverpool were 10th in the league and had won only 4 in the last 11 games  i.e. not meeting his objectives. They didn't sack him while they were in 2nd place because they thought Klopp could go one better.

In neither case were they sacked because the board thought they were doing what had been asked of them but someone better might be available, but because they were being a headcase (Pearson) and not meeting their objectives that season (Rodgers).

The only one I can think of is the Southampton one you mentioned where they got rid of Adkins and appointed Pocchetino. And even that at the time was a massive gamble as I doubt any of us had heard of Pocchetino then.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 28, 2020, 04:23:30 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on August 28, 2020, 04:03:38 PM

Quote from: ktvillan on August 28, 2020, 03:53:41 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 28, 2020, 03:38:18 PM

Remind me again - how often has a club sacked a successful manager because a better one suddenly became available, and improved?

Probably not that often but it does happen and it depends on how you define success -  if you rate avoiding the drop as success then you could say Leicester sacking Pearson, who successfully kept them up, and hiring Ranieri who then won the league with them.  Similarly with Southampton sacking Adkins who kept them up for Pochettino.   Rogers got Liverpool to second place, as well as anyone had done with them since 1990 but still went and sought out someone better.

Pearson was sacked because he had fallen out with the board and been involved in several high profile incidents, not because they thought his results weren't up to it.

Rodgers was sacked because Liverpool were 10th in the league and had won only 4 in the last 11 games  i.e. not meeting his objectives. They didn't sack him while they were in 2nd place because they thought Klopp could go one better.

In neither case were they sacked because the board thought they were doing what had been asked of them but someone better might be available, but because they were being a headcase (Pearson) and not meeting their objectives that season (Rodgers).

The only one I can think of is the Southampton one you mentioned where they got rid of Adkins and appointed Pocchetino. And even that at the time was a massive gamble as I doubt any of us had heard of Pocchetino then.

You beat me to it, although I would add that avoiding relegation last season definitely was success because it was our aim at the start. This time next year will be a completely different thing but please spare me the "We need to be ruthless" stuff. This is Aston, not Wall Street, and we are not Gordon Gekko. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on August 28, 2020, 04:38:59 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 28, 2020, 04:23:30 PM

You beat me to it, although I would add that avoiding relegation last season definitely was success because it was our aim at the start. This time next year will be a completely different thing but please spare me the "We need to be ruthless" stuff. This is Aston, not Wall Street, and we are not Gordon Gekko. 

There's a little bit of defining terms to suit your argument in there in my very humble opinion.  Whose target was just avoiding relegation, because it certainly wasn't Purslow's or Pitarch's.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 28, 2020, 04:42:34 PM

Quote from: Risso on August 28, 2020, 04:38:59 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 28, 2020, 04:23:30 PM

You beat me to it, although I would add that avoiding relegation last season definitely was success because it was our aim at the start. This time next year will be a completely different thing but please spare me the "We need to be ruthless" stuff. This is Aston, not Wall Street, and we are not Gordon Gekko. 

There's a little bit of defining terms to suit your argument in there in my very humble opinion.  Whose target was just avoiding relegation, because it certainly wasn't Purslow's or Pitarch's.

It was pretty much the definition on here, and I daresay that if either of them had said so publicly they'd have been slaughtered.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 28, 2020, 05:08:26 PM

I’ve always said our expectations should be higher

I’ve no problem going with Smith next season I’m talking about in general

When we thought Smith might go at times last season people on here were calling out for fat Sam or Dyche
that’s the problem we settle for the average the mediocre or whoever has just had a good season and the timing suits

Id love us to start acting our size
said before we are the biggest by miles in the Midlands
third richest owners when combined in the country
large fan base

yet we are just making up the numbers at the moment and nothing suggests we believe we are capable of anything else
Well Leicester, Spurs , Man City did for various reasons


we should find our own reason and aim for that top 6 and not keep doing ourselves down thinking no one will ever want to come to pitiful Villa either players or managers

does my head in

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 28, 2020, 05:13:10 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 28, 2020, 04:42:34 PM

Quote from: Risso on August 28, 2020, 04:38:59 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 28, 2020, 04:23:30 PM

You beat me to it, although I would add that avoiding relegation last season definitely was success because it was our aim at the start. This time next year will be a completely different thing but please spare me the "We need to be ruthless" stuff. This is Aston, not Wall Street, and we are not Gordon Gekko. 

There's a little bit of defining terms to suit your argument in there in my very humble opinion.  Whose target was just avoiding relegation, because it certainly wasn't Purslow's or Pitarch's.

It was pretty much the definition on here, and I daresay that if either of them had said so publicly they'd have been slaughtered.

I think most people on here would have took finishing 17th in our first season back. OK, so we made hard work of it but we did it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on August 28, 2020, 05:13:28 PM

Quote from: Holy Trinity on August 28, 2020, 01:19:08 PM

People are knocking me for saying that IF our targets don't want to sign for us because of Smith that he should be replaced.

If we are start this season with this squad it is entirely possible with our start that we will be bottom 3 heading into December. How many games do people think the board would give smith to turn it around with a 3rd of the season gone?

My follow up point about a new manager trying to rebuild in January is also totally valid. We can all love smith as much as we want but the football has been crap! He does not know what formation he wants to play and he can't attract his targets (supposedly).
Add to that we have one of the best players in the country shoe horned into the left wing position because that's the only option because we have mo other effective wingers.
I'm indifferent to Smith and have zero loyalty to him. He is going to be a flash in the pan of this club and he will be long gone by the time i meet my maker so why shouldn't I be more concerned with my club than some bloke who has had 2 extremely lucky end of season runs one to get us up and one to stay up. Nobody here can tell me it was his tactics that got us up and not the fact Jack came back from injury like a man possessed.

Anyway this is the transfer thread and a lot of what I have just said is hypothetical as was in my first post.
 I want us to be decisive and go get players ready for the first team not squad players and nothing we have been linked with seems to have any legs.
If we end up with another season of random players for all over Europe I will be worried. We need 2 more star players to go with Jack to kick on and 1 absolutely has to be a striker and 1 a winger. Until we have a solid link or an itsotp I'm going to remain concerned.

I'll leave you to continue sniping at posts you don't agree with. Enjoy

As someone’s already pointed out the whole premise of this is flawed as we haven’t, as far as any of us know, missed out on targets yet.
Secondly this isn’t the Smith thread so I’m loathe to get into the whole debate of, he had no influence on us getting up or staying up, but everything to do with our struggles, one eyed to the extreme!

In fact the whole thing is ridiculous beyond words.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ktvillan on August 28, 2020, 05:24:15 PM

Who's "demanding ruthlessness"?  I said I think he deserves chance at the second season, but that there is case to be argued for going for someone considered more likely to take us to the top if they were available and willing to come -  and that others have been ruthless enough to try that. 

As for Wall Street, well I wouldn't understate or dismiss the financial implications of such decisions.  It might just be Aston but Aston Villa is a multi million pound business in a multi billion pound industry practically built on pure greed.  And you really don't have to look too far for Gordon Gekko types in the game.   

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on August 28, 2020, 05:30:15 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 28, 2020, 03:38:18 PM

Remind me again - how often has a club sacked a successful manager because a better one suddenly became available, and improved?

I'd hardly call scraping promotion via the playoffs and narrowly avoiding relegation (both only via streaky late season runs) successful.

Leicester won the league after getting rid of Pearson, who had a near identical 'success' (promotion and scraping survival). Watford got rid of a promotion winner, Southampton, Spurs, Man City. Chelsea do it all the time and have often done better by doing so.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Exeter 77 on August 28, 2020, 05:36:34 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on August 28, 2020, 05:30:15 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 28, 2020, 03:38:18 PM

Remind me again - how often has a club sacked a successful manager because a better one suddenly became available, and improved?

I'd hardly call scraping promotion via the playoffs

Doing so when starting from so far behind the other contenders surely has to been seen as a success though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on August 28, 2020, 05:39:53 PM

Quote from: Exeter 77 on August 28, 2020, 05:36:34 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on August 28, 2020, 05:30:15 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 28, 2020, 03:38:18 PM

Remind me again - how often has a club sacked a successful manager because a better one suddenly became available, and improved?

I'd hardly call scraping promotion via the playoffs

Doing so when starting from so far behind the other contenders surely has to been seen as a success though.

Only if you also accept that it was in part his failure that we were so far behind.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on August 28, 2020, 05:40:47 PM

Quote from: john e on August 28, 2020, 05:08:26 PM

yet we are just making up the numbers at the moment and nothing suggests we believe we are capable of anything else
Well Leicester, Spurs , Man City did for various reasons

Other than signing lots of young up and coming players for the future. Recruiting a new DoF who has come from a very successful stint at another club. Recruiting a Premier League winning Coach who also has management experience. Apart from that, then no, I guess you're right.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on August 28, 2020, 05:42:14 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on August 28, 2020, 05:30:15 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 28, 2020, 03:38:18 PM

Remind me again - how often has a club sacked a successful manager because a better one suddenly became available, and improved?

I'd hardly call scraping promotion via the playoffs and narrowly avoiding relegation (both only via streaky late season runs) successful.

Leicester won the league after getting rid of Pearson, who had a near identical 'success' (promotion and scraping survival). Watford got rid of a promotion winner, Southampton, Spurs, Man City. Chelsea do it all the time and have often done better by doing so.

I guess there's groups on either side of this argument who aren't likely to agree regardless of what the others say.

However, Villa were explicitly trying to cut costs (specifically the wage bill), comply with FFP which we were perilously close to breaching, and company rebuild a team the season we were promoted. What Dean & Suso have done so far is nothing short of miraculous, even with the few failures that have come with it. Of which, i don't think we've actually overpaid on any player we've brought except perhaps Kalinic. They've maybe not been particularly brilliant, but i doubt we'd lose money on many and probably sell most for at least as much, if not more, than we'd paid.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 28, 2020, 05:43:03 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on August 28, 2020, 05:30:15 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 28, 2020, 03:38:18 PM

Remind me again - how often has a club sacked a successful manager because a better one suddenly became available, and improved?

I'd hardly call scraping promotion via the playoffs and narrowly avoiding relegation (both only via streaky late season runs) successful.

Leicester won the league after getting rid of Pearson, who had a near identical 'success' (promotion and scraping survival). Watford got rid of a promotion winner, Southampton, Spurs, Man City. Chelsea do it all the time and have often done better by doing so.

Saying that Dean Smith's record over the past two years isn't successful and breaking records is lucky is stretching the facts to suit your argument almost to breaking point. He got promoted in his first season. He kept us up in his second. He did what was asked of him.

Leicester sacked Nigel Pearson for non-footballing reasons, Watford sacked a manager who'd got them promoted then had five replacements in four years, Southampton struck lucky once and the other three have been answered above.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on August 28, 2020, 05:44:02 PM

Quote from: Drummond on August 28, 2020, 05:40:47 PM

Quote from: john e on August 28, 2020, 05:08:26 PM

yet we are just making up the numbers at the moment and nothing suggests we believe we are capable of anything else
Well Leicester, Spurs , Man City did for various reasons

Other than signing lots of young up and coming players for the future. Recruiting a new DoF who has come from a very successful stint at another club. Recruiting a Premier League winning Coach who also has management experience. Apart from that, then no, I guess you're right.

The signing promising up and coming players is great. However we need to make sure we do not make the same mistake as last time we did that (the Veretout et al era) - you can not only] sign players of that type, you also need proven quality, because otherwise you find yourself relying on too many of those younger players at the same time, which is exactly what did for us in our relegation season.

Bringing through up and coming players is fine, relying on them all producing is a recipe for disaster.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on August 28, 2020, 05:49:17 PM

What is our ambition this season?

It's depressing to realise it but even top ten is bloody difficult without spending a shedload of money and/or a manager like Wilder who has the same steady core of players that he gets every drop of sweat from.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on August 28, 2020, 05:50:13 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on August 28, 2020, 05:39:53 PM

Quote from: Exeter 77 on August 28, 2020, 05:36:34 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on August 28, 2020, 05:30:15 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 28, 2020, 03:38:18 PM

Remind me again - how often has a club sacked a successful manager because a better one suddenly became available, and improved?

I'd hardly call scraping promotion via the playoffs

Doing so when starting from so far behind the other contenders surely has to been seen as a success though.

Only if you also accept that it was in part his failure that we were so far behind.

Really....you blame a guy who took over in the October miles behind without a fit centre half to call on part of the failure?? That season he was an unequivocal success

Last season he has to take responsibility for the fact we nearly went down in the same way as he takes plaudits for us staying up but the long and short was he achieved his objective.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on August 28, 2020, 05:51:11 PM

Quote from: eamonn on August 28, 2020, 05:49:17 PM

What is our ambition this season?

It's depressing to realise it but even top ten is bloody difficult without spending a shedload of money and/or a manager like Wilder who has the same steady core of players that he gets every drop of sweat from.

I bet Sheffield United go down this season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Stu on August 28, 2020, 05:51:42 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on August 28, 2020, 05:30:15 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 28, 2020, 03:38:18 PM

Remind me again - how often has a club sacked a successful manager because a better one suddenly became available, and improved?

I'd hardly call scraping promotion via the playoffs and narrowly avoiding relegation (both only via streaky late season runs) successful.

What did the club expect Smith to do when he was appointed? If the brief was:

1: Get Villa promoted, then
2: Keep Villa up

...he has succeeded. What's more, we got to a cup final in between.

What did you expect of Villa last season? Bearing in mind we finished 18 points behind the champions, Norwich, in the promotion season, then finished 15 points ahead of them last season - and they went down. All the while, we had to buy almost an entire team.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on August 28, 2020, 05:56:25 PM

Quote from: Gareth on August 28, 2020, 05:50:13 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on August 28, 2020, 05:39:53 PM

Quote from: Exeter 77 on August 28, 2020, 05:36:34 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on August 28, 2020, 05:30:15 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 28, 2020, 03:38:18 PM

Remind me again - how often has a club sacked a successful manager because a better one suddenly became available, and improved?

I'd hardly call scraping promotion via the playoffs

Doing so when starting from so far behind the other contenders surely has to been seen as a success though.

Only if you also accept that it was in part his failure that we were so far behind.

Really....you blame a guy who took over in the October miles behind without a fit centre half to call on part of the failure?? That season he was an unequivocal success

Last season he has to take responsibility for the fact we nearly went down in the same way as he takes plaudits for us staying up but the long and short was he achieved his objective.

He did....but let's be honest Dean Smith was very very lucky to have retained his job for the duration of the season. 35 points from 38 games was a very poor return and we are somewhat fortunate it was just enough to survive.

A bad run at the start of the upcoming season and Smith will be very much under pressure again. Hence the immediate need to strengthen the squad quickly with quality that can go straight into the first eleven. I don't think Smith will survive a bad start.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on August 28, 2020, 05:56:51 PM

To be clear, I'm not in favour of sacking Smith, he has fulfilled his brief. I just don't really think I've ever been convinced he's got what it takes to make the club leap forward in the Premier League, as I don't think we've ever really looked like a team with a coherent plan or style or anything really.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ktvillan on August 28, 2020, 05:59:50 PM

I'd agree Smith has done everything that he was targeted with and that equates to success of a sort.  But the question remains as to whether he has what it takes to achieve higher level targets, i.e. get us competitive with the top half of the table for a start, and then push on from there.  As I said I have my doubts when you consider his tactical naivety and some piss poor performances at times last season but I think he's earned the chance to have a go with what he's done so far.  Hopefully with a better calibre of player on board.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on August 28, 2020, 06:04:42 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on August 28, 2020, 05:30:15 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 28, 2020, 03:38:18 PM

Remind me again - how often has a club sacked a successful manager because a better one suddenly became available, and improved?

I'd hardly call scraping promotion via the playoffs and narrowly avoiding relegation (both only via streaky late season runs) successful.

Leicester won the league after getting rid of Pearson, who had a near identical 'success' (promotion and scraping survival). Watford got rid of a promotion winner, Southampton, Spurs, Man City. Chelsea do it all the time and have often done better by doing so.

As far as Chelsea go, in the season each of their managers left:
Sarri - finished 3rd, 26 points behind the champions
Conte - finished 5th, 30 points behind the champions
Hiddink - was only ever interim manager
Mourinho - were 16th in the table when sacked
Benitez - was only ever interim manager
Di Matteo - Had lost his last 5 games and on the verge of exiting Europe
Ancelotti - didn't win a trophy in his last season

None of those were sacked just because someone better was available. They were each sacked for failing to achieve what the club wanted at that moment which in Chelsea's case is being top of the league/and or Champions League winners.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Nunkin1965 on August 28, 2020, 06:05:28 PM

It is all about results and if Dean doesn’t get them then the people who aren’t having him under any circumstances because he isn’t a “name” will have their way.
Personally I hope he succeeds next season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kieron on August 28, 2020, 06:16:05 PM

Gregg Evans states we're had a bid of £10m rejected for Matty Cash.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on August 28, 2020, 06:19:22 PM

Quote from: kieron on August 28, 2020, 06:16:05 PM

Gregg Evans states we're had a bid of £10m rejected for Matty Cash.

Farcical really - everyone knows we have cash so are holding out. When you consider that CP bought Eze - one of the EFL's brightest players last season - for £16m (up to £19.5m) - £10m for a fullback is more than a decent offer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on August 28, 2020, 06:23:33 PM

Quote from: Mister E on August 28, 2020, 06:19:22 PM

Quote from: kieron on August 28, 2020, 06:16:05 PM

Gregg Evans states we're had a bid of £10m rejected for Matty Cash.

Farcical really - everyone knows we have cash so are holding out. When you consider that CP bought Eze - one of the EFL's brightest players last season - for £16m (up to £19.5m) - £10m for a fullback is more than a decent offer.

A bit like Jack if he is under contract then the selling club can hold out for whatever fee they want

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on August 28, 2020, 06:58:29 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on August 28, 2020, 05:30:15 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 28, 2020, 03:38:18 PM

Remind me again - how often has a club sacked a successful manager because a better one suddenly became available, and improved?

I'd hardly call scraping promotion via the playoffs and narrowly avoiding relegation (both only via streaky late season runs) successful.

Leicester won the league after getting rid of Pearson, who had a near identical 'success' (promotion and scraping survival). Watford got rid of a promotion winner, Southampton, Spurs, Man City. Chelsea do it all the time and have often done better by doing so.

Spurs finished 4th and replaced Redknapp. That for me is the real standout replacement. Took some guts but it paid off for them. As for Dean, who knows. He got us up and managed to keep us up by the skin of our teeth. We should be thanking Norwich as much as anybody for their kamikaze approach to last season by not spending any money. It's now a massive season for both Dean and ourselves. I expect the board to fully support him but I'm sure he knows they won't be patient should he under deliver. They will want to see real progress and rightly so.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 28, 2020, 06:58:34 PM

Quote from: Monty on August 28, 2020, 05:56:51 PM

To be clear, I'm not in favour of sacking Smith, he has fulfilled his brief. I just don't really think I've ever been convinced he's got what it takes to make the club leap forward in the Premier League, as I don't think we've ever really looked like a team with a coherent plan or style or anything really.

I agree with this
like Monty i don’t want him ditched but I’m not filled with confidence that he can do a Wolves or a Leicester for instance

I’ll be honest I did want more last season
especially in terms of football performance and tactical levels

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on August 28, 2020, 07:13:33 PM

If we end up spending the best part of £50 million on 3 championship players: Cash,Watkins and Swift  , then would you be happy with that?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 28, 2020, 07:15:11 PM

It's a yes from me.

Edit: the Championship is of a higher standard than the Belgian top flight, for example.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on August 28, 2020, 07:16:08 PM

Matty Cash bid rejected, that should send twitter into meltdown - I can’t say I really remember him from when we were in Championship so I have no clue if that would be a good / bad signing but I’m sure the flame throwers will be out saying he’s shit / a championship player / underwhelming / not a striker so why - if he’s been identified as a player the mgr / DoF want and it is doable now get it done there are no rules to the sequence of signings

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aev on August 28, 2020, 07:20:41 PM

In the absence of any actual news I did read that were interested in Eze but “shocked” by his wage demands.

I am all for a bit of financial prudence but most players we are linked with are also linked with other English clubs. If we want them we will have to pay up for them.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on August 28, 2020, 07:21:27 PM

Think he scored against us in the 5-5 game

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 28, 2020, 07:24:36 PM

Doing the same as last year.  Not prepared to stump up for first choice targets.  That Cash story is in the Express and Star so more believable.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on August 28, 2020, 07:26:03 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on August 28, 2020, 07:13:33 PM

If we end up spending the best part of £50 million on 3 championship players: Cash,Watkins and Swift  , then would you be happy with that?

No. Neither Cash nor Swift improve the first team or even really make the bench substantially stronger (Watkins would). That's what we need to be doing. Is Swift much better than Hourihane or Nakamba? Is Cash better than Guilbert or even AEH (of course he's younger but at the present moment)? Nah, not for me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on August 28, 2020, 07:26:40 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on August 28, 2020, 07:13:33 PM

If we end up spending the best part of £50 million on 3 championship players: Cash,Watkins and Swift  , then would you be happy with that?

As long as it wasn't the only business we did.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ian. on August 28, 2020, 07:28:19 PM

Quote from: Risso on August 28, 2020, 07:26:40 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on August 28, 2020, 07:13:33 PM

If we end up spending the best part of £50 million on 3 championship players: Cash,Watkins and Swift  , then would you be happy with that?

As long as it wasn't the only business we did.

If the rumours are to be believed that leaves another 70 Million to spend.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on August 28, 2020, 07:29:05 PM

You have to think logically it would be at least half our budget spent.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on August 28, 2020, 07:29:12 PM

Quote from: Risso on August 28, 2020, 07:26:40 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on August 28, 2020, 07:13:33 PM

If we end up spending the best part of £50 million on 3 championship players: Cash,Watkins and Swift  , then would you be happy with that?

As long as it wasn't the only business we did.

To be fair, that's a good point. If we still spent £100m+ on a striker, winger, centre mid and left back then Cash and Swift were just paid for out of cash the owners found down the back of their sofa as speculative signings for the future then yeah ok.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LukeJames on August 28, 2020, 07:32:16 PM

Im  skeptical about most of these links, last season pretty much all of our signings came without the press having any prior knowledge. But if there is any truth in the Cash, Watkins, Benrahma, Swift links, then I will find it massively underwhelming and it would feel too me as though we are attempting to build a squad too get out of the Championship.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: The_ads on August 28, 2020, 07:34:40 PM

Probably the wrong thread really but quite a substantial amount of people said they’d take 17th place last season and those same people are moaning that we finished 17th

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: old man villa fan on August 28, 2020, 07:43:30 PM

I have always felt that, if you do not lose any of your 1st XI players from the previous season, you should be looking for 2 or 3 of your new signings to go straight into your 1st XI.  That way, you should keep on moving forward.  This means that your key signings have to be significantly better than those they are replacing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: jcsutv on August 28, 2020, 07:47:03 PM

Quote from: The_ads on August 28, 2020, 07:34:40 PM

Probably the wrong thread really but quite a substantial amount of people said they’d take 17th place last season and those same people are moaning that we finished 17th

Maybe that’s a glass half full thing?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Jockey Randall on August 28, 2020, 07:49:04 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on August 28, 2020, 07:26:03 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on August 28, 2020, 07:13:33 PM

If we end up spending the best part of £50 million on 3 championship players: Cash,Watkins and Swift  , then would you be happy with that?

No. Neither Cash nor Swift improve the first team or even really make the bench substantially stronger (Watkins would). That's what we need to be doing. Is Swift much better than Hourihane or Nakamba? Is Cash better than Guilbert or even AEH (of course he's younger but at the present moment)? Nah, not for me.

I think it's hard to say with Cash. He seems to be similar to Watkins in that he's been converted to a new position last season and has flourished at right back with 3 goals and 5 assists while also being part of one of the league's better defences. It could just be that he's finally found a position he can excel in and this time next year £10m/£12m could look a bargain.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 28, 2020, 07:50:18 PM

A full back that is arguably not as good as Fred, a midfielder that probably won't start. Another week ticks by. We need 3 forward players, probably 4 in truth. The other areas are the ones that actually can wait.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kieron on August 28, 2020, 07:59:12 PM

Percy states we're in advanced talks for Cash, £12m.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on August 28, 2020, 07:59:40 PM

What position did Cash play before being moved to right back?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Richard E on August 28, 2020, 08:01:38 PM

Winger.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kieron on August 28, 2020, 08:03:01 PM

Quote from: kieron on August 28, 2020, 07:59:12 PM

Percy states we're in advanced talks for Cash, £12m.

Hmm, actually, Villareport states that Percy states. However I don't see that on Percy's feed. Villareport has also blocked replies to said tweet.


https://twitter.com/villareport/status/1299421011180425216

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on August 28, 2020, 08:05:52 PM

Quote from: kieron on August 28, 2020, 08:03:01 PM

Quote from: kieron on August 28, 2020, 07:59:12 PM

Percy states we're in advanced talks for Cash, £12m.

Hmm, actually, Villareport states that Percy states. However I don't see that on Percy's feed. Villareport has also blocked replies to said tweet.


https://twitter.com/villareport/status/1299421011180425216

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2020/08/28/aston-villa-move-ahead-race-sign-nottingham-forests-matty-cash/

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kieron on August 28, 2020, 08:06:24 PM

Was just going to also post that, cheers SV.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on August 28, 2020, 08:09:09 PM

Would we play him further up the park ?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aev on August 28, 2020, 08:12:33 PM

Quote from: VILLA MOLE on August 28, 2020, 08:09:09 PM

Would we play him further up the park ?

Possible. I think Guilbert is good and wouldn’t want him to leave.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john2710 on August 28, 2020, 08:14:24 PM

12 months ago we practically needed to get a whole team assembled before the season started & I've no doubt we paid a premium for the pleasure.

We are looking at 4-5 players this season & 2-3 of them quality. I'd rather wait until the right players are available & nobody truly knows how far down the line we are.

How about we stop shitting our pants until there's a need to.

Right back
Box to box midfielder
Winger
Winger / Forward
Centre forward

That's about £120m less any players we can shift.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 28, 2020, 08:15:29 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on August 28, 2020, 07:06:34 PM

Have been pondering and now think signing swift and cash would be making a fast buck for reading and Forrest.Literally.

When we play away the latter will be our Man in Black. Literally. :)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: frank black on August 28, 2020, 08:20:40 PM

I like Matty Cash, good player and better than Guilbert. May play more forward though

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 28, 2020, 08:25:02 PM

He destroyed us along with Lolly at home in the 5-5.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on August 28, 2020, 08:26:49 PM

Aaron Mooy has left Brighton to move to China.

Quite like him; decent player - would have been a decent midfield addition.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on August 28, 2020, 08:33:27 PM

I've seen Matty Cash a few times this season and he's looked good. During the season he was expected to go to West Ham. Lolley must be in his ear telling him big a club we are. £12m would be decent value in this market.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on August 28, 2020, 08:41:03 PM

Quote from: Villafirst on August 28, 2020, 02:22:37 PM

Trouble is, quite rightly DS said he didn't want a Douglas Luiz situation where he signed just 2 days from the start of the new season. But that's starting to unfold again I'm afraid.

You can twist that logic the other way too:

Let’s not sign Luiz because he was not available at the start of the window.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 28, 2020, 08:46:34 PM

John Percy suggesting Watkins deal will be done possibly next week

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on August 28, 2020, 08:55:30 PM

Cash and Watkins may be good signings; but we could do with a bit more experience in there too.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 28, 2020, 09:11:14 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 28, 2020, 08:46:34 PM

John Percy suggesting Watkins deal will be done possibly next week

I can’t see that link or is it in the Cash story?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 28, 2020, 09:24:00 PM

Quote from: Gareth on August 28, 2020, 09:40:20 AM

Other than Pep or Klopp there isn’t a manager in the league that would be a ‘draw’ so as a stick to hit Dean with I can’t see it - £’s & location yes, wanting to know that the best player isn’t gonna be sold before you join yes, mgr profile no

We see a lot about supposed targets but we along with the journalists no diddly squat as fact

Interesting opinion. Would Wolves have signed the players they did in 17/18 if Paul Lambert was still managing them?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on August 28, 2020, 09:26:15 PM

The Mendes connection played a big part in those moves.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 28, 2020, 09:31:00 PM

Quote from: OCD on August 28, 2020, 09:26:15 PM

The Mendes connection played a big part in those moves.

Of course it did but Ruben Neves played for Nuno at Porto for example and I'm sure Joao Moutinho has come across him before.

The previous season with Lambert and whichever other joker was in charge Wolves were certainly getting in a lower calibre of signing, Andi Wiemann was their main striker for half a season so that gives you an idea of what Lambert could attract.

Also seen James Rodriguez strongly linked to Everton, he played under Ancelotti for Real Madrid.

We'll sign some players eventually but looks like it will be another summer of taking punts on guys from lower leagues and hoping for the best.

Worth noting our best two signings last summer had started 25 + games in premier league (Heaton) and La Liga (Doug). Surely we need more players of that calibre to push us towards top 10 in next few years. Leeds signed a first choice La Liga striker yesterday so it's not that hard if you sell yourself enough.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 28, 2020, 09:31:43 PM

We might have signed and needed a ‘whole new team’  last season but the first game of the season there was just 3 outfield changes from the season before

Elmo and Taylor both apparently deserving the shirt and staying there for i think about 6 games
that’s when i started to question some of Smiths decisions

if we had played the ‘whole new team ‘ from the beginning i reckon we might not have been desperately hoping other results went our way on the final day for us to stay up

what I’m saying is we talk about signing 13 players last season as if they played every week, they didn’t

the management team need to grow some balls this season believe in their best players and play the new guys (if we buy any) and not be so cautious and safe as it didn’t work

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 28, 2020, 09:36:04 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on August 28, 2020, 07:13:33 PM

If we end up spending the best part of £50 million on 3 championship players: Cash,Watkins and Swift  , then would you be happy with that?

No chance. Watkins with all the pressure to score the goals in his first prem season, have we learnt nothing from Gestede and Wesley?

Swift would just be a squad player. The way to do it is buy a first choice midfielder and then Hourihane goes from starting 20 + games in a season to just 10 or something. Surely that's how you improve your first 11 and squad.

Curious why we find it so difficult to identify and sign decent first choice players from top half teams in Spain, Italy and Germany as those leagues are obviously the highest standard around with the premier league so you get a better calibre of player.

That's why the Rashica link before it fizzled out was pretty interesting and he plays for a team who were the 16th best in Bundesliga last season.

Eventually if we're to sign "marquee" players and actually become a top half team we're going to have to set our sights a little bit higher in signing players. Seems to be a recurring problem with us even when we have loads of money to spend as apparently is the case this summer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on August 28, 2020, 09:56:09 PM

I'm not sold on hoovering up signings from the Championship but I do like Watkins movement, workrate and pace and Cash. Guilbert''s positioning was appalling last season. Swift..... he looks technically decent but I was hoping for something a bit more dynamic and physically imposing in the middle. £40-50m for the 3, it feels like the improvement wouldn't be major and there's better value out there but we aren't finding a way of getting the job done.

Having said all that the key signing has to be a centre forward. Watkins isn't it for me. I'd have him as a wider one.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 28, 2020, 09:59:15 PM

Yep Watkins signed along with an experienced striker is what is required this summer.

Gives the option of Watkins adapting to prem in first 10 games out wide and without the pressure to hit the ground running which he'd have if he was the central striker.

I really can't believe we're going to fudge the striker issue yet again this summer. Just a reminder our collection last season scored in 6 out of 38 premier league games.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: levico on August 28, 2020, 10:05:03 PM

Looks to me as if we’re sold on creating a pretty decent Championship side.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: maidstonevillain on August 28, 2020, 10:08:15 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 28, 2020, 09:24:00 PM

Quote from: Gareth on August 28, 2020, 09:40:20 AM

Other than Pep or Klopp there isn’t a manager in the league that would be a ‘draw’ so as a stick to hit Dean with I can’t see it - £’s & location yes, wanting to know that the best player isn’t gonna be sold before you join yes, mgr profile no

We see a lot about supposed targets but we along with the journalists no diddly squat as fact

Interesting opinion. Would Wolves have signed the players they did in 17/18 if Paul Lambert was still managing them?

There's a quite a few players who were attracted to Villa under Lambert who are playing at a far higher level than we are presently.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: maidstonevillain on August 28, 2020, 10:19:45 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 28, 2020, 09:36:04 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on August 28, 2020, 07:13:33 PM

If we end up spending the best part of £50 million on 3 championship players: Cash,Watkins and Swift  , then would you be happy with that?

No chance. Watkins with all the pressure to score the goals in his first prem season, have we learnt nothing from Gestede and Wesley?

Swift would just be a squad player. The way to do it is buy a first choice midfielder and then Hourihane goes from starting 20 + games in a season to just 10 or something. Surely that's how you improve your first 11 and squad.

Curious why we find it so difficult to identify and sign decent first choice players from top half teams in Spain, Italy and Germany as those leagues are obviously the highest standard around with the premier league so you get a better calibre of player.

That's why the Rashica link before it fizzled out was pretty interesting and he plays for a team who were the 16th best in Bundesliga last season.

Eventually if we're to sign "marquee" players and actually become a top half team we're going to have to set our sights a little bit higher in signing players. Seems to be a recurring problem with us even when we have loads of money to spend as apparently is the case this summer.

Yet Leicester won the premiership by signing a striker from Fleetwood.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on August 28, 2020, 10:26:27 PM

And yet it is more common to win the Premier League by buying strikers from Atletico Madrid.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 28, 2020, 10:33:30 PM

Watkins is a good player and will do it in the Prem imo. He can't be of only striker signing this summer though. Or indeed it only winger. Rashica, Benrahma and Edouard all come in too and I'll be alot more confident of not sitting around the bottom 3 all season

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on August 28, 2020, 10:35:30 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 28, 2020, 09:59:15 PM

Yep Watkins signed along with an experienced striker is what is required this summer.

Gives the option of Watkins adapting to prem in first 10 games out wide and without the pressure to hit the ground running which he'd have if he was the central striker.

I really can't believe we're going to fudge the striker issue yet again this summer. Just a reminder our collection last season scored in 6 out of 38 premier league games.

Ashley Barnes might not be the worst shout. Only a year left on his contract and the type of nasty tough forward we haven't had in years. We need a few more of them in the squad generally. Chips in with his share of goals too and then Watkins could be gradually eased in.

Are we expecting any kind of improvement from Samatta?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 28, 2020, 10:38:18 PM

I’m actually not bothered where players come from as long as they are good players
and That’s down to Smith and the recruiting team to get it right

you can use and pick players from all over the place to back up claims of where you think the level is we should be buying at

I don’t care as long as they do the business at Villa

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 28, 2020, 10:39:15 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on August 28, 2020, 10:35:30 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 28, 2020, 09:59:15 PM

Yep Watkins signed along with an experienced striker is what is required this summer.

Gives the option of Watkins adapting to prem in first 10 games out wide and without the pressure to hit the ground running which he'd have if he was the central striker.

I really can't believe we're going to fudge the striker issue yet again this summer. Just a reminder our collection last season scored in 6 out of 38 premier league games.

Ashley Barnes might not be the worst shout. Only a year left on his contract and the type of nasty tough forward we haven't had in years. We need a few more of them in the squad generally. Chips in with his share of goals too and then Watkins could be gradually eased in.

Are we expecting any kind of improvement from Samatta?

Barnes is more of a second striker, Chris Wood would probably fit us better although he's been around for ages so must be 30 by now.

Said it before but I'd get an experienced striker like Rondon on a seasons loan. I actually think that makes more sense than spending another 30m on someone who could take a year to adapt.

By next summer you'd imagine Tammy will be available for transfer and you'd hope if we had a mid table season we'd have enough about us to compete with other clubs and sign him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 28, 2020, 10:40:11 PM

Quote from: maidstonevillain on August 28, 2020, 10:19:45 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 28, 2020, 09:36:04 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on August 28, 2020, 07:13:33 PM

If we end up spending the best part of £50 million on 3 championship players: Cash,Watkins and Swift  , then would you be happy with that?

No chance. Watkins with all the pressure to score the goals in his first prem season, have we learnt nothing from Gestede and Wesley?

Swift would just be a squad player. The way to do it is buy a first choice midfielder and then Hourihane goes from starting 20 + games in a season to just 10 or something. Surely that's how you improve your first 11 and squad.

Curious why we find it so difficult to identify and sign decent first choice players from top half teams in Spain, Italy and Germany as those leagues are obviously the highest standard around with the premier league so you get a better calibre of player.

That's why the Rashica link before it fizzled out was pretty interesting and he plays for a team who were the 16th best in Bundesliga last season.

Eventually if we're to sign "marquee" players and actually become a top half team we're going to have to set our sights a little bit higher in signing players. Seems to be a recurring problem with us even when we have loads of money to spend as apparently is the case this summer.

Yet Leicester won the premiership by signing a striker from Fleetwood.

Very true but Leicester are a completely anamoly in premier league for last 20 years. In any case their second starting striker that year was a regular in the Bundesliga (Okazaki).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 28, 2020, 10:49:30 PM

I said it earlier but Watkins on work rate alone will be a success.  Added to that he can hold the ball up and get in behind defenders and is a great finisher I think he’s the real deal.  But let’s not get slagging him off when the supply line is zero.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: tomd2103 on August 28, 2020, 10:50:12 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 28, 2020, 07:50:18 PM

A full back that is arguably not as good as Fred, a midfielder that probably won't start. Another week ticks by. We need 3 forward players, probably 4 in truth. The other areas are the ones that actually can wait.

I don't think the full back options are good enough, but I agree that there are probably positions that are more of a priority this season.

If Jack stays and we go with same formation, then we need a better player on the opposite side.  El Ghazi and Trezeguet are bench options at best in the top flight.  We absolutely need a first choice striker and that is probably the number one priority to be honest.  If Davis goes out on loan or either Samatta of Wesley move on, then it could be argued we need two.  Watkins can cover a few positions so would be a decent option, but we still need that bit of nous and experience up there.

Next two priorities for me are an experienced and quality central midfielder and defender.  Players to play alongside Mings and Luiz respectively, and give us that bit composure that we lacked at times last season. 

The last addition would be an exciting prospect who could play in the attacking midfielder role.  I like McGinn in that position, as when fully fit, he can press teams from that position, but it would be nice to see a player come on in games and show some real quality.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 28, 2020, 10:58:59 PM

We need to sort out the final third before we spend big money on full backs. Our best LB in last 15 years was Bouma and he only started showing decent form when we signed Ashley Young which was 18 months after Bouma signed.

We just need better options to stretch opposition more on counter attack and generally mean the FBs do less defending, Targett would certainly appreciate a wide player who could cut inside and give him more space for the overlap run which he's decent at.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on August 28, 2020, 11:29:40 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 28, 2020, 10:58:59 PM

We need to sort out the final third before we spend big money on full backs. Our best LB in last 15 years was Bouma and he only started showing decent form when we signed Ashley Young which was 18 months after Bouma signed.

We just need better options to stretch opposition more on counter attack and generally mean the FBs do less defending, Targett would certainly appreciate a wide player who could cut inside and give him more space for the overlap run which he's decent at.

Better than Grealish? Are you Gareth Southgate?? 🤪

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: TonyD on August 28, 2020, 11:33:24 PM

Would you do a swap with Barcelona.  Not going to happen but a teaser.

Messi for Jack?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on August 28, 2020, 11:45:51 PM

Quote from: TonyD on August 28, 2020, 11:33:24 PM

Would you do a swap with Barcelona.  Not going to happen but a teaser.

Messi for Jack?

Fuck yeah!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dinas_Caerdydd on August 28, 2020, 11:47:56 PM

Quote from: TonyD on August 28, 2020, 11:33:24 PM

Would you do a swap with Barcelona.  Not going to happen but a teaser.

Messi for Jack?

hope messi joins someone like B Munich would be a perfect fit for him .

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 28, 2020, 11:52:25 PM

Talk Everton want another right back. Wonder if Seamus Coleman would be available. Thought he was back to his best last season and would give us that much needed experience and quality at the back. Probably a good test of how far off world domination we are if he'd rather stay as back up at Everton than come here as first choice.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: robbo1874 on August 28, 2020, 11:53:31 PM

Quote from: Monty on August 28, 2020, 05:56:51 PM

To be clear, I'm not in favour of sacking Smith, he has fulfilled his brief. I just don't really think I've ever been convinced he's got what it takes to make the club leap forward in the Premier League, as I don't think we've ever really looked like a team with a coherent plan or style or anything really.

i don’t think the club’s philosophy is about leaping forward, more one of steady sustainable progression. Probably the next step will be consolidating our position and finishing higher up the league. And then when the Academy starts to bear fruit, pushing on to challenge at the top end.

Tenth would be a good target to aim for, but until we see which signings come in, I’d say maybe between 15th and 10th would be a more realistic aim. If I’m honest I’d be happy with a comfortable 15th without a nerve-jangling relegation scrap this season

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: TonyD on August 28, 2020, 11:54:45 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on August 28, 2020, 11:45:51 PM

Quote from: TonyD on August 28, 2020, 11:33:24 PM

Would you do a swap with Barcelona.  Not going to happen but a teaser.

Messi for Jack?

Fuck yeah!

Really?  Commercially it would be incredible but on the pitch I’m not sure Messi would do well in the PL.  He would get slaughtered by much more organised and fitter defenders than in Spain where he has only 3/4 good sides a season to play against. He is also on the wane where the only way is up for supa Jack.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on August 29, 2020, 12:05:50 AM

Quote from: TonyD on August 28, 2020, 11:54:45 PM

Really?  Commercially it would be incredible but on the pitch I’m not sure Messi would do well in the PL.  He would get slaughtered by much more organised and fitter defenders than in Spain where he has only 3/4 good sides a season to play against. He is also on the wane where the only way is up for supa Jack.

Of course.  Jack's a top player and he's Villa through and through but Messi is one of the game's all time legends - maybe even the greatest ever.  It's not as if there are many more than 3 or 4 good sides in the PL either and the standard of defending here is mediocre.  Now, while we're dreaming, if Barca would take Hogan instead we could play Messi and Jack together.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: TonyD on August 29, 2020, 12:17:30 AM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on August 29, 2020, 12:05:50 AM

Quote from: TonyD on August 28, 2020, 11:54:45 PM

Really?  Commercially it would be incredible but on the pitch I’m not sure Messi would do well in the PL.  He would get slaughtered by much more organised and fitter defenders than in Spain where he has only 3/4 good sides a season to play against. He is also on the wane where the only way is up for supa Jack.

Of course.  Jack's a top player and he's Villa through and through but Messi is one of the game's all time legends - maybe even the greatest ever.  It's not as if there are many more than 3 or 4 good sides in the PL either and the standard of defending here is mediocre.  Now, while we're dreaming, if Barca would take Hogan instead we could play Messi and Jack together.

No that would be a big headache.  How would we decide which one started and which one came on a half time?  Far too much hassle.  And do we know if Hogan even likes tapas?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 29, 2020, 12:33:45 AM

Quote from: TonyD on August 28, 2020, 11:33:24 PM

Would you do a swap with Barcelona.  Not going to happen but a teaser.

Messi for Jack?

Absolutely not.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Shrek on August 29, 2020, 07:56:53 AM

I think our problem is everyone knows we need a new front 3, Watkins looks likely, so we either need 2 wide players or one wide and a striker.
IMO if we sign Watkins, it’s as a striker, so 2 wide players the priority now.

I cannot see Jack starting wide left if he stays, he will be all but demanding he plays in midfield with McGinn and Luiz.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ian. on August 29, 2020, 08:02:12 AM

It seems Matty Cash could be the first in, he seems decent and well thought of with Forest.
Hopefully the first of many to follow. Really need that edge up front but after hearing recent interviews with Smith we will not be going into the new season unprepared as we did last year. Just have to be a bit patient.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aev on August 29, 2020, 08:21:44 AM

I am less bothered than some about buying Championship players instead of those with Premier experience.

I think the issue last season was too many players coming in that were inexperienced with the intensity of English football, but a season on they know now what to expect. Adding players from the league below we believe could step up I think would work.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on August 29, 2020, 08:57:38 AM

I know it's not for this thread, but I can't somewhere better so...

The Premier League is having a re-vote on the five substitutes rule next Thursday.

Why?

It's already been voted down by a majority of clubs who can see the advantage to the Sky 6.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 29, 2020, 09:01:04 AM

Apparently they now have more support for it.  I think it just about kills any competitive nature of the league bar the sky six if it goes through.  Apparently Chelsea, manure and Liverpool are ‘at war’ with the league over it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on August 29, 2020, 09:04:48 AM

I'm thinking that we will get Tammy ... but on a season's loan only.
Along with Watkins and possibly another wide player.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: jwarry on August 29, 2020, 09:20:05 AM

Quote from: Ian J on August 29, 2020, 08:02:12 AM

It seems Matty Cash could be the first in, he seems decent and well thought of with Forest.
Hopefully the first of many to follow. Really need that edge up front but after hearing recent interviews with Smith we will not be going into the new season unprepared as we did last year. Just have to be a bit patient.

Looking at his YT highlights I can’t work out if he is a winger or a full back, or do Forest play with wing backs?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ian. on August 29, 2020, 09:26:24 AM

Quote from: jwarry on August 29, 2020, 09:20:05 AM

Quote from: Ian J on August 29, 2020, 08:02:12 AM

It seems Matty Cash could be the first in, he seems decent and well thought of with Forest.
Hopefully the first of many to follow. Really need that edge up front but after hearing recent interviews with Smith we will not be going into the new season unprepared as we did last year. Just have to be a bit patient.

Looking at his YT highlights I can’t work out if he is a winger or a full back, or do Forest play with wing backs?

He started as a winger but from what I can gather he was reverted to wing back and he’s shined after a bit of a iffy start. Very aggressive going forward and very popular with their fans.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on August 29, 2020, 09:37:42 AM

I am rather underwhelmed with links to Ollie Watkins but I suppose we are not yet established enough to attract better/top quality players and have to take what we can, hope they get better, and become the type of player we always needed, moneyball stylee.  It's a risk because he might be crap in the Premier Division but as Jim Bowen used to say, 'that's the gamble'.  It was probably his sidekick to be fair.  I think Rico Henry could be a surprise signing for someone though, he looks like he might be ready for a higher league if he can stay fit.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 29, 2020, 09:41:39 AM

Quote from: Newby on August 29, 2020, 09:37:42 AM

I am rather underwhelmed with links to Ollie Watkins but I suppose we are not yet established enough to attract better/top quality players and have to take what we can, hope they get better, and become the type of player we always needed, moneyball stylee.  It's a risk because he might be crap in the Premier Division but as Jim Bowen used to say, 'that's the gamble'.  It was probably his sidekick to be fair.  I think Rico Henry could be a surprise signing for someone though, he looks like he might be ready for a higher league if he can stay fit.

I'm surprised Smith hasn't bought him in yet. He said in an interview a few years ago he thinks he could play in the Premiership.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on August 29, 2020, 09:44:44 AM

Brentford probably want £35m for him!  Be good competition for Targett.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on August 29, 2020, 10:10:55 AM

Fair play to Leeds, signing someone from a top European league who has vast Champions League, Europa League and international experience.

It can be done. I'm forever seeing the opinion that we should act our size and then in the same breathe that there's nothing wrong with signing players from the Championship and the lesser European divisions.

I think whilst we accept and continue to hoover up Brentford and Brugge we will continue to punch well below our supposed weight.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on August 29, 2020, 10:27:46 AM

Bielsa is one if the very few managers not at a Megaclub who's a legitimate draw for players as well. Leeds probably wouldn't be signing him if their manager was Chris Hughton, say.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: The Cocky Brum Spaniel on August 29, 2020, 10:41:36 AM

I wouldn’t trust Smudger with any transfer fees to be honest. He’s recruitment to date has been shocking.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rooboy316 on August 29, 2020, 11:02:25 AM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on August 28, 2020, 08:26:49 PM

Aaron Mooy has left Brighton to move to China.

Quite like him; decent player - would have been a decent midfield addition.

The press here are reporting there was a 4 million pound release clause in his contract. Absolute steal if that’s true, but he’s reportedly being paid some big wages by Shanghai.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: fredm on August 29, 2020, 11:09:11 AM

There is a centre forward at Watford who wants to continue his career in the PL.  Knows what it is in english football, can score a few goals but the main attribute is he can get the rest of the team working their ar*es off both on the field and in the dressing room.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 29, 2020, 11:12:26 AM

Quote from: fredm on August 29, 2020, 11:09:11 AM

There is a centre forward at Watford who wants to continue his career in the PL.  Knows what it is in english football, can score a few goals but the main attribute is he can get the rest of the team working their ar*es off both on the field and in the dressing room.

Yep remind me how did “getting the rest of the team to work their arses off” work out last season?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on August 29, 2020, 11:19:32 AM

Quote from: The Cocky Brum Spaniel on August 29, 2020, 10:41:36 AM

I wouldn’t trust Smudger with any transfer fees to be honest. He’s recruitment to date has been shocking.

Since he clearly is going to be manager for the start of the new season, are you suggesting that we don't buy any more players then? That would seem quite counterproductive.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on August 29, 2020, 11:23:31 AM

Quote from: rooboy316 on August 29, 2020, 11:02:25 AM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on August 28, 2020, 08:26:49 PM

Aaron Mooy has left Brighton to move to China.

Quite like him; decent player - would have been a decent midfield addition.

The press here are reporting there was a 4 million pound release clause in his contract. Absolute steal if that’s true, but he’s reportedly being paid some big wages by Shanghai.

He'd only signed permanently in January, but I've seen somewhere that he had a release clause which could only be triggered by Chinese clubs.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Billy Walker on August 29, 2020, 11:24:18 AM

Quote from: aj2k77 on August 29, 2020, 10:10:55 AM

Fair play to Leeds, signing someone from a top European league who has vast Champions League, Europa League and international experience.

It can be done. I'm forever seeing the opinion that we should act our size and then in the same breathe that there's nothing wrong with signing players from the Championship and the lesser European divisions.

I think whilst we accept and continue to hoover up Brentford and Brugge we will continue to punch well below our supposed weight.

Maybe I'm looking at the wrong player on WhoScored, but am I right in saying the Rodrigo who has signed for Leeds is 29 years old and has a one in four scoring record (based on last season, at least)?  If Suso had signed someone with that kind of record for us there would have been much wailing and gnashing of teeth, surely?  Throw in the fact he used to play for Bolton and there would have been a mini meltdown. 

You're right about Rodrigo having Champs league experience (scoring two goals in six appearances) but Samatta, according to WhoScored, notched three in six.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on August 29, 2020, 11:30:53 AM

Quote from: aj2k77 on August 29, 2020, 10:10:55 AM

Fair play to Leeds, signing someone from a top European league who has vast Champions League, Europa League and international experience.

It can be done. I'm forever seeing the opinion that we should act our size and then in the same breathe that there's nothing wrong with signing players from the Championship and the lesser European divisions.

There is nothing wrong with signing players from the Championship and the lesser European divisons, as long as they are well scouted and mixed with one or two top notch signings from the better leagues.

Also in the same breath you have people praising teams like Leicester for their recruitment and also saying you shouldn't buy players from the Championship or lesser divisions. Using Leicester as an example that would have meant not signing Vardy, Evans, Maddison, Maguire, Kante, Gray, Schmeichal or Mahrez plus others.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on August 29, 2020, 11:34:36 AM

Quote from: Billy Walker on August 29, 2020, 11:24:18 AM

Quote from: aj2k77 on August 29, 2020, 10:10:55 AM

Fair play to Leeds, signing someone from a top European league who has vast Champions League, Europa League and international experience.

It can be done. I'm forever seeing the opinion that we should act our size and then in the same breathe that there's nothing wrong with signing players from the Championship and the lesser European divisions.

I think whilst we accept and continue to hoover up Brentford and Brugge we will continue to punch well below our supposed weight.

Maybe I'm looking at the wrong player on WhoScored, but am I right in saying the Rodrigo who has signed for Leeds is 29 years old and has a one in four scoring record (based on last season, at least)?  If Suso had signed someone with that kind of record for us there would have been much wailing and gnashing of teeth, surely?  Throw in the fact he used to play for Bolton and there would have been a mini meltdown. 

You're right about Rodrigo having Champs league experience (scoring two goals in six appearances) but Samatta, according to WhoScored, notched three in six.

Yep. 71 goals in 275 appearances. Has only got above 10 goals twice in his career. His season at Bolton (although he was only a youngster) he got 1 goal in 21 appearances.

Presumably must be a winger/forward type rather than a main striker?  Which would still leave them with Patrick Bamford as their main striker.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Stu on August 29, 2020, 11:37:22 AM

And consider he cost them £30m.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on August 29, 2020, 11:42:22 AM

Quote from: aj2k77 on August 29, 2020, 10:10:55 AM

Fair play to Leeds, signing someone from a top European league who has vast Champions League, Europa League and international experience.

It can be done. I'm forever seeing the opinion that we should act our size and then in the same breathe that there's nothing wrong with signing players from the Championship and the lesser European divisions.

I think whilst we accept and continue to hoover up Brentford and Brugge we will continue to punch well below our supposed weight.

I’d be pretty underwhelmed if that was us.  He’s 29 years old and scored 7 goals last year and 59 goals in 220 games over all with Valencia according to the BBC.  Even if he succeeds - not guaranteed - he will not be worth what they paid in 12-months time.

That said, those figures are pretty decent if he’s an AM/winger, I just assumed he was a striker.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on August 29, 2020, 11:47:05 AM

Quote from: Stu on August 29, 2020, 11:37:22 AM

And consider he cost them £30m.

£27m from a budget of £50m.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on August 29, 2020, 12:04:43 PM

Quote from: Dante Lavelli on August 29, 2020, 11:42:22 AM

Quote from: aj2k77 on August 29, 2020, 10:10:55 AM

Fair play to Leeds, signing someone from a top European league who has vast Champions League, Europa League and international experience.

It can be done. I'm forever seeing the opinion that we should act our size and then in the same breathe that there's nothing wrong with signing players from the Championship and the lesser European divisions.

I think whilst we accept and continue to hoover up Brentford and Brugge we will continue to punch well below our supposed weight.

I’d be pretty underwhelmed if that was us.  He’s 29 years old and scored 7 goals last year and 59 goals in 220 games over all with Valencia according to the BBC.  Even if he succeeds - not guaranteed - he will not be worth what they paid in 12-months time.

That said, those figures are pretty decent if he’s an AM/winger, I just assumed he was a striker.

He will be Hernandez successor...they will still have Bamford as striker at this point

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Stu on August 29, 2020, 12:10:25 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on August 29, 2020, 11:47:05 AM

Quote from: Stu on August 29, 2020, 11:37:22 AM

And consider he cost them £30m.

£27m from a budget of £50m.

Oh right. Graun reporting it at 30.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on August 29, 2020, 12:11:42 PM

Quote from: Billy Walker on August 29, 2020, 11:24:18 AM

Quote from: aj2k77 on August 29, 2020, 10:10:55 AM

Fair play to Leeds, signing someone from a top European league who has vast Champions League, Europa League and international experience.

It can be done. I'm forever seeing the opinion that we should act our size and then in the same breathe that there's nothing wrong with signing players from the Championship and the lesser European divisions.

I think whilst we accept and continue to hoover up Brentford and Brugge we will continue to punch well below our supposed weight.

Maybe I'm looking at the wrong player on WhoScored, but am I right in saying the Rodrigo who has signed for Leeds is 29 years old and has a one in four scoring record (based on last season, at least)?  If Suso had signed someone with that kind of record for us there would have been much wailing and gnashing of teeth, surely?  Throw in the fact he used to play for Bolton and there would have been a mini meltdown. 

You're right about Rodrigo having Champs league experience (scoring two goals in six appearances) but Samatta, according to WhoScored, notched three in six.

1 in 4 goals, loads of assists. Over 70 games in Europe and for his country, who aren't mickey mouse. He isn't a tradional centre forward. He's a good player from a good team in a top league. Supposedly that's out of our range but in the range of a club that hasn't been in the top flight for nearly 2 decades.

I fully agree with the other poster that there is nothing wrong with buying from the lesser leagues and Championship per say. It's when every single player you buy is from that range that you end up struggling the entire season.

As happy as I am to stay up and credit Smith for the job he's done taking us from nowhere to somewhere in a small space of time, I'm also not letting the last 4 games paper over what was a very poor season performance and result wise. We're the 17 best team in the division. That's not good enough.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on August 29, 2020, 12:19:52 PM

I wonder if either Cash or Freddie could play as an inverted left back as well. It would be worth £12m to have quality covering both sides.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on August 29, 2020, 12:20:51 PM

Seems to have been played as a centre-forward in almost all of his 27 league appearances last season, 4 goals, 7 assists. https://www.whoscored.com/Players/83459/MatchStatistics/Rodrigo-Moreno

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on August 29, 2020, 12:23:57 PM

Quote from: Ian J on August 29, 2020, 09:26:24 AM

Quote from: jwarry on August 29, 2020, 09:20:05 AM

Quote from: Ian J on August 29, 2020, 08:02:12 AM

It seems Matty Cash could be the first in, he seems decent and well thought of with Forest.
Hopefully the first of many to follow. Really need that edge up front but after hearing recent interviews with Smith we will not be going into the new season unprepared as we did last year. Just have to be a bit patient.

Looking at his YT highlights I can’t work out if he is a winger or a full back, or do Forest play with wing backs?

He started as a winger but from what I can gather he was reverted to wing back and he’s shined after a bit of a iffy start. Very aggressive going forward and very popular with their fans.

Wing back/full back, he's only been playing there for a season after Sabri Lamouchi the Forest manager thought the role better suited Cash. Obviously worked as he finished the season as their Player of the Year.

That said, I can only assume Elmo is off and Cash will have to fight it out with Guilbert.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: olaftab on August 29, 2020, 12:29:42 PM

Quote from: Lastfootstamper on August 29, 2020, 12:20:51 PM

Seems to have been played as a centre-forward in almost all of his 27 league appearances last season, 4 goals, 7 assists. https://www.whoscored.com/Players/83459/MatchStatistics/Rodrigo-Moreno

Unless Bielsa turns him into something special I am totally underwhelmed by his stats and it's not as if age is on his side.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: olaftab on August 29, 2020, 12:32:06 PM

Quote from: Monty on August 29, 2020, 12:19:52 PM

I wonder if either Cash or Freddie could play as an inverted left back as well.

I am still having nightmares when Kevin tried that with Phil Neville.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: gpbarr on August 29, 2020, 12:36:43 PM

To be fair though it’s that sort of signing that might attract others, can give a club a boost in revenue, and galvanizes other players.

It all may go tits up but frankly, at least they are active. Totally underwhelmed by what our team seem to be doing (or more pertinently not doing)!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: passitsideways on August 29, 2020, 12:39:27 PM

Quote from: olaftab on August 29, 2020, 12:29:42 PM

Quote from: Lastfootstamper on August 29, 2020, 12:20:51 PM

Seems to have been played as a centre-forward in almost all of his 27 league appearances last season, 4 goals, 7 assists. https://www.whoscored.com/Players/83459/MatchStatistics/Rodrigo-Moreno

Unless Bielsa turns him into something special I am totally underwhelmed by his stats and it's not as if age is on his side.

He's been a regular starter for Spain the past couple of years, they're not quite what they were but it's no accident that he's doing just that. Goalscoring isn't his forte, he's excellent technically, carries the ball and links up play very well, and can play across the front three. I'm not saying we should've been in for him at that sort of price, but I think it's very defensible for Leeds.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aev on August 29, 2020, 12:44:25 PM

We have bid for the Arsenal keeper supposedly.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on August 29, 2020, 12:50:04 PM

I suppose £12m is not that much these days for a decent fullback. But surprised to see us going in for a right back as with Guilbert and Elmo we have decent options, whereas at left back both options are lacking (we either have no defensive capability or no attacking capability).

Whilst we should take the good players we can get, I really hope we do not end yet another window with a poor balance to the squad. Our forward line is abysmal, our wingers are poor and no combination of available players in midfield has any balance to it despite having good individual players we have no good combination there.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on August 29, 2020, 12:54:10 PM

Bidding for goalkeepers and right backs...the two areas I thought we were stacked for.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 29, 2020, 12:56:51 PM

I imagine he will start as number 1 allowing Heaton time to recover properly. It means Nyland and Kalinic will be off I imagine. We need a good GK and Martinez is. And I don’t think just because we are signing a WB and GK that our key targets stop being just that. Transfers don’t always happen in the desired sequence. I still believe we will see 1 if not 2 forwards and a winger come in. And players will leave too.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villafirst on August 29, 2020, 01:01:02 PM

Leeds just bought Rodriguez for £35m. Record transfer. A lot more than our record deal? They've spent big so far....

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave shelley on August 29, 2020, 01:01:20 PM

The last goalie we signed from Arsenal didn't turn out too bad did he?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on August 29, 2020, 01:01:24 PM

Martinez rumours true

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 29, 2020, 01:08:02 PM

Interesting, cheers Vinnie.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 29, 2020, 01:09:16 PM

Quote from: Villafirst on August 29, 2020, 01:01:02 PM

Leeds just bought Rodriguez for £35m. Record transfer. A lot more than our record deal? They've spent big so far....

What difference does record deals make?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 29, 2020, 01:12:10 PM

Quote from: dave shelley on August 29, 2020, 01:01:20 PM

The last goalie we signed from Arsenal didn't turn out too bad did he?

Wasn't that Stuart Taylor?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Percy McCarthy on August 29, 2020, 01:13:53 PM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on August 29, 2020, 01:01:24 PM

Martinez rumours true

Tried google with no luck. Martinez rumours?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on August 29, 2020, 01:15:05 PM

Quote from: passitsideways on August 29, 2020, 12:39:27 PM

Quote from: olaftab on August 29, 2020, 12:29:42 PM

Quote from: Lastfootstamper on August 29, 2020, 12:20:51 PM

Seems to have been played as a centre-forward in almost all of his 27 league appearances last season, 4 goals, 7 assists. https://www.whoscored.com/Players/83459/MatchStatistics/Rodrigo-Moreno

Unless Bielsa turns him into something special I am totally underwhelmed by his stats and it's not as if age is on his side.

He's been a regular starter for Spain the past couple of years, they're not quite what they were but it's no accident that he's doing just that. Goalscoring isn't his forte, he's excellent technically, carries the ball and links up play very well, and can play across the front three. I'm not saying we should've been in for him at that sort of price, but I think it's very defensible for Leeds.

I'm very glad we weren't in for him if that's the case. We have enough forwards for whom goalscoring isn't their forte.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 29, 2020, 01:16:55 PM

https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/arsenal-aston-villa-transfer-news-emi-martinez-goalkeeper-rumours-gossip-latest-a9695296.html%3famp

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 29, 2020, 01:17:23 PM

If we’d had just lashed out £27m on a player who doesn’t score a lot and will be 30 before the upcoming season ends there would have been a few question marks and heightened levels of concern.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villafirst on August 29, 2020, 01:18:52 PM

Quote from: Clampy on August 29, 2020, 01:09:16 PM

Quote from: Villafirst on August 29, 2020, 01:01:02 PM

Leeds just bought Rodriguez for £35m. Record transfer. A lot more than our record deal? They've spent big so far....

What difference does record deals make?

Quality costs money. Generally the more you spend the better the player. Doesn't always work, but more often than not it does. The top 4 out spend the rest generally each season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on August 29, 2020, 01:25:27 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on August 29, 2020, 12:50:04 PM

I suppose £12m is not that much these days for a decent fullback. But surprised to see us going in for a right back as with Guilbert and Elmo we have decent options, whereas at left back both options are lacking (we either have no defensive capability or no attacking capability).

Whilst we should take the good players we can get, I really hope we do not end yet another window with a poor balance to the squad. Our forward line is abysmal, our wingers are poor and no combination of available players in midfield has any balance to it despite having good individual players we have no good combination there.

Other teams targeted our full backs all season both Targett and Guilbert were suspect defensively, with the later seeming to not know where to be half the time. I think he'll get better with better coaching to help understand his positioning. Having said that I like Cash, he looks stronger and quicker. I'm not averse to defensive signings as we were so bad at the back. We need the wingers and striker situation sorted out though. or it's all pointless.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 29, 2020, 01:26:13 PM

Quote from: Villafirst on August 29, 2020, 01:18:52 PM

Quote from: Clampy on August 29, 2020, 01:09:16 PM

Quote from: Villafirst on August 29, 2020, 01:01:02 PM

Leeds just bought Rodriguez for £35m. Record transfer. A lot more than our record deal? They've spent big so far....

What difference does record deals make?

Quality costs money. Generally the more you spend the better the player. Doesn't always work, but more often than not it does. The top 4 out spend the rest generally each season.

Seeing as record deals mean so much to you, that's the most they have spent since they signed Rio Ferdinand. I'm so jealous.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 29, 2020, 01:26:57 PM

Emi Martinez is probably the first link I'm excited about this summer. Yes it's another keeper but Heaton has said himself at best he'll be fit by mid October.

Martinez played a huge part in Arsenal winning the FA cup and he's really motivated to be a number one somewhere as he wants to play for Argentina. Guess whether he starts today or not will have big impact on his future so we're probably waiting on that before officially bidding.

Same age and overall better all round game than St Jack of Butland.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on August 29, 2020, 01:27:13 PM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on August 29, 2020, 01:01:24 PM

Martinez rumours true

Would be a good signing. I would hope somehow we can get Nyland and Kallenic off the books too.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on August 29, 2020, 01:27:45 PM

Quote from: Villafirst on August 29, 2020, 01:18:52 PM

Quote from: Clampy on August 29, 2020, 01:09:16 PM

Quote from: Villafirst on August 29, 2020, 01:01:02 PM

Leeds just bought Rodriguez for £35m. Record transfer. A lot more than our record deal? They've spent big so far....

What difference does record deals make?

Quality costs money. Generally the more you spend the better the player. Doesn't always work, but more often than not it does. The top 4 out spend the rest generally each season.

It works more often for the very top clubs because they buy the absolute best.

Quite often with the rest of the league their big splashes fail miserably and it tends to be the clubs with better scouting that pick up the gems at lower prices (Leicester, Southampton). Witness Newcastle breaking their transfer record last summer buying Joelinton for £40m as did West Ham with Sebastian Haller for £45m, neither of whom lived up to it. Also Bournemouth who spent a combined £60m on Lerma, Solanke and Ibe which is money they are never going to get back on them. Everton - £45m for Sigurdsson, £25m for Kean and £30m for Iwobi are three of their highest transfers, none of whom have come close to justifying it.

Give me a well established scouting system anyday above big splashy signings - transfer records are no guarantee at all. Hopefully this chap who was at Leicester will put one in place for us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 29, 2020, 01:31:10 PM

Andy Carroll worked out well.  And what about that Torres bloke.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 29, 2020, 01:33:30 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 29, 2020, 09:01:04 AM

Apparently they now have more support for it.  I think it just about kills any competitive nature of the league bar the sky six if it goes through.  Apparently Chelsea, manure and Liverpool are ‘at war’ with the league over it.

One of them will probably bribe one of the clubs who voted against by sending them Dean Henderson or Rhian Brewster on loan.

In any cost did it actually impact on any of our matches? Man. United were already 3 up when they started making subs and Arsenal still couldn't get a shot on target v us. Chelsea game was one but they generally have plenty of depth and would've still put likes of Pulisic on with just three subs as an option.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on August 29, 2020, 01:33:52 PM

That  new Leeds striker has an Agbonlahor type meh goal scoring record.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on August 29, 2020, 01:39:21 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 29, 2020, 01:26:57 PM

Emi Martinez is probably the first link I'm excited about this summer.

Don't be. They'll be a long list of clubs interested in him and Arsenal will probably want closer to £20m for him. Save your excitement for us signing both Watkins and Edouard. You can add Cantwell and Said Benrahma if Jack goes.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 29, 2020, 01:39:59 PM

Imagine clinging to a 1-0 lead at home to Chelsea.  We bring on Elmo.  They bring on Pulisic, Werner, Djourou, Mount and Odoi.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 29, 2020, 01:41:04 PM

Quote from: Billy Walker on August 29, 2020, 11:24:18 AM

Quote from: aj2k77 on August 29, 2020, 10:10:55 AM

Fair play to Leeds, signing someone from a top European league who has vast Champions League, Europa League and international experience.

It can be done. I'm forever seeing the opinion that we should act our size and then in the same breathe that there's nothing wrong with signing players from the Championship and the lesser European divisions.

I think whilst we accept and continue to hoover up Brentford and Brugge we will continue to punch well below our supposed weight.

Maybe I'm looking at the wrong player on WhoScored, but am I right in saying the Rodrigo who has signed for Leeds is 29 years old and has a one in four scoring record (based on last season, at least)?  If Suso had signed someone with that kind of record for us there would have been much wailing and gnashing of teeth, surely?  Throw in the fact he used to play for Bolton and there would have been a mini meltdown. 

You're right about Rodrigo having Champs league experience (scoring two goals in six appearances) but Samatta, according to WhoScored, notched three in six.

Think it's more a case of Leeds have decided he's their man and gone and got in a first choice striker from a team who made last 16 of CL and won copa del rey in 18/19 beating Barca (rodrigo scored in that).

I've watched him a few times, not that great a scorer but he's a regular starter for Spain and can play across the forward line so actually the type of striker we could do with.

Valencia are in total financial meltdown. There's a few other players there we could get if we were really ambitious, Kondogbia would be a brilliant fit for our midfield, miles better than Nakamba.

I'm waiting for us to sign good standard players from Germany,France, Spain, Italy etc. If we ever want to get close to the top 6 again we need to start doing it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on August 29, 2020, 01:46:46 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 29, 2020, 01:41:04 PM

Think it's more a case of Leeds have decided he's their man and gone and got in a first choice striker from a team who made last 16 of CL and won copa del rey in 18/19 beating Barca (rodrigo scored in that).

I've watched him a few times, not that great a scorer but he's a regular starter for Spain and can play across the forward line so actually the type of striker we could do with.

Sorry, I couldn't disagree more. Another centre forward who is 'not that great a scorer' is the absolute opposite of the type of striker we could do with.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 29, 2020, 01:50:05 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on August 29, 2020, 11:30:53 AM

Quote from: aj2k77 on August 29, 2020, 10:10:55 AM

Fair play to Leeds, signing someone from a top European league who has vast Champions League, Europa League and international experience.

It can be done. I'm forever seeing the opinion that we should act our size and then in the same breathe that there's nothing wrong with signing players from the Championship and the lesser European divisions.

There is nothing wrong with signing players from the Championship and the lesser European divisons, as long as they are well scouted and mixed with one or two top notch signings from the better leagues.

Also in the same breath you have people praising teams like Leicester for their recruitment and also saying you shouldn't buy players from the Championship or lesser divisions. Using Leicester as an example that would have meant not signing Vardy, Evans, Maddison, Maguire, Kante, Gray, Schmeichal or Mahrez plus others.

Leicester is interesting example.

In summer 2014 they signed Esteban Cambiasso after 300 games for Inter Milan. The following summer after their great escape they got in Christain Fuchs who'd just played in a CL quarter final for Schalke and Okazaki who was also a regular in Bundesliga so two players there with excellent experienced. Around that time they also got in Robert Huth who'd have a few injuries at Stoke and was seen as finished in premier league but was the kind of experienced head CB we still need now.

In last few years Leicester have signed Johnny Evans, Soynucu, Tielemans, Ricardo Peireria and Iheanacho. All players who are experienced and regulars at international level despite all of them bar Evans being under 25 when they signed.

I think that's the difference between them and us. They sign six players during a summer and 4-5 of them are pretty experienced top league players. Then they sign a good prospect from championship like Harry Maguire or Maddison.

Ours is different. Vast majority is championship or unknown players from europe and at best we get in one experienced head like Drinkwater who was a disaster.

Our best two signings last summer were Heaton who'd played for years in premier league and Luiz who started about 30 games for Girona in La Liga so to me it would make more sense to target players who are used to starting in major leagues.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 29, 2020, 01:53:26 PM

Quote from: Lastfootstamper on August 29, 2020, 12:20:51 PM

Seems to have been played as a centre-forward in almost all of his 27 league appearances last season, 4 goals, 7 assists. https://www.whoscored.com/Players/83459/MatchStatistics/Rodrigo-Moreno

He's more of a second striker type. Kevin Gamiero or Maxi Gomez were the Wesley type striker for Valencia last season. Gamiero would be a good pick up on loan.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on August 29, 2020, 01:53:46 PM

Leicester had something we haven't got though - a goal scorer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 29, 2020, 01:59:54 PM

Leeds have something we've got plenty of; a striker who doesn't score.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 29, 2020, 02:01:25 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on August 29, 2020, 01:46:46 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 29, 2020, 01:41:04 PM

Think it's more a case of Leeds have decided he's their man and gone and got in a first choice striker from a team who made last 16 of CL and won copa del rey in 18/19 beating Barca (rodrigo scored in that).

I've watched him a few times, not that great a scorer but he's a regular starter for Spain and can play across the forward line so actually the type of striker we could do with.

Sorry, I couldn't disagree more. Another centre forward who is 'not that great a scorer' is the absolute opposite of the type of striker we could do with.

We need a striker who can play centrally or out wide so we play less of Trez and AEG and Jack can go back centrally on occasions e.g. playing the bottom half. Maupay would've been a good pick up last summer as Brighton played him a few times wide last season.

If a striker plays out wide he's obviously going to score less than through the middle but we simply need some more pace and power down the flanks as our counter attacking ability is rubbish.

If we sign Watkins I'm expecting him to play for us at the start our wide.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on August 29, 2020, 02:01:31 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 29, 2020, 01:50:05 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on August 29, 2020, 11:30:53 AM

Quote from: aj2k77 on August 29, 2020, 10:10:55 AM

Fair play to Leeds, signing someone from a top European league who has vast Champions League, Europa League and international experience.

It can be done. I'm forever seeing the opinion that we should act our size and then in the same breathe that there's nothing wrong with signing players from the Championship and the lesser European divisions.

There is nothing wrong with signing players from the Championship and the lesser European divisons, as long as they are well scouted and mixed with one or two top notch signings from the better leagues.

Also in the same breath you have people praising teams like Leicester for their recruitment and also saying you shouldn't buy players from the Championship or lesser divisions. Using Leicester as an example that would have meant not signing Vardy, Evans, Maddison, Maguire, Kante, Gray, Schmeichal or Mahrez plus others.

Leicester is interesting example.

In summer 2014 they signed Esteban Cambiasso after 300 games for Inter Milan. The following summer after their great escape they got in Christain Fuchs who'd just played in a CL quarter final for Schalke and Okazaki who was also a regular in Bundesliga so two players there with excellent experienced. Around that time they also got in Robert Huth who'd have a few injuries at Stoke and was seen as finished in premier league but was the kind of experienced head CB we still need now.

In last few years Leicester have signed Johnny Evans, Soynucu, Tielemans, Ricardo Peireria and Iheanacho. All players who are experienced and regulars at international level despite all of them bar Evans being under 25 when they signed.

I think that's the difference between them and us. They sign six players during a summer and 4-5 of them are pretty experienced top league players. Then they sign a good prospect from championship like Harry Maguire or Maddison.

Ours is different. Vast majority is championship or unknown players from europe and at best we get in one experienced head like Drinkwater who was a disaster.

Our best two signings last summer were Heaton who'd played for years in premier league and Luiz who started about 30 games for Girona in La Liga so to me it would make more sense to target players who are used to starting in major leagues.

Comparing our one season back in the Premier League while buying virtually a whole squad, against an established recruitment system over six years whereby they only need to buy 4-5 players per summer isn't really fair though is it? That's the difference between them and us (as regards last summer) - the situation was entirely different. Going forward of course it's something to aspire to.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on August 29, 2020, 02:03:14 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 29, 2020, 01:53:26 PM

Quote from: Lastfootstamper on August 29, 2020, 12:20:51 PM

Seems to have been played as a centre-forward in almost all of his 27 league appearances last season, 4 goals, 7 assists. https://www.whoscored.com/Players/83459/MatchStatistics/Rodrigo-Moreno

He's more of a second striker type. Kevin Gamiero or Maxi Gomez were the Wesley type striker for Valencia last season. Gamiero would be a good pick up on loan.

Which makes him a very strange signing for Leeds as Bielsa prefers to only play one up front.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on August 29, 2020, 02:04:57 PM

Quote from: Ads on August 29, 2020, 01:59:54 PM

Leeds have something we've got plenty of; a striker who doesn't score.

Kienan Davis is a lot cheaper too :)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on August 29, 2020, 02:05:41 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on August 29, 2020, 02:03:14 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 29, 2020, 01:53:26 PM

Quote from: Lastfootstamper on August 29, 2020, 12:20:51 PM

Seems to have been played as a centre-forward in almost all of his 27 league appearances last season, 4 goals, 7 assists. https://www.whoscored.com/Players/83459/MatchStatistics/Rodrigo-Moreno

He's more of a second striker type. Kevin Gamiero or Maxi Gomez were the Wesley type striker for Valencia last season. Gamiero would be a good pick up on loan.

Which makes him a very strange signing for Leeds as Bielsa prefers to only play one up front.

But he does like a withdrawn centre forward who scores a decent amount themselves while bringing others into goalscoring contention (thinking of Alexis Sanchez in his Chile team).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 29, 2020, 02:07:34 PM

According to Soccerbase Leicester signed 7 senior players when they went up in 2014 so clearly they felt their squad needed a bit of work. Got in the likes of Albrighton, Schwarzer, Matt Upson, Cambiasso and Danny Simpson to go along with the unheard of players like Riyad Mahrez. Then the next summer they got in Huth and Fuchs alongside N'Golo Kante.

I just think that strategy has more long term potential than having another summer where we sign 4-5 more lower league or unheard of players and then halfway through the season we're asking where the experience is when we throw away another lead late on.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave shelley on August 29, 2020, 02:08:05 PM

 

Quote from: Clampy on August 29, 2020, 01:12:10 PM

Quote from: dave shelley on August 29, 2020, 01:01:20 PM

T :)he last goalie we signed from Arsenal didn't turn out too bad did he?

Wasn't that Stuart Taylor?

'e don't count!   ;)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 29, 2020, 02:09:58 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on August 29, 2020, 02:03:14 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 29, 2020, 01:53:26 PM

Quote from: Lastfootstamper on August 29, 2020, 12:20:51 PM

Seems to have been played as a centre-forward in almost all of his 27 league appearances last season, 4 goals, 7 assists. https://www.whoscored.com/Players/83459/MatchStatistics/Rodrigo-Moreno

He's more of a second striker type. Kevin Gamiero or Maxi Gomez were the Wesley type striker for Valencia last season. Gamiero would be a good pick up on loan.

Which makes him a very strange signing for Leeds as Bielsa prefers to only play one up front.

Bielsa has his ways. Last season he kept on playing Bamford ahead of Eddie Nkeith who then went back to Arsenal and started loads of games for them in the run in. He dosen't really like strikers who just goal hang in the 6 yard box. Rodrigo could easily play out wide or in the number 10 role as has already been said so he gives them more flexibility in final third.

When we signed Samatta it was said he was able to play out wide so found it a bit odd we kept playing him through the middle post lockdown when he was awful.

Edit: Sometimes having a goal hanging striker isn't much use if the team dosen't have much creativity. Think back to Darren Bent post 2011 when his goal return was still o.k but he'd also go through games touching the ball about 10 times.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on August 29, 2020, 02:10:39 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 29, 2020, 02:01:25 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on August 29, 2020, 01:46:46 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 29, 2020, 01:41:04 PM

Think it's more a case of Leeds have decided he's their man and gone and got in a first choice striker from a team who made last 16 of CL and won copa del rey in 18/19 beating Barca (rodrigo scored in that).

I've watched him a few times, not that great a scorer but he's a regular starter for Spain and can play across the forward line so actually the type of striker we could do with.

Sorry, I couldn't disagree more. Another centre forward who is 'not that great a scorer' is the absolute opposite of the type of striker we could do with.

We need a striker who can play centrally or out wide so we play less of Trez and AEG and Jack can go back centrally on occasions e.g. playing the bottom half. Maupay would've been a good pick up last summer as Brighton played him a few times wide last season.

If a striker plays out wide he's obviously going to score less than through the middle but we simply need some more pace and power down the flanks as our counter attacking ability is rubbish.

If we sign Watkins I'm expecting him to play for us at the start our wide.

Maupay had a worse scoring rate for Brighton than Wesley did for us.

I would agree Watkins will start out wide, and I would expect a tally of at least 10 goals from such a position (Jack managed that this season). Which, albeit in lower divisions, he has managed for the last five seasons.

Even if we get a centre forward capable of 20+ goals (which is very rare and by no means guaranteed), if playing one central striker we need wide players who are able to chip in with a good amount too. Signing a player this summer in any of the forward positions who isn't able to contribute that (10+ goals) would be a waste of time. Rodrigo has managed it twice in his whole career.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on August 29, 2020, 02:32:50 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on August 29, 2020, 12:11:42 PM

Quote from: Billy Walker on August 29, 2020, 11:24:18 AM

Quote from: aj2k77 on August 29, 2020, 10:10:55 AM

Fair play to Leeds, signing someone from a top European league who has vast Champions League, Europa League and international experience.

It can be done. I'm forever seeing the opinion that we should act our size and then in the same breathe that there's nothing wrong with signing players from the Championship and the lesser European divisions.

I think whilst we accept and continue to hoover up Brentford and Brugge we will continue to punch well below our supposed weight.

Maybe I'm looking at the wrong player on WhoScored, but am I right in saying the Rodrigo who has signed for Leeds is 29 years old and has a one in four scoring record (based on last season, at least)?  If Suso had signed someone with that kind of record for us there would have been much wailing and gnashing of teeth, surely?  Throw in the fact he used to play for Bolton and there would have been a mini meltdown. 

You're right about Rodrigo having Champs league experience (scoring two goals in six appearances) but Samatta, according to WhoScored, notched three in six.

1 in 4 goals, loads of assists. Over 70 games in Europe and for his country, who aren't mickey mouse. He isn't a tradional centre forward. He's a good player from a good team in a top league. Supposedly that's out of our range but in the range of a club that hasn't been in the top flight for nearly 2 decades.

I fully agree with the other poster that there is nothing wrong with buying from the lesser leagues and Championship per say. It's when every single player you buy is from that range that you end up struggling the entire season.

As happy as I am to stay up and credit Smith for the job he's done taking us from nowhere to somewhere in a small space of time, I'm also not letting the last 4 games paper over what was a very poor season performance and result wise. We're the 17 best team in the division. That's not good enough.

Dragging one up from a few hours back I know but: Heaton, Luiz, Targett all from the premier league and Engels from a very decent French league suggests that Villa met the exact criteria you're saying we should. Then Reina and Drinkwater from serie a and the premier league in January.

It's almost as if the number of signings and the quality of the scouting is as important as where they're from.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 29, 2020, 02:46:30 PM

Can’t say I’m overly concerned about Leeds signing a striker who has a pretty average goal scoring record. More importantly I think Martinez sounds like an interesting goalkeeper link.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 29, 2020, 03:02:07 PM

Think I would sooner have Watkins than Rodrigo.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave P on August 29, 2020, 03:18:41 PM

I agree we need a striker or two, but have we as a fan base and a club given up on Samatta completely?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 29, 2020, 03:25:04 PM

Quote from: Dave P on August 29, 2020, 03:18:41 PM

I agree we need a striker or two, but have we as a fan base and a club given up on Samatta completely?

He played like he'd given up on us after the restart.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 29, 2020, 03:30:22 PM

Quote from: Dave P on August 29, 2020, 03:18:41 PM

I agree we need a striker or two, but have we as a fan base and a club given up on Samatta completely?

I haven’t. And I don’t think we will be selling him so it all now depends on to get the best out of him. Our creativity wasn’t great and he certainly didn’t do much to help so there is accountability everywhere. I think used correctly, maybe in a partnership or maybe in different role he can still contribute positively.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave shelley on August 29, 2020, 03:31:39 PM

I notice that both Watkins and Benrahma are both missing from Brentford's line-up in today's friendly against West Ham.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 29, 2020, 03:33:31 PM

Quote from: dave shelley on August 29, 2020, 03:31:39 PM

I notice that both Watkins and Benrahma are both missing from Brentford's line-up in today's friendly against West Ham.

Just posted the same on the other games thread. Those players won’t be there much longer. Just depends where they end up. I’m still sure Watkins will be with us. Not convinced on Benrahma yet as they are asking a stupid price.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on August 29, 2020, 03:39:12 PM

Raya for Brentford not involved as well today. Arsenal want him as number 2

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on August 29, 2020, 03:40:44 PM

Quote from: Dave P on August 29, 2020, 03:18:41 PM

I agree we need a striker or two, but have we as a fan base and a club given up on Samatta completely?

No, but relying on him and /or Wesley suddenly showing the massive improvement needed to be even adequate would be crazy. Our them on the bench and see if they can step up and dislodge a better player. Maybe they will, would be very happy if it happened.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on August 29, 2020, 03:50:51 PM

I'd be quite happy with Cash & Watkins coming in from the Championship.

Matty Cash has had precisely 1 season playing right back, and won player of the year. He's still young, so he should only get better. It's not overly a priority position for me, but it is one that if we don't sort it this season, we'll definitely have to next. If the price is right...

Watkins looks an excellent striker, again still young ... I'd hope he we'd perhaps bring in one more dedicated striker, but i suspect we need a player exactly like him in the squad (forward who can play in several positions).

Martinez is an interesting link. Not a bindingly obvious position to fill - said earlier i thought it wouldn't be a great use of funds - but we'd be daft to pass him up at that price.

I do think we're more in need of a few quality players rather than a massive overhaul, but with those 3 i suspect we'd be getting excellent value for money.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 29, 2020, 03:50:56 PM

Martinez starting today, ah well another to scrub off the list!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: olaftab on August 29, 2020, 03:52:06 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on August 29, 2020, 03:40:44 PM

Quote from: Dave P on August 29, 2020, 03:18:41 PM

I agree we need a striker or two, but have we as a fan base and a club given up on Samatta completely?

No, but relying on him and /or Wesley suddenly showing the massive improvement needed to be even adequate would be crazy. Our them on the bench and see if they can step up and dislodge a better player. Maybe they will, would be very happy if it happened.

I hope when they are both fit and fully conditioned in the Premier League we will see the best of them. I have seen evidence albeit briefly in both to suggest they could do some serious damage to other teams. Both competing with each other would also be a very good thing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 29, 2020, 03:52:40 PM

Quote from: Dave P on August 29, 2020, 03:18:41 PM

I agree we need a striker or two, but have we as a fan base and a club given up on Samatta completely?

No, can be the option off the bench. Just need to go down the giving him 25 starts a season route.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 29, 2020, 03:57:40 PM

I wouldn’t give up on Samatta yet, anymore than I would Wesley. Players need, and deserve, some time to settle. In Samatta’s case parachuting into a club in free fall, in a new country, and then facing an unprecedented period of lockdown, it’s hardly surprising he struggled.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 29, 2020, 03:59:08 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 29, 2020, 03:50:56 PM

Martinez starting today, ah well another to scrub off the list!

Why? He’s indicated he wants to leave. Just because he’s playing for the club that he belongs to doesn’t mean he will be there for the season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 29, 2020, 04:00:44 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 29, 2020, 03:59:08 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 29, 2020, 03:50:56 PM

Martinez starting today, ah well another to scrub off the list!

Why? He’s indicated he wants to leave. Just because he’s playing for the club that he belongs to doesn’t mean he will be there for the season.

I assume Arteta starting him today indicates he'll start the season as number one ahead of Leno. Would've been different if he'd been benched today after his excellent form last season.

He said he'd only leave Arsenal if he went back to the bench.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 29, 2020, 04:06:43 PM

He will I suspect it’s a bit early for Leno.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 29, 2020, 04:24:24 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 29, 2020, 04:00:44 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 29, 2020, 03:59:08 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 29, 2020, 03:50:56 PM

Martinez starting today, ah well another to scrub off the list!

Why? He’s indicated he wants to leave. Just because he’s playing for the club that he belongs to doesn’t mean he will be there for the season.

I assume Arteta starting him today indicates he'll start the season as number one ahead of Leno. Would've been different if he'd been benched today after his excellent form last season.

He said he'd only leave Arsenal if he went back to the bench.

It won’t surprise me to see him leave and Arsenal getting a back up while they wait for Leno. What would be off for us is to be in for his with Heaton probably a month or so away and three years or so left on his contract. Why would Martinez come to us to be back up again? The news on Heaton looks very positive right now so he’d be the number one for sure.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on August 29, 2020, 04:26:31 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on August 29, 2020, 03:57:40 PM

I wouldn’t give up on Samatta yet, anymore than I would Wesley. Players need, and deserve, some time to settle. In Samatta’s case parachuting into a club in free fall, in a new country, and then facing an unprecedented period of lockdown, it’s hardly surprising he struggled.

A bit of decent service wouldn't go amiss either. Samatta looked great when he first arrived then spent the rest of the season chasing shadows. Strikers more than any other position thrive on confidence.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 29, 2020, 04:34:11 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on August 29, 2020, 04:26:31 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on August 29, 2020, 03:57:40 PM

I wouldn’t give up on Samatta yet, anymore than I would Wesley. Players need, and deserve, some time to settle. In Samatta’s case parachuting into a club in free fall, in a new country, and then facing an unprecedented period of lockdown, it’s hardly surprising he struggled.

A bit of decent service wouldn't go amiss either. Samatta looked great when he first arrived then spent the rest of the season chasing shadows. Strikers more than any other position thrive on confidence.

As much Jack created a lot of chances they often fell to other players. But we had nobody else really doing that and our service from wide positions was often dreadful. So as ever a combination of things. Poor service and in the case of our forwards poor movement, anticipation and finishing. Much of it quality, some of it chemistry and as the situation went on it, anxiety led to desperation and the play predictable.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on August 29, 2020, 04:35:06 PM

Samatta looked better than having a winger up front. I can't remember him ever looking great. He looked like he had a natural Strikers hunger for goals in him, like the way he challenged the Bournemouth keeper for his goal. Technically, on the ball, he looks very average and his hold up play is poor.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 29, 2020, 04:36:43 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 29, 2020, 04:24:24 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 29, 2020, 04:00:44 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 29, 2020, 03:59:08 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 29, 2020, 03:50:56 PM

Martinez starting today, ah well another to scrub off the list!

Why? He’s indicated he wants to leave. Just because he’s playing for the club that he belongs to doesn’t mean he will be there for the season.

I assume Arteta starting him today indicates he'll start the season as number one ahead of Leno. Would've been different if he'd been benched today after his excellent form last season.

He said he'd only leave Arsenal if he went back to the bench.

It won’t surprise me to see him leave and Arsenal getting a back up while they wait for Leno. What would be off for us is to be in for his with Heaton probably a month or so away and three years or so left on his contract. Why would Martinez come to us to be back up again? The news on Heaton looks very positive right now so he’d be the number one for sure.

I think we could offer a legitimate battle for the no.1 shirt, which is different. At Arsenal Leno is far and away the first choice and is fairly young. There’s no guarantee Heaton comes back at the level he was at, although obviously hopefully he does. Also at his age, and given how Martinez has hit an upward curve in development, it’s not impossible to see him being usurped.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Goldie.7 on August 29, 2020, 04:53:10 PM

We need to be signing the next Sadio Mane, Patson Daka before another club does. A real talented striker with blistering pace. We all know RB Salzburg are a selling club, if the price is right.

Also, Matty Cash looks like poverty when you watch Denzel Dumfries, another player who I'd be going all out to sign. A lethal, international right-back who would cost double the fee, but is very highly skilled.

Players like Watkins, Benrahma and Edouard do not excite me in the slightest. We will get exactly what we pay for with those cheap signings.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 29, 2020, 04:57:54 PM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on August 29, 2020, 04:53:10 PM

We need to be signing the next Sadio Mane, Patson Daka before another club does. A real talented striker with blistering pace. We all know RB Salzburg are a selling club, if the price is right.

Also, Matty Cash looks like poverty when you watch Denzel Dumfries, another player who I'd be going all out to sign. A lethal, international right-back who would cost double the fee, but is very highly skilled.

Players like Watkins, Benrahma and Edouard do not excite me in the slightest. We will get exactly what we pay for with those cheap signings.

Have you sent a burofax to the club containing a list of players that would excite you? I'm sure they'd be delighted.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on August 29, 2020, 05:03:52 PM

Denzel Dumfries is going for €18m, pretty much the same price we paid for Targett. Convincing him to come here may be another matter, Goldie, the same with any ambitious player you can think of. We stayed up by the skin of our teeth and are already one of the favourites, rightly or wrongly, to be relegated this season. The most annoying thing is this window where most clubs are reluctant to spend big, we can't take advantage of our financial strength. Yes, money talks but most quality players want European football, something we're light years away from today.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: gpbarr on August 29, 2020, 05:05:58 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on August 29, 2020, 04:57:54 PM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on August 29, 2020, 04:53:10 PM

We need to be signing the next Sadio Mane, Patson Daka before another club does. A real talented striker with blistering pace. We all know RB Salzburg are a selling club, if the price is right.

Also, Matty Cash looks like poverty when you watch Denzel Dumfries, another player who I'd be going all out to sign. A lethal, international right-back who would cost double the fee, but is very highly skilled.

Players like Watkins, Benrahma and Edouard do not excite me in the slightest. We will get exactly what we pay for with those cheap signings.

Have you sent a burofax to the club containing a list of players that would excite you? I'm sure they'd be delighted.

Witty. But his point is well made. How far we have fallen when we seem excited by signing two Championship players and a French striker who has done well in the Scottish equivalent of League Two! 

If we are going to kick on into mid table safety it’s going to take much more ambition than the rumors suggest.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on August 29, 2020, 05:07:21 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on August 29, 2020, 04:57:54 PM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on August 29, 2020, 04:53:10 PM

We need to be signing the next Sadio Mane, Patson Daka before another club does. A real talented striker with blistering pace. We all know RB Salzburg are a selling club, if the price is right.

Also, Matty Cash looks like poverty when you watch Denzel Dumfries, another player who I'd be going all out to sign. A lethal, international right-back who would cost double the fee, but is very highly skilled.

Players like Watkins, Benrahma and Edouard do not excite me in the slightest. We will get exactly what we pay for with those cheap signings.

Have you sent a burofax to the club containing a list of players that would excite you? I'm sure they'd be delighted.

Also, how at £30m-£40m would Eduaord be a cheap signing whereas Denzel Dumfries wouldn't at £20-24m (your valuation)? They both play in second tier standard leagues, both have champions league experience and are of a similar age.  You've pretty much described Eduoard in your opening sentence as the type of player we need to sign then said he doesn't excite you.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 29, 2020, 05:09:06 PM

Well other than, as per the point made earlier in this thread, if you are judicious you can pick up some excellent players from the Championship or Scotland (see McGinn!). A player playing at a lower level doesn’t mean they can’t be a brilliant top flight player.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on August 29, 2020, 05:17:01 PM

Quote from: gpbarr on August 29, 2020, 05:05:58 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on August 29, 2020, 04:57:54 PM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on August 29, 2020, 04:53:10 PM

We need to be signing the next Sadio Mane, Patson Daka before another club does. A real talented striker with blistering pace. We all know RB Salzburg are a selling club, if the price is right.

Also, Matty Cash looks like poverty when you watch Denzel Dumfries, another player who I'd be going all out to sign. A lethal, international right-back who would cost double the fee, but is very highly skilled.

Players like Watkins, Benrahma and Edouard do not excite me in the slightest. We will get exactly what we pay for with those cheap signings.

Have you sent a burofax to the club containing a list of players that would excite you? I'm sure they'd be delighted.

Witty. But his point is well made. How far we have fallen when we seem excited by signing two Championship players and a French striker who has done well in the Scottish equivalent of League Two! 

If we are going to kick on into mid table safety it’s going to take much more ambition than the rumors suggest.

It's a well made point that we should be signing the next Sadio Mane from a club in Austria and a full-back from the Dutch league, but we should turn up our noses at Edouard because he plays in Scotland. How does that work?

In another point, the last French striker to do well for Celtic in the 'Scottish Division 2' standard was Mousa Dembele who then went on to fire his next team to the CL semis and is a bloody good player. Using your logic we shouldn't have been excited by the idea of going in for him either.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: gpbarr on August 29, 2020, 05:22:49 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on August 29, 2020, 05:09:06 PM

Well other than, as per the point made earlier in this thread, if you are judicious you can pick up some excellent players from the Championship or Scotland (see McGinn!). A player playing at a lower level doesn’t mean they can’t be a brilliant top flight player.

Not arguing they may be excellent players. But when one steps back, we have two players arguably who'd get into the first 11 of a top 10 PL club ... the rest IMO are players who will help us compete in the lower half of the PL. Watkins, Cash, Edouard are all players who would help us compete in that half of the table but none of them would get close to the first 11 of the top 8 (let alone 6) in the PL.

Its about ambition. What do we want to be in the PL? And if the rumors are true, then our expectations for the upcoming season should be guarded because we are not linked with the type of players who will drive us to much better in 20/21.   

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mcgrath_85 on August 29, 2020, 05:25:00 PM

Quote from: gpbarr on August 29, 2020, 05:22:49 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on August 29, 2020, 05:09:06 PM

Well other than, as per the point made earlier in this thread, if you are judicious you can pick up some excellent players from the Championship or Scotland (see McGinn!). A player playing at a lower level doesn’t mean they can’t be a brilliant top flight player.

Not arguing they may be excellent players. But when one steps back, we have two players arguably who'd get into the first 11 of a top 10 PL club ... the rest IMO are players who will help us compete in the lower half of the PL. Watkins, Cash, Edouard are all players who would help us compete in that half of the table but none of them would get close to the first 11 of the top 8 (let alone 6) in the PL.

Its about ambition. What do we want to be in the PL? And if the rumors are true, then our expectations for the upcoming season should be guarded because we are not linked with the type of players who will drive us to much better in 20/21.   

Agreed. It’s all just seems very underwhelming after surviving last season by the skin of our teeth. Hopefully they’ll be some nice surprises soon.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on August 29, 2020, 05:25:14 PM

Quote from: gpbarr on August 29, 2020, 05:22:49 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on August 29, 2020, 05:09:06 PM

Well other than, as per the point made earlier in this thread, if you are judicious you can pick up some excellent players from the Championship or Scotland (see McGinn!). A player playing at a lower level doesn’t mean they can’t be a brilliant top flight player.

Not arguing they may be excellent players. But when one steps back, we have two players arguably who'd get into the first 11 of a top 10 PL club ... the rest IMO are players who will help us compete in the lower half of the PL. Watkins, Cash, Edouard are all players who would help us compete in that half of the table but none of them would get close to the first 11 of the top 8 (let alone 6) in the PL.

One of whom we signed from Hibs.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 29, 2020, 05:29:38 PM

Well you don’t know that though. I’d imagine when Leicester signed Jamie Vardy or N’Golo Kante people didn’t think they’d be world beaters. As it happens they are and they helped them win the title. Point is Watkins, Eduoard, Cash could all have huge development potential, or they may not. That’s the point of scouting and it’s not fool proof, but you’re speculating about ability. The key bit is that a player can develop and improve, they are not always defined by what or where they are at 18 or 20 years old. Best recent example - Serge Gnabry.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on August 29, 2020, 05:45:15 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 29, 2020, 03:50:56 PM

Martinez starting today, ah well another to scrub off the list!

Doesn’t mean anything

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on August 29, 2020, 05:53:28 PM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on August 29, 2020, 05:45:15 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 29, 2020, 03:50:56 PM

Martinez starting today, ah well another to scrub off the list!

Doesn’t mean anything

It does , it means he has scrubbed him off his list 😉

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 29, 2020, 06:10:17 PM

Quote from: gpbarr on August 29, 2020, 05:22:49 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on August 29, 2020, 05:09:06 PM

Well other than, as per the point made earlier in this thread, if you are judicious you can pick up some excellent players from the Championship or Scotland (see McGinn!). A player playing at a lower level doesn’t mean they can’t be a brilliant top flight player.

Not arguing they may be excellent players. But when one steps back, we have two players arguably who'd get into the first 11 of a top 10 PL club ... the rest IMO are players who will help us compete in the lower half of the PL. Watkins, Cash, Edouard are all players who would help us compete in that half of the table but none of them would get close to the first 11 of the top 8 (let alone 6) in the PL.

Its about ambition. What do we want to be in the PL? And if the rumors are true, then our expectations for the upcoming season should be guarded because we are not linked with the type of players who will drive us to much better in 20/21.   

I don’t disagree with all your views but I do when you say we have 2 players capable of playing for a top 10 prem side

in fact the reason I was disappointed with us in general last season was because I thought our players were better than that and disagreed with those of the mindset that they just weren’t good enough
some arn’t obviously but we have a core of very decent players

in midfield we have Grealish McGinn and Luiz if we sold them all we would be looking at approx 150 mill
I doubt there’s any bottom half prem team can boast that

defence we have Mings who could play top  10
Target who Leicester have expressed interest in who are in top 10
Heaton defo a top 10 keeper

We need strengthening in the areas we are week in, up front especially
 but we underachieved last season with the players at Smiths disposable imo

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Goldie.7 on August 29, 2020, 06:27:52 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on August 29, 2020, 05:17:01 PM

Quote from: gpbarr on August 29, 2020, 05:05:58 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on August 29, 2020, 04:57:54 PM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on August 29, 2020, 04:53:10 PM

We need to be signing the next Sadio Mane, Patson Daka before another club does. A real talented striker with blistering pace. We all know RB Salzburg are a selling club, if the price is right.

Also, Matty Cash looks like poverty when you watch Denzel Dumfries, another player who I'd be going all out to sign. A lethal, international right-back who would cost double the fee, but is very highly skilled.

Players like Watkins, Benrahma and Edouard do not excite me in the slightest. We will get exactly what we pay for with those cheap signings.

Have you sent a burofax to the club containing a list of players that would excite you? I'm sure they'd be delighted.

Witty. But his point is well made. How far we have fallen when we seem excited by signing two Championship players and a French striker who has done well in the Scottish equivalent of League Two! 

If we are going to kick on into mid table safety it’s going to take much more ambition than the rumors suggest.

It's a well made point that we should be signing the next Sadio Mane from a club in Austria and a full-back from the Dutch league, but we should turn up our noses at Edouard because he plays in Scotland. How does that work?

For me Edouard doesn't have that real turn of pace we desperately need. Daka would be a nightmare for defenders with his pace. That club in Austria is where Southampton bought Mane from, and that Dutch full-back was in the team that beat Germany recently, twice.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Legion on August 29, 2020, 06:35:00 PM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on August 29, 2020, 01:01:24 PM

Martinez rumours true

Isn't that somewhat of an oxymoron?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 29, 2020, 06:35:58 PM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on August 29, 2020, 06:27:52 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on August 29, 2020, 05:17:01 PM

Quote from: gpbarr on August 29, 2020, 05:05:58 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on August 29, 2020, 04:57:54 PM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on August 29, 2020, 04:53:10 PM

We need to be signing the next Sadio Mane, Patson Daka before another club does. A real talented striker with blistering pace. We all know RB Salzburg are a selling club, if the price is right.

Also, Matty Cash looks like poverty when you watch Denzel Dumfries, another player who I'd be going all out to sign. A lethal, international right-back who would cost double the fee, but is very highly skilled.

Players like Watkins, Benrahma and Edouard do not excite me in the slightest. We will get exactly what we pay for with those cheap signings.

Have you sent a burofax to the club containing a list of players that would excite you? I'm sure they'd be delighted.

Witty. But his point is well made. How far we have fallen when we seem excited by signing two Championship players and a French striker who has done well in the Scottish equivalent of League Two! 

If we are going to kick on into mid table safety it’s going to take much more ambition than the rumors suggest.

It's a well made point that we should be signing the next Sadio Mane from a club in Austria and a full-back from the Dutch league, but we should turn up our noses at Edouard because he plays in Scotland. How does that work?

For me Edouard doesn't have that real turn of pace we desperately need. Daka would be a nightmare for defenders with his pace. That club in Austria is where Southampton bought Mane from, and that Dutch full-back was in the team that beat Germany recently, twice.

I think the point is, if we'd have signed Mane from an Austrian team for £10m, you'd be saying he doesn't excite you, he's cheap, etc etc.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on August 29, 2020, 06:37:32 PM

Martinez played well today. I would be surprised if they let him leave and more so for the sort of fee we may have earmarked for a goalkeeper.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on August 29, 2020, 06:38:13 PM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on August 29, 2020, 06:27:52 PM

For me Edouard doesn't have that real turn of pace we desperately need.

A view you're entitled to. He wouldn't be a cheap signing though or the club getting 'exactly what we paid for', which is what you said.

Quote from: Goldie.7 on August 29, 2020, 06:27:52 PM

That club in Austria is where Southampton bought Mane from, and that Dutch full-back was in the team that beat Germany recently, twice.

So if we're now judging potential signings on past signings and internationals rather than the country they play in, we can agree not to discount Eduoard of Celtic just because he plays in Scotland (not you that made that comment I know) since Celtic are the club that Dembele and Van Dijk came from, or ignore his many goals for every French international age group team up to the French U21s.

My general point is that it doesn't matter a dime where a player comes from or how much they cost, it matters how good they are or could be.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 29, 2020, 06:45:15 PM

Quote from: Legion on August 29, 2020, 06:35:00 PM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on August 29, 2020, 01:01:24 PM

Martinez rumours true

Isn't that somewhat of an oxymoron?

That it is true there are rumours or that the content of the rumours are true?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 29, 2020, 06:47:46 PM

And that point is spot on.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Goldie.7 on August 29, 2020, 06:57:26 PM

My general point is that Edouard wouldn't cost us nowhere near the £30m reported fee and would be the inferior player to what we could possibly obtain.

We were paying £24m for a striker almost a decade ago. In today's current market £20-30m for a striker is cheap.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Border villan on August 29, 2020, 07:01:46 PM

Are we going to pull up the drawbridge on this endless speculation for tonight and renew going around in circles tomorrow or when the bank holiday is over?

I need a rest!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on August 29, 2020, 07:06:18 PM

I bet no-one is bored of the bickering...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 29, 2020, 07:08:17 PM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on August 29, 2020, 06:57:26 PM

My general point is that Edouard wouldn't cost us nowhere near the £30m reported fee and would be the inferior player to what we could possibly obtain.

We were paying £24m for a striker almost a decade ago. In today's current market £20-30m for a striker is cheap.

But you want us to sign the next Mane from an inferior league at a small fee?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on August 29, 2020, 07:08:43 PM

Quote from: Border villan on August 29, 2020, 07:01:46 PM

Are we going to pull up the drawbridge on this endless speculation for tonight and renew going around in circles tomorrow or when the bank holiday is over?

I need a rest!

I think we all need a striker-signing!!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on August 29, 2020, 07:10:08 PM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on August 29, 2020, 06:57:26 PM

My general point is that Edouard wouldn't cost us nowhere near the £30m reported fee and would be the inferior player to what we could possibly obtain.

We were paying £24m for a striker almost a decade ago. In today's current market £20-30m for a striker is cheap.

Would he not? Pretty much every paper and site online is reporting between £30-40m. I'll bow to your greater knowledge. As to quality, that's purely a matter of opinion which you're entitled to.

How much would this chap from the Austrian league cost us then?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Goldie.7 on August 29, 2020, 07:24:44 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on August 29, 2020, 07:10:08 PM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on August 29, 2020, 06:57:26 PM

My general point is that Edouard wouldn't cost us nowhere near the £30m reported fee and would be the inferior player to what we could possibly obtain.

We were paying £24m for a striker almost a decade ago. In today's current market £20-30m for a striker is cheap.

Would he not? Pretty much every paper and site online is reporting between £30-40m. I'll bow to your greater knowledge. As to quality, that's purely a matter of opinion which you're entitled to.

How much would this chap from the Austrian league cost us then?

£31m, long contract.  ;)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on August 29, 2020, 07:56:06 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 29, 2020, 06:45:15 PM

Quote from: Legion on August 29, 2020, 06:35:00 PM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on August 29, 2020, 01:01:24 PM

Martinez rumours true

Isn't that somewhat of an oxymoron?

That it is true there are rumours or that the content of the rumours are true?

Very true. The rumours we are in for him are not rumours but true statements. Up to Arsenal to ok the sale and get a replacement. A number of clubs interested in him

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on August 29, 2020, 08:03:12 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on August 29, 2020, 07:58:19 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on August 29, 2020, 03:57:40 PM

I wouldn’t give up on Samatta yet, anymore than I would Wesley. Players need, and deserve, some time to settle. In Samatta’s case parachuting into a club in free fall, in a new country, and then facing an unprecedented period of lockdown, it’s hardly surprising he struggled.

Exactly why Trez will double his figures in goals and assists next year
Thinking 12-14 goals
And 4-6 Assists ...

I'd be a teensy bit surprised if that happens.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on August 29, 2020, 08:06:18 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on August 29, 2020, 07:58:19 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on August 29, 2020, 03:57:40 PM

I wouldn’t give up on Samatta yet, anymore than I would Wesley. Players need, and deserve, some time to settle. In Samatta’s case parachuting into a club in free fall, in a new country, and then facing an unprecedented period of lockdown, it’s hardly surprising he struggled.

Don't know on those 2 though feeling be strong improvement in our attacking players.
Exactly why backing Trez will double his figures in goals and assists next year
Thinking 12-14 goals
And 4-6 Assists ...he's now a lot more settled and has high potential to be a goal and attack menace

Also hope for:
Same with El Ghazi 8+ goals 10+ assists

McGinn to tripple his stats 9 goals 9 assist

Expecting all to improve given game time and confidence
And double for Jack can hit 15+ goals and 15+ assists

Then Shakespeare and Smith have hit gold.

I'll have a pint of whatever you've had :D

I hope you're right.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Legion on August 29, 2020, 08:07:27 PM

So do I. Can't see it in a million years. Then again, I was convinced we were down with 4 games to go and being 7 points behind so what do I know?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 29, 2020, 08:16:17 PM

Quote from: Risso on August 29, 2020, 08:03:12 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on August 29, 2020, 07:58:19 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on August 29, 2020, 03:57:40 PM

I wouldn’t give up on Samatta yet, anymore than I would Wesley. Players need, and deserve, some time to settle. In Samatta’s case parachuting into a club in free fall, in a new country, and then facing an unprecedented period of lockdown, it’s hardly surprising he struggled.

Exactly why Trez will double his figures in goals and assists next year
Thinking 12-14 goals
And 4-6 Assists ...

I'd be a teensy bit surprised if that happens.

I think 12-14 might be a stretch but he does have a few goals  in him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on August 29, 2020, 08:22:15 PM

I don't see the point in predicting the number of goals scored by individuals because it doesn't really matter much.

If we play the same 433 we did after the lockdown then 10-15 from the defence, similar from the midfield and 20-30 from the striker/wingers gets us to the 50-60 goals that normally sees you safely into midtable.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 29, 2020, 08:32:09 PM

Newcastle signnig Rob Holding on season long loan.

I'd be on to them about Fabian Schar, experienced ball playing CB. Think he has 1 year left on his deal up there and they only signed him for about 3m.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on August 29, 2020, 08:32:52 PM

If Jack, Trezeguet and Watkins score a combined 40 goals then I'll have Barry Fry's face tattooed on my arse.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on August 29, 2020, 08:33:17 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 29, 2020, 08:32:09 PM

Newcastle signnig Rob Holding on season long loan.

I'd be on to them about Fabian Schar, experienced ball playing CB. Think he has 1 year left on his deal up there and they only signed him for about 3m.

Leeds sign a German international.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Legion on August 29, 2020, 08:40:04 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on August 29, 2020, 08:36:42 PM

Quote from: paul_e on August 29, 2020, 08:22:15 PM

I don't see the point in predicting the number of goals scored by individuals because it doesn't really matter much.

If we play the same 433 we did after the lockdown then 10-15 from the defence, similar from the midfield and 20-30 from the striker/wingers gets us to the 50-60 goals that normally sees you safely into midtable.

After all this is a transfer thread about bringing in specific players as well as the specific positions.

This thread is 99%+ made-up nonsense as it is year after year.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on August 29, 2020, 08:44:35 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on August 29, 2020, 08:33:17 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 29, 2020, 08:32:09 PM

Newcastle signnig Rob Holding on season long loan.

I'd be on to them about Fabian Schar, experienced ball playing CB. Think he has 1 year left on his deal up there and they only signed him for about 3m.

Leeds sign a German international.

On paper that looks a great bit of business.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on August 29, 2020, 08:46:43 PM

Quote from: Legion on August 29, 2020, 08:40:04 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on August 29, 2020, 08:36:42 PM

Quote from: paul_e on August 29, 2020, 08:22:15 PM

I don't see the point in predicting the number of goals scored by individuals because it doesn't really matter much.

If we play the same 433 we did after the lockdown then 10-15 from the defence, similar from the midfield and 20-30 from the striker/wingers gets us to the 50-60 goals that normally sees you safely into midtable.

After all this is a transfer thread about bringing in specific players as well as the specific positions.

This thread is 99%+ made-up nonsense as it is year after year.

as low as that do you think ?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Legion on August 29, 2020, 08:49:04 PM

Quote from: john e on August 29, 2020, 08:46:43 PM

Quote from: Legion on August 29, 2020, 08:40:04 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on August 29, 2020, 08:36:42 PM

Quote from: paul_e on August 29, 2020, 08:22:15 PM

I don't see the point in predicting the number of goals scored by individuals because it doesn't really matter much.

If we play the same 433 we did after the lockdown then 10-15 from the defence, similar from the midfield and 20-30 from the striker/wingers gets us to the 50-60 goals that normally sees you safely into midtable.

After all this is a transfer thread about bringing in specific players as well as the specific positions.

This thread is 99%+ made-up nonsense as it is year after year.

as low as that do you think ?

99.99%+ would have been more accurate.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: CT Villan on August 29, 2020, 09:01:59 PM

Quote from: Legion on August 29, 2020, 08:49:04 PM

Quote from: john e on August 29, 2020, 08:46:43 PM

Quote from: Legion on August 29, 2020, 08:40:04 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on August 29, 2020, 08:36:42 PM

Quote from: paul_e on August 29, 2020, 08:22:15 PM

I don't see the point in predicting the number of goals scored by individuals because it doesn't really matter much.

If we play the same 433 we did after the lockdown then 10-15 from the defence, similar from the midfield and 20-30 from the striker/wingers gets us to the 50-60 goals that normally sees you safely into midtable.

After all this is a transfer thread about bringing in specific players as well as the specific positions.

This thread is 99%+ made-up nonsense as it is year after year.

as low as that do you think ?

99.99%+ would have been more accurate.

and it's all 120% gospel, innit ?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Legion on August 29, 2020, 09:03:25 PM

You can thank Twatter and the imbeciles that believe all the bullshit posted on there for that.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ktvillan on August 29, 2020, 09:11:19 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on August 29, 2020, 08:31:14 PM

Quote from: Clampy on August 29, 2020, 08:16:17 PM

Quote from: Risso on August 29, 2020, 08:03:12 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on August 29, 2020, 07:58:19 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on August 29, 2020, 03:57:40 PM

I wouldn’t give up on Samatta yet, anymore than I would Wesley. Players need, and deserve, some time to settle. In Samatta’s case parachuting into a club in free fall, in a new country, and then facing an unprecedented period of lockdown, it’s hardly surprising he struggled.

Exactly why Trez will double his figures in goals and assists next year
Thinking 12-14 goals
And 4-6 Assists ...

I'd be a teensy bit surprised if that happens.

I think 12-14 might be a stretch but he does have a few goals  in him.

10-12 say for Trez would be great. I felt he could have had 10 last season as can identify several opportunities where he could have scored if more composed so that 6 goals could have made to 10.

Yes giving example of the doubling of Gola's and assists is ambitious . And getting anything above 12+ goals for any of our players this season would be something . However McGinn Grealish El Gahzi and Trez can improve on their numbers then obviously it's a great help to Villa progress.

Of those I can only see Jack as a 15+ goal player .
Add a 15+ goal striker /wide forward then that's 30 goals between 2 players.

Say Watkins becomes ours and he hits 15+ goals!

We then only hoping for
Wesley 5+
Samatta 5+
Davis 5+
Trezeguet 5+
McGinn 5+
El Ghazi 5+
Hourihane 5+

So the importance to get the right goal scoring  forward coupled with the need for the existing players to step on up improving goal figures would see major rise in getting more points from games I would summise!

Up the villa

You've been banging the drum for Trezeguet since he signed and yet he was utter gash for 90% of the season.  Chipping in with a couple of, admittedly important,  goals at the end doesn't change that.  At the same time you were highly critical of Wesley who actually looked a player at times and was on target for double figures had he stayed fit. 

It's all very well saying he should have had 10 with a bit more composure but that's exactly his main (but not only) problem - he's ok at whacking it home if given no time but any time to think and he shits himself.  I'm not sure composure in front of goal is something he is suddenly going to acquire.  IF he does miraculously develop some composure (as well as a bit of bottle), then yes double figures would not be out of the question.  But based on what I've seen so far I'm baffled as to why you are such a fanboy and will be very surprised if he gets into double figures next year in goals or assists.  In fact I'd be hoping that our new signings mean he rarely gets near the starting eleven.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on August 29, 2020, 09:12:19 PM

Quote from: Legion on August 29, 2020, 09:03:25 PM

You can thank Twatter and the imbeciles that believe all the bullshit posted on there for that.

and gets repeated on here.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on August 29, 2020, 09:12:53 PM

I tend to agree with Vill I An about Trez, at least in as much as i think he might have a few more goals in him next season (though maybe not quite 14!) Less convinced about El Ghazi showing a massive improvement, as he should already be fairly settled.

If the new striker, whoever that is, gets 10-12 I'll be delighted. I don't think there's many 14+ goal strikers in the league, so hitting those heights in their first season would be remarkable.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Footy-Vill on August 29, 2020, 09:34:29 PM

Yes have to be decent team and or converter of chances for 15+ goals as not many get above that level... And not many do get double figures consistently.

Last season
Abraham scored 15
Pukki 11 goals
Maupay 10 goals
Haller 7 goals
McBurnie 6 goals
Adams 4 goals
Joelinton 2 goals

Mitrovic figures:
 11 goals last time in Prem , 1 , 9

Benteke stats last 3 seasons 2, 1 and 3
And in 4 out of 8 seasons he's hit double figures 19, 10, 13, 15

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on August 29, 2020, 09:35:49 PM

The only thing I ever look at on Twitter is John Percy's one, as he tends to be pretty reliable

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: itmustbe_it is! on August 29, 2020, 09:37:46 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on August 29, 2020, 08:42:36 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 29, 2020, 08:32:09 PM

Newcastle signnig Rob Holding on season long loan.

I'd be on to them about Fabian Schar, experienced ball playing CB. Think he has 1 year left on his deal up there and they only signed him for about 3m.

Stevie Bruce and friends (Agnew and Clements) seems to be collecting centre backs up there!
Yes as well as Schar there is
Lascelles
Fernandez
Are very own Ciran Clark
Lejeune
Dummet

All played centre back

Bit ironic considering the mess he got us in at that position

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on August 29, 2020, 09:56:12 PM

Quote from: itmustbe_it is! on August 29, 2020, 09:37:46 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on August 29, 2020, 08:42:36 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 29, 2020, 08:32:09 PM

Newcastle signnig Rob Holding on season long loan.

I'd be on to them about Fabian Schar, experienced ball playing CB. Think he has 1 year left on his deal up there and they only signed him for about 3m.

Stevie Bruce and friends (Agnew and Clements) seems to be collecting centre backs up there!
Yes as well as Schar there is
Lascelles
Fernandez
Are very own Ciran Clark
Lejeune
Dummet

All played centre back

Bit ironic considering the mess he got us in at that position

He is probably a bit paranoid about it now 🤔

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on August 29, 2020, 10:25:03 PM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on August 29, 2020, 09:35:49 PM

The only thing I ever look at on Twitter is John Percy's one, as he tends to be pretty reliable

I wish he'd post a few more times about Villa. 256 pages and nothing close to a signing at the moment.  I'm sure we are preparing, weighing up, getting ready to make bids this week though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 29, 2020, 10:32:12 PM

Quote from: Newby on August 29, 2020, 10:25:03 PM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on August 29, 2020, 09:35:49 PM

The only thing I ever look at on Twitter is John Percy's one, as he tends to be pretty reliable

I wish he'd post a few more times about Villa. 256 pages and nothing close to a signing at the moment.  I'm sure we are preparing, weighing up, getting ready to make bids this week though.

If he posted more, it would be mere speculation, and the value of what he did Post would be diluted.
I like the fact he can be replied upon, it means I can ignore everything else.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on August 29, 2020, 10:33:32 PM

Quality not quantity in everything really 🤔

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on August 29, 2020, 10:36:16 PM

Quote from: Newby on August 29, 2020, 10:25:03 PM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on August 29, 2020, 09:35:49 PM

The only thing I ever look at on Twitter is John Percy's one, as he tends to be pretty reliable

I wish he'd post a few more times about Villa. 256 pages and nothing close to a signing at the moment.  I'm sure we are preparing, weighing up, getting ready to make bids this week though.

He posted yesterday about being in advanced talks with Forest for Matty Cash with a £12m bid made and Watkins probably going through this week, so hopefully the first two are incoming very soon.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 29, 2020, 10:53:06 PM

Nixon is running a story tomorrow. 

We are offering £70k per week to beat Fulham to Watkins.  We are still interested in Benrahma and Henry. And apparently we are going to offer £10k per week for Jack to stay.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 29, 2020, 10:59:19 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 29, 2020, 10:53:06 PM

Nixon is running a story tomorrow. 

We are offering £70k per week to beat Fulham to Watkins.  We are still interested in Benrahma and Henry. And apparently we are going to offer £10k per week for Jack to stay.

I'd take £10k but I think I might get more at Sheffield Wednesday (if I was any good).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on August 29, 2020, 11:04:58 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on August 29, 2020, 10:36:16 PM

Quote from: Newby on August 29, 2020, 10:25:03 PM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on August 29, 2020, 09:35:49 PM

The only thing I ever look at on Twitter is John Percy's one, as he tends to be pretty reliable

I wish he'd post a few more times about Villa. 256 pages and nothing close to a signing at the moment.  I'm sure we are preparing, weighing up, getting ready to make bids this week though.

He posted yesterday about being in advanced talks with Forest for Matty Cash with a £12m bid made and Watkins probably going through this week, so hopefully the first two are incoming very soon.

I hope that he tweets about us signing a good quality defensive midfielder quite soon as well then.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 29, 2020, 11:14:31 PM

Douglas Luiz is pretty good.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 29, 2020, 11:15:35 PM

Shucks £100k per week. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: gpbarr on August 29, 2020, 11:16:28 PM

Leeds and Everton making impressive moves last 24 hours. Hopefully we will catch up but concerns remain about what’s going on behind the scenes

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: robbo1874 on August 29, 2020, 11:18:37 PM

Quote from: Legion on August 29, 2020, 08:49:04 PM

Quote from: john e on August 29, 2020, 08:46:43 PM

Quote from: Legion on August 29, 2020, 08:40:04 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on August 29, 2020, 08:36:42 PM

Quote from: paul_e on August 29, 2020, 08:22:15 PM

I don't see the point in predicting the number of goals scored by individuals because it doesn't really matter much.

If we play the same 433 we did after the lockdown then 10-15 from the defence, similar from the midfield and 20-30 from the striker/wingers gets us to the 50-60 goals that normally sees you safely into midtable.

After all this is a transfer thread about bringing in specific players as well as the specific positions.

This thread is 99%+ made-up nonsense as it is year after year.

as low as that do you think ?

99.99%+ would have been more accurate.

we usually have 1 or 2 reliable ITK posters as I recall. Although I guess with the risk of deals getting hijacked there may be tighter security around info leaking from clubs these days. Even the hacks don’t seem to have much inside track anymore.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: robbo1874 on August 29, 2020, 11:27:25 PM

Quote from: gpbarr on August 29, 2020, 11:16:28 PM

Leeds and Everton making impressive moves last 24 hours. Hopefully we will catch up but concerns remain about what’s going on behind the scenes

Deano did an interview on VillaTV last week where he talked about postponing a holiday to Scotland so he could sit down with Lange, map out the plan for the season and identify the kind of players he wants. Presumably Lange isn’t just sitting in his office playing Solitaire?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: gpbarr on August 29, 2020, 11:33:50 PM

They can talk and plan all they like - just like the game itself, results are all that matters. And so far with a week before the start of the season, the results are what’s concerning. Yes it could all change this week but the facts are that several of our competitors have got business done and we have not

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on August 30, 2020, 12:04:10 AM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 29, 2020, 10:53:06 PM

Nixon is running a story tomorrow. 

We are offering £70k per week to beat Fulham to Watkins.  We are still interested in Benrahma and Henry. And apparently we are going to offer £10k per week for Jack to stay.

Quote from: robbo1874 on August 29, 2020, 11:27:25 PM

Quote from: gpbarr on August 29, 2020, 11:16:28 PM

Leeds and Everton making impressive moves last 24 hours. Hopefully we will catch up but concerns remain about what’s going on behind the scenes

Deano did an interview on VillaTV last week where he talked about postponing a holiday to Scotland so he could sit down with Lange, map out the plan for the season and identify the kind of players he wants. Presumably Lange isn’t just sitting in his office playing Solitaire?

Well I hope the mapped plan wasn't just former players he's worked with at Brentford because if they were that good they would have been promoted at some point and a team full of Championship players tends to end up in one place.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on August 30, 2020, 12:26:30 AM

There doesn't seem to be a queue of clubs trying to kick down the Palace door to sign Zaha this summer. Might be gettable for us at a reasonable price and a bit of a statement signing. His pace on the counter attack would be a significant asset.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on August 30, 2020, 12:28:08 AM

On the most recent evidence a team full of championship players finished 9th.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on August 30, 2020, 12:42:52 AM

Quote from: paul_e on August 30, 2020, 12:28:08 AM

On the most recent evidence a team full of championship players finished 9th.

I assume you are referring to Sheffield, who finished 2nd in the Championship and got promoted as opposed to Brentford, who didn't because they weren't good enough.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 30, 2020, 12:45:50 AM

Dean's always signed lots of  his old players. At Walsall he signed about 3 who'd been on loan two years before although of course minimal budget there.

At Brentford he quickly got in Rico Henry and Romaine Sawyers and here he's already signed Jota and Konsa. Didn't realise Swift was on loan at Brentford.

Pros and cons to it like any transfer strategy. He obviously likes to get in players who already knows his ways but it does limit things in a way MON's buy British approach did in the long run.

Still he'd argue after last summer and half of the signings probably not being his choice he's earnt the choice to have more say in targets this summer after keeping us up.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on August 30, 2020, 12:58:08 AM

I'm dubious about the story saying we're offering huge wages to Watkins in order to ward-off Fulham. He is reported to be happy to rejoin Dean and I wager the obstacle is the transfer fee that Brentford are asking for. You'd think they might show some humility for how they robbed us with Hogan or at least give us a regular customer discount.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 30, 2020, 02:25:24 AM

Quote from: gpbarr on August 29, 2020, 11:33:50 PM

They can talk and plan all they like - just like the game itself, results are all that matters. And so far with a week before the start of the season, the results are what’s concerning. Yes it could all change this week but the facts are that several of our competitors have got business done and we have not

We don’t play our first league game for 3 weeks.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on August 30, 2020, 06:53:53 AM

I heard say, that the reason he keeps signing players from clubs he has managed is because they are the only ones who know who he is.
Cruel but.......

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on August 30, 2020, 07:35:28 AM

Quote from: aj2k77 on August 30, 2020, 12:42:52 AM

Quote from: paul_e on August 30, 2020, 12:28:08 AM

On the most recent evidence a team full of championship players finished 9th.

I assume you are referring to Sheffield, who finished 2nd in the Championship and got promoted as opposed to Brentford, who didn't because they weren't good enough.

With regards to Brentford, my hope is that their good players must be really good as they’re propping up the shallowness of the squad. 

Their recruitment model demands that their squad will typically be full of young inexperienced players and probably some average players at any given point.  They rarely keep hold of their better players and equally signings such as the CB from Leeds are very rare. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Legion on August 30, 2020, 07:48:16 AM

Quote from: robbo1874 on August 29, 2020, 11:18:37 PM

Quote from: Legion on August 29, 2020, 08:49:04 PM

Quote from: john e on August 29, 2020, 08:46:43 PM

Quote from: Legion on August 29, 2020, 08:40:04 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on August 29, 2020, 08:36:42 PM

Quote from: paul_e on August 29, 2020, 08:22:15 PM

I don't see the point in predicting the number of goals scored by individuals because it doesn't really matter much.

If we play the same 433 we did after the lockdown then 10-15 from the defence, similar from the midfield and 20-30 from the striker/wingers gets us to the 50-60 goals that normally sees you safely into midtable.

After all this is a transfer thread about bringing in specific players as well as the specific positions.

This thread is 99%+ made-up nonsense as it is year after year.

as low as that do you think ?

99.99%+ would have been more accurate.

we usually have 1 or 2 reliable ITK posters as I recall. Although I guess with the risk of deals getting hijacked there may be tighter security around info leaking from clubs these days. Even the hacks don’t seem to have much inside track anymore.

Do we? Who?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on August 30, 2020, 07:56:31 AM

ITK on here?

This transfer window is turning people a bit silly.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 30, 2020, 07:58:24 AM

I think Watkins will make it in the PL. However,  I thought the strategy for this window was to sign proven PL players.  I’ve only seen us linked with the Arsenal keeper so far.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Legion on August 30, 2020, 08:05:10 AM

No such thing as ITK. Not publically, anyway.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on August 30, 2020, 08:05:28 AM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 30, 2020, 07:58:24 AM

I think Watkins will make it in the PL. However,  I thought the strategy for this window was to sign proven PL players.  I’ve only seen us linked with the Arsenal keeper so far.

The Arsenal keeper who just won something and stated publicly his desire to win loads at Arsenal? Can’t see that one happening.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 30, 2020, 08:08:37 AM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 30, 2020, 07:58:24 AM

I think Watkins will make it in the PL. However,  I thought the strategy for this window was to sign proven PL players.  I’ve only seen us linked with the Arsenal keeper so far.

I think that’s a tricky task. We could get Premier League experience, but it’ll be lower end quality of that bracket. I’d rather get someone who is young, with a skill set that can succeed in the top flight. Watkins fits that bill.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on August 30, 2020, 08:22:30 AM

I worry that the Premier League experience type players, will be people of Danny Drinkwater's ilk

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on August 30, 2020, 08:36:19 AM

Quote from: Legion on August 30, 2020, 08:05:10 AM

No such thing as ITK. Not publically, anyway.

Exactly this....unfortunately there are a lot of gullible people, particularly on twitter who buy anything as gospel....the desperados who beg those 14 yr old geeks for info that they don’t have until they make it up are the worst...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on August 30, 2020, 08:41:11 AM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 30, 2020, 02:25:24 AM

Quote from: gpbarr on August 29, 2020, 11:33:50 PM

They can talk and plan all they like - just like the game itself, results are all that matters. And so far with a week before the start of the season, the results are what’s concerning. Yes it could all change this week but the facts are that several of our competitors have got business done and we have not

We don’t play our first league game for 3 weeks.

And then there's still another two weeks after that until the window closes, with then yet another 11 days for transfers between the PL and the FL. Ages yet.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 30, 2020, 08:41:38 AM

There was one of these pretend ITK's on Twitter the other day who announced he was doing one of those 'ask me a question' jobs like famous people tend to do on there and people actually were tweeting him questions.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mcgrath_85 on August 30, 2020, 08:42:45 AM

Quote from: aj2k77 on August 30, 2020, 12:42:52 AM

Quote from: paul_e on August 30, 2020, 12:28:08 AM

On the most recent evidence a team full of championship players finished 9th.

I assume you are referring to Sheffield, who finished 2nd in the Championship and got promoted as opposed to Brentford, who didn't because they weren't good enough.

😂

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 30, 2020, 08:51:30 AM

There is no chance we are getting Martinez watching him yesterday. Arsenal would be bonkers to sell him, Leno is a good keeper but Martinez looks like he's got a bit of something.

Can't see anyone stumping up £40 million this summer for Eduoard either, but I can see why Celtic would want that with a 40% sell on clause in there. I wonder if Brentford have that kind of arrangement over Watkins.

I thought I had blocked all the twitter itk pillocks, but there is one I've missed that's a real delight. Appears to like the hinting and getting people to ask him continually. I do wonder what the motivation is.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 30, 2020, 09:02:02 AM

The other take away from twitter is that Rashica is this years Kiotake.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on August 30, 2020, 09:05:53 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 30, 2020, 08:51:30 AM

There is no chance we are getting Martinez watching him yesterday. Arsenal would be bonkers to sell him, Leno is a good keeper but Martinez looks like he's got a bit of something.

Can't see anyone stumping up £40 million this summer for Eduoard either, but I can see why Celtic would want that with a 40% sell on clause in there. I wonder if Brentford have that kind of arrangement over Watkins.

I thought I had blocked all the twitter itk pillocks, but there is one I've missed that's a real delight. Appears to like the hinting and getting people to ask him continually. I do wonder what the motivation is.

Probably a kid bored because he's been off school for 5 months.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 30, 2020, 09:08:57 AM

When I was bored as a kid I didn't make random shit up on the Internet.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on August 30, 2020, 09:11:43 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 30, 2020, 09:08:57 AM

When I was bored as a kid I didn't make random shit up on the Internet.

Because the internet didn't exist way back then.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: in exile on August 30, 2020, 09:15:27 AM

Quote from: aj2k77 on August 30, 2020, 09:11:43 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 30, 2020, 09:08:57 AM

When I was bored as a kid I didn't make random shit up on the Internet.

Because the internet didn't exist way back then.

The truth is, he used to write random shit in chalk on pieces of slate and leave them in public places.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on August 30, 2020, 09:34:16 AM

at least it's free to read the ITK bullshit these days - unlike 25 years ago spending £10 a call to Clubcall got me in the shit with my parents.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: nigel on August 30, 2020, 10:32:32 AM

Quote from: Gareth on August 30, 2020, 08:36:19 AM

Quote from: Legion on August 30, 2020, 08:05:10 AM

No such thing as ITK. Not publically, anyway.

Exactly this....unfortunately there are a lot of gullible people, particularly on twitter who buy anything as gospel....the desperados who beg those 14 yr old geeks for info that they don’t have until they make it up are the worst...

I thought I’d a nailed on ITK last season when my lads mate said he met Romain Sawyers while working at a house over Dorridge way. He said Romain actually told him Villa are going to sign him.
I posted on here, ready to take the plaudits... My moment of ITK immortality gone 😂

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: robbo1874 on August 30, 2020, 10:40:38 AM

Quote from: gpbarr on August 29, 2020, 11:33:50 PM

They can talk and plan all they like - just like the game itself, results are all that matters. And so far with a week before the start of the season, the results are what’s concerning. Yes it could all change this week but the facts are that several of our competitors have got business done and we have not

so we should just go out and chuck bundles of cash into Trinity Rd and see who picks them up quick enough and then get them stretching a shirt in front of the cameras?

I get you’re frustrated and I’m honestly not taking the piss, but these are weird times. I’d sooner see us wait and get better deals than steam in chucking money at average players. If we start the season with no signings it will be far from ideal, but you’ve got to believe we’ll get 3,4, maybe five in before the window shuts. And decent players too, not just squad-fillers.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rooboy316 on August 30, 2020, 10:48:23 AM

How much to just go out and buy Brentford? Cut out the middle man, improve margins.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: BoVillan esq on August 30, 2020, 10:53:02 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 30, 2020, 09:08:57 AM

When I was bored as a kid I didn't make random shit up on the Internet.

Back in those days man went out to hunt, woman stayed back in the cave and kids went out collecting sticks to build fire.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: BoVillan esq on August 30, 2020, 10:54:21 AM

Quote from: rooboy316 on August 30, 2020, 10:48:23 AM

How much to just go out and buy Brentford? Cut out the middle man, improve margins.

This makes a lot of sense.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: wolfman999 on August 30, 2020, 11:04:29 AM

With all the links, are we trying to promote Brentford a player at a time?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: robbo1874 on August 30, 2020, 11:07:53 AM

Quote from: Legion on August 30, 2020, 07:48:16 AM

Quote from: robbo1874 on August 29, 2020, 11:18:37 PM

Quote from: Legion on August 29, 2020, 08:49:04 PM

Quote from: john e on August 29, 2020, 08:46:43 PM

Quote from: Legion on August 29, 2020, 08:40:04 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on August 29, 2020, 08:36:42 PM

Quote from: paul_e on August 29, 2020, 08:22:15 PM

I don't see the point in predicting the number of goals scored by individuals because it doesn't really matter much.

If we play the same 433 we did after the lockdown then 10-15 from the defence, similar from the midfield and 20-30 from the striker/wingers gets us to the 50-60 goals that normally sees you safely into midtable.

After all this is a transfer thread about bringing in specific players as well as the specific positions.

This thread is 99%+ made-up nonsense as it is year after year.

as low as that do you think ?

99.99%+ would have been more accurate.

we usually have 1 or 2 reliable ITK posters as I recall. Although I guess with the risk of deals getting hijacked there may be tighter security around info leaking from clubs these days. Even the hacks don’t seem to have much inside track anymore.

Do we? Who?

i don’t know. Maybe trawl back through all the posts on the transfer threads of the last 5 or 10 years? You seem like the kind of person that would like to do that to prove you’re right. I’m just going off memory and I’m sure we used to have a few that had the inside track on things a few years back. The point I was making is that we don’t seem to have now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Legion on August 30, 2020, 11:11:18 AM

Youre totally wrong with that incorrect assumption about me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 30, 2020, 11:17:55 AM

Going back to PL experienced players.  Newcastle have signed Hendrick who was allegedly offered to us.  If we need that type of player as allegedly we did by signing Drinkwater then why not go for him?  Those types of players shouldn’t be looked down on to get us established in this league.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: robbo1874 on August 30, 2020, 11:25:54 AM

Quote from: Legion on August 30, 2020, 11:11:18 AM

Youre totally wrong with that incorrect assumption about me.

OK fair enough, I apologise.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: BoVillan esq on August 30, 2020, 11:48:34 AM

Quote from: robbo1874 on August 30, 2020, 11:25:54 AM

Quote from: Legion on August 30, 2020, 11:11:18 AM

Youre totally wrong with that incorrect assumption about me.

OK fair enough, I apologise.

Now if you'd assumed he was built like an Adonis, with huge muscular form, deeply tanned greased body with long black Herculean flowing hair to his waist, wearing nothing more than a lioncloth, well, you'd be wrong on that one as well.   

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Legion on August 30, 2020, 11:58:57 AM

Quote from: robbo1874 on August 30, 2020, 11:25:54 AM

Quote from: Legion on August 30, 2020, 11:11:18 AM

Youre totally wrong with that incorrect assumption about me.

OK fair enough, I apologise.

No worries.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Legion on August 30, 2020, 11:59:18 AM

Quote from: BoVillan esq on August 30, 2020, 11:48:34 AM

Quote from: robbo1874 on August 30, 2020, 11:25:54 AM

Quote from: Legion on August 30, 2020, 11:11:18 AM

Youre totally wrong with that incorrect assumption about me.

OK fair enough, I apologise.

Now if you'd assumed he was built like an Adonis, with huge muscular form, deeply tanned greased body with long black Herculean flowing hair to his waist, wearing nothing more than a lioncloth, well, you'd be wrong on that one as well.   

Totally.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Legion on August 30, 2020, 12:01:08 PM

Time to get this thread back on track. My sources tell me Messi might be available.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on August 30, 2020, 12:01:51 PM

Quote from: Legion on August 30, 2020, 12:01:08 PM

Time to get this thread back on track. My sources tell me Messi might be available.

he's a poor mans Agbonlahor.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villafirst on August 30, 2020, 12:16:58 PM

B'ham Mail linking 'possible' Wolves move for Matty Cash as replacement for Doherty? Hopefully BS??

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on August 30, 2020, 12:30:36 PM

Quote from: Legion on August 30, 2020, 12:01:08 PM

Time to get this thread back on track. My sources tell me Messi might be available.

Does he play for Brentford?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: olaftab on August 30, 2020, 12:36:52 PM

Quote from: Villafirst on August 30, 2020, 12:16:58 PM

B'ham Mail linking 'possible' Wolves move for Matty Cash as replacement for Doherty? Hopefully BS??

Haha that's funny. There is not much chance of little old Wolverhampton snatching a player on route to us. That is if indeed we are interested in him. However It could be that we are  signing Doherty ;)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Singapore Villa on August 30, 2020, 12:45:58 PM

Doherty has signed for Spurs, so unlikely....

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 30, 2020, 12:54:54 PM

Bohemians getting 1.8m Euros from the Doherty fee which should tie them over for a while seeing they earned 35k for finishing 3rd last year.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on August 30, 2020, 12:56:18 PM

Quote from: robbo1874 on August 30, 2020, 11:07:53 AM

i don’t know. Maybe trawl back through all the posts on the transfer threads of the last 5 or 10 years? You seem like the kind of person that would like to do that to prove you’re right. I’m just going off memory and I’m sure we used to have a few that had the inside track on things a few years back. The point I was making is that we don’t seem to have now.

General Krulak used to release little snippets via PM to a select few on here and VT, as part of their atrocious 'hearts and minds' campaign.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on August 30, 2020, 01:02:34 PM

Remember Mysteryman? Halcyon days trying to discover if MON really was trying to sign Wesley Sneijder or not.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 30, 2020, 01:14:51 PM

In all my days I've had the inside line on one new manager, one new player and one cataclysmic disaster.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Stu on August 30, 2020, 01:18:10 PM

Quote from: Monty on August 30, 2020, 01:02:34 PM

Remember Mysteryman? Halcyon days trying to discover if MON really was trying to sign Wesley Sneijder or not.

I still remember the talk about us trying to sign Joaquin from Betis. Had to stop myself from getting carried away with possibilities, which was a good job.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 30, 2020, 01:25:13 PM

When is the Javier Saviola deal going to be completed?  Is that before or after Gustavo Cisneros takes over?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 30, 2020, 01:28:23 PM

Didn't Solano break on here before anyone else had it?

Selling Doherty for 15m seems very cheap to me in the current market.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on August 30, 2020, 01:31:00 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 30, 2020, 01:28:23 PM

Didn't Solano break on here before anyone else had it?

Selling Doherty for 15m seems very cheap to me in the current market.

Daniel Levi, the master negotiator strikes again :).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 30, 2020, 01:37:59 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 30, 2020, 01:14:51 PM

In all my days I've had the inside line on one new manager, one new player and one cataclysmic disaster.

North Sea flood of 1953? :)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 30, 2020, 01:43:16 PM

Quote from: Villafirst on August 30, 2020, 12:16:58 PM

B'ham Mail linking 'possible' Wolves move for Matty Cash as replacement for Doherty? Hopefully BS??

They don't have the money. Skint pricks.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on August 30, 2020, 01:51:08 PM

I get bits of itk but it's all about youth players to watch out for. Never had any about signings other than being sent a photo of Joe Cole around the same time the story was running on SSN.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 30, 2020, 02:33:19 PM

I once had an ITK before the time of the internet that we'd signed Neil Eardly, a run of the mill utility player from Wimbledon, straight from the horses mouth of one of my old man's taxi driver mates.
He'd picked him up from the station and took him to the training ground, it was so obscure to be completely believable.

Utter bullshit.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 30, 2020, 04:13:15 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on August 30, 2020, 01:14:51 PM

In all my days I've had the inside line on one new manager, one new player and one cataclysmic disaster.

Have a very random recollection you broke the Bent transfer elsewhere a few hours before it made the news Dave. That really came out of nowhere and was a great lift considering we were struggling at the time. Shame that transfer didn't really amount to much in the long run but probably the last ambitious signing we've actually made of a player well known.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 30, 2020, 04:15:48 PM

Years ago I was at the Sutton coldfield tip getting rid of some stuff from my room as I was going to Uni a few months later. Glanced at guy to my left who looked like he was getting rid of pairs of old football boots. Looked at him and sort of recognised him then had a better look from the car, it was Juan Pablo Angel. He moved to the MLS about a week later.

Haven't seen any other players at the tip since.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on August 30, 2020, 04:16:13 PM

Quote from: itmustbe_it is! on August 29, 2020, 09:37:46 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on August 29, 2020, 08:42:36 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 29, 2020, 08:32:09 PM

Newcastle signnig Rob Holding on season long loan.

I'd be on to them about Fabian Schar, experienced ball playing CB. Think he has 1 year left on his deal up there and they only signed him for about 3m.

Stevie Bruce and friends (Agnew and Clements) seems to be collecting centre backs up there!
Yes as well as Schar there is
Lascelles
Fernandez
Are very own Ciran Clark
Lejeune
Dummet

All played centre back

Bit ironic considering the mess he got us in at that position

He ridiculously overstaffed the right back role with us (Hutton, Elmo, Bree, De Last) . We were somewhat fortunate that Hutton was able to make a decent fist of left back, playoff final aside.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 30, 2020, 04:16:21 PM

Quote from: LeeB on August 30, 2020, 02:33:19 PM

I once had an ITK before the time of the internet that we'd signed Neil Eardly, a run of the mill utility player from Wimbledon, straight from the horses mouth of one of my old man's taxi driver mates.
He'd picked him up from the station and took him to the training ground, it was so obscure to be completely believable.

Utter bullshit.

He actually signed for SHA in 2013.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 30, 2020, 04:28:23 PM

They (itk gods of twitter) now appear to be putting sad faces all over the shop claiming Jack is gone for 75. I wish it closed on the 6th Sept not Oct.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: wolfman999 on August 30, 2020, 04:58:22 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 30, 2020, 04:28:23 PM

They (itk gods of twitter) now appear to be putting sad faces all over the shop claiming Jack is gone for 75. I wish it closed on the 6th Sept not Oct.

Having been told we didn’t need to sell and if we did, it would be for gbp80mill., I shall be mightily pissed  off if we accept less than that and the deal consists of cash and squad no marks from ManUre.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on August 30, 2020, 05:06:14 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on August 30, 2020, 04:59:25 PM

Matteo Guendouzi is out of favour and moving on from Arsenal.
Have him at Villa in heartbeat.
Classy

Signed him for Catania on my FM game, instrumental in our push for a third title in a row.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on August 30, 2020, 05:28:10 PM

Leeds in talks to sign De Paul, another player with top flight, top league and International experience for a quality country. We're still on the phone to Brentford.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 30, 2020, 05:29:22 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on August 30, 2020, 05:28:10 PM

Leeds in talks to sign De Paul, another player with top flight, top league and International experience for a quality country. We're still on the phone to Brentford.

Would be a great pick up for them. Very similar player to Grealish.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 30, 2020, 05:29:35 PM

He'll go well with Blu Cantrell.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on August 30, 2020, 05:32:32 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 30, 2020, 05:29:22 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on August 30, 2020, 05:28:10 PM

Leeds in talks to sign De Paul, another player with top flight, top league and International experience for a quality country. We're still on the phone to Brentford.

Would be a great pick up for them. Very similar player to Grealish.

Probably the pull of Bielsa on this one.

We have a similar advantage in signing John Swift from bottom half of the table Championship side Reading.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 30, 2020, 05:37:31 PM

Somebody is a grumpy goose today.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on August 30, 2020, 05:39:51 PM

Untitled goose poster.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dorsetvillian on August 30, 2020, 05:40:13 PM

Leeds are bringing in quality players. It is quite worrying that we haven't done any business yet. I was sure we would do some good early business. Still no news on Grealish makes me more concerned that he will leave.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on August 30, 2020, 05:43:16 PM

Quote from: dorsetvillian on August 30, 2020, 05:40:13 PM

Leeds are bringing in quality players. It is quite worrying that we haven't done any business yet. I was sure we would do some good early business. Still no news on Grealish makes me more concerned that he will leave.

He's 25 and will be approaching his peak over the next few seasons. If he wants to achieve anything will he wait around here in relegation battles with promises of better next year?

Don't tell me, show me, as Big Ron used to say. What are we doing to keep our best player? As of now, nothing, that may change in the next 2/3 weeks but he isn't likely to be swayed by Championship signings.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on August 30, 2020, 05:53:31 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on August 30, 2020, 05:28:10 PM

Leeds in talks to sign De Paul, another player with top flight, top league and International experience for a quality country. We're still on the phone to Brentford.

We've seen Leeds do all this before.

Didn't end well :)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on August 30, 2020, 06:00:09 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on August 30, 2020, 05:53:31 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on August 30, 2020, 05:28:10 PM

Leeds in talks to sign De Paul, another player with top flight, top league and International experience for a quality country. We're still on the phone to Brentford.

We've seen Leeds do all this before.

Didn't end well :)

Is that you Doug?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 30, 2020, 06:04:21 PM

I'm not sure signing a 1 in 4, injury prone player to compliment rollerskating Bamford is going to be a recipie for success.

And that's about as much oxygen as I'd like to give them really.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 30, 2020, 06:07:43 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on August 30, 2020, 05:53:31 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on August 30, 2020, 05:28:10 PM

Leeds in talks to sign De Paul, another player with top flight, top league and International experience for a quality country. We're still on the phone to Brentford.

We've seen Leeds do all this before.

Didn't end well :)

Are you suggesting they may Ru the decision to sign him?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on August 30, 2020, 06:14:54 PM

Quote from: LeeB on August 30, 2020, 05:39:51 PM

Untitled goose poster.

Goosey Lucy

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 30, 2020, 06:58:08 PM

I expect this to happen, but I think we do need to see some players coming in this week. It’s been ok up to now, but it’s getting pretty close to the season now and the new additions need to bed in. Come on Villa, big week ahead please.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on August 30, 2020, 07:18:44 PM

Ryan Fraser is still available on a free after leaving Bournemouth - wouldn't be a bad option for competition out wide.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on August 30, 2020, 07:28:51 PM

Newcastle are favourites to sign Fraser apparently (2-7 at the bookies).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 30, 2020, 07:30:02 PM

Leeds have signed Lyndsay De Paul?!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on August 30, 2020, 07:37:01 PM

Quote from: OCD on August 30, 2020, 07:28:51 PM

Newcastle are favourites to sign Fraser apparently (2-7 at the bookies).

They are welcome to him - with my Villa hat on I thank him for being selfish and not finishing the season and helping his employers try & stay in the league....saying that I hope we will steer well clear because that is not the type of commitment I want to see again....

Hopefully nobody gives him anything like the contract he thinks he’s getting as a free agent....won’t happen tho, someone will

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on August 30, 2020, 07:38:27 PM

I suppose contracts are a two way street.... he's within his rights to walk away at the end of it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on August 30, 2020, 07:50:41 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on August 30, 2020, 05:43:16 PM

What are we doing to keep our best player? As of now, nothing, that may change in the next 2/3 weeks but he isn't likely to be swayed by Championship signings.

Why don't you tell us? - are you in the know?
No one on here knows, I'm guessing; but I can't see the club just throwing their hands up as he sashayes out of the door.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 30, 2020, 08:01:03 PM

We're offering him £100,000 a week deal according to The Sun. So if that is true, then it's not that we're doing nowt to keep him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: BoVillan esq on August 30, 2020, 08:32:38 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on August 30, 2020, 05:53:31 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on August 30, 2020, 05:28:10 PM

Leeds in talks to sign De Paul, another player with top flight, top league and International experience for a quality country. We're still on the phone to Brentford.

We've seen Leeds do all this before.

Didn't end well :)

Sugar me. lip gloss, beauty spots, not sure about her football prowess.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 30, 2020, 08:35:19 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on August 30, 2020, 05:53:31 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on August 30, 2020, 05:28:10 PM

Leeds in talks to sign De Paul, another player with top flight, top league and International experience for a quality country. We're still on the phone to Brentford.

We've seen Leeds do all this before.

Didn't end well :)

Rock bottom.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on August 30, 2020, 08:37:46 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 30, 2020, 07:30:02 PM

Leeds have signed Lynsay De Paul?!

All these signings and we've signed nobody is getting a drag. I'm here all night.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: DB on August 30, 2020, 08:54:45 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on August 30, 2020, 08:37:46 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 30, 2020, 07:30:02 PM

Leeds have signed Lynsay De Paul?!

All these signings and we've signed nobody is getting a drag. I'm here all night.

Whichever way you dress it up, that's a bad signing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on August 30, 2020, 08:56:40 PM

Edouard left out again by Celtic ...


just sayin'.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on August 30, 2020, 08:59:38 PM

I wonder if we could swap Davis, Samatta and Wesley for Edouard :D

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Border villan on August 30, 2020, 09:00:50 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 30, 2020, 07:30:02 PM

Leeds have signed Lyndsay De Paul?!

Well sugar me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on August 30, 2020, 09:03:45 PM

Quote from: Mister E on August 30, 2020, 08:56:40 PM

Edouard left out again by Celtic ...


just sayin'.

Isn’t he injured?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ldavfc4eva on August 30, 2020, 09:23:55 PM

I like the look of Ryan Kent, pacey winger up at Rangers. Ex Liverpool youngster, seems to be having a very good start to the season

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on August 30, 2020, 09:27:08 PM

Quote from: ldavfc4eva on August 30, 2020, 09:23:55 PM

I like the look of Ryan Kent, pacey winger up at Rangers. Ex Liverpool youngster, seems to be having a very good start to the season

Not sure he's shown enough to warrant throwing £20m+ at though. Given Leeds have had £15m rejected out of hand.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave P on August 30, 2020, 09:36:19 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 30, 2020, 07:30:02 PM

Leeds have signed Lyndsay De Paul?!

Where have they signed her from?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 30, 2020, 10:13:25 PM

Should have signed Kent last summer. Tenacious for a winger too. Like him much more than Wilson.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on August 30, 2020, 10:16:43 PM

Quote from: Mister E on August 30, 2020, 08:56:40 PM

Edouard left out again by Celtic ...


just sayin'.

Do we know what this injury is, or is this one of those technical things because he's off to Villa?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 30, 2020, 10:18:59 PM

Quote from: Newby on August 30, 2020, 10:16:43 PM

Quote from: Mister E on August 30, 2020, 08:56:40 PM

Edouard left out again by Celtic ...


just sayin'.

Do we know what this injury is, or is this one of those technical things because he's off to Villa?

Hope so.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: andyh on August 30, 2020, 10:20:49 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 30, 2020, 07:30:02 PM

Leeds have signed Lyndsay De Paul?!

No?
Honestly ?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on August 30, 2020, 10:23:00 PM

Quote from: andyh on August 30, 2020, 10:20:49 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 30, 2020, 07:30:02 PM

Leeds have signed Lyndsay De Paul?!

No?
Honestly ?

I hate to say it, but I did a giggle at this.  I need to grow up!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on August 30, 2020, 10:24:36 PM

Ramsey and Brookes have pulled out of the Wales squad.  I hope they have the same injury as Edouard and they are all Villa bound.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 30, 2020, 10:33:20 PM

I would like to think that if there is any real chance of us keeping Jack the conversation to persuade him to stay with us on a new deal includes players that he believes will push us on. I'm all for Cash, Watkins, Benrahma level players but it's hardly the next level talent we need to make a jump to upper mid table. A couple of solid addtions plus 1 or 2 really good ones and we are operating immediately in a better starting position. Jack needs excellent players to get the best out of him and as a club we owe him that, if we truly want him to stay.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on August 30, 2020, 10:41:03 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 30, 2020, 10:33:20 PM

I would like to think that if there is any real chance of us keeping Jack the conversation to persuade him to stay with us on a new deal includes players that he believes will push us on. I'm all for Cash, Watkins, Benrahma level players but it's hardly the next level talent we need to make a jump to upper mid table. A couple of solid addtions plus 1 or 2 really good ones and we are operating immediately in a better starting position. Jack needs excellent players to get the best out of him and as a club we owe him that, if we truly want him to stay.

Agreed.

Buying loads of championship players is not going to be enough, we also need quality proven at a higher level than that.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on August 30, 2020, 10:46:40 PM

Quote from: Newby on August 30, 2020, 10:24:36 PM

Ramsey and Brookes have pulled out of the Wales squad.  I hope they have the same injury as Edouard and they are all Villa bound.

Messi didn't turn up for his pre-season medical, so he's definitely coming to the Villa

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 30, 2020, 10:50:54 PM

I agree with the sentiment, but I don't think you can realistically while the market prices are insane. To go to mid table we need to defend how we did post lock down and add a bit more quality in the final third. I think Benrahma, Buendia and Watkins would take us a decent way towards that despite being in the championship. Once established in mid table then you can attract bigger names from other leagues, but at the moment it's difficult clearly.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 30, 2020, 10:51:03 PM

We have an unwanted history of not adequately making the jump to the next level. Be it when we finished 2nd and didn't push on, or when we have had over the years really good players and didn't surround them with as good or better ones and they all left for other, in many cases better opportunities. We need to surround Jack with his level of talent. Not saying we can afford 3 or 4, but certainly 1 or 2 this summer are absolutely needed. My concern with Lange is his MO is finding really good players and selling them on to better clubs. All clubs need to do that to varying degrees. I just hope he's also got some actual good players on his speed dial as opposed to them all being promising or saleable assets.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Legion on August 30, 2020, 10:52:13 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on August 30, 2020, 10:41:03 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 30, 2020, 10:33:20 PM

I would like to think that if there is any real chance of us keeping Jack the conversation to persuade him to stay with us on a new deal includes players that he believes will push us on. I'm all for Cash, Watkins, Benrahma level players but it's hardly the next level talent we need to make a jump to upper mid table. A couple of solid addtions plus 1 or 2 really good ones and we are operating immediately in a better starting position. Jack needs excellent players to get the best out of him and as a club we owe him that, if we truly want him to stay.

Agreed.

Buying loads of championship players is not going to be enough, we also need quality proven at a higher level than that.

Exactly. Totally agree.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 30, 2020, 10:59:23 PM

I think the sentiment is fine. I think the problem is attracting that type of player is probably challenging from our current position. It might be a case of taking a few steps forward before we can do that.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: robbo1874 on August 30, 2020, 11:01:16 PM

Quote from: Ads on August 30, 2020, 05:37:31 PM

Somebody is a grumpy goose today.

made me laugh! I fkn hate geese. I used to go fishing at a pool where they’d be all around, honking and carrying on. Cheers Ads for that one!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 30, 2020, 11:08:28 PM

My pleasure!

£22m for Watkins according to The Sun.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on August 30, 2020, 11:13:58 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on August 30, 2020, 10:59:23 PM

I think the sentiment is fine. I think the problem is attracting that type of player is probably challenging from our current position. It might be a case of taking a few steps forward before we can do that.

I don't even think you need to go that far. The sort of players you'll see leaving sides in the top half of the premier league to come to a club that's just trying to restablish itself in the league are either too old, inexperienced gambles or just aren't good enough. That means if you want proven quality you're straight away forced to look at Germany, Italy, Spain or potentially France. That's great and I hope we are but plenty of players come in from tyhose leagues with big fees and take 12-18months to really settle in, often because they're not used to the intensity of the game.

As I've said before where the players come from isn't what matters really, it's whether they're the right fit for our squad and have the technical ability and physicality to handle the league.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 30, 2020, 11:22:12 PM

I think Gana, Amavi and Ayew would've all done just fine if we'd added them into a midfield that still had Delph, defence that had Vlaar in it and Benteke and an o.k Gabby still around e.g. signing them in summer 2014 instead of Joe Cole, Kieron Richardson and Carlos Sanchez. Veretout probably would've still needed time to settle in.

We're at that point now where McGinn, Luiz and just about Grealish all feel they can still grow with us for another 12 months. No good finally deciding to get in decent players next summer when we've just scraped 17th again and those three want to leave to further their careers. No time like the present.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on August 30, 2020, 11:28:09 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on August 30, 2020, 10:41:03 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 30, 2020, 10:33:20 PM

I would like to think that if there is any real chance of us keeping Jack the conversation to persuade him to stay with us on a new deal includes players that he believes will push us on. I'm all for Cash, Watkins, Benrahma level players but it's hardly the next level talent we need to make a jump to upper mid table. A couple of solid addtions plus 1 or 2 really good ones and we are operating immediately in a better starting position. Jack needs excellent players to get the best out of him and as a club we owe him that, if we truly want him to stay.

Agreed.

Buying loads of championship players is not going to be enough, we also need quality proven at a higher level than that.

Didn’t harm Wilder at Sheff Utd.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 30, 2020, 11:53:58 PM

Quote from: WilliamStanding on August 30, 2020, 11:28:09 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on August 30, 2020, 10:41:03 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on August 30, 2020, 10:33:20 PM

I would like to think that if there is any real chance of us keeping Jack the conversation to persuade him to stay with us on a new deal includes players that he believes will push us on. I'm all for Cash, Watkins, Benrahma level players but it's hardly the next level talent we need to make a jump to upper mid table. A couple of solid addtions plus 1 or 2 really good ones and we are operating immediately in a better starting position. Jack needs excellent players to get the best out of him and as a club we owe him that, if we truly want him to stay.

Agreed.

Buying loads of championship players is not going to be enough, we also need quality proven at a higher level than that.

Didn’t harm Wilder at Sheff Utd.

Wilder did a superb job. Let's start there. But he also the massive benefit of a very settled squad and club for a number of seasons. The few new signings aside they all knew each other and what he demanded of them. They also took a number of teams by surprise. The one thing about top level clubs/scouts/coaches/managers is that they all work hard to figure you out. If Sheff Utd continue to only buy at the championship level they will be found out. It's one thing coming up together. Quite another staying there. If they don't invest well they could find themselves like Burnley who went down. You cannot stand still in the PL. And you have to keep improving and buying better quality to keep up.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: olaftab on August 31, 2020, 12:20:55 AM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 30, 2020, 07:30:02 PM

Leeds have signed Lyndsay De Paul?!

There are also rumours about Lindsey Buckingham.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 31, 2020, 12:29:47 AM

Quote from: olaftab on August 31, 2020, 12:20:55 AM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 30, 2020, 07:30:02 PM

Leeds have signed Lyndsay De Paul?!

There are also rumours about Lindsey Buckingham.

I'd prefer Lindsay Ellingson in a deep-lying position.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 31, 2020, 05:57:15 AM

I think much of it depends on who you buy from the championship. For example, you buy Cantwell and Buendia, they have both just done a full season in he prem and not looked out of place. In a similar vein, Watkins scored as many four Brentford as Tammy did for Villa the season before, Tammy then scored goals for Chelsea in the prem, there is nothing to say Watkins won't either. In about half the games, the defences they are up against are not vastly better than the Championship anyway.

Nketia was in and out the Leeds side, but starts for Arsenal a fair bit now. By keeping Jack, Luiz, Mings, McGinn who now have that season under their belt, new players do have the chance to settle in a little more.

Our best bet of good experience of the prem is to target loans or players that have left the prem but could be got back. Soccer HQ suggested Rondon, that's a great shout. We should have been all over Cahill last summer, and despite the injuries a pay as you play for Sturridge wouldn't be so foolish now in my opinion for us as a cheap experienced striker option.

Any how, let's hope this week brings 3/4 new faces.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: olaftab on August 31, 2020, 08:13:56 AM

ozzjim didn’t we try that approach with Lescott, Richards, Holt etc in the past with poor outcome?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 31, 2020, 08:29:08 AM

We had too many then. Expecting Richards and Lescott on 1 good knee between them to hold a back 4 together and then introduce a whole group of signings from outside the Prem was just too much. I'm suggesting 1 would not be the end of the world on a pay as you play as back up for Watkins/ Wesley and Samatta

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on August 31, 2020, 08:43:29 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 31, 2020, 08:29:08 AM

I'm suggesting 1 would not be the end of the world on a pay as you play as back up for Watkins/ Wesley and Samatta

Why would he want to do that though when £60,000 per week was on the table in Turkey?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 31, 2020, 09:19:35 AM

Toney confirmed at Brentford now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on August 31, 2020, 09:35:11 AM

Could we not offer Jota to Brentford for Benrahma, plus about 18M? Jota is well thought of there

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on August 31, 2020, 09:40:00 AM

Don't see a problem bringing in a couple of players from the Championship if they look like they'll comfortably make the step up & are reasonably priced. Jack, SJM, Tyrone Mings, & Tammy were all Championship players 12 months ago.

The criticisms of Lange are odd, i find. He's good at buying players cheaply who then get sold at a huge profit ... in what world is that a bad thing? He'll be looking at a different bracket of player now, but i think the jump from buying £500k players and selling them for £5m, to buying them for £5m and flogging them for £50m is quite small - it's the same skills, just applied further up the food chain. I'd rather that than him be used to buying players in the £20m bracket then not developing them.

I think generally we need to be realistic about where we can attract players from, then become very good at buying those players.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 31, 2020, 09:46:59 AM

Yeah but Leeds are signing 1 in 4 strikers or something.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: fredm on August 31, 2020, 10:08:41 AM

Quote from: algy on August 31, 2020, 09:40:00 AM

Don't see a problem bringing in a couple of players from the Championship if they look like they'll comfortably make the step up & are reasonably priced. Jack, SJM, Tyrone Mings, & Tammy were all Championship players 12 months ago.

The criticisms of Lange are odd, i find. He's good at buying players cheaply who then get sold at a huge profit ... in what world is that a bad thing? He'll be looking at a different bracket of player now, but i think the jump from buying £500k players and selling them for £5m, to buying them for £5m and flogging them for £50m is quite small - it's the same skills, just applied further up the food chain. I'd rather that than him be used to buying players in the £20m bracket then not developing them.

I think generally we need to be realistic about where we can attract players from, then become very good at buying those players.

Yes but having brought such players in why would we need to sell them if we were trying to hit top 6 places?  We would be starting to act like one of the top teams so no need to sell players unless we really wanted to.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on August 31, 2020, 10:12:19 AM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on August 31, 2020, 09:35:11 AM

Could we not offer Jota to Brentford for Benrahma, plus about 18M? Jota is well thought of there

and Lansbury - that should knock about 39p off the transfer fee.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on August 31, 2020, 10:15:12 AM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on August 31, 2020, 10:12:19 AM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on August 31, 2020, 09:35:11 AM

Could we not offer Jota to Brentford for Benrahma, plus about 18M? Jota is well thought of there

and Lansbury - that should knock about 39p off the transfer fee.

Yeah but Brentford are good at spotting talent, so that's a no-goer.

Looked at their Forums and bone of them wanted to touch Hogan with a barge pole either unfortunately.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on August 31, 2020, 10:15:27 AM

can't blame them.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on August 31, 2020, 11:08:43 AM

Quote from: fredm on August 31, 2020, 10:08:41 AM

Quote from: algy on August 31, 2020, 09:40:00 AM

Don't see a problem bringing in a couple of players from the Championship if they look like they'll comfortably make the step up & are reasonably priced. Jack, SJM, Tyrone Mings, & Tammy were all Championship players 12 months ago.

The criticisms of Lange are odd, i find. He's good at buying players cheaply who then get sold at a huge profit ... in what world is that a bad thing? He'll be looking at a different bracket of player now, but i think the jump from buying £500k players and selling them for £5m, to buying them for £5m and flogging them for £50m is quite small - it's the same skills, just applied further up the food chain. I'd rather that than him be used to buying players in the £20m bracket then not developing them.

I think generally we need to be realistic about where we can attract players from, then become very good at buying those players.

Yes but having brought such players in why would we need to sell them if we were trying to hit top 6 places?  We would be starting to act like one of the top teams so no need to sell players unless we really wanted to.

Everyone sells players - even Barcelona, Man City, PSG, Juventus, Bayern Munich. Making a profit on those is a huge FFP advantage.

Besides which, if we buy £5m players, make them £50m players and don't sell them ... that's no bad thing either.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Nii Lamptey on August 31, 2020, 11:08:52 AM

Not sure if it's been mentioned, but Ollie Watkins was awarded Championship Player of the Season, even with Brentford failing to get promoted!

https://www.brentfordfc.com/news/2020/august/ollie-watkins-efl-player-of-the-year/ (https://www.brentfordfc.com/news/2020/august/ollie-watkins-efl-player-of-the-year/)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: maidstonevillain on August 31, 2020, 11:35:21 AM

Quote from: maidstonevillain on August 27, 2020, 10:49:09 AM

Fee for Watkins just gone up.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53929973

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on August 31, 2020, 11:35:50 AM

Quote from: fredm on August 31, 2020, 10:08:41 AM

Quote from: algy on August 31, 2020, 09:40:00 AM

Don't see a problem bringing in a couple of players from the Championship if they look like they'll comfortably make the step up & are reasonably priced. Jack, SJM, Tyrone Mings, & Tammy were all Championship players 12 months ago.

The criticisms of Lange are odd, i find. He's good at buying players cheaply who then get sold at a huge profit ... in what world is that a bad thing? He'll be looking at a different bracket of player now, but i think the jump from buying £500k players and selling them for £5m, to buying them for £5m and flogging them for £50m is quite small - it's the same skills, just applied further up the food chain. I'd rather that than him be used to buying players in the £20m bracket then not developing them.

I think generally we need to be realistic about where we can attract players from, then become very good at buying those players.

Yes but having brought such players in why would we need to sell them if we were trying to hit top 6 places?  We would be starting to act like one of the top teams so no need to sell players unless we really wanted to.

If we could become very good at recruitment though, then if somebody wanted to throw money at us for a player and we had already lined up a younger replacement, then selling isn't such an issue. Clubs abroad do it all the time.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on August 31, 2020, 12:17:55 PM

Don't want to sound too much alarm but our starting team v Sheff Utd in a few weeks is likely to be

-----------------Nyland
Guilbert, Konsa, Mings, Targett
-----McGinn, Luiz, Hourihane
Trez, Samatta, Grealish

Keeper?, Elmo, Hause, Taylor, Nakamba, Davis, Jota, AEG, Lansbury....

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on August 31, 2020, 12:18:57 PM

You’ve still got Jack in the team so it’s not all bad news then. Pretty sure we’ll have a couple of extra players before then so no need to panic. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Pat Mustard on August 31, 2020, 12:55:46 PM

Toney confirmed for Brentford, so would guess that means Watkins will be moving very shortly.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 31, 2020, 12:58:29 PM

Quote from: olaftab on August 31, 2020, 08:13:56 AM

ozzjim didn’t we try that approach with Lescott, Richards, Holt etc in the past with poor outcome?

So because those three (and Drinkwater) didn't work out (and I think we knew Holt would offer little) we should never sign a player over 30 ever again? What about Reina who's experience and communication at the back was much needed in last few weeks? Richards was only 26 when he got him in.

Different league but Whelan did a good job in our promotion season and Jedinak also was great behind the scenes even if he declined on the pitch, Chester aswell.

There's no guarentee with under 25s either. We signed Scott Hogan when he was 24 and now can't give him away despite him scoring  a few goals back in championship last season. Kodj was signed when he was 26 and left on a free transfer.

There's no right or wrong way with any transfer strategy but generally a mix is for the best. In our excellent early 90s teams we picked up God, Kevin Richardson and Andy Townsend when they were 29 or older so seems bizarre now just to rule out experienced players because we can't sell them for 10m + two years later. We can't do that with many of the younger players we sign.

Anyway saying all that I draw the line at Daniel Sturridge who hasn't done anything for years at top level and would be another Richards type.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Londonvilla on August 31, 2020, 01:20:44 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 31, 2020, 05:57:15 AM

I think much of it depends on who you buy from the championship. For example, you buy Cantwell and Buendia, they have both just done a full season in he prem and not looked out of place. In a similar vein, Watkins scored as many four Brentford as Tammy did for Villa the season before, Tammy then scored goals for Chelsea in the prem, there is nothing to say Watkins won't either. In about half the games, the defences they are up against are not vastly better than the Championship anyway.

Nketia was in and out the Leeds side, but starts for Arsenal a fair bit now. By keeping Jack, Luiz, Mings, McGinn who now have that season under their belt, new players do have the chance to settle in a little more.

Our best bet of good experience of the prem is to target loans or players that have left the prem but could be got back. Soccer HQ suggested Rondon, that's a great shout. We should have been all over Cahill last summer, and despite the injuries a pay as you play for Sturridge wouldn't be so foolish now in my opinion for us as a cheap experienced striker option.

Any how, let's hope this week brings 3/4 new faces.

Not sure why you were up at  05:57:15 AM but this was a well considered post well done 10 out of 10

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on August 31, 2020, 01:22:46 PM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on August 31, 2020, 12:55:46 PM

Toney confirmed for Brentford, so would guess that means Watkins will be moving very shortly.

The Birmingham Live website seem to think we have Watkins as good as in the bag.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on August 31, 2020, 01:24:40 PM

Up early with the kids on a Bank Holiday

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Percy McCarthy on August 31, 2020, 01:31:22 PM

Quote from: Londonvilla on August 31, 2020, 01:20:44 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 31, 2020, 05:57:15 AM

I think much of it depends on who you buy from the championship. For example, you buy Cantwell and Buendia, they have both just done a full season in he prem and not looked out of place. In a similar vein, Watkins scored as many four Brentford as Tammy did for Villa the season before, Tammy then scored goals for Chelsea in the prem, there is nothing to say Watkins won't either. In about half the games, the defences they are up against are not vastly better than the Championship anyway.

Nketia was in and out the Leeds side, but starts for Arsenal a fair bit now. By keeping Jack, Luiz, Mings, McGinn who now have that season under their belt, new players do have the chance to settle in a little more.

Our best bet of good experience of the prem is to target loans or players that have left the prem but could be got back. Soccer HQ suggested Rondon, that's a great shout. We should have been all over Cahill last summer, and despite the injuries a pay as you play for Sturridge wouldn't be so foolish now in my opinion for us as a cheap experienced striker option.

Any how, let's hope this week brings 3/4 new faces.

Not sure why you were up at  05:57:15 AM but this was a well considered post well done 10 out of 10

Ah, lie-ins. I remember those.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 31, 2020, 01:45:18 PM

I don't. I'm in the park walking the 2 idiot dogs at 6.30 every morning, even though the kids are quiet. Lie ins ended nearly 13 years ago, I don't think I can go back to the place I was before now.

I do wonder if we will sign a centre half this window. Linked to Vida and Lyindama (sp) in Jan, I reckon Smith with want a more experienced head in that back line.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on August 31, 2020, 01:49:26 PM

I think Smith May add to the back line. Maybe he will sell Engels. Something doesn’t seem right there. And Hause doesn’t seem up to it for me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on August 31, 2020, 01:52:34 PM

Quote from: Damo70 on August 31, 2020, 01:22:46 PM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on August 31, 2020, 12:55:46 PM

Toney confirmed for Brentford, so would guess that means Watkins will be moving very shortly.

The Birmingham Live website seem to think we have Watkins as good as in the bag.

My feeling is that signing Watkins is a really important first step, because he gives us much-needed dynamism and strength across the front line. This means we don't have to start with Trez and AEG wide; or Grealish wide; or Samatta through the middle. We have options; something Smith didn't really have last season.
As long as he is the first of 3 or 4 newbies, of course.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on August 31, 2020, 02:12:14 PM

Ideally, a right-winger to play on the right of Watkins, with Grealish on the left would improve the side. Trez and El-Ghazi aren't up to it all season between them.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on August 31, 2020, 02:12:30 PM

From what I have read Watkins can play wide as well as centrally, this should give us flexibility during games. 

Start with a three of Grealish, Striker and Watkins and you can play with a two up top occasionally and with Grealish as a number ten.  Hopefully he has some pace too as that has been missing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pelty on August 31, 2020, 02:13:16 PM

Just need a vent because this type of "journalism" from ESPN drives me crazy:

"Grealish, 24, has been on United's radar for some time and is valued at £80m. Villa won't get that much for the midfielder but are working on reducing their demands as they seek more depth in attacking areas ahead of next season."

We "are working on reducing [our] demands"?!?! As though we are trying to make it happen for Manchester United because they are so important and who are we to ask for such an outlandish price?!? Feck right off!! Sets my blood boiling. Sorry for the outburst; carry on.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on August 31, 2020, 02:22:25 PM

Quote from: pelty on August 31, 2020, 02:13:16 PM

Just need a vent because this type of "journalism" from ESPN drives me crazy:

"Grealish, 24, has been on United's radar for some time and is valued at £80m. Villa won't get that much for the midfielder but are working on reducing their demands as they seek more depth in attacking areas ahead of next season."

We "are working on reducing [our] demands"?!?! As though we are trying to make it happen for Manchester United because they are so important and who are we to ask for such an outlandish price?!? Feck right off!! Sets my blood boiling. Sorry for the outburst; carry on.

Outburst justified, that's a faintly despicable bit of writing.

And quite apart from anything else, how are we meant to get more 'depth in attacking areas' if we a) sell first team attackers and b) can't afford to replace them?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on August 31, 2020, 02:24:25 PM

I want to see Grealish moved inside and to have better wide options this year. Main reason Grealish ended up on the left was because the wide options were so poor.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Nii Lamptey on August 31, 2020, 02:24:26 PM

He's going nowhere.

(https://i.ibb.co/sgYVBkB/grealish.gif) (https://ibb.co/sgYVBkB)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on August 31, 2020, 02:41:40 PM

Quote from: Nii Lamptey on August 31, 2020, 02:24:26 PM

He's going nowhere.

(https://i.ibb.co/sgYVBkB/grealish.gif) (https://ibb.co/sgYVBkB)

That could extremely go either way. And no I don't care about the grammar.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on August 31, 2020, 02:42:19 PM

Quote from: OCD on August 31, 2020, 02:24:25 PM

I want to see Grealish moved inside and to have better wide options this year. Main reason Grealish ended up on the left was because the wide options were so poor.

I think he's better on the left than playing as an 8. If he moved inside it would have to be to play as a 10 but then you'd want 2 more defensive midfielders in behind which means no place for McGinn. I don't think 8 works because he ends up spending too much time on the ball in our half which isn't where we want him.

That said I like having options and would be happy to have someone else who can play on the left. In a perfect world I'd want to sign 2 forwards who can play central or out wide, 1 for either side, and then a spoiler centre mid, Watkins fits the bill for one of the forwards.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Londonvilla on August 31, 2020, 02:55:26 PM

Christian Luyindama (Galatasaray defender)

No new link but he is now fit again and "Christian Luyindama is a versatile player, who can also play as a defensive midfielder and forward"

He's a big unit and could be a good plan B if the price was right and we were linked with him in both last summer and winter transfer windows.

&iv_load_policy=3

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 31, 2020, 03:00:13 PM

Nixon saying Cash is almost done.  I reckon if he signs he will play as a winger.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Londonvilla on August 31, 2020, 03:04:57 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 31, 2020, 03:00:13 PM

Nixon saying Cash is almost done.  I reckon if he signs he will play as a winger.

Not sure about that he was Nottingham forest player of the year playing 90% of his games as right back.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on August 31, 2020, 03:26:43 PM

Quote from: Londonvilla on August 31, 2020, 03:04:57 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 31, 2020, 03:00:13 PM

Nixon saying Cash is almost done.  I reckon if he signs he will play as a winger.

Not sure about that he was Nottingham forest player of the year playing 90% of his games as right back.

And before that he was crap as a winger. it was only due to an injury crisis that he was thrown in at right back/right wing back and has never looked back.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ktvillan on August 31, 2020, 03:29:43 PM

Hopefully the new Kenny Swain

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 31, 2020, 03:56:17 PM

He looks a good full back. I think Smith wants his full backs creating chances, Elmo brings a lot more than Fred going forward. I can hear Bruce stomping to the fax to put his bid in for Elmo as we speak.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on August 31, 2020, 04:00:39 PM

Quote from: Londonvilla on August 31, 2020, 02:55:26 PM

Christian Luyindama (Galatasaray defender)

No new link but he is now fit again and "Christian Luyindama is a versatile player, who can also play as a defensive midfielder and forward"

He's a big unit and could be a good plan B if the price was right and we were linked with him in both last summer and winter transfer windows.

&iv_load_policy=3

We were linked with him in January.  Looks a decent player and certainly a unit.  Good passer of the ball.  Swap for Samatta once we have the elusive centre forward in place?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on August 31, 2020, 04:13:18 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 31, 2020, 03:00:13 PM

Nixon saying Cash is almost done.  I reckon if he signs he will play as a winger.

Came on leaps and bounds as a full back but was very average as a winger in the Championship according to those who watch him. It would be a bad move to ask someone to move up a level and play out of the position he did well in.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on August 31, 2020, 04:15:57 PM

Would be chuffed with this as back up to Guilbert whom we will see a lot more of next season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on August 31, 2020, 04:20:04 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on August 31, 2020, 04:13:18 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 31, 2020, 03:00:13 PM

Nixon saying Cash is almost done.  I reckon if he signs he will play as a winger.

Came on leaps and bounds as a full back but was very average as a winger in the Championship according to those who watch him. It would be a bad move to ask someone to move up a level and play out of the position he did well in.

Looking at how he plays I think he'd do a decent job as a holding or box-to-box midfielder as well.

I'm still not convinced he's what we need but maybe Smith wants a couple of versatile players in the squad, Luyindama would offer similar and Watkins is definitely one that gives you options.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 31, 2020, 04:20:50 PM

Elmo is getting on and isn't a Premier League player for me. I like Freddie a lot and think Cash would be good competition.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on August 31, 2020, 04:35:18 PM

Quote from: Ads on August 31, 2020, 04:20:50 PM

Elmo is getting on and isn't a Premier League player for me. I like Freddie a lot and think Cash would be good competition.

I think there's a place for having a main defensive & main attacking fullback and picking them based on tactics/opposition. I see it that we're replacing Elmo ... who's presumably Newcastle-bound :)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on August 31, 2020, 04:36:16 PM

Quote from: WilliamStanding on August 31, 2020, 04:15:57 PM

Would be chuffed with this as back up to Guilbert whom we will see a lot more of next season.

not sure we're paying £15mil to be a back-up.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ktvillan on August 31, 2020, 05:01:31 PM

Since we are lacking in PL experience and old heads I'd keep Elmo as a squad player unless someone/Bruce makes a daft offer.   I think he can still hack it at PL level as a squaddie.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on August 31, 2020, 05:02:22 PM

I actually thought Elmo did pretty well for us last season - some of his crossing was brilliant - but as others have said he's not one for the future, so I assume Cash is.  I don't know anything about him,

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on August 31, 2020, 05:05:48 PM

Quote from: ktvillan on August 31, 2020, 05:01:31 PM

Since we are lacking in PL experience and old heads I'd keep Elmo as a squad player unless someone/Bruce makes a daft offer.   I think he can still hack it at PL level as a squaddie.

Even if he doesn't play much with Guilbert and Cash in now, he's an excellent role model for the younger players on how to conduct yourself as a pro. Something which over the last 5-6 years we've generally been poor at providing. Definitely would keep if he wants to stay.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on August 31, 2020, 05:17:12 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on August 31, 2020, 05:05:48 PM

Quote from: ktvillan on August 31, 2020, 05:01:31 PM

Since we are lacking in PL experience and old heads I'd keep Elmo as a squad player unless someone/Bruce makes a daft offer.   I think he can still hack it at PL level as a squaddie.

Even if he doesn't play much with Guilbert and Cash in now, he's an excellent role model for the younger players on how to conduct yourself as a pro. Something which over the last 5-6 years we've generally been poor at providing. Definitely would keep if he wants to stay.

with only 25 squad places I'd be against using 3 for right backs when Konsa has shown himself perfectly capable of providing cover there in an emergency and with Kaine Kesler looking like breaking through soon.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Three Spires Villa on August 31, 2020, 05:36:56 PM

Quote from: paul_e on August 31, 2020, 05:17:12 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on August 31, 2020, 05:05:48 PM

Quote from: ktvillan on August 31, 2020, 05:01:31 PM

Since we are lacking in PL experience and old heads I'd keep Elmo as a squad player unless someone/Bruce makes a daft offer.   I think he can still hack it at PL level as a squaddie.

Even if he doesn't play much with Guilbert and Cash in now, he's an excellent role model for the younger players on how to conduct yourself as a pro. Something which over the last 5-6 years we've generally been poor at providing. Definitely would keep if he wants to stay.

with only 25 squad places I'd be against using 3 for right backs when Konsa has shown himself perfectly capable of providing cover there in an emergency and with Kaine Kesler looking like breaking through soon.

That’s a good point

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 31, 2020, 05:43:50 PM

Now being reported that we are going to miss out on Watkins and stepped up our interest in Callum Wilson.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Chris_Jephcott on August 31, 2020, 06:14:50 PM

... and that Benrahma is on his way to Arsenal for £25 million

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 31, 2020, 06:23:29 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 31, 2020, 05:43:50 PM

Now being reported that we are going to miss out on Watkins and stepped up our interest in Callum Wilson.

Reported where? I’d be pretty disappointed if we missed out on Watkins.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Shrek on August 31, 2020, 06:25:22 PM

I have a feeling we are calling Brentford’s bluff.
They have bought Watkins replacement and we are driving a hard bargain with the price.

So Villa have leaked that we are switching attention to Wilson to hopefully make Brentford buckle.

I hope that’s the case anyway, because I’m not a fan of Wilson at all...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: exiled on the wirral! on August 31, 2020, 06:27:43 PM

Quote from: Shrek on August 31, 2020, 06:25:22 PM

I have a feeling we are calling Brentford’s bluff.
They have bought Watkins replacement and we are driving a hard bargain with the price.

So Villa have leaked that we are switching attention to Wilson to hopefully make Brentford buckle.

I hope that’s the case anyway, because I’m not a fan of Wilson at all...

Is it though?. The reports are coming from the Mail and the Birmingham Mail..in reality we could be in for neither of them.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ian. on August 31, 2020, 06:28:54 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on August 31, 2020, 06:23:29 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on August 31, 2020, 05:43:50 PM

Now being reported that we are going to miss out on Watkins and stepped up our interest in Callum Wilson.

Reported where? I’d be pretty disappointed if we missed out on Watkins.

I’ve just read we’re interested in both Wilson and Watkins.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Percy McCarthy on August 31, 2020, 06:37:42 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 31, 2020, 01:45:18 PM

I don't. I'm in the park walking the 2 idiot dogs at 6.30 every morning, even though the kids are quiet. Lie ins ended nearly 13 years ago, I don't think I can go back to the place I was before now.

I do wonder if we will sign a centre half this window. Linked to Vida and Lyindama (sp) in Jan, I reckon Smith with want a more experienced head in that back line.

I was talking about 5.57 being a lie-in.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 31, 2020, 06:41:00 PM

Buying Wilson and Watkins if the money was right would make a lot of sense. Especially if you then only sign 1 winger.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on August 31, 2020, 06:48:45 PM

I don't understand the appeal of Wilson, he's got a goalscoring record similar to Wesley, is in his late 20s and has had a couple of really nasty injuries which mean he struggles to play a full season. I don't konw how many more red flags people need.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on August 31, 2020, 06:50:22 PM

Quote from: paul_e on August 31, 2020, 06:48:45 PM

I don't understand the appeal of Wilson, he's got a goalscoring record similar to Wesley, is in his late 20s and has had a couple of really nasty injuries which mean he struggles to play a full season. I don't konw how many more red flags people need.

Yes mostly agree although he is only 27 has experience?  I guess it depends on the numbers

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on August 31, 2020, 06:59:53 PM

Quote from: VILLA MOLE on August 31, 2020, 06:50:22 PM

Quote from: paul_e on August 31, 2020, 06:48:45 PM

I don't understand the appeal of Wilson, he's got a goalscoring record similar to Wesley, is in his late 20s and has had a couple of really nasty injuries which mean he struggles to play a full season. I don't konw how many more red flags people need.

Yes mostly agree although he is only 27 has experience?  I guess it depends on the numbers

28 and yes he has experience but that alone isn't enough to justify throwing £15-20m at (given 2-3 serious knee injuries in 5 years).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on August 31, 2020, 07:15:10 PM

I would prefer him to Samatta and Davis.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on August 31, 2020, 07:15:24 PM

Think if the top clubs get their way with the 5 subs being brought in it will be good to have interchangeable Guilbert / Cash down the right

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Shrek on August 31, 2020, 07:16:50 PM

I think I’d genuinely rather have Benteke back instead of Wilson.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on August 31, 2020, 07:19:17 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on August 31, 2020, 07:15:10 PM

I would prefer him to Samatta and Davis.

Would you think that if his knees gave out on him again? I fully expect someone to mention McGrath but the difference there is that he was potentially one of the best central defenders of all time, Wilson is arguably not even the best striker at fucking Bournemouth.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on August 31, 2020, 07:24:14 PM

I would prefer Balaban than Davis.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: four fornicholl on August 31, 2020, 07:27:15 PM

Quote from: WilliamStanding on August 31, 2020, 07:24:14 PM

I would prefer Balaban than Davis.

Don't talk fucking stupid.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on August 31, 2020, 07:32:19 PM

Wilson is a hopefully just a diversion for force Brentford’s hand.

I don’t get the appeal, we know Wilson’s ceiling is slightly lower than what we need (considering the ££ required to buy him) whereas with Wesley, Davis and Samatta we could be surprised by how much they progress but we will only find out for sure by playing them/not putting road blocks in their way.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ian. on August 31, 2020, 07:38:40 PM

Quote from: WilliamStanding on August 31, 2020, 07:24:14 PM

I would prefer Balaban than Davis.

I’d prefer Gregnash to to you

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on August 31, 2020, 07:51:18 PM

Wilson clearly has talent, he's just injured all the time.

Still, be someone for Lansbury to talk to in the treatment room.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on August 31, 2020, 08:04:40 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on August 31, 2020, 07:51:18 PM

Wilson clearly has talent, he's just injured all the time.

Still, be someone for Lansbury to talk to in the treatment room.

The injury record is definitely the biggest problem but even when fit I don't think he's been totally convincing in the premier league. He'd have been perfect last summer but this year I don't think he adds enough to justify the risk of such a big part of our budget.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on August 31, 2020, 08:11:29 PM

Wilson is injured at the moment. Would be a mug's signing in my opinion.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on August 31, 2020, 08:14:57 PM

Quote from: Ian J on August 31, 2020, 07:38:40 PM

Quote from: WilliamStanding on August 31, 2020, 07:24:14 PM

I would prefer Balaban than Davis.

I’d prefer Gregnash to to you

heh

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on August 31, 2020, 08:15:40 PM

I remember Gregnash.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on August 31, 2020, 08:17:33 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on August 31, 2020, 08:15:40 PM

I remember Gregnash.

I remember traffic jams, motor boys and girls with tans.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on August 31, 2020, 08:19:46 PM

Quote from: Clampy on August 31, 2020, 08:17:33 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on August 31, 2020, 08:15:40 PM

I remember Gregnash.

I remember traffic jams, motor boys and girls with tans.

I remember California.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on August 31, 2020, 08:22:34 PM

Sounds like Wilson is a stalking horse.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 31, 2020, 08:22:58 PM

All those sweet conspiracies
I remember all these things

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on August 31, 2020, 09:17:57 PM

I’d prefer Bournemouth’s other striker rather than Wilson, the Norwegian bloke with the English name.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on August 31, 2020, 09:24:53 PM

Quote from: Bent Neilsens Screamer on August 31, 2020, 09:17:57 PM

I’d prefer Bournemouth’s other striker rather than Wilson, the Norwegian bloke with the English name.

Josh King, decent player and I’d agree with that.
Hopefully signings will start panning out now. Given Smiths comments about Luiz coming through the door late last pre season, He obviously wanted players in early this pre season. I’d start to wonder what was happening if we haven’t started getting a couple in by the end of this week, especially an attacker or two.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 31, 2020, 09:28:20 PM

Quote from: WilliamStanding on August 31, 2020, 07:24:14 PM

I would prefer Balaban than Davis.

Quote from: WilliamStanding on August 30, 2020, 07:07:53 PM

Hate the game not the players.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on August 31, 2020, 09:48:52 PM

Quote from: RamboandBruno on August 31, 2020, 09:24:53 PM

Quote from: Bent Neilsens Screamer on August 31, 2020, 09:17:57 PM

I’d prefer Bournemouth’s other striker rather than Wilson, the Norwegian bloke with the English name.

Josh King, decent player and I’d agree with that.

That’s the fella. He always looks as though he puts a shift in and can play out wide as well as through the middle I believe.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Richard E on August 31, 2020, 09:52:02 PM

I’d be amazed if Watkins isn’t a Villa player before much longer. All else is smoke and mirrors.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 31, 2020, 10:11:41 PM

Matt Cash posts can go here until it's a bit more likely.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on August 31, 2020, 10:14:13 PM

In relation to Matty Cash,  I recall Steve Bruce saying that transfers were done the other way around these days and that players generally spoke to clubs before a fee was agreed.  Clubs agree on the players availability and talk personal terms before they agree the money.  I don't know whether this is true or not though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: johnny from donny on August 31, 2020, 10:25:04 PM

I would imagine that talks run sort of concurrently in that the buying club would need permission to talk to the player or their agent to establish if they were interested in signing for them & how much they would want in salary; then, if they think a deal with the player is possible,  go back to the selling club to negotiate a transfer fee.
At any stage, a negative response obviously stops the transfer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 31, 2020, 10:46:06 PM

Quote from: ktvillan on August 31, 2020, 05:01:31 PM

Since we are lacking in PL experience and old heads I'd keep Elmo as a squad player unless someone/Bruce makes a daft offer.   I think he can still hack it at PL level as a squaddie.

Same for me. He did well for us in the run in.

Would be fine with Calum Wilson and Watkins as our striker signings, doubt we'll do much better than that and gives us experience and potential up there.

Just a reminder that Pukki of Norwich outscored all our forwards by 5 league goals last season and his last league goal was on January 22nd! We have the worst set of forwards in the league by quite some distance so it's vital we do something serious about that rather than crossing our fingers.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 31, 2020, 10:55:01 PM

Quote from: Shrek on August 31, 2020, 07:16:50 PM

I think I’d genuinely rather have Benteke back instead of Wilson.

Since the first game of 2017 season Benteke has scored 6 premier league goals, Wilson scored 30. Each to their own I guess!

I certainly get the injury concerns, he's had 3 bad ones at Bournemouth since 2015. Worth remembering though Danny Ings had 2 ACLs at Liverpool and does o.k nowadays.

Way I see it we're playing the long game with Tammy Abraham. Can't get him this summer but next season he'll probably just be warming the bench at Chelsea, his value will reduce if he dosen't sign a new deal and he could easily miss out on the England euros squad. If DS is still here and we finish mid table I think we'll go for him.

Wilson is a decent stop gap imo for that and also Watkins getting to grips with premier league football. In a years time we could have Tammy as number one forwards, Watkins supporting and Davis back from a loan spell actually knowing how to score goals. Wes aswell could come back and score some goals although I think he'll need a while to get up to speed again, people underestimating how bad his injury was.

Wilson then becomes a rotation option and makes our bench options much stronger. Or he scores 10 this season and we just sell him to one of the promoted clubs for what we signed him for.

We've made worse deals upfront in last 5 years.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 31, 2020, 10:58:34 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on August 31, 2020, 07:51:18 PM

Wilson clearly has talent, he's just injured all the time.

Still, be someone for Lansbury to talk to in the treatment room.

He featured in 30 prem games last season and same number season before. Last serious injury was mid 2017. Indeed he came back in October 2017 and featured in 28 games so he really hasn't missed much in 3 years now and started the majority of those given he was a key part of their rise.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 31, 2020, 10:59:48 PM

Quote from: Bent Neilsens Screamer on August 31, 2020, 09:17:57 PM

I’d prefer Bournemouth’s other striker rather than Wilson, the Norwegian bloke with the English name.

Big rumours Spurs are in for him so that's what you'd be up against.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 31, 2020, 11:30:45 PM

When was the last time we had a 20 goal league striker out of interest in the top division? Benteke was 1 off in 12/13 and Angel, Dublin and Yorke all had good scoring runs but never got to 20 league goals (surprised me in Yorke's case).

Realistically we need to sign someone who can hit 10-15 league goals if they play over 30 games and I'd be confident Wilson can do that if he stays fit. He hit 14 in 30 games in 18/19 sp 1 in 2 there.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on August 31, 2020, 11:36:38 PM

Peter Withe

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 01, 2020, 12:09:56 AM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 31, 2020, 11:30:45 PM

When was the last time we had a 20 goal league striker out of interest in the top division? Benteke was 1 off in 12/13 and Angel, Dublin and Yorke all had good scoring runs but never got to 20 league goals (surprised me in Yorke's case).

Realistically we need to sign someone who can hit 10-15 league goals if they play over 30 games and I'd be confident Wilson can do that if he stays fit. He hit 14 in 30 games in 18/19 sp 1 in 2 there.

I'm with you Soccer. Said right at the end of the season Wilson would be one of the 2 strikers I would go for. Watkins being so versatile would be ideal for the other.

I see Arsenal are being strongly linked with Benrahma. We should have got that done much earlier.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: JD on September 01, 2020, 12:21:21 AM

Quote from: Newby on August 31, 2020, 04:00:39 PM

Quote from: Londonvilla on August 31, 2020, 02:55:26 PM

Christian Luyindama (Galatasaray defender)

No new link but he is now fit again and "Christian Luyindama is a versatile player, who can also play as a defensive midfielder and forward"

He's a big unit and could be a good plan B if the price was right and we were linked with him in both last summer and winter transfer windows.

&iv_load_policy=3

We were linked with him in January.  Looks a decent player and certainly a unit.  Good passer of the ball.  Swap for Samatta once we have the elusive centre forward in place?

A defender who can play defensive midfield or upfront? If he can play in goal as well he will be a dream signing. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Londonvilla on September 01, 2020, 12:32:51 AM

Werder boss Frank Baumann says Milot Rashica could reconsider his options as RB Leipzig talks stall

Friday, August 28

According to reports, RB Leipzig are willing to pay €15 million plus €3 million in bonuses for Rashica, but Werder want at least €20 million upfront plus an additional amount in add-ons.

https://bulinews.com/news/5863/werder-boss-frank-baumann-says-milot-rashica-could-reconsider-his-options-rb-leipzig-talks-stall

This has deadline day written all over it.....but I still want him as one of our forwards

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 01, 2020, 12:33:39 AM

Quote from: Newby on August 31, 2020, 10:14:13 PM

In relation to Matty Cash,  I recall Steve Bruce saying that transfers were done the other way around these days and that players generally spoke to clubs before a fee was agreed.  Clubs agree on the players availability and talk personal terms before they agree the money.  I don't know whether this is true or not though.

I'm hearing that it's just the mad few that are like that.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Londonvilla on September 01, 2020, 12:47:23 AM

BBC Nottingham Sport
@BBCRNS

Amidst reports about the future of Matty Cash, a source at the City Ground tells us tonight that no agreement is in place with Aston Villa for the sale of the defender.  #nffc #avfc

https://twitter.com/BBCRNS/status/1300518354168549376

Come on villa remember Money Talks

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: charlatan on September 01, 2020, 01:21:39 AM

I've been more impressed by Guendouzi than Rice over the last couple of years, but I'm wary of the negative influence hotheads can have on morale.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: robbo1874 on September 01, 2020, 02:54:10 AM

If we can somehow get Tammy back. Yes please! Doubt it will happen though, chelski would be mad to sell him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Shrek on September 01, 2020, 06:48:40 AM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 31, 2020, 10:55:01 PM

Quote from: Shrek on August 31, 2020, 07:16:50 PM

I think I’d genuinely rather have Benteke back instead of Wilson.

Since the first game of 2017 season Benteke has scored 6 premier league goals, Wilson scored 30. Each to their own I guess!

Tbh the point I was making is I don’t want either.

And I have sort of persuaded myself I really want Watkins, when in reality I’ve hardly seen him play.. I’ve just seen so much good stuff said about him, it’s made me think he will succeed 🤷🏻‍♂️

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 01, 2020, 07:24:31 AM

Quote from: JD on September 01, 2020, 12:21:21 AM

Quote from: Newby on August 31, 2020, 04:00:39 PM

Quote from: Londonvilla on August 31, 2020, 02:55:26 PM

Christian Luyindama (Galatasaray defender)

No new link but he is now fit again and "Christian Luyindama is a versatile player, who can also play as a defensive midfielder and forward"

He's a big unit and could be a good plan B if the price was right and we were linked with him in both last summer and winter transfer windows.

&iv_load_policy=3

We were linked with him in January.  Looks a decent player and certainly a unit.  Good passer of the ball.  Swap for Samatta once we have the elusive centre forward in place?

A defender who can play defensive midfield or upfront? If he can play in goal as well he will be a dream signing. 

the new Chris Samba

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 01, 2020, 07:54:37 AM

or Paul Warhurst - wasn't he one who could play almost everywhere?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on September 01, 2020, 08:04:59 AM

Quote from: robbo1874 on September 01, 2020, 02:54:10 AM

If we can somehow get Tammy back. Yes please! Doubt it will happen though, chelski would be mad to sell him.

On the contrary, I think he's exactly the type of player they'd sell. He's the epitome of what their loan system should produce.
No initial outlay to buy him, decent loan spells out, given a long term contract, does a job when recalled, capped into the bargain, pushed down the pecking order by a cheque book signing, now available at the right price as a proven PL & international goalscorer.
He'll be available, but they'll look to recoup most of the Werner outlay with his fee. Kerching, as their accountants would say.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sid1964 on September 01, 2020, 08:29:05 AM

if we want 4 or 5 players -  then I don't think we can splash £50 million on Abraham - unless we are going to sell a few of ours, to get some more money into the club???

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 01, 2020, 08:49:02 AM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 01, 2020, 07:54:37 AM

or Paul Warhurst - wasn't he one who could play almost everywhere?

Yep, Blackburn wasn't it who shoved him up front, and he responded by banging them in on a regular basis.


edit: Sheffield Wednesday actually.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Reuben on September 01, 2020, 08:51:51 AM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 01, 2020, 07:54:37 AM

or Paul Warhurst - wasn't he one who could play almost everywhere?

yes, like Ricardo Scimeca

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Exeter 77 on September 01, 2020, 08:56:54 AM

Quote from: Risso on September 01, 2020, 08:49:02 AM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 01, 2020, 07:54:37 AM

or Paul Warhurst - wasn't he one who could play almost everywhere?

Yep, Blackburn wasn't it who shoved him up front, and he responded by banging them in on a regular basis.

Sheffield Wednesday moved him from centre back to striker. Blackburn bought him, I thought as a bit of vanity signing, and played him in midfield where he got injured a lot.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: JUAN PABLO on September 01, 2020, 09:56:46 AM

Arsenal seriously need  to trim their squad , I can not see them going for Benrahma .


Still would not be suprised If we go for him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 01, 2020, 11:32:18 AM

Quote from: Reuben on September 01, 2020, 08:51:51 AM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 01, 2020, 07:54:37 AM

or Paul Warhurst - wasn't he one who could play almost everywhere?

yes, like Ricardo Scimeca

Or Allan Evans.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WarszaVillan on September 01, 2020, 11:40:57 AM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on September 01, 2020, 11:32:18 AM

Quote from: Reuben on September 01, 2020, 08:51:51 AM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 01, 2020, 07:54:37 AM

or Paul Warhurst - wasn't he one who could play almost everywhere?

yes, like Ricardo Scimeca

Or Allan Evans.

And Dion Dublin

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on September 01, 2020, 11:44:18 AM

Quote from: WarszaVillan82 on September 01, 2020, 11:40:57 AM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on September 01, 2020, 11:32:18 AM

Quote from: Reuben on September 01, 2020, 08:51:51 AM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 01, 2020, 07:54:37 AM

or Paul Warhurst - wasn't he one who could play almost everywhere?

yes, like Ricardo Scimeca

Or Allan Evans.

And Dion Dublin

And Chris Samba that time

*shudder*

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 01, 2020, 11:44:39 AM

Steve Walsh, Matt Elliott, Chris Sutton. I miss the days of a big centre half playing up front.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on September 01, 2020, 12:00:36 PM

Some player did it for Clyde too. They stuck him up front due to injuries and he got a hattrick in his first game up front

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Footy-Vill on September 01, 2020, 12:05:24 PM

I see GK Tim Krul called up for Netherlands . Certainly have him in for Villa. Decent presence and experienced. Felt he was exposed by Norwich open play and at Villa conditions suit to be solid.
Has euros coming up and being called up is a timely reminder he needs to be playing top level.
I would take him.
Particularly I like his ways in facing penalty taking & antics
Send them Nyland as a sweetner

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 01, 2020, 12:18:16 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on September 01, 2020, 12:05:24 PM

I see GK Tim Krul called up for Netherlands . Certainly have him in for Villa. Decent presence and experienced. Felt he was exposed by Norwich open play and at Villa conditions suit to be solid.
Has euros coming up and being called up is a timely reminder he needs to be playing top level.
I would take him.
Particularly I like his ways in facing penalty taking & antics
Send them Nyland as a sweetner - or Kalinic - or Steer (take your choice!!)

Krul would be a decent addition; and, at 32, in his prime.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 01, 2020, 12:30:52 PM

Krul is a decent keeper but it depends on Heaton for me. If he comes back fit then he'll play and should have 2-3 years in him at the very least. In that case I'd rather the backup keeper was younger and could slowly take over as first choice, Krul is competition in the short term but would mean we'd be looking for 2 replacements in a few years.

However if there are worries about Heaton's fitness it's a different story.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 01, 2020, 12:36:02 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 01, 2020, 12:30:52 PM

Krul is a decent keeper but it depends on Heaton for me. If he comes back fit then he'll play and should have 2-3 years in him at the very least. In that case I'd rather the backup keeper was younger and could slowly take over as first choice, Krul is competition in the short term but would mean we'd be looking for 2 replacements in a few years.

However if there are worries about Heaton's fitness it's a different story.

Yeah, get that. I suppose it's the links to Martinez that made me wonder whether the club is after a new No.1 keeper.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on September 01, 2020, 01:06:00 PM

So who thought we'd enter September without signing a single new player?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 01, 2020, 01:09:31 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 01, 2020, 01:06:00 PM

So who thought we'd enter September without signing a single new player?

Who thought we’d enter September with the season only officially ending a couple of weeks ago and the new season not having started yet?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Footy-Vill on September 01, 2020, 01:10:21 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 01, 2020, 01:06:00 PM

So who thought we'd enter September without signing a single new player?

Circumstantial no ??

And we have over 30 days before window closes and shy of 3 weeks before our first match .

Point taken in context though that some signings need to be in this week the international matches window may be a hindrance

Up the villa.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Footy-Vill on September 01, 2020, 01:13:25 PM

Quote from: Mister E on September 01, 2020, 12:36:02 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 01, 2020, 12:30:52 PM

Krul is a decent keeper but it depends on Heaton for me. If he comes back fit then he'll play and should have 2-3 years in him at the very least. In that case I'd rather the backup keeper was younger and could slowly take over as first choice, Krul is competition in the short term but would mean we'd be looking for 2 replacements in a few years.

However if there are worries about Heaton's fitness it's a different story.

Yeah, get that. I suppose it's the links to Martinez that made me wonder whether the club is after a new No.1 keeper.

I like Heaton but worry his shoulder or knees won't stand up to the rigours to get more than this season if that out of him
35 I think now?
Heaton injury v Burnley was so poor and injury and sad for him but in that game that was that the sign we need someone else as Steer has undergone many injuries too.
I think both keeper are great but
Krul I like as need someone not to be injured prone

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 01, 2020, 01:29:05 PM

Never really understood why Newcastle got rid of Krul. It took them a while to replace him.

It all depends on Heaton long term, if he's a major doubt for the first few months of the season then we need to get someone in. Nyland isn't up to it and Steer is crocked. Kalinic still with us? (I hope not)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sid1964 on September 01, 2020, 01:57:13 PM

£70K a week contract for Watkins - if true we must be mad!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Stu on September 01, 2020, 02:00:46 PM

Leeds signed a 29 year old striker that scores goals at a rate of one every four games. He cost them £26m up front, potentially going up to £30m. There aren't many bargains any more.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 01, 2020, 02:03:52 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on September 01, 2020, 01:13:25 PM

Quote from: Mister E on September 01, 2020, 12:36:02 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 01, 2020, 12:30:52 PM

Krul is a decent keeper but it depends on Heaton for me. If he comes back fit then he'll play and should have 2-3 years in him at the very least. In that case I'd rather the backup keeper was younger and could slowly take over as first choice, Krul is competition in the short term but would mean we'd be looking for 2 replacements in a few years.

However if there are worries about Heaton's fitness it's a different story.

Yeah, get that. I suppose it's the links to Martinez that made me wonder whether the club is after a new No.1 keeper.

I like Heaton but worry his shoulder or knees won't stand up to the rigours to get more than this season if that out of him
35 I think now?
Heaton injury v Burnley was so poor and injury and sad for him but in that game that was that the sign we need someone else as Steer has undergone many injuries too.
I think both keeper are great but
Krul I like as need someone not to be injured prone

34, turns 35 in April.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 01, 2020, 02:04:46 PM

Quote from: Stu on September 01, 2020, 02:00:46 PM

Leeds signed a 29 year old striker that scores goals at a rate of one every four games. He cost them £26m up front, potentially going up to £30m. There aren't many bargains any more.

Agbonlahor is available on a free....

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on September 01, 2020, 02:06:05 PM

Quote from: sid1964 on September 01, 2020, 01:57:13 PM

£70K a week contract for Watkins - if true we must be mad!

He's the best player in the Championship,  who we'd be paying upwards on £20m for.

What salary would you feel is appropriate for that?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 01, 2020, 02:06:58 PM

For the investment in Watkins couldn't we consider someone from Spain or Italy who would command a much lower salary? This "ex-'s of Dean Smith" is a bit reductive as a policy. Brentford always get their pound of flesh with us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on September 01, 2020, 02:12:50 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 01, 2020, 01:06:00 PM

So who thought we'd enter September without signing a single new player?

Au contraire.

We have been busy stuffing the youth squad with some of the best talent around.

Quite sure we will be making at least four signings for the seniors in due course.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 01, 2020, 02:15:32 PM

Quote from: Dave on September 01, 2020, 02:06:05 PM

Quote from: sid1964 on September 01, 2020, 01:57:13 PM

£70K a week contract for Watkins - if true we must be mad!

He's the best player in the Championship,  who we'd be paying upwards on £20m for.

What salary would you feel is appropriate for that?

I think it's just a shock to the system to see figures like this in relation to a talent who hasn't played in the Premier League yet. We would expect to see more established players like Grealish and Mings on figures like this. It's just where the Premier League has gone over the last few years. These days a youth player can be getting five figures a week.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 01, 2020, 02:18:43 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 01, 2020, 02:06:58 PM

For the investment in Watkins couldn't we consider someone from Spain or Italy who would command a much lower salary? This "ex-'s of Dean Smith" is a bit reductive as a policy. Brentford always get their pound of flesh with us.

Yep, maybe Brentford do - however, we're where they want to be, so one of us is doing it right :)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 01, 2020, 02:19:58 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 01, 2020, 02:06:58 PM

For the investment in Watkins couldn't we consider someone from Spain or Italy who would command a much lower salary? This "ex-'s of Dean Smith" is a bit reductive as a policy. Brentford always get their pound of flesh with us.

I'm not so sure. As has been put forward, Rodrigo cost Leeds £30 million and is on the back of an ACL injury and a pretty average scoring record. At least we know Watkins is quick, powerful and works hard etc. He has the attributes to score 10-15 a season in the Prem. That costs a lot.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Des Little on September 01, 2020, 02:20:06 PM

We should insist that Brentford take Hogan back as part of any deal. See how they like it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 01, 2020, 02:45:38 PM

Watkins left out of the Brentford squad today for their friendly as was Raya but they said he had an injury - no word on Watkins.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Tuscans on September 01, 2020, 03:02:22 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on September 01, 2020, 02:45:38 PM

Watkins left out of the Brentford squad today for their friendly as was Raya but they said he had an injury - no word on Watkins.

Benrahma left out too. Villa's twitter hasn't been active today at all....reckon something is happening in the next 48 hrs.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on September 01, 2020, 03:16:51 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 01, 2020, 01:09:31 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 01, 2020, 01:06:00 PM

So who thought we'd enter September without signing a single new player?

Who thought we’d enter September with the season only officially ending a couple of weeks ago and the new season not having started yet?

When did you think the season ended?

Ours, like 95% of teams finished 5 weeks ago.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 01, 2020, 03:23:07 PM

Much like January, we have been horribly slow to add players this window.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on September 01, 2020, 03:23:10 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 01, 2020, 03:16:51 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 01, 2020, 01:09:31 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 01, 2020, 01:06:00 PM

So who thought we'd enter September without signing a single new player?

Who thought we’d enter September with the season only officially ending a couple of weeks ago and the new season not having started yet?

When did you think the season ended?

Ours, like 95% of teams finished 5 weeks ago.

We finished with 35 points, hence our need to strengthen probably tops every other team. It is strange that we had no deal lined up to go through if we stayed up. Maybe the Brentford duo will come as a pair but it's a very limited pre season any incoming player will have with us at this rate.

Is Steer fully fit does anyone know ? The thought of Nyland starting against Sheff Utd is worrying...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on September 01, 2020, 03:25:27 PM

Quote from: Big Ming on September 01, 2020, 02:12:50 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 01, 2020, 01:06:00 PM

So who thought we'd enter September without signing a single new player?

Au contraire.

We have been busy stuffing the youth squad with some of the best talent around.

Quite sure we will be making at least four signings for the seniors in due course.

Commendable. Isn't going to help us next season though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave shelley on September 01, 2020, 03:27:54 PM

James Bree signed for Luton according to SSN.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: darren woolley on September 01, 2020, 03:49:23 PM

I hope we make a signing or three this week.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 01, 2020, 03:49:26 PM

that's £20k a week off the wage bill.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LukeJames on September 01, 2020, 03:51:38 PM

Quote from: dave shelley on September 01, 2020, 03:27:54 PM

James Bree signed for Luton according to SSN.

Now theres one I thought would've turned out alot better than he did.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on September 01, 2020, 03:56:38 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 01, 2020, 03:25:27 PM

Quote from: Big Ming on September 01, 2020, 02:12:50 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 01, 2020, 01:06:00 PM

So who thought we'd enter September without signing a single new player?

Au contraire.

We have been busy stuffing the youth squad with some of the best talent around.

Quite sure we will be making at least four signings for the seniors in due course.

Commendable. Isn't going to help us next season though.

So would we prefer to sign number 3 or 4 on the striker target list to get it done today or keep trying to get number 1 or 2 on the list?  It’s by no means ideal but it’s a sellers market several clubs want the same players & those players want the best club & deal they can get. 

There’s no doubt we need to get the first one over the line so people relax a bit but everyone needs to face the fact that we may well start season without key new signings and it may well take till deadline day to get everything done & likewise it might be deadline day before we can be assured that Jack goes nowhere.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 01, 2020, 03:56:50 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 01, 2020, 03:16:51 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 01, 2020, 01:09:31 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 01, 2020, 01:06:00 PM

So who thought we'd enter September without signing a single new player?

Who thought we’d enter September with the season only officially ending a couple of weeks ago and the new season not having started yet?

When did you think the season ended?

Ours, like 95% of teams finished 5 weeks ago.

If only we operated in a vacuum and everything revolved around us and our season. We also fired our Director of football, hired a new one and another recruitment bloke. You can't just go out lashing millions without giving them time to come in and assess everything. I'm sorry I don't see the panic. We will buy players, we will sell some. There's time left in the market for a lot of things to happen. Some are acting like the window closes on Friday. It doesn't. There is over a month left. In normal circumstances it would be July and the season starts in August. Business will get done. And frankly, we don't need to go crazy again. We need to buy correctly and add astutely to what we have. And with it being a long season, while not perfect I would sooner buy the right player than any player just because they are available earlier in the window.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on September 01, 2020, 03:56:59 PM

Quote from: dave shelley on September 01, 2020, 03:27:54 PM

James Bree signed for Luton according to SSN.

Good news. Never looked even close to good enough. If we can shift a few more from the list of players that should not be anywhere near even the bench then it will really help with FFP. Lansbury, Kalinic, Nyland, Hogan, El Ghazi, Taylor, Samatta and Wesley would all be nice to get off the payroll.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: MalcolmP on September 01, 2020, 04:01:08 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 01, 2020, 03:23:10 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 01, 2020, 03:16:51 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 01, 2020, 01:09:31 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 01, 2020, 01:06:00 PM

So who thought we'd enter September without signing a single new player?

Who thought we’d enter September with the season only officially ending a couple of weeks ago and the new season not having started yet?

When did you think the season ended?

Ours, like 95% of teams finished 5 weeks ago.

 The thought of Nyland starting against Sheff Utd is worrying...

yeah, Nyland is crap isn't he?  Just watch the 2 League Cup Semi's against Leicester!  2 of the best performances of any goalkeeper in whole of last season. But lets forget that and remember 1 mistake against Sheffield Utd.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Three Spires Villa on September 01, 2020, 04:03:39 PM

Quote from: MalcolmP on September 01, 2020, 04:01:08 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 01, 2020, 03:23:10 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 01, 2020, 03:16:51 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 01, 2020, 01:09:31 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 01, 2020, 01:06:00 PM

So who thought we'd enter September without signing a single new player?

Who thought we’d enter September with the season only officially ending a couple of weeks ago and the new season not having started yet?

When did you think the season ended?

Ours, like 95% of teams finished 5 weeks ago.

 The thought of Nyland starting against Sheff Utd is worrying...

yeah, Nyland is crap isn't he?  Just watch the 2 League Cup Semi's against Leicester!  2 of the best performances of any goalkeeper in whole of last season. But lets forget that and remember 1 mistake against Sheffield Utd.

2 games v 1 game?! To be honest I wouldn’t want him as our starting keeper, regardless of his heroics in the cup.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: MalcolmP on September 01, 2020, 04:07:59 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on September 01, 2020, 03:56:59 PM

Quote from: dave shelley on September 01, 2020, 03:27:54 PM

James Bree signed for Luton according to SSN.

Good news. Never looked even close to good enough. If we can shift a few more from the list of players that should not be anywhere near even the bench then it will really help with FFP. Lansbury, Kalinic, Nyland, Hogan, El Ghazi, Taylor, Samatta and Wesley would all be nice to get off the payroll.

  Why Wesley? he scored more goals for us last season (when playing a ltd no. of games) than Rodrigo who Leeds have just paid £26m for (and he was playing in his home country) !! Just look at Douglas Luiz at end of season how good he was. Wesley will be the same when he returns to full fitness - give the guy a chance, playing in toughest league in the world and in a new country.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: DB on September 01, 2020, 04:37:07 PM

You can't argue with that logic.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 01, 2020, 04:41:43 PM

Quote from: DB on September 01, 2020, 04:37:07 PM

You can't argue with that logic.

This is the internet - you can argue with anything :)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on September 01, 2020, 04:43:34 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on September 01, 2020, 04:31:30 PM

Quote from: MalcolmP on September 01, 2020, 04:01:08 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 01, 2020, 03:23:10 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 01, 2020, 03:16:51 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 01, 2020, 01:09:31 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 01, 2020, 01:06:00 PM

So who thought we'd enter September without signing a single new player?

Who thought we’d enter September with the season only officially ending a couple of weeks ago and the new season not having started yet?

When did you think the season ended?

Ours, like 95% of teams finished 5 weeks ago.

 The thought of Nyland starting against Sheff Utd is worrying...

yeah, Nyland is crap isn't he?  Just watch the 2 League Cup Semi's against Leicester!  2 of the best performances of any goalkeeper in whole of last season. But lets forget that and remember 1 mistake against Sheffield Utd.

The only way your discussion works as a argument with substance is if Nyland won the league cup final.
He didn't so the semi final is irrelevant.

Absolutely wrong - he was very good in the semi finals

By your logic every goal scored in the season we lost the play off final to Fulham doesn’t count?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on September 01, 2020, 04:45:51 PM

Quote from: MalcolmP on September 01, 2020, 04:07:59 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on September 01, 2020, 03:56:59 PM

Quote from: dave shelley on September 01, 2020, 03:27:54 PM

James Bree signed for Luton according to SSN.

Good news. Never looked even close to good enough. If we can shift a few more from the list of players that should not be anywhere near even the bench then it will really help with FFP. Lansbury, Kalinic, Nyland, Hogan, El Ghazi, Taylor, Samatta and Wesley would all be nice to get off the payroll.

  Why Wesley? he scored more goals for us last season (when playing a ltd no. of games) than Rodrigo who Leeds have just paid £26m for (and he was playing in his home country) !! Just look at Douglas Luiz at end of season how good he was. Wesley will be the same when he returns to full fitness - give the guy a chance, playing in toughest league in the world and in a new country.

Don't rate Wesley at all, looks a terrible player hence he is on my list to dump. Happy for him to prove me wrong this season, but coming back from a bad injury mid season I wont be holding my breath. As for Rodrigo, I am glad we didn't buy him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 01, 2020, 05:01:56 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 01, 2020, 04:41:43 PM

Quote from: DB on September 01, 2020, 04:37:07 PM

You can't argue with that logic.

This is the internet - you can argue with anything :)

No you can't.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: colin69 on September 01, 2020, 05:09:03 PM

100% agree I wasn’t sure at one point  but I think Wesley will come good.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 01, 2020, 05:56:13 PM

Quote from: Gareth on September 01, 2020, 04:43:34 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on September 01, 2020, 04:31:30 PM

Quote from: MalcolmP on September 01, 2020, 04:01:08 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 01, 2020, 03:23:10 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 01, 2020, 03:16:51 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 01, 2020, 01:09:31 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 01, 2020, 01:06:00 PM

So who thought we'd enter September without signing a single new player?

Who thought we’d enter September with the season only officially ending a couple of weeks ago and the new season not having started yet?

When did you think the season ended?

Ours, like 95% of teams finished 5 weeks ago.

 The thought of Nyland starting against Sheff Utd is worrying...

yeah, Nyland is crap isn't he?  Just watch the 2 League Cup Semi's against Leicester!  2 of the best performances of any goalkeeper in whole of last season. But lets forget that and remember 1 mistake against Sheffield Utd.

The only way your discussion works as a argument with substance is if Nyland won the league cup final.
He didn't so the semi final is irrelevant.

Absolutely wrong - he was very good in the semi finals

By your logic every goal scored in the season we lost the play off final to Fulham doesn’t count?

I don't think either the one mistake against Sheff Utd or the two games against Leicester define his usefulness. However, he's played 30 games for us, very rarely other than aganst Leicester inspired any confidence and both times he's had a run in the team, he's  been dropped for Steer or Reina to address that. So, yes, it would worry me if he started against Sheffield Utd. He's a 3rd choice keeper at best for me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on September 01, 2020, 05:57:28 PM

Signed Ruben Shakpoke from Norwich.  He's a striker, at least.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: nigel on September 01, 2020, 06:01:20 PM

Quote from: MalcolmP on September 01, 2020, 04:01:08 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 01, 2020, 03:23:10 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 01, 2020, 03:16:51 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 01, 2020, 01:09:31 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 01, 2020, 01:06:00 PM

So who thought we'd enter September without signing a single new player?

Who thought we’d enter September with the season only officially ending a couple of weeks ago and the new season not having started yet?

When did you think the season ended?

Ours, like 95% of teams finished 5 weeks ago.

 The thought of Nyland starting against Sheff Utd is worrying...

yeah, Nyland is crap isn't he?  Just watch the 2 League Cup Semi's against Leicester!  2 of the best performances of any goalkeeper in whole of last season. But lets forget that and remember 1 mistake against Sheffield Utd.

Which, in fact, wasn’t really his fault

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on September 01, 2020, 06:19:21 PM

I always feel like Nyland lacks confidence and doesn't command his area.

He's arguably our best shot-stopper though.

Prefer Steer as second choice, ahead of Nyland personally.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on September 01, 2020, 06:20:23 PM

Quote from: algy on September 01, 2020, 05:57:28 PM

Signed Ruben Shakpoke from Norwich.  He's a striker, at least.

We now have a 'Shakatak'. Let's hope he is 'Out Of This World'  ;)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on September 01, 2020, 06:22:43 PM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on September 01, 2020, 06:19:21 PM

I always feel like Nyland lacks confidence and doesn't command his area.

He's arguably our best shot-stopper though.

Prefer Steer as second choice, ahead of Nyland personally.

The longer Steer has been with us the more I have come to rate him. He might not be spectacular but he is a solid reliable keeper.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 01, 2020, 06:26:52 PM

Steer was brilliant for us in the run of games that led to the Play-Off win.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: DB on September 01, 2020, 06:41:45 PM

Quote from: OCD on September 01, 2020, 06:26:52 PM

Steer was brilliant for us in the run of games that led to the Play-Off win.

Those saves don't count as we didn't win it. I think.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mcgrath_85 on September 01, 2020, 06:44:07 PM

People on here are very to quick to jump on any post that criticises our worrying lack of transfer activity. Those same people will be the first to kick off if we start the season poorly.
Surely we would’ve already ear marked potential signings before the season ended like we had done the year before: Premier league targets  and Championship targets. How we have still not succeeded in signing anyone yet is alarming.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on September 01, 2020, 06:49:56 PM

Quote from: nigel on September 01, 2020, 06:01:20 PM

Quote from: MalcolmP on September 01, 2020, 04:01:08 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 01, 2020, 03:23:10 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 01, 2020, 03:16:51 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 01, 2020, 01:09:31 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 01, 2020, 01:06:00 PM

So who thought we'd enter September without signing a single new player?

Who thought we’d enter September with the season only officially ending a couple of weeks ago and the new season not having started yet?

When did you think the season ended?

Ours, like 95% of teams finished 5 weeks ago.

 The thought of Nyland starting against Sheff Utd is worrying...

yeah, Nyland is crap isn't he?  Just watch the 2 League Cup Semi's against Leicester!  2 of the best performances of any goalkeeper in whole of last season. But lets forget that and remember 1 mistake against Sheffield Utd.

Which, in fact, wasn’t really his fault

There wasn’t a mistake, we drew 0-0.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Footy-Vill on September 01, 2020, 06:56:24 PM

Quote from: DB on September 01, 2020, 06:41:45 PM

Quote from: OCD on September 01, 2020, 06:26:52 PM

Steer was brilliant for us in the run of games that led to the Play-Off win.

Those saves don't count as we didn't win it. I think.

Steer won the semi final penalty shoot out and won the final.
So exactly the point about quality and winners.

Good luck to Nyland by all means however he's lacks presence and confidence.

I think we would have gone down if Reina hadn't come back in and Nyland stayed in goal.

Don't you see that's why Reina ultimately was signed. Nyland unable to perform to the task.
Reina was quite the commanding keeper when Nyland had vocal cord issues

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Pat Mustard on September 01, 2020, 07:16:44 PM

I’ve said it before, but Steer is just about the only keeper we’ve had in the last 10 years who hasn’t had me sh@tting myself anytime the ball goes near him and I would be more than happy with him as first choice. Unfortunately he also seems to be made of glass, which is a bad quality for a goalie.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: olaftab on September 01, 2020, 07:57:52 PM

Quote from: dave shelley on September 01, 2020, 03:27:54 PM

James Bree signed for Luton according to SSN.

Good luck to the boy. Probably the right level for him for now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on September 01, 2020, 08:12:35 PM

Quote from: algy on September 01, 2020, 05:57:28 PM

Signed Ruben Shakpoke from Norwich.  He's a striker, at least.

we’re going to have a fucking ace team





in 5 years time

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: nigel on September 01, 2020, 08:23:38 PM

Nyland has come on leaps and bounds.
He still has plenty to learn, but he will certainly get better with a better defence in front of him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on September 01, 2020, 08:25:53 PM

Quote from: nigel on September 01, 2020, 08:23:38 PM

Nyland has come on leaps and bounds.
He still has plenty to learn, but he will certainly get better with a better defence in front of him.

I thought the defence looked a bit better without Nyland behind it, tbh.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on September 01, 2020, 08:28:09 PM

Nyland is an Enkelman. Very dodgy.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 01, 2020, 08:28:29 PM

Bloody hell get a move on Villa.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on September 01, 2020, 08:29:48 PM

Nyland is an excellent shot stopper & makes some unbelievable saves but he doesn’t command his area and it was particularly noticeable in the empty grounds the difference in vocal presence of Reina when he came in.

If another keeper is signed I’d be happy enough to let Nyland & Kalinic go

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Bad English on September 01, 2020, 08:30:20 PM

All of our new signings will be great once they get a full pre-season under their belts.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on September 01, 2020, 09:04:21 PM

Quote from: MalcolmP on September 01, 2020, 04:01:08 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 01, 2020, 03:23:10 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 01, 2020, 03:16:51 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 01, 2020, 01:09:31 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 01, 2020, 01:06:00 PM

So who thought we'd enter September without signing a single new player?

Who thought we’d enter September with the season only officially ending a couple of weeks ago and the new season not having started yet?

When did you think the season ended?

Ours, like 95% of teams finished 5 weeks ago.

 The thought of Nyland starting against Sheff Utd is worrying...

yeah, Nyland is crap isn't he?  Just watch the 2 League Cup Semi's against Leicester!  2 of the best performances of any goalkeeper in whole of last season. But lets forget that and remember 1 mistake against Sheffield Utd.

Nyland was a trainwreck after the restart and threatened to throw a goal in every game. That throw against Wolves should be his final act as a Villa player. Unfortunately he regressed to the form he demonstrated for us in the championship where he was awful in nearly every game. So much so Bruce brought in Mark Bunn for his last game v Preston.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aldridgeboy on September 01, 2020, 09:06:18 PM

There’s a photo doing the rounds on social that shows jt, Shakespeare, Dean Smith in a small group With what could definitely be Watkins and Cash.

It’s not photoshopped, it’s just the angle, difficult to confirm the players. They’re in the Fig and Olive , Middleton

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aldridgeboy on September 01, 2020, 09:07:40 PM

(https://i.ibb.co/jTz6wSB/E0-C04-F24-FE25-43-AE-8-DE5-6-BB26-CF008-F9.jpg) (https://ibb.co/jTz6wSB)


This is the photo.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Des Little on September 01, 2020, 09:09:49 PM

It’s the coaching/performance team having a meal last night. Villa Twitter is showing new levels of speculation.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 01, 2020, 09:10:05 PM

Is that not Cutler opposite Shakespeare?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 01, 2020, 09:11:12 PM

Most of our transfers were announced on Thursdays for some reason last year.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: DB on September 01, 2020, 09:11:15 PM

A Sky reporter has just turned up and told to order something or leave.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aldridgeboy on September 01, 2020, 09:14:19 PM

Quote from: Des Little on September 01, 2020, 09:09:49 PM

It’s the coaching/performance team having a meal last night. Villa Twitter is showing new levels of speculation.

Oh ok. My bad sorry.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aldridgeboy on September 01, 2020, 09:16:03 PM

In my defence , it is the “....and utter bollocks” thread 😂😂😂

But in better news Messi has just delivered next doors Pizza.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Des Little on September 01, 2020, 09:17:06 PM

Quote from: aldridgeboy on September 01, 2020, 09:16:03 PM

In my defence , it is the “....and utter bollocks” thread 😂😂😂

But in better news Messi has just delivered next doors Pizza.

That’s more like it!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 01, 2020, 09:21:50 PM

[/quote]

I thought the defence looked a bit better without Nyland behind it, tbh.
[/quote]

Yep! Nyland isn't the sort of keeper who really inspires a defence when they watch him throw the ball straight to the Wolves player.

Steer will start the first game I imagine.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 01, 2020, 09:24:40 PM

Quote from: aldridgeboy on September 01, 2020, 09:07:40 PM

(https://i.ibb.co/jTz6wSB/E0-C04-F24-FE25-43-AE-8-DE5-6-BB26-CF008-F9.jpg) (https://ibb.co/jTz6wSB)


This is the photo.

Craig Shakespeare looks like he taking an important call on a pepper grinder.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 01, 2020, 09:45:35 PM

I won't believe anything until someone can confirm the whereabouts of Randy's air motor

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Chris_Jephcott on September 01, 2020, 10:23:36 PM

Anyone on here an expert on ears?

To my untrained eye, it could be anyone.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WALTERS WARRIORS on September 01, 2020, 10:34:09 PM

Quote from: aldridgeboy on September 01, 2020, 09:07:40 PM

(https://i.ibb.co/jTz6wSB/E0-C04-F24-FE25-43-AE-8-DE5-6-BB26-CF008-F9.jpg) (https://ibb.co/jTz6wSB)


This is the photo.

Ollie Watkins has seen the pic and confirmed its not him with a laughing emoji .......
On twitter ....

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AV82EC on September 01, 2020, 10:34:15 PM

This is all very well but has anyone rung the Maitre D to check on the wine list?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on September 01, 2020, 10:38:33 PM

Quote from: WALTERS WARRIORS on September 01, 2020, 10:34:09 PM

Quote from: aldridgeboy on September 01, 2020, 09:07:40 PM

(https://i.ibb.co/jTz6wSB/E0-C04-F24-FE25-43-AE-8-DE5-6-BB26-CF008-F9.jpg) (https://ibb.co/jTz6wSB)


This is the photo.

Ollie Watkins has seen the pic and confirmed its not him with a laughing emoji .......
On twitter ....

Well this seems all very desperate 🤔😃

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithe on September 01, 2020, 10:43:23 PM

I like that they went out whilst they could still get half price food, look after the pennies and all that..

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 01, 2020, 10:46:31 PM

If only eastie was still here. He could tell us who was there because he’d have taken the picture. And who Shakespeare was calling.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 01, 2020, 10:47:02 PM

Quote from: PeterWithe on September 01, 2020, 10:43:23 PM

I like that they went out whilst they could still get half price food, look after the pennies and all that..

I’m now worried about our transfer budget based on that statement

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithe on September 01, 2020, 10:48:40 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 01, 2020, 10:46:31 PM

And who Shakespeare was calling.

Tammy, or not Tammy, that is the question.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 01, 2020, 10:50:28 PM

Quote from: PeterWithe on September 01, 2020, 10:48:40 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 01, 2020, 10:46:31 PM

And who Shakespeare was calling.

Tammy, or not Tammy, that is the question.

If we get Tammy it truly will be outrageous fortune

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: olaftab on September 01, 2020, 10:51:47 PM

Nothing will happen till John Terry speaks to theirs WAGs to understand if they will like the set up.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: maidstonevillain on September 01, 2020, 10:56:20 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 01, 2020, 10:50:28 PM

Quote from: PeterWithe on September 01, 2020, 10:48:40 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 01, 2020, 10:46:31 PM

And who Shakespeare was calling.

Tammy, or not Tammy, that is the question.

If we get Tammy it truly will be outrageous fortune

To sleep, perchance to dream..........

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on September 01, 2020, 11:08:14 PM

Just looking at some of the free transfers available and Gotze and Clyne are on the list. Great/ good players a few years ago and since lost their way. I know Gotze has never hit the highs since World Cup final in 2014 and struggled when he moved to Bayern, can play all across the forward line and could be worth a gamble.
Not sure what happened to Clyne (injuries?) since he moved to Liverpool but still relatively young (29) to offer something.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Des Little on September 01, 2020, 11:38:29 PM

Christian Eriksen up for grabs. Go on Villa

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: tomd2103 on September 02, 2020, 12:00:47 AM

SKY Sports News reporting us and Newcastle have made n approach for Callum Wilson.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Footy-Vill on September 02, 2020, 12:47:00 AM

Quote from: PeterWithe on September 01, 2020, 10:48:40 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 01, 2020, 10:46:31 PM

And who Shakespeare was calling.

Tammy, or not Tammy, that is the question.

My understanding he was speaking about  2 gentleman of Verona but ones off to Milan.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: robbo1874 on September 02, 2020, 02:24:16 AM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 01, 2020, 09:21:50 PM

I thought the defence looked a bit better without Nyland behind it, tbh.
[/quote]

Yep! Nyland isn't the sort of keeper who really inspires a defence when they watch him throw the ball straight to the Wolves player.

Steer will start the first game I imagine.
[/quote]in defence of some of the less appreciated players, Nyland I think is OK, not brilliant. I like Guilbert and Matt Targett.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Bad English on September 02, 2020, 06:10:35 AM

Quote from: AV82EC on September 01, 2020, 10:34:15 PM

This is all very well but has anyone rung the Maitre D to check on the wine list?

"Pavillon Trois Arches Merlot, South of France   £4.5 125ml  £5.5 175ml  £7 250ml £19 Btl  Aromas of berries and spice. The pallet is smooth with a depth of flavour that continues in the mouth."

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Havencheese on September 02, 2020, 06:31:40 AM

Quote from: Damo70 on September 01, 2020, 06:20:23 PM

Quote from: algy on September 01, 2020, 05:57:28 PM

Signed Ruben Shakpoke from Norwich.  He's a striker, at least.

We now have a 'Shakatak'. Let's hope he is 'Out Of This World'  ;)

In a few years hopefully Villa will be competing in Europe, against the likes of say Celtic. He could be a real bitch to the bhoys.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on September 02, 2020, 07:15:02 AM

Previously decent players that might struggle to get selected this season:
Ndombele (spurs), Loftus Cheek, Ampadu + Bakayoko (chelsea), Ghendouzi (arsenal), Fred (Man U).  Anymore?

Basically I think the midfield needs to be upgraded, especially if Jack plays in the front three.  Unlikely that the above would come but I don’t know about most foreign leagues so cannot speculate about them.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on September 02, 2020, 08:01:32 AM

Quote from: Dante Lavelli on September 02, 2020, 07:15:02 AM

Previously decent players that might struggle to get selected this season:
Ndombele (spurs), Loftus Cheek, Ampadu + Bakayoko (chelsea), Ghendouzi (arsenal), Fred (Man U).  Anymore?

Basically I think the midfield needs to be upgraded, especially if Jack plays in the front three.  Unlikely that the above would come but I don’t know about most foreign leagues so cannot speculate about them.

Doubt any of those could be signed permanently & if you got any on loan the parent clubs would expect them to play every week.  Ndombele will get sold on deadline day so Levy can bank the money

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on September 02, 2020, 08:23:47 AM

Quote from: Dante Lavelli on September 02, 2020, 07:15:02 AM

Previously decent players that might struggle to get selected this season:
Ndombele (spurs), Loftus Cheek, Ampadu + Bakayoko (chelsea), Ghendouzi (arsenal), Fred (Man U).  Anymore?

Basically I think the midfield needs to be upgraded, especially if Jack plays in the front three.  Unlikely that the above would come but I don’t know about most foreign leagues so cannot speculate about them.

I agree that I'd like to see an upgrade on Marvellous for the deep-lying role. I also would be curious to try McGinn on the right of an attacking midfield 3 with Jack at 10 and a new signing at left wing, but maybe that's a bit silly.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on September 02, 2020, 08:59:41 AM

The Trez, Hourihane, El Ghazi and Samatta timebomb is still ticking. I hope we're still not waiting for Brentford to check their answer phone messages. 37 days gone, 18 left until the big kick off.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: nigel on September 02, 2020, 09:01:06 AM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 01, 2020, 08:25:53 PM

Quote from: nigel on September 01, 2020, 08:23:38 PM

Nyland has come on leaps and bounds.
He still has plenty to learn, but he will certainly get better with a better defence in front of him.

I thought the defence looked a bit better without Nyland behind it, tbh.

To be honest I can’t argue with that.
I do think he has improved heck of a lot since Cutler came in.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on September 02, 2020, 09:11:44 AM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 02, 2020, 08:59:41 AM

The Trez, Hourihane, El Ghazi and Samatta timebomb is still ticking. I hope we're still not waiting for Brentford to check their answer phone messages. 37 days gone, 18 left until the big kick off.

33 days to go in transfer window, that’s the significant one

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: DB on September 02, 2020, 09:15:43 AM

Quote from: Bad English on September 02, 2020, 06:10:35 AM

Quote from: AV82EC on September 01, 2020, 10:34:15 PM

This is all very well but has anyone rung the Maitre D to check on the wine list?

"Pavillon Trois Arches Merlot, South of France   £4.5 125ml  £5.5 175ml  £7 250ml £19 Btl  Aromas of berries and spice. The pallet is smooth with a depth of flavour that continues in the mouth."

Nah, bottle of Black Tower and some Vianetta

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 02, 2020, 09:16:28 AM

Quote from: Gareth on September 02, 2020, 09:11:44 AM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 02, 2020, 08:59:41 AM

The Trez, Hourihane, El Ghazi and Samatta timebomb is still ticking. I hope we're still not waiting for Brentford to check their answer phone messages. 37 days gone, 18 left until the big kick off.

33 days to go in transfer window, that’s the significant one

Well it depends if you are content with us starting the season under strength and playing the first quarter of the season or so with players still bedding in.  It's not like we've got a huge margin for error based on last years points total.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 02, 2020, 09:27:27 AM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 02, 2020, 08:59:41 AM

The Trez, Hourihane, El Ghazi and Samatta timebomb is still ticking. I hope we're still not waiting for Brentford to check their answer phone messages. 37 days gone, 18 left until the big kick off.

Trez, Hourihane, El Ghazi and Samatta time bomb? What over the top rubbish.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on September 02, 2020, 09:28:25 AM

Seeing some suggesting that we should pick up this or that foreign superstar on a free and pay the resulting enormous wages.

Aside from anything else, nothing more certain to breed resentment in the rest of the squad.

Nobody should be getting more than Grealish and the wage structure needs to be respected.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on September 02, 2020, 09:38:03 AM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 02, 2020, 09:16:28 AM

Quote from: Gareth on September 02, 2020, 09:11:44 AM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 02, 2020, 08:59:41 AM

The Trez, Hourihane, El Ghazi and Samatta timebomb is still ticking. I hope we're still not waiting for Brentford to check their answer phone messages. 37 days gone, 18 left until the big kick off.

33 days to go in transfer window, that’s the significant one

Well it depends if you are content with us starting the season under strength and playing the first quarter of the season or so with players still bedding in.  It's not like we've got a huge margin for error based on last years points total.

It’s not about being content with it - if you are trying to buy players that others want then it is a sellers market & unless you move down your list of targets the seller dictates the timeframe - as we will if anyone commits to bidding for Jack.

I can’t think of a player we signed last summer that others were linked with so was easier to get them done quickly by offering the £’s - it’s a sign of progression that we are now in a market for players others want - the key is to get the right ones (even if it takes a few weeks longer) and get through this coming season mid table where we can then say we are re-established as a PL team & next summer can be looking at the types of players Everton are about to sign.

Worst thing we can do now is panic & splash another 100m on players that are no better than the ones we have now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: in exile on September 02, 2020, 09:50:15 AM

I hope we keep well away from Ghendouzi.
Utter crap.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Footy-Vill on September 02, 2020, 10:00:17 AM

The Walcott dream is alive I suspect as Everton bringing in players could squeeze him out.
I rather have him than Callum Wilson .
Can play across the front 3 and experienced

Only 'news' and somewhat in relation to above and by no means a major ITK is Cantwell.
Fully makes sense clubs playing waiting game . Like an offwr has been in for Cantwell at Norwich .
They are managing his situation accordingly.
He may or may not move as he's loyal to them, but does he want to do another year in championship?? The only news at the moment is he's in under 21 squad. Alot of cases the money has to be right for all parties for a transfer to be made.

Don't be surprised if he's playing in the premier league again....
He's a good fit for Dean Smith and his coaching team to develop. But other prem clubs including German ones are interested
Watch this space on Cantwell developments.

Up the villa

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 02, 2020, 10:03:26 AM

Quote from: Gareth on September 02, 2020, 09:38:03 AM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 02, 2020, 09:16:28 AM

Quote from: Gareth on September 02, 2020, 09:11:44 AM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 02, 2020, 08:59:41 AM

The Trez, Hourihane, El Ghazi and Samatta timebomb is still ticking. I hope we're still not waiting for Brentford to check their answer phone messages. 37 days gone, 18 left until the big kick off.

33 days to go in transfer window, that’s the significant one

Well it depends if you are content with us starting the season under strength and playing the first quarter of the season or so with players still bedding in.  It's not like we've got a huge margin for error based on last years points total.

It’s not about being content with it - if you are trying to buy players that others want then it is a sellers market & unless you move down your list of targets the seller dictates the timeframe - as we will if anyone commits to bidding for Jack.

I can’t think of a player we signed last summer that others were linked with so was easier to get them done quickly by offering the £’s - it’s a sign of progression that we are now in a market for players others want - the key is to get the right ones (even if it takes a few weeks longer) and get through this coming season mid table where we can then say we are re-established as a PL team & next summer can be looking at the types of players Everton are about to sign.

Worst thing we can do now is panic & splash another 100m on players that are no better than the ones we have now.

We know how the market works.  But Aj pointed out there was 18 days to ko and you retorted that 33 days is the significant one.  I'm just pointing out that given how shit we are 18 days is pretty significant itself.

In terms of last summer we missed out on both Benrahma and Maupay because we weren't prepared to pay the cash and Watkins as we decided we didn't want to spend £10m on him.  But at least we got Wesley and Trez instead.

I agree we shouldn't be panicking and chucking silly money around, but we are getting to the stage where we're likely to be starting with an understrength team either because we haven't got players in or they've not had any time with the squad.  So I think it's understandable that some people are getting a bit nervous about the situation.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 02, 2020, 10:07:00 AM

There is no proof whatsoever that we didn't want to spend £10m on Watkins last season. There is no proof of that figure being true either.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LukeJames on September 02, 2020, 10:09:33 AM

Quote from: Vill I An on September 02, 2020, 10:00:17 AM

The Walcott dream is alive I suspect as Everton bringing in players could squeeze him out.

I haven't checked this post for a few hours and I come on to this gem.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: The Edge on September 02, 2020, 10:11:56 AM

Quote from: nigel on September 02, 2020, 09:01:06 AM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 01, 2020, 08:25:53 PM

Quote from: nigel on September 01, 2020, 08:23:38 PM

Nyland has come on leaps and bounds.
He still has plenty to learn, but he will certainly get better with a better defence in front of him.

I thought the defence looked a bit better without Nyland behind it, tbh.

To be honest I can’t argue with that.
I do think he has improved heck of a lot since Cutler came in.

Nyland looked quality at times. But his howlers against Wolves and Sheff Utd probably meant they lost faith in him so his days were always numbered. It's harsh but we're playing in the world's toughest league where every point is vital.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 02, 2020, 10:12:09 AM

Quote from: Clampy on September 02, 2020, 10:07:00 AM

There is no proof whatsoever that we didn't want to spend £10m on Watkins last season. There is no proof of that figure being true either.

It's what Gregg Evans said in his podcast and I presume inhis Athletic article where he discussed last seasons transfer business.  He seemed pretty confident in his position.  If you don't believe me listen to it, it was an 1874 podcast from a few weeks ago.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 02, 2020, 10:14:13 AM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 02, 2020, 10:12:09 AM

Quote from: Clampy on September 02, 2020, 10:07:00 AM

There is no proof whatsoever that we didn't want to spend £10m on Watkins last season. There is no proof of that figure being true either.

It's what Gregg Evans said in his podcast and I presume inhis Athletic article where he discussed last seasons transfer business.  He seemed pretty confident in his position.  If you don't believe me listen to it, it was an 1874 podcast from a few weeks ago.

Just because Gregg Evans said it in a podcast doesn't necessarily make it true.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 02, 2020, 10:14:24 AM

Quote from: in exile on September 02, 2020, 09:50:15 AM

I hope we keep well away from Ghendouzi.
Utter crap.

I'm glad it's not just me, he's absolutely wank.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: The Edge on September 02, 2020, 10:15:39 AM

Quote from: LukeJames on September 02, 2020, 10:09:33 AM

Quote from: Vill I An on September 02, 2020, 10:00:17 AM

The Walcott dream is alive I suspect as Everton bringing in players could squeeze him out.

I haven't checked this post for a few hours and I come on to this gem.

Surely that was meant tongue in cheek?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 02, 2020, 10:17:25 AM

Quote from: The Edge on September 02, 2020, 10:15:39 AM

Quote from: LukeJames on September 02, 2020, 10:09:33 AM

Quote from: Vill I An on September 02, 2020, 10:00:17 AM

The Walcott dream is alive I suspect as Everton bringing in players could squeeze him out.

I haven't checked this post for a few hours and I come on to this gem.

Surely that was meant tongue in cheek?

The upside of that deal is that we wouldn't have to cope with his aerial prowess again.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 02, 2020, 10:18:34 AM

Quote from: Clampy on September 02, 2020, 10:14:13 AM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 02, 2020, 10:12:09 AM

Quote from: Clampy on September 02, 2020, 10:07:00 AM

There is no proof whatsoever that we didn't want to spend £10m on Watkins last season. There is no proof of that figure being true either.

It's what Gregg Evans said in his podcast and I presume inhis Athletic article where he discussed last seasons transfer business.  He seemed pretty confident in his position.  If you don't believe me listen to it, it was an 1874 podcast from a few weeks ago.

Just because Gregg Evans said it in a podcast doesn't necessarily make it true.

No of course not.  You either take it at face value or you don't, but The Athletic seem to try to hold themselves to higher a standard than the average rags so I've no reason to believe he made it up.  FWIW he said we just decided not to proceed with Watkins (who was available at £10m) not that it was just a battle over price like it seems to have been with the other two.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 02, 2020, 10:20:29 AM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 02, 2020, 10:18:34 AM

Quote from: Clampy on September 02, 2020, 10:14:13 AM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 02, 2020, 10:12:09 AM

Quote from: Clampy on September 02, 2020, 10:07:00 AM

There is no proof whatsoever that we didn't want to spend £10m on Watkins last season. There is no proof of that figure being true either.

It's what Gregg Evans said in his podcast and I presume inhis Athletic article where he discussed last seasons transfer business.  He seemed pretty confident in his position.  If you don't believe me listen to it, it was an 1874 podcast from a few weeks ago.

Just because Gregg Evans said it in a podcast doesn't necessarily make it true.

No of course not.  You either take it at face value or you don't, but The Athletic seem to try to hold themselves to higher a standard than the average rags so I've no reason to believe he made it up.  FWIW he said we just decided not to proceed with Watkins (who was available at £10m) not that it was just a battle over price like it seems to have been with the other two.

I find it hard to believe to be honest, given we paid more for Hogan a couple of years earlier and they got £20m for Maupay.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: The Edge on September 02, 2020, 10:21:16 AM

Quote from: LeeB on September 02, 2020, 10:14:24 AM

Quote from: in exile on September 02, 2020, 09:50:15 AM

I hope we keep well away from Ghendouzi.
Utter crap.

I'm glad it's not just me, he's absolutely wank.

Agreed. Although he did do a job on us when he came on at their place. I think we were 2-1 up? But overall a bit of a fanny and not what we need at all.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Footy-Vill on September 02, 2020, 10:28:29 AM

Quote from: Bent Neilsens Screamer on September 01, 2020, 11:08:14 PM

Just looking at some of the free transfers available and Gotze and Clyne are on the list. Great/ good players a few years ago and since lost their way. I know Gotze has never hit the highs since World Cup final in 2014 and struggled when he moved to Bayern, can play all across the forward line and could be worth a gamble.
Not sure what happened to Clyne (injuries?) since he moved to Liverpool but still relatively young (29) to offer something.

1. We don't need anymore right backs
2. Do some search on clyne (I won't be posting here site rules which I abide) and yourll perhaps be enlightened

I hope that's ok to say admin.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 02, 2020, 10:42:18 AM

Quote from: Dante Lavelli on September 02, 2020, 07:15:02 AM

Previously decent players that might struggle to get selected this season:
Ndombele (spurs), Loftus Cheek, Ampadu + Bakayoko (chelsea), Ghendouzi (arsenal), Fred (Man U).  Anymore?

Of all of those, the one that would make the biggest impact and fit in best would probably be L-Cheek - how's his fitness, and would Chelsea let him go (notwithstanding the new players coming into their squad)?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on September 02, 2020, 10:47:27 AM

Quote from: Vill I An on September 02, 2020, 10:28:29 AM

Quote from: Bent Neilsens Screamer on September 01, 2020, 11:08:14 PM

Just looking at some of the free transfers available and Gotze and Clyne are on the list. Great/ good players a few years ago and since lost their way. I know Gotze has never hit the highs since World Cup final in 2014 and struggled when he moved to Bayern, can play all across the forward line and could be worth a gamble.
Not sure what happened to Clyne (injuries?) since he moved to Liverpool but still relatively young (29) to offer something.

1. We don't need anymore right backs
2. Do some search on clyne (I won't be posting here site rules which I abide) and yourll perhaps be enlightened

I hope that's ok to say admin.

As in he suffered a massive ligament injury? How scandalous.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 02, 2020, 10:50:33 AM

Quote from: Monty on September 02, 2020, 10:47:27 AM

Quote from: Vill I An on September 02, 2020, 10:28:29 AM

Quote from: Bent Neilsens Screamer on September 01, 2020, 11:08:14 PM

Just looking at some of the free transfers available and Gotze and Clyne are on the list. Great/ good players a few years ago and since lost their way. I know Gotze has never hit the highs since World Cup final in 2014 and struggled when he moved to Bayern, can play all across the forward line and could be worth a gamble.
Not sure what happened to Clyne (injuries?) since he moved to Liverpool but still relatively young (29) to offer something.

1. We don't need anymore right backs
2. Do some search on clyne (I won't be posting here site rules which I abide) and yourll perhaps be enlightened

I hope that's ok to say admin.

As in he suffered a massive ligament injury? How scandalous.

It gets worse. Because of his injury, he didn't bother to go training, the bounder.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on September 02, 2020, 10:54:32 AM

Quote from: Monty on September 02, 2020, 10:47:27 AM

Quote from: Vill I An on September 02, 2020, 10:28:29 AM

Quote from: Bent Neilsens Screamer on September 01, 2020, 11:08:14 PM

Just looking at some of the free transfers available and Gotze and Clyne are on the list. Great/ good players a few years ago and since lost their way. I know Gotze has never hit the highs since World Cup final in 2014 and struggled when he moved to Bayern, can play all across the forward line and could be worth a gamble.
Not sure what happened to Clyne (injuries?) since he moved to Liverpool but still relatively young (29) to offer something.

1. We don't need anymore right backs
2. Do some search on clyne (I won't be posting here site rules which I abide) and yourll perhaps be enlightened

I hope that's ok to say admin.

As in he suffered a massive ligament injury? How scandalous.

I Googled it out of curiosity.  He once had a party. And alcohol was there. And women as well. Big news in the Daily Mail.

How out of character for a young footballer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on September 02, 2020, 11:00:14 AM

Quote from: Dave on September 02, 2020, 10:54:32 AM

Quote from: Monty on September 02, 2020, 10:47:27 AM

Quote from: Vill I An on September 02, 2020, 10:28:29 AM

Quote from: Bent Neilsens Screamer on September 01, 2020, 11:08:14 PM

Just looking at some of the free transfers available and Gotze and Clyne are on the list. Great/ good players a few years ago and since lost their way. I know Gotze has never hit the highs since World Cup final in 2014 and struggled when he moved to Bayern, can play all across the forward line and could be worth a gamble.
Not sure what happened to Clyne (injuries?) since he moved to Liverpool but still relatively young (29) to offer something.

1. We don't need anymore right backs
2. Do some search on clyne (I won't be posting here site rules which I abide) and yourll perhaps be enlightened

I hope that's ok to say admin.

As in he suffered a massive ligament injury? How scandalous.

I Googled it out of curiosity.  He once had a party. And alcohol was there. And women as well. Big news in the Daily Mail.

How out of character for a young footballer.

He didn't invite me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on September 02, 2020, 11:02:48 AM

Quote from: Dave on September 02, 2020, 10:54:32 AM

Quote from: Monty on September 02, 2020, 10:47:27 AM

Quote from: Vill I An on September 02, 2020, 10:28:29 AM

Quote from: Bent Neilsens Screamer on September 01, 2020, 11:08:14 PM

Just looking at some of the free transfers available and Gotze and Clyne are on the list. Great/ good players a few years ago and since lost their way. I know Gotze has never hit the highs since World Cup final in 2014 and struggled when he moved to Bayern, can play all across the forward line and could be worth a gamble.
Not sure what happened to Clyne (injuries?) since he moved to Liverpool but still relatively young (29) to offer something.

1. We don't need anymore right backs
2. Do some search on clyne (I won't be posting here site rules which I abide) and yourll perhaps be enlightened

I hope that's ok to say admin.

As in he suffered a massive ligament injury? How scandalous.

I Googled it out of curiosity.  He once had a party. And alcohol was there. And women as well. Big news in the Daily Mail.

How out of character for a young footballer.

Starting to wonder if Vill I An is some sort of militant Mormon or somesuch. Has a very low standard for what constitutes a 'scandal'.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave P on September 02, 2020, 11:10:22 AM

Quote from: LeeB on September 02, 2020, 10:17:25 AM

Quote from: The Edge on September 02, 2020, 10:15:39 AM

Quote from: LukeJames on September 02, 2020, 10:09:33 AM

Quote from: Vill I An on September 02, 2020, 10:00:17 AM

The Walcott dream is alive I suspect as Everton bringing in players could squeeze him out.

I haven't checked this post for a few hours and I come on to this gem.

Surely that was meant tongue in cheek?

The upside of that deal is that we wouldn't have to cope with his aerial prowess again.

The downside is we'll have to deal with his shooting as the miss at VP proved.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 02, 2020, 11:10:53 AM

Quote from: Monty on September 02, 2020, 11:02:48 AM

Starting to wonder if Vill I An is some sort of militant Mormon or somesuch. Has a very low standard for what constitutes a 'scandal'.

It might be Vill I An's Victorian values, surely refreshing in these licentious times. :)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave P on September 02, 2020, 11:11:27 AM

We're getting to the stage where any signing from outside the UK is likely to have to isolate for 2 weeks and would miss the start of the season anyway.  We'll probably find a premium added to domestic players more then usual.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 02, 2020, 11:22:28 AM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on September 02, 2020, 11:10:53 AM

Quote from: Monty on September 02, 2020, 11:02:48 AM

Starting to wonder if Vill I An is some sort of militant Mormon or somesuch. Has a very low standard for what constitutes a 'scandal'.

It might be Vill I An's Victorian values, surely refreshing in these licentious times. :)

My favourite ever letter to Viz went like this:

"Dyslexia? Bone bloody idle, more like."

It was signed by "Victor Ian Values".

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: DB on September 02, 2020, 11:31:09 AM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on September 02, 2020, 11:10:53 AM

Quote from: Monty on September 02, 2020, 11:02:48 AM

Starting to wonder if Vill I An is some sort of militant Mormon or somesuch. Has a very low standard for what constitutes a 'scandal'.

It might be Vill I An's Victorian values, surely refreshing in these licentious times. :)

I think he also stated Walcott was a Gentleman too.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on September 02, 2020, 11:40:24 AM

Quote from: Monty on September 02, 2020, 11:02:48 AM

Quote from: Dave on September 02, 2020, 10:54:32 AM

Quote from: Monty on September 02, 2020, 10:47:27 AM

Quote from: Vill I An on September 02, 2020, 10:28:29 AM

Quote from: Bent Neilsens Screamer on September 01, 2020, 11:08:14 PM

Just looking at some of the free transfers available and Gotze and Clyne are on the list. Great/ good players a few years ago and since lost their way. I know Gotze has never hit the highs since World Cup final in 2014 and struggled when he moved to Bayern, can play all across the forward line and could be worth a gamble.
Not sure what happened to Clyne (injuries?) since he moved to Liverpool but still relatively young (29) to offer something.

1. We don't need anymore right backs
2. Do some search on clyne (I won't be posting here site rules which I abide) and yourll perhaps be enlightened

I hope that's ok to say admin.

As in he suffered a massive ligament injury? How scandalous.

I Googled it out of curiosity.  He once had a party. And alcohol was there. And women as well. Big news in the Daily Mail.

How out of character for a young footballer.

Starting to wonder if Vill I An is some sort of militant Mormon or somesuch. Has a very low standard for what constitutes a 'scandal'.

I think there were some rumours from Liverpool supporters around his lifestyle choices whilst injured.  Dunno how much of that is idle chatter, mind.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on September 02, 2020, 11:54:15 AM

Quote from: Vill I An on September 02, 2020, 10:28:29 AM

Quote from: Bent Neilsens Screamer on September 01, 2020, 11:08:14 PM

Just looking at some of the free transfers available and Gotze and Clyne are on the list. Great/ good players a few years ago and since lost their way. I know Gotze has never hit the highs since World Cup final in 2014 and struggled when he moved to Bayern, can play all across the forward line and could be worth a gamble.
Not sure what happened to Clyne (injuries?) since he moved to Liverpool but still relatively young (29) to offer something.

1. We don't need anymore right backs
2. Do some search on clyne (I won't be posting here site rules which I abide) and yourll perhaps be enlightened

I hope that's ok to say admin.

At least we know he knows how to enjoy himself at a 'Villa party'  ;)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on September 02, 2020, 11:57:52 AM

Quote from: Gareth on September 02, 2020, 09:11:44 AM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 02, 2020, 08:59:41 AM

The Trez, Hourihane, El Ghazi and Samatta timebomb is still ticking. I hope we're still not waiting for Brentford to check their answer phone messages. 37 days gone, 18 left until the big kick off.

33 days to go in transfer window, that’s the significant one

Wrong, we stayed up by a single point. EVERY game is vital because as is we are the 17th best team in the division and in for another season long struggle.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 02, 2020, 11:58:43 AM

It's says much that we have reached the point of discussing a player at a party that doesn't play for us and we haven't been linked with. Considering the importance of this window, it's a bit rubbish so far.

Everton are going to have a very decent team if it clicks aren't they.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 02, 2020, 11:59:40 AM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 02, 2020, 11:57:52 AM

Quote from: Gareth on September 02, 2020, 09:11:44 AM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 02, 2020, 08:59:41 AM

The Trez, Hourihane, El Ghazi and Samatta timebomb is still ticking. I hope we're still not waiting for Brentford to check their answer phone messages. 37 days gone, 18 left until the big kick off.

33 days to go in transfer window, that’s the significant one

Wrong, we stayed up by a single point. EVERY game is vital because as is we are the 17th best team in the division and in for another season long struggle.

Couldn't agree more. Our last few games are tough. We need to hit the ground running this season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on September 02, 2020, 12:00:12 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 02, 2020, 09:27:27 AM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 02, 2020, 08:59:41 AM

The Trez, Hourihane, El Ghazi and Samatta timebomb is still ticking. I hope we're still not waiting for Brentford to check their answer phone messages. 37 days gone, 18 left until the big kick off.

Trez, Hourihane, El Ghazi and Samatta time bomb? What over the top rubbish.

Yes, they're the main weak links, another season with them playing dozens of games will see another season of us circling the plug hole, possibly getting sucked down it and ending up back at square one. Down the pan, with a diminuishing reputation.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on September 02, 2020, 12:00:43 PM

Quote from: The Edge on September 02, 2020, 10:21:16 AM

Quote from: LeeB on September 02, 2020, 10:14:24 AM

Quote from: in exile on September 02, 2020, 09:50:15 AM

I hope we keep well away from Ghendouzi.
Utter crap.

I'm glad it's not just me, he's absolutely wank.

Agreed. Although he did do a job on us when he came on at their place. I think we were 2-1 up? But overall a bit of a fanny and not what we need at all.

Yeah he took control of the midfield that day while Dean Smith stood powerless on the sideline....that was probably our worst defeat of last season. If Ghendouzi was available he would be a no brainer for us and half the teams in the division.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Three Spires Villa on September 02, 2020, 12:01:57 PM

Just saying the transfer window finishes in x days is missing the point, to improve on last season we need some better players in, we can not afford to let any points slip away

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 02, 2020, 12:20:24 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 02, 2020, 12:00:12 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 02, 2020, 09:27:27 AM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 02, 2020, 08:59:41 AM

The Trez, Hourihane, El Ghazi and Samatta timebomb is still ticking. I hope we're still not waiting for Brentford to check their answer phone messages. 37 days gone, 18 left until the big kick off.

Trez, Hourihane, El Ghazi and Samatta time bomb? What over the top rubbish.

Yes, they're the main weak links, another season with them playing dozens of games will see another season of us circling the plug hole, possibly getting sucked down it and ending up back at square one. Down the pan, with a diminuishing reputation.

El Ghazi and Samatta, maybe. Trez and Hourihane proved last season they can come in and do a job. Trez's goals helped keep us up and he'll have had a season under his belt so the time bomb analogy was well over the top.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on September 02, 2020, 12:30:58 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 02, 2020, 11:57:52 AM

Quote from: Gareth on September 02, 2020, 09:11:44 AM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 02, 2020, 08:59:41 AM

The Trez, Hourihane, El Ghazi and Samatta timebomb is still ticking. I hope we're still not waiting for Brentford to check their answer phone messages. 37 days gone, 18 left until the big kick off.

33 days to go in transfer window, that’s the significant one

Wrong, we stayed up by a single point. EVERY game is vital because as is we are the 17th best team in the division and in for another season long struggle.

It’s not wrong at all in my opinion, the right players is the most important thing - there is no guarantee that we would lose the first 2/3 games with the side (goalkeeper aside) that picked up 8 points in the last 4 games.

Absolutely would be wonderful if the day the guys get back from international break that we have all our signings done & on the BMH pitches but the fact remains that a lot of business will be done by all the sides you’d expect to be in the bottom few places in the last week of the window.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 02, 2020, 12:31:23 PM

Even with Samatta it's a bit harsh as it was a player joining a struggling team in a foreign league and being asked to step up straight away. He had very little supply and in most of the early games we were getting little possession because of the teams we were playing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 02, 2020, 12:52:43 PM

Quote from: Gareth on September 02, 2020, 12:30:58 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 02, 2020, 11:57:52 AM

Quote from: Gareth on September 02, 2020, 09:11:44 AM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 02, 2020, 08:59:41 AM

The Trez, Hourihane, El Ghazi and Samatta timebomb is still ticking. I hope we're still not waiting for Brentford to check their answer phone messages. 37 days gone, 18 left until the big kick off.

33 days to go in transfer window, that’s the significant one

Wrong, we stayed up by a single point. EVERY game is vital because as is we are the 17th best team in the division and in for another season long struggle.

It’s not wrong at all in my opinion, the right players is the most important thing - there is no guarantee that we would lose the first 2/3 games with the side (goalkeeper aside) that picked up 8 points in the last 4 games.

Absolutely would be wonderful if the day the guys get back from international break that we have all our signings done & on the BMH pitches but the fact remains that a lot of business will be done by all the sides you’d expect to be in the bottom few places in the last week of the window.

I think the international break is a very important point in this. On it's own that makes this week both more difficult to complete the signings of a lot of players and also makes it less urgent that we get the players on the training ground as soon as possible. Any signing between now and next Thursday is unlikely to meet a big part of our squad until then anyway so we're really looking at having the whole team together for 8-9 days before the Sheffield United game now with the cup game in midweek mostly just giving us a chance of an extra pre-season game.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on September 02, 2020, 01:16:19 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 02, 2020, 11:22:28 AM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on September 02, 2020, 11:10:53 AM

Quote from: Monty on September 02, 2020, 11:02:48 AM

Starting to wonder if Vill I An is some sort of militant Mormon or somesuch. Has a very low standard for what constitutes a 'scandal'.

It might be Vill I An's Victorian values, surely refreshing in these licentious times. :)

My favourite ever letter to Viz went like this:

"Dyslexia? Bone bloody idle, more like."

It was signed by "Victor Ian Values".

That's excellent.

I also remember: "Blind people. Take those thick, dark glasses off to give yourselves at least a chance of seeing something"

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on September 02, 2020, 01:18:13 PM

I'll admit, I am now starting to get a bit concerned at the lack of incomings.

However, I've decided, over the last four or five months or so, to limit the degree to which I allow this stuff to bother me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villafirst on September 02, 2020, 01:21:27 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 02, 2020, 01:18:13 PM

I'll admit, I am now starting to get a bit concerned at the lack of incomings.

However, I've decided, over the last four or five months or so, to limit the degree to which I allow this stuff to bother me.

Not even news on fees agreed with any player?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on September 02, 2020, 01:25:03 PM

The international break is now the excuse, lol. So first it was a few teams haven't finished their season yet, now it's the break, then what? Too close to the season to get reinforcements in so no one will sell. Then we hit January and it's the old January window excuse.

We are full of excuses. And that is why we don't do any good any more. Talk of acting like we mean business and acting like we are a big club is just that, talk. We don't walk the walk and haven't done for a long time. We come up with reasons why we can't.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 02, 2020, 01:27:35 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 02, 2020, 01:25:03 PM

The international break is now the excuse, lol. So first it was a few teams haven't finished their season yet, now it's the break, then what? Too close to the season to get reinforcements in so no one will sell. Then we hit January and it's the old January window excuse.

We are full of excuses. And that is why we don't do any good any more. Talk of acting like we mean business and acting like we are a big club is just that, talk. We don't walk the walk and haven't done for a long time. We come up with reasons why we can't.

Why are you losing your rag over what someone has posted on a forum? The window closes in five weeks, calm down.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 02, 2020, 01:28:27 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 02, 2020, 12:52:43 PM

Quote from: Gareth on September 02, 2020, 12:30:58 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 02, 2020, 11:57:52 AM

Quote from: Gareth on September 02, 2020, 09:11:44 AM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 02, 2020, 08:59:41 AM

The Trez, Hourihane, El Ghazi and Samatta timebomb is still ticking. I hope we're still not waiting for Brentford to check their answer phone messages. 37 days gone, 18 left until the big kick off.

33 days to go in transfer window, that’s the significant one

Wrong, we stayed up by a single point. EVERY game is vital because as is we are the 17th best team in the division and in for another season long struggle.

It’s not wrong at all in my opinion, the right players is the most important thing - there is no guarantee that we would lose the first 2/3 games with the side (goalkeeper aside) that picked up 8 points in the last 4 games.

Absolutely would be wonderful if the day the guys get back from international break that we have all our signings done & on the BMH pitches but the fact remains that a lot of business will be done by all the sides you’d expect to be in the bottom few places in the last week of the window.

I think the international break is a very important point in this. On it's own that makes this week both more difficult to complete the signings of a lot of players and also makes it less urgent that we get the players on the training ground as soon as possible. Any signing between now and next Thursday is unlikely to meet a big part of our squad until then anyway so we're really looking at having the whole team together for 8-9 days before the Sheffield United game now with the cup game in midweek mostly just giving us a chance of an extra pre-season game.

But if we could get them signed, moved and fully settled in this week then they'd be in a position to make the absolute most of those 8-9 days

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: tomd2103 on September 02, 2020, 01:37:23 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 02, 2020, 01:25:03 PM

The international break is now the excuse, lol. So first it was a few teams haven't finished their season yet, now it's the break, then what? Too close to the season to get reinforcements in so no one will sell. Then we hit January and it's the old January window excuse.

We are full of excuses. And that is why we don't do any good any more. Talk of acting like we mean business and acting like we are a big club is just that, talk. We don't walk the walk and haven't done for a long time. We come up with reasons why we can't.

Who are the "we" you are accusing of making excuses mate?   Surely a bit pointless if it is posters on here you are referring to, given that noone on here has any influence on our transfers whatsoever?

I would suggest a strongly worded letter to the Evening Mail or Sports Argus.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 02, 2020, 01:39:15 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 02, 2020, 01:27:35 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 02, 2020, 01:25:03 PM

The international break is now the excuse, lol. So first it was a few teams haven't finished their season yet, now it's the break, then what? Too close to the season to get reinforcements in so no one will sell. Then we hit January and it's the old January window excuse.

We are full of excuses. And that is why we don't do any good any more. Talk of acting like we mean business and acting like we are a big club is just that, talk. We don't walk the walk and haven't done for a long time. We come up with reasons why we can't.

Why are you losing your rag over what someone has posted on a forum? The window closes in five weeks, calm down.

I am not sure he needs to calm down, he just happens to have a difference of opinion that he is perfectly within his right to express, the place would be very boring without people having different view points.

I go back to Smith stating he wanted players in well in time for the first game, unlike last season.

I agree with the point that Hourihane and Trez should be absolved of the awful list, both did enough in the run in to fully justify their places in the squad, but we saw last season that Sheffield United on the back of the lockdown break were there for the taking, but our front line were nowhere near good enough to take advantage.

Currently we are likely to be starting with the same front line. Not a huge amount is going to have changed, after which we go to Fulham. Those first 2 games are as important as they get in terms of looking at ticking off points that are "winnable" before playing Liverpool. I don't think it is unreasonable to be concerned that a side that survived by the last cells of the skin of their teeth last season, have not yet strengthened with 10 days to go until the season starts, especially when it would appear most of our targets are pretty obvious, and paying 2-3 million more would probably have had them sorted by now. We are playing chance a little at the moment, while our better players will be watching on thinking about their own futures. I don't see 3 sides considerably worse than us at the moment. Fulham and West Brom maybe. Leeds have a considerably better manager and are signing good players on paper.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 02, 2020, 01:40:25 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 02, 2020, 01:25:03 PM

.... We are full of excuses. And that is why we don't do any good any more. Talk of acting like we mean business and acting like we are a big club is just that, talk. We don't walk the walk and haven't done for a long time. We come up with reasons why we can't.

How can anyone on here possibly know what's going on behind closed doors?! We have no idea about the state of play on purchase negotiations, and what games different clubs are playing to maximise their income from player-disposals; and which transfer depends on the purchase of other players, etc. - that's why the thread is titled as it is.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on September 02, 2020, 01:40:50 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 02, 2020, 01:28:27 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 02, 2020, 12:52:43 PM

Quote from: Gareth on September 02, 2020, 12:30:58 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 02, 2020, 11:57:52 AM

Quote from: Gareth on September 02, 2020, 09:11:44 AM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 02, 2020, 08:59:41 AM

The Trez, Hourihane, El Ghazi and Samatta timebomb is still ticking. I hope we're still not waiting for Brentford to check their answer phone messages. 37 days gone, 18 left until the big kick off.

33 days to go in transfer window, that’s the significant one

Wrong, we stayed up by a single point. EVERY game is vital because as is we are the 17th best team in the division and in for another season long struggle.

It’s not wrong at all in my opinion, the right players is the most important thing - there is no guarantee that we would lose the first 2/3 games with the side (goalkeeper aside) that picked up 8 points in the last 4 games.

Absolutely would be wonderful if the day the guys get back from international break that we have all our signings done & on the BMH pitches but the fact remains that a lot of business will be done by all the sides you’d expect to be in the bottom few places in the last week of the window.

I think the international break is a very important point in this. On it's own that makes this week both more difficult to complete the signings of a lot of players and also makes it less urgent that we get the players on the training ground as soon as possible. Any signing between now and next Thursday is unlikely to meet a big part of our squad until then anyway so we're really looking at having the whole team together for 8-9 days before the Sheffield United game now with the cup game in midweek mostly just giving us a chance of an extra pre-season game.

But if we could get them signed, moved and fully settled in this week then they'd be in a position to make the absolute most of those 8-9 days

Well it looks like Matty Cash will be in that position :-) tho he might have the best of both worlds if he lives around Nottingham and doesn’t even need to move house straight away....at least until the signing on fee hits the bank :-)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: exigo on September 02, 2020, 01:41:05 PM

Cash done for £14m plus add-ons according to various sources.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 02, 2020, 01:45:49 PM

That's a lot of money for a fullback when we've got Guilbert.  It's difficult to argue that £18m is fair for a player who scored 26 goals in the league when we're paying up to £16m for a fullback.

Hopefully he'll be really good for us but it's not where I would have spent such a sizable chunk of our budget.

edit - didn't mean to come accross quite so negative.  Excellent fullbacks are invalauble in the modern game and hopefully we've got a good 'un.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rob_bridge on September 02, 2020, 01:47:38 PM

Quote from: exigo on September 02, 2020, 01:41:05 PM

Cash done for £14m plus add-ons according to various sources.

If true, Elmo to The Toon has gotta be a shoo in

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 02, 2020, 01:48:11 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 02, 2020, 01:39:15 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 02, 2020, 01:27:35 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 02, 2020, 01:25:03 PM

The international break is now the excuse, lol. So first it was a few teams haven't finished their season yet, now it's the break, then what? Too close to the season to get reinforcements in so no one will sell. Then we hit January and it's the old January window excuse.

We are full of excuses. And that is why we don't do any good any more. Talk of acting like we mean business and acting like we are a big club is just that, talk. We don't walk the walk and haven't done for a long time. We come up with reasons why we can't.

Why are you losing your rag over what someone has posted on a forum? The window closes in five weeks, calm down.

I am not sure he needs to calm down, he just happens to have a difference of opinion that he is perfectly within his right to express, the place would be very boring without people having different view points.

I go back to Smith stating he wanted players in well in time for the first game, unlike last season.

I agree with the point that Hourihane and Trez should be absolved of the awful list, both did enough in the run in to fully justify their places in the squad, but we saw last season that Sheffield United on the back of the lockdown break were there for the taking, but our front line were nowhere near good enough to take advantage.

Currently we are likely to be starting with the same front line. Not a huge amount is going to have changed, after which we go to Fulham. Those first 2 games are as important as they get in terms of looking at ticking off points that are "winnable" before playing Liverpool. I don't think it is unreasonable to be concerned that a side that survived by the last cells of the skin of their teeth last season, have not yet strengthened with 10 days to go until the season starts, especially when it would appear most of our targets are pretty obvious, and paying 2-3 million more would probably have had them sorted by now. We are playing chance a little at the moment, while our better players will be watching on thinking about their own futures. I don't see 3 sides considerably worse than us at the moment. Fulham and West Brom maybe. Leeds have a considerably better manager and are signing good players on paper.

I was referring to his 'were full of excuses' rant just because a poster suggested a lack of signings may be held up due to the international break. Judging by your long rant, I think you need to as well. Chill.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: JUAN PABLO on September 02, 2020, 01:56:29 PM

matty cash agree fee then with forest14 mill  rising to 16 with add ons

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 02, 2020, 01:58:13 PM

It's a football forum, people have a right to express their concern.

People always say calm down, there's x days left etc, things will be ok.  Well they're not always ok.  They weren't ok last summer when we left ourselves hopelessly short up front or the summer before when we left ourselves hopelessly short at the back or in January when we ended up with Drinkwater & Baston.

We all know the club is working hard and these things take time, but we're cutting it fine and we all know the likley consequences if we don't get it right.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aev on September 02, 2020, 02:05:00 PM

Brentford want 28m for Watkins.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 02, 2020, 02:05:28 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 02, 2020, 01:58:13 PM

It's a football forum, people have a right to express their concern.

People always say calm down, there's x days left etc, things will be ok.  Well they're not always ok.  They weren't ok last summer when we left ourselves hopelessly short up front or the summer before when we left ourselves hopelessly short at the back or in January when we ended up with Drinkwater & Baston.

We all know the club is working hard and these things take time, but we're cutting it fine and we all know the likley consequences if we don't get it right.

So what do you suggest, we sign anyone for the sake of it? I say calm down because the window closes in just under five weeks time. Getting in players for the kick off would be ideal obviously but don't forget, we kick off a week later.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on September 02, 2020, 02:07:11 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 02, 2020, 01:45:49 PM

That's a lot of money for a fullback when we've got Guilbert.  It's difficult to argue that £18m is fair for a player who scored 26 goals in the league when we're paying up to £16m for a fullback.

Hopefully he'll be really good for us but it's not where I would have spent such a sizable chunk of our budget.

edit - didn't mean to come accross quite so negative.  Excellent fullbacks are invalauble in the modern game and hopefully we've got a good 'un.

I'm not sure that it is a such a chunk of our budget.

I still think we might spend £150m or more if players we want are available.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 02, 2020, 02:17:20 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 02, 2020, 02:05:28 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 02, 2020, 01:58:13 PM

It's a football forum, people have a right to express their concern.

People always say calm down, there's x days left etc, things will be ok.  Well they're not always ok.  They weren't ok last summer when we left ourselves hopelessly short up front or the summer before when we left ourselves hopelessly short at the back or in January when we ended up with Drinkwater & Baston.

We all know the club is working hard and these things take time, but we're cutting it fine and we all know the likley consequences if we don't get it right.

So what do you suggest, we sign anyone for the sake of it? I say calm down because the window closes in just under five weeks time. Getting in players for the kick off would be ideal obviously but don't forget, we kick off a week later.

I'm just saying I understand why people are anxious.  If there's a key player we really want then maybe we should consider stretching that bit further to get them over the line and get things moving.  Gregg Evans (yes I know) said we were confident of getting Benrahma right up to deadline day last year.  Imagine what a difference he might have made.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: maidstonevillain on September 02, 2020, 02:19:43 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 02, 2020, 11:58:43 AM

It's says much that we have reached the point of discussing a player at a party that doesn't play for us and we haven't been linked with. Considering the importance of this window, it's a bit rubbish so far.

Everton are going to have a very decent team if it clicks aren't they.

Could have said that before the start of all of the last 3 seasons. Yet have struggled to finish in top half.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ger Regan on September 02, 2020, 02:21:50 PM

Our first game is in 18 days time. We got the majority of our signings in pretty early last summer, and to be honest it didn't look as if it had much of an impact on our results. Considering we're not doing a full overhaul of the squad this year, as long as we get the right players in, ideally in time for our first game, then i don't think it's the disaster some are making it out to be.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ian. on September 02, 2020, 02:27:32 PM

Hopefully this is the first of a few very good signings. I like the look of Matty Cash and it may be a lot of money, which every we seem to say the same now. Being in the top flight of the English league means you have to spend big. If Taggart is now deemed a 12 million man, the next step is even more.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rob_bridge on September 02, 2020, 02:28:00 PM

Quote from: maidstonevillain on September 02, 2020, 02:19:43 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 02, 2020, 11:58:43 AM

It's says much that we have reached the point of discussing a player at a party that doesn't play for us and we haven't been linked with. Considering the importance of this window, it's a bit rubbish so far.

Everton are going to have a very decent team if it clicks aren't they.

Could have said that before the start of all of the last 3 seasons. Yet have struggled to finish in top half.

If there is a squad who is less than the sum of its' parts then Everton are it. 100k per week Walcott. Bad enough though I thought they had got him on a free - paid 20m for him

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 02, 2020, 02:29:32 PM

Quote from: aev on September 02, 2020, 02:05:00 PM

Brentford want 28m for Watkins.

Wow.  Wouldn't that make him the most expensive player ever from the Championship? (not from relegated teams)  If true then no wonder we're baulking.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on September 02, 2020, 02:34:24 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 02, 2020, 02:29:32 PM

Quote from: aev on September 02, 2020, 02:05:00 PM

Brentford want 28m for Watkins.

Wow.  Wouldn't that make him the most expensive player ever from the Championship? (not from relegated teams)  If true then no wonder we're baulking.

According to the bastion of truth Wikipedia the new Brentford ground construction cost is 71m....if they get the fees they want for Watkins & Benrahma they should name stands after the pair of them :-)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 02, 2020, 02:37:06 PM

Watkins will happen for about £22-23m, it'll just take a few more days. Brentford have already signed his replacement so I don't think they'll want to risk the deal not happening.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dick Edwards on September 02, 2020, 02:37:33 PM

Nobody will pay that much for Watkins.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 02, 2020, 02:39:50 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 02, 2020, 02:37:06 PM

Watkins will happen for about £22-23m, it'll just take a few more days. Brentford have already signed his replacement so I don't think they'll want to risk the deal not happening.

Sounds a sensible deal at that level.  26 goals playing up font and 10 from the wing the previous two seasons.  He knows where the net is for sure.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Russ aka Big Nose on September 02, 2020, 02:41:53 PM

Does anyone saying "we need to get players in ... get them settled ... work the squad and coaches ... be ready for the first game" etc. seriously think the same thought has not occurred to DS and the people managing recruitment?

Not to mention, everyone else on H&V.

It is self-evidently the right thing to do, if you can. But:
1. It is not in our gift (unless we pay way over the odds)
2. There is not likely to be a settled list of targets
3. It will be influenced by interest in our fringe and first choice players

There will be 2 or more being targeted for every position we want to recruit for and all will be being progressed with varying degrees of urgency.

Say, for example, we are encouraged by Chelski to bid for Tammy for £40m+ we probably have to adjust the other recruitment we do - either cheaper options or decide against bringing a new keeper (or whatever).

Then if people want to pay above our valuation of our players, it will likely change again.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on September 02, 2020, 02:42:02 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 02, 2020, 02:29:32 PM

Quote from: aev on September 02, 2020, 02:05:00 PM

Brentford want 28m for Watkins.

Wow.  Wouldn't that make him the most expensive player ever from the Championship? (not from relegated teams)  If true then no wonder we're baulking.

I think we need to avoid dealing with Brentford, they seem to add £10m on whenever Villa are involved. Did Smith annoy them or something!
 I always remember how excited I was when we signed Guy Whittingham when he was scoring an insane amount of goals in Division 2, and like most players stepping up from that level he never reproduced it in Div 1. We would be insane to pay that much.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on September 02, 2020, 03:02:59 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 02, 2020, 01:27:35 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 02, 2020, 01:25:03 PM

The international break is now the excuse, lol. So first it was a few teams haven't finished their season yet, now it's the break, then what? Too close to the season to get reinforcements in so no one will sell. Then we hit January and it's the old January window excuse.

We are full of excuses. And that is why we don't do any good any more. Talk of acting like we mean business and acting like we are a big club is just that, talk. We don't walk the walk and haven't done for a long time. We come up with reasons why we can't.

Why are you losing your rag over what someone has posted on a forum? The window closes in five weeks, calm down.

It's Ok, I'll keep expressing my opinion and if you don't like it or aren't capable of reading it without forming a childish ''ooooo calm down'' response  then you are free to ignore.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Tuscans on September 02, 2020, 03:05:44 PM

Aston Villa are hoping to sign Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson after opening talks in a deal worth around £20m.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 02, 2020, 03:06:57 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 02, 2020, 03:02:59 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 02, 2020, 01:27:35 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 02, 2020, 01:25:03 PM

The international break is now the excuse, lol. So first it was a few teams haven't finished their season yet, now it's the break, then what? Too close to the season to get reinforcements in so no one will sell. Then we hit January and it's the old January window excuse.

We are full of excuses. And that is why we don't do any good any more. Talk of acting like we mean business and acting like we are a big club is just that, talk. We don't walk the walk and haven't done for a long time. We come up with reasons why we can't.

Why are you losing your rag over what someone has posted on a forum? The window closes in five weeks, calm down.

It's Ok, I'll keep expressing my opinion and if you don't like it or aren't capable of reading it without forming a childish ''ooooo calm down'' response  then you are free to ignore.

But you lost your rag about what a poster said about the international break being an excuse. The club haven't said that, a bloke on the internet you don't even know said it. Point taken though, i'll ignore in future and let you wallow in constant misery.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 02, 2020, 03:09:42 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on September 02, 2020, 02:42:02 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 02, 2020, 02:29:32 PM

Quote from: aev on September 02, 2020, 02:05:00 PM

Brentford want 28m for Watkins.

Wow.  Wouldn't that make him the most expensive player ever from the Championship? (not from relegated teams)  If true then no wonder we're baulking.

I think we need to avoid dealing with Brentford, they seem to add £10m on whenever Villa are involved. Did Smith annoy them or something!
 I always remember how excited I was when we signed Guy Whittingham when he was scoring an insane amount of goals in Division 2, and like most players stepping up from that level he never reproduced it in Div 1. We would be insane to pay that much.

Yeah, I like the idea of signing Watkins but £28m would be ridiculous. Especially since they fleeced us for Scott Hogan.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on September 02, 2020, 03:15:22 PM

So Phil McNulty (BBC Sport Editor and Liverpool fan) has an article suggesting Wilson for £20m and Cash for £14m.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Joshua Fineman on September 02, 2020, 03:22:27 PM

Callum Wilson - 7 in 35 last season.  Wesley - 6 in 22..  Not sure he's quite the answer...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 02, 2020, 03:24:18 PM

I don't know how true the Callum Wilson rumors are but i'm not convinced either.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 02, 2020, 03:25:12 PM

Watkins is still the right option - winger and through-the-middle player with pace, strength and goalscoring instincts. He'd make Callum Wlson look good as well*.






* I say that because I think C Wilson played better when Josh King was fit and able to support him up front.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on September 02, 2020, 03:27:54 PM

Quote from: Tuscans on September 02, 2020, 03:05:44 PM

Aston Villa are hoping to sign Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson after opening talks in a deal worth around £20m.

Given his injury problems, thats an insane price. A respectable 1 in 3 scoring record for Bournemouth in the top division but that dropped off quite a way last season. That's worrying especially given the number of serious injuries he has had. Would prefer Josh King to be honest as he can play in a few positions.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on September 02, 2020, 03:30:24 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 02, 2020, 03:27:54 PM

Quote from: Tuscans on September 02, 2020, 03:05:44 PM

Aston Villa are hoping to sign Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson after opening talks in a deal worth around £20m.

Given his injury problems, thats an insane price. A respectable 1 in 3 scoring record for Bournemouth in the top division but that dropped off quite a way last season. That's worrying especially given the number of serious injuries he has had. Would prefer Josh King to be honest as he can play in a few positions.

So, that begs the question, were Bournemouth relegated because Wilson didn't score or because they didn't create the chances for him to score...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Hookeysmith on September 02, 2020, 03:31:17 PM

Quote from: Dick Edwards on September 02, 2020, 02:37:33 PM

Nobody will pay that much for Watkins.

Some mug paid £40 million for the lump that is Joelinton when he had scored 7 goals - so don't bet on it

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 02, 2020, 03:32:55 PM

Extra 5m as he was a regular in England squad until very recently I'd imagine.

I'm o.k with getting him in. I'm always calling for more experienced players in key areas of the pitch so I'd say a 28 year old who's played the last 5 years in premier league is what is required so won't take him six months to get up to speed.

If he plays 30 games as he's averaged in last two seasons I'd back him to score 10 + goals for us in the league. Bournemouth lost so much creativity last year with David Brooks out injured for most of the season. When he was fit in 18/19 Wilson scored 14 in the league.

We can do much worse upfront and frequently have in the last decade. He can do a solid job for next two seasons. Hopefully by then we'll be attractive enough to get in a Tammy Abraham type upfront.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aev on September 02, 2020, 03:40:58 PM

Callum Wilson is a bit meh.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 02, 2020, 03:41:34 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 02, 2020, 03:27:54 PM

Quote from: Tuscans on September 02, 2020, 03:05:44 PM

Aston Villa are hoping to sign Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson after opening talks in a deal worth around £20m.

Given his injury problems, thats an insane price. A respectable 1 in 3 scoring record for Bournemouth in the top division but that dropped off quite a way last season. That's worrying especially given the number of serious injuries he has had. Would prefer Josh King to be honest as he can play in a few positions.

That's what £20m seems to buy nowadays though - a 6-10 goal striker - Wesley, Maupay, the bloke Leeds have just signed. Hopefully his injuries have cleared up enough for it not to be a factor, you'd like to think they'd check it out although who knows...!

I'm not against the idea to be honest as long as we get Watkins as well (or Josh King is a great shout too) and then we can sign Tammy in January when he's annoyed by not getting games.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 02, 2020, 03:44:53 PM

Tammy wil certainly be available next summer. Will be bench warming at Chelsea, probably won't make the England squad and will have less on his contract if he dosen't sign a new one so transfer fee will be lower.

We will need to be higher than 17th to have a chance of getting him though.

If Wilson comes in and scores 10 + as his record suggests then we have a better chance of buying mid table. Then we keep him and he becomes back up to an Abraham type signing and our squad instantly becomes stronger or we sell him to a newly promoted team for what we signed him for or a little less.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: in exile on September 02, 2020, 03:45:13 PM

About Callum Wilson...let me tell you where I am.
I'm out.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on September 02, 2020, 03:45:31 PM

Quote from: Drummond on September 02, 2020, 03:30:24 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 02, 2020, 03:27:54 PM

Quote from: Tuscans on September 02, 2020, 03:05:44 PM

Aston Villa are hoping to sign Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson after opening talks in a deal worth around £20m.

Given his injury problems, thats an insane price. A respectable 1 in 3 scoring record for Bournemouth in the top division but that dropped off quite a way last season. That's worrying especially given the number of serious injuries he has had. Would prefer Josh King to be honest as he can play in a few positions.

So, that begs the question, were Bournemouth relegated because Wilson didn't score or because they didn't create the chances for him to score...

Do you have the answer?

Our creativity from open play is pretty much centered around one player so I'm not sure any incoming forward should be expecting a raft of chances per game either

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aev on September 02, 2020, 03:47:01 PM

We need more creativity, not less than prolific strikers. We have those already.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on September 02, 2020, 03:54:16 PM

Everyday I seem to change my mind on which striker(s) & wingers I’d like us to sign - is anyone else the same? I’m not convinced there is anyone we can sign who will make us all universally go ‘YESSS’

Today i’d like;
LW Dwight McNeill (El Ghazi)
RW Ismaila Sarr tho he’ll go to Liverpool (Trez)
ST Josh King (Wesley)

Would have liked Doucoure also because I do like a big, strong centre midfielder but looks like he’s Goodison bound

Tomorrow it’ll be someone else :-)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on September 02, 2020, 03:55:42 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 02, 2020, 03:32:55 PM

Extra 5m as he was a regular in England squad until very recently I'd imagine.

I'm o.k with getting him in. I'm always calling for more experienced players in key areas of the pitch so I'd say a 28 year old who's played the last 5 years in premier league is what is required so won't take him six months to get up to speed.

If he plays 30 games as he's averaged in last two seasons I'd back him to score 10 + goals for us in the league. Bournemouth lost so much creativity last year with David Brooks out injured for most of the season. When he was fit in 18/19 Wilson scored 14 in the league.

We can do much worse upfront and frequently have in the last decade. He can do a solid job for next two seasons. Hopefully by then we'll be attractive enough to get in a Tammy Abraham type upfront.

I hope our ambitions are a bit more than trading water for 2 seasons.
It’s a no from me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave P on September 02, 2020, 03:59:16 PM

Am I the only one who thinks Wilson but be a canny bit of business?  We need a 'fox int he box' type striker so why not get one who is an England International? At the level we are at, I'd be more than happy. 

If we do have £100m for transfers this summer, I'm glad it's going on 4-5 upgrades than a whole new squad like last summer (and I know that was needs must).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 02, 2020, 04:02:23 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on September 02, 2020, 03:55:42 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 02, 2020, 03:32:55 PM

Extra 5m as he was a regular in England squad until very recently I'd imagine.

I'm o.k with getting him in. I'm always calling for more experienced players in key areas of the pitch so I'd say a 28 year old who's played the last 5 years in premier league is what is required so won't take him six months to get up to speed.

If he plays 30 games as he's averaged in last two seasons I'd back him to score 10 + goals for us in the league. Bournemouth lost so much creativity last year with David Brooks out injured for most of the season. When he was fit in 18/19 Wilson scored 14 in the league.

We can do much worse upfront and frequently have in the last decade. He can do a solid job for next two seasons. Hopefully by then we'll be attractive enough to get in a Tammy Abraham type upfront.

I hope our ambitions are a bit more than trading water for 2 seasons.
It’s a no from me.

We've been linked to mostly championship players and you think we can finish top 8? We finished 19 points off Burnley in 10th so huge improvement is needed to get even close to top half and I don't see that from what we've been linked with so far.

Main aim of this season is to finish a good 10 points clear of relegation. Newcastle finished 13th with 44 points so that should be a realistic target for us.

Then we're not far off the top half and can start building like when we finished 11th in MON's first season but people could see we were up and coming and signed Young and Carew who helped us up to 6th.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ian. on September 02, 2020, 04:02:41 PM

If we get the Callum Wilson from the season before last he will be a huge asset to have, in addition to Wes, hopefully Watkins and Samatta.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 02, 2020, 04:03:33 PM

Quote from: Dave P on September 02, 2020, 03:59:16 PM

Am I the only one who thinks Wilson but be a canny bit of business?  We need a 'fox int he box' type striker so why not get one who is an England International? At the level we are at, I'd be more than happy. 

If we do have £100m for transfers this summer, I'm glad it's going on 4-5 upgrades than a whole new squad like last summer (and I know that was needs must).

Wilson's more of a off the shoulder of last defender type. Most of his goals are beating the offside trap and slotting past the keeper. He'd have buried the chance Davis had v Arsenal imo.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on September 02, 2020, 04:11:37 PM

Wilson is a decent player, when he stays fit for a whole season he can chip in with 14 goals which is better than anything we have at the moment. Question marks are over can he stay fit and is he the right kind of player for the we we set ourselves up to play.

Not convinced, but would be better than staying with what we have.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Goldie.7 on September 02, 2020, 04:13:03 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 02, 2020, 03:32:55 PM

Hopefully by then we'll be attractive enough to get in a Tammy Abraham type upfront.

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 31, 2020, 10:55:01 PM

Way I see it we're playing the long game with Tammy Abraham.

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 26, 2020, 09:44:24 PM

If we have to wait last minute for a striker of Tammy Abraham's calibre to be signed then I'm sure we can all live with that.

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 25, 2020, 11:06:32 AM

Tammy Abraham would be another. Ultimately a marquee signing.

Aww... Someone's in love. *heart emoji's*

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Tuscans on September 02, 2020, 04:22:14 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 02, 2020, 03:27:54 PM

Quote from: Tuscans on September 02, 2020, 03:05:44 PM

Aston Villa are hoping to sign Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson after opening talks in a deal worth around £20m.

Given his injury problems, thats an insane price. A respectable 1 in 3 scoring record for Bournemouth in the top division but that dropped off quite a way last season. That's worrying especially given the number of serious injuries he has had. Would prefer Josh King to be honest as he can play in a few positions.

Had a bad one 5 years ago but 35 league games last season, 30 before and 28 before that. Wouldn't of played all those games if he had injury problems.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: robbo1874 on September 02, 2020, 04:27:09 PM

A bit harsh. Abraham is quality. I reckon if we really pushed the boat out, we could maybe get him, but Chelsea don’t need to sell, so we either won’t get him or we’ll get stiffed on the fee. Would love to see him back at VP though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: robbo1874 on September 02, 2020, 04:29:53 PM

Is the Watkins deal off now? Or are we after him and Wilson?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 02, 2020, 04:31:02 PM

Watkins and Wilson would be an improvement on Samatta and Davis.

To be fair, my dead grandmothers would be an improvement on them pair.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 02, 2020, 04:32:16 PM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on September 02, 2020, 04:13:03 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 02, 2020, 03:32:55 PM

Hopefully by then we'll be attractive enough to get in a Tammy Abraham type upfront.

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 31, 2020, 10:55:01 PM

Way I see it we're playing the long game with Tammy Abraham.

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 26, 2020, 09:44:24 PM

If we have to wait last minute for a striker of Tammy Abraham's calibre to be signed then I'm sure we can all live with that.

Quote from: SoccerHQ on August 25, 2020, 11:06:32 AM

Tammy Abraham would be another. Ultimately a marquee signing.

Aww... Someone's in love. *heart emoji's*

You searched through his posts?  Eww... *stalker emoji's*

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john2710 on September 02, 2020, 04:37:03 PM

Pouring scorn on the likes of Wilson for £25m, remember that we finished 17th not 7th.

We need some PL experience & we'd get a level of certainty with him. It might not make us top 6 but we'll get there eventually.

Tammy is out of reach for now....

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Pat Mustard on September 02, 2020, 04:44:55 PM

Quote from: robbo1874 on September 02, 2020, 04:29:53 PM

Is the Watkins deal off now? Or are we after him and Wilson?

I wouldn't be surprised if this is more of an effort to stop Brentford taking the piss on the price, given that they have already signed his replacement so presumably are expecting to sell him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 02, 2020, 04:45:46 PM

Quote from: Russ aka Big Nose on September 02, 2020, 02:41:53 PM

Does anyone saying "we need to get players in ... get them settled ... work the squad and coaches ... be ready for the first game" etc. seriously think the same thought has not occurred to DS and the people managing recruitment?

Not to mention, everyone else on H&V.

It is self-evidently the right thing to do, if you can. But:
1. It is not in our gift (unless we pay way over the odds)
2. There is not likely to be a settled list of targets
3. It will be influenced by interest in our fringe and first choice players

There will be 2 or more being targeted for every position we want to recruit for and all will be being progressed with varying degrees of urgency.

Say, for example, we are encouraged by Chelski to bid for Tammy for £40m+ we probably have to adjust the other recruitment we do - either cheaper options or decide against bringing a new keeper (or whatever).

Then if people want to pay above our valuation of our players, it will likely change again.

Heresy!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: robbo1874 on September 02, 2020, 04:52:49 PM

If we did get say 2 from Wilson, Watkins, Eduardo and Rashica, we’d have to probably lose 1 from Wes, Davis and Samatta. I’d probably let Samatta go. I know a lot of people don’t rate Davis, but I think he’s one that could come good. A good mate reckons ‘he couldn’t finish his dinner’ but I think if he gets a goal or two, he’ll be right.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: enigma on September 02, 2020, 04:59:13 PM

Quote from: Dave P on September 02, 2020, 03:59:16 PM

Am I the only one who thinks Wilson but be a canny bit of business?  We need a 'fox int he box' type striker so why not get one who is an England International? At the level we are at, I'd be more than happy. 

If we do have £100m for transfers this summer, I'm glad it's going on 4-5 upgrades than a whole new squad like last summer (and I know that was needs must).

Nope. I'd be very happy if we signed him. Seems we're in the minority though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 02, 2020, 05:11:37 PM

Fee agreed for Yanited's number 2 Sergio Romero according to some outlets.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: gpbarr on September 02, 2020, 05:18:15 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on September 02, 2020, 05:11:37 PM

Fee agreed for Yanited's number 2 Sergio Romero according to some outlets.

If true, at 8m, a steal and a very strong move

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: robbo1874 on September 02, 2020, 05:20:54 PM

Wonder what kind of wages he’d be on?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 02, 2020, 05:37:23 PM

I've wanted Wilson all summer. Canny is a good word. Jack will love his runs, ditto Watkins. Both make a lot of sense with the way we set up post lock down. Just a winger of quality to get then. Benrahma for me, but Buendia would not surprise me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on September 02, 2020, 05:44:43 PM

Too much to hope we are signing Edourdo under cover of press speculation about the others?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aev on September 02, 2020, 05:51:27 PM

Quote from: robbo1874 on September 02, 2020, 05:20:54 PM

Wonder what kind of wages he’d be on?

A he coming to the end of his contract ? Why is he so “cheap”?

Reckon he has to be on about 70k up there.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ian. on September 02, 2020, 05:52:44 PM

Quote from: enigma on September 02, 2020, 04:59:13 PM

Quote from: Dave P on September 02, 2020, 03:59:16 PM

Am I the only one who thinks Wilson but be a canny bit of business?  We need a 'fox int he box' type striker so why not get one who is an England International? At the level we are at, I'd be more than happy. 

If we do have £100m for transfers this summer, I'm glad it's going on 4-5 upgrades than a whole new squad like last summer (and I know that was needs must).

Nope. I'd be very happy if we signed him. Seems we're in the minority though.

I’d definitely want him here, I’d be very happy with Wilson especially if we get Watkins too.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 02, 2020, 05:58:45 PM

£20 million in isolation is not terrible business for Wilson.  But it makes up a hefty chunk of what could go towards an even more prolific forward with less miles on the clock.

So it's a no for me.

Looked like a West Ham or Newcastle deal all over and it's one I wouldn't have envied. In contrast, if either of that lot picked up Abraham, Eduoard or Watkins say I would be miffed.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 02, 2020, 06:05:07 PM

I think Wilson would be a good signing, provided another forward comes in as well.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 02, 2020, 06:07:06 PM

This made me laugh.

Replying to @tommyjordanav and @officialga11
Could you just communicate some signings with the fans soon pls 👍🏼
Profile photo, opens profile page on Twitter in a new tab
Tommy Jordan
@tommyjordanav
I’m sure you would probably agree that might need to wait until someone actually signs 😉 Keep the faith 😂👍
9:11 PM · Sep 1, 2020
20
See Tommy Jordan’s other TweetS

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 02, 2020, 06:07:08 PM

Quote from: aev on September 02, 2020, 05:51:27 PM

Quote from: robbo1874 on September 02, 2020, 05:20:54 PM

Wonder what kind of wages he’d be on?

A he coming to the end of his contract ? Why is he so “cheap”?

Reckon he has to be on about 70k up there.

£100k according to The Athletic.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on September 02, 2020, 06:11:25 PM

Quote from: gpbarr on September 02, 2020, 05:18:15 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on September 02, 2020, 05:11:37 PM

Fee agreed for Yanited's number 2 Sergio Romero according to some outlets.

If true, at 8m, a steal and a very strong move

And hopefully nothing to do with Jack.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 02, 2020, 06:15:37 PM

Don’t get the Romero thing really.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Jockey Randall on September 02, 2020, 06:16:29 PM

Quote from: Drummond on September 02, 2020, 03:30:24 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 02, 2020, 03:27:54 PM

Quote from: Tuscans on September 02, 2020, 03:05:44 PM

Aston Villa are hoping to sign Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson after opening talks in a deal worth around £20m.

Given his injury problems, thats an insane price. A respectable 1 in 3 scoring record for Bournemouth in the top division but that dropped off quite a way last season. That's worrying especially given the number of serious injuries he has had. Would prefer Josh King to be honest as he can play in a few positions.

So, that begs the question, were Bournemouth relegated because Wilson didn't score or because they didn't create the chances for him to score...

I think if you look at the goals conceded by the sides involved in that relegation battle, our main issue was that for most of the season we couldn't defend. The only thing Newcastle, Brighton & Palace had over us was not conceding as many.

Regarding Wilson, I agree with brontebilly about Josh King as he's always seemed to offer a bit more to the team and is a good penalty taker but equally I wouldn't be upset with signing Wilson. If we're going to progress towards mid table he'd be a decent signing if he can add around 10 goals which seems to be around his average in the Premier League.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 02, 2020, 06:17:20 PM

He's not a bad keeper to be fair. Better than Nyland. But I don't really want us paying £100k a week for him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on September 02, 2020, 06:31:50 PM

As others have alluded to, he's a perfectly decent keeper.

But unless Heaton is more buggered than we thought then there is a perfectly good year or two more in him, so surely the latest in our collection of goalkeepers should be someone 24-26 who is eased in while Heaton is eased out and is then a brilliant keeper for us for ten years.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 02, 2020, 06:32:33 PM

Yes it’s the age thing that’s the oddity.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 02, 2020, 06:35:57 PM

He's younger than Reina I suppose.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: themossman on September 02, 2020, 06:36:44 PM

It only makes sense if Heaton is done, which doesn’t seem to be the case. So it doesn’t make sense.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on September 02, 2020, 06:46:42 PM

See that Manure got their consolation prize.

How the mighty are fallen.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 02, 2020, 06:49:36 PM

Quote from: themossman on September 02, 2020, 06:36:44 PM

It only makes sense if Heaton is done, which doesn’t seem to be the case. So it doesn’t make sense.

What if the club isn't 100% sure that he isn't done?  We ended up needing experienced GK cover last season so it does make some sense.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 02, 2020, 06:50:01 PM

Romero isn’t very prolific in front of goal.

Years
Team
Apps
(Gls)
2006–2007
Racing Club
5
(0)
2007–2011
AZ
90
(0)
2011–2015
Sampdoria
71
(0)
2013–2014
→ Monaco (loan)
3
(0)
2015–
Manchester United
7
(0)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 02, 2020, 06:50:43 PM

better than Agbonlahor

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 02, 2020, 06:59:41 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on September 02, 2020, 06:15:37 PM

Don’t get the Romero thing really.

He sees the zombies as a metaphor for the ills of modern life, I think.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 02, 2020, 07:08:08 PM

 Callum Wlson will be a great move if we also get Watkins; a winger and through-the-middle player with pace, strength and goalscoring instincts. What I like about Wilson is that he is quick and strong, and he keeps CB on the back foot.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rigadon on September 02, 2020, 07:15:14 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 02, 2020, 06:59:41 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on September 02, 2020, 06:15:37 PM

Don’t get the Romero thing really.

He sees the zombies as a metaphor for the ills of modern life, I think.

Chortle.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 02, 2020, 07:15:43 PM

Perhaps we should 'up' the bidding for Diangana, just to wind up the Bitters.
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/sep/02/west-brom-bid-grady-diangana-west-ham-transfer-news

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 02, 2020, 07:17:05 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on September 02, 2020, 06:32:33 PM

Yes it’s the age thing that’s the oddity.

Quote from: Dave on September 02, 2020, 06:31:50 PM

As others have alluded to, he's a perfectly decent keeper.

But unless Heaton is more buggered than we thought then there is a perfectly good year or two more in him, so surely the latest in our collection of goalkeepers should be someone 24-26 who is eased in while Heaton is eased out and is then a brilliant keeper for us for ten years.

Also, if Heaton isn't finished or out for a good while yet, why would Romero leave Man U because he's tired of not being number 1 to a situation where he still isn't guaranteed to be number 1. And would we really pay £70-100k per week to a maybe 2nd choice keeper? If so, we''re even more minted than I thought.

It's a very strange one.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 02, 2020, 07:17:53 PM

Wet Spam must be desperate for cash.  He’s a great player I think.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 02, 2020, 07:22:07 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on September 02, 2020, 07:17:53 PM

Wet Spam must be desperate for cash.  He’s a great player I think.

Well, the article suggests if they lose Diangana they'll bide for Benarhama, who will cost them more than they recoup for the former.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on September 02, 2020, 07:24:00 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on September 02, 2020, 06:15:37 PM

Don’t get the Romero thing really.

Hasn't been a first choice keeper for donkeys years. Not young. Is he still sharp enough? Does he have the desire? He's been sat on benches for the best part of a decade.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 02, 2020, 07:27:55 PM

If the Romero deal is going to happen, it must be curtains for Steer and Nyland ?

Have we even offloaded Kalinic yet?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: darren woolley on September 02, 2020, 07:36:23 PM

I wonder how close we are to actually signing these transfer targets I'm listening to various sources but are we days from making our first signings or weeks.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on September 02, 2020, 07:36:25 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 02, 2020, 06:59:41 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on September 02, 2020, 06:15:37 PM

Don’t get the Romero thing really.

He sees the zombies as a metaphor for the ills of modern life, I think.

Excellent

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: four fornicholl on September 02, 2020, 07:57:20 PM

Abraham and Watkins/Benrhama, job done, keep what we've got and push on.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 02, 2020, 08:02:15 PM

Cash, Watkins and Wilson = pace, pace, pace.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 02, 2020, 08:03:13 PM

Everton have built a new midfield in one day for the thick end of 70m. Fair play. I always thought Gylfi Sigurdsson was class at Swansea. Not sure what's happened to him at Everton but he might be available at a decent price now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on September 02, 2020, 08:04:52 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 02, 2020, 08:02:15 PM

Cash, Watkins and Wilson = pace, pace, pace.

Hasn't Wilson lost most of his pace after his injury woes, though?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 02, 2020, 08:16:04 PM

Not in my opinion, although I confess that's not the most informed as I didn’t pay a huge amount of interest to Bournemouth before this season.

Played 93 games over the last 3 years  scored 29 goals  so roughly 1 in 3 for a poor team who struggled badly after their main creator was injured last season.

He isn't spectacular, but he's not bobar either.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aev on September 02, 2020, 08:17:32 PM

West Ham looking to use the cash to bid for Benrahma.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 02, 2020, 08:18:56 PM

HE still had enough to run Mings a couple of times last season, and Mings isn't the slowest centre half I have seen.

Not sure I get people not wanting Romero. Heaton being out cost us 4-5 points last season with not having a suitable back up. It was a massive injury for his age, and his second long spell out in 3 seasons. Romero has been outstanding when picked for Utd, and would give a very decent option.

Still need a winger and centre mid if they all sign though. Can't see us having the money to buy Benrahma at Brentford prices sadly, and rumour is he is top of the West Ham list. More I watch highlights of last season, more I think Buendia would be a pretty good fit on the right.

I would really, really like us to have a couple of punts up our sleeve at the end of the window too, that are not under pressure to come in and perform, but could give us something different.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: gpbarr on September 02, 2020, 08:22:39 PM

I think Romero is a great buy - Heaton is as we know injury prone, this guy is 33 which for a GK is prime, and he plays for Argentina. It’s an upgrade without doubt - good business at that price.

Now we need to focus up front

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 02, 2020, 08:26:32 PM

Quote from: gpbarr on September 02, 2020, 08:22:39 PM

I think Romero is a great buy - Heaton is as we know injury prone, this guy is 33 which for a GK is prime, and he plays for Argentina. It’s an upgrade without doubt - good business at that price.

Plus think of all the shirts we'll now sell in Buenos Aires. ;)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 02, 2020, 08:33:35 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 02, 2020, 08:16:04 PM

Not in my opinion, although I confess that's not the most informed as I didn’t pay a huge amount of interest to Bournemouth before this season.

Played 93 games over the last 3 years  scored 29 goals  so roughly 1 in 3 for a poor team who struggled badly after their main creator was injured last season.

He isn't spectacular, but he's not bobar either.

93 games in 3 seasons still means he's missed about 1 in 5. Given that's after 18 months out injured over the previous couple of years and he's still a pretty risky one for me. Double figures for goals once in the top flight makes it a big fee when there is always that injury worry there. Too many strikers who play o the shoulder of the defender over the years have had similar issues by the time they hit his age and then fade out very quickly (Bent is a great example).

If he comes in then I hope he's great and gives us a few seasons of staying fit and scoring at about 1 in 3 but I'm worried he'd be yet another one to add to the list of big money strikers who come in, deliver very little and then we struggle to even give them away and they sit on a big contract for years. I don't think think he's a poor player (like Hogan) or a waster (like McCormack) but I can see it turning out a lot like Kodjia.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 02, 2020, 08:37:25 PM

In our 4-3-3 though, Wesley and Watkins will be competing for that starting spot, so missing 1 in 5 is not the end of the world. Having 3 strikers all able to start and offer something different is ideal. Especially when they do actually know where the net is, unlike Davis and Samatta.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on September 02, 2020, 08:37:57 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 02, 2020, 07:17:05 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on September 02, 2020, 06:32:33 PM

Yes it’s the age thing that’s the oddity.

Quote from: Dave on September 02, 2020, 06:31:50 PM

As others have alluded to, he's a perfectly decent keeper.

But unless Heaton is more buggered than we thought then there is a perfectly good year or two more in him, so surely the latest in our collection of goalkeepers should be someone 24-26 who is eased in while Heaton is eased out and is then a brilliant keeper for us for ten years.

Also, if Heaton isn't finished or out for a good while yet, why would Romero leave Man U because he's tired of not being number 1 to a situation where he still isn't guaranteed to be number 1. And would we really pay £70-100k per week to a maybe 2nd choice keeper? If so, we''re even more minted than I thought.

It's a very strange one.

I suspect he'd rather not be No. 3. With Henderson and De Gea in the same squad it's fair to say he would be. There's a good chance he'd get games with us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on September 02, 2020, 08:40:35 PM

Considering Bournemouth sold Ramsdale and Ake for large fees I’d think we’d do very well to get Wilson for £20m. He was their main striker and has been in a few England squads over the last few seasons, they’d surely be looking for a higher figure.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 02, 2020, 08:56:41 PM

Quote from: Drummond on September 02, 2020, 08:37:57 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 02, 2020, 07:17:05 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on September 02, 2020, 06:32:33 PM

Yes it’s the age thing that’s the oddity.

Quote from: Dave on September 02, 2020, 06:31:50 PM

As others have alluded to, he's a perfectly decent keeper.

But unless Heaton is more buggered than we thought then there is a perfectly good year or two more in him, so surely the latest in our collection of goalkeepers should be someone 24-26 who is eased in while Heaton is eased out and is then a brilliant keeper for us for ten years.

Also, if Heaton isn't finished or out for a good while yet, why would Romero leave Man U because he's tired of not being number 1 to a situation where he still isn't guaranteed to be number 1. And would we really pay £70-100k per week to a maybe 2nd choice keeper? If so, we''re even more minted than I thought.

It's a very strange one.

I suspect he'd rather not be No. 3. With Henderson and De Gea in the same squad it's fair to say he would be. There's a good chance he'd get games with us.

Fair point, I'd forgotten Henderson.

I'm sure he could find somewhere where he'd be out and out number 1 though and definitely get games. So to me (if the story is true) we've either told him that or blown any other clubs out of the water with the contract offered.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 02, 2020, 09:00:33 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 02, 2020, 08:03:13 PM

Everton have built a new midfield in one day for the thick end of 70m. Fair play. I always thought Gylfi Sigurdsson was class at Swansea. Not sure what's happened to him at Everton but he might be available at a decent price now.

This made me laugh from an Everton fan on Twitter. Fair to say he didn't rate their previous midfield options.

"Just heard that Sigurdsson, Delph and Davies were trying to change Ancelotti's mind in signing a new midfield yesterday and tried to stop Carlo in the corridor at Finch Farm but he just skipped past the 3 of them with ease and carried on!!"

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on September 02, 2020, 09:07:20 PM

BBC reporting that Everton have agreed a fee of £25m for Doucoure. Hopefully we’re after a player of similar ilk.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: TheMalandro on September 02, 2020, 09:23:43 PM

Not villa related, but I had lunch at our village pub today, the landlord is Villa mad.

He told me a senior Chelsea guy who also lives in the village told him that Chelsea seriously considered Toney - the guy Brentford have just bought!
I can't see the Chelsea chaps name, but do know he lives here. Something like Tewlvetree, or similar.

Shit lunch though!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on September 02, 2020, 09:30:30 PM

He's their director of marketing....

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on September 02, 2020, 09:31:22 PM

Quote from: gpbarr on September 02, 2020, 08:22:39 PM

I think Romero is a great buy - Heaton is as we know injury prone, this guy is 33 which for a GK is prime, and he plays for Argentina. It’s an upgrade without doubt - good business at that price.

Now we need to focus up front

Romero last played regular league football 8 years ago at Sampdoria. "Oven ready" he ain't. I'd be disappointed if we were getting him on loan, signing him permanently is bonkers. There simply has to be better options out there.

I don't like the idea of signing these guys who earn a comfy wedge firmly in reserve teams for years....Richards, Sinclair, Drinkwater , we have been burned badly before . They don't have the heart for playing competitive football at the highest level and this guy has been a backup keeper for most of his career. Insane

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: olaftab on September 02, 2020, 09:34:35 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 02, 2020, 08:04:52 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 02, 2020, 08:02:15 PM

Cash, Watkins and Wilson = pace, pace, pace.

Hasn't Wilson lost most of his pace after his injury woes, though?

Yes but he found it last week. It was behind his settee.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on September 02, 2020, 09:36:09 PM

Quote from: TheMalandro on September 02, 2020, 09:23:43 PM

Not villa related, but I had lunch at our village pub today, the landlord is Villa mad.

He told me a senior Chelsea guy who also lives in the village told him that Chelsea seriously considered Toney - the guy Brentford have just bought!
I can't see the Chelsea chaps name, but do know he lives here. Something like Tewlvetree, or similar.

Shit lunch though!

I've heard a couple of people who seem to know their onions describe him as a Premier League striker who just so happens to have been playing in League One.

And obviously Brentford seem to be pretty good at this "picking up the right player" thing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 02, 2020, 09:39:38 PM

My Yanited season ticket holder mate says:

Quote

Some have said De Gea should have been dropped hes very composed and decent shot stopper suppose he never really got tested as much at United but always did well when called upon I will miss him he was a great professional

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 02, 2020, 09:49:04 PM

Quote from: Dave on September 02, 2020, 09:36:09 PM

Quote from: TheMalandro on September 02, 2020, 09:23:43 PM

Not villa related, but I had lunch at our village pub today, the landlord is Villa mad.

He told me a senior Chelsea guy who also lives in the village told him that Chelsea seriously considered Toney - the guy Brentford have just bought!
I can't see the Chelsea chaps name, but do know he lives here. Something like Tewlvetree, or similar.

Shit lunch though!

I've heard a couple of people who seem to know their onions describe him as a Premier League striker who just so happens to have been playing in League One.

And obviously Brentford seem to be pretty good at this "picking up the right player" thing.

Yes, he looks a talent from what I've seen. We really should just usurp their bids for forwards, we'd save ourselves a lot of money and hassle in the future.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 02, 2020, 09:57:56 PM

Kortney Hause possibly moving abroad on loan.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on September 02, 2020, 09:59:34 PM

Swansea or Glasgow?

Surely the continent realise he can’t pass water?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: TheMalandro on September 02, 2020, 10:03:02 PM

Quote from: Drummond on September 02, 2020, 09:30:30 PM

He's their director of marketing....

That’s him, Gary Twelvetree.

It’s a footballing village. Got him and Vardy.

Probably think I’m Nev Southall.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on September 02, 2020, 10:06:58 PM

Quote from: WilliamStanding on September 02, 2020, 09:59:34 PM

Swansea or Glasgow?

Surely the continent realise he can’t pass water?

Yawn

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 02, 2020, 10:07:13 PM

Why on earth would we let Hause go anywhere? Quietly did his job last season and while he has his faults without question, he's fine as a squad player at the moment.

The reviews of Tony do make you wonder why we didn't just cut out the middle Brentford and sign him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on September 02, 2020, 10:11:07 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 02, 2020, 10:07:13 PM

Why on earth would we let Hause go anywhere? Quietly did his job last season and while he has his faults without question, he's fine as a squad player at the moment.

The reviews of Tony do make you wonder why we didn't just cut out the middle Brentford and sign him.

Totally this - whilst he scares me to death when he has the ball, he’s a solid versatile defender who gives his all and a solid squad player .

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on September 02, 2020, 10:26:20 PM

Hause is a more than decent backup centre back, if we are letting him go then we must have someone coming in. Hopefully someone that can be a nailed on first teamer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on September 02, 2020, 10:33:39 PM

Makes you wonder whether Engels will be given a second chance (at least as a backup)?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Des Little on September 02, 2020, 11:01:15 PM

No way would we be moving Hause (sorry) unless there’s a CB incoming.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: TheMalandro on September 02, 2020, 11:03:57 PM

Quote from: Des Little on September 02, 2020, 11:01:15 PM

No way would we be moving Hause (sorry) unless there’s a CB incoming.

I’ve not seen enough of Hause or Engels. Probably never will.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 02, 2020, 11:04:04 PM

I think it’s Lange a bit of time to look at all the players on film, sit down the manager and coaches, with the board and understand what the club needs. I’m glad we’ve taken our time. I imagine there are some obvious names being linked to us, some which will happen. But before the end of the window we will sign some players none of us will have thought of because of his contacts in Europe developed through his time in his previous job.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 03, 2020, 01:02:16 AM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 02, 2020, 09:57:56 PM

Kortney Hause possibly moving abroad on loan.

Interesting. Means we'd certainly get a CB in.

At start of last season we had 5 CBs to pick from if you count Chester. Now down to 3 which is nowhere near enough with all the games to cram in.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villafirst on September 03, 2020, 04:05:01 AM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 03, 2020, 01:02:16 AM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 02, 2020, 09:57:56 PM

Kortney Hause possibly moving abroad on loan.

Interesting. Means we'd certainly get a CB in.

At start of last season we had 5 CBs to pick from if you count Chester. Now down to 3 which is nowhere near enough with all the games to cram in.

Remember the Tommy Elphick fiasco under Bruce which left the defence threadbare? Surely a new CB is incoming. Perhaps Tuanzebe? Although that would mean 3 right footers and only Mings as a left footer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on September 03, 2020, 06:44:41 AM

Don't know whether we want Benrahma but, if we do, better get a wriggle on or he's going to be stolen from under our noses.

Surprised he has not moved already.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sid1964 on September 03, 2020, 07:01:03 AM

Hause can go for me, along with quite a few others - they are just not good enough

The thought of Wilson and the Man Utd reserve goal keeper signing for us is so exciting LOL (i will have to have Sky Sports News on all day), if those are  the best players that our sporting director can entice to the club, then for me he is not very good at his job, and most on here could do the role.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: thick_mike on September 03, 2020, 07:18:30 AM

There was an interesting debate on R5L before the last round of Champions League games that the Manchester United defence had more confidence in Romero over De Gea and that he should play the games because he made the team more solid.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 03, 2020, 07:43:21 AM

Either Lange et al have a plan and have it all under control, or we are in for a bumpy few weeks. Signing a keeper and right back before the 2 wingers and striker that we are desperate to bring into the squad seems a bit odd.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Alex77 on September 03, 2020, 07:52:47 AM

Quote from: sid1964 on September 03, 2020, 07:01:03 AM

Hause can go for me, along with quite a few others - they are just not good enough

The thought of Wilson and the Man Utd reserve goal keeper signing for us is so exciting LOL (i will have to have Sky Sports News on all day), if those are  the best players that our sporting director can entice to the club, then for me he is not very good at his job, and most on here could do the role.

I would have thought you would need to give Lange time to identify suitable talent. Considering where he came from his knowledge of talent would have been based on what was appropriate for that club. The likelihood is it wasn't at the same level required for us.

On this basis, the unimaginative signings might be the right thing for this window and then begin to unearth the gems in the future.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on September 03, 2020, 08:03:19 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 03, 2020, 07:43:21 AM

Either Lange et al have a plan and have it all under control, or we are in for a bumpy few weeks. Signing a keeper and right back before the 2 wingers and striker that we are desperate to bring into the squad seems a bit odd.

Those targets may have become available so you get them, if this 28m price tag for Watkins is true then there is a lot of Levy-esque haggling to be done :-) & you wouldn’t necessarily want to be going for Watkins & Benrahma for monster fees when neither actually bring PL experience??

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: The Edge on September 03, 2020, 08:12:30 AM

Quote from: sid1964 on September 03, 2020, 07:01:03 AM

Hause can go for me, along with quite a few others - they are just not good enough

The thought of Wilson and the Man Utd reserve goal keeper signing for us is so exciting LOL (i will have to have Sky Sports News on all day), if those are  the best players that our sporting director can entice to the club, then for me he is not very good at his job, and most on here could do the role.

Give him a chance. He's hardly had time to take his coat off yet.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on September 03, 2020, 08:37:30 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 03, 2020, 07:43:21 AM

Either Lange et al have a plan and have it all under control, or we are in for a bumpy few weeks. Signing a keeper and right back before the 2 wingers and striker that we are desperate to bring into the squad seems a bit odd.

I think it's rrassuring that we've not jumped straight in to signing players. It'd have meant Lange had just straight away identified signings, and that would almost certainly been players who would be good for Copenhagen rather than us.

With the slower pace, there's at least a chance that some level of thought & consideration is going in to it, rather than the Bruce-style buy first, think later approach.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 03, 2020, 08:37:48 AM

The nature of the beast if you join a club that is one of the 3 favoourites for relegation at the start of a transfer window. I love the fact (and I do it more than most) our players always improve so much when we aren't playing. 45 minutes into the Sheffield United game we will all remember what it is like.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 03, 2020, 08:39:14 AM

If we're aiming to only bring in 4 or 5 players to avoid too much churn and we've already done a keeper and right back, then we really shouldn't be looking at replacing Hause in this window.

I think Wilson is a decent player and he'd certainly improve us, but I'd prefer Watkins who I feel has a higher ceiling.  I'd also still like Benrahma, but it looks like we've moved on from him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Chris_Jephcott on September 03, 2020, 08:45:40 AM

If it is 5 players, Cash and Romero being the two that look most likely to be completed, that leaves 3 left.

Watkins, Wilson and Benrahma? I would actually love that.

I just hope that Watkins doesn’t end up as this window’s Juninho. I’m genuinely excited by him as a talent, not proven at Premier League level, but until last season, neither was Jack.

Back to another day of clicking and refreshing this thread.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on September 03, 2020, 08:52:29 AM

If we're spending the best part of £50m on two strikers surely we're expecting to play them together at some point? The only way I can see us doing that is with either 3 at the back or a 4-3-1-2/4-4-2 diamond.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 03, 2020, 08:54:35 AM

Or Watkins will play wide left coming in at home with Jack at 8.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sid1964 on September 03, 2020, 09:21:02 AM

i thought that Lange was at a champions league club - that is a higher standard of football than we are playing in? - surely during his scouting of European teams he may have seen a few that he thinks can do a good job for us and improve our starting 11 (which we need to do)?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WRVilla on September 03, 2020, 09:32:35 AM

Cash confirmed

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: TaxDodger on September 03, 2020, 09:56:43 AM

Quote from: WRVilla on September 03, 2020, 09:32:35 AM

Cash confirmed

How much and who are we going to spend it on? Wayhey.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave P on September 03, 2020, 09:58:06 AM

Quote from: Chris_Jephcott on September 03, 2020, 08:45:40 AM

If it is 5 players, Cash and Romero being the two that look most likely to be completed, that leaves 3 left.

Watkins, Wilson and Benrahma? I would actually love that.

And me.  I also think the'll be a surprise stocking filler signing like Tuenzebe towards the end of the window.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 03, 2020, 10:01:52 AM

I'll be very unhappy if there isn't a centre mid in by the end of the window, For me that's the most important signing we need to make.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 03, 2020, 10:04:51 AM

Winger surely? Luiz, McGinn, Hourihane, Nakamba are all capable in different ways. El Ghazi and everywhere apart from in front of goal, Trez, are utterly frustrating.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 03, 2020, 10:10:51 AM

Quote from: paul_e on September 03, 2020, 10:01:52 AM

I'll be very unhappy if there isn't a centre mid in by the end of the window, For me that's the most important signing we need to make.

Like Dacoure you mean? - ooops!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 03, 2020, 10:13:36 AM

When you want him in your team
And you know he's not signing segnore
Scuse a me, he's become a Toffee
That's Doucoure

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 03, 2020, 10:14:15 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 03, 2020, 10:04:51 AM

Winger surely? Luiz, McGinn, Hourihane, Nakamba are all capable in different ways. El Ghazi and everywhere apart from in front of goal, Trez, are utterly frustrating.

A winger is very important but I'm not worried about us signing someone there, centre mid seems to be ignored on too many 'wish list' posts (on here and on social media) and I don't understand why. I'm happy for Hourihane and Nakamba to be rotation options in the squad but if we don't strengthen in midfield I don't think signings anywhere else will have as much impact as they should. We were too easily bullied in midfield last season and that needs to be addressed. Get that right and I think the more attacking players would all benefit and may turn out to be better than they're given credit for so far (Samatta and Trez in particular I think have more to give).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AV82EC on September 03, 2020, 10:19:20 AM

Quote from: paul_e on September 03, 2020, 10:14:15 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 03, 2020, 10:04:51 AM

Winger surely? Luiz, McGinn, Hourihane, Nakamba are all capable in different ways. El Ghazi and everywhere apart from in front of goal, Trez, are utterly frustrating.

A winger is very important but I'm not worried about us signing someone there, centre mid seems to be ignored on too many 'wish list' posts (on here and on social media) and I don't understand why. I'm happy for Hourihane and Nakamba to be rotation options in the squad but if we don't strengthen in midfield I don't think signings anywhere else will have as much impact as they should. We were too easily bullied in midfield last season and that needs to be addressed. Get that right and I think the more attacking players would all benefit and may turn out to be better than they're given credit for so far (Samatta and Trez in particular I think have more to give).

For me it’s not either/or it’s both. I think Watkins covers the wide striker/winger remit perfectly but we do seem to lack some physicality in the middle of the pitch and it needs sorting out.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 03, 2020, 10:21:21 AM

With Cash coming in and rumours of Hause going on loan, I wonder if they're thinking of going 3 at the back? Bring in a stronger CB to play alongside Konsa and Mings, using Targett and Cash as wingbacks, and having a MF 3 of JG, McGinn and Liuz. Then, Watkins and Wilson / Abraham upfront.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 03, 2020, 10:25:43 AM

Quote from: AV82EC on September 03, 2020, 10:19:20 AM

Quote from: paul_e on September 03, 2020, 10:14:15 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 03, 2020, 10:04:51 AM

Winger surely? Luiz, McGinn, Hourihane, Nakamba are all capable in different ways. El Ghazi and everywhere apart from in front of goal, Trez, are utterly frustrating.

A winger is very important but I'm not worried about us signing someone there, centre mid seems to be ignored on too many 'wish list' posts (on here and on social media) and I don't understand why. I'm happy for Hourihane and Nakamba to be rotation options in the squad but if we don't strengthen in midfield I don't think signings anywhere else will have as much impact as they should. We were too easily bullied in midfield last season and that needs to be addressed. Get that right and I think the more attacking players would all benefit and may turn out to be better than they're given credit for so far (Samatta and Trez in particular I think have more to give).

For me it’s not either/or it’s both. I think Watkins covers the wide striker/winger remit perfectly but we do seem to lack some physicality in the middle of the pitch and it needs sorting out.

Absolutely, I was specifically replying to the idea that from here signing Wilson, Watkins and Benrahma would make it a good window, it won't, a midfielder is absolutely necessary.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 03, 2020, 10:34:18 AM

Quote from: paul_e on September 03, 2020, 10:25:43 AM

Quote from: AV82EC on September 03, 2020, 10:19:20 AM

Quote from: paul_e on September 03, 2020, 10:14:15 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 03, 2020, 10:04:51 AM

Winger surely? Luiz, McGinn, Hourihane, Nakamba are all capable in different ways. El Ghazi and everywhere apart from in front of goal, Trez, are utterly frustrating.

A winger is very important but I'm not worried about us signing someone there, centre mid seems to be ignored on too many 'wish list' posts (on here and on social media) and I don't understand why. I'm happy for Hourihane and Nakamba to be rotation options in the squad but if we don't strengthen in midfield I don't think signings anywhere else will have as much impact as they should. We were too easily bullied in midfield last season and that needs to be addressed. Get that right and I think the more attacking players would all benefit and may turn out to be better than they're given credit for so far (Samatta and Trez in particular I think have more to give).

For me it’s not either/or it’s both. I think Watkins covers the wide striker/winger remit perfectly but we do seem to lack some physicality in the middle of the pitch and it needs sorting out.

Absolutely, I was specifically replying to the idea that from here signing Wilson, Watkins and Benrahma would make it a good window, it won't, a midfielder is absolutely necessary.

I agree. I'd said earlier in the window I'd have liked Doucoure from Watford but he's going to Everton.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 03, 2020, 10:35:50 AM

Quote from: Mister E on September 03, 2020, 10:21:21 AM

With Cash coming in and rumours of Hause going on loan, I wonder if they're thinking of going 3 at the back? Bring in a stronger CB to play alongside Konsa and Mings, using Targett and Cash as wingbacks, and having a MF 3 of JG, McGinn and Liuz. Then, Watkins and Wilson / Abraham upfront.

I hope not, 3 at the back is very easy for the opposition to turn into 5 at the back and then leaves huge amount of space for their fullbacks to cross from deep. In fact Hause would, in my opinion, be a requirement if we did that because he's the best header of our defenders. Also i don't think any of our centre backs are suited to the role in the middle of a 3. Konsa could probably adapt to it but I think he's better on the right of a 2.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 03, 2020, 10:40:05 AM

Quote from: Mister E on September 03, 2020, 10:21:21 AM

With Cash coming in and rumours of Hause going on loan, I wonder if they're thinking of going 3 at the back? Bring in a stronger CB to play alongside Konsa and Mings, using Targett and Cash as wingbacks, and having a MF 3 of JG, McGinn and Liuz. Then, Watkins and Wilson / Abraham upfront.

If we were looking to play three at the back we'd Shirley be more likely to keep Hause. For back up, if nothing else.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AllanW on September 03, 2020, 10:50:39 AM

Obligatory discussion of the 25 …

Current squad;

GK; Heaton, Steer, Nyland, Kalinic

CB; Engels, Konsa, Mings, Hause

RB: Elmo, Guilbert

LB; Taylor, Targett

DM; Luiz, Nakamba

CM; Hourihane, McGinn

AM; Grealish, Hourihane, Jota, Lansbury

Wingers; Trez, El Ghazi,

Strikers; Wesley, Samatta, Davis, Vassiliev, Hogan


Defenders; 12

Mid/Wing; 10

Forwards; 5

Total; 27


Additions; Cash RB/RWB now 28 in squad

Sale or loan out options to get to 25;

Hogan, Jota, Lansbury, Elmo, Kalinic, Nyland

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 03, 2020, 10:56:45 AM

Don't think Vassilev would need to be named in the squad as he's 19. Isn't the rule that U21s don't count in your total?

Also, I'd forgotten Hogan existed. I think I prefer it that way.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on September 03, 2020, 11:04:53 AM

I would argue that Central Midfield is our strongest position, with Douglas, McGinn and Grealish there. Really looking for depth, rather than starters there.

Winger and Centre-Forward look our weakest areas.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AllanW on September 03, 2020, 11:09:26 AM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 03, 2020, 10:56:45 AM

Don't think Vassilev would need to be named in the squad as he's 19. Isn't the rule that U21s don't count in your total?

You may well be right. Thanks.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 03, 2020, 11:11:00 AM

I'd still like to see a CF, winger/wide attacker, experienced PL quality centre half and a left back to challenge the current pair.  Or to free up Taylor to depart.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Nii Lamptey on September 03, 2020, 11:19:12 AM

Really don't get the clamour to get Cash in, unless they see him as a winger? RB is well served with Guilbert and Elmo imo, and far from our most desperate position on the pitch.

LB is the more troublesome spot for me - Southampton must have been laughing all the way to the bank when we signed Targett off them. Apart from the odd nice bit of attacking play, he's been a massive disappointment and easily the weakest link in our back line. I actually think we look more secure with Taylor in there.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 03, 2020, 11:23:43 AM

Targett has quality on the ball and an extended run in the side (in a less stressful environment if we get a good start) could bring that more to the fore. 

But yes, I'd like to see a pacy, physical left back come in as well.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dick Edwards on September 03, 2020, 11:44:49 AM

If we're spending that much on a position us fans don't consider a priority we must be splashing the cash again this summer. There's no way the management staff at Villa don't know we need striking reinforcements as well.

In Villa we trust.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on September 03, 2020, 11:47:35 AM

Cash sounds a great player and superb prospect for us

unfortunately for me Guilbert is one of my favourite players in the team so I don’t know how it will all work out in the end  but you can’t have to many good players can you

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ktvillan on September 03, 2020, 11:49:17 AM

Agree that LB should have been more of a priority than RB.  Targett's been poor at defending and Taylor isn't particularly soild either, and can't attack to save his life.  Also agree we could with a strong, powerful central midfielder, I don't reckon Nakamba is up to it but I suppose he may yet improve.   There are four or five areas we need to improve,   I didn't think RB was high on the list or even on the list.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on September 03, 2020, 11:55:05 AM

It is odd that the two positions we are seeing movement and links on (Right back and goalkeeper) are the two positions we have the best strength in depth in. Meanwhile it seems that we are not looking at addressing leftback, wingers and defensive midfield where we have a dearth of talent or at least no links surfacing for those positions. It does seem that we are looking for strikers which is obviously where we are woefully poor in options with two awful players one of which is injured and a promising youngster.

I am hoping that the fact we have signed a player in a position we did not need, means there is oodles of cash to spend on the rest of the team.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ian. on September 03, 2020, 12:04:44 PM

Freddie is ace and would love for him to progress with us as he's going to be very good and I could imagine him being a bit of a cult hero.

I do like the fact, even though this position may not be a priority, however it seems we have seen a player with massive potential and still gone for him, wether we need him or not.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gary Penrice on September 03, 2020, 12:07:32 PM

I'd be more than happy if we could get Watkins,Abraham & Gotze in...that'll do for this week!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john2710 on September 03, 2020, 12:31:11 PM

During the lockdown, the backroom team would have analysed our failings as a team & individual performances up to that point in finite detail. Fans only remember sections of games, often with a bias.

After the restart Guilbert became 3rd choice right back & now we've spent £16m on a new one, that tells me all I need to know.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 03, 2020, 12:35:02 PM

Quote from: john2710 on September 03, 2020, 12:31:11 PM

During the lockdown, the backroom team would have analysed our failings as a team & individual performances up to that point in finite detail. Fans only remember sections of games, often with a bias.

After the restart Guilbert became 3rd choice right back & now we've spent £16m on a new one, that tells me all I need to know.

Just like they did when they bought Samatta and Drinkwater you mean?  Or when they left us hopelessly short up front last season and at the back the season before?

Of course I agree the backroom staff know far more about the team than we do, but experience tells me blind faith is not always rewarded.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Border villan on September 03, 2020, 12:37:20 PM

Showing you age if you remember Blind Faith.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on September 03, 2020, 12:39:40 PM

Quote from: Border villan on September 03, 2020, 12:37:20 PM

Showing you age if you remember Blind Faith.

The support act to False Dawn.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on September 03, 2020, 12:39:47 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 03, 2020, 12:35:02 PM

Quote from: john2710 on September 03, 2020, 12:31:11 PM

During the lockdown, the backroom team would have analysed our failings as a team & individual performances up to that point in finite detail. Fans only remember sections of games, often with a bias.

After the restart Guilbert became 3rd choice right back & now we've spent £16m on a new one, that tells me all I need to know.

Just like they did when they bought Samatta and Drinkwater you mean?  Or when they left us hopelessly short up front last season and at the back the season before?

Of course I agree the backroom staff know far more about the team than we do, but experience tells me blind faith is not always rewarded.

Well, unless you've blagged a gig in our recruitment department, blind faith is all any of us can have.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 03, 2020, 01:04:56 PM

Quote from: john2710 on September 03, 2020, 12:31:11 PM

During the lockdown, the backroom team would have analysed our failings as a team & individual performances up to that point in finite detail. Fans only remember sections of games, often with a bias.

After the restart Guilbert became 3rd choice right back & now we've spent £16m on a new one, that tells me all I need to know.

All it really tells any of us is that he was carrying an injury when training restarted and wasn't available for the first couple of games.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 03, 2020, 01:09:21 PM

Quote from: ktvillan on September 03, 2020, 11:49:17 AM

... we could with a strong, powerful central midfielder, I don't reckon Nakamba is up to it but I suppose he may yet improve...

Loftus-Cheek would fit the bill, perhaps. If someone like him came in, it would probably mean McGinn playing wider right (or JG wider left ...).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave shelley on September 03, 2020, 01:13:31 PM

Quote from: Border villan on September 03, 2020, 12:37:20 PM

Showing you age if you remember Blind Faith.

Quick, name the original line-up.  No Googling!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 03, 2020, 01:22:08 PM

Blindboy, Mr. Chrome then I'm stuck.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Small Rodent on September 03, 2020, 01:24:56 PM

Quote from: dave shelley on September 03, 2020, 01:13:31 PM

Quote from: Border villan on September 03, 2020, 12:37:20 PM

Showing you age if you remember Blind Faith.

Quick, name the original line-up.  No Googling!

Peter Frampton?
jack Bruce?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Percy McCarthy on September 03, 2020, 01:25:38 PM

Quote from: Small Rodent on September 03, 2020, 01:24:56 PM

Quote from: dave shelley on September 03, 2020, 01:13:31 PM

Quote from: Border villan on September 03, 2020, 12:37:20 PM

Showing you age if you remember Blind Faith.

Quick, name the original line-up.  No Googling!

Peter Frampton?
jack Bruce?

Winwood
Clapton
Baker.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on September 03, 2020, 01:27:40 PM

Quote from: Percy McCarthy on September 03, 2020, 01:25:38 PM

Quote from: Small Rodent on September 03, 2020, 01:24:56 PM

Quote from: dave shelley on September 03, 2020, 01:13:31 PM

Quote from: Border villan on September 03, 2020, 12:37:20 PM

Showing you age if you remember Blind Faith.

Quick, name the original line-up.  No Googling!

Peter Frampton?
jack Bruce?

Winwood
Clapton
Baker.

Ric Grech

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rooboy316 on September 03, 2020, 01:30:45 PM

Quote from: ktvillan on September 03, 2020, 11:49:17 AM

Agree that LB should have been more of a priority than RB.  Targett's been poor at defending and Taylor isn't particularly soild either, and can't attack to save his life.  Also agree we could with a strong, powerful central midfielder, I don't reckon Nakamba is up to it but I suppose he may yet improve.   There are four or five areas we need to improve,   I didn't think RB was high on the list or even on the list.

I love AEM’s contribution since he’s joined us. Solid, dependable, no fuss, unlike many recent signings. I fear though, that he’s on the wane and has a limited future at the top level. He’s good as a sub, or for an occasional start, and will attract interest from lower division clubs... unlike much of our deadwood who no one else wants either.

I think part of the challenge of shaping this squad is that it's almost impossible to move some of them on. As a result, we may look to sell some decent players (e.g. Hause), in order to upgrade those positions.

I wouldn’t have picked RB as an immediate transfer priority either, but signing Cash makes a lot of sense for the long term plan. I think it’ll be good for Guilbert’s development too. At times, he will need the heat taken off him, and I’d much rather a Cash/Guilbert combo than AEM as a back up. Cash can also challenge for the wing spot, which definitely is a transfer priority.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: FatSam on September 03, 2020, 01:42:13 PM

We’re supposedly interested in Diangana according to Rob Dorsett:

#avfc and #fulham could yet scupper #wba deal for Grady Diangana. #whufc have accepted a £12m offer rising to a possible £18m from Albion, but Villa and Fulham are in talks to also try to reach agreement. It would then be Diangana’s choice, as he discusses personal terms.

https://twitter.com/robdorsettsky/status/1301494865801379842?s=21

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Footy-Vill on September 03, 2020, 01:42:19 PM

Craig Shakespeare is like a new signing too don't forget.
I can see him helping with Prem know how and provide alternative football path in matches in game theory go add go the philosophy of Smith.
Obviously hope it doesn't confuse the players but Shakey could get the players being more robust this season.
As he said he's another pair of eyes and ears.
Probably a fushion of sorts in styles.
Quality move to have him help coach the squad

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on September 03, 2020, 01:50:35 PM

Quote from: Small Rodent on September 03, 2020, 01:24:56 PM

Quote from: dave shelley on September 03, 2020, 01:13:31 PM

Quote from: Border villan on September 03, 2020, 12:37:20 PM

Showing you age if you remember Blind Faith.

Quick, name the original line-up.  No Googling!

Peter Frampton?
jack Bruce?

Frampton wasn't with them was he?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Percy McCarthy on September 03, 2020, 01:52:39 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 03, 2020, 01:27:40 PM

Quote from: Percy McCarthy on September 03, 2020, 01:25:38 PM

Quote from: Small Rodent on September 03, 2020, 01:24:56 PM

Quote from: dave shelley on September 03, 2020, 01:13:31 PM

Quote from: Border villan on September 03, 2020, 12:37:20 PM

Showing you age if you remember Blind Faith.

Quick, name the original line-up.  No Googling!

Peter Frampton?
jack Bruce?

Winwood
Clapton
Baker.

Ric Grech

I thought there must be a bass player. (He was a bass player I assume?)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Footy-Vill on September 03, 2020, 02:02:17 PM

Quote from: FatSam on September 03, 2020, 01:42:13 PM

We’re supposedly interested in Diangana according to Rob Dorsett:

#avfc and #fulham could yet scupper #wba deal for Grady Diangana. #whufc have accepted a £12m offer rising to a possible £18m from Albion, but Villa and Fulham are in talks to also try to reach agreement. It would then be Diangana’s choice, as he discusses personal terms.

https://twitter.com/robdorsettsky/status/1301494865801379842?s=21

I've observed that this is the Nordic director Lange implemented strategy.
It's very interesting move which personally I don't see as lazy recruitment it actually playing to our strengths.

Sheff Utd Chrissy Wilder you see made statement after feeling  antagonize about 'lazy recruitment' and that Villa are perhaps one of those clubs prowling on other clubs dealings.

Well actually it's a smart money move . And Lange having been at Copenhagen is working on a basis of levels.
Villa are just doing the same. Both have the backing of prestigese which acts as a major incentive to footballers
Players may be interested in moving and Lange let's  other lesser named clubs do the ground work, then the more attractive proposition, which is us Villa, swoop and the player swooned
Swoop and Swoon is what I call it .
Great tactics.

Aston Villas prestige and financial outmuscles  so called rivals like WBA , Fulham , Leeds, Brighton ,West Ham and Newcastle.

Well I see a developed theory and pattern for the Nordic Lange to make sure we at least are making noises if not signing players who, like Ramsdale and Cash, are capable in abilities to play at the higher level to where they currently are.

His transfer strategy is a fascinating watch.

Dean Smith knows exactly how to sell the villa dream.
I be convinced that he could even sway Messi to come in but that's the point.

Other clubs will be interested.
But if I say hypothesis that last season Messi only had a choice of clubs in Scandinavia to move one could surmise that Lange would swoop for him.
Messi swooned by Copenhagen prestige you see.

So once villa rise up the league , well the  unfortunate phrase of bully boy tactics in operation, our club will only be more savage in taking the best players and Lange will have us signing only the up and coming best as we will be the club everyone wants to play for.

Already doing that at under 20 / academy level.

It's rather cut and thrust this 'sport' called football and with the money and business  mixed in the time to be ruthless is now.

Up the.Villa

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 03, 2020, 02:06:05 PM

Quote from: FatSam on September 03, 2020, 01:42:13 PM

We’re supposedly interested in Diangana according to Rob Dorsett:

#avfc and #fulham could yet scupper #wba deal for Grady Diangana. #whufc have accepted a £12m offer rising to a possible £18m from Albion, but Villa and Fulham are in talks to also try to reach agreement. It would then be Diangana’s choice, as he discusses personal terms.

https://twitter.com/robdorsettsky/status/1301494865801379842?s=21

Is he any good? Never seen him play. Obviously it would be very funny to nick him from the Albion but would he be of use?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: p_ad on September 03, 2020, 02:06:31 PM

Swoop and swoon, love it

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Footy-Vill on September 03, 2020, 02:15:26 PM

Quote from: p_ad on September 03, 2020, 02:06:31 PM

Swoop and swoon, love it

Thank you . It's based on the enchancing our survival theory
Or developing / protecting the brand for premier league football.
However one sees it !

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: frank black on September 03, 2020, 02:17:41 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 03, 2020, 02:06:05 PM

Quote from: FatSam on September 03, 2020, 01:42:13 PM

We’re supposedly interested in Diangana according to Rob Dorsett:

#avfc and #fulham could yet scupper #wba deal for Grady Diangana. #whufc have accepted a £12m offer rising to a possible £18m from Albion, but Villa and Fulham are in talks to also try to reach agreement. It would then be Diangana’s choice, as he discusses personal terms.

https://twitter.com/robdorsettsky/status/1301494865801379842?s=21

Is he any good? Never seen him play. Obviously it would be very funny to nick him from the Albion but would he be of use?

Supposed to have been good for the baggies and they are desperate to sign him. Which is reason enough for us to have a dabble. 😂
Question would be if he’s that good why are West Ham looking to sell him to fund their Benrahma bid?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Footy-Vill on September 03, 2020, 02:24:54 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 03, 2020, 02:06:05 PM

Quote from: FatSam on September 03, 2020, 01:42:13 PM

We’re supposedly interested in Diangana according to Rob Dorsett:

#avfc and #fulham could yet scupper #wba deal for Grady Diangana. #whufc have accepted a £12m offer rising to a possible £18m from Albion, but Villa and Fulham are in talks to also try to reach agreement. It would then be Diangana’s choice, as he discusses personal terms.

https://twitter.com/robdorsettsky/status/1301494865801379842?s=21

Is he any good? Never seen him play. Obviously it would be very funny to nick him from the Albion but would he be of use?

Well I not much time for that sky sports news Dorset fellow or 'weathercock* Rob' as I call him. Though by no means is he one and only to change his accuracy of confirmation to the contrary with the heralded phrase "news just in"   

* Credit comedian Stewart Lee for use of architectural ornament though I feel weathervane is far less crude a term

But on Diangana skill ful wide player .
Definitely too good at championship level not the most robust but after Pereira he was WBA best player for me. From what I saw.
Capable of scoring and taking on players but I don't really see or what him at Villa.
Not sure how much use he is for this squad and how effective at a higher level he is.
But better than championship level and young and skilfull enough will only improve given right fit and club.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave shelley on September 03, 2020, 02:25:07 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 03, 2020, 01:27:40 PM

Quote from: Percy McCarthy on September 03, 2020, 01:25:38 PM

Quote from: Small Rodent on September 03, 2020, 01:24:56 PM

Quote from: dave shelley on September 03, 2020, 01:13:31 PM

Quote from: Border villan on September 03, 2020, 12:37:20 PM

Showing you age if you remember Blind Faith.

Quick, name the original line-up.  No Googling!

Peter Frampton?
jack Bruce?

Winwood
Clapton
Baker.

Ric Grech

All correct.  Fabulous band, short lived.  That is Winwood, Clapton, Baker and Grech.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on September 03, 2020, 02:44:06 PM

Quote from: Mister E on September 03, 2020, 10:21:21 AM

With Cash coming in and rumours of Hause going on loan, I wonder if they're thinking of going 3 at the back? Bring in a stronger CB to play alongside Konsa and Mings, using Targett and Cash as wingbacks, and having a MF 3 of JG, McGinn and Liuz. Then, Watkins and Wilson / Abraham upfront.

Sincerely hope we don't try that again. Mings was absolutely hopeless as the middle of the three centre backs. So unless we can find a sweeper type and push Mings left then I think we should stick with 4.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 03, 2020, 02:46:09 PM

Quote from: dave shelley on September 03, 2020, 02:25:07 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 03, 2020, 01:27:40 PM

Quote from: Percy McCarthy on September 03, 2020, 01:25:38 PM

Quote from: dave shelley on September 03, 2020, 01:13:31 PM

Quote from: Border villan on September 03, 2020, 12:37:20 PM

Showing you age if you remember Blind Faith.

Quick, name the original line-up.  No Googling!

Winwood
Clapton
Baker.

Ric Greece

All correct.  Fabulous band, short lived.  That is Winwood, Clapton, Baker and Grech.

Never heard of them (bit before my time) or knew they were a follow-on from Cream. As always H&V is a fount of information.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 03, 2020, 02:55:52 PM

Diangana looks the sort of player you would like in the squad, young, pacey, skillful winger that can cause problems. Think it is likely to be Albion leaked paper talk to make them look better when they sign him and they can say the beat us to him though. It is an old school Tesco bag trick.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: DB on September 03, 2020, 02:57:25 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on September 03, 2020, 02:46:09 PM

Quote from: dave shelley on September 03, 2020, 02:25:07 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 03, 2020, 01:27:40 PM

Quote from: Percy McCarthy on September 03, 2020, 01:25:38 PM

Quote from: dave shelley on September 03, 2020, 01:13:31 PM

Quote from: Border villan on September 03, 2020, 12:37:20 PM

Showing you age if you remember Blind Faith.

Quick, name the original line-up.  No Googling!

Winwood
Clapton
Baker.

Ric Greece

All correct.  Fabulous band, short lived.  That is Winwood, Clapton, Baker and Grech.

Never heard of them (bit before my time) or knew they were a follow-on from Cream. As always H&V is a fount of information.

Winwood tried to join Blind Faith earlier but they wouldn’t let him leave his other band, whenever anyone asked him why that was he just said “I am stuck in Traffic”.
One for the Jokes thread...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on September 03, 2020, 03:02:53 PM

WTF. Am I on oldhippiesreunited.com? ;)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on September 03, 2020, 03:16:26 PM

Ginger Baker  now they don't make em like that anymore

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 03, 2020, 03:32:36 PM

Quote from: john2710 on September 03, 2020, 12:31:11 PM

During the lockdown, the backroom team would have analysed our failings as a team & individual performances up to that point in finite detail. Fans only remember sections of games, often with a bias.

After the restart Guilbert became 3rd choice right back & now we've spent £16m on a new one, that tells me all I need to know.

Wasn't he injured around that time? He came on v Arsenal and did fine and was steady in the West Ham game when we needed a disciplined performance so wouldn't write him off just yet.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Astonite on September 03, 2020, 03:34:23 PM

Diangana is one of the few saleable assets that WHU have. Many of their fans want to keep him. The owners want Benrahmi and that is the only way they can fund it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 03, 2020, 03:39:07 PM

Ahemmm, Re Diangana, I'd draw your attention to this:

Quote from: Mister E on September 02, 2020, 07:15:43 PM

Perhaps we should 'up' the bidding for Diangana, just to wind up the Bitters.
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/sep/02/west-brom-bid-grady-diangana-west-ham-transfer-news

I know it's bad form to quote oneself, but I couldn't resist    :-)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 03, 2020, 03:56:58 PM

I just want one big signing that gives me that warm feeling, that glow, a tickle in my sack. Everton fans must be besides themselves right now and they ended the season not that much better than us. Just give me something that is really exciting this summer. Cash, Watkins, Benrahma all nice and would make us better. But I want one signing that convinces Jack Villa is where needs to be.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Richard E on September 03, 2020, 04:00:14 PM

Has James Rodriguez ever done anything other than that one cracking goal in the World Cup, over 6 years ago?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on September 03, 2020, 04:00:55 PM

Quote from: Richard E on September 03, 2020, 04:00:14 PM

Has James Rodriguez ever done anything other than that one cracking goal in the World Cup, over 6 years ago?

He's made us fundamentally rethink how we pronounce 'James'.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 03, 2020, 04:05:04 PM

Quote from: Richard E on September 03, 2020, 04:00:14 PM

Has James Rodriguez ever done anything other than that one cracking goal in the World Cup, over 6 years ago?

He's done a great job of looking light-weight in leagues that are less physical than the premier league. I still think he's an incredible talent but I'm not sure he's suited for the premier league. Still a bit jealous though because I'd love us to sign a player or 2 from that level.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Richard E on September 03, 2020, 04:05:58 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 03, 2020, 04:00:55 PM

Quote from: Richard E on September 03, 2020, 04:00:14 PM

Has James Rodriguez ever done anything other than that one cracking goal in the World Cup, over 6 years ago?

He's made us fundamentally rethink how we pronounce 'James'.

And we should be grateful to him for that, but it's still a lot of money.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 03, 2020, 04:15:56 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 03, 2020, 04:00:55 PM

Quote from: Richard E on September 03, 2020, 04:00:14 PM

Has James Rodriguez ever done anything other than that one cracking goal in the World Cup, over 6 years ago?

He's made us fundamentally rethink how we pronounce 'James'.

We need to talk about Ham-ez.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 03, 2020, 04:17:22 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 03, 2020, 03:56:58 PM

I just want one big signing that gives me that warm feeling, that glow, a tickle in my sack. Everton fans must be besides themselves right now and they ended the season not that much better than us. Just give me something that is really exciting this summer. Cash, Watkins, Benrahma all nice and would make us better. But I want one signing that convinces Jack Villa is where needs to be.

Kinda where I'm at too. Make a real statement. Going by the McGinn quotes I think Edens wants to.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Duncan Shaw on September 03, 2020, 04:19:39 PM

*** Coughs *** Could've been Ibra ***Coughs****

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: placeforparks on September 03, 2020, 04:24:52 PM

new link is niclas eliasson from bristol city.

24 year old swedish winger. last year of contract.

has all the hallmarks of a johan lange signing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 03, 2020, 05:07:22 PM

Brizzle hate us and would overcharge like with Kodjia.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on September 03, 2020, 05:24:37 PM

Quote from: frank black on September 03, 2020, 02:17:41 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 03, 2020, 02:06:05 PM

Quote from: FatSam on September 03, 2020, 01:42:13 PM

We’re supposedly interested in Diangana according to Rob Dorsett:

#avfc and #fulham could yet scupper #wba deal for Grady Diangana. #whufc have accepted a £12m offer rising to a possible £18m from Albion, but Villa and Fulham are in talks to also try to reach agreement. It would then be Diangana’s choice, as he discusses personal terms.

https://twitter.com/robdorsettsky/status/1301494865801379842?s=21

Is he any good? Never seen him play. Obviously it would be very funny to nick him from the Albion but would he be of use?

Supposed to have been good for the baggies and they are desperate to sign him. Which is reason enough for us to have a dabble. 😂
Question would be if he’s that good why are West Ham looking to sell him to fund their Benrahma bid?

West Ham appear to be in all sorts of trouble. Hammers fans not happy about selling him when they're full of overpriced, useless and worthless midfielders to get rid of - with one exception, Rice who they may have to sell. Right now they'll sell anybody to avoid that and bring in a couple of signings. Diangana is a left winger (can't play on the right, Monty) and Albion got the best out of him. If we want a left winger, at £12m + add ons, he looks a steal.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Chris_Jephcott on September 03, 2020, 05:36:36 PM

Twittersphere claiming we’ve agreed £24 million for Watkins.

It is Twitter, so it’s probably not correct. But worth mentioning just in case.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on September 03, 2020, 05:38:22 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on September 03, 2020, 05:24:37 PM

Quote from: frank black on September 03, 2020, 02:17:41 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 03, 2020, 02:06:05 PM

Quote from: FatSam on September 03, 2020, 01:42:13 PM

We’re supposedly interested in Diangana according to Rob Dorsett:

#avfc and #fulham could yet scupper #wba deal for Grady Diangana. #whufc have accepted a £12m offer rising to a possible £18m from Albion, but Villa and Fulham are in talks to also try to reach agreement. It would then be Diangana’s choice, as he discusses personal terms.

https://twitter.com/robdorsettsky/status/1301494865801379842?s=21

Is he any good? Never seen him play. Obviously it would be very funny to nick him from the Albion but would he be of use?

Supposed to have been good for the baggies and they are desperate to sign him. Which is reason enough for us to have a dabble. 😂
Question would be if he’s that good why are West Ham looking to sell him to fund their Benrahma bid?

West Ham appear to be in all sorts of trouble. Hammers fans not happy about selling him when they're full of overpriced, useless and worthless midfielders to get rid of - with one exception, Rice who they may have to sell. Right now they'll sell anybody to avoid that and bring in a couple of signings. Diangana is a left winger (can't play on the right, Monty) and Albion got the best out of him. If we want a left winger, at £12m + add ons, he looks a steal.

Play him on the god damn right, he's left footed, get him shooting.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on September 03, 2020, 05:40:51 PM

A lot of the noises coming out of Villa suggest we are eventually going to be challenging for the big time again, according to the owners.

I hope so but some of our alleged targets do sound a bit small time.

We are either being very clever......... or it's going to be another long, hard season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on September 03, 2020, 05:41:45 PM

Quote from: Monty on September 03, 2020, 05:38:22 PM

Play him on the god damn right, he's left footed, get him shooting.

Whatever you say Mr O'Neill, McLeish, Lambert, Bruce, Monty. ;)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on September 03, 2020, 05:41:52 PM

Quote from: Monty on September 03, 2020, 05:38:22 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on September 03, 2020, 05:24:37 PM

Quote from: frank black on September 03, 2020, 02:17:41 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 03, 2020, 02:06:05 PM

Quote from: FatSam on September 03, 2020, 01:42:13 PM

We’re supposedly interested in Diangana according to Rob Dorsett:

#avfc and #fulham could yet scupper #wba deal for Grady Diangana. #whufc have accepted a £12m offer rising to a possible £18m from Albion, but Villa and Fulham are in talks to also try to reach agreement. It would then be Diangana’s choice, as he discusses personal terms.

https://twitter.com/robdorsettsky/status/1301494865801379842?s=21

Is he any good? Never seen him play. Obviously it would be very funny to nick him from the Albion but would he be of use?

Supposed to have been good for the baggies and they are desperate to sign him. Which is reason enough for us to have a dabble. 😂
Question would be if he’s that good why are West Ham looking to sell him to fund their Benrahma bid?

West Ham appear to be in all sorts of trouble. Hammers fans not happy about selling him when they're full of overpriced, useless and worthless midfielders to get rid of - with one exception, Rice who they may have to sell. Right now they'll sell anybody to avoid that and bring in a couple of signings. Diangana is a left winger (can't play on the right, Monty) and Albion got the best out of him. If we want a left winger, at £12m + add ons, he looks a steal.

Play him on the god damn right, he's left footed, get him shooting.

Maybe that's the plan with Cash, or Guilbert, switch one of them to cut in from the left ...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 03, 2020, 05:42:31 PM

Is he better than El Ghazi?  I don't mind admitting I thought signing him was a good deal and that he'd be fine in the PL.  Whilst I still think he's ok, I'm hoping for a very big upgrade.  Is Diagana that? 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 03, 2020, 05:45:10 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 03, 2020, 05:07:22 PM

Brizzle hate us and would overcharge like with Kodjia.

To be honest I think we got decent value from the Kodj overall.  I think that bad injury did for him, but before then he was good for us.  I don't think of his time with us as a waste, unlike lots of signings in recent years.  *Looking at you Messrs Hogan and McCormack*

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on September 03, 2020, 05:46:17 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on September 03, 2020, 05:41:45 PM

Quote from: Monty on September 03, 2020, 05:38:22 PM

Play him on the god damn right, he's left footed, get him shooting.

Whatever you say Mr O'Neill, McLeish, Lambert, Bruce, Monty. ;)

Ahem, it's Pep, if you  don't mind. Mascherano at centre back? That's a great idea.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 03, 2020, 05:57:24 PM

Aye,  Kodj was part of the first Villa team I actually started enjoying to watch again (ish) for what felt like years.

Actually looking forward to home matches again.

I know Bruce takes pelters for plenty of things (a lot of it deserved). But he gave us that at least.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on September 03, 2020, 06:04:05 PM

Not seen it mentioned but does anybody know the impact of the collapsed $700m broadcast deal in Asia. The Chinese company failed on the initial $160m down payment and now the PL have no deal in the region.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 03, 2020, 06:05:00 PM

Quote from: placeforparks on September 03, 2020, 04:24:52 PM

new link is niclas eliasson from bristol city.

24 year old swedish winger. last year of contract.

has all the hallmarks of a johan lange signing.

Lansbury, Jota, Hogan, Nyland, Kalinic ... common Brizzle, you know at least two of these guys will do you fine!!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on September 03, 2020, 06:05:18 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 03, 2020, 04:00:55 PM

Quote from: Richard E on September 03, 2020, 04:00:14 PM

Has James Rodriguez ever done anything other than that one cracking goal in the World Cup, over 6 years ago?

He's made us fundamentally rethink how we pronounce 'James'.

I think the Goodness Gracious Me sketch 'Going For An English' made us fundamentally rethink how we pronounce 'James'  ;)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Stu on September 03, 2020, 06:07:14 PM

John Percy just tweeted that Diangana is off to albion.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 03, 2020, 06:13:10 PM

Jesus. If we let Benrahma go for £20 million to West Ham and then buy a bloke from the Bristol City bench then I am really not sure what the plan is. The defence of the sluggish summer is all well and good, but if the owners really want to move us on, then 2-3 big signings to help keep the likes of Jack and McGinn are needed. Trolloping about after a guy from the bench of Brizzle is about as inspiring as Mark Kinsella and Ovyind Leonhardson.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on September 03, 2020, 06:22:23 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on September 03, 2020, 05:57:24 PM

Aye,  Kodj was part of the first Villa team I actually started enjoying to watch again (ish) for what felt like years.

Actually looking forward to home matches again.

I know Bruce takes pelters for plenty of things (a lot of it deserved). But he gave us that at least.


[/quote


Di Matteo signed him 🤔

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on September 03, 2020, 06:34:50 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 03, 2020, 06:13:10 PM

Jesus. If we let Benrahma go for £20 million to West Ham and then buy a bloke from the Bristol City bench then I am really not sure what the plan is. The defence of the sluggish summer is all well and good, but if the owners really want to move us on, then 2-3 big signings to help keep the likes of Jack and McGinn are needed. Trolloping about after a guy from the bench of Brizzle is about as inspiring as Mark Kinsella and Ovyind Leonhardson.

The Bristol sub is surely a joke link.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Chris_Jephcott on September 03, 2020, 06:37:02 PM

I’d just offer Brentford £50 million for both Benrahma and Watkins. Don’t care about the split on it...

I genuinely believe these are two players who would significantly advance us forwards.

If West Ham get Benrahma, he’ll be this Summer’s Maupay.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 03, 2020, 06:37:28 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 03, 2020, 06:13:10 PM

Trolloping about after a guy from the bench of Brizzle is about as inspiring as Mark Kinsella and Ovyind Leonhardson.

I agree - it doesn't have the hype of the De La Cruz signing about it

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WALTERS WARRIORS on September 03, 2020, 06:38:11 PM

Quote from: Chris_Jephcott on September 03, 2020, 05:36:36 PM

Twittersphere claiming we’ve agreed £24 million for Watkins.

It is Twitter, so it’s probably not correct. But worth mentioning just in case.

I am not an ITK but someone i trust has said ollie watkins deal is done. skybet 1-5 on

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aev on September 03, 2020, 06:42:00 PM

Rashica still to move clubs.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Chris_Jephcott on September 03, 2020, 06:42:59 PM

That’s what I’m led to believe too.

Now Benrahma please!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 03, 2020, 06:46:50 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 03, 2020, 06:13:10 PM

Jesus. If we let Benrahma go for £20 million to West Ham and then buy a bloke from the Bristol City bench then I am really not sure what the plan is. The defence of the sluggish summer is all well and good, but if the owners really want to move us on, then 2-3 big signings to help keep the likes of Jack and McGinn are needed. Trolloping about after a guy from the bench of Brizzle is about as inspiring as Mark Kinsella and Ovyind Leonhardson.

The Brizzle guy looks like an attempted moneyball/sabremetrics signing, in that his stats are very good considering he doesn't play very much, and he looks like he could be undervalued.  Hopefully it's bollocks though, as we tried the "can't get into a Championship team" bargain approach with Jota and that Baston bloke, and they are/were crap.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 03, 2020, 06:47:16 PM

Quote from: Chris_Jephcott on September 03, 2020, 06:37:02 PM

If West Ham get Benrahma, he’ll be this Summer’s Maupay.

Can live with that. Maupay had a half decent season but he didn't rip it up to the degree that I feel he's one we rue not signing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 03, 2020, 06:47:26 PM

I do not get the fannying about with Benrahma. Hes quality, pay the money and get him in.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Chris_Jephcott on September 03, 2020, 06:49:54 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 03, 2020, 06:47:26 PM

I do not get the fannying about with Benrahma. Hes quality, pay the money and get him in.

Exactly what I think too. Just pay the bloody money, we have it...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 03, 2020, 06:55:18 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 03, 2020, 06:47:16 PM

Quote from: Chris_Jephcott on September 03, 2020, 06:37:02 PM

If West Ham get Benrahma, he’ll be this Summer’s Maupay.

Can live with that. Maupay had a half decent season but he didn't rip it up to the degree that I feel he's one we rue not signing.

I think he looked great against us, and looks equally at home up front and in the wider attacking positions.  Would love to see him play with somebody like Jack.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: berneboy on September 03, 2020, 06:57:22 PM

Well, it's not our money!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: manic-road on September 03, 2020, 07:15:22 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 03, 2020, 06:47:26 PM

I do not get the fannying about with Benrahma. Hes quality, pay the money and get him in.

We are not privy to what is going on behind the scenes and who our No1. target is for a wide player. Fannying around? Perhaps his agent is hawking him around for the highest wages or we are maybe after somebody else.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: darren woolley on September 03, 2020, 07:19:44 PM

Hopefully we get another signing in by the weekend.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on September 03, 2020, 07:21:16 PM

And the real controversial one might be that Dean doesn’t actually want him? He’s managed him so he’ll know his character, his abilities & his weaknesses

Who knows....?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 03, 2020, 07:27:30 PM

Quote from: Gareth on September 03, 2020, 07:21:16 PM

And the real controversial one might be that Dean doesn’t actually want him? He’s managed him so he’ll know his character, his abilities & his weaknesses

Who knows....?

This is it. No-one on here gave Matty Cash a thought until it was more or less done and dusted. No-one really knows anything and I think that's a good way to  go about things if we can.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: four fornicholl on September 03, 2020, 07:39:33 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 03, 2020, 07:27:30 PM

Quote from: Gareth on September 03, 2020, 07:21:16 PM

And the real controversial one might be that Dean doesn’t actually want him? He’s managed him so he’ll know his character, his abilities & his weaknesses

Who knows....?

This is it. No-one on here gave Matty Cash a thought until it was more or less done and dusted. No-one really knows anything and I think that's a good way to  go about things if we can.

And,has already been mentioned, signings will not happen in order of priority.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Border villan on September 03, 2020, 07:45:31 PM

Not long ago we were all happy in the way Lange brings on young players and increases their worth for the club. Now all we have is moaning about the possible signing of Eliasson, a player who Lange certainly knows more about than any of us.
If he signs and it goes pear shaped I am happy to eat humble pie buts let’s at least give Lange and Dean a chance.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villafirst on September 03, 2020, 07:51:59 PM

So from Rashica to a Bristol City winger?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on September 03, 2020, 07:54:56 PM

Quote from: Villafirst on September 03, 2020, 07:51:59 PM

So from Rashica to a Bristol City winger?

No official link to Rashica and Bristol City winger not signed so I would calm down on the assumptions.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 03, 2020, 07:55:44 PM

99% of the transfer window is assumptions - don't be such a misery :)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 03, 2020, 08:34:38 PM

Nothing annoys me more on a message board than people telling others to calm down for typing an opinion on a website. I'm perfectly calm, having a snooze with my dog on the sofa. I do however reserve the right to think that if Smith wanted Benrahma last summer, and in January, he's likely to still want him. Certainly more than a random from Bristol City.

Last summer Newcastle pulled off Saint Maximan for under £20 million and he was brilliant. I sincerely hope our scouts have something up their sleeves, but links to a late bit for the lad going to West Brom, buying a right back when we have 2 etc, don't make it look like there is a coherent plan right now.

I really hope all is fine, we get quality forward players on board and we have a solid season. Right now if I was Grealish for example, I would not be thinking "wow we mean business, where is that new contract".

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WALTERS WARRIORS on September 03, 2020, 08:50:37 PM

I am hoping Lange and Mckenzie have players lined up and are negotiating deals behind the media eye. This is what they do and the reason they were brought in .......

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 03, 2020, 08:51:27 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 03, 2020, 08:34:38 PM

Nothing annoys me more on a message board than people telling others to calm down for typing an opinion on a website. I'm perfectly calm, having a snooze with my dog on the sofa. I do however reserve the right to think that if Smith wanted Benrahma last summer, and in January, he's likely to still want him. Certainly more than a random from Bristol City.

Last summer Newcastle pulled off Saint Maximan for under £20 million and he was brilliant. I sincerely hope our scouts have something up their sleeves, but links to a late bit for the lad going to West Brom, buying a right back when we have 2 etc, don't make it look like there is a coherent plan right now.

I really hope all is fine, we get quality forward players on board and we have a solid season. Right now if I was Grealish for example, I would not be thinking "wow we mean business, where is that new contract".

But you seem to think links are true. You don't know for sure we were even in for that lad who has gone to albion. You've read it a couple of hours ago and are now basing it on fact that we have left it late and accuse the club of seemingly not having a coherent plan. That's probably why some posters are saying to people calm down. Then again, if you want to believe everything you read, then that's up to you.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ROBBO on September 03, 2020, 09:34:49 PM

It could just be that Villa are cashed up, clubs know it and are asking over and above what Villa are prepared to pay. How many players do we still have on the books that have not given us a return?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AllanW on September 03, 2020, 09:42:08 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 03, 2020, 08:51:27 PM

Then again, if you want to believe everything you read, then that's up to you.

... but we then get to point and laugh. I don't want people to stop posting when they are wetting their pants, worrying themselves sick or getting frantic abput the latest 'links'. I'm all 'For' them advertising it so I can judge whether to read anything they write :)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on September 03, 2020, 09:54:37 PM

Announce Anyone!  ;)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 03, 2020, 09:57:22 PM

But it's not, it's commenting on the latest news updates or links that are out forward by the press. It's not wetting themselves, it's having a discussion about players on a villa site to pass a bit of time. If no one discussed the links, or players linked with, it would be boring as hell, it's kind of the point of having a gossip, speculation and utter bollocks thread. As I said in my first post about the kids going to Albion, it's most likely them making up the story to look better when they buy him.

However, you can't deny that since promotion short of Luiz, our transfer business has been anything but underwhelming, mostly mid table Championship or tier 2 league players, and most appear to be second or 3rd choice in their position from the ones we really wanted. Last summer it was a necessary evil, the squad was way too thin and we had to pad it out. This summer IF we end up with a Bristol City sub as anything more than a squad punt, things won't be on the right track.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave17 on September 03, 2020, 09:57:45 PM

Athletic and a few others carrying the Romero story. Paying 8m (according to reports) for a 33 year old who is surplus to requirements and has barely played (plus is reportedly on 100k pw) would be a little disappointing

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 03, 2020, 10:13:22 PM

33 isn't old for a keeper. 5-7 years left, depending on how he looks after himself. Spent a lot of time as Argentina's no1 and my Yanited mate loves him. £8m is nowt.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 03, 2020, 10:16:22 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 03, 2020, 09:57:22 PM

But it's not, it's commenting on the latest news updates or links that are out forward by the press. It's not wetting themselves, it's having a discussion about players on a villa site to pass a bit of time. If no one discussed the links, or players linked with, it would be boring as hell, it's kind of the point of having a gossip, speculation and utter bollocks thread. As I said in my first post about the kids going to Albion, it's most likely them making up the story to look better when they buy him.

But there's a difference between discussing the links in a 'I'm not sure he would be a good fit or I don't rate him' kind of way to 'we've only just bidded for that albion player, we don't have a coherant plan' kind of way. You're basically taking what you read as gospel and getting cross about it. I don't get it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: exigo on September 03, 2020, 10:34:06 PM

Surely now Brentford have allegedly accepted a Watkins bid equivalent to two Hogans, we can get him half price in exchange for an actual Hogan?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on September 03, 2020, 10:34:28 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 03, 2020, 08:51:27 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 03, 2020, 08:34:38 PM

Nothing annoys me more on a message board than people telling others to calm down for typing an opinion on a website. I'm perfectly calm, having a snooze with my dog on the sofa. I do however reserve the right to think that if Smith wanted Benrahma last summer, and in January, he's likely to still want him. Certainly more than a random from Bristol City.

Last summer Newcastle pulled off Saint Maximan for under £20 million and he was brilliant. I sincerely hope our scouts have something up their sleeves, but links to a late bit for the lad going to West Brom, buying a right back when we have 2 etc, don't make it look like there is a coherent plan right now.

I really hope all is fine, we get quality forward players on board and we have a solid season. Right now if I was Grealish for example, I would not be thinking "wow we mean business, where is that new contract".

But you seem to think links are true. You don't know for sure we were even in for that lad who has gone to albion. You've read it a couple of hours ago and are now basing it on fact that we have left it late and accuse the club of seemingly not having a coherent plan. That's probably why some posters are saying to people calm down. Then again, if you want to believe everything you read, then that's up to you.

Yeah there's no place for speculation on a thread with speculation in its title.

;-)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 03, 2020, 11:33:18 PM

No fighting in the war room.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 03, 2020, 11:36:25 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 03, 2020, 10:16:22 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 03, 2020, 09:57:22 PM

But it's not, it's commenting on the latest news updates or links that are out forward by the press. It's not wetting themselves, it's having a discussion about players on a villa site to pass a bit of time. If no one discussed the links, or players linked with, it would be boring as hell, it's kind of the point of having a gossip, speculation and utter bollocks thread. As I said in my first post about the kids going to Albion, it's most likely them making up the story to look better when they buy him.

But there's a difference between discussing the links in a 'I'm not sure he would be a good fit or I don't rate him' kind of way to 'we've only just bidded for that albion player, we don't have a coherant plan' kind of way. You're basically taking what you read as gospel and getting cross about it. I don't get it.

Cross? Yes, I am sitting here banging my fists.

Gospel.... Yes, the If in my speculation is the gospel part. But don't let that stop you picking up people for speculating and discussing things on a villa site, with speculation in the title. In the mean time, I'm sure your policing of this thread will continue unabated, to ensure none of that speculation takes place or commenting on those pesky links while the club signs all these players we've signed this summer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Percy McCarthy on September 04, 2020, 12:16:59 AM

It just seems a bit of a waste of time and energy criticising the club for things that probably haven’t happened.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Footy-Vill on September 04, 2020, 12:29:44 AM

Egyptian Mohamed Elneny supposedly to be allowed to leave Arsenal
He's a solid holding deep midfielder player and could be worth a move
I think Nassef Sawiris wouldn't mind at all.
28 year old but if get at say £10m think he's worth a go.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 04, 2020, 01:13:09 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 03, 2020, 09:57:22 PM

But it's not, it's commenting on the latest news updates or links that are out forward by the press. It's not wetting themselves, it's having a discussion about players on a villa site to pass a bit of time. If no one discussed the links, or players linked with, it would be boring as hell, it's kind of the point of having a gossip, speculation and utter bollocks thread.

And it seems to be the only thread you ever post on these days  ;D

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave17 on September 04, 2020, 06:47:40 AM

Quote from: Ads on September 03, 2020, 10:13:22 PM

33 isn't old for a keeper. 5-7 years left, depending on how he looks after himself. Spent a lot of time as Argentina's no1 and my Yanited mate loves him. £8m is nowt.

clearly has a good pedigree but he’s spent his career as number 2 at club level and number one internationally. I’m not sure I agree on the age thing (although I’m 38 and hoping I’m not past a chance of a call up) and the wages also put me off.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on September 04, 2020, 06:48:16 AM

Quote from: Ads on September 03, 2020, 10:13:22 PM

33 isn't old for a keeper. 5-7 years left, depending on how he looks after himself. Spent a lot of time as Argentina's no1 and my Yanited mate loves him. £8m is nowt.

It's not as if keepers have to do a lot of running around and need masses of stamina.

So long as they keep their reactions sharp and can leap about, I don't see a problem.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 04, 2020, 07:28:46 AM

8m for ManU's 3rd choice keeper is mental. Why the hell are we buying their deadwood? So they can afford Grealish?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ldavfc4eva on September 04, 2020, 07:45:58 AM

We do like our United keepers, Sealey,Bosnich,Schmeichel and Heaton (May be some I have forgotten).

Romero has been quality in the past but has been a number two for a good while now, still he has the right pedigree and for £8m seems a decent buy.

We need to shift Nyland and Kalinic though as 5 keepers is ridiculous especially when we need attacking options in.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on September 04, 2020, 07:47:55 AM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 04, 2020, 07:28:46 AM

8m for ManU's 3rd choice keeper is mental. Why the hell are we buying their deadwood? So they can afford Grealish?

He played 18 games last season according to wikipedia.

I've a fair degree of faith in the recruitment team now (far more than with Suso). If the wages fit our structure & they rate him, I'd not be against him coming. It's not the signing i'd hoped for, but he doesn't fill me with dread either.

There's the slight worry that we're spending money in lower priority areas. Hopefully it's just we've identified who we need, have a price, and are now busy spending the spare change on a few potential bargains.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: simboy on September 04, 2020, 07:49:53 AM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 04, 2020, 07:28:46 AM

8m for ManU's 3rd choice keeper is mental. Why the hell are we buying their deadwood? So they can afford Grealish?

Good job the internet wasn't around in 1989 when we bought a washed up Irish bloke with a bit of a reputation for liking a drink from them isn't it? Oh and he had dodgy knees  :)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 04, 2020, 07:55:19 AM

Quote from: algy on September 04, 2020, 07:47:55 AM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 04, 2020, 07:28:46 AM

8m for ManU's 3rd choice keeper is mental. Why the hell are we buying their deadwood? So they can afford Grealish?

He played 18 games last season according to wikipedia.

I've a fair degree of faith in the recruitment team now (far more than with Suso). If the wages fit our structure & they rate him, I'd not be against him coming. It's not the signing i'd hoped for, but he doesn't fill me with dread either.

There's the slight worry that we're spending money in lower priority areas. Hopefully it's just we've identified who we need, have a price, and are now busy spending the spare change on a few potential bargains.

8m is well over the odds.  On a free, yes which is how they got him, but the days of man u having loads of good players in their reserves who can't get a game is long gone. He's managed less than 200 games in 14 years. We'll be bidding 30m for phil jones next

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dick Edwards on September 04, 2020, 08:00:58 AM

Quote from: ldavfc4eva on September 04, 2020, 07:45:58 AM

We do like our United keepers, Sealey,Bosnich,Schmeichel and Heaton (May be some I have forgotten).

Jimmy Rimmer

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 04, 2020, 08:10:21 AM

Quote from: simboy on September 04, 2020, 07:49:53 AM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 04, 2020, 07:28:46 AM

8m for ManU's 3rd choice keeper is mental. Why the hell are we buying their deadwood? So they can afford Grealish?

Good job the internet wasn't around in 1989 when we bought a washed up Irish bloke with a bit of a reputation for liking a drink from them isn't it? Oh and he had dodgy knees  :)

£450,000 for a pisshead who crashes cars when drunk.  Why are we buying their deadwood.  He’s so bad he can’t even get in Ferguson’s (on the dole) mid table dross side.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 04, 2020, 08:16:03 AM

I can't believe anyone is seriously comparing McGrath to Romero. The guy has managed 2 seasons as first choice in Holland 10 years ago, and 1 season in serie a where he was binned for being shit. If he had any sort of top league record then maybe  at 32 he'd be worth going for. As it is, he's Nyland but 4 years older.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kipeye on September 04, 2020, 08:18:58 AM

Quote from: Dick Edwards on September 04, 2020, 08:00:58 AM

Quote from: ldavfc4eva on September 04, 2020, 07:45:58 AM

We do like our United keepers, Sealey,Bosnich,Schmeichel and Heaton (May be some I have forgotten).

Jimmy Rimmer

Best of the lot.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on September 04, 2020, 08:22:06 AM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 04, 2020, 08:16:03 AM

I can't believe anyone is seriously comparing McGrath to Romero. The guy has managed 2 seasons as first choice in Holland 10 years ago, and 1 season in serie a where he was binned for being shit. If he had any sort of top league record then maybe  at 32 he'd be worth going for. As it is, he's Nyland but 4 years older.

People will find comparisons anywhere they can if it fits their agendas
Same thing with stats

I’ve done it myself

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Neil Hawkes on September 04, 2020, 08:32:28 AM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 03, 2020, 05:42:31 PM

Is he better than El Ghazi?  I don't mind admitting I thought signing him was a good deal and that he'd be fine in the PL.  Whilst I still think he's ok, I'm hoping for a very big upgrade.  Is Diagana that? 

I keep thinking "Harry Potter" every time I see his name.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 04, 2020, 08:35:01 AM

Nah if he was 3rd choice at Everton no-one would pay 8m for him based on his record. Doesn't make sense to me. If he's a reserve then why pay that sort of money. If he's 1st choice then god help us. I'm sure players have come out of semi-retirement after 7 years before......... Actually i think even Gabby managed more than 20 games

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 04, 2020, 08:39:34 AM

If the figure is true, it does sound rather a lot for a 33 year old. Mind you, how much did Heaton cost last year?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: maidstonevillain on September 04, 2020, 08:48:47 AM

Quote from: ldavfc4eva on September 04, 2020, 07:45:58 AM

We do like our United keepers, Sealey,Bosnich,Schmeichel and Heaton (May be some I have forgotten).

Rimmer!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 04, 2020, 08:50:06 AM

Quote from: Clampy on September 04, 2020, 08:39:34 AM

If the figure is true, it does sound rather a lot for a 33 year old. Mind you, how much did Heaton cost last year?

About the same I thought - £8m.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 04, 2020, 08:50:59 AM

well its not really the age that the problem. I'd pay 8m for an experienced keeper in his 30's. A guy who's sat on his arse for 7 years, less so.... I caught  a bit of that goldridge prat on youtube a while back and was laughing at the 150m he believed was coming in from the sale of jones. smalling, Romero lingard etc.. I'm beginning to think he's right.....

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on September 04, 2020, 08:56:40 AM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on September 04, 2020, 08:10:21 AM

Quote from: simboy on September 04, 2020, 07:49:53 AM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 04, 2020, 07:28:46 AM

8m for ManU's 3rd choice keeper is mental. Why the hell are we buying their deadwood? So they can afford Grealish?

Good job the internet wasn't around in 1989 when we bought a washed up Irish bloke with a bit of a reputation for liking a drink from them isn't it? Oh and he had dodgy knees  :)

£450,000 for a pisshead who crashes cars when drunk.  Why are we buying their deadwood.  He’s so bad he can’t even get in Ferguson’s (on the dole) mid table dross side.

If you went out and bought 1000 players who were known pissheads with fucked knees who didn't train, how many of them would turn out like he did?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: London Villan on September 04, 2020, 08:58:43 AM

How much did we pay for shay given?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 04, 2020, 09:23:58 AM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 04, 2020, 08:56:40 AM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on September 04, 2020, 08:10:21 AM

Quote from: simboy on September 04, 2020, 07:49:53 AM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 04, 2020, 07:28:46 AM

8m for ManU's 3rd choice keeper is mental. Why the hell are we buying their deadwood? So they can afford Grealish?

Good job the internet wasn't around in 1989 when we bought a washed up Irish bloke with a bit of a reputation for liking a drink from them isn't it? Oh and he had dodgy knees  :)

£450,000 for a pisshead who crashes cars when drunk.  Why are we buying their deadwood.  He’s so bad he can’t even get in Ferguson’s (on the dole) mid table dross side.

If you went out and bought 1000 players who were known pissheads with fucked knees who didn't train, how many of them would turn out like he did?

Indeed.

He was also widely regarded as one of the best centre halves around even prior to his move to us. 

I'm not entirely against the signing of Romero, but he's not exactly in that league.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sid1964 on September 04, 2020, 09:28:06 AM

this is Aston Villa -  a 4 year deal takes him to 37-38 years of age - another we will never get rid of until his contract finishes

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 04, 2020, 09:30:38 AM

So?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithe on September 04, 2020, 09:31:13 AM

Cant say I'm too enthused about buying a new reserve GK, I'd prefer to buy someone who is capable of pushing Heaton down the pecking order.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: richtheholtender on September 04, 2020, 09:33:31 AM

Quote from: maidstonevillain on September 04, 2020, 08:48:47 AM

Quote from: ldavfc4eva on September 04, 2020, 07:45:58 AM

We do like our United keepers, Sealey,Bosnich,Schmeichel and Heaton (May be some I have forgotten).

Rimmer!

Not quite Rimmer but Johnstone

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Border villan on September 04, 2020, 09:33:46 AM

Some commenters on here could give Dignitas a run for their money. Come on cheer up, we follow the greatest team in the world.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sid1964 on September 04, 2020, 09:34:59 AM

i thought that the policy of the club was to buy younger players who potentially had a sell on value - maybe the policy has changed??

According to Sky last night no bid has been made for Romero

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 04, 2020, 09:35:10 AM

£8m these days is fuck all. They've clearly identified that they need an experienced and capable keeper, there aren't that many available unless you want to spend a lot more, and the development of Dean Henderson has left Yanited with 3 quality keepers.

It all makes sense to me, I can't see what all the griping is about.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 04, 2020, 09:44:47 AM

Quote from: AllanW on September 03, 2020, 09:42:08 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 03, 2020, 08:51:27 PM

Then again, if you want to believe everything you read, then that's up to you.

... but we then get to point and laugh. I don't want people to stop posting when they are wetting their pants, worrying themselves sick or getting frantic abput the latest 'links'. I'm all 'For' them advertising it so I can judge whether to read anything they write :)

What an idiotic comment.  Were you happy when we signed Baston and Drinkwater when we were desperate for quality up front?  Were you happy we started the season with an unttested 22 year old Brazilian as our only realistic forward option?  What about when we started the season with no defenders and Bruce had to ruin James Chesters career?  Were you laughing at the 'pant wetters then'?  Must have been fucking hilarious for you as you sat there smuggly thinking how stupid they looked?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 04, 2020, 09:45:59 AM

Quote from: LeeB on September 04, 2020, 09:35:10 AM

£8m these days is fuck all. They've clearly identified that they need an experienced and capable keeper, there aren't that many available unless you want to spend a lot more, and the development of Dean Henderson has left Yanited with 3 quality keepers.

It all makes sense to me, I can't see what all the griping is about.

He's not experienced though is he? He's spent 7 years doing sod all, and apparently we're buying him for 8m on the back of him doing ok against the dross Man U played in the Europa league and League Cup

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 04, 2020, 09:49:00 AM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 04, 2020, 09:44:47 AM

Quote from: AllanW on September 03, 2020, 09:42:08 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 03, 2020, 08:51:27 PM

Then again, if you want to believe everything you read, then that's up to you.

... but we then get to point and laugh. I don't want people to stop posting when they are wetting their pants, worrying themselves sick or getting frantic abput the latest 'links'. I'm all 'For' them advertising it so I can judge whether to read anything they write :)

What an idiotic comment.  Were you happy when we signed Baston and Drinkwater when we were desperate for quality up front?  Were you happy we started the season with an unttested 22 year old Brazilian as our only realistic forward option?  What about when we started the season with no defenders and Bruce had to ruin James Chesters career?  Were you laughing at the 'pant wetters then'?  Must have been fucking hilarious for you as you sat there smuggly thinking how stupid they looked?

You're talking about actual things though, he's talking about getting worked up about baseless speculation. I'm guessing you'll be going on the list.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: The Edge on September 04, 2020, 10:05:28 AM

I reckon about 90% of media speculation is just that. Speculation. Journo's picking up on snippets of info in the hope that they occasionally come good and they can claim a "scoop" Bit like a blind squirrel will eventually find a hazelnut after he's picked up dozens of turds. As for Romero I think he could be an excellent signing. His money is no concern to me we have highly paid people to decide on those things. Occasionally clubs take a punt on something and hope it works out. We did it with Reina last season and he played a big part in us picking up enough points to survive when all looked lost.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on September 04, 2020, 10:05:42 AM

Really not arsed about Rashica anymore.

It's hard enough getting a side to gel with players who want to be at the football club.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 04, 2020, 10:08:47 AM

Quote from: The Edge on September 04, 2020, 10:05:28 AM

I reckon about 90% of media speculation is just that. Speculation. Journo's picking up on snippets of info in the hope that they occasionally come good and they can claim a "scoop" Bit like a blind squirrel will eventually find a hazelnut after he's picked up dozens of turds. As for Romero I think he could be an excellent signing. His money is no concern to me we have highly paid people to decide on those things. Occasionally clubs take a punt on something and hope it works out. We did it with Reina last season and he played a big part in us picking up enough points to survive when all looked lost.

Not just Reina, the situation is similar to how we ended up getting Heaton. It was injuries that led to Pope getting his chance and taking it, meaning they'd got him, Heaton and Hart on the books and leaving us to get Heaton at a decent price.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 04, 2020, 10:09:29 AM

Quote from: LeeB on September 04, 2020, 09:49:00 AM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 04, 2020, 09:44:47 AM

Quote from: AllanW on September 03, 2020, 09:42:08 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 03, 2020, 08:51:27 PM

Then again, if you want to believe everything you read, then that's up to you.

... but we then get to point and laugh. I don't want people to stop posting when they are wetting their pants, worrying themselves sick or getting frantic abput the latest 'links'. I'm all 'For' them advertising it so I can judge whether to read anything they write :)

What an idiotic comment.  Were you happy when we signed Baston and Drinkwater when we were desperate for quality up front?  Were you happy we started the season with an unttested 22 year old Brazilian as our only realistic forward option?  What about when we started the season with no defenders and Bruce had to ruin James Chesters career?  Were you laughing at the 'pant wetters then'?  Must have been fucking hilarious for you as you sat there smuggly thinking how stupid they looked?

You're talking about actual things though, he's talking about getting worked up about baseless speculation. I'm guessing you'll be going on the list.

People were concerned during those windows and got called pant wetters.

Some people now seem to be showing some similar (and mostly pretty mild) concern and smug Al drops the pant bomb again?

Personally I still remain hopeful the window will pan out ok, but given how poor we were last season and how soon the new season starts, I can certainly see why some people are getting frustrated about the lack of business and concerned we may leave ourselves light once again for the 4th time in the last 5 windows.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 04, 2020, 10:19:50 AM

well i'm starting to get a bit concerned. While some of our players will undoubtably benefit and improve from last season's experience, at the moment I don't see much more than another struggle to stay up. I know we've got a bit longer to the start of the season but still.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AllanW on September 04, 2020, 10:25:20 AM

Quote from: LeeB on September 04, 2020, 09:49:00 AM

You're talking about actual things though, he's talking about getting worked up about baseless speculation. I'm guessing you'll be going on the list.

You understand exactly, LeeB.

It's amazing to me how many posters don't seem to understand even the most simple points made on here. No need for us to do anything but notice, of course. I guess the simplest description for 290+ of the pages in this thread is like watchiing kittens chase a laser pointer; it's kind of cute for a short while but after that you get uncomfortable because all it does is emphasise the differences between the species.


I'm truly sorry that anyone feels that typing the words 'pants wetting' feels like a bomb to them. That's awful.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 04, 2020, 10:44:20 AM

Quote from: AllanW on September 04, 2020, 10:25:20 AM

Quote from: LeeB on September 04, 2020, 09:49:00 AM

You're talking about actual things though, he's talking about getting worked up about baseless speculation. I'm guessing you'll be going on the list.

You understand exactly, LeeB.

It's amazing to me how many posters don't seem to understand even the most simple points made on here. No need for us to do anything but notice, of course. I guess the simplest description for 290+ of the pages in this thread is like watchiing kittens chase a laser pointer; it's kind of cute for a short while but after that you get uncomfortable because all it does is emphasise the differences between the species.


I'm truly sorry that anyone feels that typing the words 'pants wetting' feels like a bomb to them. That's awful.

I can't believe you've just written that.  Are you sure a thread called 'Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread' is the place for you?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 04, 2020, 10:47:06 AM

End of the day we hung on by our fingertips to the last rung of the PL ladder last season. It would be nice if we invested enough in players this window to be reasonably confident of standing on the bottom rung, preferably on WBA's fingers. If that's pant wetting then guilty as charged

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on September 04, 2020, 10:55:09 AM

Quote from: LeeB on September 04, 2020, 09:35:10 AM

£8m these days is fuck all. They've clearly identified that they need an experienced and capable keeper, there aren't that many available unless you want to spend a lot more, and the development of Dean Henderson has left Yanited with 3 quality keepers.

It all makes sense to me, I can't see what all the griping is about.

I get why some people are questioning the high transfer fee and the fact he is 33 but we bought Friedel when he was 37 and he gave us three good years. The bottom line for me is that I have always thought he was a decent keeper.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mike on September 04, 2020, 10:59:44 AM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 04, 2020, 10:44:20 AM

Quote from: AllanW on September 04, 2020, 10:25:20 AM

Quote from: LeeB on September 04, 2020, 09:49:00 AM

You're talking about actual things though, he's talking about getting worked up about baseless speculation. I'm guessing you'll be going on the list.

You understand exactly, LeeB.

It's amazing to me how many posters don't seem to understand even the most simple points made on here. No need for us to do anything but notice, of course. I guess the simplest description for 290+ of the pages in this thread is like watchiing kittens chase a laser pointer; it's kind of cute for a short while but after that you get uncomfortable because all it does is emphasise the differences between the species.


I'm truly sorry that anyone feels that typing the words 'pants wetting' feels like a bomb to them. That's awful.

I can't believe you've just written that.  Are you sure a thread called 'Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread' is the place for you?

Chris, it’s no different to the playground. It makes you look and feel hard to call other kids pants wetters. You won’t get rid of willy wavers, just ignore them.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 04, 2020, 11:00:47 AM

Quote from: AllanW on September 04, 2020, 10:25:20 AM

Quote from: LeeB on September 04, 2020, 09:49:00 AM

You're talking about actual things though, he's talking about getting worked up about baseless speculation. I'm guessing you'll be going on the list.

You understand exactly, LeeB.

It's amazing to me how many posters don't seem to understand even the most simple points made on here. No need for us to do anything but notice, of course. I guess the simplest description for 290+ of the pages in this thread is like watchiing kittens chase a laser pointer; it's kind of cute for a short while but after that you get uncomfortable because all it does is emphasise the differences between the species.


I'm truly sorry that anyone feels that typing the words 'pants wetting' feels like a bomb to them. That's awful.

I think the understanding of the title of the thread appears to have been too much for your "species".

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on September 04, 2020, 11:09:47 AM

Quote from: mike on September 04, 2020, 10:59:44 AM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 04, 2020, 10:44:20 AM

Quote from: AllanW on September 04, 2020, 10:25:20 AM

Quote from: LeeB on September 04, 2020, 09:49:00 AM

You're talking about actual things though, he's talking about getting worked up about baseless speculation. I'm guessing you'll be going on the list.

You understand exactly, LeeB.

It's amazing to me how many posters don't seem to understand even the most simple points made on here. No need for us to do anything but notice, of course. I guess the simplest description for 290+ of the pages in this thread is like watchiing kittens chase a laser pointer; it's kind of cute for a short while but after that you get uncomfortable because all it does is emphasise the differences between the species.


I'm truly sorry that anyone feels that typing the words 'pants wetting' feels like a bomb to them. That's awful.

I can't believe you've just written that.  Are you sure a thread called 'Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread' is the place for you?

Chris, it’s no different to the playground. It makes you look and feel hard to call other kids pants wetters. You won’t get rid of willy wavers, just ignore them.

Some days I am a pants wetter and on other days I am a willy waver. It usually depends on whether or not I have taken my medication  ;)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Smoke on September 04, 2020, 11:13:23 AM

Well my willy is so big that when I wave it other people wet their pants

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 04, 2020, 11:25:34 AM

£15m initial offer for Wilson with £5m in add ons.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 04, 2020, 11:25:47 AM

Being reported we have offered £20m for Wilson. Possibly £15m up front plus add ons.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 04, 2020, 11:28:23 AM

Quote from: Ads on September 04, 2020, 11:25:34 AM

£15m initial offer for Wilson with £5m in add ons.

That sounds pretty sensible to me.  There's no doubt in my mind he's an improvement on what we've got.  But I really hope we get Watkins too.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 04, 2020, 11:29:39 AM

Can't say i rate wilson that highly, but 15m is pretty decent value

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on September 04, 2020, 11:33:27 AM

I regularly heard pundits and commentators state that Romero is 'the best number 2 in the league'. I mean they could be talking bollocks like most pundits but he definitely seems to be rated. You could question his desire being happy earning dough and not playing much so I understand that take. I would be more than happy having him. Heaton and Romero will mean we always have a decent (imo) keeper playing. I couldn't say that with Nyland. Or Steer as he is made of polystyrene.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 04, 2020, 11:35:44 AM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 04, 2020, 11:28:23 AM

Quote from: Ads on September 04, 2020, 11:25:34 AM

£15m initial offer for Wilson with £5m in add ons.

That sounds pretty sensible to me.  There's no doubt in my mind he's an improvement on what we've got.  But I really hope we get Watkins too.

hear, hear.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Footy-Vill on September 04, 2020, 11:35:54 AM

I think the goal keeper area is perhaps the one where Villa look for older head than general when looking for a purchase.
Experience over sell on value.

Joe Hart 33 free transfer Spurs not an option
Then the options who are 30+ are:

Ben Forster 37 - Same age as Reina
Pantilimon 33
Wayne Hennessy 33
Romero 33
John Ruddy 33
Begovic 33
Tim Krul 32
Mannone 32
Fraser Forster 32

Perhaps Romero at 8m is the best when all things considered.
Though I feel Krul who is back in the Netherlands squad and from all those listed, alongside Ben Foster, has played regularly and most recently in the Premier league season.

Begovic also stands out on that list for me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 04, 2020, 11:36:50 AM

I like Wilson. I think he has a bit of Danny Ings about him. He scores all kids of goals, is instinctive in the box. A couple of seasons ago he was linked with a massive move to Spurs.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Smoke on September 04, 2020, 11:36:54 AM

Quote from: edgysatsuma89 on September 04, 2020, 11:33:27 AM

I regularly heard pundits and commentators state that Romero is 'the best number 2 in the league'. I mean they could be talking bollocks like most pundits but he definitely seems to be rated. You could question his desire being happy earning dough and not playing much so I understand that take. I would be more than happy having him. Heaton and Romero will mean we always have a decent (imo) keeper playing. I couldn't say that with Nyland. Or Steer as he is made of polystyrene.

Steerofoam surely.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 04, 2020, 11:37:24 AM

Wrt Romero I haven't seen enough of him to judge his ability but there can't be many players with 176 league appearances and 123 international (96 senior) appearances especially for a top team like Argentina.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 04, 2020, 11:39:23 AM

Jesus, never realised Wilson had done his cruciate ligaments in both knees. Done well to come back from that.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on September 04, 2020, 11:41:02 AM

Quote from: Smoke on September 04, 2020, 11:36:54 AM

Quote from: edgysatsuma89 on September 04, 2020, 11:33:27 AM

I regularly heard pundits and commentators state that Romero is 'the best number 2 in the league'. I mean they could be talking bollocks like most pundits but he definitely seems to be rated. You could question his desire being happy earning dough and not playing much so I understand that take. I would be more than happy having him. Heaton and Romero will mean we always have a decent (imo) keeper playing. I couldn't say that with Nyland. Or Steer as he is made of polystyrene.

Steerofoam surely.

Nice work, never crossed my mind. I'm not a massive pun fan though so sometimes this site can make me want to stab my eyes.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 04, 2020, 11:55:43 AM

£15 million with the rest made up based on appearances (he an injury risk, based on his history) makes sense.

For a player in the England squad not so long ago it's decent value.

Providing it's Wilson plus AN Other in the striking department.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 04, 2020, 11:57:00 AM

Apparently they want £17m plus add ons. Pretty reasonable for Wilson, and much better than what we have.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dorsetvillian on September 04, 2020, 11:57:34 AM

Cherries fans cant wait to get rid of Wilson! Not sure on this one?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on September 04, 2020, 11:58:04 AM

Quote from: PeterWithe on September 04, 2020, 09:31:13 AM

Cant say I'm too enthused about buying a new reserve GK, I'd prefer to buy someone who is capable of pushing Heaton down the pecking order.

Heaton was a reserve goalkeeper at Burnley when we bought him last year. Romero has had game time every season at Man Utd and is well liked by the fans there, he would compete for the number one spot with Heaton and given that Heaton is currently injured would be going into the season as first choice. Nearly 100 caps for Argentina is not to be sniffed at, wouldn't that make him the most capped player at the club?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 04, 2020, 12:00:14 PM

We should try and play hardball with them. 17m + Samatta or Davis or No deal. Hell, try and get them to take both.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Matt C on September 04, 2020, 12:05:21 PM

Not quite the wow signing I’d hoped for but Wilson for that sort of money looks decent value in today’s market.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Stu on September 04, 2020, 12:07:03 PM

Graun reporting that bid rejected by Bournemouth.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on September 04, 2020, 12:09:50 PM

i'm not against paying big money for goalkeepers its a important position maybe the most important
although this isn't big money

its just a squad addition for me not worth getting to worked up about, i would have liked to see someone younger but it is what it is

cant say i know anything about him
i didn't even know Man Utd had a reserve keeper called Romero until we were linked

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on September 04, 2020, 12:11:50 PM

If Wilson's good enough to do a good job for us then they'll want £20M+ surely?  Also, I know it's not my money, but hearing "value for money" being heralded in terms of striker signings isn't great.  In back up keepers, maybe, not strikers.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 04, 2020, 12:15:24 PM

well wilson is never going to worry the golden boot award, but for a guy who can chip in 10 goals a season, I guess 20ish million isn't too steep. Surprised we're not looking at King as well.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on September 04, 2020, 12:16:02 PM

As is we are heading into the season with a choice between a toothless Davis and a talentless and toothless Samatta, with the woeful Wesley coming back from a bad injury part way through the season.

Wilson at 15m makes sense, would definitely leave us less toothless up front.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Stu on September 04, 2020, 12:21:27 PM

I'd be a bit surprised if we're baulking at a £25m valuation of Watkins tbh. What was Tammy worth after his 26 goals for us in the promotion season? £25m seems right.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Meanwood Villa on September 04, 2020, 12:23:19 PM

Wilson on 100k a week apparently. Seems a bit steep. Agreed we need someone in but not overly excited by signing him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 04, 2020, 12:24:14 PM

I think Smith would like to take us down the Liverpool route with a main striker and 2 wide forwards rather than wingers with the full backs being important for width and supply.

I don't know about Tottenham but I know Chelsea were being linked with a £60m move for Wilson a year or two ago. Some form of compromise over the structure of a £20m deal could be a good deal. Then go and get Watkins who can play as a wide forward or as the main striker, giving us flexibility.

I wouldn't reject a goalkeeper just because he's second choice somewhere. Arsenal seem to have benefitted from Leno's injury and Martinez playing really well. Ben Foster wouldn't be a bad shout either. He's older but he's still quality. Watford would have dropped more points last season if it hadn't been for him. Having him and Heaton fighting it out to be first choice wouldn't be a bad situation for the next few years and then look for a standout option when we can dedicate more of a budget for that position. All would depend on how much Watford would want for him. At 37, I can't see him turning down the chance to come to a Premier League team and move back to where he lived when at Albion. Would be another ex-Man United keeper to our collection.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 04, 2020, 12:28:33 PM

Against that, we're kicking off in two weeks.

I'm happy enough with Wilson starting over Samatta or Davis initially. And then not having to pay over the odds for our first choice; whether that's Watkins or Edouard. If they come on board after the start of the season for a more realistic fee, so be it.

I have no problem with Brentford or Celtic asking crazy money for the pair, that's their prerogative.  Doesn't mean we have to pay it.  Watkins isn't a circa £30 million forward to my mind, nor Edouard worth £40 million. I know some will say 'just pay it.' But it sets a precedent. Selling clubs home and abroad will see you as a soft touch.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: TaxDodger on September 04, 2020, 12:32:08 PM

I think Wilson in for £20 million would be a very good signing. If we could get Watkins in as well that would give us decent options up front. Loan Davis, keep Samatta as a squad player until Wesley is back, then look to move him on.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: in exile on September 04, 2020, 12:46:17 PM

You can only loan out or sell a player if someone wants them.
I don't see clubs clambering over each other to take any of our players right now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 04, 2020, 12:46:52 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 04, 2020, 12:15:24 PM

well wilson is never going to worry the golden boot award, but for a guy who can chip in 10 goals a season, I guess 20ish million isn't too steep. Surprised we're not looking at King as well.

We're looking at him, but he refuses to make eye contact and is now talking to Darren, who's two years older and has an Escort 1.3 GL that's done up to look like an RS Turbo.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 04, 2020, 12:47:37 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 04, 2020, 11:39:23 AM

Jesus, never realised Wilson had done his cruciate ligaments in both knees. Done well to come back from that.

Would that affect how much insurance we would have to pay on him (not having any idea how insurance and football clubs works)?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: in exile on September 04, 2020, 12:48:32 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 04, 2020, 12:46:52 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 04, 2020, 12:15:24 PM

well wilson is never going to worry the golden boot award, but for a guy who can chip in 10 goals a season, I guess 20ish million isn't too steep. Surprised we're not looking at King as well.

We're looking at him, but he refuses to make eye contact and is now talking to Darren, who's two years older and has an Escort 1.3 GL that's done up to look like an RS Turbo.

Nope...I've absolutely no idea.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on September 04, 2020, 12:49:07 PM

Quote from: in exile on September 04, 2020, 12:46:17 PM

You can only loan out or sell a player if someone wants them.
I don't see clubs clambering over each other to take any of our players right now.

I think there would plenty of takers for Davis on loan, he is a good player that just needs a run to find his shooting boots.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Shrek on September 04, 2020, 12:52:30 PM

Just had a look at #avfc on twitter.... 🤣

A mixture of Wilson isn’t good enough and Wilson will be great with a good supply...

My issue is, as it stands our supply is rubbish, so surely wide areas are a priority.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: in exile on September 04, 2020, 12:52:40 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on September 04, 2020, 12:49:07 PM

Quote from: in exile on September 04, 2020, 12:46:17 PM

You can only loan out or sell a player if someone wants them.
I don't see clubs clambering over each other to take any of our players right now.

I think there would plenty of takers for Davis on loan, he is a good player that just needs a run to find his shooting boots.

But there isn't.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 04, 2020, 12:53:49 PM

Quote from: Shrek on September 04, 2020, 12:52:30 PM

Just had a look at #avfc on twitter.... 🤣

A mixture of Wilson isn’t good enough and Wilson will be great with a good supply...

My issue is, as it stands our supply is rubbish, so surely wide areas are a priority.

Maybe we need to buy Pike to provide the assists.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on September 04, 2020, 12:54:39 PM

Quote from: Shrek on September 04, 2020, 12:52:30 PM

Just had a look at #avfc on twitter.... 🤣

A mixture of Wilson isn’t good enough and Wilson will be great with a good supply...

My issue is, as it stands our supply is rubbish, so surely wide areas are a priority.

Been linked with several wingers now, so yes I think we are looking for one or two. Watkins, Rashica, Buendia and Benrahma all linked thus far. Any of those would help, though prices look OTT for some of them.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 04, 2020, 12:54:58 PM

Quote from: in exile on September 04, 2020, 12:52:40 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on September 04, 2020, 12:49:07 PM

Quote from: in exile on September 04, 2020, 12:46:17 PM

You can only loan out or sell a player if someone wants them.
I don't see clubs clambering over each other to take any of our players right now.

I think there would plenty of takers for Davis on loan, he is a good player that just needs a run to find his shooting boots.

But there isn't.

Apparently there is, and there was last summer from Championship clubs but we turned them down because we needed him.

And that's because he's a good player with bags of potential.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: in exile on September 04, 2020, 12:56:03 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 04, 2020, 12:54:58 PM

Quote from: in exile on September 04, 2020, 12:52:40 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on September 04, 2020, 12:49:07 PM

Quote from: in exile on September 04, 2020, 12:46:17 PM

You can only loan out or sell a player if someone wants them.
I don't see clubs clambering over each other to take any of our players right now.

I think there would plenty of takers for Davis on loan, he is a good player that just needs a run to find his shooting boots.

But there isn't.

Apparently there is, and there was last summer from Championship clubs but we turned them down because we needed him.

And that's because he's a good player with bags of potential.

What about the here and now?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: gpbarr on September 04, 2020, 12:56:23 PM

It’s panning out as expected - tough to do business unless one has owners really willing to open the check book (like Chelski) and pay over the odds which, it doesn’t seem we have. That’s not a bad thing per se - sustainably running the club is sensible.

But the reality is we are way off top 10 and this window doesn’t look like the one that’s going to really kick us on. Most pundits agree the league will be more competitive this year than last (outside the top 6) so expectations need to be carefully managed I think.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 04, 2020, 12:58:31 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 04, 2020, 12:47:37 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 04, 2020, 11:39:23 AM

Jesus, never realised Wilson had done his cruciate ligaments in both knees. Done well to come back from that.

Would that affect how much insurance we would have to pay on him (not having any idea how insurance and football clubs works)?

Dunno. Doesn't seem to have affected his goalscoring ability. I always view cruciate knee injuries in terms of Gazza's but i'm guessing medical treatment has improved a lot since then..

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on September 04, 2020, 01:01:51 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 04, 2020, 12:58:31 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 04, 2020, 12:47:37 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 04, 2020, 11:39:23 AM

Jesus, never realised Wilson had done his cruciate ligaments in both knees. Done well to come back from that.

Would that affect how much insurance we would have to pay on him (not having any idea how insurance and football clubs works)?

Dunno. Doesn't seem to have affected his goalscoring ability. I always view cruciate knee injuries in terms of Gazza's but i'm guessing medical treatment has improved a lot since then..

And my guess would be Wilson might stick more assiduously to a recovery plan.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 04, 2020, 01:02:30 PM

Quote from: gpbarr on September 04, 2020, 12:56:23 PM

It’s panning out as expected - tough to do business unless one has owners really willing to open the check book (like Chelski) and pay over the odds which, it doesn’t seem we have. That’s not a bad thing per se - sustainably running the club is sensible.

But the reality is we are way off top 10 and this window doesn’t look like the one that’s going to really kick us on. Most pundits agree the league will be more competitive this year than last (outside the top 6) so expectations need to be carefully managed I think.

Well if Smith is being smart he should realise there's a good 5 plus players who aren't gonna get a look in at Chelsea this season. Any one of them on loan could do a job for us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithe on September 04, 2020, 01:03:41 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 04, 2020, 12:47:37 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 04, 2020, 11:39:23 AM

Jesus, never realised Wilson had done his cruciate ligaments in both knees. Done well to come back from that.

Would that affect how much insurance we would have to pay on him (not having any idea how insurance and football clubs works)?

Gary Gardner did both his cruciates if I mind correctly, he never looked the same player again.

Still I suppose £15m isn't that great a sum of money in todays football, and how sick is that?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 04, 2020, 01:04:45 PM

May just be me but Wilson has always struck me as a player who contributes more than just goals. I may be wrong, but I get the impression he adds value to all round play as well.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 04, 2020, 01:05:14 PM

Quote from: gpbarr on September 04, 2020, 12:56:23 PM

It’s panning out as expected - tough to do business unless one has owners really willing to open the check book (like Chelski) and pay over the odds which, it doesn’t seem we have. That’s not a bad thing per se - sustainably running the club is sensible.

But the reality is we are way off top 10 and this window doesn’t look like the one that’s going to really kick us on. Most pundits agree the league will be more competitive this year than last (outside the top 6) so expectations need to be carefully managed I think.

There's several markets, the one where players go for reasonable amounts in relation to their talents but are only going to Champions League clubs, and others with established players maybe not getting games but will only go to established but not too teams, and then ours which is looking at promising players and paying over the odds or getting experienced players whose clubs are struggling.

To break into the next market we need to get some more bargains to work and get a solid finish this season. If we go to early and pay over the odds I fear we'll balls it up, disrupt the spirit we have and end up back at square one.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on September 04, 2020, 01:06:18 PM

Quote from: in exile on September 04, 2020, 12:56:03 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 04, 2020, 12:54:58 PM

Quote from: in exile on September 04, 2020, 12:52:40 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on September 04, 2020, 12:49:07 PM

Quote from: in exile on September 04, 2020, 12:46:17 PM

You can only loan out or sell a player if someone wants them.
I don't see clubs clambering over each other to take any of our players right now.

I think there would plenty of takers for Davis on loan, he is a good player that just needs a run to find his shooting boots.

But there isn't.

Apparently there is, and there was last summer from Championship clubs but we turned them down because we needed him.

And that's because he's a good player with bags of potential.

What about the here and now?

He hasn't been made available on loan though has he? We only have him and Samatta fit at the moment, so as is we are going into the season with him as first choice. If we sign a couple and make him available for loan I think a few Championship clubs would be in for him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: tony scott on September 04, 2020, 01:07:33 PM

I wonder what the cancellation of the Chinese TV deal by The Premier League and the drastic fall in gate revenue will do to this Transfer Window ,it must mean prize money will be cut.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: JUAN PABLO on September 04, 2020, 01:28:06 PM

No Tom Carroll then

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ROBBO on September 04, 2020, 01:34:28 PM

I can see Wilson playing the first three games then out for the season, it's the Villa way.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: exigo on September 04, 2020, 01:43:43 PM

Funny how most on here are berating the club, and saying how the grass seems to greener at all our rivals. Here's a Newcastle fan saying how our grass is greener.

Linky (https://twitter.com/davepresents/status/1301834293635940354)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: MoetVillan on September 04, 2020, 01:45:31 PM

Twitter is full of Newcastle fans in meltdown under the assumption Wilson coming here rather than going there

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on September 04, 2020, 01:47:54 PM

Quote from: exigo on September 04, 2020, 01:43:43 PM

Funny how most on here are berating the club, and saying how the grass seems to greener at all our rivals. Here's a Newcastle fan saying how our grass is greener.

Linky (https://twitter.com/davepresents/status/1301834293635940354)

Except we haven't had a bid accepted for Watkins or signed Wilson, if we had then the grass would be looking greener here.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 04, 2020, 01:51:50 PM

Quote from: MoetVillan on September 04, 2020, 01:45:31 PM

Twitter is full of Newcastle fans in meltdown under the assumption Wilson coming here rather than going there

Sob on the Tyne? Let's hope our spending p!sses them off even more in the coming weeks.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: robbo1874 on September 04, 2020, 01:52:03 PM

Fair play to the geordie fishy on a dishy he wants us to sign Watkins and Wilson more than we do

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 04, 2020, 01:55:40 PM

Exactly. And no one is berating the club. People are expressing concern that this close to the season starting to have only signed a 3rd right back is concerning. People have speculated that IF things remain as is, or we sign one or 2 of the players linked, we might be in for another difficult season. Fancy that. On a speculation and talking utter bollocks thread on a chat site about a football club.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rob_bridge on September 04, 2020, 01:59:14 PM

At least we have a chance of making signings - doesn't look great for them

That said, Bruce did a cracking job for them last season and works well with a limited budget. Giving him funds is usually the start of the decline - Blues, Sunderland, Us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 04, 2020, 02:01:18 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 04, 2020, 01:55:40 PM

Exactly. And no one is berating the club. People are expressing concern that this close to the season starting to have only signed a 3rd right back is concerning. People have speculated that IF things remain as is, or we sign one or 2 of the players linked, we might be in for another difficult season. Fancy that. On a speculation and talking utter bollocks thread on a chat site about a football club.

I hope that we still do sign two attacking players, but even if we do we've left it very late in the day to get them integrated into the squad.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: gpbarr on September 04, 2020, 02:02:59 PM

Quote from: exigo on September 04, 2020, 01:43:43 PM

Funny how most on here are berating the club, and saying how the grass seems to greener at all our rivals. Here's a Newcastle fan saying how our grass is greener.

Linky (https://twitter.com/davepresents/status/1301834293635940354)

But that sort of proves the point. Because Newcastle will struggle this year (they are a mess, can't see them overachieving like they did last year, owner wants to sell, lack of investment, poor manager) but when one looks at the clubs we will likely be competing around this year (Newcastle, Brighton, Leeds, WBA, Fulham, Palace, WHam, and Southampton), I'd argue Leeds, Brighton, WHam, Southampton have donner better business than we have in the window (to date) and, Palace are just in better shape generally.

Dangerous to predict when the window still has weeks to run but unless we see real quality incoming, I see us struggling again this coming year.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 04, 2020, 02:04:05 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 04, 2020, 02:01:18 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 04, 2020, 01:55:40 PM

Exactly. And no one is berating the club. People are expressing concern that this close to the season starting to have only signed a 3rd right back is concerning. People have speculated that IF things remain as is, or we sign one or 2 of the players linked, we might be in for another difficult season. Fancy that. On a speculation and talking utter bollocks thread on a chat site about a football club.

I hope that we still do sign two attacking players, but even if we do we've left it very late in the day to get them integrated into the squad.

I still think we need 3 that are better than what we have - a quality winger with genuine pace, a striker and a forward that can play across the front.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Pat Mustard on September 04, 2020, 02:12:02 PM

We all know that the key signing(s) for us this summer come in the forward positions, but that being the case I wouldn't be surprised at all if they are the last to come in.  The club will have an established wish list of strikers,  with complicating factors for each one.  For example, assuming we have an overall transfer budget of £100 million, we might have the following:

Tier 1 - Abraham, price £40-50 million, unlikely to sign.
Tier 2 - Edouard, price £30-40 million, likely to have other offers so will wait and see what comes in and what we can offer.
Tier 3 - Watkins - £20-30 million, likely to sign but may have to offer above what we think is good value.
Tier 4 - Wilson - £15-20 million, likely to sign as long as asking price met.

If we go all in to get Watkins, we may have to pay £30 million.  If we get him in early only then to find that Abraham or Edouard might be have been available then we have missed out on our first choice in our number 1 position.  In order to get Abraham or Edouard, however, we are going to have to demonstrate we aren't relegation fodder again, therefore have to make other signings first. 

Getting in players like Cash and Romero potentially helps to demonstrate we are looking to improve, whilst still leaving plenty in the kitty.  Wilson at £15 million might be a potential option in addition to the main striker, but certainly at no more than that. Added to the fact that the window doesn't close until October then we shouldn't be surprised if it takes a bit longer to get someone in this year - not ideal, but it is what it is.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 04, 2020, 02:13:51 PM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on September 04, 2020, 02:12:02 PM

We all know that the key signing(s) for us this summer come in the forward positions, but that being the case I wouldn't be surprised at all if they are the last to come in.  The club will have an established wish list of strikers,  with complicating factors for each one.  For example, assuming we have an overall transfer budget of £100 million, we might have the following:

Tier 1 - Abraham, price £40-50 million, unlikely to sign.
Tier 2 - Edouard, price £30-40 million, likely to have other offers so will wait and see what comes in and what we can offer.
Tier 3 - Watkins - £20-30 million, likely to sign but may have to offer above what we think is good value.
Tier 4 - Wilson - £15-20 million, likely to sign as long as asking price met.

If we go all in to get Watkins, we may have to pay £30 million.  If we get him in early only then to find that Abraham or Edouard might be have been available then we have missed out on our first choice in our number 1 position.  In order to get Abraham or Edouard, however, we are going to have to demonstrate we aren't relegation fodder again, therefore have to make other signings first. 

Getting in players like Cash and Romero potentially helps to demonstrate we are looking to improve, whilst still leaving plenty in the kitty.  Wilson at £15 million might be a potential option in addition to the main striker, but certainly at no more than that. Added to the fact that the window doesn't close until October then we shouldn't be surprised if it takes a bit longer to get someone in this year - not ideal, but it is what it is.

A very good assessment there.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Shrek on September 04, 2020, 02:23:37 PM

That was a good assessment Pat, I agree.

But if we are to spend around 100mill again this summer, surely the expectation is top 10 from the club?

We can’t be spending that much to finish just above relegation can we?

I’m basing this assumption on the fact there will not be much difference between 8th-10th to 12th-13th.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 04, 2020, 02:25:29 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 04, 2020, 01:55:40 PM

Exactly. And no one is berating the club. People are expressing concern that this close to the season starting to have only signed a 3rd right back is concerning. People have speculated that IF things remain as is, or we sign one or 2 of the players linked, we might be in for another difficult season. Fancy that. On a speculation and talking utter bollocks thread on a chat site about a football club.

How likely is it that we won't do any business or that anyone would be happy if we only make 1 more signing before the window closes?

Speculation is fine but speculating that everything will be shit and no one at the club cares enough to avoid that is just needless pessimism.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on September 04, 2020, 02:30:27 PM

Quote from: in exile on September 04, 2020, 12:52:40 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on September 04, 2020, 12:49:07 PM

Quote from: in exile on September 04, 2020, 12:46:17 PM

You can only loan out or sell a player if someone wants them.
I don't see clubs clambering over each other to take any of our players right now.

I think there would plenty of takers for Davis on loan, he is a good player that just needs a run to find his shooting boots.

But there isn't.

Aren't there? May I ask how you know?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Pat Mustard on September 04, 2020, 02:32:58 PM

Quote from: Shrek on September 04, 2020, 02:23:37 PM

That was a good assessment Pat, I agree.

But if we are to spend around 100mill again this summer, surely the expectation is top 10 from the club?

We can’t be spending that much to finish just above relegation can we?

I’m basing this assumption on the fact there will not be much difference between 8th-10th to 12th-13th.

The expectation will be significant improvement surely, I wouldn't necessarily have thought it's based on finishing above a specific position.  Put it this way, we could finish in the top 10 but still be in danger of relegation with 6-8 games left.  Equally, we could finish 15th but having been safe since Christmas. 

Based on the type of players we seem to be linked with, year on year improvement is surely the plan.  £100 million this year to establish a first 11 who are by and large in their early-mid 20's and can be improved with one or two additions each season, instead of the 10 we needed last year and the 5 or so we want this time.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: gpbarr on September 04, 2020, 02:38:22 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 04, 2020, 02:25:29 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 04, 2020, 01:55:40 PM

Exactly. And no one is berating the club. People are expressing concern that this close to the season starting to have only signed a 3rd right back is concerning. People have speculated that IF things remain as is, or we sign one or 2 of the players linked, we might be in for another difficult season. Fancy that. On a speculation and talking utter bollocks thread on a chat site about a football club.

How likely is it that we won't do any business or that anyone would be happy if we only make 1 more signing before the window closes?

Speculation is fine but speculating that everything will be shit and no one at the club cares enough to avoid that is just needless pessimism.

How is it pessimism to state the facts (as of today, we know who we have bought versus the clubs we will compete with this year) and to then voice an opinion that if little changes, we will struggle? Its lazy to accuse fans of pessimism when we have seen this movie too many times at the club. We all want the same thing - the difference of opinion stems from whether we believe we will see the additions we all generally agree we need in the final few weeks of the window or not.   

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on September 04, 2020, 02:40:11 PM

Callum Wilson?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on September 04, 2020, 02:44:00 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 04, 2020, 01:55:40 PM

Exactly. And no one is berating the club. People are expressing concern that this close to the season starting to have only signed a 3rd right back is concerning. People have speculated that IF things remain as is, or we sign one or 2 of the players linked, we might be in for another difficult season. Fancy that. On a speculation and talking utter bollocks thread on a chat site about a football club.

I'd agree with that but also think we need another central midfield player. Whilst we have good players in Grealish, McGinn and Luiz and decent backup in Hourihane (not given up on Nakamba yet either) we don't really have any combination in midfield that isn't lightweight or lacking. We could do with a better ball winner with energy and aggression. Our midfield combinations always seem less than the sum of their parts.

A better left back would be handy too if there is enough in the kitty.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 04, 2020, 03:07:25 PM

Quote from: gpbarr on September 04, 2020, 02:38:22 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 04, 2020, 02:25:29 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 04, 2020, 01:55:40 PM

Exactly. And no one is berating the club. People are expressing concern that this close to the season starting to have only signed a 3rd right back is concerning. People have speculated that IF things remain as is, or we sign one or 2 of the players linked, we might be in for another difficult season. Fancy that. On a speculation and talking utter bollocks thread on a chat site about a football club.

How likely is it that we won't do any business or that anyone would be happy if we only make 1 more signing before the window closes?

Speculation is fine but speculating that everything will be shit and no one at the club cares enough to avoid that is just needless pessimism.

How is it pessimism to state the facts (as of today, we know who we have bought versus the clubs we will compete with this year) and to then voice an opinion that if little changes, we will struggle? Its lazy to accuse fans of pessimism when we have seen this movie too many times at the club. We all want the same thing - the difference of opinion stems from whether we believe we will see the additions we all generally agree we need in the final few weeks of the window or not.   

How likely do you think the "If little changes" scenario is? That's the same question I posted in the post you've replied to. The difference of opinion stems from a handful of people making the huge leap from 'not many signings made with 5 weeks to go' to 'not many signings in the whole window'. If we were a few days from the end of the window and still had big gaps I'd understand but this is like, in a normal summer, being worried because all the signings aren't done by the middle of July. There's plenty of time, the club are pretty obviously working on signings so why can't be keep the debate to the merits of the people we get linked with rather than every page getting repeats of "if we don't sign anyone it'll be shit", no one disagrees with that, there's just no real evidence to suggest it's going to happen.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 04, 2020, 03:10:05 PM

As i said earlier, Chelsea will have 12 midfielders with Havertz about to join. Would be almost bad manners not to see if we can arrange a loan or loan to buy. You can bet others will if we don't

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sid1964 on September 04, 2020, 03:25:18 PM

from chelsea we would probably end up with Drinkwater

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 04, 2020, 03:36:27 PM

heh. No idea how much money we have to spend but with them going loopy in the transfer market, the likes of loftus-cheek and Hudson-odoi are gonna struggle to get games. Just as an extra option in midfield as a loan is a no-brainer and doesn't stop us chucking money elsewhere. if they worked out, with the 1st team somewhat blocked at Chelsea now, then who's to say they wouldn't sign permanently

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 04, 2020, 03:41:14 PM

Chelsea have got loads of midfielders but which are likely to be available and worth getting?

As above Drinkwater will clearly  be available but not worth it.
Van Ginkel is probably an option but he's bene injured for so long that it would be a huge risk.
Loftus-Cheek might be available and he'd be a decent option depending on the cost, £15-20m would be fair but I suspect they'd want £30m+ and he's not worth that.
Bakayoko might be available after 2 years on loan and, for me, he's probably the best fit for what I'd like us to be looking for. He might be looking for a club a bit more established though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on September 04, 2020, 03:43:50 PM

I think we have to accept that we may have to pay over the odds to get some of the players we need.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Shrek on September 04, 2020, 03:49:05 PM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on September 04, 2020, 02:32:58 PM

Quote from: Shrek on September 04, 2020, 02:23:37 PM

That was a good assessment Pat, I agree.

But if we are to spend around 100mill again this summer, surely the expectation is top 10 from the club?

We can’t be spending that much to finish just above relegation can we?

I’m basing this assumption on the fact there will not be much difference between 8th-10th to 12th-13th.

The expectation will be significant improvement surely, I wouldn't necessarily have thought it's based on finishing above a specific position.  Put it this way, we could finish in the top 10 but still be in danger of relegation with 6-8 games left.  Equally, we could finish 15th but having been safe since Christmas. 

Based on the type of players we seem to be linked with, year on year improvement is surely the plan.  £100 million this year to establish a first 11 who are by and large in their early-mid 20's and can be improved with one or two additions each season, instead of the 10 we needed last year and the 5 or so we want this time.

One thing we need to improve massively, is having players that we can actually sell for decent fees.
Spending the sought of money talked about is fine as long as when we look to improve again, we can sell the current players for good fees. We haven’t done this for as long as I remember.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 04, 2020, 03:56:30 PM

Quote from: Shrek on September 04, 2020, 03:49:05 PM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on September 04, 2020, 02:32:58 PM

Quote from: Shrek on September 04, 2020, 02:23:37 PM

That was a good assessment Pat, I agree.

But if we are to spend around 100mill again this summer, surely the expectation is top 10 from the club?

We can’t be spending that much to finish just above relegation can we?

I’m basing this assumption on the fact there will not be much difference between 8th-10th to 12th-13th.

The expectation will be significant improvement surely, I wouldn't necessarily have thought it's based on finishing above a specific position.  Put it this way, we could finish in the top 10 but still be in danger of relegation with 6-8 games left.  Equally, we could finish 15th but having been safe since Christmas. 

Based on the type of players we seem to be linked with, year on year improvement is surely the plan.  £100 million this year to establish a first 11 who are by and large in their early-mid 20's and can be improved with one or two additions each season, instead of the 10 we needed last year and the 5 or so we want this time.

One thing we need to improve massively, is having players that we can actually sell for decent fees.
Spending the sought of money talked about is fine as long as when we look to improve again, we can sell the current players for good fees. We haven’t done this for as long as I remember.

Which is a big part of why the club are against signing older players. Despite all the criticism riley got for the 15/16 signings all the players he bought in sold for at least what they cost. The other signings from that summer went for almost nothing between them.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ktvillan on September 04, 2020, 03:57:17 PM

There's been a few comments along the lines of £20m being a decent price for someone who can chip in with 10 goals a season - one every 3.6 games. I don't think that would be much of an improvement on Wesley or Trezeguet who, in terms of goals per games/minutes, wouldn't be far off that ratio. 

Spending £20m on someone we think might get us an additional 2-3 goals over those two doesn't seem to make that much sense unless said signing brings a whole lot more than goals to the party.   

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on September 04, 2020, 03:58:07 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 04, 2020, 03:36:27 PM

heh. No idea how much money we have to spend but with them going loopy in the transfer market, the likes of loftus-cheek and Hudson-odoi are gonna struggle to get games. Just as an extra option in midfield as a loan is a no-brainer and doesn't stop us chucking money elsewhere. if they worked out, with the 1st team somewhat blocked at Chelsea now, then who's to say they wouldn't sign permanently

To be honest, when those two are mentioned it's generally as a comparison as to how ludicrous Grealish's absence from the national team has been. Hudson-Odoi would give us pace and trickery in the troublesome right wing position. Not sure about Loftus-Cheek, whenever I've seen him he has been very average. Smith doesn't seem keen on loans but a degree of pragmatism might be called for.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on September 04, 2020, 03:58:46 PM

I think this market is very different due to COVID and the impact it has had on lower league teams.
There is very little happening generally and even less as you move down the pyramid.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 04, 2020, 03:59:58 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 04, 2020, 03:41:14 PM

Chelsea have got loads of midfielders but which are likely to be available and worth getting?

As above Drinkwater will clearly  be available but not worth it.
Van Ginkel is probably an option but he's bene injured for so long that it would be a huge risk.
Loftus-Cheek might be available and he'd be a decent option depending on the cost, £15-20m would be fair but I suspect they'd want £30m+ and he's not worth that.
Bakayoko might be available after 2 years on loan and, for me, he's probably the best fit for what I'd like us to be looking for. He might be looking for a club a bit more established though.

hah, I'd forgot about some of them. Way I see it, they've spent 200m, so are probably looking to recoup some money back. its not gonna do the likes of Loftus-cheek or their value any good if they sit on their bench all season. Realistically he's only gonna get games in the cups or injuries. Might be a lot more receptive to an approach than we think.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 04, 2020, 04:01:57 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 04, 2020, 03:58:07 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 04, 2020, 03:36:27 PM

heh. No idea how much money we have to spend but with them going loopy in the transfer market, the likes of loftus-cheek and Hudson-odoi are gonna struggle to get games. Just as an extra option in midfield as a loan is a no-brainer and doesn't stop us chucking money elsewhere. if they worked out, with the 1st team somewhat blocked at Chelsea now, then who's to say they wouldn't sign permanently

To be honest, when those two are mentioned it's generally as a comparison as to how ludicrous Grealish's absence from the national team has been. Hudson-Odoi would give us pace and trickery in the troublesome right wing position. Not sure about Loftus-Cheek, whenever I've seen him he has been very average. Smith doesn't seem keen on loans but a degree of pragmatism might be called for.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Shrek on September 04, 2020, 04:03:02 PM

I think there will surely be some bargains in the final few days of the market, clubs will have to trim their wage bills due to COVID.

Clubs like West Ham, Arsenal, Spurs and especially Celtic earn an awful lot from match day revenue, so should in theory be worst hit.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 04, 2020, 04:04:06 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on September 04, 2020, 03:58:46 PM

I think this market is very different due to COVID and the impact it has had on lower league teams.
There is very little happening generally and even less as you move down the pyramid.

I’ve made that same point. The revenue Brentford will lose with no fans and limited commercial revenues plus a new stadium to pay for must be very hard for them. They are going to squeeze every penny they can out of any player sales. Clearly the two most notable players have said their piece which is why neither of them have featured in any of the clubs pre season action. Something will give in the end. The club won’t want very unhappy players at the club and they cannot afford to price themselves out of lucrative sales and if they wait too long they may not get as much as they are being offered now. But there is still time and the deals will get done. It would be great to get them early but the world is different now and unless you’re Chelsea not many clubs are lashing out as they might have done already in normal windows.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 04, 2020, 04:06:09 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 04, 2020, 04:01:57 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 04, 2020, 03:58:07 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 04, 2020, 03:36:27 PM

heh. No idea how much money we have to spend but with them going loopy in the transfer market, the likes of loftus-cheek and Hudson-odoi are gonna struggle to get games. Just as an extra option in midfield as a loan is a no-brainer and doesn't stop us chucking money elsewhere. if they worked out, with the 1st team somewhat blocked at Chelsea now, then who's to say they wouldn't sign permanently

To be honest, when those two are mentioned it's generally as a comparison as to how ludicrous Grealish's absence from the national team has been. Hudson-Odoi would give us pace and trickery in the troublesome right wing position. Not sure about Loftus-Cheek, whenever I've seen him he has been very average. Smith doesn't seem keen on loans but a degree of pragmatism might be called for.

yep i'm not sure i'd be that happy buying them outright now, but on a try to buy I don't see a problem. All about being smart. Gives us another option without spending a fortune, and if it works out, given the players Lampard has, we could get a good deal

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on September 04, 2020, 04:06:21 PM

Yes, and Chelsea had the pent up frustration and cash of not being active in the market which makes them a bit of an outlier.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Yeltzer on September 04, 2020, 04:08:28 PM

Now being linked with Spurs GK Gazzaniga by Sky Sports. They say we’ve enquired about him

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 04, 2020, 04:11:23 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 04, 2020, 04:06:09 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 04, 2020, 04:01:57 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 04, 2020, 03:58:07 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 04, 2020, 03:36:27 PM

heh. No idea how much money we have to spend but with them going loopy in the transfer market, the likes of loftus-cheek and Hudson-odoi are gonna struggle to get games. Just as an extra option in midfield as a loan is a no-brainer and doesn't stop us chucking money elsewhere. if they worked out, with the 1st team somewhat blocked at Chelsea now, then who's to say they wouldn't sign permanently

To be honest, when those two are mentioned it's generally as a comparison as to how ludicrous Grealish's absence from the national team has been. Hudson-Odoi would give us pace and trickery in the troublesome right wing position. Not sure about Loftus-Cheek, whenever I've seen him he has been very average. Smith doesn't seem keen on loans but a degree of pragmatism might be called for.

yep i'm not sure i'd be that happy buying them outright now, but on a try to buy I don't see a problem. All about being smart. Gives us another option without spending a fortune, and if it works out, given the players Lampard has, we could get a good deal

I'd take Hudson-Odoi on loan, I think he'll be a great player. Loftus-Cheek on loan doesn't make sense to me, he'd be a lot like when we took Mings, if it goes well he just becomes more expensive for us to sign permanently. With Mings it made sense because we were a league below and desperate. That isn't the case this summer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 04, 2020, 04:12:52 PM

Unless you can agree the fee up front I agree.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 04, 2020, 04:13:32 PM

Quote from: Yeltzer on September 04, 2020, 04:08:28 PM

Now being linked with Spurs GK Gazzaniga by Sky Sports. They say we’ve enquired about him

Looks like we're limiting our search to Argentine goalkeepers. 

Next January we might try B for Belgium.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 04, 2020, 04:26:36 PM

I'm so over goalies. We've a gaggle of the fuckers. Bring on the sexy strikers.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 04, 2020, 04:27:20 PM

I can't see us taking a

Quote from: paul_e on September 04, 2020, 04:11:23 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 04, 2020, 04:06:09 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 04, 2020, 04:01:57 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 04, 2020, 03:58:07 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 04, 2020, 03:36:27 PM

heh. No idea how much money we have to spend but with them going loopy in the transfer market, the likes of loftus-cheek and Hudson-odoi are gonna struggle to get games. Just as an extra option in midfield as a loan is a no-brainer and doesn't stop us chucking money elsewhere. if they worked out, with the 1st team somewhat blocked at Chelsea now, then who's to say they wouldn't sign permanently

To be honest, when those two are mentioned it's generally as a comparison as to how ludicrous Grealish's absence from the national team has been. Hudson-Odoi would give us pace and trickery in the troublesome right wing position. Not sure about Loftus-Cheek, whenever I've seen him he has been very average. Smith doesn't seem keen on loans but a degree of pragmatism might be called for.

yep i'm not sure i'd be that happy buying them outright now, but on a try to buy I don't see a problem. All about being smart. Gives us another option without spending a fortune, and if it works out, given the players Lampard has, we could get a good deal

I'd take Hudson-Odoi on loan, I think he'll be a great player. Loftus-Cheek on loan doesn't make sense to me, he'd be a lot like when we took Mings, if it goes well he just becomes more expensive for us to sign permanently. With Mings it made sense because we were a league below and desperate. That isn't the case this summer.

I would hope that we had learnt our lesson by now about developing other teams young players for them. It would have to have a buy clause with an agreed fee.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 04, 2020, 04:30:41 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 04, 2020, 04:26:36 PM

I'm so over goalies. We've a gaggle of the fuckers. Bring on the sexy strikers.

I was the wife of an acrobat.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: jwarry on September 04, 2020, 04:31:37 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on September 04, 2020, 04:13:32 PM

Quote from: Yeltzer on September 04, 2020, 04:08:28 PM

Now being linked with Spurs GK Gazzaniga by Sky Sports. They say we’ve enquired about him

Doubt we’ll be bothered with the Pfaff

Looks like we're limiting our search to Argentine goalkeepers. 

Next January we might try B for Belgium.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on September 04, 2020, 04:34:40 PM

Quote from: jwarry on September 04, 2020, 04:31:37 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on September 04, 2020, 04:13:32 PM

Quote from: Yeltzer on September 04, 2020, 04:08:28 PM

Now being linked with Spurs GK Gazzaniga by Sky Sports. They say we’ve enquired about him

Looks like we're limiting our search to Argentine goalkeepers. 

Next January we might try B for Belgium.

Doubt we’ll be bothered with the Pfaff

Nah it's easy, reckon it's only a matter of time before we've Court-Oisne.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 04, 2020, 04:35:20 PM

Quote from: jwarry on September 04, 2020, 04:31:37 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on September 04, 2020, 04:13:32 PM

Quote from: Yeltzer on September 04, 2020, 04:08:28 PM

Now being linked with Spurs GK Gazzaniga by Sky Sports. They say we’ve enquired about him

Doubt we’ll be bothered with the Pfaff

Looks like we're limiting our search to Argentine goalkeepers. 

Next January we might try B for Belgium.

Jacky Muneron is settled at Anderlecht.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 04, 2020, 04:41:13 PM

Quote from: OCD on September 04, 2020, 04:27:20 PM

I can't see us taking a

Quote from: paul_e on September 04, 2020, 04:11:23 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 04, 2020, 04:06:09 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 04, 2020, 04:01:57 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 04, 2020, 03:58:07 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 04, 2020, 03:36:27 PM

heh. No idea how much money we have to spend but with them going loopy in the transfer market, the likes of loftus-cheek and Hudson-odoi are gonna struggle to get games. Just as an extra option in midfield as a loan is a no-brainer and doesn't stop us chucking money elsewhere. if they worked out, with the 1st team somewhat blocked at Chelsea now, then who's to say they wouldn't sign permanently

To be honest, when those two are mentioned it's generally as a comparison as to how ludicrous Grealish's absence from the national team has been. Hudson-Odoi would give us pace and trickery in the troublesome right wing position. Not sure about Loftus-Cheek, whenever I've seen him he has been very average. Smith doesn't seem keen on loans but a degree of pragmatism might be called for.

yep i'm not sure i'd be that happy buying them outright now, but on a try to buy I don't see a problem. All about being smart. Gives us another option without spending a fortune, and if it works out, given the players Lampard has, we could get a good deal

I'd take Hudson-Odoi on loan, I think he'll be a great player. Loftus-Cheek on loan doesn't make sense to me, he'd be a lot like when we took Mings, if it goes well he just becomes more expensive for us to sign permanently. With Mings it made sense because we were a league below and desperate. That isn't the case this summer.

I would hope that we had learnt our lesson by now about developing other teams young players for them. It would have to have a buy clause with an agreed fee.

Well its a bit of a different situation to the likes of Tammy. IF he came in, and had a great season for us, and maybe got picked for England then I wouldn't imagine the club would have a problem with a big fee. As far as the player is concerned, the way it is at Chelsea at the moment he could be going back to the reserves at the end of the season so we may be more of an appealing option that at first glance.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 04, 2020, 05:06:43 PM

Matt Law in the Telegraph saying Brentford are holding out for £20 for Benrahma. If remotely true just pay it Villa.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 04, 2020, 05:07:37 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 04, 2020, 05:06:43 PM

Matt Law in the Telegraph saying Brentford are holding out for £20 for Benrahma. If remotely true just pay it Villa.

But he may not be our No1 target.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 04, 2020, 05:10:37 PM

Deal.
Sign him up.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aev on September 04, 2020, 05:16:13 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 04, 2020, 05:07:37 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 04, 2020, 05:06:43 PM

Matt Law in the Telegraph saying Brentford are holding out for £20 for Benrahma. If remotely true just pay it Villa.

But he may not be our No1 target.

Rashica not moved anywhere yet.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 04, 2020, 05:18:53 PM

Quote from: aev on September 04, 2020, 05:16:13 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 04, 2020, 05:07:37 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 04, 2020, 05:06:43 PM

Matt Law in the Telegraph saying Brentford are holding out for £20 for Benrahma. If remotely true just pay it Villa.

But he may not be our No1 target.

Rashica not moved anywhere yet.

Exactly.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 04, 2020, 05:21:07 PM

For £20, I'll pay it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 04, 2020, 05:22:12 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 04, 2020, 05:06:43 PM

Matt Law in the Telegraph saying Brentford are holding out for £20 for Benrahma. If remotely true just pay it Villa.

If £20m is accurate then I'd take him, I'd be amazed if they aren't looking for half again on top of that. That said I'd probably go  back to Rashica first and give him a deadline to make a decision and if he doesn't join then I'd go for Benrahma, I'm not entirely convinced that Benrahma isn't a bit soft for the premier league.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on September 04, 2020, 05:23:03 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 04, 2020, 03:43:50 PM

I think we have to accept that we may have to pay over the odds to get some of the players we need.

This. So far this summer our transfer policy is near shambolic. What the was point in waiting for Lange to come in to then have a target list of the names coming up!?
After January and the insane recruitment that meant we played all month with no striker I honestly thought we would push on.

McGinn spoke this week about Eden’s messaging saying we will push on and get depth in etc etc. To be a week from premier league kick off (I know by fluke we have an extra week) and have zero attacking players in is just not good enough.

Dean mentioned loads about Luiz situation coming in late and how we wouldn’t do that again.

Right now dean is being totally let down by Purslows penny pinching

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 04, 2020, 05:23:07 PM

Quote from: OCD on September 04, 2020, 05:21:07 PM

For £20, I'll pay it.

I'll put the other £20 or so for Watkins.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave P on September 04, 2020, 05:25:57 PM

Quote from: Monty on September 04, 2020, 04:34:40 PM

Quote from: jwarry on September 04, 2020, 04:31:37 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on September 04, 2020, 04:13:32 PM

Quote from: Yeltzer on September 04, 2020, 04:08:28 PM

Now being linked with Spurs GK Gazzaniga by Sky Sports. They say we’ve enquired about him

Looks like we're limiting our search to Argentine goalkeepers. 

Next January we might try B for Belgium.

Doubt we’ll be bothered with the Pfaff

Nah it's easy, reckon it's only a matter of time before we've Court-Oisne.

As long as we're only after Belgian goalies.  Belgian strikers are a Hazard.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kipeye on September 04, 2020, 05:44:50 PM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on September 04, 2020, 05:23:03 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 04, 2020, 03:43:50 PM

I think we have to accept that we may have to pay over the odds to get some of the players we need.

This. So far this summer our transfer policy is near shambolic. What the was point in waiting for Lange to come in to then have a target list of the names coming up!?
After January and the insane recruitment that meant we played all month with no striker I honestly thought we would push on.

McGinn spoke this week about Eden’s messaging saying we will push on and get depth in etc etc. To be a week from premier league kick off (I know by fluke we have an extra week) and have zero attacking players in is just not good enough.

Dean mentioned loads about Luiz situation coming in late and how we wouldn’t do that again.

Right now dean is being totally let down by Purslows penny pinching

disagree with almost every word written here.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: The Edge on September 04, 2020, 05:48:28 PM

Quote from: OCD on September 04, 2020, 05:21:07 PM

For £20, I'll pay it.

Ffs not another DrX. Thought these guys were the real deal but they won't even shell out a score for a decent player.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on September 04, 2020, 05:49:57 PM

Quote from: kipeye on September 04, 2020, 05:44:50 PM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on September 04, 2020, 05:23:03 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 04, 2020, 03:43:50 PM

I think we have to accept that we may have to pay over the odds to get some of the players we need.

This. So far this summer our transfer policy is near shambolic. What the was point in waiting for Lange to come in to then have a target list of the names coming up!?
After January and the insane recruitment that meant we played all month with no striker I honestly thought we would push on.

McGinn spoke this week about Eden’s messaging saying we will push on and get depth in etc etc. To be a week from premier league kick off (I know by fluke we have an extra week) and have zero attacking players in is just not good enough.

Dean mentioned loads about Luiz situation coming in late and how we wouldn’t do that again.

Right now dean is being totally let down by Purslows penny pinching

disagree with almost every word written here.

We will see in 4 weeks. Currently options D/E/F being sounded out due to inability to close A/B/C

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ian. on September 04, 2020, 05:53:13 PM

Quote from: kipeye on September 04, 2020, 05:44:50 PM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on September 04, 2020, 05:23:03 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 04, 2020, 03:43:50 PM

I think we have to accept that we may have to pay over the odds to get some of the players we need.

This. So far this summer our transfer policy is near shambolic. What the was point in waiting for Lange to come in to then have a target list of the names coming up!?
After January and the insane recruitment that meant we played all month with no striker I honestly thought we would push on.

McGinn spoke this week about Eden’s messaging saying we will push on and get depth in etc etc. To be a week from premier league kick off (I know by fluke we have an extra week) and have zero attacking players in is just not good enough.

Dean mentioned loads about Luiz situation coming in late and how we wouldn’t do that again.

Right now dean is being totally let down by Purslows penny pinching

disagree with almost every word written here.

So we’re now penny pinching and the transfer window has closed?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 04, 2020, 05:53:33 PM

Quote from: kipeye on September 04, 2020, 05:44:50 PM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on September 04, 2020, 05:23:03 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 04, 2020, 03:43:50 PM

I think we have to accept that we may have to pay over the odds to get some of the players we need.

This. So far this summer our transfer policy is near shambolic. What the was point in waiting for Lange to come in to then have a target list of the names coming up!?
After January and the insane recruitment that meant we played all month with no striker I honestly thought we would push on.

McGinn spoke this week about Eden’s messaging saying we will push on and get depth in etc etc. To be a week from premier league kick off (I know by fluke we have an extra week) and have zero attacking players in is just not good enough.

Dean mentioned loads about Luiz situation coming in late and how we wouldn’t do that again.

Right now dean is being totally let down by Purslows penny pinching

disagree with almost every word written here.

I like the idea that we're penny pinching having spent about £150-160m in 2 1/2 windows since we were promoted. I'm also a big fan of ignoring the arrival of a new director of football and going with recommendations from his predecessor who was seemingly sacked for poor signings.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 04, 2020, 05:55:25 PM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on September 04, 2020, 05:49:57 PM

Quote from: kipeye on September 04, 2020, 05:44:50 PM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on September 04, 2020, 05:23:03 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 04, 2020, 03:43:50 PM

I think we have to accept that we may have to pay over the odds to get some of the players we need.

This. So far this summer our transfer policy is near shambolic. What the was point in waiting for Lange to come in to then have a target list of the names coming up!?
After January and the insane recruitment that meant we played all month with no striker I honestly thought we would push on.

McGinn spoke this week about Eden’s messaging saying we will push on and get depth in etc etc. To be a week from premier league kick off (I know by fluke we have an extra week) and have zero attacking players in is just not good enough.

Dean mentioned loads about Luiz situation coming in late and how we wouldn’t do that again.

Right now dean is being totally let down by Purslows penny pinching

disagree with almost every word written here.

We will see in 4 weeks. Currently options D/E/F being sounded out due to inability to close A/B/C

I have no beef with you, Vinnie, so genuine question with no underlying snide: you said that DS was going to be sacked regardless of the relegation outcome. Is your transfer info coming from the same source?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 04, 2020, 05:56:01 PM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on September 04, 2020, 05:49:57 PM

Quote from: kipeye on September 04, 2020, 05:44:50 PM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on September 04, 2020, 05:23:03 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 04, 2020, 03:43:50 PM

I think we have to accept that we may have to pay over the odds to get some of the players we need.

This. So far this summer our transfer policy is near shambolic. What the was point in waiting for Lange to come in to then have a target list of the names coming up!?
After January and the insane recruitment that meant we played all month with no striker I honestly thought we would push on.

McGinn spoke this week about Eden’s messaging saying we will push on and get depth in etc etc. To be a week from premier league kick off (I know by fluke we have an extra week) and have zero attacking players in is just not good enough.

Dean mentioned loads about Luiz situation coming in late and how we wouldn’t do that again.

Right now dean is being totally let down by Purslows penny pinching

disagree with almost every word written here.

We will see in 4 weeks. Currently options D/E/F being sounded out due to inability to close A/B/C

 You have absolutely no idea who we have as option A/B/C let alone D/E/F. And how do you even know if Purslow is suddenly penny pinching the owner’s money? Did you call him a penny pincher last year when we were the top net spenders in Europe?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aev on September 04, 2020, 05:56:48 PM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on September 04, 2020, 05:49:57 PM

Quote from: kipeye on September 04, 2020, 05:44:50 PM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on September 04, 2020, 05:23:03 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 04, 2020, 03:43:50 PM

I think we have to accept that we may have to pay over the odds to get some of the players we need.

This. So far this summer our transfer policy is near shambolic. What the was point in waiting for Lange to come in to then have a target list of the names coming up!?
After January and the insane recruitment that meant we played all month with no striker I honestly thought we would push on.

McGinn spoke this week about Eden’s messaging saying we will push on and get depth in etc etc. To be a week from premier league kick off (I know by fluke we have an extra week) and have zero attacking players in is just not good enough.

Dean mentioned loads about Luiz situation coming in late and how we wouldn’t do that again.

Right now dean is being totally let down by Purslows penny pinching

disagree with almost every word written here.

We will see in 4 weeks. Currently options D/E/F being sounded out due to inability to close A/B/C

Do you think A/B/C are unrealistic signings, or are we simply trying to get them on the cheap?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on September 04, 2020, 05:58:34 PM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on September 04, 2020, 05:49:57 PM

We will see in 4 weeks. Currently options D/E/F being sounded out due to inability to close A/B/C

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on August 28, 2020, 09:19:36 AM

None of our targets have moved to anyone else. Until that happens then we are still on for plan A's. How long we are willing to wait out on it is another matter

So who were these targets we've missed out on in the past week?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on September 04, 2020, 05:59:22 PM

Fine, I’ve said enough on it. Proof in pudding and happy to eat tons of humble pie in 4 weeks time. Truly hope I do.

I’m not having a pop at anyone it’s just my opinion based on some things I’ve heard today.

Re Deano being sacked regardless that was happening with 4 games to go. The turnaround and the short summer saved him. Said for ages Suso was gone as soon as season ended as well and that obv happened.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on September 04, 2020, 06:00:40 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on September 04, 2020, 05:58:34 PM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on September 04, 2020, 05:49:57 PM

We will see in 4 weeks. Currently options D/E/F being sounded out due to inability to close A/B/C

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on August 28, 2020, 09:19:36 AM

None of our targets have moved to anyone else. Until that happens then we are still on for plan A's. How long we are willing to wait out on it is another matter

So who were these targets we've missed out on in the past week?

“How long were willing to wait is another matter”

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on September 04, 2020, 06:04:58 PM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on September 04, 2020, 06:00:40 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on September 04, 2020, 05:58:34 PM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on September 04, 2020, 05:49:57 PM

We will see in 4 weeks. Currently options D/E/F being sounded out due to inability to close A/B/C

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on August 28, 2020, 09:19:36 AM

None of our targets have moved to anyone else. Until that happens then we are still on for plan A's. How long we are willing to wait out on it is another matter

So who were these targets we've missed out on in the past week?

“How long were willing to wait is another matter”

Which is at odds with "So far this summer our transfer policy is near shambolic."

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on September 04, 2020, 06:06:14 PM

Last thing I’ll will say on it from my opinion is we would be better signing 3 people who are plan A/B by paying  slightly more to get them than signing 4/5 plan F’s

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on September 04, 2020, 06:07:28 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on September 04, 2020, 06:04:58 PM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on September 04, 2020, 06:00:40 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on September 04, 2020, 05:58:34 PM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on September 04, 2020, 05:49:57 PM

We will see in 4 weeks. Currently options D/E/F being sounded out due to inability to close A/B/C

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on August 28, 2020, 09:19:36 AM

None of our targets have moved to anyone else. Until that happens then we are still on for plan A's. How long we are willing to wait out on it is another matter

So who were these targets we've missed out on in the past week?

“How long were willing to wait is another matter”

Which is at odds with "So far this summer our transfer policy is near shambolic."

Ok I take Back the shambolic comment. More frustrated that the recruitment is leaving a lot to be desired at the moment

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 04, 2020, 06:07:33 PM

Messi now staying at Barcelona. That's what happens when our board continues to dilly-dally instead of sealing the deal. FFS sort it out!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 04, 2020, 06:08:14 PM

I think Vinnie has slight inside knowledge but he also said it was all very hush hush these days so who knows.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 04, 2020, 06:11:47 PM

The purchase of Watkins, Wilson and L-Cheek would make this a very good window (Abraham for Wilson, even better, but I suspect that isn't going to happen). They'd still be some money left for a keeper as well, I guess.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on September 04, 2020, 06:15:24 PM

Quote from: Mister E on September 04, 2020, 06:11:47 PM

The purchase of Watkins, Wilson and L-Cheek would make this a very good window (Abraham for Wilson, even better, but I suspect that isn't going to happen). They'd still be some money left for a keeper as well, I guess.

Loftus cheek would be a class signing

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Pat Mustard on September 04, 2020, 06:17:12 PM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on September 04, 2020, 06:06:14 PM

Last thing I’ll will say on it from my opinion is we would be better signing 3 people who are plan A/B by paying  slightly more to get them than signing 4/5 plan F’s

But Plan A/B either might not be available yet, or want to see what other business we do before deciding if we are a good prospect. I’d rather keep our powder dry and wait to get who we really want than panic and end up paying over the odds for our third or fourth choices just because they will sign today.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ktvillan on September 04, 2020, 06:18:11 PM

It is coming across as if fees (or maybe wage demands) are something of a block on signing players like Watkins and Benrahma from the Championship.   I wonder if Purslow is trying to go for  too low an amount upfront and too high an amount as extras.   Maybe he's even trying Small Heath's old trick of trying to put in a clause where we only pay more if we stay up.  Or perhaps he's trying to out-Levy Levy. Of course it could be none of the above and we just aren't keen enough on said players to go overboard.  Purslow's task is difficult, making sure we get the right players in without being ripped off.  But I'd rather get ripped off a bit than end up with Baston and Drinkwater MkII.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on September 04, 2020, 06:22:18 PM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on September 04, 2020, 06:17:12 PM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on September 04, 2020, 06:06:14 PM

Last thing I’ll will say on it from my opinion is we would be better signing 3 people who are plan A/B by paying  slightly more to get them than signing 4/5 plan F’s

But Plan A/B either might not be available yet, or want to see what other business we do before deciding if we are a good prospect. I’d rather keep our powder dry and wait to get who we really want than panic and end up paying over the odds for our third or fourth choices just because they will sign today.

That's fine, so long as you do eventually get your man.  But waiting doesn't necessarily mean you will get your man, and that's when the panic buys happen.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 04, 2020, 06:28:10 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 04, 2020, 06:22:18 PM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on September 04, 2020, 06:17:12 PM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on September 04, 2020, 06:06:14 PM

Last thing I’ll will say on it from my opinion is we would be better signing 3 people who are plan A/B by paying  slightly more to get them than signing 4/5 plan F’s

But Plan A/B either might not be available yet, or want to see what other business we do before deciding if we are a good prospect. I’d rather keep our powder dry and wait to get who we really want than panic and end up paying over the odds for our third or fourth choices just because they will sign today.

That's fine, so long as you do eventually get your man.  But waiting doesn't necessarily mean you will get your man, and that's when the panic buys happen.

Well that is the art of the deal. I think someone wrote a book about it once.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 04, 2020, 06:29:53 PM

Quote from: ktvillan on September 04, 2020, 06:18:11 PM

It is coming across as if fees (or maybe wage demands) are something of a block on signing players like Watkins and Benrahma from the Championship.   I wonder if Purslow is trying to go for  too low an amount upfront and too high an amount as extras.   Maybe he's even trying Small Heath's old trick of trying to put in a clause where we only pay more if we stay up.  Or perhaps he's trying to out-Levy Levy. Of course it could be none of the above and we just aren't keen enough on said players to go overboard.  Purslow's task is difficult, making sure we get the right players in without being ripped off.  But I'd rather get ripped off a bit than end up with Baston and Drinkwater MkII.

We have a Sporting Director and a Head of Recruitment. Surely Purslow ought to give them a budget and let them get on with it?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aev on September 04, 2020, 06:32:24 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 04, 2020, 06:29:53 PM

Quote from: ktvillan on September 04, 2020, 06:18:11 PM

It is coming across as if fees (or maybe wage demands) are something of a block on signing players like Watkins and Benrahma from the Championship.   I wonder if Purslow is trying to go for  too low an amount upfront and too high an amount as extras.   Maybe he's even trying Small Heath's old trick of trying to put in a clause where we only pay more if we stay up.  Or perhaps he's trying to out-Levy Levy. Of course it could be none of the above and we just aren't keen enough on said players to go overboard.  Purslow's task is difficult, making sure we get the right players in without being ripped off.  But I'd rather get ripped off a bit than end up with Baston and Drinkwater MkII.

We have a Sporting Director and a Head of Recruitment. Surely Purslow ought to give them a budget and let them get on with it?

I get the feeling may struggle to delegate. Based on nothing at all, other than him celebrating in the changing room like a weird uncle and hi jacking the interview he and Deano did with Sky.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on September 04, 2020, 06:34:09 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 04, 2020, 06:28:10 PM

Well that is the art of the deal. I think someone wrote a book about it once.

Doug, probably.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dicedlam on September 04, 2020, 06:37:50 PM

Quote from: ktvillan on September 04, 2020, 06:18:11 PM

It is coming across as if fees (or maybe wage demands) are something of a block on signing players like Watkins and Benrahma from the Championship.   I wonder if Purslow is trying to go for  too low an amount upfront and too high an amount as extras.   Maybe he's even trying Small Heath's old trick of trying to put in a clause where we only pay more if we stay up.  Or perhaps he's trying to out-Levy Levy. Of course it could be none of the above and we just aren't keen enough on said players to go overboard.  Purslow's task is difficult, making sure we get the right players in without being ripped off.  But I'd rather get ripped off a bit than end up with Baston and Drinkwater MkII.

Both Watkins and Benrahma and probably Wilson too know they will be gone this window and each of them might be holding out to see which club offers them the best deal.
I don't think both Bentford and Bournemouth are in the greatest of positions to dictate the price, It is more to do with who pays the players the most and for how long which will determine the outcome.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on September 04, 2020, 06:39:24 PM

Pretty underwhelming so far.  We have signed a player who might turn out to the great but we didn't really need at this moment in time with Guilbert in situ.  So much for the 'signing of players with Premier League experience'.  Watkins and Benrahma potentially too. 

We have had a bid rejected for Wilson (allegedly).  The bid is said to be between £13 and £15m?  I don't believe that for a minute.  We got Matty Cash for 14 to 16 mill, a Championship player yet only bid 15mill for an England international, and we expect to get him for that? It's either utter bollocks from Sky, as per usual, or a complete waste of time from Villa.  Fucking get on with it!!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 04, 2020, 06:46:49 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 04, 2020, 06:28:10 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 04, 2020, 06:22:18 PM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on September 04, 2020, 06:17:12 PM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on September 04, 2020, 06:06:14 PM

Last thing I’ll will say on it from my opinion is we would be better signing 3 people who are plan A/B by paying  slightly more to get them than signing 4/5 plan F’s

But Plan A/B either might not be available yet, or want to see what other business we do before deciding if we are a good prospect. I’d rather keep our powder dry and wait to get who we really want than panic and end up paying over the odds for our third or fourth choices just because they will sign today.

That's fine, so long as you do eventually get your man.  But waiting doesn't necessarily mean you will get your man, and that's when the panic buys happen.

Well that is the art of the deal. I think someone wrote a book about it once.

Very good, Lee!!
But not a great role model.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on September 04, 2020, 06:47:45 PM

Quote from: Yeltzer on September 04, 2020, 04:08:28 PM

Now being linked with Spurs GK Gazzaniga by Sky Sports. They say we’ve enquired about him

He is shite

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on September 04, 2020, 06:50:19 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on September 04, 2020, 04:13:32 PM

Quote from: Yeltzer on September 04, 2020, 04:08:28 PM

Now being linked with Spurs GK Gazzaniga by Sky Sports. They say we’ve enquired about him

Looks like we're limiting our search to Argentine goalkeepers. 

Next January we might try B for Belgium.

we like B Bruge Brentford Bournemouth

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on September 04, 2020, 06:51:15 PM

Have Sky ever linked us with a player and it has come true?  I honestly cannot think of a single one.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: olaftab on September 04, 2020, 07:10:29 PM

So Bournemouth have not shut the door on us for Wilson. Negotiations going on.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: olaftab on September 04, 2020, 07:12:04 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on September 04, 2020, 06:07:33 PM

Messi now staying at Barcelona. That's what happens when our board continues to dilly-dally instead of sealing the deal. FFS sort it out!

Yes that’s typical Villa. And to think we could have easily paid the €700 clause activation fee🤔

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 04, 2020, 07:18:18 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 04, 2020, 06:47:45 PM

Quote from: Yeltzer on September 04, 2020, 04:08:28 PM

Now being linked with Spurs GK Gazzaniga by Sky Sports. They say we’ve enquired about him

He is shite

I'd have to agree with that. Martinez, Romero or Ramsdale I could see the point although they wouldn't have been my choices. Gazzaniga is crap.

Also, if I was Jed Steer and it's true we're been making enquiries for a goalie at Gazzaniga's level, I'd be really pissed off right now. Heaton made sense, Reina as a short term signing made sense. Gazzaniga is no better than Steer in my view, neither is Nyland and neither is Kalinic.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 04, 2020, 07:22:01 PM

Daily Mail are saying Benrahma is Smiths to target but we won't go to £25m for him. Does strike me that there is a deal to be done with Brentford but the longer it drags, the more chance you have of your plan A targets going elsewhere, your plan B ones also moving while you were dragging your feet anc ending up in the Belgian league on a wing and a prayer.  January was not an inspiring example of good transfer business to help us improve in the second half of the season. I really hope in 4 weeks we have taken 3/4 points from the first 3 games and have a forward line that has some teeth.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 04, 2020, 07:22:41 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 04, 2020, 07:18:18 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 04, 2020, 06:47:45 PM

Quote from: Yeltzer on September 04, 2020, 04:08:28 PM

Now being linked with Spurs GK Gazzaniga by Sky Sports. They say we’ve enquired about him

He is shite

I'd have to agree with that. Martinez, Romero or Ramsdale I could see the point although they wouldn't have been my choices. Gazzaniga is crap.

Also, if I was Jed Steer and it's true we're been making enquiries for a goalie at Gazzaniga's level, I'd be really pissed off right now. Heaton made sense, Reina as a short term signing made sense. Gazzaniga is no better than Steer in my view, neither is Nyland and neither is Kalinic.

Gazzaniga is no better than Nyland.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 04, 2020, 07:23:20 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 04, 2020, 07:22:01 PM

Daily Mail are saying Benrahma is Smiths to target but we won't go to £25m for him. Does strike me that there is a deal to be done with Brentford but the longer it drags, the more chance you have of your plan A targets going elsewhere, your plan B ones also moving while you were dragging your feet anc ending up in the Belgian league on a wing and a prayer.  January was not an inspiring example of good transfer business to help us improve in the second half of the season. I really hope in 4 weeks we have taken 3/4 points from the first 3 games and have a forward line that has some teeth.

Easy. They valued Hogan at around £10m, they can take him back plus £15m. Sorted.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 04, 2020, 07:26:39 PM

Brentford’s manager has said they can both go for the right price but that Henry isn’t for sale.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on September 04, 2020, 07:28:43 PM

Quote from: Mister E on September 04, 2020, 06:46:49 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 04, 2020, 06:28:10 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 04, 2020, 06:22:18 PM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on September 04, 2020, 06:17:12 PM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on September 04, 2020, 06:06:14 PM

Last thing I’ll will say on it from my opinion is we would be better signing 3 people who are plan A/B by paying  slightly more to get them than signing 4/5 plan F’s

But Plan A/B either might not be available yet, or want to see what other business we do before deciding if we are a good prospect. I’d rather keep our powder dry and wait to get who we really want than panic and end up paying over the odds for our third or fourth choices just because they will sign today.

That's fine, so long as you do eventually get your man.  But waiting doesn't necessarily mean you will get your man, and that's when the panic buys happen.

Well that is the art of the deal. I think someone wrote a book about it once.

Very good, Lee!!
But not a great role model.

What's wrong with Tony Schwartz? I loved his line about how he "put lipstick on a pig".

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on September 04, 2020, 07:46:29 PM

if we are aiming for a top half, top 10 spot then we will need a top half team
I know we will always need decent back up players but the top 10 players we have currently in my opinion are

G -  Heaton

D -  Guilbert Cash Mings Engels Target

M - Grealish McGinn Luiz

F - 0

fill in the gaps in this window and we can do it

I’m not writing off everybody else obviously but some aren’t and never will be top half quality and others Nakamba Wesley Konsa will need to continue to improve

we are not far of imo if we can fill those gaps in the forward line

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ktvillan on September 04, 2020, 07:55:26 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 04, 2020, 06:29:53 PM

Quote from: ktvillan on September 04, 2020, 06:18:11 PM

It is coming across as if fees (or maybe wage demands) are something of a block on signing players like Watkins and Benrahma from the Championship.   I wonder if Purslow is trying to go for  too low an amount upfront and too high an amount as extras.   Maybe he's even trying Small Heath's old trick of trying to put in a clause where we only pay more if we stay up.  Or perhaps he's trying to out-Levy Levy. Of course it could be none of the above and we just aren't keen enough on said players to go overboard.  Purslow's task is difficult, making sure we get the right players in without being ripped off.  But I'd rather get ripped off a bit than end up with Baston and Drinkwater MkII.

We have a Sporting Director and a Head of Recruitment. Surely Purslow ought to give them a budget and let them get on with it?

Dunno is that the way it works? Or would those two ID the players, get a quote and then refer it to the CEO for a final say? 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 04, 2020, 07:59:02 PM

Quote from: ktvillan on September 04, 2020, 07:55:26 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 04, 2020, 06:29:53 PM

Quote from: ktvillan on September 04, 2020, 06:18:11 PM

It is coming across as if fees (or maybe wage demands) are something of a block on signing players like Watkins and Benrahma from the Championship.   I wonder if Purslow is trying to go for  too low an amount upfront and too high an amount as extras.   Maybe he's even trying Small Heath's old trick of trying to put in a clause where we only pay more if we stay up.  Or perhaps he's trying to out-Levy Levy. Of course it could be none of the above and we just aren't keen enough on said players to go overboard.  Purslow's task is difficult, making sure we get the right players in without being ripped off.  But I'd rather get ripped off a bit than end up with Baston and Drinkwater MkII.

We have a Sporting Director and a Head of Recruitment. Surely Purslow ought to give them a budget and let them get on with it?

Dunno is that the way it works? Or would those two ID the players, get a quote and then refer it to the CEO for a final say? 

No idea. Seems pointless having both if they don't have any executive power.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on September 04, 2020, 08:29:11 PM

time to pony up the money for Watkins or move on to another target. This has been going on too long - we know from previous experience Brentford play hard ball with us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john2710 on September 04, 2020, 08:43:20 PM

The time to panic is when the window is shut & we don't have the necessary quality / numbers. We have 30+ days to go.

We have no idea what sort of fees we're being quoted for Wilson, Watkins & Benrhama. If we have to wait for sensible fees then so be it.

Whilst Dean said he didn't want to have another situation like Luis last season, he wasn't fit because he couldn't even be in the country let alone train until just before the season started.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 04, 2020, 08:50:41 PM

Quote from: john e on September 04, 2020, 07:46:29 PM

if we are aiming for a top half, top 10 spot then we will need a top half team
I know we will always need decent back up players but the top 10 players we have currently in my opinion are

G -  Heaton

D -  Guilbert Cash Mings Engels Target

M - Grealish McGinn Luiz

F - 0

fill in the gaps in this window and we can do it
I’m not writing off everybody else obviously but some aren’t and never will be top half quality and others Nakamba Wesley Konsa will need to continue to improve
we are not far of imo if we can fill those gaps in the forward line

Engels but not Konsa? Hmmm.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Legion on September 04, 2020, 09:03:50 PM

It's not a gap in the forward line. It's a gaping chasm.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ROBBO on September 04, 2020, 09:14:03 PM

Where are these players wanted? certainly not any of the top six, and then out of the rest who has the finances to buy them? i would say very few. I don't mind at all Villa sticking to their guns on price, how mand duds have we paid over the price for?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 04, 2020, 09:56:43 PM

Have to say all these championship players being linked are all very well if they come off, but at this stage of the "project" i rather have some top level experience injected into the team even if its older and short term. We've just had a season of unproven talent finding its feet and i don't want another one.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 04, 2020, 10:15:29 PM

Seems odd to me we've just paid 16m for a championship RB and are seemingly trying to low ball Brentford to sell their attackers for under 20.

Did we really believe Wesley was a 22m forward last summer as that was a great example of overpaying (although there was a rumour we deliberately overpaid for him to make sure he got a work permit).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on September 04, 2020, 11:00:27 PM

Quote from: gpbarr on September 04, 2020, 02:02:59 PM

Quote from: exigo on September 04, 2020, 01:43:43 PM

Funny how most on here are berating the club, and saying how the grass seems to greener at all our rivals. Here's a Newcastle fan saying how our grass is greener.

Linky (https://twitter.com/davepresents/status/1301834293635940354)

But that sort of proves the point. Because Newcastle will struggle this year (they are a mess, can't see them overachieving like they did last year, owner wants to sell, lack of investment, poor manager) but when one looks at the clubs we will likely be competing around this year (Newcastle, Brighton, Leeds, WBA, Fulham, Palace, WHam, and Southampton), I'd argue Leeds, Brighton, WHam, Southampton have donner better business than we have in the window (to date) and, Palace are just in better shape generally.

Dangerous to predict when the window still has weeks to run but unless we see real quality incoming, I see us struggling again this coming year.

Palace nose dived at the end of last season, a bit like Watford the end of the season before. Palace also have an ageing team and their best player has been dying to leave for a while. I’m not sure where the analysis that they are in better shape comes from.
Leeds, Brighton, West Ham doing better business, that’s subjective to be honest.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 04, 2020, 11:03:40 PM

The income has severely dropped because of lockdown and as a result of this Chinese deal collapsing.  The environment is very different from last year and just as you see no one seemingly want to pay £80m for Jack, we don’t want to be mugged off for championship players.  If it was the same environment as last year I would have no doubt we would pay what was being asked for these players. 

The one I don’t understand if true is haggling over £2m for a proven PL striker - Wilson.  It’s not as if we have an embarrassment of riches up front.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: robbo1874 on September 04, 2020, 11:29:22 PM

I think as a few other posters have noted that it may be more to do with wages than transfer fees. I read recently that the wage bill came down from >100m to around 65m last year. If that’s true and it is to be sustainable then we’ll have to play hardball with the agents. Doesn’t seem much of a coincidence that the first signing we’ve made was for a player who seems to have wanted to sign for reasons other than money primarily, judging by his comments.

I think it’s too early to say whether ‘the bubble has burst’ yet, but the PL China deal collapsing may be something we look back on in a few years time and think, that’s where it all started to unravel. For good or bad depending on your viewpoint.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: robbo1874 on September 04, 2020, 11:45:55 PM

On a bit of a tangent, but it is related to the thread, as it may impact on the signings we eventually make, does anyone know how the academy lads performed on the Wales training camp? If there’s some decent forward options likely to break through in the next 1-2 seasons, that may dictate how we approach signings in this window. Maybe if they think a few of these kids are knocking on the door, we may lean towards proven PL quality who can do a job short term for a season or two rather than championship longer term buys who may be seen as a bit of a risk. From all the stories of players who are linked and we’ve supposedly been chasing, it does seem like we’re going along the championship route. It will be fascinating to see how it all transpires. Nothing like a few big signings to get the fans excited though ahead of the season. I keep madly checking on here to see if we’ve got someone!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 04, 2020, 11:53:07 PM

Quote from: RamboandBruno on September 04, 2020, 11:00:27 PM

Quote from: gpbarr on September 04, 2020, 02:02:59 PM

Quote from: exigo on September 04, 2020, 01:43:43 PM

Funny how most on here are berating the club, and saying how the grass seems to greener at all our rivals. Here's a Newcastle fan saying how our grass is greener.

Linky (https://twitter.com/davepresents/status/1301834293635940354)

But that sort of proves the point. Because Newcastle will struggle this year (they are a mess, can't see them overachieving like they did last year, owner wants to sell, lack of investment, poor manager) but when one looks at the clubs we will likely be competing around this year (Newcastle, Brighton, Leeds, WBA, Fulham, Palace, WHam, and Southampton), I'd argue Leeds, Brighton, WHam, Southampton have donner better business than we have in the window (to date) and, Palace are just in better shape generally.

Dangerous to predict when the window still has weeks to run but unless we see real quality incoming, I see us struggling again this coming year.

Palace nose dived at the end of last season, a bit like Watford the end of the season before. Palace also have an ageing team and their best player has been dying to leave for a while. I’m not sure where the analysis that they are in better shape comes from.
Leeds, Brighton, West Ham doing better business, that’s subjective to be honest.

West Ham doing better business isn't very subjective. They've just sold one of their most two promising young players for a relatively low fee, are rumoured to be selling the second to Chelsea and their entire fan base seems to be furious and wants the owners out. They also don't actually seem to have signed any players yet other than making the loan for Soucek permanent. So I'm at a loss as to how they are doing better business.

As far as I can see from the other clubs mentioned unless their transfer pages haven't been updated.

Southampton have signed two players, one of whom was on loan there last season and they've swapped for one of their best players.

Newcastle have signed Jeff Hendrick on a free, the most Steve Bruce-like signing it's possible to make.

Leeds have spent a fortune on a striker who doesn't score many goals who we would have been up in arms if we'd have signed, and a promising centre half for £11m. Two senior players plus three cheap youth players.

Palace have signed one promising Championship player for around £15m. So the same as us.

Brighton have signed Adam Lallana who may or may not be a good free transfer punt if his legs hold out, a defender from Ajax for £1m, a free transfer from Brugge, and young lads from Wigan and Bray Wanderers.

Burnley have signed no senior players.

Neither have Wolves, they've just sold Doherty for a staggeringly low fee.

Fulham have bought Antonee Robinson from Wigan and reportedly paid him £60k per week to do so and made loans permanent for Anthony Knockaert from Brighton and Harrison Reed who both played for them in the Championship last year.

I can understand people being impatient waiting for our signings, but making out teams around us are doing much different just isn't true whatever the links are on Twitter. About the only club other than the Champions League teams who have made big signings are Everton.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 05, 2020, 12:06:49 AM

Quote from: robbo1874 on September 04, 2020, 11:29:22 PM

I think as a few other posters have noted that it may be more to do with wages than transfer fees. I read recently that the wage bill came down from >100m to around 65m last year. If that’s true and it is to be sustainable then we’ll have to play hardball with the agents. Doesn’t seem much of a coincidence that the first signing we’ve made was for a player who seems to have wanted to sign for reasons other than money primarily, judging by his comments.

I think it’s too early to say whether ‘the bubble has burst’ yet, but the PL China deal collapsing may be something we look back on in a few years time and think, that’s where it all started to unravel. For good or bad depending on your viewpoint.

Yeah that's true I guess. A 20M signing will demand 60k a week regardless of where they come form and if they're on 15k a week like Watkins is apparently on there.

I do remember years back though Spurs signed Modric for about 15m and he was only on 25k to start but then got a contract extension a year later that bumped him up to 40/50k.

Even now Spurs first 11 is massively underpaid compared to the likes of Arsenal and Man. United but they seem to get on with it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 05, 2020, 12:06:50 AM

Agree with all that.  Leeds needed to buy as well.  The Albion are still woefully short in my view as well despite Pereira and Diangana being good signings.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Shrek on September 05, 2020, 12:07:53 AM

Quote from: john e on September 04, 2020, 07:46:29 PM

if we are aiming for a top half, top 10 spot then we will need a top half team
I know we will always need decent back up players but the top 10 players we have currently in my opinion are

G -  Heaton

D -  Guilbert Cash Mings Engels Target

M - Grealish McGinn Luiz

F - 0

fill in the gaps in this window and we can do it

I’m not writing off everybody else obviously but some aren’t and never will be top half quality and others Nakamba Wesley Konsa will need to continue to improve

we are not far of imo if we can fill those gaps in the forward line

I agree on all bar Engels, I think Konsa is better than him personally.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 05, 2020, 12:08:03 AM

Quote from: robbo1874 on September 04, 2020, 11:45:55 PM

On a bit of a tangent, but it is related to the thread, as it may impact on the signings we eventually make, does anyone know how the academy lads performed on the Wales training camp? If there’s some decent forward options likely to break through in the next 1-2 seasons, that may dictate how we approach signings in this window. Maybe if they think a few of these kids are knocking on the door, we may lean towards proven PL quality who can do a job short term for a season or two rather than championship longer term buys who may be seen as a bit of a risk. From all the stories of players who are linked and we’ve supposedly been chasing, it does seem like we’re going along the championship route. It will be fascinating to see how it all transpires. Nothing like a few big signings to get the fans excited though ahead of the season. I keep madly checking on here to see if we’ve got someone!

Louie Barry the obvious one but would imagine a loan to championship in next 12 months is the sensible move e.g. what Chelsea did with Tammy before finally giving him a go in the first team.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: robbo1874 on September 05, 2020, 01:39:31 AM

I don’t remember seeing Barry in the photos they put out.
I think there were about 5 or 6, none of whom I’d really heard of other than Bidace. Vassilev’s an interesting one too. Maybe will be ahead of Davies in the pecking order next season, or out on loan?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on September 05, 2020, 07:14:32 AM

Quote from: robbo1874 on September 04, 2020, 11:29:22 PM

I think as a few other posters have noted that it may be more to do with wages than transfer fees. I read recently that the wage bill came down from >100m to around 65m last year. If that’s true and it is to be sustainable then we’ll have to play hardball with the agents. Doesn’t seem much of a coincidence that the first signing we’ve made was for a player who seems to have wanted to sign for reasons other than money primarily, judging by his comments.

I think it’s too early to say whether ‘the bubble has burst’ yet, but the PL China deal collapsing may be something we look back on in a few years time and think, that’s where it all started to unravel. For good or bad depending on your viewpoint.

Yeah, this.

Also, if we start overpaying for players and acting like the richest club in the league, the price tags we pay will rise accordingly, as will the wages. In that sense we need to follow the Spurs model more than the Man City one - drive hard bargains & keep our costs low enough that we don't end up forking out £100,000 a week in a third choice keeper. I mean, what would that make Jack's wages? Something like £250,000 a week at least .... it's a slippery slope.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 05, 2020, 08:09:51 AM

Quote from: algy on September 05, 2020, 07:14:32 AM

Quote from: robbo1874 on September 04, 2020, 11:29:22 PM

I think as a few other posters have noted that it may be more to do with wages than transfer fees. I read recently that the wage bill came down from >100m to around 65m last year. If that’s true and it is to be sustainable then we’ll have to play hardball with the agents. Doesn’t seem much of a coincidence that the first signing we’ve made was for a player who seems to have wanted to sign for reasons other than money primarily, judging by his comments.

I think it’s too early to say whether ‘the bubble has burst’ yet, but the PL China deal collapsing may be something we look back on in a few years time and think, that’s where it all started to unravel. For good or bad depending on your viewpoint.

Yeah, this.

Also, if we start overpaying for players and acting like the richest club in the league, the price tags we pay will rise accordingly, as will the wages. In that sense we need to follow the Spurs model more than the Man City one - drive hard bargains & keep our costs low enough that we don't end up forking out £100,000 a week in a third choice keeper. I mean, what would that make Jack's wages? Something like £250,000 a week at least .... it's a slippery slope.

All well and good re wages and not overpaying. But we still have the question of purchase price.
 
Brentford would be looking at the benchmark we've set for ourselves (with Cash) and saying that W & B have to be worth £20-25m apiece. And, Bournemouth - who have already mugged off Ake and Ramsdale for high prices - will look at the Cash buy and say that Wilson (England player in the prime of his career) is worth over £20m, too.
Haven't we created our own problem here? Or, maybe the delay is not in the price but the finer details.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 05, 2020, 08:10:37 AM

Presumably Benrhama is now Spam-bound, given that they've sold Diangana.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on September 05, 2020, 08:14:22 AM

Lost out on two players smith wanted. Dianagana so we left it too late and Wilson is off to Newcastle cause we didn’t bid an extra £2m

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Shrek on September 05, 2020, 08:30:34 AM

Quote from: Mister E on September 05, 2020, 08:10:37 AM

Presumably Benrhama is now Spam-bound, given that they've sold Diangana.

It seems they were never after him, they are trying to buy the centre half from Burnley. West Ham fans are absolutely fuming about selling Grady.

Noble has had something to say too...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Hookeysmith on September 05, 2020, 08:31:51 AM

The facts are none of us know anything that goes on behind the scenes. Part of this is frustrating for us as we are excited by new signings but part of me loves the fact that it pisser off the like of Jim whites transfer window circus bullshit as they seemingly don't know either.

It's just over a year since we nearly became the next bolton or Wigan. Irrespective of our owners wealth we employee people to stop us getting fucked over on transfer values, wages and agents fees.
Get big wages on long deals and it can be distasterous, as we know already, so I'm sure the club is practicing tight business disciplines and quite right to.

Reading the movement by other teams around us is very interesting and proves how sky's marketing gives such false impressions.

I'm sure we know what are doing

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ian. on September 05, 2020, 08:33:00 AM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on September 05, 2020, 08:14:22 AM

Lost out on two players smith wanted. Dianagana so we left it too late and Wilson is off to Newcastle cause we didn’t bid an extra £2m

 I’d have been happy I must admit, but how do you know Smith wanted these two as priority?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on September 05, 2020, 08:40:02 AM

Wilson's a crock who is ok on his day - the trouble is those days are few and far between.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on September 05, 2020, 08:41:50 AM

Quote from: Ian J on September 05, 2020, 08:33:00 AM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on September 05, 2020, 08:14:22 AM

Lost out on two players smith wanted. Dianagana so we left it too late and Wilson is off to Newcastle cause we didn’t bid an extra £2m

 I’d have been happy I must admit, but how do you know Smith wanted these two as priority?

Why bid at all then?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 05, 2020, 08:42:35 AM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on September 05, 2020, 08:41:50 AM

Quote from: Ian J on September 05, 2020, 08:33:00 AM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on September 05, 2020, 08:14:22 AM

Lost out on two players smith wanted. Dianagana so we left it too late and Wilson is off to Newcastle cause we didn’t bid an extra £2m

 I’d have been happy I must admit, but how do you know Smith wanted these two as priority?

Why bid at all then?

Maybe we haven't, no-one really knows.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 05, 2020, 08:48:36 AM

If Wilson goes to Newcastle I’m starting to get officially worried.  I think he would’ve been ideal for us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 05, 2020, 08:50:23 AM

Wilson would be a very good signing but does look likely to go to Newcastle now. The fact we are bidding for him shows Smith wants him, where on the list he is no one will know, but England International that has started 90 odd games since his last injury is hardly a crock. Premier league know-how, good age and knack of getting 10-12 a season. For 17 ish million it's a good signing of Newcastle get him. I would say if they get Fraser and Wilson to go with what they have, Bruce will grind them to mid table again. We had 10, now we 4 weeks to really improve this team.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on September 05, 2020, 09:10:30 AM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on September 05, 2020, 08:14:22 AM

Lost out on two players smith wanted. Dianagana so we left it too late and Wilson is off to Newcastle cause we didn’t bid an extra £2m

Fucking 'ell.  Is Doug Ellis back in the building and doing the negotiating? 
The Diangana thing I don't believe, surely the targets are named weeks before, leaving it late doesn't seem true in the case.  Not knocking you Vinnie.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ian. on September 05, 2020, 09:17:55 AM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on September 05, 2020, 08:41:50 AM

Quote from: Ian J on September 05, 2020, 08:33:00 AM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on September 05, 2020, 08:14:22 AM

Lost out on two players smith wanted. Dianagana so we left it too late and Wilson is off to Newcastle cause we didn’t bid an extra £2m

 I’d have been happy I must admit, but how do you know Smith wanted these two as priority?

Why bid at all then?

So have we bid? Was it official or on Twitter? Generally asking as so much is written but not actually true.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 05, 2020, 09:20:54 AM

I think the interest in him has been pushed by Albion to puff out their chests and say we beat Villa too him I really do.

The bid for Wilson has been reported by pretty much most of the mainstream media that are usually quite reliable, so not sure why you doubt that one too much.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 05, 2020, 09:25:20 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 05, 2020, 09:20:54 AM

I think the interest in him has been pushed by Albion to puff out their chests and say we beat Villa too him I really do.

The bid for Wilson has been reported by pretty much most of the mainstream media that are usually quite reliable, so not sure why you doubt that one too much.

Has it? I've not seen anything.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 05, 2020, 09:34:45 AM

Quote from: LeeB on September 05, 2020, 09:25:20 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 05, 2020, 09:20:54 AM

I think the interest in him has been pushed by Albion to puff out their chests and say we beat Villa too him I really do.

The bid for Wilson has been reported by pretty much most of the mainstream media that are usually quite reliable, so not sure why you doubt that one too much.

Has it? I've not seen anything.

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/sep/04/aston-villa-15m-callum-wilson-bid-rejected-by-bournemouth-transfer-news

https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11743/12063410/callum-wilson-aston-villa-bid-for-striker-rejected-by-bournemouth

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2020/09/02/aston-villa-win-race-sign-matty-cash-nottingham-forest-16m/

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Pat Mustard on September 05, 2020, 09:35:33 AM

Quote from: Mister E on September 05, 2020, 08:09:51 AM

Quote from: algy on September 05, 2020, 07:14:32 AM

Quote from: robbo1874 on September 04, 2020, 11:29:22 PM

I think as a few other posters have noted that it may be more to do with wages than transfer fees. I read recently that the wage bill came down from >100m to around 65m last year. If that’s true and it is to be sustainable then we’ll have to play hardball with the agents. Doesn’t seem much of a coincidence that the first signing we’ve made was for a player who seems to have wanted to sign for reasons other than money primarily, judging by his comments.

I think it’s too early to say whether ‘the bubble has burst’ yet, but the PL China deal collapsing may be something we look back on in a few years time and think, that’s where it all started to unravel. For good or bad depending on your viewpoint.

Yeah, this.

Also, if we start overpaying for players and acting like the richest club in the league, the price tags we pay will rise accordingly, as will the wages. In that sense we need to follow the Spurs model more than the Man City one - drive hard bargains & keep our costs low enough that we don't end up forking out £100,000 a week in a third choice keeper. I mean, what would that make Jack's wages? Something like £250,000 a week at least .... it's a slippery slope.

All well and good re wages and not overpaying. But we still have the question of purchase price.
 
Brentford would be looking at the benchmark we've set for ourselves (with Cash) and saying that W & B have to be worth £20-25m apiece. And, Bournemouth - who have already mugged off Ake and Ramsdale for high prices - will look at the Cash buy and say that Wilson (England player in the prime of his career) is worth over £20m, too.
Haven't we created our own problem here? Or, maybe the delay is not in the price but the finer details.

I think the Cash deal is precisely why we are saying to Brentford and Bournemouth that their valuations are over the odds. We’ve paid £14 million (rising to £16) for the only just 23 year old best player of a team that finished a few points below Brentford. How does that make both Watkins and Benrahma worth double what Cash is. Similarly, how is the 28 year old, injury prone Wilson who scored as many goals as Wesley last season worth £20 million plus when this is effectively the last big contract of his career?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 05, 2020, 09:38:26 AM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on September 05, 2020, 09:35:33 AM

I think the Cash deal is precisely why we are saying to Brentford and Bournemouth that their valuations are over the odds. We’ve paid £14 million (rising to £16) for the only just 23 year old best player of a team that finished a few points below Brentford. How does that make both Watkins and Benrahma worth double what Cash is. Similarly, how is the 28 year old, injury prone Wilson who scored as many goals as Wesley last season worth £20 million plus when this is effectively the last big contract of his career?

That's all well and good,  but then we'll miss out on those players to other teams like we did with Maupay last season, and another poor transfer window and season of struggle will be the end result.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 05, 2020, 09:39:09 AM

Quote from: Risso on September 05, 2020, 09:38:26 AM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on September 05, 2020, 09:35:33 AM

I think the Cash deal is precisely why we are saying to Brentford and Bournemouth that their valuations are over the odds. We’ve paid £14 million (rising to £16) for the only just 23 year old best player of a team that finished a few points below Brentford. How does that make both Watkins and Benrahma worth double what Cash is. Similarly, how is the 28 year old, injury prone Wilson who scored as many goals as Wesley last season worth £20 million plus when this is effectively the last big contract of his career?

That's all well and good,  but then we'll miss out on those players to other teams like we did with Maupay last season, and another poor transfer window and season of struggle will be the end result.

Pessimist. There is 4 weeks left and all is rosy.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 05, 2020, 09:40:45 AM

Quote from: Newby on September 05, 2020, 09:10:30 AM

Fucking 'ell.  Is Doug Ellis back in the building and doing the negotiating? 

Robbie Keane. £500k - the rest is history.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 05, 2020, 09:43:02 AM

Quote from: Risso on September 05, 2020, 09:34:45 AM

Quote from: LeeB on September 05, 2020, 09:25:20 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 05, 2020, 09:20:54 AM

I think the interest in him has been pushed by Albion to puff out their chests and say we beat Villa too him I really do.

The bid for Wilson has been reported by pretty much most of the mainstream media that are usually quite reliable, so not sure why you doubt that one too much.

Has it? I've not seen anything.

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/sep/04/aston-villa-15m-callum-wilson-bid-rejected-by-bournemouth-transfer-news

https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11743/12063410/callum-wilson-aston-villa-bid-for-striker-rejected-by-bournemouth

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2020/09/02/aston-villa-win-race-sign-matty-cash-nottingham-forest-16m/

I didn't see it in this week's Castle Bromwich Gazette so I'm standing my ground.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: stussyboy on September 05, 2020, 09:44:09 AM

Wilson - 7 goals from 35 (20%) age 28

Wesley - 5 goals from 21 (24%) age 23

The latter is also still finding his feet in a new team, league and country.

Not saying we don’t need another striker but I’m not sure Wilson is the answer

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 05, 2020, 09:48:50 AM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on September 05, 2020, 09:35:33 AM

I think the Cash deal is precisely why we are saying to Brentford and Bournemouth that their valuations are over the odds. We’ve paid £14 million (rising to £16) for the only just 23 year old best player of a team that finished a few points below Brentford. How does that make both Watkins and Benrahma worth double what Cash is. Similarly, how is the 28 year old, injury prone Wilson who scored as many goals as Wesley last season worth £20 million plus when this is effectively the last big contract of his career?

Benrhama  - over-priced, if the press is to be believed.
Watkins - EFL player of the season and scorer of 26 goals in the season (about the same as Tammy for us, who would have cost us £25m if Chelsea had been willing to sell)
Wilson - 28 is not old; England player; good for 10-12 goals a season. As importantly, he makes space for others, is strong and quick.

I'd love to get Watkins and Wilson in - I think they'd be a very potent pairing alternating between being wide and central.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aev on September 05, 2020, 09:50:11 AM

Wasn't there talk of us being interested in Eze but then being put off by his wage demands?

I appreciate there is time left in the window, but in an ideal world you would get your targets done and dusted early on. It takes time for players to settle in, both on and off the pitch.

If we'd have finished 10th i'd be far more relaxed.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: simboy on September 05, 2020, 09:51:12 AM

Quote from: Risso on September 05, 2020, 09:38:26 AM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on September 05, 2020, 09:35:33 AM

I think the Cash deal is precisely why we are saying to Brentford and Bournemouth that their valuations are over the odds. We’ve paid £14 million (rising to £16) for the only just 23 year old best player of a team that finished a few points below Brentford. How does that make both Watkins and Benrahma worth double what Cash is. Similarly, how is the 28 year old, injury prone Wilson who scored as many goals as Wesley last season worth £20 million plus when this is effectively the last big contract of his career?

That's all well and good,  but then we'll miss out on those players to other teams like we did with Maupay last season, and another poor transfer window and season of struggle will be the end result.

Proven goal scorers (in whatever division) are at a premium. For every Jimenez at 30 mill there’s several Joelinton’s at £45 mill.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on September 05, 2020, 10:00:55 AM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on September 05, 2020, 09:35:33 AM

Quote from: Mister E on September 05, 2020, 08:09:51 AM

Quote from: algy on September 05, 2020, 07:14:32 AM

Quote from: robbo1874 on September 04, 2020, 11:29:22 PM

I think as a few other posters have noted that it may be more to do with wages than transfer fees. I read recently that the wage bill came down from >100m to around 65m last year. If that’s true and it is to be sustainable then we’ll have to play hardball with the agents. Doesn’t seem much of a coincidence that the first signing we’ve made was for a player who seems to have wanted to sign for reasons other than money primarily, judging by his comments.

I think it’s too early to say whether ‘the bubble has burst’ yet, but the PL China deal collapsing may be something we look back on in a few years time and think, that’s where it all started to unravel. For good or bad depending on your viewpoint.

Yeah, this.

Also, if we start overpaying for players and acting like the richest club in the league, the price tags we pay will rise accordingly, as will the wages. In that sense we need to follow the Spurs model more than the Man City one - drive hard bargains & keep our costs low enough that we don't end up forking out £100,000 a week in a third choice keeper. I mean, what would that make Jack's wages? Something like £250,000 a week at least .... it's a slippery slope.

All well and good re wages and not overpaying. But we still have the question of purchase price.
 
Brentford would be looking at the benchmark we've set for ourselves (with Cash) and saying that W & B have to be worth £20-25m apiece. And, Bournemouth - who have already mugged off Ake and Ramsdale for high prices - will look at the Cash buy and say that Wilson (England player in the prime of his career) is worth over £20m, too.
Haven't we created our own problem here? Or, maybe the delay is not in the price but the finer details.

I think the Cash deal is precisely why we are saying to Brentford and Bournemouth that their valuations are over the odds. We’ve paid £14 million (rising to £16) for the only just 23 year old best player of a team that finished a few points below Brentford. How does that make both Watkins and Benrahma worth double what Cash is. Similarly, how is the 28 year old, injury prone Wilson who scored as many goals as Wesley last season worth £20 million plus when this is effectively the last big contract of his career?

At any given time I’d guess that the world record fee for a striker is at least x2 the record for a full-back.  On that basis what Brentford are asking is about the going rate.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on September 05, 2020, 10:01:49 AM

Quote from: Mister E on September 05, 2020, 09:48:50 AM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on September 05, 2020, 09:35:33 AM

I think the Cash deal is precisely why we are saying to Brentford and Bournemouth that their valuations are over the odds. We’ve paid £14 million (rising to £16) for the only just 23 year old best player of a team that finished a few points below Brentford. How does that make both Watkins and Benrahma worth double what Cash is. Similarly, how is the 28 year old, injury prone Wilson who scored as many goals as Wesley last season worth £20 million plus when this is effectively the last big contract of his career?

Benrhama  - over-priced, if the press is to be believed.
Watkins - EFL player of the season and scorer of 26 goals in the season (about the same as Tammy for us, who would have cost us £25m if Chelsea had been willing to sell)
Wilson - 28 is not old; England player; good for 10-12 goals a season. As importantly, he makes space for others, is strong and quick.

I'd love to get Watkins and Wilson in - I think they'd be a very potent pairing alternating between being wide and central.

I was hoping this would happen. Older head supporting younger up and coming player as well.
Not sure why being 2 mill short of Bournemouth’s valuation means the deals dead and he’s definitely going to Newcastle, unless that was our one and only offer. Would of thought if smith wants him, they’d be willing to have another crack at it?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on September 05, 2020, 10:05:26 AM

So we need to get on with it then and stop penny pinching.  Two weeks before we kick off and yet again, we are under-cooked, under-prepared and going into the new season with the same crap strike force that we had last season.  Big week ahead, got to get some business done.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on September 05, 2020, 10:10:35 AM

Quote from: Dante Lavelli on September 05, 2020, 10:00:55 AM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on September 05, 2020, 09:35:33 AM

Quote from: Mister E on September 05, 2020, 08:09:51 AM

Quote from: algy on September 05, 2020, 07:14:32 AM

Quote from: robbo1874 on September 04, 2020, 11:29:22 PM

I think as a few other posters have noted that it may be more to do with wages than transfer fees. I read recently that the wage bill came down from >100m to around 65m last year. If that’s true and it is to be sustainable then we’ll have to play hardball with the agents. Doesn’t seem much of a coincidence that the first signing we’ve made was for a player who seems to have wanted to sign for reasons other than money primarily, judging by his comments.

I think it’s too early to say whether ‘the bubble has burst’ yet, but the PL China deal collapsing may be something we look back on in a few years time and think, that’s where it all started to unravel. For good or bad depending on your viewpoint.

Yeah, this.

Also, if we start overpaying for players and acting like the richest club in the league, the price tags we pay will rise accordingly, as will the wages. In that sense we need to follow the Spurs model more than the Man City one - drive hard bargains & keep our costs low enough that we don't end up forking out £100,000 a week in a third choice keeper. I mean, what would that make Jack's wages? Something like £250,000 a week at least .... it's a slippery slope.

All well and good re wages and not overpaying. But we still have the question of purchase price.
 
Brentford would be looking at the benchmark we've set for ourselves (with Cash) and saying that W & B have to be worth £20-25m apiece. And, Bournemouth - who have already mugged off Ake and Ramsdale for high prices - will look at the Cash buy and say that Wilson (England player in the prime of his career) is worth over £20m, too.
Haven't we created our own problem here? Or, maybe the delay is not in the price but the finer details.

I think the Cash deal is precisely why we are saying to Brentford and Bournemouth that their valuations are over the odds. We’ve paid £14 million (rising to £16) for the only just 23 year old best player of a team that finished a few points below Brentford. How does that make both Watkins and Benrahma worth double what Cash is. Similarly, how is the 28 year old, injury prone Wilson who scored as many goals as Wesley last season worth £20 million plus when this is effectively the last big contract of his career?

At any given time I’d guess that the world record fee for a striker is at least x2 the record for a full-back.  On that basis what Brentford are asking is about the going rate.

Also, Bournemouth have a hefty wage bill that's going to cripple them if they don't reduce it. Brentford have a brand new stadium to pay for, which will be operating well below capacity for the foreseeable.

Now is exactly the time to be driving hard bargains with those two. We shouldn't turn down the opportunities afforded to us by the crisis, namely that we have the cash that other clubs need to weather this storm. As ruthless as it feels, we have to clean them out whilst we, but few others, can.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 05, 2020, 10:12:22 AM

And we could also get rid of Lansbury if someone could agree to pay his wages.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on September 05, 2020, 10:17:25 AM

Quote from: Newby on September 05, 2020, 10:05:26 AM

So we need to get on with it then and stop penny pinching.  Two weeks before we kick off and yet again, we are under-cooked, under-prepared and going into the new season with the same crap strike force that we had last season.  Big week ahead, got to get some business done.

This

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 05, 2020, 10:24:00 AM

I'm sure we will.

I'll go with Watkins by Friday and maybe Wilson too.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on September 05, 2020, 10:33:14 AM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 05, 2020, 09:40:45 AM

Quote from: Newby on September 05, 2020, 09:10:30 AM

Fucking 'ell.  Is Doug Ellis back in the building and doing the negotiating? 

Robbie Keane. £500k - the rest is history.

Still Gregory, not Ellis.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 05, 2020, 10:36:25 AM

With Wilson, if we want him we should be paying the money to get him (within reason). There is a risk that you end up missing out for relatively small differences in cost.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dicedlam on September 05, 2020, 10:56:39 AM

I still think this is more to do with what the player is asking for rather than to do with the transfer fees.
At the end of the day, ultimately the decision lies with the player not the club and you will find most players priorities these days are in this order:

1 - What is the maximum salary any club are willing to offer me?
2 - How long can I get them to do that?
3 - The clubs ambition.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on September 05, 2020, 11:00:15 AM

Newcastle look like their getting Jamal Lewis, good player.
We should really be getting Wilson in before they do

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on September 05, 2020, 11:02:21 AM

Quote from: dicedlam on September 05, 2020, 10:56:39 AM

I still think this is more to do with what the player is asking for rather than to do with the transfer fees.
At the end of the day, ultimately the decision lies with the player not the club and you will find most players priorities these days are in this order:

1 - What is the maximum salary any club are willing to offer me?
2 - How long can I get them to do that?
3 - The clubs ambition.

You're probably right there. Without being behind the scenes it's hard to say, but i'd guess that involves as much, if not more, haggling than the transfer fee. And waiting for clubs to get a replacement lined up too.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Goldie.7 on September 05, 2020, 11:03:21 AM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 05, 2020, 10:12:22 AM

And we could also get rid of Lansbury if someone could agree to pay his wages.

We need to stop handing out contracts over 4 years. It breeds players like Lansbury who are quite content playing 10 minutes once a month. No club will take him on loan either, unless we're subsidising most of his wages.

He'll be here to the very last day of his lottery win.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ger Regan on September 05, 2020, 11:07:03 AM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on September 05, 2020, 11:03:21 AM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 05, 2020, 10:12:22 AM

And we could also get rid of Lansbury if someone could agree to pay his wages.

We need to stop handing out contracts over 4 years. It breeds players like Lansbury who are quite content playing 10 minutes once a month. No club will take him on loan either, unless we're subsidising most of his wages.

He'll be here to the very last day of his lottery win.

Disagree. We need to stop giving long term contracts to players like lansbury, but tying promising young players down makes perfect sense.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: fbriai on September 05, 2020, 11:15:58 AM

Quote from: RamboandBruno on September 05, 2020, 11:00:15 AM

Newcastle look like their getting Jamal Lewis, good player.
We should really be getting Wilson in before they do

I'm not sold on Lewis. I saw him a few times in the last few games of the season and thought he was often caught out of position. He's only young though and maybe it was just the few games I saw.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 05, 2020, 11:19:03 AM

According to some obscure source we’ve offered £21m for Wilson now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on September 05, 2020, 11:21:57 AM

Quote from: algy on September 05, 2020, 11:02:21 AM

Quote from: dicedlam on September 05, 2020, 10:56:39 AM

I still think this is more to do with what the player is asking for rather than to do with the transfer fees.
At the end of the day, ultimately the decision lies with the player not the club and you will find most players priorities these days are in this order:

1 - What is the maximum salary any club are willing to offer me?
2 - How long can I get them to do that?
3 - The clubs ambition.

You're probably right there. Without being behind the scenes it's hard to say, but i'd guess that involves as much, if not more, haggling than the transfer fee. And waiting for clubs to get a replacement lined up too.

Not to mention that all the haggling has to be between shady third parties the clubs cannot officially speak to any players until an offer is accepted.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on September 05, 2020, 11:27:16 AM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on September 05, 2020, 11:19:03 AM

According to some obscure source we’ve offered £21m for Wilson now.

And that Newcastle have offered 20 and Wilson wants to go to Newcastle.  We are also being linked with the Celtic fella again.  A measly 45mill.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: nodge on September 05, 2020, 11:31:30 AM

“Suggestions he prefers a move to nufc”. Maybe he’s one of those rabid Villa hating Coventry fans? To be fair I’ve never met one who isn’t.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 05, 2020, 11:31:33 AM

It’s funny what crap you hear or what is spun depending on who you write for because the other day Wilson was keen on returning to his midlands roots.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 05, 2020, 11:33:19 AM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on September 05, 2020, 11:31:33 AM

It’s funny what crap you hear or what is spun depending on who you write for because the other day Wilson was keen on returning to his midlands roots.

All kinds of ITK’s write conflicting information to get reactions and follows.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on September 05, 2020, 12:02:49 PM

you can accuse the Villa recruitment staff and owners of a few things if you look hard enough
 but being penny pinching is not one of them

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on September 05, 2020, 12:09:03 PM

Quote from: john e on September 05, 2020, 12:02:49 PM

you can accuse the Villa recruitment staff and owners of a few things if you look hard enough
 but being penny pinching is not one of them

Maybe not last season when they had no choice but to bring in loads of players.  But, from what it appears to be this season, I think we are being a bit too careful.  We seem to be trying to bring in a third choice keeper and are negotiating hard for a couple of other players.  We need to get on with it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 05, 2020, 12:09:55 PM

Quote from: nodge on September 05, 2020, 11:31:30 AM

“Suggestions he prefers a move to nufc”. Maybe he’s one of those rabid Villa hating Coventry fans? To be fair I’ve never met one who isn’t.

I've never met a nice South African.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 05, 2020, 12:30:08 PM

I have.

Sky Sports bod saying he doesn't believe Wilson prefers Newcastle, he just wants to be back in the Premier League. Makes sense as Newcastle as skint, have Wor Fat Head in charge and are dreary dreadful no hopers.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Pat Mustard on September 05, 2020, 12:37:19 PM

Quote from: Newby on September 05, 2020, 12:09:03 PM

Quote from: john e on September 05, 2020, 12:02:49 PM

you can accuse the Villa recruitment staff and owners of a few things if you look hard enough
 but being penny pinching is not one of them

Maybe not last season when they had no choice but to bring in loads of players.  But, from what it appears to be this season, I think we are being a bit too careful.  We seem to be trying to bring in a third choice keeper and are negotiating hard for a couple of other players.  We need to get on with it.

Last season they had no choice as we literally didn’t have 11 first team players to start the season with at one point. This year aside from one or two positions we do have enough players, and the key now is making sure the money we do spend has the most effect.

I keep saying it, but why are we so desperate to spend over £20 million on someone like Wilson who had a worse scoring record than Wesley last season, if in a couple of weeks time that £20 million means we can’t afford an Edouard or an Abraham?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 05, 2020, 12:40:06 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 05, 2020, 12:09:55 PM

Quote from: nodge on September 05, 2020, 11:31:30 AM

“Suggestions he prefers a move to nufc”. Maybe he’s one of those rabid Villa hating Coventry fans? To be fair I’ve never met one who isn’t.

I've never met a nice South African.

They’re an arrogant bunch of bastards who hate black people.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Stu on September 05, 2020, 12:44:31 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 05, 2020, 12:40:06 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 05, 2020, 12:09:55 PM

Quote from: nodge on September 05, 2020, 11:31:30 AM

“Suggestions he prefers a move to nufc”. Maybe he’s one of those rabid Villa hating Coventry fans? To be fair I’ve never met one who isn’t.

I've never met a nice South African.

They’re an arrogant bunch of bastards who hate black people.

And smell like baboons

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on September 05, 2020, 12:46:44 PM

I work with a South African, top bloke.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 05, 2020, 12:53:51 PM

I’ve met a man from Kathmandu who claimed to have two willies.  Strange bloke.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 05, 2020, 12:57:35 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 05, 2020, 12:40:06 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 05, 2020, 12:09:55 PM

Quote from: nodge on September 05, 2020, 11:31:30 AM

“Suggestions he prefers a move to nufc”. Maybe he’s one of those rabid Villa hating Coventry fans? To be fair I’ve never met one who isn’t.

I've never met a nice South African.

They’re an arrogant bunch of bastards who hate black people.

I work with a South African lady - she's sound.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Diablo on September 05, 2020, 01:12:12 PM

Quote from: Stu on September 05, 2020, 12:44:31 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 05, 2020, 12:40:06 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 05, 2020, 12:09:55 PM

Quote from: nodge on September 05, 2020, 11:31:30 AM

“Suggestions he prefers a move to nufc”. Maybe he’s one of those rabid Villa hating Coventry fans? To be fair I’ve never met one who isn’t.

I've never met a nice South African.

They’re an arrogant bunch of bastards who hate black people.

And smell like baboons

Except for Breyten Breytenbach

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 05, 2020, 01:13:32 PM

Definite age gap showing here.  Those that have never heard of the greatest song ever produced by Spitting Image and those that have.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 05, 2020, 01:14:41 PM

Closely followed by learn to speak Arapaho and climb inside a dog.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on September 05, 2020, 01:15:24 PM

Quote from: Newby on September 05, 2020, 12:09:03 PM

Quote from: john e on September 05, 2020, 12:02:49 PM

you can accuse the Villa recruitment staff and owners of a few things if you look hard enough
 but being penny pinching is not one of them

Maybe not last season when they had no choice but to bring in loads of players.  But, from what it appears to be this season, I think we are being a bit too careful.  We seem to be trying to bring in a third choice keeper and are negotiating hard for a couple of other players.  We need to get on with it.

Perhaps we don't have first,second and third choices.

Maybe we have options who we think could do the job well and who we expect to get at something around our valuation.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: The Edge on September 05, 2020, 01:22:51 PM

Met three South Africans in the Villa Tavern when the rugby world cup was on at Villa Park. All 3 were fucking huge. A great time was had by all. Top blokes tbf and by the end of the night all became honorary Villa fans. They fell in love with Villa Park. They'd all bought stadium memorabilia. The one and only time I met a South African.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 05, 2020, 01:44:08 PM

Wilson is not a star striker signing, and i don't think Smith sees him as that. If he signs then someone who can weigh in with 8-12 goals a season must be a bonus for 20m. I'm warming to him mainly due to the fact all round the pitch last season we were lacking in premiership experience whether that was the ability to hang onto leads, run down games or just not panic. At 28 with 5 years in the premiership behind him he has the sort of experience we need. The last thing i want is another 4/5 unproven championship/2nd tier foreign players all finding their feet again like last season. Even our most talented players struggled to make the step-up last year - okay, the break from COVID played a part in that, but the team is still crying out for some experience.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on September 05, 2020, 01:46:21 PM

We don't seem to be getting linked to any midfielders.  I'm pissed that Dacoure seems to be going to Everton.  We are still physically weak in midfield.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mcgrath_85 on September 05, 2020, 01:55:06 PM

Quote from: john e on September 05, 2020, 12:02:49 PM

you can accuse the Villa recruitment staff and owners of a few things if you look hard enough
 but being penny pinching is not one of them

How so? We could’ve signed Watkins and Benrhama last pre season for a considerably lower price if it wasn’t for penny pinching.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Shrek on September 05, 2020, 02:05:28 PM

I’m confused as to why we are bidding for Wilson if he doesn’t want to come here, it’s slightly embarrassing if he goes elsewhere for a million less.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 05, 2020, 02:08:55 PM

Quote from: Shrek on September 05, 2020, 02:05:28 PM

I’m confused as to why we are bidding for Wilson if he doesn’t want to come here, it’s slightly embarrassing if he goes elsewhere for a million less.

well yeah., On the plus side you can't be too upset to missing out on a forward Mr. Potato head wants to spend money on. Usually the kiss of death for the player involved.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on September 05, 2020, 02:10:30 PM

Quote from: mcgrath_85 on September 05, 2020, 01:55:06 PM

Quote from: john e on September 05, 2020, 12:02:49 PM

you can accuse the Villa recruitment staff and owners of a few things if you look hard enough
 but being penny pinching is not one of them

How so? We could’ve signed Watkins and Benrhama last pre season for a considerably lower price if it wasn’t for penny pinching.

imo at the end of he window we’ll be near the top end of spenders in the prem league for the second season running
That’s not penny pinching

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 05, 2020, 02:14:54 PM

That's a bold statement john.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AV82EC on September 05, 2020, 02:16:12 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 05, 2020, 02:14:54 PM

That's a bold statement john.

Is it any less bold than saying the clubs going to hell in a handcart?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 05, 2020, 02:18:26 PM

Just saying. Will we be near the top because we've actually spent a lot, or we've just spent a bit more than the 15 odd clubs without mega turnover/sugardaddies to ride out COVID?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 05, 2020, 02:22:46 PM

Sheffield United signing Jayden Bogle for 7m from Derby (and will also get Max Lowe in the deal which will overall be 10m).

Could well be one of the bargains of the summer that as he was excellent for Derby in the play off season. Would've been happy with us signing him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 05, 2020, 02:25:19 PM

Quote from: john e on September 05, 2020, 02:10:30 PM

Quote from: mcgrath_85 on September 05, 2020, 01:55:06 PM

Quote from: john e on September 05, 2020, 12:02:49 PM

you can accuse the Villa recruitment staff and owners of a few things if you look hard enough
 but being penny pinching is not one of them

How so? We could’ve signed Watkins and Benrhama last pre season for a considerably lower price if it wasn’t for penny pinching.

imo at the end of he window we’ll be near the top end of spenders in the prem league for the second season running
That’s not penny pinching

Agreed, we'll spend over £100m again. Only Chelsea and maybe Man United will do that. Describing us as penny pinching is frankly bizarre.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Pat Mustard on September 05, 2020, 02:27:54 PM

Quote from: mcgrath_85 on September 05, 2020, 01:55:06 PM

Quote from: john e on September 05, 2020, 12:02:49 PM

you can accuse the Villa recruitment staff and owners of a few things if you look hard enough
 but being penny pinching is not one of them

How so? We could’ve signed Watkins and Benrhama last pre season for a considerably lower price if it wasn’t for penny pinching.

We spent over 100 million quid last summer! We might have got those two for slightly less last year, but it would have been at the expense of 3 or 4 other players we needed to fill the squad. Plus Benrahma was injured for about the first 3 months of the season, so I’d argue signing them last year would almost certainly have led to relegation.

I’m glad we finally seem to have learned a lesson about spending money sensibly - the shit we went through over the last 10 years is directly related to over-spending on average and ageing players.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 05, 2020, 02:28:16 PM

100m? I'd be very surprised if we spent that. My feeling and this is based on no facts at all, is we have around 60m, if Grealish stays so roughly 45m left

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 05, 2020, 02:28:31 PM

Got to be honest I get the dreaded feeling we'll be going into Sheffield United game with Samatta and Davis as the two striker options just like straight after lockdown.

Hopefully all the midfielders are fully fit for that game as that's our best chance of a goal (or Trez).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 05, 2020, 02:34:53 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 05, 2020, 02:28:31 PM

Got to be honest I get the dreaded feeling we'll be going into Sheffield United game with Samatta and Davis as the two striker options just like straight after lockdown.

Hopefully all the midfielders are fully fit for that game as that's our best chance of a goal (or Trez).

Think we'll get 1 in by then.  Whether that's who we were expecting/hoping for is another matter

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ktvillan on September 05, 2020, 02:35:35 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 05, 2020, 01:44:08 PM

Wilson is not a star striker signing, and i don't think Smith sees him as that. If he signs then someone who can weigh in with 8-12 goals a season must be a bonus for 20m. I'm warming to him mainly due to the fact all round the pitch last season we were lacking in premiership experience whether that was the ability to hang onto leads, run down games or just not panic. At 28 with 5 years in the premiership behind him he has the sort of experience we need. The last thing i want is another 4/5 unproven championship/2nd tier foreign players all finding their feet again like last season. Even our most talented players struggled to make the step-up last year - okay, the break from COVID played a part in that, but the team is still crying out for some experience.

You've said before that £20m is worth it for 8-12 goals a season (you mentioned 10 last time).  I genuinely can't understand why you think that when we already have Wesley who was on course for that level of scoring before injury, and even the generally woeful Trezeguet wasn't far off that ratio.  If his all round play is a big step up on the others (and I have my doubts on that)  then you may have a point, but based on getting maybe 10 goals a season, I'd say you don't.  I'd say we need to find some who can get us minimum 15 goals a season - not sure Wilson is that, and not sure we'd get that for  £20m unless we shop abroad. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Shrek on September 05, 2020, 02:35:42 PM

If we are bidding for Wilson, that suggests we don’t have the 100mill budget we all think we do.
He’s not the type of player you buy if you have a big budget and looking to push on imo.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 05, 2020, 02:38:04 PM

Quote from: Shrek on September 05, 2020, 02:35:42 PM

If we are bidding for Wilson, that suggests we don’t have the 100mill budget we all think we do.
He’s not the type of player you buy if you have a big budget and looking to push on imo.

yep, if you have 100 million, why spend 20-25m on watkins/wilson when you can spend 40m on a whole higher level of options?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 05, 2020, 02:39:17 PM

If Bournemouth accept our bid that's £37m spent on two players. I'll eat my hat if we don't spend £100m.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 05, 2020, 02:41:27 PM

Not signing a couple of forwards going into those first 2 games is a mistake. It may not be costly, but they will have had 9 weeks.

And you can spend a lot of money while still penny pinching that cost you later down the line. O'Neill was brilliant at it. Not pay the money one year, then over pay for the same player a year later.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 05, 2020, 02:43:43 PM

Quote from: ktvillan on September 05, 2020, 02:35:35 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 05, 2020, 01:44:08 PM

Wilson is not a star striker signing, and i don't think Smith sees him as that. If he signs then someone who can weigh in with 8-12 goals a season must be a bonus for 20m. I'm warming to him mainly due to the fact all round the pitch last season we were lacking in premiership experience whether that was the ability to hang onto leads, run down games or just not panic. At 28 with 5 years in the premiership behind him he has the sort of experience we need. The last thing i want is another 4/5 unproven championship/2nd tier foreign players all finding their feet again like last season. Even our most talented players struggled to make the step-up last year - okay, the break from COVID played a part in that, but the team is still crying out for some experience.

You've said before that £20m is worth it for 8-12 goals a season (you mentioned 10 last time).  I genuinely can't understand why you think that when we already have Wesley who was on course for that level of scoring before injury, and even the generally woeful Trezeguet wasn't far off that ratio.  If his all round play is a big step up on the others (and I have my doubts on that)  then you may have a point, but based on getting maybe 10 goals a season, I'd say you don't.  I'd say we need to find some who can get us minimum 15 goals a season - not sure Wilson is that, and not sure we'd get that for  £20m unless we shop abroad.

well i don't  see wilson as the striker, just someone who can weigh in and give us a bit of smart up-front and lets be honest we haven't got a forward like that. Obviously if Smith thinks he's a 15 goal a season man then i think he's wrong. For what its worth, I think Wesley injury permitting will find his feet and is certainly capable of 15 goals per season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: DrGonzo on September 05, 2020, 02:45:56 PM

Quote from: Shrek on September 05, 2020, 02:35:42 PM

If we are bidding for Wilson, that suggests we don’t have the 100mill budget we all think we do.
He’s not the type of player you buy if you have a big budget and looking to push on imo.

Unless you are looking to sign 2 strikers and Wilson is one and Watkins is the other that can also play on the right when required thus giving your squad more balance.

Brentford appear to have already signed a replacement for Watkins the rest is bartering.  A Wilson style big man in the middle to rotate around Wesley when he is back to fitness would seem to make sense.  He may not be my 1st cjoice but I can certainly see the rationale.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 05, 2020, 02:49:59 PM

I think all the noises suggest Wilson will end up at Newcastle anyway. With our owners and stated intent, we should be more attractive than an Ashley/ Bruce combo at Newcastle. We need to do something to change that and attract a different bracket of player.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Pat Mustard on September 05, 2020, 02:51:48 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 05, 2020, 02:41:27 PM

Not signing a couple of forwards going into those first 2 games is a mistake. It may not be costly, but they will have had 9 weeks.

And you can spend a lot of money while still penny pinching that cost you later down the line. O'Neill was brilliant at it. Not pay the money one year, then over pay for the same player a year later.

Penny pinching is when you have the money but choose not to spend it. Last year we spent as much as we could/were allowed to in building a team that could just about stay up, this year whatever we spend has to improve the team. It might mean that we miss out on someone who turns out to be worth more down the line, but equally could mean we don’t spend a fortune on someone who turns out to be useless.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 05, 2020, 02:52:10 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 05, 2020, 02:34:53 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 05, 2020, 02:28:31 PM

Got to be honest I get the dreaded feeling we'll be going into Sheffield United game with Samatta and Davis as the two striker options just like straight after lockdown.

Hopefully all the midfielders are fully fit for that game as that's our best chance of a goal (or Trez).

Think we'll get 1 in by then.  Whether that's who we were expecting/hoping for is another matter

I think we'll sign Watkins eventually aswell. Problem is going to be lack of preparation, he's not playing for Brentford in any of their friendlies and think we play our last one v Arsenal today.

Hopefully we get one in by next weekend so they can get 90 minutes in the league cup.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Diablo on September 05, 2020, 02:52:46 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 05, 2020, 02:39:17 PM

If Bournemouth accept our bid that's £37m spent on two players. I'll eat my hat if we don't spend £100m.

Out of curiosity what kind of hat are we talking about?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 05, 2020, 02:56:56 PM

Quote from: Diablo on September 05, 2020, 02:52:46 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 05, 2020, 02:39:17 PM

If Bournemouth accept our bid that's £37m spent on two players. I'll eat my hat if we don't spend £100m.

Out of curiosity what kind of hat are we talking about?

I don't own a hat so I'm guessing either a nacho hat or one I nick off Tony Pulis.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aev on September 05, 2020, 03:04:19 PM

Wolves spending 35m on some teenager. He is from Portugal which is a surprise.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 05, 2020, 03:04:30 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 05, 2020, 02:52:10 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 05, 2020, 02:34:53 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 05, 2020, 02:28:31 PM

Got to be honest I get the dreaded feeling we'll be going into Sheffield United game with Samatta and Davis as the two striker options just like straight after lockdown.

Hopefully all the midfielders are fully fit for that game as that's our best chance of a goal (or Trez).

Think we'll get 1 in by then.  Whether that's who we were expecting/hoping for is another matter

I think we'll sign Watkins eventually aswell. Problem is going to be lack of preparation, he's not playing for Brentford in any of their friendlies and think we play our last one v Arsenal today.

Hopefully we get one in by next weekend so they can get 90 minutes in the league cup.

yeah. to be honest you think it would be a buyers market in the Championship at least. There must be clubs who have their backs to the wall after 6months with no income.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 05, 2020, 03:07:33 PM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on September 05, 2020, 02:51:48 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 05, 2020, 02:41:27 PM

Not signing a couple of forwards going into those first 2 games is a mistake. It may not be costly, but they will have had 9 weeks.

And you can spend a lot of money while still penny pinching that cost you later down the line. O'Neill was brilliant at it. Not pay the money one year, then over pay for the same player a year later.

Penny pinching is when you have the money but choose not to spend it. Last year we spent as much as we could/were allowed to in building a team that could just about stay up, this year whatever we spend has to improve the team. It might mean that we miss out on someone who turns out to be worth more down the line, but equally could mean we don’t spend a fortune on someone who turns out to be useless.

That is more about good the scouting is and your confidence in those targets. A million or 2 over the odds when you are paying over £20 million is not going be the difference between signing a good or useless player.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Pat Mustard on September 05, 2020, 03:15:50 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 05, 2020, 03:07:33 PM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on September 05, 2020, 02:51:48 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 05, 2020, 02:41:27 PM

Not signing a couple of forwards going into those first 2 games is a mistake. It may not be costly, but they will have had 9 weeks.

And you can spend a lot of money while still penny pinching that cost you later down the line. O'Neill was brilliant at it. Not pay the money one year, then over pay for the same player a year later.

Penny pinching is when you have the money but choose not to spend it. Last year we spent as much as we could/were allowed to in building a team that could just about stay up, this year whatever we spend has to improve the team. It might mean that we miss out on someone who turns out to be worth more down the line, but equally could mean we don’t spend a fortune on someone who turns out to be useless.

That is more about good the scouting is and your confidence in those targets. A million or 2 over the odds when you are paying over £20 million is not going be the difference between signing a good or useless player.

The problem isn’t when the teams are one or two million apart in their valuation - generally a compromise would be reached in those circumstances. The problem is if we rate a player at £20 million, but the other side want £30 million. That is the difference between us being able to sign another player we need and not, and also landing ourselves with an expensive mistake we can’t get rid of.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 05, 2020, 03:16:31 PM

Quote from: aev on September 05, 2020, 03:04:19 PM

Wolves spending 35m on some teenager. He is from Portugal which is a surprise.

I wonder who his agent is?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 05, 2020, 03:18:23 PM

£35m!  That is bonkers.  He’s played about a dozen games.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on September 05, 2020, 03:22:29 PM

Quote from: mcgrath_85 on September 05, 2020, 01:55:06 PM

Quote from: john e on September 05, 2020, 12:02:49 PM

you can accuse the Villa recruitment staff and owners of a few things if you look hard enough
 but being penny pinching is not one of them

How so? We could’ve signed Watkins and Benrhama last pre season for a considerably lower price if it wasn’t for penny pinching.

Could have signed Watkins from Exeter and saved a bundle if anyone at the club paid any attention to H&V.

Same with Wilson in his Coventry days.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: exigo on September 05, 2020, 03:24:50 PM

Wondering whether some of our bids are just to try and push the price up that our rivals for league placing will have to pay. Diangana and Wilson costing Albion and Newcastle a few more quid won't do us any harm.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Diablo on September 05, 2020, 03:26:36 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 05, 2020, 02:56:56 PM

Quote from: Diablo on September 05, 2020, 02:52:46 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 05, 2020, 02:39:17 PM

If Bournemouth accept our bid that's £37m spent on two players. I'll eat my hat if we don't spend £100m.

Out of curiosity what kind of hat are we talking about?

I don't own a hat so I'm guessing either a nacho hat or one I nick off Tony Pulis.

Haha! Ace! I can see getting hold of Tony Pulis' hat in the current climate turning into Mission Impossible 7. How closely do you resemble Tom Cruise? You could be onto a good earner.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 05, 2020, 03:34:17 PM

End of the day you can never guarantee a striker will work out whatever their pedigree, but if i had 100m to spend (or 85m after cash) , I'd be looking in france, germany, Italy, Spain at established strikers for smaller teams or reserve strikers at big clubs with a goalscoring record, or even players at big clubs in smaller leagues who score regularly in the CL or Internationally. Now i realise after  just coming up those sort of players weren't on so we ended up taking a punt at Wesley, but they should be available this summer. The fact that we're looking at championship strikers hints to me that there is no 100m available and never was.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 05, 2020, 03:35:39 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on September 05, 2020, 03:18:23 PM

£35m!  That is bonkers.  He’s played about a dozen games.

he broke all the scoring records at youth level apparently...

Bit like Vassell, Agbonlahor and the Moore brothers did....

It doesn't always go that well....

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 05, 2020, 03:39:18 PM

Quote from: exigo on September 05, 2020, 03:24:50 PM

Wondering whether some of our bids are just to try and push the price up that our rivals for league placing will have to pay. Diangana and Wilson costing Albion and Newcastle a few more quid won't do us any harm.

It will if we go into the season with our current squad.  Newcastle having £2m less won't really help us if we're still choosing between Samatta and Davis.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Russ aka Big Nose on September 05, 2020, 03:45:46 PM

Clearly none of know what is happening let alone have any clue as to what the motivation is of those involved in recruitment. So it comes down to opinions and some will be glass half full etc.

No issue, but I'm always puzzled by people who 'insist' we get on and sign x or y and when it doesn't happen early enough it is then determined it must be because the club is penny-pinching or people
are incompetent or both.

My take is that we will know all we want to about Watkins, Benrahma and Henry at Brentford and Wilson at Bournemouth. We also have the resources to do the deal when we want. If I'm right does anyone realistically think the recruitment team are sat on their hands or clueless?

So I suspect they are not the first choice or we hope to do a number of deals and presently the deal for any of these doesn't fit, i.e. pay over the odds for Watkins and it's not possible to get in another target or if we still have a chance for Tammy and if we do that deal we will need to adjust the other recruits we get in.

I imagine it is a constantly changing situation with lots moving parts.

Patience might be rewarded or we might miss out. For me it is a delicate judgement call and only those involved will have any real understanding of the position - though to consider the present lack of deals to be down to incompetence or penny-pinching is bizarre. UTV.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 05, 2020, 03:51:47 PM

how about we sign Benrahma, Watkins and Rico Henry from Brentford - and we could exchange Davis, Lansbury, Neil Taylor, Elmo, Hause and Nyland - plus £30mil :D

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Joshua Fineman on September 05, 2020, 04:20:18 PM

Quote from: Shrek on September 05, 2020, 02:05:28 PM

I’m confused as to why we are bidding for Wilson if he doesn’t want to come here, it’s slightly embarrassing if he goes elsewhere for a million less.

Where has it been said he doesn’t want to come to us?  If so, maybe it’s just a stalking horse for Watkins/ A.N other?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: exigo on September 05, 2020, 04:21:18 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 05, 2020, 03:39:18 PM

Quote from: exigo on September 05, 2020, 03:24:50 PM

Wondering whether some of our bids are just to try and push the price up that our rivals for league placing will have to pay. Diangana and Wilson costing Albion and Newcastle a few more quid won't do us any harm.

It will if we go into the season with our current squad.  Newcastle having £2m less won't really help us if we're still choosing between Samatta and Davis.

Which we won't be. Watkins is literally on his way to sort terms out now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 05, 2020, 04:21:49 PM

Quote from: Russ aka Big Nose on September 05, 2020, 03:45:46 PM

Clearly none of know what is happening let alone have any clue as to what the motivation is of those involved in recruitment. So it comes down to opinions and some will be glass half full etc.

No issue, but I'm always puzzled by people who 'insist' we get on and sign x or y and when it doesn't happen early enough it is then determined it must be because the club is penny-pinching or people
are incompetent or both.

My take is that we will know all we want to about Watkins, Benrahma and Henry at Brentford and Wilson at Bournemouth. We also have the resources to do the deal when we want. If I'm right does anyone realistically think the recruitment team are sat on their hands or clueless?

So I suspect they are not the first choice or we hope to do a number of deals and presently the deal for any of these doesn't fit, i.e. pay over the odds for Watkins and it's not possible to get in another target or if we still have a chance for Tammy and if we do that deal we will need to adjust the other recruits we get in.

I imagine it is a constantly changing situation with lots moving parts.

Patience might be rewarded or we might miss out. For me it is a delicate judgement call and only those involved will have any real understanding of the position - though to consider the present lack of deals to be down to incompetence or penny-pinching is bizarre. UTV.

I think you could be right that there's a big transfer UTR and other deals are dependant on it. Certainly we've been very quiet in links other than forwards. What worries me is the Grealish situation. Man U are notorious for only doing 1 deal at a time, and from what I've heard they still really want him but are pursuing the Sancho transfer first. My doomsday scenario is we get into late September, and then they make their move, and we're left with accepting it, or keeping a potentially very unhappy player.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Diablo on September 05, 2020, 04:27:11 PM

Quote from: exigo on September 05, 2020, 04:21:18 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 05, 2020, 03:39:18 PM

Quote from: exigo on September 05, 2020, 03:24:50 PM

Wondering whether some of our bids are just to try and push the price up that our rivals for league placing will have to pay. Diangana and Wilson costing Albion and Newcastle a few more quid won't do us any harm.

It will if we go into the season with our current squad.  Newcastle having £2m less won't really help us if we're still choosing between Samatta and Davis.

Which we won't be. Watkins is literally on his way to sort terms out now.

Great news if true. Source?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: old man villa fan on September 05, 2020, 05:53:24 PM

Quote from: mcgrath_85 on September 05, 2020, 01:55:06 PM

Quote from: john e on September 05, 2020, 12:02:49 PM

you can accuse the Villa recruitment staff and owners of a few things if you look hard enough
 but being penny pinching is not one of them

How so? We could’ve signed Watkins and Benrhama last pre season for a considerably lower price if it wasn’t for penny pinching.

I thought they wanted £28m for Benrhama last year.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on September 05, 2020, 06:02:18 PM

If we're looking for a defensive midfielder, Declan Rice is still available and despite playing for Ingerland his price should now be halved what it was yesterday. Alternatively, I like the look of Jean-Ricner Bellegarde. Big, strong, young, skillfull and runs all day. Cheap too. Doesn't play for Brentford though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mcgrath_85 on September 05, 2020, 06:20:23 PM

Quote from: old man villa fan on September 05, 2020, 05:53:24 PM

Quote from: mcgrath_85 on September 05, 2020, 01:55:06 PM

Quote from: john e on September 05, 2020, 12:02:49 PM

you can accuse the Villa recruitment staff and owners of a few things if you look hard enough
 but being penny pinching is not one of them

How so? We could’ve signed Watkins and Benrhama last pre season for a considerably lower price if it wasn’t for penny pinching.

I thought they wanted £28m for Benrhama last year.

It wasn’t that much.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Diablo on September 05, 2020, 06:28:19 PM

Quote from: mcgrath_85 on September 05, 2020, 06:20:23 PM

Quote from: old man villa fan on September 05, 2020, 05:53:24 PM

Quote from: mcgrath_85 on September 05, 2020, 01:55:06 PM

Quote from: john e on September 05, 2020, 12:02:49 PM

you can accuse the Villa recruitment staff and owners of a few things if you look hard enough
 but being penny pinching is not one of them

How so? We could’ve signed Watkins and Benrhama last pre season for a considerably lower price if it wasn’t for penny pinching.

I thought they wanted £28m for Benrhama last year.

It wasn’t that much.

Wasn't it rumoured to be £11 million

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on September 05, 2020, 06:46:36 PM

Quote from: Diablo on September 05, 2020, 06:28:19 PM

Quote from: mcgrath_85 on September 05, 2020, 06:20:23 PM

Quote from: old man villa fan on September 05, 2020, 05:53:24 PM

Quote from: mcgrath_85 on September 05, 2020, 01:55:06 PM

Quote from: john e on September 05, 2020, 12:02:49 PM

you can accuse the Villa recruitment staff and owners of a few things if you look hard enough
 but being penny pinching is not one of them

How so? We could’ve signed Watkins and Benrhama last pre season for a considerably lower price if it wasn’t for penny pinching.

I thought they wanted £28m for Benrhama last year.

It wasn’t that much.

Wasn't it rumoured to be £11 million

This is why I've found I can easily adopt a laissez-faire attitude towards the inner workings of our transfer dealings these days. What you're discussing is from 12 months ago, yet there's nothing concrete in historical fact that shows those events even occurred or what figures were or weren't rebuffed. Nobody knows nuffin about nuffin these days until a player's two hours away from stretching a shirt.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Diablo on September 05, 2020, 07:10:37 PM

As there's now so many internet football sites, blogs, supposed itk twitter accounts all looking for clicks, follows, subscriptions without even getting onto the old/traditional (chip) papers all competing through the avalanche of digital noise, regurgitating any old nonsense, agent rumour and misdirection I can definitely see why you'd come to that conclusion LastFootStamper.

*Although as has been mentioned the thread title does say gossip, speculation and butter ollocks in the title.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Shrek on September 05, 2020, 07:24:02 PM

No point even talking about last year tbh, last year Watkins had never played as a striker and Benrahma hadn’t been the best player in the champ, so there is no point using hindsight really.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 05, 2020, 07:56:14 PM

The window this year is not normal. Because of just how late it ended the activity in the window will go right to the end. Sky will literally fucking orgasm in the run up and fuck knows what mess they will be in on deadline day. It’s going to be obnoxious.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: nigel on September 05, 2020, 08:16:45 PM

Quote from: Diablo on September 05, 2020, 06:28:19 PM

Quote from: mcgrath_85 on September 05, 2020, 06:20:23 PM

Quote from: old man villa fan on September 05, 2020, 05:53:24 PM

Quote from: mcgrath_85 on September 05, 2020, 01:55:06 PM

Quote from: john e on September 05, 2020, 12:02:49 PM

you can accuse the Villa recruitment staff and owners of a few things if you look hard enough
 but being penny pinching is not one of them

How so? We could’ve signed Watkins and Benrhama last pre season for a considerably lower price if it wasn’t for penny pinching.

I thought they wanted £28m for Benrhama last year.

It wasn’t that much.

Wasn't it rumoured to be £11 million

I vaguely remember it being the same as Maupay.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john2710 on September 05, 2020, 08:25:59 PM

From what I've seen Maupay is bang average & a right little bastard too. Would Brighton get any more money than they paid for him?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 05, 2020, 08:26:59 PM

Quote from: john2710 on September 05, 2020, 08:25:59 PM

From what I've seen Maupay is bang average & a right little bastard too. Would Brighton get any more money than they paid for him?

Probably still swap him for Wesley though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AGRIPPA on September 05, 2020, 08:29:56 PM

Seems like Wesley's reputation has increased since his injury.... can’t believe those thinking he can do a job don’t remember his poor control/ball retention/ shooting/heading.....he’s not very good and I think we all saw enough last season to know that

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 05, 2020, 08:42:30 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 05, 2020, 08:26:59 PM

Quote from: john2710 on September 05, 2020, 08:25:59 PM

From what I've seen Maupay is bang average & a right little bastard too. Would Brighton get any more money than they paid for him?

Probably still swap him for Wesley though.

Wesley has a better goals to games ratio in the Premier than Maupay (10 in 37 compared to 6 in 22) does, despite Wesley being 22 and settling into a new country in his first half a season while playing for a struggling team. Whatever you think about Wesley, I really don't get what Maupay has done that's so special for Brighton as a goalscorer that makes him 'the one that got away'.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 05, 2020, 08:52:54 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 05, 2020, 08:42:30 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 05, 2020, 08:26:59 PM

Quote from: john2710 on September 05, 2020, 08:25:59 PM

From what I've seen Maupay is bang average & a right little bastard too. Would Brighton get any more money than they paid for him?

Probably still swap him for Wesley though.

Wesley has a better goals to games ratio in the Premier than Maupay (10 in 37 compared to 6 in 22) does, despite Wesley being 22 and settling into a new country in his first half a season while playing for a struggling team. Whatever you think about Wesley, I really don't get what Maupay has done for Brighton as a goalscorer that makes him 'the one that got away'.

Wesley only got 5 goals in the league, which unfortunately, completely does for your argument! 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 05, 2020, 09:08:38 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 05, 2020, 08:52:54 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 05, 2020, 08:42:30 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 05, 2020, 08:26:59 PM

Quote from: john2710 on September 05, 2020, 08:25:59 PM

From what I've seen Maupay is bang average & a right little bastard too. Would Brighton get any more money than they paid for him?

Probably still swap him for Wesley though.

Wesley has a better goals to games ratio in the Premier than Maupay (10 in 37 compared to 6 in 22) does, despite Wesley being 22 and settling into a new country in his first half a season while playing for a struggling team. Whatever you think about Wesley, I really don't get what Maupay has done for Brighton as a goalscorer that makes him 'the one that got away'.

Wesley only got 5 goals in the league, which unfortunately, completely does for your argument! 

Not really. At least you're right that I put 'in the Premier' so if you're taking that literally which I suppose is a fair point, Maupay does have a slightly better rate (1 in 3.7 to Wesley's 1 in 4.2). If you include cup games, it's Maupay at 1 every 3.8 games, Wesley at 1 every 3.7 games.  So in both cases in both scenarios, both are 1 in 4 strikers.

Either way, my general reason for replying was that I don't get what made Maupay's record last season such a standout that so many people saw him as one that got away, rather than continuing the Wesley debate. I just don't see it in him personally, maybe I'm missing something - lots of people seem to rate him so maybe it's me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mcgrath_85 on September 05, 2020, 09:10:08 PM

Quote from: AGRIPPA on September 05, 2020, 08:29:56 PM

Seems like Wesley's reputation has increased since his injury.... can’t believe those thinking he can do a job don’t remember his poor control/ball retention/ shooting/heading.....he’s not very good and I think we all saw enough last season to know that

I’ve noticed this too. A rare good performance during his injury game against Burnley is another factor for this.
He offered very little. At least Keinan can hold the ball up and bring other players into the game. Wesley seemed to spend most of his time rolling around on the floor feigning injury.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on September 05, 2020, 09:15:27 PM

If Maupay had helped us reach the giddy heights of 15th last season and we were now looking to push on, I think we'd already be looking for an upgrade. I reckon he's hit his ceiling.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SaddVillan on September 05, 2020, 09:21:19 PM

Now this puts our wondering about paying £25m for Watkins into perspective.

Wolves have broken their transfer record to sign 18-year-old Fabio Silva from Porto for £35.6m.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 05, 2020, 09:28:04 PM

Get a move on please Villa.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 05, 2020, 09:29:44 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 05, 2020, 09:08:38 PM

Either way, my general reason for replying was that I don't get what made Maupay's record last season such a standout that so many people saw him as one that got away, rather than continuing the Wesley debate. I just don't see it in him personally, maybe I'm missing something - lots of people seem to rate him so maybe it's me.

I really like Maupay. He was very good in the game against us, and can play the main striker or wide attacking player role.  In a team with Jack and Luiz I think he'd be excellent.  Largely immaterial now though I suppose.  He just looks a better all round player than Wesley.  We were after him last year, just didn't want to pay the money.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 05, 2020, 09:50:39 PM

I think the whole discussion sort of illustrates if you're looking for 15 a season premiership goal scorer then the championship and equivalent leagues like belgium is very much hit and more likely miss. So lets not bother..............

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on September 05, 2020, 10:04:28 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 05, 2020, 09:29:44 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 05, 2020, 09:08:38 PM

Either way, my general reason for replying was that I don't get what made Maupay's record last season such a standout that so many people saw him as one that got away, rather than continuing the Wesley debate. I just don't see it in him personally, maybe I'm missing something - lots of people seem to rate him so maybe it's me.

I really like Maupay. He was very good in the game against us, and can play the main striker or wide attacking player role.  In a team with Jack and Luiz I think he'd be excellent.  Largely immaterial now though I suppose.  He just looks a better all round player than Wesley.  We were after him last year, just didn't want to pay the money.

He was also really good (as well as being a massive dick) at VP for Brentford the year before.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lsvilla on September 05, 2020, 10:09:14 PM

Quote from: SaddVillan on September 05, 2020, 09:21:19 PM

Now this puts our wondering about paying £25m for Watkins into perspective.

Wolves have broken their transfer record to sign 18-year-old Fabio Silva from Porto for £35.6m.

Completely irrelevant. Just another example of Mendes getting his best assets into the better leagues in Europe - expect a transfer to Spuds or Serie A or La Liga in the next couple of years or a swap back for the next one off the production line if he doesn’t make it. Ultimately minimal financial risk for the Wolves as Mendes will engineer a sale to mitigate.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 05, 2020, 10:14:40 PM

Can't say im convinced by watkins. One good season in the championship? Norwich won the championship and that pikachew guy got nearly 30 goals. Its a rubbish league, god Bruce nearly got us out with the likes of scot hogan and grabban banging in the goals

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 05, 2020, 10:20:00 PM

It’s about his style of play. Clearly it’s not guaranteed, but he has the game to succeed in the top flight.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 05, 2020, 10:23:34 PM

He may well succeed. End of the day, Smith will be out of a job if he doesn't. Personally, if we have the money i'd want a player proven at a better level.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on September 05, 2020, 10:28:32 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 05, 2020, 10:23:34 PM

He may well succeed. End of the day, Smith will be out of a job if he doesn't. Personally, if we have the money i'd want a player proven at a better level.

We do have the money don't we?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 05, 2020, 10:31:26 PM

Well as a few of us said earlier. If you haven't got a striker and you've got 100m in the bank to spend, are you really going to be quibbling about paying 25m?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on September 05, 2020, 10:33:45 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 05, 2020, 10:23:34 PM

He may well succeed. End of the day, Smith will be out of a job if he doesn't. Personally, if we have the money i'd want a player proven at a better level.

Such as?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 05, 2020, 10:39:27 PM

Quote from: Dave on September 05, 2020, 10:33:45 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 05, 2020, 10:23:34 PM

He may well succeed. End of the day, Smith will be out of a job if he doesn't. Personally, if we have the money i'd want a player proven at a better level.

Such as?

A srtiker from the top level in france, italy, spain, germany who can score goals at that level for a smaller club perhaps. failing that a reserve striker from a top club, failing that a striker from a league who's done it in the CL or internationally. 40-50m would do it, probably a lot less.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: robleflaneur on September 05, 2020, 11:06:48 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 05, 2020, 10:14:40 PM

Can't say im convinced by watkins. One good season in the championship? Norwich won the championship and that pikachew guy got nearly 30 goals. Its a rubbish league, god Bruce nearly got us out with the likes of scot hogan and grabban banging in the goals

Watkins has been scoring 1 in 3 since a teenager for Exeter and Brentford as mainly a winger in 200 appearances.That's consistency over 4 seasons whilst only a youngster.Only last season was he converted to a central striker,so there has been a physical development.
To me he looks the real deal,pace,physique,awareness ,works hard and takes chances.Bruce nearly got us up because of the defensive qualities offered by Terry and Chester.The next season we had Tammy ,McGinn and Jack and we were failing .

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on September 05, 2020, 11:20:08 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 05, 2020, 10:39:27 PM

Quote from: Dave on September 05, 2020, 10:33:45 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 05, 2020, 10:23:34 PM

He may well succeed. End of the day, Smith will be out of a job if he doesn't. Personally, if we have the money i'd want a player proven at a better level.

Such as?

A srtiker from the top level in france, italy, spain, germany who can score goals at that level for a smaller club perhaps. failing that a reserve striker from a top club, failing that a striker from a league who's done it in the CL or internationally. 40-50m would do it, probably a lot less.

A striker that wants to join a club that survived relegation by the skin of their teeth and one of the favourites to be relegated and until now have signed a back up right back?

I like the French lad at Celtic, ticks lots of boxes but seems to take an extra touch that he wouldn't get in the PL. He has for me far more potential than Watkins who reminds me of a junior version of Tammy. Never will be the perfect number 9 but knows where the back of the net is. He'll do for a season or two.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 05, 2020, 11:20:56 PM

Look, good players do come from the championship. my point is he's scored 26 goals this season in the championship. Is he going to come into premiership and score the same, half that? Will he take a season to adjust, because if he does we're down , Now he could be the revelation of 20/21 and all plaudits on Smith for  buying him, but there is massive difference between the dross in the championship and the premiership.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on September 05, 2020, 11:23:40 PM

Whoever comes in is never going to solve all our attacking problems. It's equally important we surround him with quality players that can provide the service otherwise we're back to hoofing the ball back up to our striker and watching it come back every time.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on September 05, 2020, 11:24:49 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 05, 2020, 04:21:49 PM

Quote from: Russ aka Big Nose on September 05, 2020, 03:45:46 PM

Clearly none of know what is happening let alone have any clue as to what the motivation is of those involved in recruitment. So it comes down to opinions and some will be glass half full etc.

No issue, but I'm always puzzled by people who 'insist' we get on and sign x or y and when it doesn't happen early enough it is then determined it must be because the club is penny-pinching or people
are incompetent or both.

My take is that we will know all we want to about Watkins, Benrahma and Henry at Brentford and Wilson at Bournemouth. We also have the resources to do the deal when we want. If I'm right does anyone realistically think the recruitment team are sat on their hands or clueless?

So I suspect they are not the first choice or we hope to do a number of deals and presently the deal for any of these doesn't fit, i.e. pay over the odds for Watkins and it's not possible to get in another target or if we still have a chance for Tammy and if we do that deal we will need to adjust the other recruits we get in.

I imagine it is a constantly changing situation with lots moving parts.

Patience might be rewarded or we might miss out. For me it is a delicate judgement call and only those involved will have any real understanding of the position - though to consider the present lack of deals to be down to incompetence or penny-pinching is bizarre. UTV.

I think you could be right that there's a big transfer UTR and other deals are dependant on it. Certainly we've been very quiet in links other than forwards. What worries me is the Grealish situation. Man U are notorious for only doing 1 deal at a time, and from what I've heard they still really want him but are pursuing the Sancho transfer first. My doomsday scenario is we get into late September, and then they make their move, and we're left with accepting it, or keeping a potentially very unhappy player.

Out of interest from where have you heard Man U still really want grealish?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 05, 2020, 11:25:03 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on September 05, 2020, 11:20:08 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 05, 2020, 10:39:27 PM

Quote from: Dave on September 05, 2020, 10:33:45 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 05, 2020, 10:23:34 PM

He may well succeed. End of the day, Smith will be out of a job if he doesn't. Personally, if we have the money i'd want a player proven at a better level.

Such as?

A srtiker from the top level in france, italy, spain, germany who can score goals at that level for a smaller club perhaps. failing that a reserve striker from a top club, failing that a striker from a league who's done it in the CL or internationally. 40-50m would do it, probably a lot less.

A striker that wants to join a club that survived relegation by the skin of their teeth and one of the favourites to be relegated and until now have signed a back up right back?

I like the French lad at Celtic, ticks lots of boxes but seems to take an extra touch that he wouldn't get in the PL. He has for me far more potential than Watkins who reminds me of a junior version of Tammy. Never will be the perfect number 9 but knows where the back of the net is. He'll do for a season or two.

well leeds have just signed a brazilian who's scored over 15 goals a season in spain. if you have the money then they will come

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 05, 2020, 11:26:31 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on September 05, 2020, 11:20:08 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 05, 2020, 10:39:27 PM

Quote from: Dave on September 05, 2020, 10:33:45 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 05, 2020, 10:23:34 PM

He may well succeed. End of the day, Smith will be out of a job if he doesn't. Personally, if we have the money i'd want a player proven at a better level.

Such as?

A srtiker from the top level in france, italy, spain, germany who can score goals at that level for a smaller club perhaps. failing that a reserve striker from a top club, failing that a striker from a league who's done it in the CL or internationally. 40-50m would do it, probably a lot less.

A striker that wants to join a club that survived relegation by the skin of their teeth and one of the favourites to be relegated and until now have signed a back up right back?

I like the French lad at Celtic, ticks lots of boxes but seems to take an extra touch that he wouldn't get in the PL. He has for me far more potential than Watkins who reminds me of a junior version of Tammy. Never will be the perfect number 9 but knows where the back of the net is. He'll do for a season or two.

I think Tammy and Watkins are quite different. I could see Watkins playing as a wide forward, which is why I reckon if we can get him it’ll be Watkins and another forward.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on September 05, 2020, 11:29:55 PM

You maybe right, Paul, I certainly agree we need at least 2 strikers including a proven winger. Where Watkins reminds me of Tammy is you put anything in the 6 yard box and he's on it. I'd guess that 95% of Tammy's goals are from in or around the 6 yard box.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 05, 2020, 11:32:26 PM

Quote from: RamboandBruno on September 05, 2020, 11:24:49 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 05, 2020, 04:21:49 PM

Quote from: Russ aka Big Nose on September 05, 2020, 03:45:46 PM

Clearly none of know what is happening let alone have any clue as to what the motivation is of those involved in recruitment. So it comes down to opinions and some will be glass half full etc.

No issue, but I'm always puzzled by people who 'insist' we get on and sign x or y and when it doesn't happen early enough it is then determined it must be because the club is penny-pinching or people
are incompetent or both.

My take is that we will know all we want to about Watkins, Benrahma and Henry at Brentford and Wilson at Bournemouth. We also have the resources to do the deal when we want. If I'm right does anyone realistically think the recruitment team are sat on their hands or clueless?

So I suspect they are not the first choice or we hope to do a number of deals and presently the deal for any of these doesn't fit, i.e. pay over the odds for Watkins and it's not possible to get in another target or if we still have a chance for Tammy and if we do that deal we will need to adjust the other recruits we get in.

I imagine it is a constantly changing situation with lots moving parts.

Patience might be rewarded or we might miss out. For me it is a delicate judgement call and only those involved will have any real understanding of the position - though to consider the present lack of deals to be down to incompetence or penny-pinching is bizarre. UTV.

I think you could be right that there's a big transfer UTR and other deals are dependant on it. Certainly we've been very quiet in links other than forwards. What worries me is the Grealish situation. Man U are notorious for only doing 1 deal at a time, and from what I've heard they still really want him but are pursuing the Sancho transfer first. My doomsday scenario is we get into late September, and then they make their move, and we're left with accepting it, or keeping a potentially very unhappy player.

Out of interest from where have you heard Man U still really want grealish?

mainly man u connected journos. what i've heard is its a defender next, then sancho, and then grealish. theyve been putting out they don't want sancho atm and its all bollocks according to those in the know. All their deals seem to be fueled by snide so i don't think they've given up on Grealish.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 05, 2020, 11:34:02 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on September 05, 2020, 11:29:55 PM

You maybe right, Paul, I certainly agree we need at least 2 strikers including a proven winger. Where Watkins reminds me of Tammy is you put anything in the 6 yard box and he's on it. I'd guess that 95% of Tammy's goals are from in or around the 6 yard box.

Yep fully agree. Watkins and another would be great.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 05, 2020, 11:59:29 PM

well lets be honest if the money is there then abraham would be the ideal, unfortunately if you have werner, abraham, giroud and batshuayi then you'll not gonna let Tammy go out of them 4. Plus his wages would kill the pay structure

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Goldie.7 on September 05, 2020, 11:59:37 PM

Quote from: SaddVillan on September 05, 2020, 09:21:19 PM

Now this puts our wondering about paying £25m for Watkins into perspective.

Wolves have broken their transfer record to sign 18-year-old Fabio Silva from Porto for £35.6m.

That Silva guy looks damn good. Very pacy and takes shots early, he reminds me of Fernando Torres in the early 2000's.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 06, 2020, 12:09:21 AM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 05, 2020, 11:25:03 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on September 05, 2020, 11:20:08 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 05, 2020, 10:39:27 PM

Quote from: Dave on September 05, 2020, 10:33:45 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 05, 2020, 10:23:34 PM

He may well succeed. End of the day, Smith will be out of a job if he doesn't. Personally, if we have the money i'd want a player proven at a better level.

Such as?

A srtiker from the top level in france, italy, spain, germany who can score goals at that level for a smaller club perhaps. failing that a reserve striker from a top club, failing that a striker from a league who's done it in the CL or internationally. 40-50m would do it, probably a lot less.

A striker that wants to join a club that survived relegation by the skin of their teeth and one of the favourites to be relegated and until now have signed a back up right back?

I like the French lad at Celtic, ticks lots of boxes but seems to take an extra touch that he wouldn't get in the PL. He has for me far more potential than Watkins who reminds me of a junior version of Tammy. Never will be the perfect number 9 but knows where the back of the net is. He'll do for a season or two.

well leeds have just signed a brazilian who's scored over 15 goals a season in spain. if you have the money then they will come

Not the best example. At the age of 29, Rodrigo has managed 15 league goals once in his whole career. He got 4 last season. If we'd signed him, I doubt we'd be jumping for joy.

I agree with Rudy - Eduoard ticks lots of boxes for me too. Plus Watkins as a wide forward and that would immediately make us at least a mid-table team. Add in Wilson as a second striking option and that would be a really good window. I think it'll be Watkins plus one though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: robleflaneur on September 06, 2020, 12:13:26 AM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on September 05, 2020, 11:59:37 PM

Quote from: SaddVillan on September 05, 2020, 09:21:19 PM

Now this puts our wondering about paying £25m for Watkins into perspective.

Wolves have broken their transfer record to sign 18-year-old Fabio Silva from Porto for £35.6m.

That Silva guy looks damn good. Very pacy and takes shots early, he reminds me of Fernando Torres in the early 2000's.

He might become a good player but can you imagine the outcry on here if we spent 35m on a striker who has scored one goal in the Portugese league.
Alun Evans and Luke Moore had both scored hattricks in the top division as teenagers.This could backfire bigtime on the Dogheads.Can they afford a 35m reserve or such an inexperienced striker to lead their attack ?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 06, 2020, 12:14:41 AM

We need a striker capable of getting into double figures.  Wesley may well have done that, and might be again but we don't know when he's going to be back, and then how long it will take to be up to speed after the injury.  Neither Samatta or Davis are capable of it.  Then you need your other attacking players to chip in as well.  Jack did his part, and Trez wasn't far off, but El Ghazi was massively wanting.  An out and out striker and an attacking player who can play wider or up front are the bare minimum we need then.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 12:17:16 AM

well  who cares if he's 29. if they stay in the premiership its money well spent. plus he's not really a striker. the point i'm making is a top  performer from spain and portugal joined a team coming up from the championship. There are forwards who score regularly  in france, spain, germany, italy at smaller clubs than valencia who are gettable

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 06, 2020, 12:20:30 AM

Quote from: robleflaneur on September 06, 2020, 12:13:26 AM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on September 05, 2020, 11:59:37 PM

Quote from: SaddVillan on September 05, 2020, 09:21:19 PM

Now this puts our wondering about paying £25m for Watkins into perspective.

Wolves have broken their transfer record to sign 18-year-old Fabio Silva from Porto for £35.6m.

That Silva guy looks damn good. Very pacy and takes shots early, he reminds me of Fernando Torres in the early 2000's.

He might become a good player but can you imagine the outcry on here if we spent 35m on a striker who has scored one goal in the Portugese league.
Alun Evans and Luke Moore had both scored hattricks in the top division as teenagers.This could backfire bigtime on the Dogheads.Can they afford a 35m reserve or such an inexperienced striker to lead their attack ?

I guess they're still going to have Jiminez leading their attack, and the new lad will be his understudy.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 06, 2020, 12:22:04 AM

Agree. I think Watkins gives you a bit of both, so you can sign 3 players in those areas rather than 4 to give similar depth, but if we only got a winger and a striker it's the bare minimum providing Jack stays. Ideally you don't want to put that sort of pressure on Watkins to immediately adapt either, which is why Wilson actually makes a fair amount of sense too. I guess this is the moment Lange and Purslow earn their money, can they attract players over other similar clubs in terms of potential league placing next season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on September 06, 2020, 12:23:52 AM

Quote from: Risso on September 06, 2020, 12:14:41 AM

We need a striker capable of getting into double figures.  Wesley may well have done that, and might be again but we don't know when he's going to be back, and then how long it will take to be up to speed after the injury.  Neither Samatta or Davis are capable of it.  Then you need your other attacking players to chip in as well.  Jack did his part, and Trez wasn't far off, but El Ghazi was massively wanting.  An out and out striker and an attacking player who can play wider or up front are the bare minimum we need then.

Exactly.

And worth remembering, this to improve on a squad which managed to stay up only by pulling off one of the great escapes, and spent the last seconds of last season crowded around a radio on the pitch at West Ham waiting to see if we'd survived.

We need to be much better than that next season.

Wolves are showing ambition. I don't give a toss if it is to do with Mendes, but they have a talented squad which is significantly better than ours. This is Wolves, ffs, not Spurs or Everton or some other club we used to compete with, it's the fucking Dingles.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 12:30:25 AM

yeah, i have no problem with watkins as long as its not just him.. IF the money is there then i don't see a problem with buying him and a striker from abroad with  top level experience just below 30 or just past it.  Together i make that 50m. If on the other hand watkins is this years golden punt  because we haven't the money then lets hope Smith gets it right

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Louzie0 on September 06, 2020, 12:32:25 AM

If Callum Wilson lands, great for the recruitment team, hope he is what we need.
Quoted as preferring Newcastle.
I hope we have a brilliant Premier / international  option to get in as well.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 06, 2020, 12:36:50 AM

But that's where you would hope we would still ensure we had scouted well to get pace into the squad in the wide areas so we can cause different problems next season. At this moment it looks very disjointed, but it might all be fine and come up good in the next 4 weeks.

As Paulie rightly stated, huddled round a radio relying on other results to stay up. Others just above us are strengthening.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Goldie.7 on September 06, 2020, 12:45:26 AM

Quote from: robleflaneur on September 06, 2020, 12:13:26 AM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on September 05, 2020, 11:59:37 PM

Quote from: SaddVillan on September 05, 2020, 09:21:19 PM

Now this puts our wondering about paying £25m for Watkins into perspective.

Wolves have broken their transfer record to sign 18-year-old Fabio Silva from Porto for £35.6m.

That Silva guy looks damn good. Very pacy and takes shots early, he reminds me of Fernando Torres in the early 2000's.

He might become a good player but can you imagine the outcry on here if we spent 35m on a striker who has scored one goal in the Portuguese league.

Maybe true, but he's actually only played 216 minutes. Divide that by 90 equals one goal in 2.4 games, which is pretty decent. I'll bet money on him becoming good, he's playing with Jota, Jimenez and Traore.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 12:53:41 AM

to be honest i'm not sure i'll live long enough to see us pay 35m for anyone.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on September 06, 2020, 02:49:47 AM

Another week closes and still nothing. Shambles.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 06, 2020, 07:15:30 AM

Except Matty Cash.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave17 on September 06, 2020, 07:28:45 AM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 06, 2020, 12:23:52 AM

Quote from: Risso on September 06, 2020, 12:14:41 AM

We need a striker capable of getting into double figures.  Wesley may well have done that, and might be again but we don't know when he's going to be back, and then how long it will take to be up to speed after the injury.  Neither Samatta or Davis are capable of it.  Then you need your other attacking players to chip in as well.  Jack did his part, and Trez wasn't far off, but El Ghazi was massively wanting.  An out and out striker and an attacking player who can play wider or up front are the bare minimum we need then.

Exactly.

And worth remembering, this to improve on a squad which managed to stay up only by pulling off one of the great escapes, and spent the last seconds of last season crowded around a radio on the pitch at West Ham waiting to see if we'd survived.

We need to be much better than that next season.

Wolves are showing ambition. I don't give a toss if it is to do with Mendes, but they have a talented squad which is significantly better than ours. This is Wolves, ffs, not Spurs or Everton or some other club we used to compete with, it's the fucking Dingles.

to be fair to them the have recruited well. Talented younger players and some proven talent. We got lucky that grealish came through. The harsh reality is without him we’re in a miserable spot. To get near the top six we need to upgrade everyone outside of grealish and perhaps mings.

If only we’d kept hold of that Drinkwater chap

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: steamer on September 06, 2020, 07:41:20 AM

please, dont tell me Drinkwater has gone !
And I doubt the sanity and would not want anyone who says they prefer Bruce and the Toon to us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave17 on September 06, 2020, 07:49:23 AM

Quote from: steamer on September 06, 2020, 07:41:20 AM

please, dont tell me Drinkwater has gone !
And I doubt the sanity and would not want anyone who says they prefer Bruce and the Toon to us.

https://shop.avfc.co.uk/en/aston-villa-away-shirt-2019-20-womens-with-drinkwater-4-printing/p-2323766297928520+z-967-4028474488?_ref=p-DLP:m-GRID:i-r0c0:po-0 the memories

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: bjfoster on September 06, 2020, 08:00:24 AM

I haven’t read all of the other comments so apologies if I’m repeating others.

I’m not usually one to panic but I’m getting slightly worried now, as we sit here two weeks before our first game and only a £15m Championship right-back purchased.

For all the noise of needing reinforcements after the final whistle against West Ham, we still haven’t got the quality in to ensure we don’t struggle next season.

No way can we start the first game with Samatta up front, even I’d fancy getting more shots on target than him. If this Watkins fee was going to be dragged out, we should have moved in ages ago. Same with any other targets. I hope Villa manage to prove us wrong and get people in, but I’m starting to not see it happening.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Shrek on September 06, 2020, 08:19:58 AM

I think everyone is assuming Watkins will come, well even if he does, I’m pretty certain Samatta will start the first game because Watkins hasn’t kicked a ball in preseason and will be no where near ready.

What ever the situation, no way we should be starting this season with the same attack at last season..

I’m still hopeful we will get some good players in, but I am starting to prepare myself for another long relegation scrap this season now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ldavfc4eva on September 06, 2020, 08:28:51 AM

Watkins and Wilson would be an upgrade on what we have

Front 6 if you like could be :

Grealish      Wilson     Watkins

                  McGinn

        Hourihane    Luiz


We really need a big unit in the middle, shame we missed out on Doucoure as Hourihane or Nakamba are not first 11 for me if you want to kick on.

Trez and AEG as back up wingers are fine, but again neither first 11 if you want to improve.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on September 06, 2020, 08:30:02 AM

We need at least a striker and winger and they should be here in time to play against Sheffield United. Hopefully we will bring players in next week

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on September 06, 2020, 08:38:54 AM

Quote from: ldavfc4eva on September 06, 2020, 08:28:51 AM

Watkins and Wilson would be an upgrade on what we have

Front 6 if you like could be :

Grealish      Wilson     Watkins

                  McGinn

        Hourihane    Luiz


We really need a big unit in the middle, shame we missed out on Doucoure as Hourihane or Nakamba are not first 11 for me if you want to kick on.

Trez and AEG as back up wingers are fine, but again neither first 11 if you want to improve.

Strikers always attract more attention as they define the team, claim the glory if you like.  But for me, the biggest weakness in that line up is the Hourihane position.  I’d struggle by with Wes/Davis/Samatta for six months as the ceiling of Wes and Davis is unknown whereas I cannot see Hourihane improving dramatically.  Not to mention if we are stronger in midfield we are likely to create more chances.

The lack of links to midfielders is a worry.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aev on September 06, 2020, 08:52:49 AM

Spurs supposedly interested in Watkins.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on September 06, 2020, 09:00:19 AM

Wilson to Newcastle we’ve withdrawn bid

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on September 06, 2020, 09:01:08 AM

Reports suggesting we’ve pulled out of the race to sign Callum Wilson, Newcastle matched our price and he wants to go there.
Whether you wanted Wilson or not, time is now ticking on. I’m an optimist but if Wilson was part of plan A with Watkins, what’s plan B?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on September 06, 2020, 09:06:21 AM

This was part of my rant the other day. Honestly our recruitment team leaving a lot to be desired so far. PR from Wilson rejection hardly going to help convince other ‘targets’ either

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 06, 2020, 09:07:33 AM

Well the stories this morning are a bundle of laughs.  Wilson to Newcastle.  And we face real competition  from Spurs for Watkins hence Brentford jacking up the price. 

Now I’m concerned. Not pant wetting just yet but concerned.  Since January our lack of ability to put the ball in the net due to lack of striking options has been plainly obvious and yet here we are less than a week away from the official start to the season still having Davis and Samatta as the striking options.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 06, 2020, 09:20:15 AM

Expressing concern is pant wetting Kippax.

The fact Wilson has made it that clear he wants to go to Bruce and Ashley at Newcastle over us is worrying, I know he played for Cov, but Newcastle are a basket case of a club and the way Bruce plays is not great for any striker.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AV82EC on September 06, 2020, 09:25:45 AM

Well we have no idea why he wants to go to Newcastle assuming the reports are true so onto the next target.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithe on September 06, 2020, 09:28:00 AM

If that’s true we really need to look at how we are selling the vision of the club to players.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on September 06, 2020, 09:28:39 AM

what is of concern is the fact that we appear to be shopping exclusively in the Championship. I don't give a shit either way about Wilson or Watkins, who is totally unproven at PL level, and the last thing we need is any kind of bidding war for players of that ilk.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 06, 2020, 09:29:20 AM

If we were ever interested in Callum Wilson at all. As for him choosing Newcastle over us, that's his choice and probably his loss. I'm not too fussed either way really.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on September 06, 2020, 09:31:35 AM

It might be as simple as they offered him more money that we weren’t prepared to, who knows.
Issue for me is who next. The Watkins thing has just dragged out and is becoming a bit of a farce. If he’s coming, just get him in. Even then I think we can’t expect him to shoulder all the goal scoring responsibility. So who else, can’t see that Celtic lad coming if we can’t convince Callum bloody Wilson.
I’m gutted about Wilson, not because I think he’s a particularly great player, just the next step up from what we have and I really liked the idea of an experienced forward helping Watkins if we get him.
Whether wholly in the smith camp or not, if we end up panic buying forwards again, e.g. Samatta and Baston, the club are seriously leaving smith starting the season with one hand tied behind his back.
Shite, I’ve just wet the bed!!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: olaftab on September 06, 2020, 09:31:53 AM

May be having endured a relegation fight with Bournemouth Wilson feels he doesn't want a similar season again and feels Newcastle offer a better chance of that than the Villa?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on September 06, 2020, 09:33:21 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 06, 2020, 09:20:15 AM

Expressing concern is pant wetting Kippax.

The fact Wilson has made it that clear he wants to go to Bruce and Ashley at Newcastle over us is worrying, I know he played for Cov, but Newcastle are a basket case of a club and the way Bruce plays is not great for any striker.

They comfortably finished above us last season, and have a better squad. They have now improved further.

Thus far we have added a player in one of the only positions we were already ok in.
 
If we go into the season  without signing better forwards we will have to hope we are better than all three promoted sides because we currently have the worst squad  of all teams that stayed up.

I do still think we will sign players, but am not convinced we will sign good ones. Season starts in a week, need to get people in quickly now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 06, 2020, 09:33:56 AM

Bruce is good at persuading players to sign whatever else is said about him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mcgrath_85 on September 06, 2020, 09:34:10 AM

Shambles all round.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on September 06, 2020, 09:34:29 AM

is there any hard evidence we have actually bid for Watkins? What about  loaning in Brewster, is that an option?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 06, 2020, 09:35:21 AM

Quote from: mcgrath_85 on September 06, 2020, 09:34:10 AM

Shambles all round.

Based on what? Some internet rumour?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mcgrath_85 on September 06, 2020, 09:37:13 AM

Has anything been learnt from last years near cluster fuck of a season, mainly brought on by shite recruitment and a manager way out of his depth?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 06, 2020, 09:38:41 AM

If we lose to West Ham a couple of months ago, Grealish, McGinn, Mings and Luiz would most likely all be gone by now. They're still here as is the majority of the squad so we just need to add a bit of quality now. I'll be honest, i'm surprised we haven't
done more than we have so far but I'm sure we will.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Marlon From Bearwood on September 06, 2020, 09:40:32 AM

Not convinced we were ever in for Wilson. I don’t think the plan was ever to get two strikers in before the start of the season, rather to get one in (probably Watkins, hopefully very soon) and then look to get another one in just before the window closes. There will almost certainly be players available as the window closes, that aren’t available now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 06, 2020, 09:40:42 AM

Quote from: mr underhill on September 06, 2020, 09:34:29 AM

is there any hard evidence we have actually bid for Watkins? What about  loaning in Brewster, is that an option?

Brewster would cost millions.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mcgrath_85 on September 06, 2020, 09:40:46 AM

Quote from: LeeB on September 06, 2020, 09:35:21 AM

Quote from: mcgrath_85 on September 06, 2020, 09:34:10 AM

Shambles all round.

Based on what? Some internet rumour?

Based on signing one right back up to now, which as it happens is possibly our strongest area in the squad with Guilbert and Elmo.
We’re dilly dallying to the point where it’s certainly going to effect the opening games of our season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 06, 2020, 09:41:50 AM

Quote from: mcgrath_85 on September 06, 2020, 09:37:13 AM

Has anything been learnt from last years near cluster fuck of a season, mainly brought on by shite recruitment and a manager way out of his depth?

Yes, we've learned that a lot of players still don't want to come here, and that it's not a great idea to pay more than the going rate, even though we have a manager that's overachieved.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aev on September 06, 2020, 09:43:10 AM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on September 06, 2020, 09:40:42 AM

Quote from: mr underhill on September 06, 2020, 09:34:29 AM

is there any hard evidence we have actually bid for Watkins? What about  loaning in Brewster, is that an option?

Brewster would cost millions.

The last thing we need now is a punathon.

Looking at the Pryor posts, I reckon we were in for him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 06, 2020, 09:44:07 AM

Possibly but I think Wilder might also be interested. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 06, 2020, 09:53:52 AM

Wilson would have been alright, but I dont think anybody is too arsed and its unlikely he was plan A.

Reckon Spurs rumour is Brentford playing the game back with Watkins.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: passport1 on September 06, 2020, 09:57:30 AM

Haven't  been on here for a while .Just reading through its all a bit depressing. Oh well...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: frank black on September 06, 2020, 09:57:56 AM

Callum Wilson to Newcastle and I feel somewhat relieved. I’m not sure a player of his age with ACL operations on both Knees Is the answer. I imagine whoever were after may well happen this week.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Smoke on September 06, 2020, 09:59:57 AM

Anybody thought that maybe Wilson wasn't going to be guaranteed 1st choice striker here?

Maybe Bruce going 2 up top?

Also I wouldn't be surprised to see he signs a 5 year deal at Newcastle which I doubt we were likely to offer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 06, 2020, 10:01:25 AM

We need to seriously get a move on.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: jwarry on September 06, 2020, 10:05:27 AM

Quote from: frank black on September 06, 2020, 09:57:56 AM

Callum Wilson to Newcastle and I feel somewhat relieved. I’m not sure a player of his age with ACL operations on both Knees Is the answer. I imagine whoever were after may well happen this week.

Me too, felt like a panic buy which I thought we had moved away fron

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aev on September 06, 2020, 10:06:00 AM

Quote from: Ads on September 06, 2020, 09:53:52 AM

Wilson would have been alright, but I dont think anybody is too arsed and its unlikely he was plan A.

Reckon Spurs rumour is Brentford playing the game back with Watkins.

Let’s hope he wasn’t plan B or...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mcgrath_85 on September 06, 2020, 10:06:19 AM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 06, 2020, 09:41:50 AM

Quote from: mcgrath_85 on September 06, 2020, 09:37:13 AM

Has anything been learnt from last years near cluster fuck of a season, mainly brought on by shite recruitment and a manager way out of his depth?

Yes, we've learned that a lot of players still don't want to come here, and that it's not a great idea to pay more than the going rate, even though we have a manager that's overachieved.

Well that’s that dealt with then.

I’m of the mindset that haggling for weeks instead of just paying it and getting the player in is foolish and could cost us. Benrhama and Watkins would already be Villa players if it wasn’t for doing that last season. Maybe if we had them as opposed to the players we got in instead, then we would’ve been more comfortable last season.

After the West Ham game, I really thought we would be cracking on and showing signs of intent to keep Jack at the club more than anything. So far, it’s been very underwhelming and actually pathetic. There are so many crap teams in this league that we could easily be leap frogging with mild ambitous and clever recruitment. At the moment, I have to question Purslow more than anyone and if are owners really do want to compete.

I hope I will be eating my words in a few weeks bit don’t think I will be.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 06, 2020, 10:07:29 AM

Quote from: jwarry on September 06, 2020, 10:05:27 AM

Quote from: frank black on September 06, 2020, 09:57:56 AM

Callum Wilson to Newcastle and I feel somewhat relieved. I’m not sure a player of his age with ACL operations on both Knees Is the answer. I imagine whoever were after may well happen this week.

Me too, felt like a panic buy which I thought we had moved away fron

If that was true then it doesn’t really fill me with any great confidence.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 06, 2020, 10:07:43 AM

Quote from: jwarry on September 06, 2020, 10:05:27 AM

Quote from: frank black on September 06, 2020, 09:57:56 AM

Callum Wilson to Newcastle and I feel somewhat relieved. I’m not sure a player of his age with ACL operations on both Knees Is the answer. I imagine whoever were after may well happen this week.

Me too, felt like a panic buy which I thought we had moved away fron

If Wilson was a panic buy, what comes next!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 06, 2020, 10:07:50 AM

This reminds me of situations where we have to be somewhere on time and my wife is getting increasingly, toe-tappingly annoyed, to exasperated, to full Scouse angry because I'm taking my (deliberate) sweet time. Kind of a bit like now with the Villa transfers and Max's rugby at half 10.

I appreciate Dean and the gang aren't just a perenial middle child ball breaker. But you know, the anstier everybody gets, the more I like it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mcgrath_85 on September 06, 2020, 10:08:14 AM

Quote from: jwarry on September 06, 2020, 10:05:27 AM

Quote from: frank black on September 06, 2020, 09:57:56 AM

Callum Wilson to Newcastle and I feel somewhat relieved. I’m not sure a player of his age with ACL operations on both Knees Is the answer. I imagine whoever were after may well happen this week.

Me too, felt like a panic buy which I thought we had moved away fron

The best way to avoid a panic buy is to not get in a panic after not buying anyone.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ian. on September 06, 2020, 10:09:39 AM

I hope we sign Watkins tomorrow and put that one too bed. Surely we’re after another as well as Smith’s interview the other week seemed to be very clear we would have options in attack this season.

Ideally I’d like a really decent option in the middle of midfield, I’d prioritise that just as much as another forward or winger. Times certainly ticking, but still have faith we’ll sort it soon.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ian. on September 06, 2020, 10:10:48 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 06, 2020, 10:07:43 AM

Quote from: jwarry on September 06, 2020, 10:05:27 AM

Quote from: frank black on September 06, 2020, 09:57:56 AM

Callum Wilson to Newcastle and I feel somewhat relieved. I’m not sure a player of his age with ACL operations on both Knees Is the answer. I imagine whoever were after may well happen this week.

Me too, felt like a panic buy which I thought we had moved away fron

If Wilson was a panic buy, what comes next!

Don’t!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 06, 2020, 10:11:08 AM

Quote from: Ads on September 06, 2020, 10:07:50 AM

This reminds me of situations where we have to be somewhere on time and my wife is getting increasingly, toe-tappingly annoyed, to exasperated, to full Scouse angry because I'm taking my (deliberate) sweet time. Kind of a bit like now with the Villa transfers and Max's rugby at half 10.

I appreciate Dean and the gang aren't just a perenial middle child ball breaker. But you know, the anstier everybody gets, the more I like it.

I'm the youngest child and I'm not arsed because someone will eventually sign someone on my behalf anyway.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 06, 2020, 10:11:47 AM

The Watkins and Benrhama thing is interesting. Bearing in mind they were two of the stand out players in the championship last season, you'd have thought they would have been snapped up by now. It's most likely not only us who would possibly be interested so why haven't they moved?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on September 06, 2020, 10:12:30 AM

I am not fussed about Wilson in particular.

I am fussed that we have only signed a championship full back.

Do we ever learn?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on September 06, 2020, 10:12:32 AM

So there's obviously a problem. We arent run by complete morons who would approach the season willingly like this. So what is the problem?

Money? Almost certainly not, since day one the owners have gone above and beyond with the amounts they've invested.

Purslow? Can't close the deals or sell the club. Possible.

Smith? An unattractive proposition. An unheard of manager off the back of a season long relegation fight.

Scouting? Not finding the bracket of players in the bracket of clubs that would sign and improve us?

All? None? There is a problem and our signings since we became a top flight team have been very underwhelming, culminating in January's Drinkwater, Samatta and Baston cluster fuck followed by these last 5/6 weeks where the sum of our improvements is a slight upgrade at.......  right back....  from the Championship.

Where are we going wrong?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on September 06, 2020, 10:13:47 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 06, 2020, 10:07:43 AM

Quote from: jwarry on September 06, 2020, 10:05:27 AM

Quote from: frank black on September 06, 2020, 09:57:56 AM

Callum Wilson to Newcastle and I feel somewhat relieved. I’m not sure a player of his age with ACL operations on both Knees Is the answer. I imagine whoever were after may well happen this week.

Me too, felt like a panic buy which I thought we had moved away fron

If Wilson was a panic buy, what comes next!

we go from bed wetting to pant shitting.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 06, 2020, 10:15:23 AM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 06, 2020, 10:12:32 AM

Smith? An unattractive proposition. An unheard of manager off the back of a season long relegation fight.

I think that's possibly a big part of it.  I don't find him inspiring at all, and I'm a Villa fan.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on September 06, 2020, 10:19:41 AM

Quote from: LeeB on September 06, 2020, 09:35:21 AM

Quote from: mcgrath_85 on September 06, 2020, 09:34:10 AM

Shambles all round.

Based on what? Some internet rumour?

We’re a bigger Shambles than that one they got in York mate
everyone knows that 😀

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 06, 2020, 10:20:02 AM

Quote from: Risso on September 06, 2020, 10:15:23 AM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 06, 2020, 10:12:32 AM

Smith? An unattractive proposition. An unheard of manager off the back of a season long relegation fight.

I think that's possibly a big part of it.  I don't find him inspiring at all, and I'm a Villa fan.

Hard to admit but I agree. I like Smith, but I don't think if we are going to push to where the owners want to be, he is the man for the long term. People say it is not managers that attract players, but Everton are a clear example of exactly that this season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on September 06, 2020, 10:20:07 AM

It's a bit worrying that someone would rather move 400+ miles from the south coast climate to play Bruceball at a club with a hated owner and fan base one bad run away from another massive tantrums rather than us. How were selling the image and plan is simply not working. There's no statement of intent signing or appointment to make anyone sit up and take note.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Shrek on September 06, 2020, 10:21:26 AM

Sky saying we’ve withdrawn our offer for Wilson now...

I wonder if we actually bid for him, are we that amateur that we’d just bid for a player without speaking to him?

If we did bid, then it’s both embarrassing and concerning going forward and doesn’t bode well for the rest of the window.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 06, 2020, 10:23:49 AM

It's all a bit of a shambles.  Two weeks from kick off and we've added one right back, the position we arguably needed to strengthen the least.  I'm sure they're all busting a gut and everything, but they just don't seem to be very good at this transfer window lark.  Even if we get Watkins this week, I'd be amazed if he was ready for when we kick off.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Shrek on September 06, 2020, 10:24:53 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 06, 2020, 10:20:02 AM

Quote from: Risso on September 06, 2020, 10:15:23 AM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 06, 2020, 10:12:32 AM

Smith? An unattractive proposition. An unheard of manager off the back of a season long relegation fight.

I think that's possibly a big part of it.  I don't find him inspiring at all, and I'm a Villa fan.

Hard to admit but I agree. I like Smith, but I don't think if we are going to push to where the owners want to be, he is the man for the long term. People say it is not managers that attract players, but Everton are a clear example of exactly that this season.

I’m not concerned by Smith at all, he proved post lockdown he can adjust and improve.

It’s simply down to money and who is in charge of signings. Right now Lange and Purslow are the ones that seem to be struggling imo.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 06, 2020, 10:25:44 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 06, 2020, 10:07:43 AM

Quote from: jwarry on September 06, 2020, 10:05:27 AM

Quote from: frank black on September 06, 2020, 09:57:56 AM

Callum Wilson to Newcastle and I feel somewhat relieved. I’m not sure a player of his age with ACL operations on both Knees Is the answer. I imagine whoever were after may well happen this week.

Me too, felt like a panic buy which I thought we had moved away fron

If Wilson was a panic buy, what comes next!

We are in for Mainwaring apparently.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 06, 2020, 10:26:19 AM

Newcastle play in a 50,000+ stadium, have an extremely passionate fanbase, Bruce has a good reputation in the game (even though I think he's walking a walking cholesterol bad dream), and have probably made Wilson their number one priority. I'd still choose Villa but it's not impossible to see why someone wouldn't.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on September 06, 2020, 10:27:44 AM

Bit worrying that our front 3 against Sheffield United and Fulham is looking like:-

WG El Ghazi
WG Trezeguet
CF Davis / Samatta

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on September 06, 2020, 10:29:21 AM

Quote from: Shrek on September 06, 2020, 10:21:26 AM

Sky saying we’ve withdrawn our offer for Wilson now...

I wonder if we actually bid for him, are we that amateur that we’d just bid for a player without speaking to him?

If we did bid, then it’s both embarrassing and concerning going forward and doesn’t bode well for the rest of the window.

I doubt there is a signing these days made without direct contact with the player and agent. Very strange one why a player from the midlands would chose Newcastle over us. Maybe the reality of finishing 17th last season is hitting home.

On Wilson, I was against that one from the start. Record of serious knee injuries and off the back of a very patchy season last term. Go back in for Josh King instead, at least he can play across the front three.

Given our failed public pursuit over Wilson, Brentford have us firmly over a barrel now with Watkins.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Diablo on September 06, 2020, 10:31:26 AM

I know it's been said before but Wilson was born in Cov and played for Cov - there's a possibility that may have something to do with it and although it may not be popular on here to say Newcastle are a big/well supported club (despite the best efforts of their odious owner).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Walmley_Villa on September 06, 2020, 10:35:01 AM

The Coventry fan thing is being used as the reason. For all we know he  might have reasons for not wanting to move back toy he Midlands? Good luck to him joining that circus.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: DrGonzo on September 06, 2020, 10:35:39 AM

Quote from: Shrek on September 06, 2020, 10:21:26 AM

Sky saying we’ve withdrawn our offer for Wilson now...

I wonder if we actually bid for him, are we that amateur that we’d just bid for a player without speaking to him?

If we did bid, then it’s both embarrassing and concerning going forward and doesn’t bode well for the rest of the window.

Maybe we've agreed fees for Watkins and Scots Eddy?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: frank black on September 06, 2020, 10:36:14 AM

Quote from: Diablo on September 06, 2020, 10:31:26 AM

I know it's been said before but Wilson was born in Cov and played for Cov - there's a possibility that may have something to do with it and although it may not be popular on here to say Newcastle are a big/well supported club (despite the best efforts of their odious owner).

We will hopefully look back at missing Wilson as a bullet dodged IMO. A good player on the fall

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: DB on September 06, 2020, 10:40:08 AM

I’d rather have Watkins anyhow. He is from Cov so probably doesn’t like us and maybe Newcastle offered more in wages etc. Who knows, but not gonna lose any sleep over it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithe on September 06, 2020, 10:41:45 AM

I’ve just been reading an interview with him on the FA site and any affection for Coventry is pretty well hidden.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SaddVillan on September 06, 2020, 10:55:52 AM

Well if he thinks that Newcastle, Steve Bruce and Mike Ashley are better than Villa, Smith and WENS, then that just confirms he must be delusional and deffo not one for us.

Given his injury record I'm pretty relaxed about not signing him.

We will have other targets, let's move on to them and sign them up.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 06, 2020, 11:05:05 AM

Quote from: Clampy on September 06, 2020, 09:29:20 AM

If we were ever interested in Callum Wilson at all. As for him choosing Newcastle over us, that's his choice and probably his loss. I'm not too fussed either way really.

Are you fussed we're very likely now to start the Sheffield United game with the same striker options we had end of last season? Just a reminder they scored in 0 games after lockdown.

Let's hope Trez has the same shooting boots he had on for the last two home games but it all looks pretty underwhelming.

We need to get a move on this week and get someone decent in so they can at least play in the league cup game as preparation for Sheffield United.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 06, 2020, 11:06:18 AM

His choice. As SE says, he was probably their first choice and almost certainly isn't ours.

Hopefully we can tie up Watkins and sort something for our centre forward before the Sheffield United game.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Shrek on September 06, 2020, 11:06:38 AM

Nixon reporting we face genuine competition from Spurs for Watkins... that would fit right in line with how this window has gone for us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: wolfman999 on September 06, 2020, 11:09:51 AM

Who knows what’s really going on but from the outside, it is beginning to look like we are almost inviting others to enter the race to bid on our targets so we can say, well we did try and missed out. As a club over the years, we always seem to drag our heels over signings and often miss out when others nick them from under our noses and are then forced to pay over the odds for poor alternatives late in the window. I really thought this year might be different but it’s not looking that way at the moment.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 06, 2020, 11:11:35 AM

Quote from: mcgrath_85 on September 06, 2020, 10:06:19 AM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 06, 2020, 09:41:50 AM

Quote from: mcgrath_85 on September 06, 2020, 09:37:13 AM

Has anything been learnt from last years near cluster fuck of a season, mainly brought on by shite recruitment and a manager way out of his depth?

Yes, we've learned that a lot of players still don't want to come here, and that it's not a great idea to pay more than the going rate, even though we have a manager that's overachieved.

Well that’s that dealt with then.

I’m of the mindset that haggling for weeks instead of just paying it and getting the player in is foolish and could cost us. Benrhama and Watkins would already be Villa players if it wasn’t for doing that last season. Maybe if we had them as opposed to the players we got in instead, then we would’ve been more comfortable last season.

After the West Ham game, I really thought we would be cracking on and showing signs of intent to keep Jack at the club more than anything. So far, it’s been very underwhelming and actually pathetic. There are so many crap teams in this league that we could easily be leap frogging with mild ambitous and clever recruitment. At the moment, I have to question Purslow more than anyone and if are owners really do want to compete.

I hope I will be eating my words in a few weeks bit don’t think I will be.

I actually think a bigger problem is after last summer DS has put his foot down and demanded more domestic signings this summer. He's probably in the biggest position of strength he'll ever be as head coach here having kept us up so Wes and Nas have listened to him. Also Lange is probably looking at our set up more than transfers currently, think we'll see more of his influence in January and next summer.

Think we gambled Brentford not going up would mean they'd sell Benrahma and Watkins quickly to make up the lost cash but our hunch was wrong on that one. Don't think DS wants to sign much from abroad after last summer but he might have to do a u turn on that the way things are going.

It's all very frustrating really. Can certainly see us getting 2-3 in after the first game which I was hoping to avoid, let's hope they're not complete panic buys like Borja Baston.

Do think Rhian Brewster on season long loan towards end of the window will become a more likely prospect.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on September 06, 2020, 11:12:05 AM

I don’t think it was ideal changing the recruitment team only a few weeks ago.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 06, 2020, 11:14:11 AM

I sincerely hope we don't put our eggs in the Brewster basket.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 06, 2020, 11:18:12 AM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 06, 2020, 11:05:05 AM

Quote from: Clampy on September 06, 2020, 09:29:20 AM

If we were ever interested in Callum Wilson at all. As for him choosing Newcastle over us, that's his choice and probably his loss. I'm not too fussed either way really.

Are you fussed we're very likely now to start the Sheffield United game with the same striker options we had end of last season? Just a reminder they scored in 0 games after lockdown.

I mean I'm not fussed over Wilson.

The striker we buy is for the next few years, not just the opening game.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 06, 2020, 11:21:27 AM

Quote from: Clampy on September 06, 2020, 11:18:12 AM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 06, 2020, 11:05:05 AM

Quote from: Clampy on September 06, 2020, 09:29:20 AM

If we were ever interested in Callum Wilson at all. As for him choosing Newcastle over us, that's his choice and probably his loss. I'm not too fussed either way really.

Are you fussed we're very likely now to start the Sheffield United game with the same striker options we had end of last season? Just a reminder they scored in 0 games after lockdown.

I mean I'm not fussed over Wilson.

The striker we buy is for the next few years, not just the opening game.

Same. The lad out of Celtic looks very handy.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 06, 2020, 11:22:39 AM

We don’t know why Wilson prefers Newcastle, but let’s hope it’s not to do with the vision we’re selling. It could be a completely erroneous view, but it feels like we’re struggling to get business done. We really need to get some good quality players in our squad, in particular up front is way below par.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on September 06, 2020, 11:24:31 AM

Would have thought reporting an interest from Spurs will have generated a few clicks for that publication that doesn’t get mentioned & also probably comes from a selling club who want every penny they can get.

Wilson is an odd one, if you take here as a litmus test I’d suggest majority didn’t want him at all & we also have no clue why he may have chosen Newcastle (if indeed he actually has!) - talks will have gone on with agents ref wages so if we are for instance offering 70k & they are offering 100k he might prefer them :-) also he’s a local lad so he may not want to play for Villa

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 06, 2020, 11:24:35 AM

I think probably part of the problem could well be that clubs and agents know we're loaded and there's not to many strolling about with a wedge this summer window.

Brentford haven't had anybody through the gate in 6 months and they've bought Toney. I think the sudden Spurs interest is media nonsense to stop us trying to strong arm them a bit.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 11:26:22 AM

Well lets be honest we seem to be shopping in Steve Bruce's market this summer. I'm not surprised he knows where all the bargains and special offers are

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 06, 2020, 11:26:58 AM

Yep, Spurs won't be spending unless they can balance the books.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aev on September 06, 2020, 11:27:59 AM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 06, 2020, 11:26:58 AM

Yep, Spurs won't be spending unless they can balance the books.

Aren't they going to flog that bloke they bought last year that cost them £60m?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 06, 2020, 11:28:19 AM

Quote from: Ads on September 06, 2020, 11:14:11 AM

I sincerely hope we don't put our eggs in the Brewster basket.

We could do much worse. He scored 12 goals in half a season at Swansea and needs to play now rather than spend a season warming the bench at Liverpool. He's arguably in a similar position to Tammy last summer.

I mean that in addition to getting Watkins in rather than just one striker.

I think we're going to have to use the loan market more if we're really haggling over fees. Get in 2-3 decent ones on season long loans and then re-assess next summer when we're hopefully in mid table and a better prospect to outsiders. Brewster could be one of them.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 06, 2020, 11:28:49 AM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 11:26:22 AM

Well lets be honest we seem to be shopping in Steve Bruce's market this summer. I'm not surprised he knows where all the bargains and special offers are

Corned beef and a Babybel. It says they go off today but he knows for a fact that they'll be fine till Tuesday.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 06, 2020, 11:29:50 AM

Quote from: aev on September 06, 2020, 11:27:59 AM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 06, 2020, 11:26:58 AM

Yep, Spurs won't be spending unless they can balance the books.

Aren't they going to flog that bloke they bought last year that cost them £60m?

Jose?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 06, 2020, 11:31:26 AM

Quote from: Clampy on September 06, 2020, 11:18:12 AM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 06, 2020, 11:05:05 AM

Quote from: Clampy on September 06, 2020, 09:29:20 AM

If we were ever interested in Callum Wilson at all. As for him choosing Newcastle over us, that's his choice and probably his loss. I'm not too fussed either way really.

Are you fussed we're very likely now to start the Sheffield United game with the same striker options we had end of last season? Just a reminder they scored in 0 games after lockdown.

I mean I'm not fussed over Wilson.

The striker we buy is for the next few years, not just the opening game.

I understand Wilson not being to everyone's taste but he is relatively proven in premier league. Our permanent striker signing record since 2014 has been completely dismal bar Kodj doing well for half a season so I'm not confident at all we'll sign someone with a better top level record than Wilson.

Fans of other clubs simply can't believe how bad the striker options are we provide Grealish with.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 11:33:24 AM

Loan market is a must seeing we don't seem to be able to get any experienced heads in. At the moment i can see us ending up with 3 or 4 championship players. >:(

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on September 06, 2020, 11:34:05 AM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 06, 2020, 11:28:19 AM

Quote from: Ads on September 06, 2020, 11:14:11 AM

I sincerely hope we don't put our eggs in the Brewster basket.

We could do much worse. He scored 12 goals in half a season at Swansea and needs to play now rather than spend a season warming the bench at Liverpool. He's arguably in a similar position to Tammy last summer.

I mean that in addition to getting Watkins in rather than just one striker.

I think we're going to have to use the loan market more if we're really haggling over fees. Get in 2-3 decent ones on season long loans and then re-assess next summer when we're hopefully in mid table and a better prospect to outsiders. Brewster could be one of them.

I like him as well but Liverpool will only send him out with a clause to play so I’d be surprised to see him rock up in PL - surely with their programme and likely to be 5 subs they’d be better keeping him and Jones as bench options

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on September 06, 2020, 11:40:03 AM

Watkins not in the Brentford squad today.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: villa for life on September 06, 2020, 11:42:41 AM

Maybe Wilson has seemingly chosen them as he knew we would also be going after our first choice striker, which would limit his game time, especially so, if one of our other strikers comes good. (Which I suspect they will)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 06, 2020, 11:44:18 AM

Quote from: mr underhill on September 06, 2020, 11:40:03 AM

Watkins not in the Brentford squad today.

Going to be way off match fitness given he hasn't featured in any of their friendlies so not sure he's the type that's going to hit the ground running even if we do sign him soon.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on September 06, 2020, 11:44:43 AM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on September 06, 2020, 09:40:42 AM

Quote from: mr underhill on September 06, 2020, 09:34:29 AM

is there any hard evidence we have actually bid for Watkins? What about  loaning in Brewster, is that an option?

Brewster would cost millions.

Heard rumours of him being quite costly because he demands a personal dietician, trainer, chef, someone to run minor errands for him, .... in fact all of Brewster's minions.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 11:50:00 AM

well fraser going there probably played a part i'm guessing. I would have liked Wilson for his experience and at 20m he was good value. Obviously his injuries are a question mark over him. As others have stated, you sound out the player first if you have any nouse about you. Loads of clubs get rejected by players but they do their best to find out before they put a bid in.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 06, 2020, 11:50:48 AM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 11:33:24 AM

Loan market is a must seeing we don't seem to be able to get any experienced heads in. At the moment i can see us ending up with 3 or 4 championship players. >:(

As long as they're Grealish, McGinn and Mimgs quality Championship players, I'll be happy.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 06, 2020, 11:50:56 AM

Quote from: Shrek on September 06, 2020, 11:06:38 AM

Nixon reporting we face genuine competition from Spurs for Watkins... that would fit right in line with how this window has gone for us.

Really?
They have Son, Moura and Citizen. Plus, probably, others I've forgotten and youngsters coming through.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 06, 2020, 11:51:09 AM

If Wilson goes to Newcastle I'd happy have Dwight Gayle - he's no world beater - but he knows where the net is.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 06, 2020, 11:54:17 AM

Quote from: Mister E on September 06, 2020, 11:50:56 AM

Quote from: Shrek on September 06, 2020, 11:06:38 AM

Nixon reporting we face genuine competition from Spurs for Watkins... that would fit right in line with how this window has gone for us.

Really?
They have Son, Moura and Citizen. Plus, probably, others I've forgotten and youngsters coming through.

They need some sort of back up for when Kane gets his annual three month injury. Moving Son central also leaves them short out wide so Watkins fits their profile although Mourinho would surely want someone more proven at top level.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 06, 2020, 11:55:15 AM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 06, 2020, 11:51:09 AM

If Wilson goes to Newcastle I'd happy have Dwight Gayle - he's no world beater - but he knows where the net is.

Long-term injury and all? No thanks.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 06, 2020, 11:55:52 AM

Quote from: Mister E on September 06, 2020, 11:55:15 AM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 06, 2020, 11:51:09 AM

If Wilson goes to Newcastle I'd happy have Dwight Gayle - he's no world beater - but he knows where the net is.

Long-term injury and all? No thanks.

ah, is he injured - I wasn't aware.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 06, 2020, 11:56:25 AM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 06, 2020, 11:54:17 AM

Quote from: Mister E on September 06, 2020, 11:50:56 AM

Quote from: Shrek on September 06, 2020, 11:06:38 AM

Nixon reporting we face genuine competition from Spurs for Watkins... that would fit right in line with how this window has gone for us.

Really?
They have Son, Moura and Citizen. Plus, probably, others I've forgotten and youngsters coming through.

They need some sort of back up for when Kane gets his annual three month injury. Moving Son central also leaves them short out wide so Watkins fits their profile although Mourinho would surely want someone more proven at top level.

I think Wilson would be a better cover for Kane.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Pat Mustard on September 06, 2020, 11:57:10 AM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 06, 2020, 11:31:26 AM

Quote from: Clampy on September 06, 2020, 11:18:12 AM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 06, 2020, 11:05:05 AM

Quote from: Clampy on September 06, 2020, 09:29:20 AM

If we were ever interested in Callum Wilson at all. As for him choosing Newcastle over us, that's his choice and probably his loss. I'm not too fussed either way really.

Are you fussed we're very likely now to start the Sheffield United game with the same striker options we had end of last season? Just a reminder they scored in 0 games after lockdown.

I mean I'm not fussed over Wilson.

The striker we buy is for the next few years, not just the opening game.

I understand Wilson not being to everyone's taste but he is relatively proven in premier league. Our permanent striker signing record since 2014 has been completely dismal bar Kodj doing well for half a season so I'm not confident at all we'll sign someone with a better top level record than Wilson.

Fans of other clubs simply can't believe how bad the striker options are we provide Grealish with.

I’ve just had a look at Wilson’s record, it’s really not that good. He’s scored 36 goals in the last 4 seasons, only getting into double figures once. He also got booked 10 times last season, having only been booked 3 times in the 4 seasons before that, which suggests to me that something isn’t right with him.

If Newcastle want to spend £20 million on him then good luck to them, but I really don’t see why we would lose sleep over him. He wouldn’t be good enough on his own to be first choice, and if he is only a back-up then there will be other options at a lower price. I’d even consider a one or two year deal for someone like Deeney than spend £20 million on Wilson.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: robbo1874 on September 06, 2020, 11:57:38 AM

I’m not too fussed.yes, ideally we’d have got 3 or 4 in before the start of the season, but if we don’t it’s not the end of the world. It doesn’t hurt to bide your time on a deal, especially if the agents are talking chew on the wages. Still a month to go before the PL window shuts and an extra 1-2 weeks for Championsip deals to close out.happy for Villa to take their time and get the right signings at the right age /attitude/ price/ wages.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Footy-Vill on September 06, 2020, 11:58:08 AM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 06, 2020, 11:51:09 AM

If Wilson goes to Newcastle I'd happy have Dwight Gayle - he's no world beater - but he knows where the net is.

Loves a goal against us doesn't he !
I hear he's just had a knee op and will be out for  up to 4 months.
Perhaps why they went pressing for Wilson

Edit: others have kindly said.
Sorry !

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 12:00:46 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 06, 2020, 11:50:48 AM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 11:33:24 AM

Loan market is a must seeing we don't seem to be able to get any experienced heads in. At the moment i can see us ending up with 3 or 4 championship players. >:(

As long as they're Grealish, McGinn and Mimgs quality Championship players, I'll be happy.

Can't say i agree this season and all 3 of them struggled with the premiership at times last season. I'd like a few players with 5 or 6 premiership seasons or foreign top flight experience behind them even if theyre not bling signings and approaching 30. I mean who's played most premierships games for us? Elmo?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 06, 2020, 12:05:09 PM

Although I don't think they'll play in the same position, if there was an artificial choice between Wilson and Watkins, I'd choose Watkins everyday of the week and twice on Sundays.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on September 06, 2020, 12:07:44 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 12:00:46 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 06, 2020, 11:50:48 AM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 11:33:24 AM

Loan market is a must seeing we don't seem to be able to get any experienced heads in. At the moment i can see us ending up with 3 or 4 championship players. >:(

As long as they're Grealish, McGinn and Mimgs quality Championship players, I'll be happy.

Can't say i agree this season and all 3 of them struggled with the premiership at times last season. I'd like a few players with 5 or 6 premiership seasons or foreign top flight experience behind them even if theyre not bling signings and approaching 30. I mean who's played most premierships games for us? Elmo?

Grealish and McGinn were excellent for us last season in the top flight and Mings wasn't far behind them.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 12:10:40 PM

There was plenty of criticism aimed thier way on here, Mcginn especially

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 06, 2020, 12:12:01 PM

They all had their spells of good form - and all had bad spells.
McGinn looked knackered before his injury.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 06, 2020, 12:12:33 PM

So what? He was and is a top class player. I'd be delighted if we signed another midfielder as good as McGinn.

The point is, our 3 best players, who'd cost you over £100m to buy, were Championship players. Watkins is a Championship player, so what? If they're good enough, they're good enough.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 06, 2020, 12:12:59 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 12:10:40 PM

There was plenty of criticism aimed thier way on here, Mcginn especially

McGinn was fine until his self-imposed injury. Yes, he struggled in the mini-league because hew as coming back from a nasty injury.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: gpbarr on September 06, 2020, 12:13:30 PM

Concerns remain. The words don’t match the actions and, as Villa fans that’s been the case with too many owners in the last couple decades.

If the owners were serious as they said, we would not have windows like this - we would do business cleanly and like others have done, pay up for the players we want. Even if we get 2-3 in the remainder of the window, they will take time to gain match fitness and acclimate to Deans team and style.

We are going into a season with all the frailties and gaps (chasms up front) that we did last year. If they cannot see that then we should be very very concerned about our direction. And if they do but don’t seem able to splash the cash then our expectations have been mismanaged.

Bit sick and tired of it all - this is a defining season for us and we must kick on - yet we have signed a good Championship RB to date.

WTF is going on?!?!?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 06, 2020, 12:13:38 PM

McGinn broke his ankle twice. We're lucky we saw him again at all.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 06, 2020, 12:14:34 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 06, 2020, 12:12:33 PM

So what? He was and is a top class player. I'd be delighted if we signed another midfielder as good as McGinn.

The point is, our 3 best players, who'd cost you over £100m to buy, were Championship players. Watkins is a Championship player, so what? If they're good enough, they're good enough.

Abraham and Mount were championship players too - done alright for themselves with the big boys :)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on September 06, 2020, 12:14:50 PM

No chance, we'll flop back to Watkins with a bigger bid needed and more competition now. He's had no match practice and should we get him won't be up to speed for a month. Purslow, assuming he's doing the deals is doing very poor. 3 windows on the trot with massive failings.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 12:17:00 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 06, 2020, 12:12:33 PM

So what? He was and is a top class player. I'd be delighted if we signed another midfielder as good as McGinn.

The point is, our 3 best players, who'd cost you over £100m to buy, were Championship players. Watkins is a Championship player, so what? If they're good enough, they're good enough.

You can't build a team just from talented young  players from the championship. you need a blend, and we haven't got it currently

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 06, 2020, 12:20:00 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 06, 2020, 12:14:50 PM

No chance, we'll flop back to Watkins with a bigger bid needed and more competition now. He's had no match practice and should we get him won't be up to speed for a month. Purslow, assuming he's doing the deals is doing very poor. 3 windows on the trot with massive failings.

Massive failings? Blimey.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 06, 2020, 12:20:17 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 12:00:46 PM

I mean who's played most premierships games for us? Elmo?

Tom Heaton and Jack Grealish at a guess.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 12:23:50 PM

Quote from: Mister E on September 06, 2020, 12:20:17 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 12:00:46 PM

I mean who's played most premierships games for us? Elmo?

Tom Heaton and Jack Grealish at a guess.

i meant overall not just for villa .think its elmo or maybe taylor with about 100 odd games

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dicedlam on September 06, 2020, 12:24:19 PM

How about bringing Snodgrass back? He's touching on a bit at 32 I know, but he is exactly the type of experienced player we should be looking at and he would most definitely be a step up on either El Ghazi or Trez. He seemed to love his time here too whilst on loan and was the model pro by all acounts.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: robbo1874 on September 06, 2020, 12:27:36 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 06, 2020, 12:14:50 PM

No chance, we'll flop back to Watkins with a bigger bid needed and more competition now. He's had no match practice and should we get him won't be up to speed for a month. Purslow, assuming he's doing the deals is doing very poor. 3 windows on the trot with massive failings.

theres a trap of falling into of just keep offering more money. I think it was Wilson, but could be Watkins where we reportedly started out at 12-14m and I think Newcastle were up to 20-21m. That’s not a good situation to be in where you need 4-5 players on a strict budget.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 06, 2020, 12:28:02 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 12:17:00 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 06, 2020, 12:12:33 PM

So what? He was and is a top class player. I'd be delighted if we signed another midfielder as good as McGinn.

The point is, our 3 best players, who'd cost you over £100m to buy, were Championship players. Watkins is a Championship player, so what? If they're good enough, they're good enough.

You can't build a team just from talented young  players from the championship. you need a blend, and we haven't got it currently

I see your cliché and raise you Chris Wilder and Sheffield United.

We have a squad that has experienced a season and did something miraculous. Do you think Konsa and Luiz to choose two, won't be better for that? And that we're not active in the market looking to improve what we have?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Fred Crump on September 06, 2020, 12:31:11 PM

If we could get him on a free/ cheap, he would be just the sort of battler we will need if as seems increasingly likely, we need to roll up our sleeves for another relegation scrap.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 12:32:47 PM

There's plenty of options once you get around the 30 mark. They're not gonna excite anyone, and we're not building a team round them, but having a bit experience in the squad has gotta be a step up from the likes of Lansbury

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on September 06, 2020, 12:33:47 PM

Like others have said I’m not massively bothered about Wilson he’s hardly a goal machine

given the hypothetical choice I would try and continue to develop a fully fit Wesley over a fully fit Wilson
I don’t think there would be a great difference in goals scored between the two looking at their records and there’s always the chance that Wesley could become something a lot better where as Wilson is what he is

if I’m honest I don’t think there’s a single player that we have been linked with that has got me up clapping and excited

I’m not saying I’m against them all I obviously want to see some transfer action and hope they go on to be Legends
but this statement of intent signing isn’t going to happen for me in this window

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: villa for life on September 06, 2020, 12:36:40 PM

Not sure why people are stressing.

If Dougie, jack and Mcginn stay fit and stay in form, that’s one of the best midfields in the league.

All our strikers will be a year wiser and better

Konsa is improving all the time
Targett and Mings and hopefully Cash all good enough.


85 million on
One goalkeeper
One winger
Two strikers

Top half finish

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 12:37:49 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 06, 2020, 12:28:02 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 12:17:00 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 06, 2020, 12:12:33 PM

So what? He was and is a top class player. I'd be delighted if we signed another midfielder as good as McGinn.

The point is, our 3 best players, who'd cost you over £100m to buy, were Championship players. Watkins is a Championship player, so what? If they're good enough, they're good enough.

You can't build a team just from talented young  players from the championship. you need a blend, and we haven't got it currently

I see your cliché and raise you Chris Wilder and Sheffield United.

We have a squad that has experienced a season and did something miraculous. Do you think Konsa and Luiz to choose two, won't be better for that? And that we're not active in the market looking to improve what we have?

Well we'll see in a few seasons how wilder gets on - he'll certainly be the exception to the rule, but have it your way ads. We were excellant last season, no-one's form dropped off at all, and in no way could a bit of experience have helped us at times.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on September 06, 2020, 12:39:10 PM

Well I'm guessing Watkins'price may go up again now we've withdrawn our offer for Wilson.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Footy-Vill on September 06, 2020, 12:39:55 PM

Quote from: dicedlam on September 06, 2020, 12:24:19 PM

How about bringing Snodgrass back? He's touching on a bit at 32 I know, but he is exactly the type of experienced player we should be looking at and he would most definitely be a step up on either El Ghazi or Trez. He seemed to love his time here too whilst on loan and was the model pro by all acounts.

Oh I loved him at the time. Battle hardy too.
Snoddy for me was great for the time and period when he was here. Unless he reinvents himself in the midfield position i'm not interested now for him as an inverted winger because he's just too darn slow

One thing this side lacks is pace in attack.
I'm all for him as a character and 100% effort but no not now in that space on the pitch taking up room and wages for all his experience I'm more a Walcott man who's 31 but has offerings

Of course would be delighted if he was actually still part of the squad but he's not for me and was  a stand out under the old Bruce regime.
Good luck to him and always like to see him do well.
Good suggestion to be fair just think pace is what's needed to be honest

Up the Villa.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on September 06, 2020, 12:42:32 PM

I wasn't that keen on him and he'd rather go to Newcastle.  Fair enough. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 06, 2020, 12:44:08 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 12:37:49 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 06, 2020, 12:28:02 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 12:17:00 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 06, 2020, 12:12:33 PM

So what? He was and is a top class player. I'd be delighted if we signed another midfielder as good as McGinn.

The point is, our 3 best players, who'd cost you over £100m to buy, were Championship players. Watkins is a Championship player, so what? If they're good enough, they're good enough.

You can't build a team just from talented young  players from the championship. you need a blend, and we haven't got it currently

I see your cliché and raise you Chris Wilder and Sheffield United.

We have a squad that has experienced a season and did something miraculous. Do you think Konsa and Luiz to choose two, won't be better for that? And that we're not active in the market looking to improve what we have?

Well we'll see in a few seasons how wilder gets on - he'll certainly be the exception to the rule, but have it your way ads. We were excellant last season, no-one's form dropped off at all, and in no way could a bit of experience have helped us at times.

Have some fire scarecrow.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on September 06, 2020, 12:46:37 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 06, 2020, 12:42:32 PM

I wasn't that keen on him and he'd rather go to Newcastle.  Fair enough. 

i would imagine he will be very similar to Maupay

he will notch around 10 goals and every time he does someone will mention how we missed out on this top class striker

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 06, 2020, 12:46:39 PM

Quote from: villa for life on September 06, 2020, 12:36:40 PM

Not sure why people are stressing.

If Dougie, jack and Mcginn stay fit and stay in form, that’s one of the best midfields in the league.

All our strikers will be a year wiser and better

Konsa is improving all the time
Targett and Mings and hopefully Cash all good enough.


85 million on
One goalkeeper
One winger
Two strikers

Top half finish

Agreed.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: robbo1874 on September 06, 2020, 12:47:25 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 12:32:47 PM

There's plenty of options once you get around the 30 mark. They're not gonna excite anyone, and we're not building a team round them, but having a bit experience in the squad has gotta be a step up from the likes of Lansbury

assuming the budget’s around 100m - we don’t know, but that’s the commonly accepted amount, we’ve spent 16m already and looking for a keeper around the 10m mark. If you add in Edourd or Tammy say for around 40-50m (plus wages) that leaves you one other player in the 30m range. Who would you get in from the loads of other options?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 12:48:57 PM

well building a successful team just from talented lower league players is like the holy grail of the premiership. - if it could be done with any measure of success everyone would do it.  We've already tried it ourselves before and it didn't work out too well.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 06, 2020, 12:50:58 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 12:48:57 PM

well building a successful team just from talented lower league players is like the holy grail of the premiership. - if it could be done with any measure of success everyone would do it.  We've already tried it ourselves before and it didn't work out too well.

You said it can't be done. It appears two clubs tried it last and one was very successful with it, the other finished rock bottom.

Don't get your knickers in a twist over evidence that goes against your opinion.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: villabear on September 06, 2020, 12:52:38 PM

Season start for us two weeks away. One player in. Let’s hope our hopefully ongoing targets aren’t been put off by lower wages. I thought once we survived last season that money wasn’t going to be an issue. I wasn’t but now i’m a bit concerned tbh.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on September 06, 2020, 12:57:39 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 06, 2020, 11:51:09 AM

If Wilson goes to Newcastle I'd happy have Dwight Gayle - he's no world beater - but he knows where the net is.

If we'd gone down, I'd have agreed, he's scored 36 in 61 in the Championship. But 25 PL goals in 119 appearances over 5 seasons suggest that at this level, knowing where it is and putting the ball in it aren't the same thing. And he turns 31 next month.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Pat Mustard on September 06, 2020, 12:58:05 PM

Quote from: gpbarr on September 06, 2020, 12:13:30 PM

Concerns remain. The words don’t match the actions and, as Villa fans that’s been the case with too many owners in the last couple decades.

If the owners were serious as they said, we would not have windows like this - we would do business cleanly and like others have done, pay up for the players we want. Even if we get 2-3 in the remainder of the window, they will take time to gain match fitness and acclimate to Deans team and style.

We are going into a season with all the frailties and gaps (chasms up front) that we did last year. If they cannot see that then we should be very very concerned about our direction. And if they do but don’t seem able to splash the cash then our expectations have been mismanaged.

Bit sick and tired of it all - this is a defining season for us and we must kick on - yet we have signed a good Championship RB to date.

WTF is going on?!?!?

What’s going on is exactly what the club have needed to in the last 15 years - working to a plan on signing players where we don’t get our pants pulled down every time. The mess of the last 10 years was completely down to managers and owners who paid way over the odds for average players with no re-sale value. Added to the fact that FFP means you can’t just randomly spend your way out of trouble, and we have to make sure every penny we spend counts.

I just can’t believe the number of posters who seem happy for us to spend way more than players are worth just so we get them in now. Behave like that and other clubs see us as a soft touch, and we will never build any kind of sustained improvement.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 01:00:22 PM

Quote from: robbo1874 on September 06, 2020, 12:47:25 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 12:32:47 PM

There's plenty of options once you get around the 30 mark. They're not gonna excite anyone, and we're not building a team round them, but having a bit experience in the squad has gotta be a step up from the likes of Lansbury

assuming the budget’s around 100m - we don’t know, but that’s the commonly accepted amount, we’ve spent 16m already and looking for a keeper around the 10m mark. If you add in Edourd or Tammy say for around 40-50m (plus wages) that leaves you one other player in the 30m range. Who would you get in from the loads of other options?

well the sort of players i'm talking about aren't gonna cost 30m. We talking guys on 2 year contract max. solid premiership or foreign pros. i'm thinking signings like Cahill just to steady the ship while players get experience. At the top end of the market i wouldn't have a problem with us paying 20m for a guy who was 28/29/30 like Wilson with a limited shelf life and no sell-on if it allowed the younger talent time to adapt and find their feet.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 01:03:45 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 06, 2020, 12:50:58 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 12:48:57 PM

well building a successful team just from talented lower league players is like the holy grail of the premiership. - if it could be done with any measure of success everyone would do it.  We've already tried it ourselves before and it didn't work out too well.

You said it can't be done. It appears two clubs tried it last and one was very successful with it, the other finished rock bottom.

Don't get your knickers in a twist over evidence that goes against your opinion.

heheheh what evidence? Loads of clubs have done it for a year or 2. The problem lies in repeating the feat and they always end up back where they came from.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on September 06, 2020, 01:05:41 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 06, 2020, 12:20:00 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 06, 2020, 12:14:50 PM

No chance, we'll flop back to Watkins with a bigger bid needed and more competition now. He's had no match practice and should we get him won't be up to speed for a month. Purslow, assuming he's doing the deals is doing very poor. 3 windows on the trot with massive failings.

Massive failings? Blimey.

£140m spent and El Ghazi playing as lone striker. Blimey.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 06, 2020, 01:07:33 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 01:03:45 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 06, 2020, 12:50:58 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 12:48:57 PM

well building a successful team just from talented lower league players is like the holy grail of the premiership. - if it could be done with any measure of success everyone would do it.  We've already tried it ourselves before and it didn't work out too well.

You said it can't be done. It appears two clubs tried it last and one was very successful with it, the other finished rock bottom.

Don't get your knickers in a twist over evidence that goes against your opinion.

heheheh what evidence? Loads of clubs have done it for a year or 2. The problem lies in repeating the feat and they always end up back where they came from.

Sheffield United. I generously added Norwich to that, but they didn't really try to strengthen. Burnley are another example.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 06, 2020, 01:09:37 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 06, 2020, 12:20:00 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 06, 2020, 12:14:50 PM

No chance, we'll flop back to Watkins with a bigger bid needed and more competition now. He's had no match practice and should we get him won't be up to speed for a month. Purslow, assuming he's doing the deals is doing very poor. 3 windows on the trot with massive failings.

Massive failings? Blimey.

Well the first two certainly were.  The jury is out on this one so far, but it's not looking too clever at the moment.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 01:10:52 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 06, 2020, 01:07:33 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 01:03:45 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 06, 2020, 12:50:58 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 12:48:57 PM

well building a successful team just from talented lower league players is like the holy grail of the premiership. - if it could be done with any measure of success everyone would do it.  We've already tried it ourselves before and it didn't work out too well.

You said it can't be done. It appears two clubs tried it last and one was very successful with it, the other finished rock bottom.

Don't get your knickers in a twist over evidence that goes against your opinion.

heheheh what evidence? Loads of clubs have done it for a year or 2. The problem lies in repeating the feat and they always end up back where they came from.

Sheffield United. I generously added Norwich to that, but they didn't really try to strengthen. Burnley are another example.

well i'm sure you'll find someone who will to take your bet that sheffield united will still be in the premiership in 5 years time. And Burnley for that matter 8)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 06, 2020, 01:13:07 PM

What bet? Have you been at Sexual Ealings Garys?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Pat Mustard on September 06, 2020, 01:13:17 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 06, 2020, 01:05:41 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 06, 2020, 12:20:00 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 06, 2020, 12:14:50 PM

No chance, we'll flop back to Watkins with a bigger bid needed and more competition now. He's had no match practice and should we get him won't be up to speed for a month. Purslow, assuming he's doing the deals is doing very poor. 3 windows on the trot with massive failings.

Massive failings? Blimey.

£140m spent and El Ghazi playing as lone striker. Blimey.

This bears repeating because so many people seem to forget - when we came up we had a usable first team squad of about 10 players. We could have spent 200 million last year and we would still have had gaps, that was never going to be cured in one window, especially when we are not allowed by FFP to spend massively beyond our means.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 06, 2020, 01:17:18 PM

Quote from: Mister E on September 06, 2020, 12:20:17 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 12:00:46 PM

I mean who's played most premierships games for us? Elmo?

Tom Heaton and Jack Grealish at a guess.

Neil Taylor for the outfield players.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on September 06, 2020, 01:18:58 PM

We all know the squad failings. It doesn't detract from the fact we had 1 Striker. It was pointed out by all and sundry on here that it was an accident waiting to happen and exceptionally poor planning to only have 1 senior Striker. We doubled down on that in the January window by having months to prepare a replacement and turfing up Samatta.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: robbo1874 on September 06, 2020, 01:20:39 PM

Also, if we did get a top player like Tammy or Edouard, we’d have to get rid of 1-2 from Wes, ally, Keenan and Vassiliev. Who gets the chop?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 06, 2020, 01:21:38 PM

how the fuck we managed to stay up with those strikers is beyond me - they're as bad as any set of forwards in the Premier League's recent history :D

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 06, 2020, 01:21:43 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 06, 2020, 01:13:07 PM

What bet? Have you been at Sexual Ealings Garys?

Ha! You're not going to get much take-up for scouse rhyming slang on here!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 06, 2020, 01:22:01 PM

Quote from: robbo1874 on September 06, 2020, 01:20:39 PM

Also, if we did get a top player like Tammy or Edouard, we’d have to get rid of 1-2 from Wes, ally, Keenan and Vassiliev. Who gets the chop?

Davis and Vassiliev could be loaned out.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 06, 2020, 01:22:37 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 06, 2020, 01:09:37 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 06, 2020, 12:20:00 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 06, 2020, 12:14:50 PM

No chance, we'll flop back to Watkins with a bigger bid needed and more competition now. He's had no match practice and should we get him won't be up to speed for a month. Purslow, assuming he's doing the deals is doing very poor. 3 windows on the trot with massive failings.

Massive failings? Blimey.

Well the first two certainly were.  The jury is out on this one so far, but it's not looking too clever at the moment.

Were they though? Abraham came in during the first one, Mings came in the following January which helped us up and last season's was a bit mixed, just not buying another striker fucked us up. I'd say only the last January one wasnt great.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on September 06, 2020, 01:24:51 PM

They're all much of a shiteness. Wesley has room to improve but isn't an out and out forward. Samatta's all round game is garbage, Vassiliev I don't think is a striker either and Keenan hasn't scored in 2 years and couldn't finish a yoghurt.

I'd keep Wesley because no one's touching a player back from a long term injury unless it's for peanuts. Samatta and Davis are crap and I'd sell in a heart beat if we were capable of getting in anyone half decent without it taking 6 weeks and Vassiliev is one above my knowledge of the younger players.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Diablo on September 06, 2020, 01:26:35 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 06, 2020, 01:21:43 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 06, 2020, 01:13:07 PM

What bet? Have you been at Sexual Ealings Garys?

Ha! You're not going to get much take-up for scouse rhyming slang on here!

Ah...The penny may have dropped. Is the translation Gary Abletts? Tablets?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on September 06, 2020, 01:28:47 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 06, 2020, 01:22:37 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 06, 2020, 01:09:37 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 06, 2020, 12:20:00 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 06, 2020, 12:14:50 PM

No chance, we'll flop back to Watkins with a bigger bid needed and more competition now. He's had no match practice and should we get him won't be up to speed for a month. Purslow, assuming he's doing the deals is doing very poor. 3 windows on the trot with massive failings.

Massive failings? Blimey.

Well the first two certainly were.  The jury is out on this one so far, but it's not looking too clever at the moment.

Were they though? Abraham came in during the first one, Mings came in the following January which helped us up and last season's was a bit mixed, just not buying another striker fucked us up. I'd say only the last January one wasnt great.

Last 3 windows:

Summer 2019 - 1 senior striker and a raft of Belgian and other mid tier league gambles.
January 2020 - Drinkwater, Baston and Samatta......
Summer 2020 - A right back.

I wouldn't be surprised if the owners have had a call or two with Purslow to ask him what is going on. They don't appear to be able to sell the plan to anyone other than players being asked to make a huge step up.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 06, 2020, 01:29:48 PM

Quote from: Diablo on September 06, 2020, 01:26:35 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 06, 2020, 01:21:43 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 06, 2020, 01:13:07 PM

What bet? Have you been at Sexual Ealings Garys?

Ha! You're not going to get much take-up for scouse rhyming slang on here!

Ah...The penny may have dropped. Is the translation Gary Abletts? Tablets?

I know my audience SE!

Look at Diablo playing the "ooooh is that what it meant?" "Innocent" card. Nice try Diablo, nice try.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: gpbarr on September 06, 2020, 01:31:36 PM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on September 06, 2020, 01:13:17 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 06, 2020, 01:05:41 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 06, 2020, 12:20:00 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 06, 2020, 12:14:50 PM

No chance, we'll flop back to Watkins with a bigger bid needed and more competition now. He's had no match practice and should we get him won't be up to speed for a month. Purslow, assuming he's doing the deals is doing very poor. 3 windows on the trot with massive failings.

Massive failings? Blimey.

£140m spent and El Ghazi playing as lone striker. Blimey.

This bears repeating because so many people seem to forget - when we came up we had a usable first team squad of about 10 players. We could have spent 200 million last year and we would still have had gaps, that was never going to be cured in one window, especially when we are not allowed by FFP to spend massively beyond our means.

We are near the end of the 3rd window. Purslow doesn’t to me seem the guy who is going to make the moves we need to make. Time will tell but the warning bells are clanging. If you choose to ignore them, that’s your right to do so

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 01:33:27 PM

whatever way you look at it, Smith has failed with his striker purchases

Wesley - jury out at best, not sure if he'll adapt
Samatta  - just looked awful
Davis - probably the most worrying one. How anyone could think he's a striker is beyond me

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 06, 2020, 01:33:32 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 06, 2020, 01:22:37 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 06, 2020, 01:09:37 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 06, 2020, 12:20:00 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 06, 2020, 12:14:50 PM

No chance, we'll flop back to Watkins with a bigger bid needed and more competition now. He's had no match practice and should we get him won't be up to speed for a month. Purslow, assuming he's doing the deals is doing very poor. 3 windows on the trot with massive failings.

Massive failings? Blimey.

Well the first two certainly were.  The jury is out on this one so far, but it's not looking too clever at the moment.

Were they though? Abraham came in during the first one, Mings came in the following January which helped us up and last season's was a bit mixed, just not buying another striker fucked us up. I'd say only the last January one wasnt great.

I'd consider leaving yourself with not enough defenders in one and not enought attackers in another were both masive failing.  That's not to say some of the business wasn't good but those huge gaps were there for all to see and very nearly cost us both times.  James Chester is probably still paying for the first.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Pat Mustard on September 06, 2020, 01:33:46 PM

Quote from: gpbarr on September 06, 2020, 01:31:36 PM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on September 06, 2020, 01:13:17 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 06, 2020, 01:05:41 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 06, 2020, 12:20:00 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 06, 2020, 12:14:50 PM

No chance, we'll flop back to Watkins with a bigger bid needed and more competition now. He's had no match practice and should we get him won't be up to speed for a month. Purslow, assuming he's doing the deals is doing very poor. 3 windows on the trot with massive failings.

Massive failings? Blimey.

£140m spent and El Ghazi playing as lone striker. Blimey.

This bears repeating because so many people seem to forget - when we came up we had a usable first team squad of about 10 players. We could have spent 200 million last year and we would still have had gaps, that was never going to be cured in one window, especially when we are not allowed by FFP to spend massively beyond our means.

We are near the end of the 3rd window. Purslow doesn’t to me seem the guy who is going to make the moves we need to make. Time will tell but the warning bells are clanging. If you choose to ignore them, that’s your right to do so

The window is open until 5th October - we’re not even halfway through it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 06, 2020, 01:34:34 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 06, 2020, 01:28:47 PM

Summer 2019 - 1 senior striker and a raft of Belgian and other mid tier league gambles.

Plus Heaton, Guilbert, Konsa and Luiz who are all decent additions. Which is why Ads suggested it was "mixed, just not buying another striker fucked us up."

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 06, 2020, 01:35:29 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 01:33:27 PM

whatever way you look at it, Smith has failed with his striker purchases

Wesley - jury out at best, not sure if he'll adapt
Samatta  - just looked awful
Davis - probably the most worrying one. How anyone could think he's a striker is beyond me

How is Davis one of Smith's striker purchases? He's been at the club for 5 years.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 06, 2020, 01:35:52 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 06, 2020, 01:34:34 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 06, 2020, 01:28:47 PM

Summer 2019 - 1 senior striker and a raft of Belgian and other mid tier league gambles.

Plus Heaton, Guilbert, Konsa and Luiz who are all decent additions. Which is why Ads suggested it was "mixed, just not buying another striker fucked us up."

hang on, we signed Borja Baston too....

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 06, 2020, 01:36:08 PM

Quote from: Diablo on September 06, 2020, 01:26:35 PM

Ah...The penny may have dropped. Is the translation Gary Abletts? Tablets?

You could be onto something given the context. I thought it was tea and biscuits (Darjeeling and Garibaldis).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 06, 2020, 01:36:59 PM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on September 06, 2020, 01:33:46 PM

Quote from: gpbarr on September 06, 2020, 01:31:36 PM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on September 06, 2020, 01:13:17 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 06, 2020, 01:05:41 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 06, 2020, 12:20:00 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 06, 2020, 12:14:50 PM

No chance, we'll flop back to Watkins with a bigger bid needed and more competition now. He's had no match practice and should we get him won't be up to speed for a month. Purslow, assuming he's doing the deals is doing very poor. 3 windows on the trot with massive failings.

Massive failings? Blimey.

£140m spent and El Ghazi playing as lone striker. Blimey.

This bears repeating because so many people seem to forget - when we came up we had a usable first team squad of about 10 players. We could have spent 200 million last year and we would still have had gaps, that was never going to be cured in one window, especially when we are not allowed by FFP to spend massively beyond our means.

We are near the end of the 3rd window. Purslow doesn’t to me seem the guy who is going to make the moves we need to make. Time will tell but the warning bells are clanging. If you choose to ignore them, that’s your right to do so

The window is open until 5th October - we’re not even halfway through it.

You beat me to it. There’s a whole month to go. I’d have loved an extra player or two in by now also. But some are acting like deadline day is approaching. I want us to get the right players in while recognizing players we only bought last summer and that are under contract will continue to contribute and improve. Clearly some aren’t up to it but much of our issues last year were tactical failings and defensive naivety. I would hope we’d have learned from that in season 2. We clearly need additions in some key spots and I still have full faith we will address those.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 06, 2020, 01:37:10 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 06, 2020, 01:35:52 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 06, 2020, 01:34:34 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 06, 2020, 01:28:47 PM

Summer 2019 - 1 senior striker and a raft of Belgian and other mid tier league gambles.

Plus Heaton, Guilbert, Konsa and Luiz who are all decent additions. Which is why Ads suggested it was "mixed, just not buying another striker fucked us up."

hang on, we signed Borja Baston too....

Not in that window.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 06, 2020, 01:37:46 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 06, 2020, 01:37:10 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 06, 2020, 01:35:52 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 06, 2020, 01:34:34 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 06, 2020, 01:28:47 PM

Summer 2019 - 1 senior striker and a raft of Belgian and other mid tier league gambles.

Plus Heaton, Guilbert, Konsa and Luiz who are all decent additions. Which is why Ads suggested it was "mixed, just not buying another striker fucked us up."

hang on, we signed Borja Baston too....

Not in that window.

shouldn't have been in any window tbh.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 01:41:00 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 06, 2020, 01:35:29 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 01:33:27 PM

whatever way you look at it, Smith has failed with his striker purchases

Wesley - jury out at best, not sure if he'll adapt
Samatta  - just looked awful
Davis - probably the most worrying one. How anyone could think he's a striker is beyond me

How is Davis one of Smith's striker purchases? He's been at the club for 5 years.

I know.  I meant selecting him as a premiership striker. you can't mention last seasons striker woes without pointing out that he thought Davis could do a job.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ROBBO on September 06, 2020, 01:42:38 PM

I wonder what Jacks thinking now?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 06, 2020, 01:42:46 PM

Since the new owners have been here, we've been promoted, reached a cup final and stayed up. I'd have taken that but hey, we made a few mid table gambles.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 01:44:34 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 01:00:22 PM

Quote from: robbo1874 on September 06, 2020, 12:47:25 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 12:32:47 PM

There's plenty of options once you get around the 30 mark. They're not gonna excite anyone, and we're not building a team round them, but having a bit experience in the squad has gotta be a step up from the likes of Lansbury

assuming the budget’s around 100m - we don’t know, but that’s the commonly accepted amount, we’ve spent 16m already and looking for a keeper around the 10m mark. If you add in Edourd or Tammy say for around 40-50m (plus wages) that leaves you one other player in the 30m range. Who would you get in from the loads of other options?

well the sort of players i'm talking about aren't gonna cost 30m. We talking guys on 2 year contract max. solid premiership or foreign pros. i'm thinking signings like Cahill just to steady the ship while players get experience. At the top end of the market i wouldn't have a problem with us paying 20m for a guy who was 28/29/30 like Wilson with a limited shelf life and no sell-on if it allowed the younger talent time to adapt and find their feet.

Who are these players, give some names because you've talked about them as if there are loads just waiting for the phone call. Who is the 28-30year old winger with pace, a good cross and a few goals in him that we can pick up for £20m or less? How about the midfielder we need?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 06, 2020, 01:44:36 PM

I don't think it's a wild opinion to hold that Smith would have wanted another striker. He wanted Maupay and I believe he wantes him and Wesley but in the end, we cut our cloth accordingly.

Its no surprise we've identified a new front 3 as a priority given 6 goals is all our strikers managed last season and bar Trez picking some form at a crucial time, it seems critical that we reinforce.

Watkins is a gamble like any other signing, but not a significant one. I hope we make that happen and think we probably will this week.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Diablo on September 06, 2020, 01:49:18 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 06, 2020, 01:29:48 PM

Quote from: Diablo on September 06, 2020, 01:26:35 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 06, 2020, 01:21:43 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 06, 2020, 01:13:07 PM

What bet? Have you been at Sexual Ealings Garys?

Ha! You're not going to get much take-up for scouse rhyming slang on here!

Ah...The penny may have dropped. Is the translation Gary Abletts? Tablets?

I know my audience SE!

Look at Diablo playing the "ooooh is that what it meant?" "Innocent" card. Nice try Diablo, nice try.

Haha! I'll have a pint and 2 vowels please Ads.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 06, 2020, 01:49:58 PM

Quote from: Diablo on September 06, 2020, 01:26:35 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 06, 2020, 01:21:43 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 06, 2020, 01:13:07 PM

What bet? Have you been at Sexual Ealings Garys?

Ha! You're not going to get much take-up for scouse rhyming slang on here!

Ah...The penny may have dropped. Is the translation Gary Abletts? Tablets?

Correct. Although that's commonly associated with ecstasy, whereas I referenced microdots in a thread in Off Topic, and they're LSD in pill form. Once again Ads was displaying the Tory characteristic of being out of touch with honest (non) working people like me. Wink, obviously.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: robbo1874 on September 06, 2020, 01:52:28 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 06, 2020, 01:24:51 PM

They're all much of a shiteness. Wesley has room to improve but isn't an out and out forward. Samatta's all round game is garbage, Vassiliev I don't think is a striker either and Keenan hasn't scored in 2 years and couldn't finish a yoghurt.

I'd keep Wesley because no one's touching a player back from a long term injury unless it's for peanuts. Samatta and Davis are crap and I'd sell in a heart beat if we were capable of getting in anyone half decent without it taking 6 weeks and Vassiliev is one above my knowledge of the younger players.

i pretty much agree bar your assessment of Davis. Wes I think we have to stick with, big (ish) money signing, did OK and looked to be improving then a bad injury. I think we have to see how he does when he comes back. You’re right, no one will want to pay anywhere near what we paid for him because of the injury in this window.

Samatta, Just not good enough. Glimmer of hope, the first few games, but overall pretty poor.

Vassilev- we don’t know much about. I’d be tempted to sell if we got a half/decent bid. Haven’t seen enough to judge him, but do seem to remember he did OK without setting the world alight when he’s come on late on in games.

Davis- makes me laugh all the hate he gets. But I reckon a decent pre-season and couple of early goals in the next Prem season could see him kick on. I get people kind of take the. Piss out of him, but I reckon he’ll come good.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VillaBoy_23 on September 06, 2020, 01:53:01 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 01:41:00 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 06, 2020, 01:35:29 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 01:33:27 PM

whatever way you look at it, Smith has failed with his striker purchases

Wesley - jury out at best, not sure if he'll adapt
Samatta  - just looked awful
Davis - probably the most worrying one. How anyone could think he's a striker is beyond me

How is Davis one of Smith's striker purchases? He's been at the club for 5 years.

I know.  I meant selecting him as a premiership striker. you can't mention last seasons striker woes without pointing out that he thought Davis could do a job.

He did do a job. Held the ball up well and brought others into play. I can’t for the life of me understand the negativity towards Davis. He’s a young kid with very little experience at the top level yet everyone on here seems to want to crucify him at every turn.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 06, 2020, 01:53:27 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 06, 2020, 01:44:36 PM

I don't think it's a wild opinion to hold that Smith would have wanted another striker. He wanted Maupay and I believe he wantes him and Wesley but in the end, we cut our cloth accordingly.

Its no surprise we've identified a new front 3 as a priority given 6 goals is all our strikers managed last season and bar Trez picking some form at a crucial time, it seems critical that we reinforce.

Watkins is a gamble like any other signing, but not a significant one. I hope we make that happen and think we probably will this week.

Those Brentford players have been left out of games for a reason. I have no doubt neither will be with them this season. Like you I think Watkins will be with us and I’m reasonably confident about Benrahma too. That one is oddly quiet. I don’t blame Brentford one bit for wanting the most money possible. I don’t blame us one bit for trying to get the best deal for us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 01:54:54 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 01:44:34 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 01:00:22 PM

Quote from: robbo1874 on September 06, 2020, 12:47:25 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 12:32:47 PM

There's plenty of options once you get around the 30 mark. They're not gonna excite anyone, and we're not building a team round them, but having a bit experience in the squad has gotta be a step up from the likes of Lansbury

assuming the budget’s around 100m - we don’t know, but that’s the commonly accepted amount, we’ve spent 16m already and looking for a keeper around the 10m mark. If you add in Edourd or Tammy say for around 40-50m (plus wages) that leaves you one other player in the 30m range. Who would you get in from the loads of other options?

well the sort of players i'm talking about aren't gonna cost 30m. We talking guys on 2 year contract max. solid premiership or foreign pros. i'm thinking signings like Cahill just to steady the ship while players get experience. At the top end of the market i wouldn't have a problem with us paying 20m for a guy who was 28/29/30 like Wilson with a limited shelf life and no sell-on if it allowed the younger talent time to adapt and find their feet.

Who are these players, give some names because you've talked about them as if there are loads just waiting for the phone call. Who is the 28-30year old winger with pace, a good cross and a few goals in him that we can pick up for £20m or less? How about the midfielder we need?

there's loads out there. I had this last night when i pointed out you could get a top divison striker abroad for 40-50m and one in his 30's for probably under 20m. jesus, newcastle  have just  got wilson after all.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on September 06, 2020, 01:55:02 PM

Quote from: VillaBoy_23 on September 06, 2020, 01:53:01 PM

He did do a job. Held the ball up well and brought others into play. I can’t for the life of me understand the negativity towards Davis. He’s a young kid with very little experience at the top level yet everyone on here seems to want to crucify him at every turn.

You can't understand the negativity towards a striker who never scores?  And not just never scores, but never looks like scoring?  Of course people are going to be negative about that: it's a massive flaw in his game.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VillaBoy_23 on September 06, 2020, 01:57:45 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 06, 2020, 01:55:02 PM

Quote from: VillaBoy_23 on September 06, 2020, 01:53:01 PM

He did do a job. Held the ball up well and brought others into play. I can’t for the life of me understand the negativity towards Davis. He’s a young kid with very little experience at the top level yet everyone on here seems to want to crucify him at every turn.

You can't understand the negativity towards a striker who never scores?  And not just never scores, but never looks like scoring?  Of course people are going to be negative about that: it's a massive flaw in his game.

He looked like scoring plenty of times and was unlucky with his finishing (especially that Arsenal chance). I’m not saying he should be an automatic starter but people in here have a strange knack of wanting to tear every individual down if they don’t perform like Messi instantly.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 06, 2020, 01:59:43 PM

He looked liked scoring plenty of times? What games were you watching? And if he actually looked like scoring plenty of times and didn’t it’s an even bigger indictment as he has precisely ZERO goals.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on September 06, 2020, 02:00:48 PM

We need a proven Premier League goal scorer and we just seem to be pissing about.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: villa for life on September 06, 2020, 02:01:08 PM

Personally, I think Davis is a real asset.

How many times are we going to sell or ditch our players before they’ve reached their peak or forget peak, let’s just solid premiership players

Cahill
Albrighton
Stevens
Bardsley
Stevens
That guy at wolves who’s now worth 100 million!
Crouch

Just give our players a chance. Patience and loyalty will be rewarded

Even Dwight Yorke looked very average at the start of his career.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 02:01:38 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 01:54:54 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 01:44:34 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 01:00:22 PM

Quote from: robbo1874 on September 06, 2020, 12:47:25 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 12:32:47 PM

There's plenty of options once you get around the 30 mark. They're not gonna excite anyone, and we're not building a team round them, but having a bit experience in the squad has gotta be a step up from the likes of Lansbury

assuming the budget’s around 100m - we don’t know, but that’s the commonly accepted amount, we’ve spent 16m already and looking for a keeper around the 10m mark. If you add in Edourd or Tammy say for around 40-50m (plus wages) that leaves you one other player in the 30m range. Who would you get in from the loads of other options?

well the sort of players i'm talking about aren't gonna cost 30m. We talking guys on 2 year contract max. solid premiership or foreign pros. i'm thinking signings like Cahill just to steady the ship while players get experience. At the top end of the market i wouldn't have a problem with us paying 20m for a guy who was 28/29/30 like Wilson with a limited shelf life and no sell-on if it allowed the younger talent time to adapt and find their feet.

Who are these players, give some names because you've talked about them as if there are loads just waiting for the phone call. Who is the 28-30year old winger with pace, a good cross and a few goals in him that we can pick up for £20m or less? How about the midfielder we need?

there's loads out there. I had this last night when i pointed out you could get a top divison striker abroad for 40-50m and one in his 30's for probably under 20m. jesus, newcastle  have just  got wilson after all.

Then give some names of players so we can see who you mean and how realistic they actually are.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 02:02:03 PM

Quote from: VillaBoy_23 on September 06, 2020, 01:53:01 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 01:41:00 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 06, 2020, 01:35:29 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 01:33:27 PM

whatever way you look at it, Smith has failed with his striker purchases

Wesley - jury out at best, not sure if he'll adapt
Samatta  - just looked awful
Davis - probably the most worrying one. How anyone could think he's a striker is beyond me

How is Davis one of Smith's striker purchases? He's been at the club for 5 years.

I know.  I meant selecting him as a premiership striker. you can't mention last seasons striker woes without pointing out that he thought Davis could do a job.

He did do a job. Held the ball up well and brought others into play. I can’t for the life of me understand the negativity towards Davis. He’s a young kid with very little experience at the top level yet everyone on here seems to want to crucify him at every turn.

He didn't do a job. He can't score. I'm not a Davis hater and he does good things when he plays but he will never ever be a striker and Smith has damaged him playing there. He couldn't score in the championship and he can't score in the premiership and he'll never be more than a trier as a forward.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VillaBoy_23 on September 06, 2020, 02:02:25 PM

Off the top of my head he was unlucky not to score against Sheffield United and Arsenal. He offered infinitely more than Samatta (another player who people on here have written off after a dozen games).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Axl Rose on September 06, 2020, 02:02:46 PM

Wilson would rather play for a potato. All the best to him with that.

Get your finger out, Villa. Far too much fannying about.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on September 06, 2020, 02:04:41 PM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on September 06, 2020, 01:33:46 PM

Quote from: gpbarr on September 06, 2020, 01:31:36 PM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on September 06, 2020, 01:13:17 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 06, 2020, 01:05:41 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 06, 2020, 12:20:00 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 06, 2020, 12:14:50 PM

No chance, we'll flop back to Watkins with a bigger bid needed and more competition now. He's had no match practice and should we get him won't be up to speed for a month. Purslow, assuming he's doing the deals is doing very poor. 3 windows on the trot with massive failings.

Massive failings? Blimey.

£140m spent and El Ghazi playing as lone striker. Blimey.

This bears repeating because so many people seem to forget - when we came up we had a usable first team squad of about 10 players. We could have spent 200 million last year and we would still have had gaps, that was never going to be cured in one window, especially when we are not allowed by FFP to spend massively beyond our means.

We are near the end of the 3rd window. Purslow doesn’t to me seem the guy who is going to make the moves we need to make. Time will tell but the warning bells are clanging. If you choose to ignore them, that’s your right to do so

The window is open until 5th October - we’re not even halfway through it.

We're 6 weeks in and have 4 weeks to go. We're past half way.

The season starts next week, ours the week after. We don't have all the time in the world and we most certainly aren't less than halfway through. We have players that would need getting up to speed when signed. They'll need to be integrated. We most certainly aren't as prepared as we should be approaching key games in October. We saw for ourselves how every point counts last season. Every goal. The closer we leave it to the season starting the less and less likely it is we will sign quality players and they'll need replacing by other clubs. It will be plan c and d signings.

It's all very poor. Suso carried the can for last season, anyone thinking it was a succesfull season with £150m spent and survival on the last day, well they must have some sympathy for someone who lost his job for the results of it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 06, 2020, 02:05:05 PM

For what it's worth (probably not a lot) Nixon said today that:
1. Eduoard is still a live target.
2. Our top target hasn't really come out in the press but is still possible.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on September 06, 2020, 02:05:27 PM

As for Davis, there isn't a single club in the top division who would play a Striker who hasn't scored in 2 years.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Diablo on September 06, 2020, 02:06:08 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on September 06, 2020, 01:36:08 PM

Quote from: Diablo on September 06, 2020, 01:26:35 PM

Ah...The penny may have dropped. Is the translation Gary Abletts? Tablets?

You could be onto something given the context. I thought it was tea and biscuits (Darjeeling and Garibaldis).

That's a blast from the past! It's been a long time since I had a Garibaldi.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on September 06, 2020, 02:07:30 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 06, 2020, 02:05:05 PM

For what it's worth (probably not a lot) Nixon said today that:
1. Eduoard is still a live target.
2. Our top target hasn't really come out in the press but is still possible.

Nixon talks shit. A hidden top target that may be possible. You can't get anymore vague and back covering than that.

My ITK tells me that we will sign someone that wasn't thought about, for a decent fee, in September and he'll be in a position we see as key.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on September 06, 2020, 02:09:08 PM

Quote from: Diablo on September 06, 2020, 02:06:08 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on September 06, 2020, 01:36:08 PM

Quote from: Diablo on September 06, 2020, 01:26:35 PM

Ah...The penny may have dropped. Is the translation Gary Abletts? Tablets?

You could be onto something given the context. I thought it was tea and biscuits (Darjeeling and Garibaldis).

That's a blast from the past! It's been a long time since I had a Garibaldi.

I've never seen a garibaldi let alone tasted one yet I hear it mentioned occasionally. What's it similar to?

I preferred us with Davies on the pitch than Samatta. That says more about Samatta though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 02:09:20 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 06, 2020, 02:05:27 PM

As for Davis, there isn't a single club in the top division who would play a Striker who hasn't scored in 2 years.

There demonstrably is because he played.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 02:09:44 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 02:01:38 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 01:54:54 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 01:44:34 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 01:00:22 PM

Quote from: robbo1874 on September 06, 2020, 12:47:25 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 12:32:47 PM

There's plenty of options once you get around the 30 mark. They're not gonna excite anyone, and we're not building a team round them, but having a bit experience in the squad has gotta be a step up from the likes of Lansbury

assuming the budget’s around 100m - we don’t know, but that’s the commonly accepted amount, we’ve spent 16m already and looking for a keeper around the 10m mark. If you add in Edourd or Tammy say for around 40-50m (plus wages) that leaves you one other player in the 30m range. Who would you get in from the loads of other options?

well the sort of players i'm talking about aren't gonna cost 30m. We talking guys on 2 year contract max. solid premiership or foreign pros. i'm thinking signings like Cahill just to steady the ship while players get experience. At the top end of the market i wouldn't have a problem with us paying 20m for a guy who was 28/29/30 like Wilson with a limited shelf life and no sell-on if it allowed the younger talent time to adapt and find their feet.

Who are these players, give some names because you've talked about them as if there are loads just waiting for the phone call. Who is the 28-30year old winger with pace, a good cross and a few goals in him that we can pick up for £20m or less? How about the midfielder we need?

there's loads out there. I had this last night when i pointed out you could get a top divison striker abroad for 40-50m and one in his 30's for probably under 20m. jesus, newcastle  have just  got wilson after all.

Then give some names of players so we can see who you mean and how realistic they actually are.

well i'm not gonna go through every top league in europe but an example of a more expensive striker gettable imo. Diallo plays for metz in france. 25 years old, 12 goals in 26 games in their truncated season.  Spurs looking at him now

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on September 06, 2020, 02:12:20 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 02:09:20 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 06, 2020, 02:05:27 PM

As for Davis, there isn't a single club in the top division who would play a Striker who hasn't scored in 2 years.

There demonstrably is because he played.

Don't be a dick.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: robbo1874 on September 06, 2020, 02:13:17 PM

Quote from: VillaBoy_23 on September 06, 2020, 01:53:01 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 01:41:00 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 06, 2020, 01:35:29 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 01:33:27 PM

whatever way you look at it, Smith has failed with his striker purchases

Wesley - jury out at best, not sure if he'll adapt
Samatta  - just looked awful
Davis - probably the most worrying one. How anyone could think he's a striker is beyond me

How is Davis one of Smith's striker purchases? He's been at the club for 5 years.

I know.  I meant selecting him as a premiership striker. you can't mention last seasons striker woes without pointing out that he thought Davis could do a job.

He did do a job. Held the ball up well and brought others into play. I can’t for the life of me understand the negativity towards Davis. He’s a young kid with very little experience at the top level yet everyone on here seems to want to crucify him at every turn.

i think if we had 2 up top that would suit him a lot better. I see him as a kind of Heskey type player, where if he was partnered with a nippy little fkr, they’d get a few goals between them. Depends how he’s used I reckon. If we’re going the lone attacker, he’s not the man for the job, bit in a different system he carries a decent threat.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 06, 2020, 02:14:31 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 06, 2020, 02:07:30 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 06, 2020, 02:05:05 PM

For what it's worth (probably not a lot) Nixon said today that:
1. Eduoard is still a live target.
2. Our top target hasn't really come out in the press but is still possible.

Nixon talks shit. A hidden top target that may be possible. You can't get anymore vague and back covering than that.

My ITK tells me that we will sign someone that wasn't thought about, for a decent fee, in September and he'll be in a position we see as key.

I know, hence I said"for what it's worth (probably not a lot)". But since it's a speculation thread for positive made-up Twitter bollocks as well as negative, I thought I'd post it anyway. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 02:14:44 PM

Ok, so the only name you can give is a guy who's being linked with Spurs (meaning we'd be competing with a team that are higher in the pecking order than us) who's 25 (so not in the age range you gave), has played less than 50 games in 'a top league in europe' and who's scored the majority of his goals in ligue 2.

Quite funny that you've completely ignored your own criteria as soon as you name someone.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 06, 2020, 02:14:54 PM

Quote from: Jon Crofts on September 06, 2020, 02:00:48 PM

We need a proven Premier League goal scorer and we just seem to be pissing about.

How are you defining a proven PL goal scorer and of those who would be available? How many goals would that player have to have scored to be deemed proven? And what’s the maximum age? Proven PL of genuine, and most importantly consistent quality will be ludicrously expensive.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VillaBoy_23 on September 06, 2020, 02:15:39 PM

Quote from: robbo1874 on September 06, 2020, 02:13:17 PM

Quote from: VillaBoy_23 on September 06, 2020, 01:53:01 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 01:41:00 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 06, 2020, 01:35:29 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 01:33:27 PM

whatever way you look at it, Smith has failed with his striker purchases

Wesley - jury out at best, not sure if he'll adapt
Samatta  - just looked awful
Davis - probably the most worrying one. How anyone could think he's a striker is beyond me

How is Davis one of Smith's striker purchases? He's been at the club for 5 years.

I know.  I meant selecting him as a premiership striker. you can't mention last seasons striker woes without pointing out that he thought Davis could do a job.

He did do a job. Held the ball up well and brought others into play. I can’t for the life of me understand the negativity towards Davis. He’s a young kid with very little experience at the top level yet everyone on here seems to want to crucify him at every turn.

i think if we had 2 up top that would suit him a lot better. I see him as a kind of Heskey type player, where if he was partnered with a nippy little fkr, they’d get a few goals between them. Depends how he’s used I reckon. If we’re going the lone attacker, he’s not the man for the job, bit in a different system he carries a decent threat.

I agree and like I said I don’t think he should be an automatic starter but cut the kid some slack. We have a very odd element of our support who just look to tear down our players and management at every turn.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on September 06, 2020, 02:16:56 PM

Quote from: Axl Rose on September 06, 2020, 02:02:46 PM

Wilson would rather play for a potato. All the best to him with that.

Get your finger out, Villa. Far too much fannying about.

Scant consolation, but spurs fans seem even more disappointed with this news than H&V.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on September 06, 2020, 02:17:07 PM

Quote from: VillaBoy_23 on September 06, 2020, 02:02:25 PM

Off the top of my head he was unlucky not to score against Sheffield United and Arsenal. He offered infinitely more than Samatta (another player who people on here have written off after a dozen games).

He fluffed a great chance against Arsenal

A weak shot at the keeper.

How is that unlucky, and how conceptually does pointing out missed chances further the argument that he actually does know how to score at this level?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VillaBoy_23 on September 06, 2020, 02:19:00 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 06, 2020, 02:17:07 PM

Quote from: VillaBoy_23 on September 06, 2020, 02:02:25 PM

Off the top of my head he was unlucky not to score against Sheffield United and Arsenal. He offered infinitely more than Samatta (another player who people on here have written off after a dozen games).

He fluffed a great chance against Arsenal

A weak shot at the keeper.

How is that unlucky, and how conceptually does pointing out missed chances further the argument that he actually does know how to score at this level?

I thought he was unlucky when he stuck it past the post after Grealish put him through.

I never once said he knows how to score at this level. What I did do is say cut him some slack. Not everyone is going to the second coming of Peter Withe.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on September 06, 2020, 02:20:26 PM

re Samatta - he too looks underwhelming but he's Gerd Muller compared to KD.

I've actually seen Samatta score. I struggle to recall KD having shots let alone scoring.

This attitude of sticking our heads in the sand and pretending players like that are ever going to be good enough at this level is precisely the reason pretty soon we won't be playing at this level.

If he played for Blues, we'd be taking the piss out of them

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 02:20:53 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 02:14:44 PM

Ok, so the only name you can give is a guy who's being linked with Spurs (meaning we'd be competing with a team that are higher in the pecking order than us) who's 25 (so not in the age range you gave), has played less than 50 games in 'a top league in europe' and who's scored the majority of his goals in ligue 2.

Quite funny that you've completely ignored your own criteria as soon as you name someone.

Spurs can't afford him yet, and he'd only be back up for kane anyway, hence not costing a fortune. Its not the only name,  it was one example of a youngish striker in comparison to watkins.. If you want strikers in their late 20/ early30's who are at smallish clubs in spain/italy and  probablyavailable for the same price as wilson, there's a lot of them around as well. just have a look, i'm not gonna go through them all...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on September 06, 2020, 02:23:24 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 06, 2020, 02:20:26 PM

re Samatta - he too looks underwhelming but he's Gerd Muller compared to KD.

I've actually seen Samatta score. I struggle to recall KD having shots let alone scoring.

This attitude of sticking our heads in the sand and pretending players like that are ever going to be good enough at this level is precisely the reason pretty soon we won't be playing at this level.

If he played for Blues, we'd be taking the piss out of them

Quote from: VillaBoy_23 on September 06, 2020, 02:19:00 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 06, 2020, 02:17:07 PM

Quote from: VillaBoy_23 on September 06, 2020, 02:02:25 PM

Off the top of my head he was unlucky not to score against Sheffield United and Arsenal. He offered infinitely more than Samatta (another player who people on here have written off after a dozen games).

He fluffed a great chance against Arsenal

A weak shot at the keeper.

How is that unlucky, and how conceptually does pointing out missed chances further the argument that he actually does know how to score at this level?

I thought he was unlucky when he stuck it past the post after Grealish put him through.

I never once said he knows how to score at this level. What I did do is say cut him some slack. Not everyone is going to the second coming of Peter Withe.

Nobody is expecting the second coming of Peter withe

I don't think it's beyond reasonable to expect a striker to occasionally score or at least have shots on goal regularly - he has failed to do that in the championship and the premier league.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 06, 2020, 02:28:24 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 06, 2020, 01:49:58 PM

Quote from: Diablo on September 06, 2020, 01:26:35 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 06, 2020, 01:21:43 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 06, 2020, 01:13:07 PM

What bet? Have you been at Sexual Ealings Garys?

Ha! You're not going to get much take-up for scouse rhyming slang on here!

Ah...The penny may have dropped. Is the translation Gary Abletts? Tablets?

Correct. Although that's commonly associated with ecstasy, whereas I referenced microdots in a thread in Off Topic, and they're LSD in pill form. Once again Ads was displaying the Tory characteristic of being out of touch with honest (non) working people like me. Wink, obviously.

My butler buys all my drugs.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 02:30:24 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 02:20:53 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 02:14:44 PM

Ok, so the only name you can give is a guy who's being linked with Spurs (meaning we'd be competing with a team that are higher in the pecking order than us) who's 25 (so not in the age range you gave), has played less than 50 games in 'a top league in europe' and who's scored the majority of his goals in ligue 2.

Quite funny that you've completely ignored your own criteria as soon as you name someone.

Spurs can't afford him yet, and he'd only be back up for kane anyway, hence not costing a fortune. Its not the only name,  it was one example of a youngish striker in comparison to watkins.. If you want strikers in their late 20/ early30's who are at smallish clubs in spain/italy and  probablyavailable for the same price as wilson, there's a lot of them around as well. just have a look, i'm not gonna go through them all...

I'm not going threough a list of players to prove you right, you keep making the same point but can't give an example of who you actually want.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on September 06, 2020, 02:33:14 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 02:30:24 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 02:20:53 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 02:14:44 PM

Ok, so the only name you can give is a guy who's being linked with Spurs (meaning we'd be competing with a team that are higher in the pecking order than us) who's 25 (so not in the age range you gave), has played less than 50 games in 'a top league in europe' and who's scored the majority of his goals in ligue 2.

Quite funny that you've completely ignored your own criteria as soon as you name someone.

Spurs can't afford him yet, and he'd only be back up for kane anyway, hence not costing a fortune. Its not the only name,  it was one example of a youngish striker in comparison to watkins.. If you want strikers in their late 20/ early30's who are at smallish clubs in spain/italy and  probablyavailable for the same price as wilson, there's a lot of them around as well. just have a look, i'm not gonna go through them all...

I'm not going threough a list of players to prove you right, you keep making the same point but can't give an example of who you actually want.

What does that prove?  That there aren't any or that a bloke with no scouting network can't name any?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 02:37:06 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 06, 2020, 02:12:20 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 02:09:20 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 06, 2020, 02:05:27 PM

As for Davis, there isn't a single club in the top division who would play a Striker who hasn't scored in 2 years.

There demonstrably is because he played.

Don't be a dick.

If pointing out that you were factually incorrect means being a dick then so be it. Davis played because Smith saw something in him to make him worth playing. Wilder saw reason to keep playing McGoldrick despite him not scoring for 25 games. There's plenty of reasons why Davis got games last season and many other reasons will still be there if he plays this season, even if we get another striker or 2.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Percy McCarthy on September 06, 2020, 02:37:52 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on September 06, 2020, 01:36:08 PM

Quote from: Diablo on September 06, 2020, 01:26:35 PM

Ah...The penny may have dropped. Is the translation Gary Abletts? Tablets?

You could be onto something given the context. I thought it was tea and biscuits (Darjeeling and Garibaldis).

I thought it was Gary Glitter. And no, I haven’t been at SE’s. Not for months.

Bloody lockdown.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 02:38:15 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 02:30:24 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 02:20:53 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 02:14:44 PM

Ok, so the only name you can give is a guy who's being linked with Spurs (meaning we'd be competing with a team that are higher in the pecking order than us) who's 25 (so not in the age range you gave), has played less than 50 games in 'a top league in europe' and who's scored the majority of his goals in ligue 2.

Quite funny that you've completely ignored your own criteria as soon as you name someone.

Spurs can't afford him yet, and he'd only be back up for kane anyway, hence not costing a fortune. Its not the only name,  it was one example of a youngish striker in comparison to watkins.. If you want strikers in their late 20/ early30's who are at smallish clubs in spain/italy and  probablyavailable for the same price as wilson, there's a lot of them around as well. just have a look, i'm not gonna go through them all...

I'm not going threough a list of players to prove you right, you keep making the same point but can't give an example of who you actually want.

I think i just have. he's a striker who's scores goals in a non-rubbish league after doing it in a rubbish leagues.. On the other side we have watkins who's only done it in rubbish leagues. Now  you can say Watkins will be better, or cheaper but  you can't really claim i haven't come up with an alternative that on paper looks a better bet.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: villa for life on September 06, 2020, 02:38:31 PM

There are just so many examples of strikers who scored for fun, then changed club and scored pretty much zilch (we’ve had a few).

Likewise, there are those who looked crap and then turned good. (And yes, unfortunately, we’ve had a fair few of those as well).

In other words- patience people. Davis will come good. Let’s be supportive ok?

If he doesn’t come good, then he won’t get a new contract..

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 06, 2020, 02:40:02 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 02:37:06 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 06, 2020, 02:12:20 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 02:09:20 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 06, 2020, 02:05:27 PM

As for Davis, there isn't a single club in the top division who would play a Striker who hasn't scored in 2 years.

There demonstrably is because he played.

Don't be a dick.

If pointing out that you were factually incorrect means being a dick then so be it. Davis played because Smith saw something in him to make him worth playing. Wilder saw reason to keep playing McGoldrick despite him not scoring for 25 games. There's plenty of reasons why Davis got games last season and many other reasons will still be there if he plays this season, even if we get another striker or 2.

I believe there were also a few championship sides trying to loan him last summer, and there would be this year because he's a good player.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 06, 2020, 02:40:07 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 06, 2020, 02:28:24 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 06, 2020, 01:49:58 PM

Quote from: Diablo on September 06, 2020, 01:26:35 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 06, 2020, 01:21:43 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 06, 2020, 01:13:07 PM

What bet? Have you been at Sexual Ealings Garys?

Ha! You're not going to get much take-up for scouse rhyming slang on here!

Ah...The penny may have dropped. Is the translation Gary Abletts? Tablets?

Correct. Although that's commonly associated with ecstasy, whereas I referenced microdots in a thread in Off Topic, and they're LSD in pill form. Once again Ads was displaying the Tory characteristic of being out of touch with honest (non) working people like me. Wink, obviously.

My butler buys all my drugs.

I can do it if you want? I'm extremely freelance these days.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 02:40:25 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 06, 2020, 02:33:14 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 02:30:24 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 02:20:53 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 02:14:44 PM

Ok, so the only name you can give is a guy who's being linked with Spurs (meaning we'd be competing with a team that are higher in the pecking order than us) who's 25 (so not in the age range you gave), has played less than 50 games in 'a top league in europe' and who's scored the majority of his goals in ligue 2.

Quite funny that you've completely ignored your own criteria as soon as you name someone.

Spurs can't afford him yet, and he'd only be back up for kane anyway, hence not costing a fortune. Its not the only name,  it was one example of a youngish striker in comparison to watkins.. If you want strikers in their late 20/ early30's who are at smallish clubs in spain/italy and  probablyavailable for the same price as wilson, there's a lot of them around as well. just have a look, i'm not gonna go through them all...

I'm not going threough a list of players to prove you right, you keep making the same point but can't give an example of who you actually want.

What does that prove?  That there aren't any or that a bloke with no scouting network can't name any?

It proves that saying there are 'loads' of players with experience of playing in top leagues who are available for £20m and fit the needs for our squad is a bit silly if you can't actually name a single one. The scouting network bit is particularly important because the argument started that we'd be better not signing 'championship' players that we've scouted and know about and instead sign players that we probably haven't scouted because they've played in the a top league.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 06, 2020, 02:41:25 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 06, 2020, 02:40:07 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 06, 2020, 02:28:24 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 06, 2020, 01:49:58 PM

Quote from: Diablo on September 06, 2020, 01:26:35 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 06, 2020, 01:21:43 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 06, 2020, 01:13:07 PM

What bet? Have you been at Sexual Ealings Garys?

Ha! You're not going to get much take-up for scouse rhyming slang on here!

Ah...The penny may have dropped. Is the translation Gary Abletts? Tablets?

Correct. Although that's commonly associated with ecstasy, whereas I referenced microdots in a thread in Off Topic, and they're LSD in pill form. Once again Ads was displaying the Tory characteristic of being out of touch with honest (non) working people like me. Wink, obviously.

My butler buys all my drugs.

I can do it if you want? I'm extremely freelance these days.

The butler bit, or the drugs? Or both. I have needs. Are you willing to wear 'uniform'?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 06, 2020, 02:42:45 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 06, 2020, 02:41:25 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 06, 2020, 02:40:07 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 06, 2020, 02:28:24 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 06, 2020, 01:49:58 PM

Quote from: Diablo on September 06, 2020, 01:26:35 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 06, 2020, 01:21:43 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 06, 2020, 01:13:07 PM

What bet? Have you been at Sexual Ealings Garys?

Ha! You're not going to get much take-up for scouse rhyming slang on here!

Ah...The penny may have dropped. Is the translation Gary Abletts? Tablets?

Correct. Although that's commonly associated with ecstasy, whereas I referenced microdots in a thread in Off Topic, and they're LSD in pill form. Once again Ads was displaying the Tory characteristic of being out of touch with honest (non) working people like me. Wink, obviously.

My butler buys all my drugs.

I can do it if you want? I'm extremely freelance these days.

The butler bit, or the drugs? Or both. I have needs. Are you willing to wear 'uniform'?

"I have needs" are probably the fittest three words in the language. I meant the drugs, and yes.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on September 06, 2020, 02:46:00 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 02:40:25 PM

It proves that saying there are 'loads' of players with experience of playing in top leagues who are available for £20m and fit the needs for our squad is a bit silly if you can't actually name a single one.

There might be loads, there might only be a few, but I'm willing to believe there are some.  It would be a bit silly to believe there aren't any.  Anyway, it's up to the scouts to find them.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 02:47:47 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 02:38:15 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 02:30:24 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 02:20:53 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 02:14:44 PM

Ok, so the only name you can give is a guy who's being linked with Spurs (meaning we'd be competing with a team that are higher in the pecking order than us) who's 25 (so not in the age range you gave), has played less than 50 games in 'a top league in europe' and who's scored the majority of his goals in ligue 2.

Quite funny that you've completely ignored your own criteria as soon as you name someone.

Spurs can't afford him yet, and he'd only be back up for kane anyway, hence not costing a fortune. Its not the only name,  it was one example of a youngish striker in comparison to watkins.. If you want strikers in their late 20/ early30's who are at smallish clubs in spain/italy and  probablyavailable for the same price as wilson, there's a lot of them around as well. just have a look, i'm not gonna go through them all...

I'm not going threough a list of players to prove you right, you keep making the same point but can't give an example of who you actually want.

I think i just have. he's a striker who's scores goals in a non-rubbish league after doing it in a rubbish leagues.. On the other side we have watkins who's only done it in rubbish leagues. Now  you can say Watkins will be better, or cheaper but  you can't really claim i haven't come up with an alternative that on paper looks a better bet.

No you didn't, you argument was:

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 12:32:47 PM

There's plenty of options once you get around the 30 mark. They're not gonna excite anyone, and we're not building a team round them, but having a bit experience in the squad has gotta be a step up from the likes of Lansbury

You then picked a guy with less than 50 top flight games to his name who's 25 and is, at best, 1 year ahead of where Watkins is. In terms of experience the guy you named is barely different to where many of our signings from last summer are now (Trez, Konsa, Luiz and Wesley for example) and I don't think that's the sort of player you were talking about. The description you gave makes me think more of players like Wilson, Drinkwater, King, Deeney, etc.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 02:48:42 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 06, 2020, 02:46:00 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 02:40:25 PM

It proves that saying there are 'loads' of players with experience of playing in top leagues who are available for £20m and fit the needs for our squad is a bit silly if you can't actually name a single one.

There might be loads, there might only be a few, but I'm willing to believe there are some.  It would be a bit silly to believe there aren't any.  Anyway, it's up to the scouts to find them.

So you're saying we trust the scouts and sign the players they've identified that sickbeggar was complaining about? I'm glad you agree with me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on September 06, 2020, 02:50:30 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 06, 2020, 02:42:45 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 06, 2020, 02:41:25 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 06, 2020, 02:40:07 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 06, 2020, 02:28:24 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 06, 2020, 01:49:58 PM

Quote from: Diablo on September 06, 2020, 01:26:35 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 06, 2020, 01:21:43 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 06, 2020, 01:13:07 PM

What bet? Have you been at Sexual Ealings Garys?

Ha! You're not going to get much take-up for scouse rhyming slang on here!

Ah...The penny may have dropped. Is the translation Gary Abletts? Tablets?

Correct. Although that's commonly associated with ecstasy, whereas I referenced microdots in a thread in Off Topic, and they're LSD in pill form. Once again Ads was displaying the Tory characteristic of being out of touch with honest (non) working people like me. Wink, obviously.

My butler buys all my drugs.

I can do it if you want? I'm extremely freelance these days.

The butler bit, or the drugs? Or both. I have needs. Are you willing to wear 'uniform'?

"I have needs" are probably the fittest three words in the language. I meant the drugs, and yes.

Just don't count on him keeping the uniform on for long. For experience, he'll decide to tear it off during dinner service.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 06, 2020, 02:51:09 PM

I was warm.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on September 06, 2020, 02:51:38 PM

That's one word for it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: robbo1874 on September 06, 2020, 02:51:56 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 06, 2020, 02:20:26 PM

re Samatta - he too looks underwhelming but he's Gerd Muller compared to KD.

I've actually seen Samatta score. I struggle to recall KD having shots let alone scoring.

This attitude of sticking our heads in the sand and pretending players like that are ever going to be good enough at this level is precisely the reason pretty soon we won't be playing at this level.

If he played for Blues, we'd be taking the piss out of them

i know he divides opinion- a lot don’t rate him but some of us do. He’s one of those that can bring others into the game. And if you’re looking for fast sharp players to partner him, we should be looking to the academy, as they will tend to be the younger lads. It’s just a different angle of looking a things and a different option. You probably wouldn’t go with that option most weeks, but some opposition may be suited to it, or maybe to change things up in later stages of a match. There’ll also be the inevitable injuries and suspensions when you can’t pick your first choice line up. I just think it’s madness to write players off that can offer something.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 06, 2020, 02:59:04 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 02:48:42 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 06, 2020, 02:46:00 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 02:40:25 PM

It proves that saying there are 'loads' of players with experience of playing in top leagues who are available for £20m and fit the needs for our squad is a bit silly if you can't actually name a single one.

There might be loads, there might only be a few, but I'm willing to believe there are some.  It would be a bit silly to believe there aren't any.  Anyway, it's up to the scouts to find them.

So you're saying we trust the scouts and sign the players they've identified that sickbeggar was complaining about? I'm glad you agree with me.

Christ Paul let it go.  SB thinks there would be players available you don't.  Neither of you will ever know if you're right because you're not in a position to make equiries of the clubs or agents.  Pesonally I suspect there would be a few, but equally I think somone like Watkins currently settled and excelling in the English game is just as likely to be a success at PL level.  I really hope we sign him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 02:59:17 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 02:47:47 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 02:38:15 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 02:30:24 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 02:20:53 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 02:14:44 PM

Ok, so the only name you can give is a guy who's being linked with Spurs (meaning we'd be competing with a team that are higher in the pecking order than us) who's 25 (so not in the age range you gave), has played less than 50 games in 'a top league in europe' and who's scored the majority of his goals in ligue 2.

Quite funny that you've completely ignored your own criteria as soon as you name someone.

Spurs can't afford him yet, and he'd only be back up for kane anyway, hence not costing a fortune. Its not the only name,  it was one example of a youngish striker in comparison to watkins.. If you want strikers in their late 20/ early30's who are at smallish clubs in spain/italy and  probablyavailable for the same price as wilson, there's a lot of them around as well. just have a look, i'm not gonna go through them all...

I'm not going threough a list of players to prove you right, you keep making the same point but can't give an example of who you actually want.

I think i just have. he's a striker who's scores goals in a non-rubbish league after doing it in a rubbish leagues.. On the other side we have watkins who's only done it in rubbish leagues. Now  you can say Watkins will be better, or cheaper but  you can't really claim i haven't come up with an alternative that on paper looks a better bet.

No you didn't, you argument was:

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 12:32:47 PM

There's plenty of options once you get around the 30 mark. They're not gonna excite anyone, and we're not building a team round them, but having a bit experience in the squad has gotta be a step up from the likes of Lansbury

You then picked a guy with less than 50 top flight games to his name who's 25 and is, at best, 1 year ahead of where Watkins is. In terms of experience the guy you named is barely different to where many of our signings from last summer are now (Trez, Konsa, Luiz and Wesley for example) and I don't think that's the sort of player you were talking about. The description you gave makes me think more of players like Wilson, Drinkwater, King, Deeney, etc.

ah, ok. yeah i'm looking at players who can be over 30, couple of years left max. Just brought in for guidance and experience. Would probably be summed up as underwhelming by our fanbase , Again finding a 30+ year old premiership midfielder shouldnt be that hard or indeed abroad.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Des Little on September 06, 2020, 03:01:06 PM

I don’t want to get into the slagging of one of our younger players, but let’s take our claret specs off and be honest about what Davis and Samatta have produced. It’s a long way from what we need, and quite frankly how we stayed up last season despite our shocking goals return is just incredible.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: robbo1874 on September 06, 2020, 03:05:00 PM

Sorry I misinterpreted your earlier post - thought you were talking about 30m players not 30 y.o.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 03:07:27 PM

Quote from: robbo1874 on September 06, 2020, 03:05:00 PM

Sorry I misinterpreted your earlier post - thought you were talking about 30m players not 30 y.o.

hah, don't worry about it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 06, 2020, 03:10:41 PM

Can't wait till October when we can burn this thread to the ground.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on September 06, 2020, 03:11:23 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 06, 2020, 02:59:04 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 02:48:42 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 06, 2020, 02:46:00 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 02:40:25 PM

It proves that saying there are 'loads' of players with experience of playing in top leagues who are available for £20m and fit the needs for our squad is a bit silly if you can't actually name a single one.

There might be loads, there might only be a few, but I'm willing to believe there are some.  It would be a bit silly to believe there aren't any.  Anyway, it's up to the scouts to find them.

So you're saying we trust the scouts and sign the players they've identified that sickbeggar was complaining about? I'm glad you agree with me.

Christ Paul let it go.  SB thinks there would be players available you don't.  Neither of you will ever know if you're right because you're not in a position to make equiries of the clubs or agents.  Pesonally I suspect there would be a few, but equally I think somone like Watkins currently settled and excelling in the English game is just as likely to be a success at PL level.  I really hope we sign him.

Exactly.  I have no problem with Watkins if he were to come here.  But this 'ha, you can't name any players' argument is daft.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 03:13:19 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 06, 2020, 02:59:04 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 02:48:42 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 06, 2020, 02:46:00 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 02:40:25 PM

It proves that saying there are 'loads' of players with experience of playing in top leagues who are available for £20m and fit the needs for our squad is a bit silly if you can't actually name a single one.

There might be loads, there might only be a few, but I'm willing to believe there are some.  It would be a bit silly to believe there aren't any.  Anyway, it's up to the scouts to find them.

So you're saying we trust the scouts and sign the players they've identified that sickbeggar was complaining about? I'm glad you agree with me.

Christ Paul let it go.  SB thinks there would be players available you don't.  Neither of you will ever know if you're right because you're not in a position to make equiries of the clubs or agents.  Pesonally I suspect there would be a few, but equally I think somone like Watkins currently settled and excelling in the English game is just as likely to be a success at PL level.  I really hope we sign him.

Like Hilts above you make the point of 'neither of you will ever know...' as if that isn't exactly what I'm getting at. Once again if you want to say "I'd like to see us sign xyz from abc" that's great, if you want to say "I like/don't like xyz who's been linked" again that's great, that's the point of the thread. Coming on to say the players we're being linked to are shit and we should be signing from the huge pool of players that I can't think of any examples of is just moaning for the sake of it.

This thread had 10 pages of posts between about 11pm and lunchtime today and it was almost completely people moaning about how shit things are and it's fucking boring. Maybe those people should be told to "let it go".

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 03:14:28 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 06, 2020, 03:11:23 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 06, 2020, 02:59:04 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 02:48:42 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 06, 2020, 02:46:00 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 02:40:25 PM

It proves that saying there are 'loads' of players with experience of playing in top leagues who are available for £20m and fit the needs for our squad is a bit silly if you can't actually name a single one.

There might be loads, there might only be a few, but I'm willing to believe there are some.  It would be a bit silly to believe there aren't any.  Anyway, it's up to the scouts to find them.

So you're saying we trust the scouts and sign the players they've identified that sickbeggar was complaining about? I'm glad you agree with me.

Christ Paul let it go.  SB thinks there would be players available you don't.  Neither of you will ever know if you're right because you're not in a position to make equiries of the clubs or agents.  Pesonally I suspect there would be a few, but equally I think somone like Watkins currently settled and excelling in the English game is just as likely to be a success at PL level.  I really hope we sign him.

Exactly.  I have no problem with Watkins if he were to come here.  But this 'ha, you can't name any players' argument is daft.

I know loads of posters who think you not understanding my point is daft, I won't name any though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on September 06, 2020, 03:18:14 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 06, 2020, 02:14:54 PM

Quote from: Jon Crofts on September 06, 2020, 02:00:48 PM

We need a proven Premier League goal scorer and we just seem to be pissing about.

How are you defining a proven PL goal scorer and of those who would be available? How many goals would that player have to have scored to be deemed proven? And what’s the maximum age? Proven PL of genuine, and most importantly consistent quality will be ludicrously expensive.

Being relegated because you don’t score goals is ludicrously expensive.


 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on September 06, 2020, 03:18:36 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 03:14:28 PM

I know loads of posters who think you not understanding my point is daft, I won't name any though.

I bet they're all £15M Championship posters.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Goldie.7 on September 06, 2020, 03:21:30 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 06, 2020, 03:10:41 PM

Can't wait till October when we can burn this thread to the ground.

Yeah, but in the meantime. Is Davis any good, how badly do you want us to sign Watkins and how shit is Samatta? ;)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 03:22:25 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 06, 2020, 03:18:36 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 03:14:28 PM

I know loads of posters who think you not understanding my point is daft, I won't name any though.

I bet they're all £15M Championship posters.

Yep, we should only be looking for 10000 post plus posters, either from here or villatalk.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 03:24:52 PM

 heh, aye. 30 posts a day in villa-talk but disappeared when they made the step-up. All from belgium.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on September 06, 2020, 03:24:59 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 03:22:25 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 06, 2020, 03:18:36 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 03:14:28 PM

I know loads of posters who think you not understanding my point is daft, I won't name any though.

I bet they're all £15M Championship posters.

Yep, we should only be looking for 10000 post plus posters, either from here or villatalk.

Signing posters from VillaTalk and hoping they all come good is asking for trouble.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Goldie.7 on September 06, 2020, 03:25:37 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 06, 2020, 10:07:43 AM

Quote from: jwarry on September 06, 2020, 10:05:27 AM

Quote from: frank black on September 06, 2020, 09:57:56 AM

Callum Wilson to Newcastle and I feel somewhat relieved. I’m not sure a player of his age with ACL operations on both Knees Is the answer. I imagine whoever were after may well happen this week.

Me too, felt like a panic buy which I thought we had moved away fron

If Wilson was a panic buy, what comes next!

Knowing us. We'll probably offer Burnley £12-15m for Jay Rodriguez.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 06, 2020, 03:27:17 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 06, 2020, 03:24:59 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 03:22:25 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 06, 2020, 03:18:36 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 03:14:28 PM

I know loads of posters who think you not understanding my point is daft, I won't name any though.

I bet they're all £15M Championship posters.

Yep, we should only be looking for 10000 post plus posters, either from here or villatalk.

Signing posters from VillaTalk and hoping they all come good is asking for trouble.

Ha! All gif and no PDF!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 06, 2020, 03:28:20 PM

I'd actually take Rodriguez over Wilson. If you can keep him injury free he has enough nous about him to score big goals.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on September 06, 2020, 03:28:56 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 06, 2020, 03:27:17 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 06, 2020, 03:24:59 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 03:22:25 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 06, 2020, 03:18:36 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 03:14:28 PM

I know loads of posters who think you not understanding my point is daft, I won't name any though.

I bet they're all £15M Championship posters.

Yep, we should only be looking for 10000 post plus posters, either from here or villatalk.

Signing posters from VillaTalk and hoping they all come good is asking for trouble.

Ha! All gif and no PDF!

They've basically lost all interest in the game anyway. Even that bloke who designs kits at the end of every season doesn't show up these days.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 03:29:26 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 06, 2020, 03:27:17 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 06, 2020, 03:24:59 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 03:22:25 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 06, 2020, 03:18:36 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 03:14:28 PM

I know loads of posters who think you not understanding my point is daft, I won't name any though.

I bet they're all £15M Championship posters.

Yep, we should only be looking for 10000 post plus posters, either from here or villatalk.

Signing posters from VillaTalk and hoping they all come good is asking for trouble.

Ha! All gif and no PDF!

Be quiet with your ~9500 championship level posting record!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 06, 2020, 03:30:03 PM

They still love a transfer rumour though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: nigel on September 06, 2020, 03:30:31 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 06, 2020, 12:50:58 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 12:48:57 PM

well building a successful team just from talented lower league players is like the holy grail of the premiership. - if it could be done with any measure of success everyone would do it.  We've already tried it ourselves before and it didn't work out too well.

You said it can't be done. It appears two clubs tried it last and one was very successful with it, the other finished rock bottom.

Don't get your knickers in a twist over evidence that goes against your opinion

We were different in the fact we had to rebuild a squad with a given amount
It just about paid off.
I do believe, though, had we not had the injuries to Heaton and Wesley we’d have been a couple of places further up without much to worry about.
Wesley’s injury meant we had to buy a striker in Jan when the money could have gone elsewhere in the squad

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 06, 2020, 03:31:43 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 03:29:26 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 06, 2020, 03:27:17 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 06, 2020, 03:24:59 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 03:22:25 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 06, 2020, 03:18:36 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 03:14:28 PM

I know loads of posters who think you not understanding my point is daft, I won't name any though.

I bet they're all £15M Championship posters.

Yep, we should only be looking for 10000 post plus posters, either from here or villatalk.

Signing posters from VillaTalk and hoping they all come good is asking for trouble.

Ha! All gif and no PDF!

Be quiet with your ~9500 championship level posting record!

I'm thinking of posting on a Borussia Dortmund forum instead. They'd appreciate my more cerebral posting style.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: villa for life on September 06, 2020, 03:33:53 PM

Just wondering, if our team is so bad, how come we stayed up?

We will be miles ahead of last season in Smith knowing his best team etc (admittedly it took him far too long)

I find posters saying so and so is “shit” very offensive. They are people with their own sensitivities. Mutual respect - possible?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on September 06, 2020, 03:34:22 PM

Wilson going to Newcastle, might end his career.  Has Bruce ever signed a forward who has done well for him? A permanent signing?

Also, I wonder if we have pulled out because something else is agreed?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on September 06, 2020, 03:39:37 PM

Quote from: villa for life on September 06, 2020, 03:33:53 PM

Just wondering, if our team is so bad, how come we stayed up?

We will be miles ahead of last season in Smith knowing his best team etc (admittedly it took him far too long)

We stayed up because we had a sensational end to the season which just redeemed what had until then been mostly dismal.  That end of season improvement reflects very well on Smith but as for knowing his best team I think that as things stand about a third of his best team hasn't even been signed yet. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave P on September 06, 2020, 03:41:42 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 06, 2020, 03:31:43 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 03:29:26 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 06, 2020, 03:27:17 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 06, 2020, 03:24:59 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 03:22:25 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 06, 2020, 03:18:36 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 03:14:28 PM

I know loads of posters who think you not understanding my point is daft, I won't name any though.

I bet they're all £15M Championship posters.

Yep, we should only be looking for 10000 post plus posters, either from here or villatalk.

Signing posters from VillaTalk and hoping they all come good is asking for trouble.

Ha! All gif and no PDF!

Be quiet with your ~9500 championship level posting record!

I'm thinking of posting on a Borussia Dortmund forum instead. They'd appreciate my more cerebral posting style.

If you went to Dortmund, we’ll retire your username.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 06, 2020, 03:42:39 PM

Hahaha

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 03:47:52 PM

Quote from: nigel on September 06, 2020, 03:30:31 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 06, 2020, 12:50:58 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 12:48:57 PM

well building a successful team just from talented lower league players is like the holy grail of the premiership. - if it could be done with any measure of success everyone would do it.  We've already tried it ourselves before and it didn't work out too well.

You said it can't be done. It appears two clubs tried it last and one was very successful with it, the other finished rock bottom.

Don't get your knickers in a twist over evidence that goes against your opinion

We were different in the fact we had to rebuild a squad with a given amount
It just about paid off.
I do believe, though, had we not had the injuries to Heaton and Wesley we’d have been a couple of places further up without much to worry about.
Wesley’s injury meant we had to buy a striker in Jan when the money could have gone elsewhere in the squad

Agreed, I suspect the 'plan' was to loan in a striker (Brewster was being linked) and use whatever money we could get together on a midfielder but then the 2 injuries threw those plans out the window. and we had find a striker for a relatively small fee that we could trust to start 15-20 games and then get a loan midfielder as well as loans to cover Heaton and Wesley.

From last summer I suspect that the aim was to get a young squad together that could largely stay as a group for 2-3 seasons with the expectation that most of them would improve significantly over that time. On that basis I don't buy the argument that "we finished 17th and other teams have improved more than we have". I think we'll naturally be a better team next season which is why I think signings that don't disrupt the squad are important and the attitude/mentality side of things is very difficult for fans to judge.

Young players with ambition to reach the top but sensible enough to realise they're not going to be regular starters for a top CL side this season, willing to work hard and with the base level technical and physical elements to make it. Cash fits the mould, Watkins and Rashica look like they'd be good as well, if we can find a midfielder who fits as well I'd be happy, if we could add competition in goal and another attacking player (who can play central or wide) with the spare change or with loans/frees then it'd be a great window.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 03:49:56 PM

Quote from: Dave P on September 06, 2020, 03:41:42 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 06, 2020, 03:31:43 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 03:29:26 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 06, 2020, 03:27:17 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 06, 2020, 03:24:59 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 03:22:25 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 06, 2020, 03:18:36 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 03:14:28 PM

I know loads of posters who think you not understanding my point is daft, I won't name any though.

I bet they're all £15M Championship posters.

Yep, we should only be looking for 10000 post plus posters, either from here or villatalk.

Signing posters from VillaTalk and hoping they all come good is asking for trouble.

Ha! All gif and no PDF!

Be quiet with your ~9500 championship level posting record!

I'm thinking of posting on a Borussia Dortmund forum instead. They'd appreciate my more cerebral posting style.

If you went to Dortmund, we’ll retire your username.

We could make a posting hall of fame and 'accidentally' post the names of the best posters from a Liverpool site, that wouldn't be remotely embarrassing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: gpbarr on September 06, 2020, 03:52:20 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 06, 2020, 02:04:41 PM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on September 06, 2020, 01:33:46 PM

Quote from: gpbarr on September 06, 2020, 01:31:36 PM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on September 06, 2020, 01:13:17 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 06, 2020, 01:05:41 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 06, 2020, 12:20:00 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 06, 2020, 12:14:50 PM

No chance, we'll flop back to Watkins with a bigger bid needed and more competition now. He's had no match practice and should we get him won't be up to speed for a month. Purslow, assuming he's doing the deals is doing very poor. 3 windows on the trot with massive failings.

Massive failings? Blimey.

£140m spent and El Ghazi playing as lone striker. Blimey.

This bears repeating because so many people seem to forget - when we came up we had a usable first team squad of about 10 players. We could have spent 200 million last year and we would still have had gaps, that was never going to be cured in one window, especially when we are not allowed by FFP to spend massively beyond our means.

We are near the end of the 3rd window. Purslow doesn’t to me seem the guy who is going to make the moves we need to make. Time will tell but the warning bells are clanging. If you choose to ignore them, that’s your right to do so

The window is open until 5th October - we’re not even halfway through it.

We're 6 weeks in and have 4 weeks to go. We're past half way.

The season starts next week, ours the week after. We don't have all the time in the world and we most certainly aren't less than halfway through. We have players that would need getting up to speed when signed. They'll need to be integrated. We most certainly aren't as prepared as we should be approaching key games in October. We saw for ourselves how every point counts last season. Every goal. The closer we leave it to the season starting the less and less likely it is we will sign quality players and they'll need replacing by other clubs. It will be plan c and d signings.

It's all very poor. Suso carried the can for last season, anyone thinking it was a succesfull season with £150m spent and survival on the last day, well they must have some sympathy for someone who lost his job for the results of it.

Spot on. It’s all very well trotting out the “4 weeks to go” fact but our season starts in 2 weeks, as it is we have a very poor front line, and those we hope to compete with have done better business (and they also have 4 weeks to do more).

The words must reconcile with the actions. They don’t. The haggling over Watkins is a big warning sign to me - if he is Deans pick then cough up. Stop pissing about.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: TelfordVilla on September 06, 2020, 03:55:02 PM

any chance of any players incoming ?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 06, 2020, 03:56:29 PM

Quote from: TelfordVilla on September 06, 2020, 03:55:02 PM

any chance of any players incoming ?

You're asking the wrong people.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 03:56:41 PM

Quote from: TelfordVilla on September 06, 2020, 03:55:02 PM

any chance of any players incoming ?

Before the end of the window? 100%

Any other timescale, no one knows.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 06, 2020, 04:02:30 PM

Quote from: Des Little on September 06, 2020, 03:01:06 PM

I don’t want to get into the slagging of one of our younger players, but let’s take our claret specs off and be honest about what Davis and Samatta have produced. It’s a long way from what we need, and quite frankly how we stayed up last season despite our shocking goals return is just incredible.

Well summarised, Des.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 06, 2020, 04:02:50 PM

Quote from: robbo1874 on September 06, 2020, 01:20:39 PM

Also, if we did get a top player like Tammy or Edouard, we’d have to get rid of 1-2 from Wes, ally, Keenan and Vassiliev. Who gets the chop?

Davis, season long loan to championship.

Wesley, won't be back until November at earliest and in reality will take many months to get up to speed. In an ideal world if he can play a bit I'd also loan him out in January just for him to get some confidence back in less demanding league.

Keep Samatta as third choice.

Vassilev....wasn't it said he wasn't actually a striker in the reserves but he scored a few goals so we just play him up there as a needs must in January.

Hardly a stellar group to upset by signing two new strikers, most of them need to be loaned out for their own good rather than bench warming here.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 06, 2020, 04:04:21 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 06, 2020, 03:28:20 PM

I'd actually take Rodriguez over Wilson. If you can keep him injury free he has enough nous about him to score big goals.

He's the guy we should have got last season, to support Wesley

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 06, 2020, 04:08:31 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 06, 2020, 12:28:02 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 12:17:00 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 06, 2020, 12:12:33 PM

So what? He was and is a top class player. I'd be delighted if we signed another midfielder as good as McGinn.

The point is, our 3 best players, who'd cost you over £100m to buy, were Championship players. Watkins is a Championship player, so what? If they're good enough, they're good enough.

You can't build a team just from talented young  players from the championship. you need a blend, and we haven't got it currently

I see your cliché and raise you Chris Wilder and Sheffield United.

We have a squad that has experienced a season and did something miraculous. Do you think Konsa and Luiz to choose two, won't be better for that? And that we're not active in the market looking to improve what we have?

Those two were certainly looking good at end of season but I think it's a dangerous trap to fall into. I remember after 12/13 many assumed all our lower league signings would be much better for the year of mass thrashings and cup defeats to Bradford. In reality that was Weimann's best ever season and now he's just a bog standard wide striker for a mid table championship team and likes of Bennett, Baker and Clark all kept making the same mistakes they did in 12/13 in 14/15 before they all left.

Best two from that crop of signings were Lowton and Westwood who've established themselves as regular players for mid table premier league team.

Sometimes players just aren't good enough and we certainly have 4-5 of those as regular starters.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mcgrath_85 on September 06, 2020, 04:10:29 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 06, 2020, 03:39:37 PM

Quote from: villa for life on September 06, 2020, 03:33:53 PM

Just wondering, if our team is so bad, how come we stayed up?

We will be miles ahead of last season in Smith knowing his best team etc (admittedly it took him far too long)

We stayed up because we had a sensational end to the season which just redeemed what had until then been mostly dismal.  That end of season improvement reflects very well on Smith but as for knowing his best team I think that as things stand about a third of his best team hasn't even been signed yet. 

“Sensational”. Christ. We beat Crystal Palace and Arsenal and a couple of draws.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 06, 2020, 04:12:01 PM

Quote from: mcgrath_85 on September 06, 2020, 04:10:29 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 06, 2020, 03:39:37 PM

Quote from: villa for life on September 06, 2020, 03:33:53 PM

Just wondering, if our team is so bad, how come we stayed up?

We will be miles ahead of last season in Smith knowing his best team etc (admittedly it took him far too long)

We stayed up because we had a sensational end to the season which just redeemed what had until then been mostly dismal.  That end of season improvement reflects very well on Smith but as for knowing his best team I think that as things stand about a third of his best team hasn't even been signed yet. 

“Sensational”. Christ. We beat Crystal Palace and Arsenal and a couple of draws.

I experienced a few sensations towards the end of the West Ham game.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Pat Mustard on September 06, 2020, 04:13:19 PM

Quote from: gpbarr on September 06, 2020, 03:52:20 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 06, 2020, 02:04:41 PM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on September 06, 2020, 01:33:46 PM

Quote from: gpbarr on September 06, 2020, 01:31:36 PM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on September 06, 2020, 01:13:17 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 06, 2020, 01:05:41 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 06, 2020, 12:20:00 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 06, 2020, 12:14:50 PM

No chance, we'll flop back to Watkins with a bigger bid needed and more competition now. He's had no match practice and should we get him won't be up to speed for a month. Purslow, assuming he's doing the deals is doing very poor. 3 windows on the trot with massive failings.

Massive failings? Blimey.

£140m spent and El Ghazi playing as lone striker. Blimey.

This bears repeating because so many people seem to forget - when we came up we had a usable first team squad of about 10 players. We could have spent 200 million last year and we would still have had gaps, that was never going to be cured in one window, especially when we are not allowed by FFP to spend massively beyond our means.

We are near the end of the 3rd window. Purslow doesn’t to me seem the guy who is going to make the moves we need to make. Time will tell but the warning bells are clanging. If you choose to ignore them, that’s your right to do so

The window is open until 5th October - we’re not even halfway through it.

We're 6 weeks in and have 4 weeks to go. We're past half way.

The season starts next week, ours the week after. We don't have all the time in the world and we most certainly aren't less than halfway through. We have players that would need getting up to speed when signed. They'll need to be integrated. We most certainly aren't as prepared as we should be approaching key games in October. We saw for ourselves how every point counts last season. Every goal. The closer we leave it to the season starting the less and less likely it is we will sign quality players and they'll need replacing by other clubs. It will be plan c and d signings.

It's all very poor. Suso carried the can for last season, anyone thinking it was a succesfull season with £150m spent and survival on the last day, well they must have some sympathy for someone who lost his job for the results of it.

Spot on. It’s all very well trotting out the “4 weeks to go” fact but our season starts in 2 weeks, as it is we have a very poor front line, and those we hope to compete with have done better business (and they also have 4 weeks to do more).

The words must reconcile with the actions. They don’t. The haggling over Watkins is a big warning sign to me - if he is Deans pick then cough up. Stop pissing about.

Who has done better business? Is that based on Wilson going to Newcastle for £20 million, a striker who has got 35 goals in 4 seasons? Leeds who have spent more on a striker from Spain with an even worse scoring record?  It’s not pissing about, it’s about doing sensible business that means we get the players we need and stay within FFP.

Of course, we could just throw 4 or 5 million over the odds to get someone in now. The last time we tried that approach, however, we ended up spend the thick end of £50 million on Ross McCormack, Jonathan Kodjia and Scott Hogan.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 06, 2020, 04:15:26 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 02:01:38 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 01:54:54 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 01:44:34 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 01:00:22 PM

Quote from: robbo1874 on September 06, 2020, 12:47:25 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 12:32:47 PM

There's plenty of options once you get around the 30 mark. They're not gonna excite anyone, and we're not building a team round them, but having a bit experience in the squad has gotta be a step up from the likes of Lansbury

assuming the budget’s around 100m - we don’t know, but that’s the commonly accepted amount, we’ve spent 16m already and looking for a keeper around the 10m mark. If you add in Edourd or Tammy say for around 40-50m (plus wages) that leaves you one other player in the 30m range. Who would you get in from the loads of other options?

well the sort of players i'm talking about aren't gonna cost 30m. We talking guys on 2 year contract max. solid premiership or foreign pros. i'm thinking signings like Cahill just to steady the ship while players get experience. At the top end of the market i wouldn't have a problem with us paying 20m for a guy who was 28/29/30 like Wilson with a limited shelf life and no sell-on if it allowed the younger talent time to adapt and find their feet.

Who are these players, give some names because you've talked about them as if there are loads just waiting for the phone call. Who is the 28-30year old winger with pace, a good cross and a few goals in him that we can pick up for £20m or less? How about the midfielder we need?

there's loads out there. I had this last night when i pointed out you could get a top divison striker abroad for 40-50m and one in his 30's for probably under 20m. jesus, newcastle  have just  got wilson after all.

Then give some names of players so we can see who you mean and how realistic they actually are.

Kevin Gamiero would be one I'd seriously look at. Season long loan or something. Very prolific at PSG and Sevilla and played for France a few times. Valencia are letting go of anything that can run and kick a ball. Even Maxi Gomez is probably more realistic than he was last season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on September 06, 2020, 04:15:59 PM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on September 06, 2020, 04:13:19 PM

Who has done better business? Is that based on Wilson going to Newcastle for £20 million, a striker who has got 35 goals in 4 seasons?

We were in for him too you know. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 04:17:50 PM

Quote from: villa for life on September 06, 2020, 03:33:53 PM

Just wondering, if our team is so bad, how come we stayed up?

We will be miles ahead of last season in Smith knowing his best team etc (admittedly it took him far too long)

I find posters saying so and so is “shit” very offensive. They are people with their own sensitivities. Mutual respect - possible?

After predicting we'd stay up (and correctly calling all the results *smug mode off*) when others on here had thrown in the towel, I don't think its unreasonable to point out we were diabolical for large parts of last season, and viewing it as some sort of Dunkirk style victory with better days automatically ahead could be an exercise in self-delusion without the right re-inforcements. I don't suppose the likes of West Ham are organising a victory parade on the basis of last season so neither should we. I'm not sure anyone was calling davis shit, just a shit striker. That seems self-evident

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 06, 2020, 04:19:18 PM

Quote from: villa for life on September 06, 2020, 03:33:53 PM

Just wondering, if our team is so bad, how come we stayed up?

We will be miles ahead of last season in Smith knowing his best team etc (admittedly it took him far too long)

I find posters saying so and so is “shit” very offensive. They are people with their own sensitivities. Mutual respect - possible?

Jack Grealish pretty much.

This feels very similar to end of Benteke's time here. People underestimating the sheer influence he had on those around him. When he left people were saying others would step up and score the goals. We all know what happened.

Interesting reading yesterday according to Micah Richards we'd all but signed Adebayor on last day of 2015 window, had him posing in the shirt at Bodymoor, he said he'd come back up the next morning to sign the deal and never came back as apparently he had a dream it would be the wrong move!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Pat Mustard on September 06, 2020, 04:22:32 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 06, 2020, 04:15:59 PM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on September 06, 2020, 04:13:19 PM

Who has done better business? Is that based on Wilson going to Newcastle for £20 million, a striker who has got 35 goals in 4 seasons?

We were in for him too you know.

Yes, and I’m guessing we wouldn’t pay him what he thinks he’s worth based on his scoring record.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on September 06, 2020, 04:26:07 PM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on September 06, 2020, 04:22:32 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 06, 2020, 04:15:59 PM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on September 06, 2020, 04:13:19 PM

Who has done better business? Is that based on Wilson going to Newcastle for £20 million, a striker who has got 35 goals in 4 seasons?

We were in for him too you know.

Yes, and I’m guessing we wouldn’t pay him what he thinks he’s worth based on his scoring record.

Perhaps, but if he's a dud he's a dud we wanted too.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 04:27:16 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 06, 2020, 04:15:26 PM

Kevin Gamiero would be one I'd seriously look at. Season long loan or something. Very prolific at PSG and Sevilla and played for France a few times. Valencia are letting go of anything that can run and kick a ball. Even Maxi Gomez is probably more realistic than he was last season.

Maxi Gomez is a good shout (but more in line with my criteria for signings that the experienced older head option).

Gamiero I'd be less happy with, on loan for a season as cover I'd be ok with it but I suspect he'd want to play every game.

I'm fine with experienced players coming in but they need to:
fit in the wage structure
be for a fee that reflects the fact that we won't make much back on them
have the right attitude
have the ability to justify signing rather than just being signed because they're experienced

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mike on September 06, 2020, 04:33:11 PM

Quote from: mcgrath_85 on September 06, 2020, 04:10:29 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 06, 2020, 03:39:37 PM

Quote from: villa for life on September 06, 2020, 03:33:53 PM

Just wondering, if our team is so bad, how come we stayed up?

We will be miles ahead of last season in Smith knowing his best team etc (admittedly it took him far too long)

We stayed up because we had a sensational end to the season which just redeemed what had until then been mostly dismal.  That end of season improvement reflects very well on Smith but as for knowing his best team I think that as things stand about a third of his best team hasn't even been signed yet. 

“Sensational”. Christ. We beat Crystal Palace and Arsenal and a couple of draws.

Also, Bournemouth lost 8 out of their last 10, Watford lost 7. It's like they wanted to be relegated. A late surge of a point a game saw us limp over the line.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 06, 2020, 04:39:48 PM

Quote from: mcgrath_85 on September 06, 2020, 04:10:29 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 06, 2020, 03:39:37 PM

Quote from: villa for life on September 06, 2020, 03:33:53 PM

Just wondering, if our team is so bad, how come we stayed up?

We will be miles ahead of last season in Smith knowing his best team etc (admittedly it took him far too long)

We stayed up because we had a sensational end to the season which just redeemed what had until then been mostly dismal.  That end of season improvement reflects very well on Smith but as for knowing his best team I think that as things stand about a third of his best team hasn't even been signed yet. 

“Sensational”. Christ. We beat Crystal Palace and Arsenal and a couple of draws.

Would you rather we had lost and gone down?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Pat Mustard on September 06, 2020, 04:39:58 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 06, 2020, 04:26:07 PM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on September 06, 2020, 04:22:32 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 06, 2020, 04:15:59 PM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on September 06, 2020, 04:13:19 PM

Who has done better business? Is that based on Wilson going to Newcastle for £20 million, a striker who has got 35 goals in 4 seasons?

We were in for him too you know.

Yes, and I’m guessing we wouldn’t pay him what he thinks he’s worth based on his scoring record.

Perhaps, but if he's a dud he's a dud we wanted too.

Not every player has to be a dud for them not to be worth it, it’s about whether he represents value. It’s pretty clear Newcastle are prepared to offer him more in wages than we were, because we decided he wasn’t worth more he has gone there.

To reiterate my original point, you could say that Jonathan Kodjia wasn’t a dud - he scored plenty of goals in his first season and did a solid job for us. Problem is, he cost £17 million plus wages, money that just went out of the club with no return. Taking that approach nearly destroyed the club 2 years ago, I don’t want to go there again. And that is without worrying about FFP, which limits what we can spend anyway.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: gpbarr on September 06, 2020, 04:43:03 PM

Quote from: mike on September 06, 2020, 04:33:11 PM

Quote from: mcgrath_85 on September 06, 2020, 04:10:29 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 06, 2020, 03:39:37 PM

Quote from: villa for life on September 06, 2020, 03:33:53 PM

Just wondering, if our team is so bad, how come we stayed up?

We will be miles ahead of last season in Smith knowing his best team etc (admittedly it took him far too long)

We stayed up because we had a sensational end to the season which just redeemed what had until then been mostly dismal.  That end of season improvement reflects very well on Smith but as for knowing his best team I think that as things stand about a third of his best team hasn't even been signed yet. 

“Sensational”. Christ. We beat Crystal Palace and Arsenal and a couple of draws.

Also, Bournemouth lost 8 out of their last 10, Watford lost 7. It's like they wanted to be relegated. A late surge of a point a game saw us limp over the line.

Agreed. And we won’t be so lucky again. Which is why the concerns are rising. Others have said - to stay still in the PL one has to invest - the evidence over the last 4 weeks isn’t encouraging.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 06, 2020, 04:43:04 PM

FFP isn’t a big problem at the moment is it?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on September 06, 2020, 04:47:52 PM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on September 06, 2020, 04:39:58 PM

Not every player has to be a dud for them not to be worth it, it’s about whether he represents value. It’s pretty clear Newcastle are prepared to offer him more in wages than we were, because we decided he wasn’t worth more he has gone there.

To reiterate my original point, you could say that Jonathan Kodjia wasn’t a dud - he scored plenty of goals in his first season and did a solid job for us. Problem is, he cost £17 million plus wages, money that just went out of the club with no return. Taking that approach nearly destroyed the club 2 years ago, I don’t want to go there again. And that is without worrying about FFP, which limits what we can spend anyway.

I don't know what us and Newcastle offered him wage wise so I can't say.  He may have just preferred them as a destination, baffling as that may be.  It's a fair point about Kodj but to be fair he was never the same after the injury.  Had that not happened, who knows.

I think there's a danger of getting too hung up on the value for money things.  Nobody wants to get astronomically ripped off but quality costs.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on September 06, 2020, 04:48:12 PM

Maybe our circumspection arises from our truly appalling record in recruiting forwards in the immediate past. The only unqualified success was Benteke.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: steamer on September 06, 2020, 04:53:18 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 06, 2020, 04:47:52 PM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on September 06, 2020, 04:39:58 PM

Not every player has to be a dud for them not to be worth it, it’s about whether he represents value. It’s pretty clear Newcastle are prepared to offer him more in wages than we were, because we decided he wasn’t worth more he has gone there.

To reiterate my original point, you could say that Jonathan Kodjia wasn’t a dud - he scored plenty of goals in his first season and did a solid job for us. Problem is, he cost £17 million plus wages, money that just went out of the club with no return. Taking that approach nearly destroyed the club 2 years ago, I don’t want to go there again. And that is without worrying about FFP, which limits what we can spend anyway.

I don't know what us and Newcastle offered him wage wise so I can't say.  He may have just preferred them as a destination, baffling as that may be.  It's a fair point about Kodj but to be fair he was never the same after the injury.  Had that not happened, who knows.

I think there's a danger of getting too hung up on the value for money things.  Nobody wants to get astronomically ripped off but quality costs.

Agreed
if we think the answer is striker xyz pay the money and do the deal
Embaressing is we lose the deal for the haggaling, Calling DOUG to the table.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on September 06, 2020, 04:54:28 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on September 06, 2020, 04:43:04 PM

FFP isn’t a big problem at the moment is it?

I don't believe it is, no. So long as we avoid relegation and qualifying for Europe in the near future.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on September 06, 2020, 05:00:01 PM

Perhaps Wilson just preferred Newcastle? Maybe it was about money, maybe it was ambition, maybe he thinks they're a safer bet. Who knows?

Newcastle is the sort of club I'd expect us to compete with for players - it's not as if he's opted for Albion, is it?

The problem isn't that we haven't signed Callum Wilson, whatever the reason, it is that we've not done anything like the business we expected to.

We scraped over the line in the last few minutes of last season. Yeah, it was great when we made it, and well done anyone who thought we would with four games to go.

The problem is, we were then given indications that we were going to do what we needed to do to improve, that thought it was much better than going down, it wasn't good enough. Here we are, though, a week till the season starts and we're not showing any signs of seriously improving ourselves.

There just seem to be some things we can't get right. It's like the way we can't ever get enough kits in the shops for people to buy when they want to buy them. Every year we have the same discussions on here. "Yeah but the window doesn't close for another two weeks" blah blah blah.

And with the exception of a ten game run two years ago, we have had an entire decade of absolute uninterrupted shite, based largely around just about avoiding (most of the time) relegation.

Coincidental?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 05:00:28 PM

I can't believe i'm suggesting this but what about Batshuayi? 26, 1 year left on his contract.. scored 17 goals in ligue 1, 7 in 10 for Dortmund, 5 in 11 for palace,


*runs off*

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 05:02:42 PM

Quote from: steamer on September 06, 2020, 04:53:18 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 06, 2020, 04:47:52 PM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on September 06, 2020, 04:39:58 PM

Not every player has to be a dud for them not to be worth it, it’s about whether he represents value. It’s pretty clear Newcastle are prepared to offer him more in wages than we were, because we decided he wasn’t worth more he has gone there.

To reiterate my original point, you could say that Jonathan Kodjia wasn’t a dud - he scored plenty of goals in his first season and did a solid job for us. Problem is, he cost £17 million plus wages, money that just went out of the club with no return. Taking that approach nearly destroyed the club 2 years ago, I don’t want to go there again. And that is without worrying about FFP, which limits what we can spend anyway.

I don't know what us and Newcastle offered him wage wise so I can't say.  He may have just preferred them as a destination, baffling as that may be.  It's a fair point about Kodj but to be fair he was never the same after the injury.  Had that not happened, who knows.

I think there's a danger of getting too hung up on the value for money things.  Nobody wants to get astronomically ripped off but quality costs.

Agreed
if we think the answer is striker xyz pay the money and do the deal
Embaressing is we lose the deal for the haggaling, Calling DOUG to the table.

That depends on the difference in valuation, having a maximum fee we're willing to spend and sticking to it isn't a bad thing for the long term health of the club, even if it is frustrating. If we're willing to pay up to their asking price and we're dicking about trying to save money because we've been taking lessons from Levy then I agree with you.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 06, 2020, 05:05:27 PM

We have a few weeks left, I'll reserve judgement until then. I don't think many teams aside from Man City Everton and Chelsea have been THAT active. Have Leeds and West Brom really done enough so far to keep themselves up? I don't think they have.

Long way to go yet, lots of deals still to be struck.

And if we don't sign anybody we'll still stay up because we're spawny bastards.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: nigel on September 06, 2020, 05:31:11 PM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on September 06, 2020, 03:21:30 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 06, 2020, 03:10:41 PM

Can't wait till October when we can burn this thread to the ground.

Yeah, but in the meantime. Is Davis any good, how badly do you want us to sign Watkins and how shit is Samatta? ;)

I think he will be
Definitely
I don’t think he is
 ;)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Londonvilla on September 06, 2020, 05:44:23 PM

What we know?

• High wage demand and long contacts are more of a problem for teams than high transfer fees 
  
  The Head coach has provided a list of the player based on our style of play (plan A.B. and C)
  
  If the transfer team can’t get the player they will look for someone with similar statistical/tactical abilities
  
  In an ideal World we would get our number on target and give them time to get a custom to the systems play by our Head coach
  
  If we can’t get our number one target then do we wait for the price to come down or do we switch to our number two target
  
  Its a seller market at the beginning of the window and it may be a buyers market at the end (covid effect)
  
  So the game of brinkmanship will start once the major football leagues start playing
  
  The Transfer window closes Monday, Oct. 5

So do we call clubs bluff and wait until the final week before looking to pick up the right players for the right price or do we get in plan B or plan C players now

It’s a game of poker

For me I would bring in a forward now and then wait unit the last week and try to pick up better player when European clubs in financial distress will be giving away players.

It’s a risk but at this point a risk I think we should consider.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on September 06, 2020, 05:45:59 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 06, 2020, 05:00:01 PM

The problem isn't that we haven't signed Callum Wilson, whatever the reason, it is that we've not done anything like the business we expected to.

We scraped over the line in the last few minutes of last season. Yeah, it was great when we made it, and well done anyone who thought we would with four games to go.

The problem is, we were then given indications that we were going to do what we needed to do to improve, that thought it was much better than going down, it wasn't good enough. Here we are, though, a week till the season starts and we're not showing any signs of seriously improving ourselves.

There just seem to be some things we can't get right. It's like the way we can't ever get enough kits in the shops for people to buy when they want to buy them. Every year we have the same discussions on here. "Yeah but the window doesn't close for another two weeks" blah blah blah.

And with the exception of a ten game run two years ago, we have had an entire decade of absolute uninterrupted shite, based largely around just about avoiding (most of the time) relegation.

Absolutely. Add to that the promises made to our top players about bringing in quality. Imagine Jack Grealish or Mings away with England and talking about the coming season and asked who we've brought in and where he expects us to finish the season. I really thought we'd go all out to bring in the necessary players and target the top 10. So far it hasn't happened but as you point out, it's nothing new. You talk about a decade but I'd double that.

Other fans talk about us being delusional in thinking we're a big club that should be competing but I'd counter that and say there's plenty that are happy with whatever we're served up and will defend the club/manager no matter what. This window looks like being a low spending one due to the closed stadiums and drop in revenue plus losing out on the Asia broadcast deal. We however appear to be one of the few clubs that can actually take advantage of the market as we have extremely wealthy owners willing to invest.

I hope our signings match both the ambition of our top players, our owners and hopefully the majority of fans. Everything crossed.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 06, 2020, 05:46:44 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 06, 2020, 05:00:01 PM

Perhaps Wilson just preferred Newcastle? Maybe it was about money, maybe it was ambition, maybe he thinks they're a safer bet. Who knows?

Newcastle is the sort of club I'd expect us to compete with for players - it's not as if he's opted for Albion, is it?

The problem isn't that we haven't signed Callum Wilson, whatever the reason, it is that we've not done anything like the business we expected to.

We scraped over the line in the last few minutes of last season. Yeah, it was great when we made it, and well done anyone who thought we would with four games to go.

The problem is, we were then given indications that we were going to do what we needed to do to improve, that thought it was much better than going down, it wasn't good enough. Here we are, though, a week till the season starts and we're not showing any signs of seriously improving ourselves.

There just seem to be some things we can't get right. It's like the way we can't ever get enough kits in the shops for people to buy when they want to buy them. Every year we have the same discussions on here. "Yeah but the window doesn't close for another two weeks" blah blah blah.

And with the exception of a ten game run two years ago, we have had an entire decade of absolute uninterrupted shite, based largely around just about avoiding (most of the time) relegation.

Coincidental?

Completely agree and whichever end of the spectrum you sit on I think it’s hard to argue that it’s not exactly been a stellar window so far. We should have more players in by now, because the longer it goes the greater risk there is to the team gelling quickly. Given how slow were were in January, and the players we ultimately ended up with, I was hoping for  more by now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on September 06, 2020, 05:47:23 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 06, 2020, 04:47:52 PM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on September 06, 2020, 04:39:58 PM

Not every player has to be a dud for them not to be worth it, it’s about whether he represents value. It’s pretty clear Newcastle are prepared to offer him more in wages than we were, because we decided he wasn’t worth more he has gone there.

To reiterate my original point, you could say that Jonathan Kodjia wasn’t a dud - he scored plenty of goals in his first season and did a solid job for us. Problem is, he cost £17 million plus wages, money that just went out of the club with no return. Taking that approach nearly destroyed the club 2 years ago, I don’t want to go there again. And that is without worrying about FFP, which limits what we can spend anyway.

I don't know what us and Newcastle offered him wage wise so I can't say.  He may have just preferred them as a destination, baffling as that may be. It's a fair point about Kodj but to be fair he was never the same after the injury.  Had that not happened, who knows.

I think there's a danger of getting too hung up on the value for money things.  Nobody wants to get astronomically ripped off but quality costs.

If spurs were in for him too, and it looks like we'd all matched Bournemouth's modestly payable valuation, it can only be the barcodes offering wayyyyy over the top wages, surely? We could well have made him an offer that meant we had to redraft Grealish's new contract again, then because they're desperate to sign any striker they've gazumped us, and not only with their tales of how the fair maidens of South Shields out-scantily clad those of Broad Street. Maybe they've given Bruce control of the cheque book like we gave it to O'Neill.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on September 06, 2020, 05:53:25 PM

Quote from: Lastfootstamper on September 06, 2020, 05:47:23 PM

If spurs were in for him too, and it looks like we'd all matched Bournemouth's modestly payable valuation, it can only be the barcodes offering wayyyyy over the top wages, surely

Why? Maybe playing for Bruce is more of a draw than playing for Smith. Maybe he's been told he's first choice and we said we're buying him and someone else. Maybe he's got people he's close to him who are there already. Maybe what he's been told about how Bruce wants the team to set up appeals more than what Smith has said. Maybe it's none of those.

It could be any number of things.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WALTERS WARRIORS on September 06, 2020, 05:56:13 PM

Where is Lange and he`s list of european/world players, who he is supposed be monitoring ?? We have recognised our last scouts failure to produce players of a high standard and pre requisite. Is the strategy to wait to the end of the window to get better deals and clubs who are in financial crisis to accept lower offers ??

PS is there any footage of the Arsenal friendly anywhere ?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 06, 2020, 05:57:35 PM

Quote from: Lastfootstamper on September 06, 2020, 05:47:23 PM

If spurs were in for him too, and it looks like we'd all matched Bournemouth's modestly payable valuation, it can only be the barcodes offering wayyyyy over the top wages, surely? We could well have made him an offer that meant we had to redraft Grealish's new contract again, then because they're desperate to sign any striker they've gazumped us, and not only with their tales of how the fair maidens of South Shields out-scantily clad those of Broad Street. Maybe they've given Bruce control of the cheque book like we gave it to O'Neill.

As a club in the throes of being sold, I'd be amazed if the last bit were true.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mike on September 06, 2020, 05:58:05 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 06, 2020, 04:39:48 PM

Quote from: mcgrath_85 on September 06, 2020, 04:10:29 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 06, 2020, 03:39:37 PM

Quote from: villa for life on September 06, 2020, 03:33:53 PM

Just wondering, if our team is so bad, how come we stayed up?

We will be miles ahead of last season in Smith knowing his best team etc (admittedly it took him far too long)

We stayed up because we had a sensational end to the season which just redeemed what had until then been mostly dismal.  That end of season improvement reflects very well on Smith but as for knowing his best team I think that as things stand about a third of his best team hasn't even been signed yet. 

“Sensational”. Christ. We beat Crystal Palace and Arsenal and a couple of draws.

Would you rather we had lost and gone down?

That's a non sequitur. I was delirious that we stayed up. I cycled to a pub that did take aways and got so pished I broke the jug that was worth five pounds and spilt some of the beer too. I also thought we were fucking lucky.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 06, 2020, 06:00:49 PM

I actually think we'll be fine striker-wise by the close of the window.

It'll either be one of the recent links (Watkins, Edouard, Origi) or a pleasant surprise. Even better if we finally  see movement on that this week. Smith has also mentioned pace in a wide areas as a priority and I expect at least one incoming there.

My concern is we don't seem to be linked to any centre halves or central midfielders. They were both areas where we looked short of top flight nous last season and I hope Smudger isn't content with his current centre back options.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Shrek on September 06, 2020, 06:01:26 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 05:00:28 PM

I can't believe i'm suggesting this but what about Batshuayi? 26, 1 year left on his contract.. scored 17 goals in ligue 1, 7 in 10 for Dortmund, 5 in 11 for palace,


*runs off*

I’d have him in a heart beat.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 06, 2020, 06:02:15 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on September 06, 2020, 06:00:49 PM

I actually think we'll be fine striker-wise by the close of the window.

It'll either be one of the recent links (Watkins, Edouard, Origi) or a pleasant surprise. Even better if we finally  see movement on that this week. Smith has also mentioned pace in a wide areas as a priority and I expect at least one incoming there.

My concern is we don't seem to be linked to any centre halves or central midfielders. They were both areas where we looked short of top flight nous last season and I hope Smudger isn't content with his current centre back options.

Get L-Cheek in!!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on September 06, 2020, 06:07:38 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on September 06, 2020, 05:45:59 PM

... Add to that the promises made to our top players about bringing in quality.

What promises made by whom?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 06, 2020, 06:11:30 PM

Quote from: Lastfootstamper on September 06, 2020, 06:07:38 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on September 06, 2020, 05:45:59 PM

... Add to that the promises made to our top players about bringing in quality.

What promises made by whom?

Edens to the likes of McGinn.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on September 06, 2020, 06:11:33 PM

Quote from: Lastfootstamper on September 06, 2020, 06:07:38 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on September 06, 2020, 05:45:59 PM

... Add to that the promises made to our top players about bringing in quality.

What promises made by whom?

SJM spoke about it earlier this week.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 06, 2020, 06:16:09 PM

Quote from: Mister E on September 06, 2020, 06:02:15 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on September 06, 2020, 06:00:49 PM

I actually think we'll be fine striker-wise by the close of the window.

It'll either be one of the recent links (Watkins, Edouard, Origi) or a pleasant surprise. Even better if we finally  see movement on that this week. Smith has also mentioned pace in a wide areas as a priority and I expect at least one incoming there.

My concern is we don't seem to be linked to any centre halves or central midfielders. They were both areas where we looked short of top flight nous last season and I hope Smudger isn't content with his current centre back options.

Get L-Cheek in!!

Aye.  Or Nathaniel Chalobah at Watford. Premier League experience but still young and plenty to work with.

Tarkowski at Burnley is one we should be looking at as well. If Leicester are genuinely in for him and he wants to go there fair enough, you understand. West Ham less so. Leicester look a better short term bet for success after last season. Not sure of he'll be guaranteed to start ahead of the Turkish lad and Jonny Evans though.

At the reported £20 million for an England centre half that's great value in the current market and I'd hope we've at least enquired.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on September 06, 2020, 06:25:53 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on September 06, 2020, 06:11:33 PM

Quote from: Lastfootstamper on September 06, 2020, 06:07:38 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on September 06, 2020, 05:45:59 PM

... Add to that the promises made to our top players about bringing in quality.

What promises made by whom?

SJM spoke about it earlier this week.

Where was this, an interview or something?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on September 06, 2020, 06:36:46 PM

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/newsbirmingham/wes-edens-made-this-transfer-promise-to-aston-villas-players/ar-BB18xFGw (https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/newsbirmingham/wes-edens-made-this-transfer-promise-to-aston-villas-players/ar-BB18xFGw)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: frank black on September 06, 2020, 06:49:41 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on September 06, 2020, 06:16:09 PM

Quote from: Mister E on September 06, 2020, 06:02:15 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on September 06, 2020, 06:00:49 PM

I actually think we'll be fine striker-wise by the close of the window.

It'll either be one of the recent links (Watkins, Edouard, Origi) or a pleasant surprise. Even better if we finally  see movement on that this week. Smith has also mentioned pace in a wide areas as a priority and I expect at least one incoming there.

My concern is we don't seem to be linked to any centre halves or central midfielders. They were both areas where we looked short of top flight nous last season and I hope Smudger isn't content with his current centre back options.

Get L-Cheek in!!

Aye.  Or Nathaniel Chalobah at Watford. Premier League experience but still young and plenty to work with.

Tarkowski at Burnley is one we should be looking at as well. If Leicester are genuinely in for him and he wants to go there fair enough, you understand. West Ham less so. Leicester look a better short term bet for success after last season. Not sure of he'll be guaranteed to start ahead of the Turkish lad and Jonny Evans though.

At the reported £20 million for an England centre half that's great value in the current market and I'd hope we've at least enquired.

£30 mil plus I suspect

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 06:55:15 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on September 06, 2020, 06:16:09 PM

Quote from: Mister E on September 06, 2020, 06:02:15 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on September 06, 2020, 06:00:49 PM

I actually think we'll be fine striker-wise by the close of the window.

It'll either be one of the recent links (Watkins, Edouard, Origi) or a pleasant surprise. Even better if we finally  see movement on that this week. Smith has also mentioned pace in a wide areas as a priority and I expect at least one incoming there.

My concern is we don't seem to be linked to any centre halves or central midfielders. They were both areas where we looked short of top flight nous last season and I hope Smudger isn't content with his current centre back options.

Get L-Cheek in!!

Aye.  Or Nathaniel Chalobah at Watford. Premier League experience but still young and plenty to work with.

Tarkowski at Burnley is one we should be looking at as well. If Leicester are genuinely in for him and he wants to go there fair enough, you understand. West Ham less so. Leicester look a better short term bet for success after last season. Not sure of he'll be guaranteed to start ahead of the Turkish lad and Jonny Evans though.

At the reported £20 million for an England centre half that's great value in the current market and I'd hope we've at least enquired.

I'd take Chalobah, I think he'd fit in well. I don't think L-Cheek will be available from what's being said, I think he, like Tammy, sees this as a make or break season with Chelsea and wants to try to force his way in.

Tarkowski would be decent but I don't see centre half as a priority. We conceded a lot last year so blaming defenders is understandable but I think it was a fault of the entire team and when Smith used the break to address it we turned into one of the better defences in the league after the restart. I'd be happy to let them set of defenders we have see if they can maintain that other than possibly replacing Taylor for someone with a bit more going forward if we've got money spare after the important signings.

Chalobah, Watkins and then a big splurge on an attacking player who could be a bit special (Marcus Thuram is still my dream signing this summer) or a winger with a bit of magic (Rashica fits) would work for me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 06, 2020, 07:02:33 PM

Not sure just Watkins will be enough up top. Depends how long Wesley will be, but I doubt he is starting games before Christmas.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 07:25:05 PM

see wolves have made a strange signing for 2m. looking at his apps im guessing he's been crocked a lot


https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54051288 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54051288)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rougegorge on September 06, 2020, 07:27:19 PM

I really hope we are not relying on Wesley this season.

Even allowing for the fickleness of fans, at the end of December he had barely any support, then he had a decent hour or so at Burnley and during his time out he has seemingly improved by not playing. 

I hope he gets back to full fitness and pushes on,  but that injury certainly won't have worked in his favour.

Wilson would have been an upgrade on our current forward line and I am 50/50 on Watkins. It was Benrahma that made Brentford tick last season, so if we could get both, it may work.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on September 06, 2020, 07:28:51 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 06, 2020, 06:36:46 PM

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/newsbirmingham/wes-edens-made-this-transfer-promise-to-aston-villas-players/ar-BB18xFGw (https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/newsbirmingham/wes-edens-made-this-transfer-promise-to-aston-villas-players/ar-BB18xFGw)

pretty unequivocal

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 07:39:19 PM

Quote from: rougegorge on September 06, 2020, 07:27:19 PM

I really hope we are not relying on Wesley this season.

Even allowing for the fickleness of fans, at the end of December he had barely any support, then he had a decent hour or so at Burnley and during his time out he has seemingly improved by not playing. 

I hope he gets back to full fitness and pushes on,  but that injury certainly won't have worked in his favour.

Wilson would have been an upgrade on our current forward line and I am 50/50 on Watkins. It was Benrahma that made Brentford tick last season, so if we could get both, it may work.

Bold bit, no he hasn't, there were plenty of people who didn't think he was anything like as bad as some posters were making out and we still have that opinion now. I've said all along that I think he'd have scored 10-12 goals for the season if he'd finished it and that would be a decent return given how isolated he was at times. The worst part of his game was that he was being pushed off the ball too easily and then sulking to the ref instead of getting on with it, I think we'd started to see that going out of his game by the time he was injured and in the Burnley game in particular Mee took the chance to take him out because he'd bullied them all game until then. How he comes back from injury will be important but, for me, he's not get better by not playing and I haven't forgotten anything about how he played.

On the Benrahma/Watkins thing I see more potential to adapt to the premier league in Watkins than I do in Benrahma. I suspect the latter will end up in the premier league and will show flashes of quality but nothing more. I think Watkins on the other hand could turn into a very good player with the right coaching and a bit of luck.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: villa `cross the mersey on September 06, 2020, 07:43:56 PM

We are led to believe the current owners are extremely ambitious and we must allow them time to prove this - ie the end of the transfer window
I am however, totally underwhelmed thus far (ie from the end of the season to now). You would like to think the close call last  season has focused minds .......I get the feeling that retaining Grealish, Mings and McGinn will be seen as some kind of achievement

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on September 06, 2020, 07:46:06 PM

“He said they’d support us with new players and improve the depth of the squad to kick on." All of which I have no doubt we're trying our utmost to make happen, but I can't imagine any owner of any club not saying they'd be doing that. I don't think those words are tantamount to telling our better players we'd be signing global superstars to prevent them from putting in transfer requests, which is what I inferred earlier.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 06, 2020, 07:59:03 PM

Quote from: villa `cross the mersey on September 06, 2020, 07:43:56 PM

We are led to believe the current owners are extremely ambitious and we must allow them time to prove this - ie the end of the transfer window
I am however, totally underwhelmed thus far (ie from the end of the season to now). You would like to think the close call last  season has focused minds .......I get the feeling that retaining Grealish, Mings and McGinn will be seen as some kind of achievement

We stayed up, so of course keeping those players is a bonus. Does everything have to sound so grim?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on September 06, 2020, 08:02:01 PM

Quote from: Lastfootstamper on September 06, 2020, 07:46:06 PM

“He said they’d support us with new players and improve the depth of the squad to kick on." All of which I have no doubt we're trying our utmost to make happen, but I can't imagine any owner of any club not saying they'd be doing that. I don't think those words are tantamount to telling our better players we'd be signing global superstars to prevent them from putting in transfer requests, which is what I inferred earlier.

What do you think he means then?  I ask that genuinely, not trying to catch you out.  Does it means 4 or 5 £20M signings from the Championship or a step up from that?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 08:07:13 PM

mebbe theyre not backing him totally. give him a few of his signings and then they have a pot to hand a new manager in january if it goes pear-shaped. I think we all know if we're circling the plug hole come November they won't give him the time to turn it around again.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: andyh on September 06, 2020, 08:07:29 PM

From a Purslow interview.

VILLA FANS NEED TO UNDERSTAND THIS.
Purslow: It takes 4yrs to be able to pay average Prem salaries & comply with FFP. I have to comply with 1 year of Prem but 2 years of championship rules. The total wage bill we can pay is much, much lower than clubs in the prem for 3 years

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on September 06, 2020, 08:09:04 PM

I don’t think the problem is the owners. The problem if there is one is with the recruitment team and that they are the new boys on the block. Football works like most industries it’s more about who you know than what you know.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mcgrath_85 on September 06, 2020, 08:10:04 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 06, 2020, 04:39:48 PM

Quote from: mcgrath_85 on September 06, 2020, 04:10:29 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 06, 2020, 03:39:37 PM

Quote from: villa for life on September 06, 2020, 03:33:53 PM

Just wondering, if our team is so bad, how come we stayed up?

We will be miles ahead of last season in Smith knowing his best team etc (admittedly it took him far too long)

We stayed up because we had a sensational end to the season which just redeemed what had until then been mostly dismal.  That end of season improvement reflects very well on Smith but as for knowing his best team I think that as things stand about a third of his best team hasn't even been signed yet. 

“Sensational”. Christ. We beat Crystal Palace and Arsenal and a couple of draws.

Would you rather we had lost and gone down?

Of course not you clown. How did you even get to that?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on September 06, 2020, 08:11:33 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 08:07:13 PM

mebbe theyre not backing him totally. give him a few of his signings and then they have a pot to hand a new manager in january if it goes pear-shaped. I think we all know if we're circling the plug hole come November they won't give him the time to turn it around again.

so don’t give the manager the players he needs to be successful just in case he isn’t successful so you can bin him and bring in the players so a new manager can be successful- err wise words

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: villa `cross the mersey on September 06, 2020, 08:11:45 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 06, 2020, 07:59:03 PM

Quote from: villa `cross the mersey on September 06, 2020, 07:43:56 PM

We are led to believe the current owners are extremely ambitious and we must allow them time to prove this - ie the end of the transfer window
I am however, totally underwhelmed thus far (ie from the end of the season to now). You would like to think the close call last  season has focused minds .......I get the feeling that retaining Grealish, Mings and McGinn will be seen as some kind of achievement

We stayed up, so of course keeping those players is a bonus. Does everything have to sound so grim?

Not so much grim as realistic .....we survived " by the skin of our teeth" Smith by his own admission has stated he wanted players "bedded in" by the start of the season .....a week or so away from the start of the season and we have recruited another full back - when the priority surely needs to be a striker - I dare say I will be accused of being a " bed wetter"or something equally childish or puerile.....the owners talk the talk let's see some positive action

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 06, 2020, 08:16:46 PM

Quote from: WALTERS WARRIORS on September 06, 2020, 05:56:13 PM

Where is Lange and he`s list of european/world players, who he is supposed be monitoring ?? We have recognised our last scouts failure to produce players of a high standard and pre requisite. Is the strategy to wait to the end of the window to get better deals and clubs who are in financial crisis to accept lower offers ??

PS is there any footage of the Arsenal friendly anywhere ?

I think that's unfair. Lange is still getting his feet under the table and is probably looking at all aspects of our football operations e.g. scouting home and abroad and trying to improve that. I'd expect more of a stamp from him regarding signings in January and next summer.

This summer is all about who DS wants to sign given the majority of links so far so he can't hide behind the "it's not my team" excuse that popped up from December onwards last season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 06, 2020, 08:19:14 PM

It's a little underwhelming, but there's time; I just hope we're not scratting around for signing after a few matches because we're clearly short.

It's also a bit boring. :)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 06, 2020, 08:20:33 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 07:25:05 PM

see wolves have made a strange signing for 2m. looking at his apps im guessing he's been crocked a lot


https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54051288 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54051288)

Actually started Lyon's first game of the season last week. And all their CL games.

No idea how the fee is so low but looks the sort of pick up we desperately need, experienced at top level of the game.

Of course we seen to treat any player over 30 now as Satan but you do need a couple of steady heads in your squad to cope with bad runs.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on September 06, 2020, 08:22:10 PM

For me as it stands if we can field a injury free side we have

a mid table defence
a top half midfield
a relegation forward line
a bottom half management team

let’s hope we can improve the forward line in the next couple of weeks and then not get any bad injuries or we will be in deep trouble again

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on September 06, 2020, 08:24:08 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on September 06, 2020, 06:16:09 PM

Quote from: Mister E on September 06, 2020, 06:02:15 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on September 06, 2020, 06:00:49 PM

I actually think we'll be fine striker-wise by the close of the window.

It'll either be one of the recent links (Watkins, Edouard, Origi) or a pleasant surprise. Even better if we finally  see movement on that this week. Smith has also mentioned pace in a wide areas as a priority and I expect at least one incoming there.

My concern is we don't seem to be linked to any centre halves or central midfielders. They were both areas where we looked short of top flight nous last season and I hope Smudger isn't content with his current centre back options.

Get L-Cheek in!!

Aye.  Or Nathaniel Chalobah at Watford. Premier League experience but still young and plenty to work with.

Tarkowski at Burnley is one we should be looking at as well. If Leicester are genuinely in for him and he wants to go there fair enough, you understand. West Ham less so. Leicester look a better short term bet for success after last season. Not sure of he'll be guaranteed to start ahead of the Turkish lad and Jonny Evans though.

At the reported £20 million for an England centre half that's great value in the current market and I'd hope we've at least enquired.

Think Tarlowski is bang average myself. Burnley play a very deep defensive line, MON esque, so their back four don't have to do much with the ball. I think Tarlowski would be exposed, much in the way Michael Keane has been, in most teams in the division.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 08:25:14 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on September 06, 2020, 08:11:33 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 08:07:13 PM

mebbe theyre not backing him totally. give him a few of his signings and then they have a pot to hand a new manager in january if it goes pear-shaped. I think we all know if we're circling the plug hole come November they won't give him the time to turn it around again.

so don’t give the manager the players he needs to be successful just in case he isn’t successful so you can bin him and bring in the players so a new manager can be successful- err wise words

it's more about circmstances really than a gameplan or stratedgy. 8 games to go, and a lot of people had given up on us staying up. it wouldn''t be too much of stretch to think maybe they planned a change in the summer, and then we stayed up, the players are behind the manager and they back-tracked because it would have appeared incredibly harsh on Smith. i mean we gave RDM the push after 3 months after spending a fortune so its not unheard of........

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on September 06, 2020, 08:31:18 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 08:25:14 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on September 06, 2020, 08:11:33 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 08:07:13 PM

mebbe theyre not backing him totally. give him a few of his signings and then they have a pot to hand a new manager in january if it goes pear-shaped. I think we all know if we're circling the plug hole come November they won't give him the time to turn it around again.

so don’t give the manager the players he needs to be successful just in case he isn’t successful so you can bin him and bring in the players so a new manager can be successful- err wise words

it's more about circmstances really than a gameplan or stratedgy. 8 games to go, and a lot of people had given up on us staying up. it wouldn''t be too much of stretch to think maybe they planned a change in the summer, and then we stayed up, the players are behind the manager and they back-tracked because it would have appeared incredibly harsh on Smith. i mean we gave RDM the push after 3 months after spending a fortune so its not unheard of........

i think he was gone if we lost to Chelsea before lockdown, the reshuffle suggests Smith and Purslow were given another chance and Suso took the hit.
They will have agreed a budget and they now have to get the most out of that budget. Don’t understand why the first by is a right back when we are desperate for a centre forward a wide player and midfielder.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on September 06, 2020, 08:35:48 PM

If the problem is that Lange needs time to get his feet under the table and get moving then maybe binning Richard Madeley as late as we did wasn't the best idea?

I also find it hard to believe Cash was a Lange target. Who is actually identifying the players?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on September 06, 2020, 08:35:53 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 06, 2020, 08:02:01 PM

Quote from: Lastfootstamper on September 06, 2020, 07:46:06 PM

“He said they’d support us with new players and improve the depth of the squad to kick on." All of which I have no doubt we're trying our utmost to make happen, but I can't imagine any owner of any club not saying they'd be doing that. I don't think those words are tantamount to telling our better players we'd be signing global superstars to prevent them from putting in transfer requests, which is what I inferred earlier.

What do you think he means then?  I ask that genuinely, not trying to catch you out.  Does it means 4 or 5 £20M signings from the Championship or a step up from that?

I do think it's a step up from that that we're after and we're ready and willing to do all that's reasonably necessary, but as recently as today it looks like we've been overlooked by someone from the heady heights of Bournemouth for the greater attractions of the frozen north. That shows me that this is going to be anything but easy, no matter who our targets are.

And as for the message, we've no idea of its recipients or verbatim content. To me, it sounds as much like McGinn trying to put our minds at rest as anything else.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on September 06, 2020, 08:40:18 PM

Quote from: andyh on September 06, 2020, 08:07:29 PM

From a Purslow interview.

VILLA FANS NEED TO UNDERSTAND THIS.
Purslow: It takes 4yrs to be able to pay average Prem salaries & comply with FFP. I have to comply with 1 year of Prem but 2 years of championship rules. The total wage bill we can pay is much, much lower than clubs in the prem for 3 years

That's a very sobbering quote. We could obviously do with losing a lot of the dead wood to bring down the wage bill and even then, once we've rewarded our star players, there may not be a lot to offer quality new signings. Probably why we're doing so much shopping in the Championship.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 06, 2020, 08:43:52 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 06, 2020, 08:35:48 PM

If the problem is that Lange needs time to get his feet under the table and get moving then maybe binning Richard Madeley as late as we did wasn't the best idea?

I also find it hard to believe Cash was a Lange target. Who is actually identifying the players?

Yep I don’t buy it. Also whatever the reason is they need to get it sorted, more than most teams we need some quality into the squad.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 06, 2020, 08:48:19 PM

Quote from: john e on September 06, 2020, 08:22:10 PM

For me as it stands if we can field a injury free side we have

a mid table defence
a top half midfield
a relegation forward line
a bottom half management team

let’s hope we can improve the forward line in the next couple of weeks and then not get any bad injuries or we will be in deep trouble again

Mid table defence?  We conceded 67 goals, a terrible stat only beaten by Norwich who finished bottom!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 06, 2020, 08:49:53 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 06, 2020, 08:35:48 PM

If the problem is that Lange needs time to get his feet under the table and get moving then maybe binning Richard Madeley as late as we did wasn't the best idea?

I also find it hard to believe Cash was a Lange target. Who is actually identifying the players?

Surely it'd be the scouting team, rather than just being Lange or Suso going out and scouting themselves. Recruitment is only one part of the sporting director's job after all. That Mitchell chap has just been brought in as the new chief scout as was or head of recruitment in new fangled terms, reporting to Lange.

I've never bought the 'Suso player', 'Smith player' thing. Of course they'll make suggestions too but one would hope we've got reports coming in from a worldwide team of scouts so it's not difficult to believe one of the Uk based scouts suggested Cash.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 08:49:55 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on September 06, 2020, 08:40:18 PM

Quote from: andyh on September 06, 2020, 08:07:29 PM

From a Purslow interview.

VILLA FANS NEED TO UNDERSTAND THIS.
Purslow: It takes 4yrs to be able to pay average Prem salaries & comply with FFP. I have to comply with 1 year of Prem but 2 years of championship rules. The total wage bill we can pay is much, much lower than clubs in the prem for 3 years

That's a very sobbering quote. We could obviously do with losing a lot of the dead wood to bring down the wage bill and even then, once we've rewarded our star players, there may not be a lot to offer quality new signings. Probably why we're doing so much shopping in the Championship.

Hasn't there already been a big drop in the wage bill? I'm sure there was something about it dropping from £90m to £65m (rough figures).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 06, 2020, 08:50:36 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 06, 2020, 08:35:48 PM

If the problem is that Lange needs time to get his feet under the table and get moving then maybe binning Richard Madeley as late as we did wasn't the best idea?

I also find it hard to believe Cash was a Lange target. Who is actually identifying the players?

Dean Smith.

He knows he nearly lost his job in March. He could see it coming and was dropping big hints for two months in the press conference that half the team wasn't what he wanted. He wanted Kalvin Phillips, he got Nakamba. He wanted Maupay, got Wesley. Benrahama-Trez etc.

Mind you he didn't help his cause by looking in Drinkwater's eyes and deciding he was the one to breath life into our central midfield so that was very faulty aswell.

Anyway I doubt his stock in the owners eyes will ever be higher than it is now after the great escape so they've probably listened to him moaning for months about recruitment and now given him the licence to sign the players he wants. Cash is one, Watkins will be another and will be another 2-3 more. Calum Wilson would've certainly been another DS signing aswell.

So enough rope to hang him by if the team starts poorly again and much easier to sack him in November if we're in the bottom 3 given it will be his team by then. Such is politics in the premier league.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 06, 2020, 08:52:28 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 06, 2020, 08:48:19 PM

Quote from: john e on September 06, 2020, 08:22:10 PM

For me as it stands if we can field a injury free side we have

a mid table defence
a top half midfield
a relegation forward line
a bottom half management team

let’s hope we can improve the forward line in the next couple of weeks and then not get any bad injuries or we will be in deep trouble again

Mid table defence?  We conceded 67 goals, a terrible stat only beaten by Norwich who finished bottom!

Indeed.

We went a bit O'Neill after the break, with centre halves at full back.

But I'd still want at least one better centre half than what we had last year. And genuine competition for Targett.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aev on September 06, 2020, 08:54:35 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on September 06, 2020, 08:40:18 PM

Quote from: andyh on September 06, 2020, 08:07:29 PM

From a Purslow interview.

VILLA FANS NEED TO UNDERSTAND THIS.
Purslow: It takes 4yrs to be able to pay average Prem salaries & comply with FFP. I have to comply with 1 year of Prem but 2 years of championship rules. The total wage bill we can pay is much, much lower than clubs in the prem for 3 years

That's a very sobbering quote. We could obviously do with losing a lot of the dead wood to bring down the wage bill and even then, once we've rewarded our star players, there may not be a lot to offer quality new signings. Probably why we're doing so much shopping in the Championship.

Wasn’t there a story though that we had significantly reduced the wage bill (think it was in the Athletic)?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 08:58:17 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 06, 2020, 08:50:36 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 06, 2020, 08:35:48 PM

If the problem is that Lange needs time to get his feet under the table and get moving then maybe binning Richard Madeley as late as we did wasn't the best idea?

I also find it hard to believe Cash was a Lange target. Who is actually identifying the players?

Dean Smith.

He knows he nearly lost his job in March. He could see it coming and was dropping big hints for two months in the press conference that half the team wasn't what he wanted. He wanted Kalvin Phillips, he got Nakamba. He wanted Maupay, got Wesley. Benrahama-Trez etc.

Mind you he didn't help his cause by looking in Drinkwater's eyes and deciding he was the one to breath life into our central midfield so that was very faulty aswell.

Anyway I doubt his stock in the owners eyes will ever be higher than it is now after the great escape so they've probably listened to him moaning for months about recruitment and now given him the licence to sign the players he wants. Cash is one, Watkins will be another and will be another 2-3 more. Calum Wilson would've certainly been another DS signing aswell.

So enough rope to hang him by if the team starts poorly again and much easier to sack him in November if we're in the bottom 3 given it will be his team by then. Such is politics in the premier league.

hmmm..that's what i assumed. Nice to hear it confirmed though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 06, 2020, 08:58:54 PM

I hope Matty Cash is bloody brilliant, and I’m sure he’ll add to us, but priority is slightly odd. Clearly nearly all areas of the pitch need improvement/depth, but I’d argue right back was one of the lower priorities. I know he’s versatile, but bloody hell the forwards and goalkeeping are critical.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 08:59:17 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 06, 2020, 08:48:19 PM

Quote from: john e on September 06, 2020, 08:22:10 PM

For me as it stands if we can field a injury free side we have

a mid table defence
a top half midfield
a relegation forward line
a bottom half management team

let’s hope we can improve the forward line in the next couple of weeks and then not get any bad injuries or we will be in deep trouble again

Mid table defence?  We conceded 67 goals, a terrible stat only beaten by Norwich who finished bottom!

A stat that whilst completely true means absolutely nothing. The season was clearly in 2 parts, unlike any other season you have to look at the 2 separately. Pre-covid we conceded slightly more than 2 a game with 57 in 28. After the restart we conceded 11 in 10. That's such a stark change that quoting the overall figure and ignoring it is pointless and misleading. It wasn't just luck either, the stat for shots conceded per game changed in line with the goals figure so the new defensive stability is entirely in line with how we were playing. Over a full season a similar defensive record would make us the 7th best defence in the league.

There's an argument that we sacrificed attacking intent to allow for it but that just supports the idea that we need to change the forward line to one more suited to how we are playing now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 06, 2020, 09:02:22 PM

One thing on the wage bill. I completely hear Purslow and of course we don't want it getting out of control as in the last MON season but how are Leeds avoiding FFP restrictions given they're signing Germany and Spanish internationals for big money. Rodrigo must be on 60-70k given he cost them 30m.

Can only think they have a much smaller core squad than we do e.g. 4-5 youth players on the bench while we still have Kalinic, Lansbury, Hogan and Taylor all hanging about, combined weekly wage of over 100k there.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on September 06, 2020, 09:02:31 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 08:59:17 PM

A stat that whilst completely true means absolutely nothing. The season was clearly in 2 parts, unlike any other season you have to look at the 2 separately. Pre-covid we conceded slightly more than 2 a game with 57 in 28. After the restart we conceded 11 in 10. That's such a stark change that quoting the overall figure and ignoring it is pointless and misleading. It wasn't just luck either, the stat for shots conceded per game changed in line with the goals figure so the new defensive stability is entirely in line with how we were playing. Over a full season a similar defensive record would make us the 7th best defence in the league.

There's an argument that we sacrificed attacking intent to allow for it but that just supports the idea that we need to change the forward line to one more suited to how we are playing now.

What were the stats for goals scored pre / post the break?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 09:02:35 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 08:58:17 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 06, 2020, 08:50:36 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 06, 2020, 08:35:48 PM

If the problem is that Lange needs time to get his feet under the table and get moving then maybe binning Richard Madeley as late as we did wasn't the best idea?

I also find it hard to believe Cash was a Lange target. Who is actually identifying the players?

Dean Smith.

He knows he nearly lost his job in March. He could see it coming and was dropping big hints for two months in the press conference that half the team wasn't what he wanted. He wanted Kalvin Phillips, he got Nakamba. He wanted Maupay, got Wesley. Benrahama-Trez etc.

Mind you he didn't help his cause by looking in Drinkwater's eyes and deciding he was the one to breath life into our central midfield so that was very faulty aswell.

Anyway I doubt his stock in the owners eyes will ever be higher than it is now after the great escape so they've probably listened to him moaning for months about recruitment and now given him the licence to sign the players he wants. Cash is one, Watkins will be another and will be another 2-3 more. Calum Wilson would've certainly been another DS signing aswell.

So enough rope to hang him by if the team starts poorly again and much easier to sack him in November if we're in the bottom 3 given it will be his team by then. Such is politics in the premier league.

hmmm..that's what i assumed. Nice to hear it confirmed though.

Unless that post is coming from anywhere but the opinion of the poster I don't see how it confirms anything, it just mean someone else thinks the same thing you do.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Shrek on September 06, 2020, 09:02:48 PM

We reduced the wage bill from 95m to 65m (roughly around that I think), we don’t really have any deadwood now. I’d say Hogan and Lansbury are the only ones, everyone else is contributing in some way as part of the squad.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 06, 2020, 09:05:45 PM

Quote from: Shrek on September 06, 2020, 09:02:48 PM

We reduced the wage bill from 95m to 65m (roughly around that I think), we don’t really have any deadwood now. I’d say Hogan and Lansbury are the only ones, everyone else is contributing in some way as part of the squad.

Plus Jota and Kalinic. That's probably around £150k per week between those four going on an £35-40k average or nearly £8m per year. Soon mounts up.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 09:07:21 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 09:02:35 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 08:58:17 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 06, 2020, 08:50:36 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 06, 2020, 08:35:48 PM

If the problem is that Lange needs time to get his feet under the table and get moving then maybe binning Richard Madeley as late as we did wasn't the best idea?

I also find it hard to believe Cash was a Lange target. Who is actually identifying the players?

Dean Smith.

He knows he nearly lost his job in March. He could see it coming and was dropping big hints for two months in the press conference that half the team wasn't what he wanted. He wanted Kalvin Phillips, he got Nakamba. He wanted Maupay, got Wesley. Benrahama-Trez etc.

Mind you he didn't help his cause by looking in Drinkwater's eyes and deciding he was the one to breath life into our central midfield so that was very faulty aswell.

Anyway I doubt his stock in the owners eyes will ever be higher than it is now after the great escape so they've probably listened to him moaning for months about recruitment and now given him the licence to sign the players he wants. Cash is one, Watkins will be another and will be another 2-3 more. Calum Wilson would've certainly been another DS signing aswell.

So enough rope to hang him by if the team starts poorly again and much easier to sack him in November if we're in the bottom 3 given it will be his team by then. Such is politics in the premier league.

hmmm..that's what i assumed. Nice to hear it confirmed though.

Unless that post is coming from anywhere but the opinion of the poster I don't see how it confirms anything, it just mean someone else thinks the same thing you do.

True, but i think Smith deserves a lot of credit for getting us up , and a lot of credit for survival during the double cluster-fuck of recruiting a new squad and COVID. If he gets his signings this summer, even if i don't like them, then at least he got a fair crack of the whip

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 06, 2020, 09:08:02 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 08:59:17 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 06, 2020, 08:48:19 PM

Quote from: john e on September 06, 2020, 08:22:10 PM

For me as it stands if we can field a injury free side we have

a mid table defence
a top half midfield
a relegation forward line
a bottom half management team

let’s hope we can improve the forward line in the next couple of weeks and then not get any bad injuries or we will be in deep trouble again

Mid table defence?  We conceded 67 goals, a terrible stat only beaten by Norwich who finished bottom!

A stat that whilst completely true means absolutely nothing. The season was clearly in 2 parts, unlike any other season you have to look at the 2 separately. Pre-covid we conceded slightly more than 2 a game with 57 in 28. After the restart we conceded 11 in 10. That's such a stark change that quoting the overall figure and ignoring it is pointless and misleading. It wasn't just luck either, the stat for shots conceded per game changed in line with the goals figure so the new defensive stability is entirely in line with how we were playing. Over a full season a similar defensive record would make us the 7th best defence in the league.

There's an argument that we sacrificed attacking intent to allow for it but that just supports the idea that we need to change the forward line to one more suited to how we are playing now.

My worry about this new incredible defence is even after lockdown we were still really vulnerable to a simple cross swung in. Two conceded v Chelsea in that manner and of course the incredibly soft goal we let Walcott score. Incredibly good luck aswell that the "goals" from Sheffield United and Palace didn't count either, luck that eluded us in the first half of the season with all the VAR fiascos.

I'd still love a Laursen type at the back who would be a magnet to those crosses and head them away. Suppose that's the crux of playing Hause, we're better at defending high balls but he has nowhere near the ability to pass out like Konsa can so we lose ability to play out quickly.

Dosen't really seem a priority anyway so we'll soon know if it was the right call.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on September 06, 2020, 09:30:06 PM

For a reasonable fee, Pukki could certainly do a job for us. His touch and movement were excellent tonight against Ireland. Not sure if there are regular Scottish club followers on here but Glen Kamara dominated midfield with ease. Sheff United were linked with him before.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on September 06, 2020, 09:38:16 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 06, 2020, 08:48:19 PM

Quote from: john e on September 06, 2020, 08:22:10 PM

For me as it stands if we can field a injury free side we have

a mid table defence
a top half midfield
a relegation forward line
a bottom half management team

let’s hope we can improve the forward line in the next couple of weeks and then not get any bad injuries or we will be in deep trouble again

Mid table defence?  We conceded 67 goals, a terrible stat only beaten by Norwich who finished bottom!

Yeah I know what your saying, but I’m talking about a defence involving
Guilbert, Cash, Mings, Engels,  Konsa, Target

as it stands I think that’s mid table

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 09:39:35 PM

well Pukki scored more than wilson last term. Think they'd want more for him though and he's 2 years older

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on September 06, 2020, 09:46:13 PM

Speculation about Zaha seems strangely quiet.  I think other clubs would quickly join the bidding but might be worth a cheeky low bid.  I’d imagine Palace were resigned to losing him but imagine he is already on decent wages.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 09:49:16 PM

Quote from: Dante Lavelli on September 06, 2020, 09:46:13 PM

Speculation about Zaha seems strangely quiet.  I think other clubs would quickly join the bidding but might be worth a cheeky low bid.  I’d imagine Palace were resigned to losing him but imagine he is already on decent wages.

Not for me, he appears to be a complete knob.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 09:50:21 PM

crystal palace is only 13 miles  from Brentford. could be a goer

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on September 06, 2020, 09:51:09 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 09:49:16 PM

Quote from: Dante Lavelli on September 06, 2020, 09:46:13 PM

Speculation about Zaha seems strangely quiet.  I think other clubs would quickly join the bidding but might be worth a cheeky low bid.  I’d imagine Palace were resigned to losing him but imagine he is already on decent wages.

Not for me, he appears to be a complete knob.

Not to mention overrated.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on September 06, 2020, 09:52:24 PM

Quote from: john e on September 06, 2020, 09:38:16 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 06, 2020, 08:48:19 PM

Quote from: john e on September 06, 2020, 08:22:10 PM

For me as it stands if we can field a injury free side we have

a mid table defence
a top half midfield
a relegation forward line
a bottom half management team

let’s hope we can improve the forward line in the next couple of weeks and then not get any bad injuries or we will be in deep trouble again

Mid table defence?  We conceded 67 goals, a terrible stat only beaten by Norwich who finished bottom!

Yeah I know what your saying, but I’m talking about a defence involving
Guilbert, Cash, Mings, Engels,  Konsa, Target

as it stands I think that’s mid table

I guess if we played all six of them we'd probably concede fewer goals.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ian. on September 06, 2020, 09:54:26 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on September 06, 2020, 08:40:18 PM

Quote from: andyh on September 06, 2020, 08:07:29 PM

From a Purslow interview.

VILLA FANS NEED TO UNDERSTAND THIS.
Purslow: It takes 4yrs to be able to pay average Prem salaries & comply with FFP. I have to comply with 1 year of Prem but 2 years of championship rules. The total wage bill we can pay is much, much lower than clubs in the prem for 3 years

That's a very sobbering quote. We could obviously do with losing a lot of the dead wood to bring down the wage bill and even then, once we've rewarded our star players, there may not be a lot to offer quality new signings. Probably why we're doing so much shopping in the Championship.

That’s a leash on the spend and obviously why it’s so hard to do business. I’m still confident though we’ll have a few more in over the next couple of weeks.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 10:02:22 PM

It would be ironic if we couldn't match Nan's hair's offer to a striker  because we overpaid on wages to get a striker for Nan's hair.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on September 06, 2020, 10:13:53 PM

Quote from: Ian J on September 06, 2020, 09:54:26 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on September 06, 2020, 08:40:18 PM

Quote from: andyh on September 06, 2020, 08:07:29 PM

From a Purslow interview.

VILLA FANS NEED TO UNDERSTAND THIS.
Purslow: It takes 4yrs to be able to pay average Prem salaries & comply with FFP. I have to comply with 1 year of Prem but 2 years of championship rules. The total wage bill we can pay is much, much lower than clubs in the prem for 3 years

That's a very sobbering quote. We could obviously do with losing a lot of the dead wood to bring down the wage bill and even then, once we've rewarded our star players, there may not be a lot to offer quality new signings. Probably why we're doing so much shopping in the Championship.

That’s a leash on the spend and obviously why it’s so hard to do business. I’m still confident though we’ll have a few more in over the next couple of weeks.

Are the rules that different or is it an indirect way of saying that player’s contracts are typically 4-years so it takes a while for the championship players/salaries to be flushed through/given pay rises.  Therefore we currently have a largely championship quality squad because we are paying championship wages?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rory on September 06, 2020, 10:16:04 PM

I fully understand those who are worried. We barely survived last season, which was indeed a great effort after lockdown, but I was one of many who hoped that we'd make sure it wasn't quite such a close call this season.

I'm not going to slag off anyone at the club, and I recognise that the intricacies of trading and managing multi-million pound assets must be difficult, but I don't think it's unreasonable that a supporter would like to see a team that stayed up by 1 point strengthened before they feel confident of starting a new season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on September 06, 2020, 10:19:37 PM

So FFP is suddenly a problem again?  That means we have to buy big but pay cheap?  So Watkins is not going to be paid 70k a week then is he?  We will not compete with anyone for the likes of Batshuayi (sp), Loftus-Cheek or any other Prem player because they are going to want waaay too much in salary.  Also rules out Romero as he will want huge wages.  Any Watford or Bormuff player, forget it.  You really don't what or who to believe these days.

The current squad may be a year more experienced in this division, but bar Grealish, Mings and (sometimes), SJM, the rest are still not good enough.  Luiz may be the other one.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 06, 2020, 10:23:00 PM

Quote from: Rory Christopher on September 06, 2020, 10:16:04 PM

I fully understand those who are worried. We barely survived last season, which was indeed a great effort after lockdown, but I was one of many who hoped that we'd make sure it wasn't quite such a close call this season.

I'm not going to slag off anyone at the club, and I recognise that the intricacies of trading and managing multi-million pound assets must be difficult, but I don't think it's unreasonable that a supporter would like to see a team that stayed up by 1 point strengthened before they feel confident of starting a new season.

I agree with that. We need reinforcements. And really good ones. But I still believe Lange coming in meant a complete review of what we did on the recruitment front. Most agree it didn’t go to plan do we have to give the bloke time to understand what we need and identify targets based on those needs. It’s not just about lashing another £100m out. And I have no doubt well documented targets like Watkins and Benrahma are still targets. They’ve not gone anywhere. But managers always say agents from all over are calling for their clients so we have make really sound decisions this summer. As well as allowing players bought last year to mature and give kids a chance to come through. The stats and therefore the needs speak for themselves. We need to defend better. We need to create more chances and score goals.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 10:24:48 PM

I'm guessing going back 3 years is the real issue. I mean he had some right old crud on mega-wages back then. Richards, Gabby...........

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 10:28:01 PM

Quote from: Rory Christopher on September 06, 2020, 10:16:04 PM

I fully understand those who are worried. We barely survived last season, which was indeed a great effort after lockdown, but I was one of many who hoped that we'd make sure it wasn't quite such a close call this season.

I'm not going to slag off anyone at the club, and I recognise that the intricacies of trading and managing multi-million pound assets must be difficult, but I don't think it's unreasonable that a supporter would like to see a team that stayed up by 1 point strengthened before they feel confident of starting a new season.

I don't think anyone has a problem with that, i certainly don't.

Where I get frustrated is 2 specific types of posts.
1. If the window closed today it would be shit and we'd be in a relegation battle again, or derivatives of that theme.
2. I posted how pissed off I was about a lack of signings yesterday and the day before but new day, new post about the lack of signings.

I'm not saying you can't be frustrated, I'm not saying you can't join in with conversations and I certainly don't expect everyone to think the same way, I'm just saying that logging on to the site having been off for a day and seeing 200 new posts should make people think that there's something to talk about and maybe some exciting links. Instead it's the same people (me included) having the same cyclical conversations over and over again. This year it feels worse than I can ever remember though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on September 06, 2020, 10:30:25 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 06, 2020, 09:02:22 PM

One thing on the wage bill. I completely hear Purslow and of course we don't want it getting out of control as in the last MON season but how are Leeds avoiding FFP restrictions given they're signing Germany and Spanish internationals for big money. Rodrigo must be on 60-70k given he cost them 30m.

Can only think they have a much smaller core squad than we do e.g. 4-5 youth players on the bench while we still have Kalinic, Lansbury, Hogan and Taylor all hanging about, combined weekly wage of over 100k there.

Leeds have Premier league money now so will spend it. I also think that Leeds have run quite a tight ship financially in the last few years and have quite a small squad so probably haven't accrued many financial losses.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on September 06, 2020, 10:30:45 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 06, 2020, 10:23:00 PM

Quote from: Rory Christopher on September 06, 2020, 10:16:04 PM

I fully understand those who are worried. We barely survived last season, which was indeed a great effort after lockdown, but I was one of many who hoped that we'd make sure it wasn't quite such a close call this season.

I'm not going to slag off anyone at the club, and I recognise that the intricacies of trading and managing multi-million pound assets must be difficult, but I don't think it's unreasonable that a supporter would like to see a team that stayed up by 1 point strengthened before they feel confident of starting a new season.

I agree with that. We need reinforcements. And really good ones. But I still believe Lange coming in meant a complete review of what we did on the recruitment front. Most agree it didn’t go to plan do we have to give the bloke time to understand what we need and identify targets based on those needs. It’s not just about lashing another £100m out. And I have no doubt well documented targets like Watkins and Benrahma are still targets. They’ve not gone anywhere. But managers always say agents from all over are calling for their clients so we have make really sound decisions this summer. As well as allowing players bought last year to mature and give kids a chance to come through. The stats and therefore the needs speak for themselves. We need to defend better. We need to create more chances and score goals.

Surely Lange had some players in mind when he arrived at the club?  It's not like his previous job was completely different to what he's doing now.  Are there no gems in the Danish league or players that he had an eye on already?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rory on September 06, 2020, 10:33:22 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 10:28:01 PM

Quote from: Rory Christopher on September 06, 2020, 10:16:04 PM

I fully understand those who are worried. We barely survived last season, which was indeed a great effort after lockdown, but I was one of many who hoped that we'd make sure it wasn't quite such a close call this season.

I'm not going to slag off anyone at the club, and I recognise that the intricacies of trading and managing multi-million pound assets must be difficult, but I don't think it's unreasonable that a supporter would like to see a team that stayed up by 1 point strengthened before they feel confident of starting a new season.

I don't think anyone has a problem with that, i certainly don't.

Where I get frustrated is 2 specific types of posts.
1. If the window closed today it would be shit and we'd be in a relegation battle again, or derivatives of that theme.
2. I posted how pissed off I was about a lack of signings yesterday and the day before but new day, new post about the lack of signings.

I'm not saying you can't be frustrated, I'm not saying you can't join in with conversations and I certainly don't expect everyone to think the same way, I'm just saying that logging on to the site having been off for a day and seeing 200 new posts should make people think that there's something to talk about and maybe some exciting links. Instead it's the same people (me included) having the same cyclical conversations over and over again. This year it feels worse than I can ever remember though.

That's fair enough. We do seem to be going round in circles a bit more than usual, but that's probably because we all know we need reinforcements and, Cash aside (who I think is a great addition), what's in the public domain isn't particularly reassuring.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 06, 2020, 10:33:38 PM

Quote from: Newby on September 06, 2020, 10:30:45 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 06, 2020, 10:23:00 PM

Quote from: Rory Christopher on September 06, 2020, 10:16:04 PM

I fully understand those who are worried. We barely survived last season, which was indeed a great effort after lockdown, but I was one of many who hoped that we'd make sure it wasn't quite such a close call this season.

I'm not going to slag off anyone at the club, and I recognise that the intricacies of trading and managing multi-million pound assets must be difficult, but I don't think it's unreasonable that a supporter would like to see a team that stayed up by 1 point strengthened before they feel confident of starting a new season.

I agree with that. We need reinforcements. And really good ones. But I still believe Lange coming in meant a complete review of what we did on the recruitment front. Most agree it didn’t go to plan do we have to give the bloke time to understand what we need and identify targets based on those needs. It’s not just about lashing another £100m out. And I have no doubt well documented targets like Watkins and Benrahma are still targets. They’ve not gone anywhere. But managers always say agents from all over are calling for their clients so we have make really sound decisions this summer. As well as allowing players bought last year to mature and give kids a chance to come through. The stats and therefore the needs speak for themselves. We need to defend better. We need to create more chances and score goals.

Surely Lange had some players in mind when he arrived at the club?  It's not like his previous job was completely different to what he's doing now.  Are there no gems in the Danish league or players that he had an eye on already?

I mean he might have. But they have to fit what we are looking for. Got to remember his former club was constantly in Europe. We just escaped the trap door by the skin of our nuts. Different criteria. I’m sure if have a decent season then recruitment for him and his team becomes a little easier. Especially with a years knowledge under their belt.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on September 06, 2020, 10:34:15 PM

Quote from: Newby on September 06, 2020, 10:30:45 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 06, 2020, 10:23:00 PM

Quote from: Rory Christopher on September 06, 2020, 10:16:04 PM

I fully understand those who are worried. We barely survived last season, which was indeed a great effort after lockdown, but I was one of many who hoped that we'd make sure it wasn't quite such a close call this season.

I'm not going to slag off anyone at the club, and I recognise that the intricacies of trading and managing multi-million pound assets must be difficult, but I don't think it's unreasonable that a supporter would like to see a team that stayed up by 1 point strengthened before they feel confident of starting a new season.

I agree with that. We need reinforcements. And really good ones. But I still believe Lange coming in meant a complete review of what we did on the recruitment front. Most agree it didn’t go to plan do we have to give the bloke time to understand what we need and identify targets based on those needs. It’s not just about lashing another £100m out. And I have no doubt well documented targets like Watkins and Benrahma are still targets. They’ve not gone anywhere. But managers always say agents from all over are calling for their clients so we have make really sound decisions this summer. As well as allowing players bought last year to mature and give kids a chance to come through. The stats and therefore the needs speak for themselves. We need to defend better. We need to create more chances and score goals.

Surely Lange had some players in mind when he arrived at the club?  It's not like his previous job was completely different to what he's doing now.  Are there no gems in the Danish league or players that he had an eye on already?

I would like to think he has brought his laptop and Filofax with him rather than him starting from square one  ;)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 06, 2020, 10:49:20 PM

The Watkins and Benrahma situations are strange.  Neither of them have been involved in pre season, their manager just says they’re still Brentford players but how long does it take for someone to either agree a fee or withdraw from a deal.  I would’ve thought they’d have been sold by now.  If no team is willing to meet their asking prices then it seems odd to not include them in any pre season games or indeed today’s competitive fixture.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: charlatan on September 06, 2020, 11:01:04 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on September 06, 2020, 10:49:20 PM

The Watkins and Benrahma situations are strange.  Neither of them have been involved in pre season, their manager just says they’re still Brentford players but how long does it take for someone to either agree a fee or withdraw from a deal.  I would’ve thought they’d have been sold by now.  If no team is willing to meet their asking prices then it seems odd to not include them in any pre season games or indeed today’s competitive fixture.

I'd assume it means Frank anticipates they will leave because the club has told him (and them) that it needs to sell, so he is not interested in wasting practice time on players who aren't going to be playing for him going forward. The club has had enough interest that it feels in no rush to settle for what it sees as undervalued fees with a fair amount of time left until the window closes.

It would surprise me if they didn't play in the first league match, but then remained at Brentford.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john2710 on September 06, 2020, 11:06:55 PM

The transfer window closes on 5th October but for transfers between PL & EFL clubs the window is open until 16th October.

Therefore transfers for Watkins, Benrhama or any other EFL player may run for a while. It could be who blinks first.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on September 06, 2020, 11:12:30 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on September 06, 2020, 10:49:20 PM

The Watkins and Benrahma situations are strange.  Neither of them have been involved in pre season, their manager just says they’re still Brentford players but how long does it take for someone to either agree a fee or withdraw from a deal.  I would’ve thought they’d have been sold by now.  If no team is willing to meet their asking prices then it seems odd to not include them in any pre season games or indeed today’s competitive fixture.

They obviously will want top dollar for both which is 100% their right as we would with Jack if anyone bid - part of me thinks if either were totally number 1 on the transfer list that the deal would have been done as they are clearly available at the right price

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 06, 2020, 11:25:04 PM

Quote from: john2710 on September 06, 2020, 11:06:55 PM

The transfer window closes on 5th October but for transfers between PL & EFL clubs the window is open until 16th October.

Therefore transfers for Watkins, Benrhama or any other EFL player may run for a while. It could be who blinks first.

Brentford are playing a risky game. We''ll have played 4 games by then and with Samatta and Davis on fire we probably won't want them. *cough*

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 06, 2020, 11:32:22 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 06, 2020, 09:30:06 PM

For a reasonable fee, Pukki could certainly do a job for us. His touch and movement were excellent tonight against Ireland.

Seen the game and felt the same.

As one of 3>4 options (with a better forward still incoming) I could live with it. Send Davis and possibly Samatta out on loan.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on September 07, 2020, 12:00:18 AM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 06, 2020, 10:23:00 PM

Quote from: Rory Christopher on September 06, 2020, 10:16:04 PM

I fully understand those who are worried. We barely survived last season, which was indeed a great effort after lockdown, but I was one of many who hoped that we'd make sure it wasn't quite such a close call this season.

I'm not going to slag off anyone at the club, and I recognise that the intricacies of trading and managing multi-million pound assets must be difficult, but I don't think it's unreasonable that a supporter would like to see a team that stayed up by 1 point strengthened before they feel confident of starting a new season.

I agree with that. We need reinforcements. And really good ones. But I still believe Lange coming in meant a complete review of what we did on the recruitment front. Most agree it didn’t go to plan do we have to give the bloke time to understand what we need and identify targets based on those needs. It’s not just about lashing another £100m out. And I have no doubt well documented targets like Watkins and Benrahma are still targets. They’ve not gone anywhere. But managers always say agents from all over are calling for their clients so we have make really sound decisions this summer. As well as allowing players bought last year to mature and give kids a chance to come through. The stats and therefore the needs speak for themselves. We need to defend better. We need to create more chances and score goals.

In which case, that is dreadful timing from the club.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 07, 2020, 12:01:06 AM

Pukki is older than Wilson isn't he?

I thought he was terrible for Norwich in the run in although was apparently playing with a toe injury. Scored 11 goals by mid January in the league which wasn't bad I guess and lightyears ahead of what our two fit striker options can realistically produce.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on September 07, 2020, 12:05:25 AM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 08:59:17 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 06, 2020, 08:48:19 PM

Quote from: john e on September 06, 2020, 08:22:10 PM

For me as it stands if we can field a injury free side we have

a mid table defence
a top half midfield
a relegation forward line
a bottom half management team

let’s hope we can improve the forward line in the next couple of weeks and then not get any bad injuries or we will be in deep trouble again

Mid table defence?  We conceded 67 goals, a terrible stat only beaten by Norwich who finished bottom!

A stat that whilst completely true means absolutely nothing. The season was clearly in 2 parts, unlike any other season you have to look at the 2 separately. Pre-covid we conceded slightly more than 2 a game with 57 in 28. After the restart we conceded 11 in 10. That's such a stark change that quoting the overall figure and ignoring it is pointless and misleading. It wasn't just luck either, the stat for shots conceded per game changed in line with the goals figure so the new defensive stability is entirely in line with how we were playing. Over a full season a similar defensive record would make us the 7th best defence in the league.

There's an argument that we sacrificed attacking intent to allow for it but that just supports the idea that we need to change the forward line to one more suited to how we are playing now.

Fingers crossed then that if we're doing piss poor by the arse end of the season, a pandemic comes in and gives us the chance to reset,

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 07, 2020, 12:23:52 AM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 07, 2020, 12:00:18 AM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 06, 2020, 10:23:00 PM

Quote from: Rory Christopher on September 06, 2020, 10:16:04 PM

I fully understand those who are worried. We barely survived last season, which was indeed a great effort after lockdown, but I was one of many who hoped that we'd make sure it wasn't quite such a close call this season.

I'm not going to slag off anyone at the club, and I recognise that the intricacies of trading and managing multi-million pound assets must be difficult, but I don't think it's unreasonable that a supporter would like to see a team that stayed up by 1 point strengthened before they feel confident of starting a new season.

I agree with that. We need reinforcements. And really good ones. But I still believe Lange coming in meant a complete review of what we did on the recruitment front. Most agree it didn’t go to plan do we have to give the bloke time to understand what we need and identify targets based on those needs. It’s not just about lashing another £100m out. And I have no doubt well documented targets like Watkins and Benrahma are still targets. They’ve not gone anywhere. But managers always say agents from all over are calling for their clients so we have make really sound decisions this summer. As well as allowing players bought last year to mature and give kids a chance to come through. The stats and therefore the needs speak for themselves. We need to defend better. We need to create more chances and score goals.

In which case, that is dreadful timing from the club.

Maybe. I’m just theorizing. But they clearly wanted a very different approach and if that means taking a bit of extra time to bring in players then maybe it’s a good thing. We’ll only be able judge this window at the end. Not with a month to go.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on September 07, 2020, 06:49:11 AM

Twatter rumours we are in for Josh King who is even older than Wilson. Seems like Brentford might be pricing Watkins and Benrahma out of moves.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rob_bridge on September 07, 2020, 07:09:05 AM

Quote from: mr underhill on September 07, 2020, 06:49:11 AM

Twatter rumours we are in for Josh King who is even older than Wilson. Seems like Brentford might be pricing Watkins and Benrahma out of moves.

Hmm not much of an upgrade

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OzVilla on September 07, 2020, 07:13:16 AM

Quote from: mr underhill on September 07, 2020, 06:49:11 AM

Twatter rumours we are in for Josh King who is even older than Wilson. Seems like Brentford might be pricing Watkins and Benrahma out of moves.

It doesn't bother me that he's older. Is he more versatile and whats his injury record like. Wilson always struck me as a player that would age before his time due to his knee issues. He'll probably tear it up for Newcastle now but i'm not crying that we've missed out there personally.

Regards Lange coming in, once the season was over it was clear Suso was going to be punted, that in itself forces a recruitment re-think. Fresh minds, new ideas. I'm still fairly relaxed about things at the moment, they'll know what they need and it's a strange window with the Covid issues, I know it's hard but I just think we need to show some patience.  Things will happen late in this window across the board imo.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sid1964 on September 07, 2020, 07:15:57 AM

judging by the comments by Purslow anyone expecting us to sign a player who commands £100k + per week salary is going to be disappointed

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on September 07, 2020, 07:18:04 AM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 07, 2020, 12:00:18 AM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 06, 2020, 10:23:00 PM

Quote from: Rory Christopher on September 06, 2020, 10:16:04 PM

I fully understand those who are worried. We barely survived last season, which was indeed a great effort after lockdown, but I was one of many who hoped that we'd make sure it wasn't quite such a close call this season.

I'm not going to slag off anyone at the club, and I recognise that the intricacies of trading and managing multi-million pound assets must be difficult, but I don't think it's unreasonable that a supporter would like to see a team that stayed up by 1 point strengthened before they feel confident of starting a new season.

I agree with that. We need reinforcements. And really good ones. But I still believe Lange coming in meant a complete review of what we did on the recruitment front. Most agree it didn’t go to plan do we have to give the bloke time to understand what we need and identify targets based on those needs. It’s not just about lashing another £100m out. And I have no doubt well documented targets like Watkins and Benrahma are still targets. They’ve not gone anywhere. But managers always say agents from all over are calling for their clients so we have make really sound decisions this summer. As well as allowing players bought last year to mature and give kids a chance to come through. The stats and therefore the needs speak for themselves. We need to defend better. We need to create more chances and score goals.

In which case, that is dreadful timing from the club.

i know what you mean but the owners had a senior management team of Purslow Suso Smith, they backed Purslow in December /January who backed Smith Suso. ( January transfer debacle ensued) They were about to pull the trigger on Smith in March , then lock down.
They waited for the season to end and obviously reviewed the situation resulting in Suso getting the boot and replacement made.
Not ideal but you can understand  why we might be struggling in recruitment now with a new team in place.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on September 07, 2020, 07:37:09 AM

Quote from: sid1964 on September 07, 2020, 07:15:57 AM

judging by the comments by Purslow anyone expecting us to sign a player who commands £100k + per week salary is going to be disappointed

Yeah, seems the nature of the last relegation & the aftermath will cast a long shadow. We'll have a couple more seasons at least of bargain basement shopping and protracted negotiations. Guess it's also difficult as we've overhauled recruitment and they might have a transfer strategy that doesn't involve relocating Club Bruges' squad to Sutton Coldfield.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: nigel on September 07, 2020, 07:37:39 AM

Quote from: rob_bridge on September 07, 2020, 07:09:05 AM

Quote from: mr underhill on September 07, 2020, 06:49:11 AM

Twatter rumours we are in for Josh King who is even older than Wilson. Seems like Brentford might be pricing Watkins and Benrahma out of moves.

Hmm not much of an upgrade

Reading back a few pages people were preferring King to Wilson.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ian. on September 07, 2020, 07:50:02 AM

I agree Oz, there’s very little happening all round at the moment. I’m still fairly sure we’ll bring in what we need this time.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: robbo1874 on September 07, 2020, 08:09:01 AM

Borja Baston off to French Club Leganes apparently on a free. Who?

Oh no- we’re really screwed now 🤣

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on September 07, 2020, 08:10:16 AM

We need Davis to step up to the plate ASAP.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 07, 2020, 08:17:13 AM

I wouldn't back Davis with an open goal from 3 yards.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on September 07, 2020, 08:17:40 AM

At the right price Pukki might be a better bet than someone like King - marginally older at 30 with a very good scoring record at Norwich

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 07, 2020, 08:19:21 AM

I think Pukki would be a dreadful signing. On the face of it his stats look ok, but it’s mainly at a lower level with the exception of a very brief purple patch at the start of last season. He’s a Championship level player.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rob_bridge on September 07, 2020, 08:25:28 AM

Quote from: nigel on September 07, 2020, 07:37:39 AM

Quote from: rob_bridge on September 07, 2020, 07:09:05 AM

Quote from: mr underhill on September 07, 2020, 06:49:11 AM

Twatter rumours we are in for Josh King who is even older than Wilson. Seems like Brentford might be pricing Watkins and Benrahma out of moves.

Hmm not much of an upgrade

Reading back a few pages people were preferring King to Wilson.

Depends on the price and importantly didn't Bournemouth pay comparatively silly mages to lots of players and have high wage to income ration?. Anyway not massively keen on either

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 07, 2020, 08:25:44 AM

Agreed. I would sooner have Dwight Gayle than Pukki.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rob_bridge on September 07, 2020, 08:27:45 AM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on September 07, 2020, 08:19:21 AM

I think Pukki would be a dreadful signing. On the face of it his stats look ok, but it’s mainly at a lower level with the exception of a very brief purple patch at the start of last season. He’s a Championship level player.

Well teams worked him out pretty quickly seemingly

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on September 07, 2020, 08:28:22 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 07, 2020, 08:25:44 AM

Agreed. I would sooner have Dwight Gayle than Pukki.

I’d sooner have Michele Gayle than Pukki.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on September 07, 2020, 08:49:16 AM

When we're Purslows comments made?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rob_bridge on September 07, 2020, 08:49:52 AM

Quote from: WilliamStanding on September 07, 2020, 08:28:22 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 07, 2020, 08:25:44 AM

Agreed. I would sooner have Dwight Gayle than Pukki.

I’d sooner have Michele Gayle than Pukki.

What about Howard Gayle? Or Howard Jones?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 07, 2020, 08:52:24 AM

Quote from: rob_bridge on September 07, 2020, 08:49:52 AM

Quote from: WilliamStanding on September 07, 2020, 08:28:22 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 07, 2020, 08:25:44 AM

Agreed. I would sooner have Dwight Gayle than Pukki.

I’d sooner have Michele Gayle than Pukki.

What about Howard Gayle? Or Howard Jones?

I'd rather have Howard Hodgson...actually, I wouldn't.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on September 07, 2020, 08:52:57 AM

or Michelle Gayle

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on September 07, 2020, 08:55:17 AM

I hope there are lots of targets that are just not on the Twitter radar that we are after and will come good 🤔

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on September 07, 2020, 09:03:22 AM

Would you have that young lad Elliott on loan from Liverpool?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rob_bridge on September 07, 2020, 09:13:29 AM

Quote from: VILLA MOLE on September 07, 2020, 08:55:17 AM

I hope there are lots of targets that are just not on the Twitter radar that we are after and will come good 🤔

What? Surely Twitter is a single source of truth.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aev on September 07, 2020, 09:13:59 AM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on September 07, 2020, 09:03:22 AM

Would you have that young lad Elliott on loan from Liverpool?

Looks as though he is a talented kid, but we have quite a few of our own i'd rather give a go to rather than develop Liverpool's.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on September 07, 2020, 09:14:41 AM

Quote from: rob_bridge on September 07, 2020, 09:13:29 AM

Quote from: VILLA MOLE on September 07, 2020, 08:55:17 AM

I hope there are lots of targets that are just not on the Twitter radar that we are after and will come good 🤔

What? Surely Twitter is a single source of truth.

Obviously, I swear by it 🙂

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 07, 2020, 09:17:27 AM

Quote from: rob_bridge on September 07, 2020, 09:13:29 AM

Quote from: VILLA MOLE on September 07, 2020, 08:55:17 AM

I hope there are lots of targets that are just not on the Twitter radar that we are after and will come good 🤔

What? Surely Twitter is a single source of truth.

It is to some.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on September 07, 2020, 09:18:51 AM

Quote from: robbo1874 on September 07, 2020, 08:09:01 AM

Borja Baston off to French Club Leganes apparently on a free. Who?

Oh no- we’re really screwed now 🤣

Leganes are Spanish.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on September 07, 2020, 09:42:59 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 07, 2020, 08:25:44 AM

Agreed. I would sooner have Dwight Gayle than Pukki.

Gayle is out injured for next 3-4 months

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on September 07, 2020, 09:48:41 AM

Quote from: nigel on September 07, 2020, 07:37:39 AM

Quote from: rob_bridge on September 07, 2020, 07:09:05 AM

Quote from: mr underhill on September 07, 2020, 06:49:11 AM

Twatter rumours we are in for Josh King who is even older than Wilson. Seems like Brentford might be pricing Watkins and Benrahma out of moves.

Hmm not much of an upgrade

Reading back a few pages people were preferring King to Wilson.

I'm one , he can play across the front three, doesn't seem to have had any serious injuries and is more mobile than Wilson. Man United tried to sign him for a reported 20m back in January so I suspect he is holding out for a team higher up last seasons table.

Would still prefer Watkins to him, mind.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: robbo1874 on September 07, 2020, 10:00:53 AM

Quote from: Dave on September 07, 2020, 09:18:51 AM

Quote from: robbo1874 on September 07, 2020, 08:09:01 AM

Borja Baston off to French Club Leganes apparently on a free. Who?

Oh no- we’re really screwed now 🤣

Leganes are Spanish.

Thanks. But still, who?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on September 07, 2020, 10:06:52 AM

Quote from: robbo1874 on September 07, 2020, 10:00:53 AM

Quote from: Dave on September 07, 2020, 09:18:51 AM

Quote from: robbo1874 on September 07, 2020, 08:09:01 AM

Borja Baston off to French Club Leganes apparently on a free. Who?

Oh no- we’re really screwed now 🤣

Leganes are Spanish.

Thanks. But still, who?

Something of an occasional yoyo club in Madrid (well, near Madrid). Sort of like Watford.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 07, 2020, 10:07:14 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 07, 2020, 08:25:44 AM

Agreed. I would sooner have Dwight Gayle than Pukki.

Dwight Gayle is a finisher and not much else.

Pukki can bring others into play and looks sharp in and around the box. Wouldn't be my first choice (or even second or third). But would be an upgrade on our current options. I'd still want at top class forward coming in as well.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 07, 2020, 10:14:20 AM

I can't see why Norwich would contemplate selling Pukki.  He wouldn't command a particularly big fee, they have their parachute payment and he is their most likley ticket to a return to the PL.

Don't think there's any legs in this one.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on September 07, 2020, 10:19:56 AM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 06, 2020, 09:08:02 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 06, 2020, 08:59:17 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 06, 2020, 08:48:19 PM

Quote from: john e on September 06, 2020, 08:22:10 PM

For me as it stands if we can field a injury free side we have

a mid table defence
a top half midfield
a relegation forward line
a bottom half management team

let’s hope we can improve the forward line in the next couple of weeks and then not get any bad injuries or we will be in deep trouble again

Mid table defence?  We conceded 67 goals, a terrible stat only beaten by Norwich who finished bottom!

A stat that whilst completely true means absolutely nothing. The season was clearly in 2 parts, unlike any other season you have to look at the 2 separately. Pre-covid we conceded slightly more than 2 a game with 57 in 28. After the restart we conceded 11 in 10. That's such a stark change that quoting the overall figure and ignoring it is pointless and misleading. It wasn't just luck either, the stat for shots conceded per game changed in line with the goals figure so the new defensive stability is entirely in line with how we were playing. Over a full season a similar defensive record would make us the 7th best defence in the league.

There's an argument that we sacrificed attacking intent to allow for it but that just supports the idea that we need to change the forward line to one more suited to how we are playing now.

My worry about this new incredible defence is even after lockdown we were still really vulnerable to a simple cross swung in. Two conceded v Chelsea in that manner and of course the incredibly soft goal we let Walcott score. Incredibly good luck aswell that the "goals" from Sheffield United and Palace didn't count either, luck that eluded us in the first half of the season with all the VAR fiascos.

I'd still love a Laursen type at the back who would be a magnet to those crosses and head them away. Suppose that's the crux of playing Hause, we're better at defending high balls but he has nowhere near the ability to pass out like Konsa can so we lose ability to play out quickly.

Dosen't really seem a priority anyway so we'll soon know if it was the right call.

Unforced errors at the back in the last few games still could have cost us. Think back to Konsa v West Ham, it still beggars belief that a centre half in the top division could be done by a simple ball over the top like that in a crucial game. His ball watching habit really worries me, hopefully Engels is reintegrated and provides competition at RCB.

Mings, against Arsenal, standing on the ball 10 yards out and bailed out by a superb Konsa block. Outjumped 6 yards out by Nketiah and the ball comes back off the upright into Reina's hands. How is Mings getting beaten in the air by anyone in the division not to mind some kid who flopped at Leeds. He has it all to prove in this division for me still.

Don't get me started on Matt Targett, woeful in most games last season including the last one. Our keeper situation seems a mess. But the one position we have strengthened at the back so far, right back, is arguably the one we were strongest in.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 07, 2020, 10:26:25 AM

Still though, The lark's on the wing; the snail's on the thorn and all that.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: DB on September 07, 2020, 10:28:49 AM

I read that Wilson has been offered a 5 year deal at the Geordies? No wonder he has gone there.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Footy-Vill on September 07, 2020, 10:34:43 AM

I actually think Hause Mingsy And Konsa are very strong and can form good defensive partnerships. Have all the qualities for a modern defenders game and Konsa and Hause have improved as season went on especially after lock down.

Dean Smith and coaching team did appraisals and  plenty of positional and set-piece work which improved us immeasurably after the extended break.
As we conceded just 11 goals in 10 matches after the restart, and 7 goals came in defeats by Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United. Before lockdown we conceded 56 in 28 games.

Ball playing Konsa I think will be pushing for England honours this season. Coupled with Hause only getting better it's a strong position. And I'm happy that the defenders have identified errors  and worked on improving. Mings and Konsa could well be the England partnership come Euro in summer and I think Villa will concede far less goals as we've learnt how to concede far less chances . Smith will look for us to remain solid at the back , continue what Villa did in being difficult to score against and hopefully improve on big chances and finishing expected goals.

Oh at cente back I nearly forget ! We've also got Engels who's good enough cover so feel villa are very strong centrally and have flexibility to go 3 at the back.

The goal keeper and striker issues to me are the most important to get quality in for the remainder of this window. Alongside a wide forward or energetic and emerging midfield having a reliable goal keeper and pacey striker/wide forward will do wonders to our results this season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 07, 2020, 10:36:39 AM

Quote from: DB on September 07, 2020, 10:28:49 AM

I read that Wilson has been offered a 5 year deal at the Geordies? No wonder he has gone there.

Going by those Purslow comments, Newcastle are able to offer better terms too. More money, longer term contract. You can see what he's thinking. Probably his last big contract.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 07, 2020, 10:46:48 AM

Even if there were no restrictions in what we could offer the contract from Newcastle is vastly more than any decently run club should be giving to a player with his injury record and fairly average ability.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 07, 2020, 10:51:23 AM

Aye, madness if true. Good luck to him.

If their main forward options this season are Joelinton, Wilson and an injured Dwight Gayle they'll still be involved at the arse end of the table.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 07, 2020, 10:51:54 AM

Some papers reporting Burnley want £50m plus for Tarkowski. West Ham have bid £27m so far.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 07, 2020, 10:55:35 AM

He isn't worth anything like that so I suspect that's a fee that really means they're not planning on selling him, much like us putting an £80m tag on Jack. There's only a handful of clubs in the world that see these sorts of fees as an asking price rather than a polite 'f**k off'.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 07, 2020, 10:58:43 AM

Problem is for West Ham though is that was their justification for selling Diagana, to raise money for improving the defence. They might find themselves boxed into paying more than he's worth to try to keep fans onside.  I think they're in big trouble this year. No new signings made yet and apparently have a big wages bill so still need to sell unwanted squad players, best young prospect sold, captain slagging off the owners on Twitter, it doesn't bode well for them.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 07, 2020, 11:09:00 AM

It's a real shame for them.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 11:11:51 AM

For what its worth i heard King is going to ManU in January when ighalo's loan deal is up. they bid for him last january and he's a bit of a fanboy. Not sure that stops us bidding but if your on a promise to join the club you support for 100k a week..........

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 07, 2020, 12:03:26 PM

He’s also come out recently basically asking Manure to bid for him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: villabear on September 07, 2020, 12:04:27 PM

Callum Wilson signed for Geordies £20 million.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Chris_Jephcott on September 07, 2020, 12:06:41 PM

I had hoped we would hear some news today about a new signing. It’s just the more that this drags on, the more opportunity there is for events such as the Wilson saga to happen.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Axl Rose on September 07, 2020, 12:07:08 PM

Decent business by Bruce really. Wilson, Fraser and Lewis-any of which would have been a good signing for us.

Let's hope we've got a surprise up our sleeves.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Border villan on September 07, 2020, 12:10:19 PM

Quote from: Axl Rose on September 07, 2020, 12:07:08 PM

Decent business by Bruce really. Wilson, Fraser and Lewis-any of which would have been a good signing for us.

Let's hope we've got a surprise up our sleeves.

Sounds like he is signing most of Dads Army. (Who played Lewis)?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 07, 2020, 12:16:22 PM

He's dead.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on September 07, 2020, 12:25:56 PM

Quote from: OCD on September 07, 2020, 10:36:39 AM

Quote from: DB on September 07, 2020, 10:28:49 AM

I read that Wilson has been offered a 5 year deal at the Geordies? No wonder he has gone there.

Going by those Purslow comments, Newcastle are able to offer better terms too. More money, longer term contract. You can see what he's thinking. Probably his last big contract.

Yep, think ~£100k/wk for 5 years would be hard to turn down for him (assuming he's wanted roughly what he was getting paid at Bournemouth), and we're right not to pursue him on those terms.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 07, 2020, 12:27:25 PM

Quote from: algy on September 07, 2020, 12:25:56 PM

Quote from: OCD on September 07, 2020, 10:36:39 AM

Quote from: DB on September 07, 2020, 10:28:49 AM

I read that Wilson has been offered a 5 year deal at the Geordies? No wonder he has gone there.

Going by those Purslow comments, Newcastle are able to offer better terms too. More money, longer term contract. You can see what he's thinking. Probably his last big contract.

Yep, think ~£100k/wk for 5 years would be hard to turn down for him (assuming he's wanted roughly what he was getting paid at Bournemouth), and we're right not to pursue him on those terms.

And this is the problem with signing 'established' Premier League stars.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 12:30:51 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on September 07, 2020, 12:03:26 PM

He’s also come out recently basically asking Manure to bid for him.

yeah distasteful.. For me being a Man U supporting footballer is something you should keep in the closet, like being into BDSM or dressing as a furry.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 07, 2020, 12:31:00 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 07, 2020, 12:27:25 PM

Quote from: algy on September 07, 2020, 12:25:56 PM

Quote from: OCD on September 07, 2020, 10:36:39 AM

Quote from: DB on September 07, 2020, 10:28:49 AM

I read that Wilson has been offered a 5 year deal at the Geordies? No wonder he has gone there.

Going by those Purslow comments, Newcastle are able to offer better terms too. More money, longer term contract. You can see what he's thinking. Probably his last big contract.

Yep, think ~£100k/wk for 5 years would be hard to turn down for him (assuming he's wanted roughly what he was getting paid at Bournemouth), and we're right not to pursue him on those terms.

And this is the problem with signing 'established' Premier League stars.

Exactly. It's the equivalent of signing Steve Stone and Dave Watson under Gregory.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: maidstonevillain on September 07, 2020, 12:31:38 PM

Quote from: algy on September 07, 2020, 12:25:56 PM

Quote from: OCD on September 07, 2020, 10:36:39 AM

Quote from: DB on September 07, 2020, 10:28:49 AM

I read that Wilson has been offered a 5 year deal at the Geordies? No wonder he has gone there.

Going by those Purslow comments, Newcastle are able to offer better terms too. More money, longer term contract. You can see what he's thinking. Probably his last big contract.

Yep, think ~£100k/wk for 5 years would be hard to turn down for him (assuming he's wanted roughly what he was getting paid at Bournemouth), and we're right not to pursue him on those terms.

Apparently reduced to £50k/wk on relegation. Might have been happy just to get a longer contract.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 12:33:57 PM

Well I've given up on us bringing any experience into the side with those salary quotes. Young hungry lower league players it is then. ::)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villan82 on September 07, 2020, 12:34:08 PM

This is turning into a shambles.

Another false dawn?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 07, 2020, 12:36:31 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 07, 2020, 12:31:00 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 07, 2020, 12:27:25 PM

Quote from: algy on September 07, 2020, 12:25:56 PM

Quote from: OCD on September 07, 2020, 10:36:39 AM

Quote from: DB on September 07, 2020, 10:28:49 AM

I read that Wilson has been offered a 5 year deal at the Geordies? No wonder he has gone there.

Going by those Purslow comments, Newcastle are able to offer better terms too. More money, longer term contract. You can see what he's thinking. Probably his last big contract.

Yep, think ~£100k/wk for 5 years would be hard to turn down for him (assuming he's wanted roughly what he was getting paid at Bournemouth), and we're right not to pursue him on those terms.

And this is the problem with signing 'established' Premier League stars.

Exactly. It's the equivalent of signing Steve Stone and Dave Watson under Gregory.

Steve Watson.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on September 07, 2020, 12:37:39 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 07, 2020, 10:14:20 AM

I can't see why Norwich would contemplate selling Pukki.  He wouldn't command a particularly big fee, they have their parachute payment and he is their most likley ticket to a return to the PL.

Don't think there's any legs in this one.

If Pukki has an offer to stay in the Premier League he will take it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on September 07, 2020, 12:41:21 PM

Quote from: OCD on September 07, 2020, 10:36:39 AM

Quote from: DB on September 07, 2020, 10:28:49 AM

I read that Wilson has been offered a 5 year deal at the Geordies? No wonder he has gone there.

Going by those Purslow comments, Newcastle are able to offer better terms too. More money, longer term contract. You can see what he's thinking. Probably his last big contract.

Newcastle pay big fees and big wages for certain players but they still keep the purse strings tight by operating with a relatively small squad.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Joshua Fineman on September 07, 2020, 12:42:13 PM

Quote from: OCD on September 07, 2020, 10:36:39 AM

Quote from: DB on September 07, 2020, 10:28:49 AM

I read that Wilson has been offered a 5 year deal at the Geordies? No wonder he has gone there.

Going by those Purslow comments, Newcastle are able to offer better terms too. More money, longer term contract. You can see what he's thinking. Probably his last big contract.

What comments are those?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 07, 2020, 12:42:23 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 07, 2020, 12:36:31 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 07, 2020, 12:31:00 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 07, 2020, 12:27:25 PM

Quote from: algy on September 07, 2020, 12:25:56 PM

Quote from: OCD on September 07, 2020, 10:36:39 AM

Quote from: DB on September 07, 2020, 10:28:49 AM

I read that Wilson has been offered a 5 year deal at the Geordies? No wonder he has gone there.

Going by those Purslow comments, Newcastle are able to offer better terms too. More money, longer term contract. You can see what he's thinking. Probably his last big contract.

Yep, think ~£100k/wk for 5 years would be hard to turn down for him (assuming he's wanted roughly what he was getting paid at Bournemouth), and we're right not to pursue him on those terms.

And this is the problem with signing 'established' Premier League stars.

Exactly. It's the equivalent of signing Steve Stone and Dave Watson under Gregory.

Steve Watson.

Exactly!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: tomd2103 on September 07, 2020, 12:43:57 PM

Can't say I'm massively disappointed about Wilson, as I do think his injury record is a concern, particularly if that kind of money is on the table. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 07, 2020, 12:44:02 PM

Quote from: Damo70 on September 07, 2020, 12:37:39 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 07, 2020, 10:14:20 AM

I can't see why Norwich would contemplate selling Pukki.  He wouldn't command a particularly big fee, they have their parachute payment and he is their most likley ticket to a return to the PL.

Don't think there's any legs in this one.

If Pukki has an offer to stay in the Premier League he will take it.

Yes and let’s bloody well hope it’s not from us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 07, 2020, 12:46:54 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on September 07, 2020, 12:44:02 PM

Quote from: Damo70 on September 07, 2020, 12:37:39 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 07, 2020, 10:14:20 AM

I can't see why Norwich would contemplate selling Pukki.  He wouldn't command a particularly big fee, they have their parachute payment and he is their most likley ticket to a return to the PL.

Don't think there's any legs in this one.

If Pukki has an offer to stay in the Premier League he will take it.

Yes and let’s bloody well hope it’s not from us.

You might as well stick with Hogan as buy somebody like Pukki.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 07, 2020, 12:47:38 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on September 07, 2020, 12:44:02 PM

Quote from: Damo70 on September 07, 2020, 12:37:39 PM

If Pukki has an offer to stay in the Premier League he will take it.

Yes and let’s bloody well hope it’s not from us.

Agree. After reading the articles by the new head of recruitment anyone else suspect that Pukki might be identified as a player whose stats are about to decline?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 12:51:48 PM

I like the fact Pukki started out as a blond adonis who wasn't much good, and only really progressed once he started to resemble a brick-layer. There should be more prematurely-aged footballers.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 07, 2020, 12:52:22 PM

Sheffield United signing Ethan Ampadu on loan - not sure if he is any good.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 07, 2020, 12:54:16 PM

Good signing on loan for Sheffield United.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 07, 2020, 12:55:13 PM

Agreed, that's a good signing for the Blades.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Matt C on September 07, 2020, 12:56:54 PM

The market is certainly starting to come alive, let’s hope we can participate.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 07, 2020, 12:58:24 PM

Why are we never in for these types of players?  I thought their signing of Bogle is a very good acquisition and far less than Matty Cash.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Footy-Vill on September 07, 2020, 01:07:08 PM

I'd love Calum Robinson back at Villa from Sheff Utd.
Pacey, Busy has matured as a player since leaving.
Didn't fit for Sheff Utd. Did well when called upon for WBA.
Holidays and good mates with Grealish.

Former national boss Mick McCac says Robinson up top and from the left is his best position when he was selecting him for as a wing forward for Ireland.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 07, 2020, 01:09:08 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on September 07, 2020, 01:07:08 PM

I'd love Calum Robinson back at Villa from Sheff Utd.
Pacey, Busy has matured as a player since leaving.
Didn't fit for Sheff Utd. Did well when called upon for WBA.
Holidays and good mates with Grealish.

Former national boss Mick McCac says Robinson up top and from the left is his best position when he was selecting him for as a wing forward for Ireland.

Not for me, I don't think he's anywhere near good enough.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 07, 2020, 01:11:31 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on September 07, 2020, 01:07:08 PM

I'd love Calum Robinson back at Villa from Sheff Utd.
Pacey, Busy has matured as a player since leaving.
Didn't fit for Sheff Utd. Did well when called upon for WBA.
Holidays and good mates with Grealish.

Former national boss Mick McCac says Robinson up top and from the left is his best position when he was selecting him for as a wing forward for Ireland.

Not for me either and a bit harsh on Mick McCarthy.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 07, 2020, 01:13:04 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on September 07, 2020, 12:52:22 PM

Sheffield United signing Ethan Ampadu on loan - not sure if he is any good.

Very highly rated, just needs to find a club where he can play 30 games this season. Was at RB Leipzig last season but didn't really play much. Starts pretty much every game for Wales now. He's at the point Luiz was last summer.

He's a DM who can also fill in at centre half so quite surprised we haven't gone in for him (was some links last summer).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on September 07, 2020, 01:14:50 PM

I'm not advocating we sign him but Pukki has a near one in two goals record for Norwich and comparing him to Hogan is laughable - i doubt Birmingham would take him from us even if he were on a free.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Footy-Vill on September 07, 2020, 01:15:51 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 07, 2020, 01:09:08 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on September 07, 2020, 01:07:08 PM

I'd love Calum Robinson back at Villa from Sheff Utd.
Pacey, Busy has matured as a player since leaving.
Didn't fit for Sheff Utd. Did well when called upon for WBA.
Holidays and good mates with Grealish.

Former national boss Mick McCac says Robinson up top and from the left is his best position when he was selecting him for as a wing forward for Ireland.

Not for me, I don't think he's anywhere near good enough.

https://youtu.be/w8Kk9bgk6JU
That's how good he can be. Playing for Preston like that earned him a move to Sheff Utd last summer.
I wanted Villa to get him home then.
He looks exactly type we need.

But then again I still harbour Andre Green being brought back !

I just like how well Robinson can play as forward and would suit villa system

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 01:16:36 PM

if money is that tight on salaries maybe we're waiting for some deals out to be completed. Would explain why the likes of Watkins are in limbo. Fee agreed, personal terms not. Not uncommon especially if we're trying to persuade the likes of Hogan to join Blose to raise the cash.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on September 07, 2020, 01:24:35 PM

If that were true if I were Watkins I'd be hoping someone else was keener than we seemingly are. We've wanted Benrahma for two summer transfer windows and still no sign.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Percy McCarthy on September 07, 2020, 01:24:50 PM

Can’t we just get rid of everyone we don’t want by terminating their contracts? Do exceptional items in the balance sheet count towards FFP? Risso?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 01:32:42 PM

Quote from: mr underhill on September 07, 2020, 01:24:35 PM

If that were true if I were Watkins I'd be hoping someone else was keener than we seemingly are. We've wanted Benrahma for two summer transfer windows and still no sign.

Dunno. Depends how much room we have to manoeuvre with salary. When you think about it we have 4 strikers with Hogan. Wes, Samatta, and davis/vasillev. I remember a few years ago on here someone posting what the players were reportedly on and everyone's jaw hitting the floor when we saw Hogan's wedge, so ironing out how much of his salary we're willing to pay to get him to leave could be significant. It's certainly not uncommon for a deal to be put on hold while another is ironed out.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 07, 2020, 01:34:50 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 07, 2020, 12:16:22 PM

He's dead.

She's not dead.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 07, 2020, 01:35:28 PM

Quote from: Percy McCarthy on September 07, 2020, 01:24:50 PM

Can’t we just get rid of everyone we don’t want by terminating their contracts? Do exceptional items in the balance sheet count towards FFP? Risso?

We did that with McCormack didn't we last summer? Terminated his playing contract but agreed to pay his salary until he found a new club. Of course the lazy waster couldn't be bothered to play for anyone and so his name also came up on the released list this summer aswell.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 07, 2020, 01:35:54 PM

Quote from: Matt C on September 07, 2020, 12:56:54 PM

The market is certainly starting to come alive, let’s hope we can participate.

Participation is important to mental health.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 07, 2020, 01:36:10 PM

There is a point where it costs more to terminate than let them sit on their contacts for FFP I think.

Wilson clearly stated villa were in and it was a hard decision so it puts to bed the idea that we weren't really trying for him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 07, 2020, 01:41:50 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 07, 2020, 01:34:50 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 07, 2020, 12:16:22 PM

He's dead.

She's not dead.

He said I had the look of a son, with all the love and poison of London.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on September 07, 2020, 01:45:43 PM

Quote from: Percy McCarthy on September 07, 2020, 01:24:50 PM

Can’t we just get rid of everyone we don’t want by terminating their contracts? Do exceptional items in the balance sheet count towards FFP? Risso?

Accounting wise you would recognise the unexpired portion of their value in that accounting period.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Leicester_Villian on September 07, 2020, 01:47:33 PM

Potato Head will play Wilson at full back .....

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 07, 2020, 01:51:45 PM

Quote from: Percy McCarthy on September 07, 2020, 01:24:50 PM

Can’t we just get rid of everyone we don’t want by terminating their contracts? Do exceptional items in the balance sheet count towards FFP? Risso?

You'd have the excess amortisation in the P&L, and then the amount that you had to pay them for the unexpired portions of their contracts.  So yes, basically, and it would be enormous.

I do wonder what the various leagues' plans will be with FFP at the moment though, as obviously very single team's income will have taken a big hit.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 07, 2020, 01:52:14 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 07, 2020, 01:36:10 PM

There is a point where it costs more to terminate than let them sit on their contacts for FFP I think.

Wilson clearly stated villa were in and it was a hard decision so it puts to bed the idea that we weren't really trying for him.

It also suggests one of two things - we may not be competing financially, we’re not selling a particularly compelling vision, or a bit of both. We really need to kick on.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on September 07, 2020, 01:53:08 PM

FFP is based on P& L so the Balance Sheet is not relevant except where you are writing down assets on the BS which is then charged to the Profit and Loss account.
I am not an accountant so Risso May explain it better.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 07, 2020, 01:55:20 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on September 07, 2020, 01:52:14 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 07, 2020, 01:36:10 PM

There is a point where it costs more to terminate than let them sit on their contacts for FFP I think.

Wilson clearly stated villa were in and it was a hard decision so it puts to bed the idea that we weren't really trying for him.

It also suggests one of two things - we may not be competing financially, we’re not selling a particularly compelling vision, or a bit of both. We really need to kick on.

It could just be that Wilson was Newcastle's number one target for the summer and they're now done, and that he was a back-up option for us so we'd go so far and no further on wages.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 07, 2020, 02:02:06 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 07, 2020, 01:55:20 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on September 07, 2020, 01:52:14 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 07, 2020, 01:36:10 PM

There is a point where it costs more to terminate than let them sit on their contacts for FFP I think.

Wilson clearly stated villa were in and it was a hard decision so it puts to bed the idea that we weren't really trying for him.

It also suggests one of two things - we may not be competing financially, we’re not selling a particularly compelling vision, or a bit of both. We really need to kick on.

It could just be that Wilson was Newcastle's number one target for the summer and they're now done, and that he was a back-up option for us so we'd go so far and no further on wages.

Perhaps, but if we’d got to the point of bidding and wanting a back up it suggests the first choice isn’t there either.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 07, 2020, 02:06:40 PM

True.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on September 07, 2020, 02:13:55 PM

I think we are reading to much into this Wilson to NUFC thing

he had both offers he fancied Newcastle over us for whatever reason and thats the top and bottom of it

we don’t like the feeling we’ve been dumped and look to spin it to make us look better but he just preferred Newcastle that’s it
It happens we get over it

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 07, 2020, 02:16:34 PM

Quote from: john e on September 07, 2020, 02:13:55 PM

I think we are reading to much into this Wilson to NUFC thing

he had both offers he fancied Newcastle over us for whatever reason and thats the top and bottom of it

we don’t like the feeling we’ve been dumped and look to spin it to make us look better but he just preferred Newcastle that’s it
It happens we get over it

I'm not bothered about Wilson as such, just that with the season about to start we've signed one right back.  That's not very good, at all.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 07, 2020, 02:18:24 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 07, 2020, 02:16:34 PM

Quote from: john e on September 07, 2020, 02:13:55 PM

I think we are reading to much into this Wilson to NUFC thing

he had both offers he fancied Newcastle over us for whatever reason and thats the top and bottom of it

we don’t like the feeling we’ve been dumped and look to spin it to make us look better but he just preferred Newcastle that’s it
It happens we get over it

I'm not bothered about Wilson as such, just that with the season about to start we've signed one right back.  That's not very good, at all.

Yup.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 07, 2020, 02:24:03 PM

For some people it may be that they're not liking the feeling of being turned down but I said all along my concern was his fitness record, I'd have been very worried about a 5 year contract which, with the fee added, means a £50m investment on a guy who's spent nearly 2 years of his career out with knee problems.

It may turn out that he's great for them and we've missed out but having spent so much money on players who are unable to contribute recently, where the warning signs were there, I'm happy to avoid him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on September 07, 2020, 02:26:35 PM

Firstly I would of been happy enough with Wilson As long as another striker came in, a Watkins type that could benefit from Wilson’s experience and not then shoulder all the goal scoring responsibility as a young player.

That’s not going to happen, but it also strikes me that if a Wilson type player and 20 odd mill is the market we’re in, it’s a very different market to the Edouard at Celtic or Abraham’s and that talk about potentially getting these more exciting/superior forwards (in comparison to Wilson) is maybe complete wishful thinking.

As other posters said yesterday, plan b to Wilson is.....

I’m more than happy to be completely wrong on this assumption and I hope I am.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdward on September 07, 2020, 02:27:16 PM

We definitely wanted Wilson, he chose somewhere else. It happens. Remember David Unsworth.
Whoever we sign should want to be here.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on September 07, 2020, 02:29:58 PM

there are always exceptions but I think most footballers follow the money.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sid1964 on September 07, 2020, 02:31:23 PM

if he does not want to sign for the greatest club in the world - then it is his missed chance.

I am sure that we will sign a forward in the next few days.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on September 07, 2020, 02:32:22 PM

Quote from: mr underhill on September 07, 2020, 02:29:58 PM

there are always exceptions but I think most footballers follow the money.

I am sure he thought long and hard, considered all the options, analysed the merits of each opportunity and went for the most money he could get.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Pat Mustard on September 07, 2020, 02:35:15 PM

Wilson is an absolutely classic Bruce signing.  He might do okay for a couple of years in a team that finishes in the lower half of the league, but you'll get no takers when you need to replace him in two years time and then he will sit on the bench for another two years eating up wages that need to be spent elsewhere.

He might not be popular, but if we want a short-term fix of an experienced Premier League striker to go alongside a Watkins type purchase (or dare we say it an Edouard or Abraham) then we could do a lot worse than going after Troy Deeney.  Has a far superior goals record to Wilson or Josh King, has a bit of bite about him that we definitely need, would cost a lot less and would probably only expect a couple of years on a contract as opposed to 4 or 5.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aev on September 07, 2020, 02:39:53 PM

Ashley has many faults but he seems to do enough to ensure that his investment isn't at risk from relegation.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Pat Mustard on September 07, 2020, 02:42:59 PM

Quote from: aev on September 07, 2020, 02:39:53 PM

Ashley has many faults but he seems to do enough to ensure that his investment isn't at risk from relegation.

Except for the two times they've been relegated under him?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 07, 2020, 02:43:59 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 07, 2020, 02:16:34 PM

Quote from: john e on September 07, 2020, 02:13:55 PM

I think we are reading to much into this Wilson to NUFC thing

he had both offers he fancied Newcastle over us for whatever reason and thats the top and bottom of it

we don’t like the feeling we’ve been dumped and look to spin it to make us look better but he just preferred Newcastle that’s it
It happens we get over it

I'm not bothered about Wilson as such, just that with the season about to start we've signed one right back.  That's not very good, at all.

That’s fair. The other thing to consider is the comparison between last summer and this and how fast we did our business. And then throw in the next to very little we did in January. Finally throw in our great escape it’s only natural fans are worried. But there is time and lots will happen yet.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 07, 2020, 02:44:04 PM

We're trying to buy Rhian Brewster, according to the ever-reliable Alan Nixon.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aev on September 07, 2020, 02:44:52 PM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on September 07, 2020, 02:42:59 PM

Quote from: aev on September 07, 2020, 02:39:53 PM

Ashley has many faults but he seems to do enough to ensure that his investment isn't at risk from relegation.

Except for the two times they've been relegated under him?

Ha yep, apart from that.

Last few seasons he has certainly spent money to keep their head above water.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Tayls_7 on September 07, 2020, 02:50:44 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 07, 2020, 02:44:04 PM

We're trying to buy Rhian Brewster, according to the ever-reliable Alan Nixon.

It'll take millions to get Brewster.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 07, 2020, 02:55:51 PM

No surprise to me we're after Brewster. Would've thought a season loan would be more likely unless Liverpool sell him for about 20m and put in a buy back clause like Man. City for Luiz.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on September 07, 2020, 02:56:58 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 07, 2020, 02:44:04 PM

We're trying to buy Rhian Brewster, according to the ever-reliable Alan Nixon.

Little article on the kid's situation in the Liverpool Echo (https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/rhian-brewster-transfer-liverpool-klopp-18877633) t'other day. If he's available to buy it suggests our ear's maybe not too far from the ground.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 02:58:50 PM

Brewster? Jesus.  10 goals in the championship? I think we can safely forget this 100m transfer budget lark.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Marlon From Bearwood on September 07, 2020, 02:59:00 PM

I’d say Nixon is one of the least reliable journalists around. I’ve recently noticed he’s blocked me. He must have taken offence when I reminded him that he reported Tammy to Wolves (when he was on loan to us) was a done deal.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on September 07, 2020, 02:59:12 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 07, 2020, 02:55:51 PM

No surprise to me we're after Brewster. Would've thought a season loan would be more likely unless Liverpool sell him for about 20m and put in a buy back clause like Man. City for Luiz.

I think buy-back rather than loan is the more probable outcome of the two options.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 07, 2020, 03:05:48 PM

I think he would be a good signing, along with Watkins and a winger. He has the right attributes to go to be very good, but we do need a bit of premier league guile and know how up top.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 07, 2020, 03:10:01 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 07, 2020, 03:05:48 PM

I think he would be a good signing, along with Watkins and a winger. He has the right attributes to go to be very good, but we do need a bit of premier league guile and know how up top.

I agree. Some people however will continue to complain that we lack ambition unless we sign Mbappé and Lewandowski.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Tayls_7 on September 07, 2020, 03:13:20 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on September 07, 2020, 03:10:01 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 07, 2020, 03:05:48 PM

I think he would be a good signing, along with Watkins and a winger. He has the right attributes to go to be very good, but we do need a bit of premier league guile and know how up top.

I agree. Some people however will continue to complain that we lack ambition unless we sign Mbappé and Lewandowski.

Lewandowski is too old.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 03:13:38 PM

There's a middle point between Mbappe and a guy who's never even played a game for his parent club.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on September 07, 2020, 03:20:00 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on September 07, 2020, 03:10:01 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 07, 2020, 03:05:48 PM

I think he would be a good signing, along with Watkins and a winger. He has the right attributes to go to be very good, but we do need a bit of premier league guile and know how up top.

I agree. Some people however will continue to complain that we lack ambition unless we sign Mbappé and Lewandowski.

I’m imagining the pun fest if we signed Mbappe. Probably for the best if we don’t.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithe on September 07, 2020, 03:25:39 PM

Quote from: john e on September 07, 2020, 02:13:55 PM

I think we are reading to much into this Wilson to NUFC thing

he had both offers he fancied Newcastle over us for whatever reason and thats the top and bottom of it

we don’t like the feeling we’ve been dumped and look to spin it to make us look better but he just preferred Newcastle that’s it
It happens we get over it

 I think its less about the player, who'm I had doubts about given his injuries, and more about that he's presumably heard the vision of us and Newcastle and seemingly chosen them, a club who on the face of it dont seem to have too much going for them.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on September 07, 2020, 03:26:21 PM

Rhian Brewster would be a good signing I reckon, but with another more experienced striker coming in as well.  That was the mistake we made with Wesley.

It's also good to see us looking upwards for signings, rather than downwards, or at Brentford.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 07, 2020, 03:27:26 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 03:13:38 PM

There's a middle point between Mbappe and a guy who's never even played a game for his parent club.

Agreed - I still hope that we can pair Watkins with another striker with EPL / top-flight experience.
Admittedly, my hopes are fading somewhat.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: tomd2103 on September 07, 2020, 03:43:19 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 07, 2020, 02:24:03 PM

For some people it may be that they're not liking the feeling of being turned down but I said all along my concern was his fitness record, I'd have been very worried about a 5 year contract which, with the fee added, means a £50m investment on a guy who's spent nearly 2 years of his career out with knee problems.

It may turn out that he's great for them and we've missed out but having spent so much money on players who are unable to contribute recently, where the warning signs were there, I'm happy to avoid him.

Agree Paul, think there are enough doubts about him to not be overly disappointed to miss out him.  Saying that, he will probably now go on to have a few injury-free seasons and bang a load of goals in up there.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: nodge on September 07, 2020, 03:46:31 PM

Quote from: PeterWithe on September 07, 2020, 03:25:39 PM

Quote from: john e on September 07, 2020, 02:13:55 PM

I think we are reading to much into this Wilson to NUFC thing

he had both offers he fancied Newcastle over us for whatever reason and thats the top and bottom of it

we don’t like the feeling we’ve been dumped and look to spin it to make us look better but he just preferred Newcastle that’s it
It happens we get over it

 I think its less about the player, who'm I had doubts about given his injuries, and more about that he's presumably heard the vision of us and Newcastle and seemingly chosen them, a club who on the face of it dont seem to have too much going for them.

Apparently it was the messages from Alan Shearer that swayed him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 07, 2020, 03:46:51 PM

Lets hope he's the new David Speedie.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 07, 2020, 03:49:28 PM

I wanted Wilson, and thought he would be a good signing. £100k a week for a 5 year deal would have been too much though. 3 yes then negotiate down but 5 years (4 plus 1 in his favour) is a lot.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on September 07, 2020, 03:52:44 PM

I’d rather have that Brewster than most of the others linked

I know nothing of the credibility of the link but live in hopes

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 07, 2020, 03:53:44 PM

Isn't Wilson 29 in February? Unless he ages like Vardy (the sparrow hawk faced golden boot winner) five years is insanity.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Pat Mustard on September 07, 2020, 03:59:32 PM

Quote from: danno on September 07, 2020, 03:53:44 PM

Isn't Wilson 29 in February? Unless he ages like Vardy (the sparrow hawk faced golden boot winner) five years is insanity.

If his wages are anywhere near £100k per week as being reported, then Newcastle have just committed nearly £50 million to a 28 year old striker who has got 41 Premier League goals in 5 seasons.  We need to do some business, but I am honestly glad we aren't doing this.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 07, 2020, 04:00:42 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 07, 2020, 02:24:03 PM

For some people it may be that they're not liking the feeling of being turned down but I said all along my concern was his fitness record, I'd have been very worried about a 5 year contract which, with the fee added, means a £50m investment on a guy who's spent nearly 2 years of his career out with knee problems.

It may turn out that he's great for them and we've missed out but having spent so much money on players who are unable to contribute recently, where the warning signs were there, I'm happy to avoid him.

I broadly agree a 5 year contract would have been madness.

My one worry though is that I still think there's a stong chance we'll be on the cusp of relegation and a striker like Wilson could have gone a long way towards ensuring our safety.  There's no 100% sure bets, but he'd have been as close as we're likely to have been able to get to signing someone who would guarantee a decent return at PL level.  There will be cheaper and better players out there, but a bit like last season we can't really afford time to allow players to develop and grow into the role.  Wilson starting against Sheffield would have made me far more comfortable than the gambles it looks like we're going to end up with.

I still think Watkins will be excellent, but I would have liked the insurance of someone experienced like Wilson to go along with him.   

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 07, 2020, 04:00:59 PM

I read it was a 4 year deal, by the way, not 5.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 07, 2020, 04:02:03 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 07, 2020, 04:00:59 PM

I read it was a 4 year deal, by the way, not 5.

I read 4 but Wilson has an option to extend to 5

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 07, 2020, 04:16:36 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 07, 2020, 04:02:03 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 07, 2020, 04:00:59 PM

I read it was a 4 year deal, by the way, not 5.

I read 4 but Wilson has an option to extend to 5

Ha ha, I wonder if the 31 year old veteran striker will take that up?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on September 07, 2020, 04:23:21 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 02:58:50 PM

Brewster? Jesus.  10 goals in the championship? I think we can safely forget this 100m transfer budget lark.

Well, ten goals since he signed for them in January.  That's comparable to the rate Abraham was scoring them for us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 07, 2020, 04:25:27 PM

The fee would be a concern, £30m rising to £300m depending on clauses.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 04:28:38 PM

I'm not fussed about Wilson but its not that bad a deal  20m over 5 years is 4m a season, plus say 5m a season in wages. 9m a year? in 3 years time at 31 if he does what he's been doing, he'll still be worth a  decent chunk of a transfer fee rather than nowt if he signed a 3 year contract. In the great scheme of premiership wages, chicken feed.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 04:31:20 PM

Quote from: Dave on September 07, 2020, 04:23:21 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 02:58:50 PM

Brewster? Jesus.  10 goals in the championship? I think we can safely forget this 100m transfer budget lark.

Well, ten goals since he signed for them in January.  That's comparable to the rate Abraham was scoring them for us.

Difference is
a) Abraham had already scored 20 odd in the championship for someone else and played in the premiership.
b) We were in the Championship.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 07, 2020, 04:32:18 PM

Brewster is a very good player. He’s quick and very instinctive in the box. Lot of potential. I would still want someone with a bit more pedigree at the top level but if Brentford are asking too much for Watkins, Brewster is a very good back up plan.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Stu on September 07, 2020, 04:33:18 PM

So that's a £32m contract for a 29 year old striker that's been crocked for ages and has never scored more than 14 goals in one season in the Prem?

Hmmm. Not sure I'd be excited about that signing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Stu on September 07, 2020, 04:35:00 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 04:28:38 PM

I'm not fussed about Wilson but its not that bad a deal  20m over 5 years is 4m a season, plus say 5m a season in wages. 9m a year? in 3 years time at 31 if he does what he's been doing, he'll still be worth a  decent chunk of a transfer fee rather than nowt if he signed a 3 year contract. In the great scheme of premiership wages, chicken feed.

Reading this again, it's even worse. £40m for Callum Wilson? Nooope.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 04:42:33 PM

Quote from: Stu on September 07, 2020, 04:35:00 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 04:28:38 PM

I'm not fussed about Wilson but its not that bad a deal  20m over 5 years is 4m a season, plus say 5m a season in wages. 9m a year? in 3 years time at 31 if he does what he's been doing, he'll still be worth a  decent chunk of a transfer fee rather than nowt if he signed a 3 year contract. In the great scheme of premiership wages, chicken feed.

Reading this again, it's even worse. £40m for Callum Wilson? Nooope.

I doubt that stands out too much in the premiership. I mean we paid 22m in transfers fees and wages for Hogan

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithe on September 07, 2020, 04:45:14 PM

It does sound expensive but thats the market, players aren't going to get cheaper.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 07, 2020, 04:45:15 PM

I don’t think Callum Wilson is really the issue, it’s the lack of progress (perceived for some) getting much needed quality through the door. He’s just illustrative of the point.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on September 07, 2020, 04:45:54 PM

Quote from: Tayls_7 on September 07, 2020, 02:50:44 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 07, 2020, 02:44:04 PM

We're trying to buy Rhian Brewster, according to the ever-reliable Alan Nixon.

It'll take millions to get Brewster.

We've got Cash

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 07, 2020, 04:46:54 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on September 07, 2020, 04:45:15 PM

I don’t think Callum Wilson is really the issue, it’s the lack of progress (perceived for some) getting much needed quality through the door. He’s just illustrative of the point.

Indeed.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on September 07, 2020, 04:50:52 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 04:31:20 PM

Quote from: Dave on September 07, 2020, 04:23:21 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 02:58:50 PM

Brewster? Jesus.  10 goals in the championship? I think we can safely forget this 100m transfer budget lark.

Well, ten goals since he signed for them in January.  That's comparable to the rate Abraham was scoring them for us.

Difference is
a) Abraham had already scored 20 odd in the championship for someone else and played in the premiership.
b) We were in the Championship.

Abraham scoring goals for us in the Championship and Brewster scoring goals for Swansea in the Championship isn’t a difference.

It's the same thing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 04:51:21 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on September 07, 2020, 04:45:15 PM

I don’t think Callum Wilson is really the issue, it’s the lack of progress (perceived for some) getting much needed quality through the door. He’s just illustrative of the point.

yep, and if Wilson keeps them up with his goals for 3 years, then he's repaid the money many times over and Bruce can forget about his Joelinton fuck-up. Bottom line is we need a goalscorer or we're down and at the moment we seem to be in hopeful punt/promising youngster market.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 04:52:50 PM

Quote from: Dave on September 07, 2020, 04:50:52 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 04:31:20 PM

Quote from: Dave on September 07, 2020, 04:23:21 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 02:58:50 PM

Brewster? Jesus.  10 goals in the championship? I think we can safely forget this 100m transfer budget lark.

Well, ten goals since he signed for them in January.  That's comparable to the rate Abraham was scoring them for us.

Difference is
a) Abraham had already scored 20 odd in the championship for someone else and played in the premiership.
b) We were in the Championship.

Abraham scoring goals for us in the Championship and Brewster scoring goals for Swansea in the Championship isn’t a difference.

It's the same thing.

but we're not in the championship. WE STAYED UP. honest.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on September 07, 2020, 05:07:38 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 04:42:33 PM

Quote from: Stu on September 07, 2020, 04:35:00 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 04:28:38 PM

I'm not fussed about Wilson but its not that bad a deal  20m over 5 years is 4m a season, plus say 5m a season in wages. 9m a year? in 3 years time at 31 if he does what he's been doing, he'll still be worth a  decent chunk of a transfer fee rather than nowt if he signed a 3 year contract. In the great scheme of premiership wages, chicken feed.

Reading this again, it's even worse. £40m for Callum Wilson? Nooope.

I doubt that stands out too much in the premiership. I mean we paid 22m in transfers fees and wages for Hogan

And Wilson has just secured the last deal of his career. He'd have been mad not to take what was on offer and he can relax now.

We've been making that mistake for too long, signing players who don't need to progress and don't need to try and secure a future. We need younger, hungrier players. Not offering silly deals to the likes of McCormack, Hogan, Richards and Agbonlahor.

We should be signing players who need us more than we need them.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on September 07, 2020, 05:13:57 PM

Quote from: Drummond on September 07, 2020, 05:07:38 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 04:42:33 PM

Quote from: Stu on September 07, 2020, 04:35:00 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 04:28:38 PM

I'm not fussed about Wilson but its not that bad a deal  20m over 5 years is 4m a season, plus say 5m a season in wages. 9m a year? in 3 years time at 31 if he does what he's been doing, he'll still be worth a  decent chunk of a transfer fee rather than nowt if he signed a 3 year contract. In the great scheme of premiership wages, chicken feed.

Reading this again, it's even worse. £40m for Callum Wilson? Nooope.

I doubt that stands out too much in the premiership. I mean we paid 22m in transfers fees and wages for Hogan

And Wilson has just secured the last deal of his career. He'd have been mad not to take what was on offer and he can relax now.

We've been making that mistake for too long, signing players who don't need to progress and don't need to try and secure a future. We need younger, hungrier players. Not offering silly deals to the likes of McCormack, Hogan, Richards and Agbonlahor.

We should be signing players who need us more than we need them.

Spot on Drum

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ian. on September 07, 2020, 05:17:24 PM

In some sense maybe we’ve learned our lesson and will not pay huge amounts of money on long term contracts and big transfer fees for players at the tail end of their career. We’ve been trying to shift players out of the club on these terms for the last decade. I just do hope they do have a plan, they must have surely!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithe on September 07, 2020, 05:19:24 PM

Quote from: Ian J on September 07, 2020, 05:17:24 PM

In some sense maybe we’ve learned our lesson and will not pay huge amounts of money on long term contracts and big transfer fees for players at the tail end of their career. We’ve been trying to shift players out of the club on these terms for the last decade. I just do hope they do have a plan, they must have surely!

But it seems pretty well accepted that we'd bid for him?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on September 07, 2020, 05:20:12 PM

Quote from: PeterWithe on September 07, 2020, 05:19:24 PM

Quote from: Ian J on September 07, 2020, 05:17:24 PM

In some sense maybe we’ve learned our lesson and will not pay huge amounts of money on long term contracts and big transfer fees for players at the tail end of their career. We’ve been trying to shift players out of the club on these terms for the last decade. I just do hope they do have a plan, they must have surely!

But it seems pretty well accepted that we'd bid for him?

Probably for a way shorter contract on less money.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on September 07, 2020, 05:21:33 PM

But evidently we rated his ability.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on September 07, 2020, 05:25:14 PM

He was on £100k a week for Bournemouth and played for England in the not too distant past. Do you really think we phoned them up and offered him half his money for a few years? It would be a pointless waste of time.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on September 07, 2020, 05:25:23 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 07, 2020, 05:21:33 PM

But evidently we rated his ability.

No, we probably thought he was shit but went up against that lot for the shits and giggles.

Of course we did, but not worthy of the contract he was given.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on September 07, 2020, 05:26:19 PM

Brewster is very much in massive punt territory.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 07, 2020, 05:26:38 PM

Have we signed anyone today?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on September 07, 2020, 05:32:40 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on September 07, 2020, 05:26:38 PM

Have we signed anyone today?

Formalising a bid for plan K as we speak.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villafirst on September 07, 2020, 05:52:55 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on September 07, 2020, 05:26:38 PM

Have we signed anyone today?

Still 'preparing'?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on September 07, 2020, 05:55:12 PM

Quote from: Tayls_7 on September 07, 2020, 02:50:44 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 07, 2020, 02:44:04 PM

We're trying to buy Rhian Brewster, according to the ever-reliable Alan Nixon.

It'll take millions to get Brewster.

We might be able to do a deal if we ignore Alan Nixon and try get the help of David Nixon from beyond the grave. One for the teenagers there  ;)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Footy-Vill on September 07, 2020, 06:01:36 PM

What type of transfer do you get if you cross Callum Wilson and Ollie Watkins ?

Rugby league player Kallum Watkins moving to Salford Red Devils.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Footy-Vill on September 07, 2020, 06:03:01 PM

Quote from: Damo70 on September 07, 2020, 05:55:12 PM

Quote from: Tayls_7 on September 07, 2020, 02:50:44 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 07, 2020, 02:44:04 PM

We're trying to buy Rhian Brewster, according to the ever-reliable Alan Nixon.

It'll take millions to get Brewster.

We might be able to do a deal if we ignore Alan Nixon and try get the help of David Nixon from beyond the grave. One for the teenagers there  ;)

At this rate Villa will be lucky to sign Marley Watkins .
One for those who laugh at failed Bristol City signings there !

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ian. on September 07, 2020, 06:04:54 PM

Quote from: Drummond on September 07, 2020, 05:20:12 PM

Quote from: PeterWithe on September 07, 2020, 05:19:24 PM

Quote from: Ian J on September 07, 2020, 05:17:24 PM

In some sense maybe we’ve learned our lesson and will not pay huge amounts of money on long term contracts and big transfer fees for players at the tail end of their career. We’ve been trying to shift players out of the club on these terms for the last decade. I just do hope they do have a plan, they must have surely!

But it seems pretty well accepted that we'd bid for him?

Probably for a way shorter contract on less money.

Well yes, we have bid for him but our terms may have been way off the mark as to what Newcastle offered.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mrfuse on September 07, 2020, 06:21:27 PM

Quote from: Tayls_7 on September 07, 2020, 02:50:44 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 07, 2020, 02:44:04 PM

We're trying to buy Rhian Brewster, according to the ever-reliable Alan Nixon.

It'll take millions to get Brewster.

Do you think we will make this a Pryority....

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clive W on September 07, 2020, 06:26:20 PM

Apologies if this has been posted already but according to the DT we wanted to pay by instalments whereas Newcastle offered cash on the nail. It also said we withdrew our bid but at what stage I’m not sure.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brian green on September 07, 2020, 06:26:35 PM

Regularly plays a blinder.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on September 07, 2020, 06:29:11 PM

Quote from: Clive W on September 07, 2020, 06:26:20 PM

Apologies if this has been posted already but according to the DT we wanted to pay by instalments whereas Newcastle offered cash on the nail. It also said we withdrew our bid but at what stage I’m not sure.

Isn't it the norm to pay transfer fees in installments?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on September 07, 2020, 06:49:30 PM

Quote from: Villafirst on September 07, 2020, 05:52:55 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on September 07, 2020, 05:26:38 PM

Have we signed anyone today?

Still 'preparing'?

Someone somewhere is bracing themselves.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Tayls_7 on September 07, 2020, 06:54:20 PM

Quote from: Lastfootstamper on September 07, 2020, 06:49:30 PM

Quote from: Villafirst on September 07, 2020, 05:52:55 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on September 07, 2020, 05:26:38 PM

Have we signed anyone today?

Still 'preparing'?

Someone somewhere is bracing themselves.

We signed Paul McGrath once which was quite nice and a little while later we went back to the same club to sign Eric Djemba Djemba.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on September 07, 2020, 06:57:18 PM

Quote from: Drummond on September 07, 2020, 05:25:23 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 07, 2020, 05:21:33 PM

But evidently we rated his ability.

No, we probably thought he was shit but went up against that lot for the shits and giggles.

Of course we did, but not worthy of the contract he was given.

Lange has a history of getting in slightly older players if he thinks they're at below market value, so i'd guess something like that's happened. We've gone in for him because he was going for less than he was worth, but Newcastle have gone in, overpaid, and we've not been daft enough to enter a bidding war for him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 07, 2020, 06:58:59 PM

Quote from: Lastfootstamper on September 07, 2020, 06:49:30 PM

Quote from: Villafirst on September 07, 2020, 05:52:55 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on September 07, 2020, 05:26:38 PM

Have we signed anyone today?

Still 'preparing'?

Someone somewhere is bracing themselves.

To have their resolve tested.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villafirst on September 07, 2020, 07:05:33 PM

Villa seem to be synonymous with the word 'preparing'!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on September 07, 2020, 07:05:55 PM

More than content with our transfer philosophy so far.

Still a month to go, I’m confident In Deano and Lange.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on September 07, 2020, 07:10:23 PM

Only 5 days until the season starts. That tells me all our business will be with Championship clubs or abroad. Premier League clubs will be reluctant to sell in to the season unless they're selling trouble or shite.

So much for making sure we aren't in a relegation battle again. Preparations are as poor as the January window.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 07, 2020, 07:12:44 PM

Quote from: WilliamStanding on September 07, 2020, 07:05:55 PM

More than content with our transfer philosophy so far.

Still a month to go, I’m confident In Deano and Lange.

Do they both play up front?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on September 07, 2020, 07:14:22 PM

Well we only play one up top anyway, ones a forward and holds the ball up well

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on September 07, 2020, 07:17:28 PM

There's still time but I may have to soon re-access our points total for the first five league games. Right now I have us down for 9 points. Home wins against Sheff Utd and Leeds Rhinos plus an away win at Fulham.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: exiled on the wirral! on September 07, 2020, 07:24:32 PM

Quote from: Marlon From Bearwood on September 07, 2020, 02:59:00 PM

I’d say Nixon is one of the least reliable journalists around. I’ve recently noticed he’s blocked me. He must have taken offence when I reminded him that he reported Tammy to Wolves (when he was on loan to us) was a done deal.

He blocked me aswell although I did call him cnut to be fair.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 07, 2020, 07:33:21 PM

Quote from: Villafirst on September 07, 2020, 07:05:33 PM

Villa seem to be synonymous with the word 'Prepared'!

FTFY :)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 07, 2020, 07:49:57 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 07, 2020, 07:10:23 PM

Only 5 days until the season starts. That tells me all our business will be with Championship clubs or abroad. Premier League clubs will be reluctant to sell in to the season unless they're selling trouble or shite.

So much for making sure we aren't in a relegation battle again. Preparations are as poor as the January window.

I didn't realise we had to sign players by Saturday.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 08:03:08 PM

Quote from: Lastfootstamper on September 07, 2020, 06:29:11 PM

Quote from: Clive W on September 07, 2020, 06:26:20 PM

Apologies if this has been posted already but according to the DT we wanted to pay by instalments whereas Newcastle offered cash on the nail. It also said we withdrew our bid but at what stage I’m not sure.

Isn't it the norm to pay transfer fees in installments?

yeah but we asked for buy now, pay Christmas, and interest free credit till 2023

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aev on September 07, 2020, 08:05:07 PM

Another bid is in for Martinez supposedly.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ian. on September 07, 2020, 08:07:16 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 07, 2020, 07:49:57 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 07, 2020, 07:10:23 PM

Only 5 days until the season starts. That tells me all our business will be with Championship clubs or abroad. Premier League clubs will be reluctant to sell in to the season unless they're selling trouble or shite.

So much for making sure we aren't in a relegation battle again. Preparations are as poor as the January window.

I didn't realise we had to sign players by Saturday.

Big game Saturday haven’t we?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 08:16:02 PM

Be surprised if they let him go.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 07, 2020, 08:21:00 PM

Quote from: aev on September 07, 2020, 08:05:07 PM

Another bid is in for Martinez supposedly.

can he play up front?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Richard E on September 07, 2020, 08:21:25 PM

Wolves are about to make another signing.

I bet none of you can guess a) his nationality; b) the identity of his agent.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 07, 2020, 08:22:12 PM

Quote from: Richard E on September 07, 2020, 08:21:25 PM

Wolves are about to make another signing.

I bet none of you can guess a) his nationality; b) the identity of his agent.

a) Erdington B) Eric Hall

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Richard E on September 07, 2020, 08:22:50 PM

Close but no cigar.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on September 07, 2020, 08:23:47 PM

a) Digbeth b) That bloke who used to walk round town singing Villa songs wearing a 1990-91 away shirt and a beanie hat. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Richard E on September 07, 2020, 08:26:00 PM

Getting warmer but still not quite right.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aev on September 07, 2020, 08:26:57 PM

It does seem odd to me that Purslow has highlighted FFP issues, and yet we have made one signing in a position I thought we were strong in, and looking to purchase a 5th goalkeeper.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 08:27:48 PM

a)Watkins
b)Dean Smith

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on September 07, 2020, 08:32:00 PM

Nothing against Wolves because they are working within the rules so fair play to them but the fact that 3 years ago it was obvious that they are being used by an agent as his pet project to make money from all angles is pretty crap by FIFA, UEFA & PL.

 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 07, 2020, 08:33:40 PM

Meanwhile we’ve signed Matty Cash our third right back.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on September 07, 2020, 08:34:00 PM

Quote from: Gareth on September 07, 2020, 08:32:00 PM

Nothing against Wolves because they are working within the rules so fair play to them but the fact that 3 years ago it was obvious that they are being used by an agent as his pet project to make money from all angles is pretty crap by FIFA, UEFA & PL.

 

I'll repeat what I said ages ago - everyone knows it's dodgy but the Football League didn't have the time or money to investigate and the Premier League don't care because the players are coming here.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Shrek on September 07, 2020, 08:34:42 PM

Quote from: Lastfootstamper on September 07, 2020, 06:29:11 PM

Quote from: Clive W on September 07, 2020, 06:26:20 PM

Apologies if this has been posted already but according to the DT we wanted to pay by instalments whereas Newcastle offered cash on the nail. It also said we withdrew our bid but at what stage I’m not sure.

Isn't it the norm to pay transfer fees in installments?

Bournemouth should know, haven’t they got over £90million of fees outstanding

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 07, 2020, 08:37:08 PM

Quote from: aev on September 07, 2020, 08:05:07 PM

Another bid is in for Martinez supposedly.

We have to absolutely minted and very confident of landing forwards and wingers if we are splashing the “cash“ on a wing back and goalkeeper. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 08:39:57 PM

New formation init. 2 keepers, no forwards.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Shrek on September 07, 2020, 08:40:29 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 07, 2020, 08:37:08 PM

Quote from: aev on September 07, 2020, 08:05:07 PM

Another bid is in for Martinez supposedly.

We have to absolutely minted and very confident of landing forwards and wingers if we are splashing the “cash“ on a wing back and goalkeeper. 

Great point, hope it’s true

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: olaftab on September 07, 2020, 08:41:23 PM

Quote from: Richard E on September 07, 2020, 08:26:00 PM

Getting warmer but still not quite right.

It's just a guess but could this player be from a country called Lagutrop and his agent may be a man named Sednem?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: olaftab on September 07, 2020, 08:42:51 PM

Quote from: aev on September 07, 2020, 08:05:07 PM

Another bid is in for Martinez supposedly.

Build from the back is best approach. A RB already in; GK next.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: gpbarr on September 07, 2020, 08:44:06 PM

Quote from: WilliamStanding on September 07, 2020, 07:05:55 PM

More than content with our transfer philosophy so far.

Still a month to go, I’m confident In Deano and Lange.

What is our transfer philosophy? And out of interest, why are you confident?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 08:46:57 PM

See Everton have signed Rodriguez. *sigh*

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Richard E on September 07, 2020, 08:49:27 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 08:46:57 PM

See Everton have signed Rodriguez. *sigh*

A bloke whose whole career has been based off living off one worldie 6 years ago? Meh.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 08:50:04 PM

Quote from: Richard E on September 07, 2020, 08:49:27 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 08:46:57 PM

See Everton have signed Rodriguez. *sigh*

A bloke whose whole career has been based off living off one worldie 6 years ago? Meh.

yeh he's shite :o

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Richard E on September 07, 2020, 08:50:17 PM

Quote from: olaftab on September 07, 2020, 08:41:23 PM

Quote from: Richard E on September 07, 2020, 08:26:00 PM

Getting warmer but still not quite right.

It's just a guess but could this player be from a country called Lagutrop and his agent may be a man named Sednem?

Eb dluoc.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 07, 2020, 08:51:04 PM

See Everton have signed somebody.  *sigh*

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 07, 2020, 08:51:46 PM

Sheffield United sign Ampadu on loan.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on September 07, 2020, 08:59:11 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on September 07, 2020, 06:29:27 PM

One of my strengths is being able to offer perspectives which other people may not have yet considered whilst discussing subjects , issues and situations.

Oooh, have you got an 'ology?

(https://i.pinimg.com/600x315/7c/7e/b7/7c7eb75950f9cb076e0eebf62d332a37.jpg)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: gpbarr on September 07, 2020, 09:00:03 PM

Meanwhile, more crickets seen around Villa Park!!!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 07, 2020, 09:00:40 PM

Quote from: Richard E on September 07, 2020, 08:49:27 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 08:46:57 PM

See Everton have signed Rodriguez. *sigh*

A bloke whose whole career has been based off living off one worldie 6 years ago? Meh.

I saw it live but still no thanks! It'd be like us doing as Blose did with Tarantini, buying a jaded South American still living off his World Cup exploits.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on September 07, 2020, 09:01:01 PM

I was wondering how long it will be until we see the twice yearly outbreak of:

We've signed Italian striker, Nessuno.

We've signed that Portuguese midfielder, Ninguém

We're in for Spanish winger, Ninguno.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on September 07, 2020, 09:01:10 PM

I'll start

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on September 07, 2020, 09:01:34 PM

Apparently, we've had an offer accepted by Porto for their striker, Ninguém.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on September 07, 2020, 09:01:56 PM

Quote from: Richard E on September 07, 2020, 08:49:27 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 08:46:57 PM

See Everton have signed Rodriguez. *sigh*

A bloke whose whole career has been based off living off one worldie 6 years ago? Meh.

Come off it: have a look at his domestic and international stats - they're good.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 07, 2020, 09:02:30 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on September 07, 2020, 06:29:27 PM

Quote from: Ian J on September 07, 2020, 06:04:54 PM

Quote from: Drummond on September 07, 2020, 05:20:12 PM

Quote from: PeterWithe on September 07, 2020, 05:19:24 PM

Quote from: Ian J on September 07, 2020, 05:17:24 PM

In some sense maybe we’ve learned our lesson and will not pay huge amounts of money on long term contracts and big transfer fees for players at the tail end of their career. We’ve been trying to shift players out of the club on these terms for the last decade. I just do hope they do have a plan, they must have surely!

But it seems pretty well accepted that we'd bid for him?

Probably for a way shorter contract on less money.

Well yes, we have bid for him but our terms may have been way off the mark as to what Newcastle offered.

One of my strengths is being able to offer perspectives which other people may not have yet considered whilst discussing subjects , issues and situations.
I like to think my contribution can generally add to discussion and debate.
So here's my contribution regards contracts of players.

All the Aston Villa first team players, first-team coaches and senior management have deferred 25 % on salary for the last 4 months.
This is the first month when the wages will all be paid in full or so the agreement was understood. If not at least to the 100% of all who deferred
Perhaps a reason to certain moves like Wilson and a big contract as an option.

There may even be some annoyance for players and their parties  about new signings coming in on full salary when they have deferred.
Who knows? but it's worth considering as to why both slow in the transfer window and being considerate in our bidding and contract negotiations with players.

The point hadn't been raised or made about the salary deferral at 25% for 4 months so I thought I make that part of this discussion

That almost certainly didn't happen though.  Not a chance.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on September 07, 2020, 09:03:43 PM

366 pages and 1 player signed. Predictions on the next? It's just a bit tedious isn't it?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 09:06:05 PM

im glad we're better than buying a 4 times spanish and german league winner and 2 times champions league winner and concentrating on the real quality at brentford 8)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on September 07, 2020, 09:06:45 PM

Nevermind, Heaton and Wesley will be like new signings.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 07, 2020, 09:06:50 PM

Anyone remember crack Spanish striker No Juan?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on September 07, 2020, 09:08:41 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 07, 2020, 09:06:45 PM

Nevermind, Heaton and Wesley will be like new signings.

Signing Wesley twice would be compounding the error.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: four fornicholl on September 07, 2020, 09:11:21 PM

Anythings better than nowt, as my old man used to say.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rory on September 07, 2020, 09:15:55 PM

Quote from: four fornicholl on September 07, 2020, 09:11:21 PM

Anythings better than nowt, as my old man used to say.

Ah but did he say that before or after we signed Ross McCormack?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on September 07, 2020, 09:18:02 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 09:06:05 PM

im glad we're better than buying a 4 times spanish and german league winner and 2 times champions league winner and concentrating on the real quality at brentford 8)

Yeah, given the choice of someone who regularly puts them away against Rotherham and Barnsley or someone just off 14 in 32 starts at Bayern Munich and 29 in 64 at Real Madrid, and who has scored in World Cups, I know which I would plump for.

Wouldn't it be nice for us to do something exciting in the transfer market rather than the usual over priced Championship stuff we buy.

We'll probably pay more for Benhrahma than Everton did for James Rodriguez FFS.

Can't we do something that smells of ambition rather than hoping it is good enough to keep us up for a change?

10 years of this rubbish.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 07, 2020, 09:23:12 PM

I said that about us signing Matt Targett who cost more than Alphonso Davies

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 09:23:33 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 07, 2020, 09:18:02 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 09:06:05 PM

im glad we're better than buying a 4 times spanish and german league winner and 2 times champions league winner and concentrating on the real quality at brentford 8)

Yeah, given the choice of someone who regularly puts them away against Rotherham and Barnsley or someone just off 14 in 32 starts at Bayern Munich and 29 in 64 at Real Madrid, and who has scored in World Cups, I know which I would plump for.

Wouldn't it be nice for us to do something exciting in the transfer market rather than the usual over priced Championship stuff we buy.

We'll probably pay more for Benhrahma than Everton did for James Rodriguez FFS.

Can't we do something that smells of ambition rather than hoping it is good enough to keep us up for a change?

10 years of this rubbish.

Yep. I don't think we would have got him - Everton are loaded, BUT if shows what you can get for 20m in that age range. 3 years of a top quality player creating chances and assists., pays for himself by keeping you up

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on September 07, 2020, 09:25:33 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 09:23:33 PM

Yep. I don't think we would have got him - Everton are loaded, BUT if shows what you can get for 20m in that age range. 3 years of a top quality player creating chances and assists., pays for himself by keeping you up

I thought we were loaded.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 07, 2020, 09:27:32 PM

We are loaded. Just that we can’t spend the same as a team that’s not left the PL. They don’t have the same restrictions as us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aev on September 07, 2020, 09:28:31 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 07, 2020, 09:25:33 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 09:23:33 PM

Yep. I don't think we would have got him - Everton are loaded, BUT if shows what you can get for 20m in that age range. 3 years of a top quality player creating chances and assists., pays for himself by keeping you up

I thought we were loaded.

It’s complicated.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 07, 2020, 09:28:52 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 07, 2020, 09:18:02 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 09:06:05 PM

im glad we're better than buying a 4 times spanish and german league winner and 2 times champions league winner and concentrating on the real quality at brentford 8)

Yeah, given the choice of someone who regularly puts them away against Rotherham and Barnsley or someone just off 14 in 32 starts at Bayern Munich and 29 in 64 at Real Madrid, and who has scored in World Cups, I know which I would plump for.

Wouldn't it be nice for us to do something exciting in the transfer market rather than the usual over priced Championship stuff we buy.

We'll probably pay more for Benhrahma than Everton did for James Rodriguez FFS.

Can't we do something that smells of ambition rather than hoping it is good enough to keep us up for a change?

10 years of this rubbish.

I know what you mean, but that deal in particular feels to me like Ancellotti having to justify the reason he was bought to the club, to attract big name players.

How many £20m+ attacking midfielders have they got on their books now?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 07, 2020, 09:29:04 PM

We can’t even persuade an unknown Kosovan to consider lowering himself to talk to us we have no chance with actual superstars.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on September 07, 2020, 09:30:27 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 07, 2020, 09:27:32 PM

We are loaded. Just that we can’t spend the same as a team that’s not left the PL. They don’t have the same restrictions as us.

Until when?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 09:31:30 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 07, 2020, 09:25:33 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 09:23:33 PM

Yep. I don't think we would have got him - Everton are loaded, BUT if shows what you can get for 20m in that age range. 3 years of a top quality player creating chances and assists., pays for himself by keeping you up

I thought we were loaded.

*Shrugs* 20m is not a problem. the wages? But not every talented foreign 29year old is on Real Madrid wages. Anyway judging how everton fans are wetting themselves tonight, they'll probably pay for him in shirt sales by October

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aev on September 07, 2020, 09:31:34 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 07, 2020, 09:27:32 PM

We are loaded. Just that we can’t spend the same as a team that’s not left the PL. They don’t have the same restrictions as us.

Still doesn’t really explain why we are spending on a right back and another goalkeeper.

If indeed our budget is limited is much rather us get players in positions that we need. We have no pace up front and our fit strikers can’t score.

I am clinging to the fact that this means the FFP stuff is red herring and we will spend lavishly.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on September 07, 2020, 09:31:42 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 07, 2020, 09:30:27 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 07, 2020, 09:27:32 PM

We are loaded. Just that we can’t spend the same as a team that’s not left the PL. They don’t have the same restrictions as us.

Until when?

Another two years.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 07, 2020, 09:32:29 PM

How did Wolves manage it then?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 07, 2020, 09:32:48 PM

A 2nd bid for Martinez, close to £20m.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: gpbarr on September 07, 2020, 09:40:21 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 07, 2020, 09:32:48 PM

A 2nd bid for Martinez, close to £20m.

Which is bollocks if the FFP rumor is true. As I said in an earlier post, something just doesn't add up in this window. Either we have the fabled 100m and can spend it or we don't (I suspect its the latter).

Looking increasingly like another year when we will have to manage our ambitions (and frustrations) as fans and just accept this is going to take a lot longer than we'd hoped to start competing at the right end of the table.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 07, 2020, 09:41:46 PM

FFP isn't a rumour, its been in place for a good number of years now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on September 07, 2020, 09:43:03 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on September 07, 2020, 09:32:29 PM

How did Wolves manage it then?

A lot of their players are loans and Mendes valuations.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 07, 2020, 09:43:11 PM

I don’t believe the FFP stuff.  Wolves made a £57m loss in the championship.  They got done by UEFA but not our own FA.  It doesn’t stack up.  Surely we pay decent wages to Mings, Targett, McGinn, Heaton.  I’m surprised more of our players haven’t been linked with leaving either.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 07, 2020, 09:43:23 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 09:23:33 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 07, 2020, 09:18:02 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 09:06:05 PM

im glad we're better than buying a 4 times spanish and german league winner and 2 times champions league winner and concentrating on the real quality at brentford 8)

Yeah, given the choice of someone who regularly puts them away against Rotherham and Barnsley or someone just off 14 in 32 starts at Bayern Munich and 29 in 64 at Real Madrid, and who has scored in World Cups, I know which I would plump for.

Wouldn't it be nice for us to do something exciting in the transfer market rather than the usual over priced Championship stuff we buy.

We'll probably pay more for Benhrahma than Everton did for James Rodriguez FFS.

Can't we do something that smells of ambition rather than hoping it is good enough to keep us up for a change?

10 years of this rubbish.

Yep. I don't think we would have got him - Everton are loaded, BUT if shows what you can get for 20m in that age range. 3 years of a top quality player creating chances and assists., pays for himself by keeping you up

I can't imagine a player like him wanting to play for Dean Smith, unfortunately.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 07, 2020, 09:44:22 PM

‘As soon as I heard that the ex Walsall coach was interested in me I couldn’t wait to join.’

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rory on September 07, 2020, 09:45:18 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 09:31:30 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 07, 2020, 09:25:33 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 09:23:33 PM

Yep. I don't think we would have got him - Everton are loaded, BUT if shows what you can get for 20m in that age range. 3 years of a top quality player creating chances and assists., pays for himself by keeping you up

I thought we were loaded.

*Shrugs* 20m is not a problem. the wages? But not every talented foreign 29year old is on Real Madrid wages. Anyway judging how everton fans are wetting themselves tonight, they'll probably pay for him in shirt sales by October

Can't say I blame them, really. I remember the excitement when we were linked with Sneijder. Funnily enough, around the same time we were linked with Ancelotti, from what I remember, but that was in the days before top managers started seeing upper-mid table PL clubs as an option.

Having said that, how do off-pitch investments influence FFP? Aren't Everton spending a fortune on a new stadium?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 09:46:23 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 07, 2020, 09:43:23 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 09:23:33 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 07, 2020, 09:18:02 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 09:06:05 PM

im glad we're better than buying a 4 times spanish and german league winner and 2 times champions league winner and concentrating on the real quality at brentford 8)

Yeah, given the choice of someone who regularly puts them away against Rotherham and Barnsley or someone just off 14 in 32 starts at Bayern Munich and 29 in 64 at Real Madrid, and who has scored in World Cups, I know which I would plump for.

Wouldn't it be nice for us to do something exciting in the transfer market rather than the usual over priced Championship stuff we buy.

We'll probably pay more for Benhrahma than Everton did for James Rodriguez FFS.

Can't we do something that smells of ambition rather than hoping it is good enough to keep us up for a change?

10 years of this rubbish.

Yep. I don't think we would have got him - Everton are loaded, BUT if shows what you can get for 20m in that age range. 3 years of a top quality player creating chances and assists., pays for himself by keeping you up

I can't imagine a player like him wanting to play for Dean Smith, unfortunately.

Unfortunately i can't imagine  Dean Smith asking

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Percy McCarthy on September 07, 2020, 09:46:52 PM

Quote from: Rory Christopher on September 07, 2020, 09:45:18 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 09:31:30 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 07, 2020, 09:25:33 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 09:23:33 PM

Yep. I don't think we would have got him - Everton are loaded, BUT if shows what you can get for 20m in that age range. 3 years of a top quality player creating chances and assists., pays for himself by keeping you up

I thought we were loaded.

*Shrugs* 20m is not a problem. the wages? But not every talented foreign 29year old is on Real Madrid wages. Anyway judging how everton fans are wetting themselves tonight, they'll probably pay for him in shirt sales by October

Can't say I blame them, really. I remember the excitement when we were linked with Sneijder. Funnily enough, around the same time we were linked with Ancelotti, from what I remember, but that was in the days before top managers started seeing upper-mid table PL clubs as an option.

Having said that, how do off-pitch investments influence FFP? Aren't Everton spending a fortune on a new stadium?

Infrastructure and academy investments don’t count I think.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on September 07, 2020, 09:48:04 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 07, 2020, 09:41:46 PM

FFP isn't a rumour, its been in place for a good number of years now.

Is it remotely enforceable in this covid era?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 07, 2020, 09:49:07 PM

Yes, its Income & Expenditure moreso than assets on the Balance Sheet.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 07, 2020, 09:49:16 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on September 07, 2020, 09:43:03 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on September 07, 2020, 09:32:29 PM

How did Wolves manage it then?

A lot of their players are loans and Mendes valuations.

The price you pay is a top 8 full back in his prime going for buttons, relative to market value.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on September 07, 2020, 09:50:14 PM

I did confirm our Martinez interest a few weeks ago. Key to this is Raya

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rory on September 07, 2020, 09:50:15 PM

Quote from: Percy McCarthy on September 07, 2020, 09:46:52 PM

Infrastructure and academy investments don’t count I think.

Ah okay. Bit daft though, because infrastructure investment leads to greater income, which in turn influences FFP.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 09:51:30 PM

Quote from: Rory Christopher on September 07, 2020, 09:45:18 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 09:31:30 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 07, 2020, 09:25:33 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 09:23:33 PM

Yep. I don't think we would have got him - Everton are loaded, BUT if shows what you can get for 20m in that age range. 3 years of a top quality player creating chances and assists., pays for himself by keeping you up

I thought we were loaded.

*Shrugs* 20m is not a problem. the wages? But not every talented foreign 29year old is on Real Madrid wages. Anyway judging how everton fans are wetting themselves tonight, they'll probably pay for him in shirt sales by October

Can't say I blame them, really. I remember the excitement when we were linked with Sneijder. Funnily enough, around the same time we were linked with Ancelotti, from what I remember, but that was in the days before top managers started seeing upper-mid table PL clubs as an option.

Having said that, how do off-pitch investments influence FFP? Aren't Everton spending a fortune on a new stadium?

Yeah as Paulie said it would be nice to have a signing that the opposition could be bothered to call shit. I'm strictly an amateur on FFP. I do know that Everton's owners don't intend to piss around and are up there with the abramovich's of this world

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 07, 2020, 09:51:42 PM

If we are hampered by FFP we didn’t need a new right back and we don’t need a fifth goalkeeper at the club.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ian. on September 07, 2020, 09:51:47 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on September 07, 2020, 09:43:03 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on September 07, 2020, 09:32:29 PM

How did Wolves manage it then?

A lot of their players are loans and Mendes valuations.

When Wolves sold Doherty the other day it seemed the only one who lost out was Wolves, but then the replacement was already lined up at a snip, I presume another Mendes player?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on September 07, 2020, 09:58:08 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on September 07, 2020, 09:43:11 PM

I don’t believe the FFP stuff.  Wolves made a £57m loss in the championship.  They got done by UEFA but not our own FA.  It doesn’t stack up.  Surely we pay decent wages to Mings, Targett, McGinn, Heaton.  I’m surprised more of our players haven’t been linked with leaving either.

From what I know, there's no FFP in the PL. But there is in the EFL, and there is if you want to compete in Europe. So if you want to do what Everton do and keep blowing hundreds upon hundreds of millions whilst not winning anything or only occasionally qualifying for Europe but not getting relegated, you're free to carry on.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 07, 2020, 09:58:20 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 07, 2020, 09:18:02 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 09:06:05 PM

im glad we're better than buying a 4 times spanish and german league winner and 2 times champions league winner and concentrating on the real quality at brentford 8)

Yeah, given the choice of someone who regularly puts them away against Rotherham and Barnsley or someone just off 14 in 32 starts at Bayern Munich and 29 in 64 at Real Madrid, and who has scored in World Cups, I know which I would plump for.

Wouldn't it be nice for us to do something exciting in the transfer market rather than the usual over priced Championship stuff we buy.

We'll probably pay more for Benhrahma than Everton did for James Rodriguez FFS.

Can't we do something that smells of ambition rather than hoping it is good enough to keep us up for a change?

10 years of this rubbish.

We do desperately a John Carew type signing, someone known around europe and proven in top leagues and also states to other players we actually mean business and are on the up so they might actually want to join us rather than have a think about it for weeks on end.

When we signed him and Ashley Young that January in the end days of Lerner and MON that convinced me we were on the right path and for the next two years we were.

Still waiting for that to happen under this manager and ownership.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 07, 2020, 10:00:21 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 07, 2020, 09:28:52 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 07, 2020, 09:18:02 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 09:06:05 PM

im glad we're better than buying a 4 times spanish and german league winner and 2 times champions league winner and concentrating on the real quality at brentford 8)

Yeah, given the choice of someone who regularly puts them away against Rotherham and Barnsley or someone just off 14 in 32 starts at Bayern Munich and 29 in 64 at Real Madrid, and who has scored in World Cups, I know which I would plump for.

Wouldn't it be nice for us to do something exciting in the transfer market rather than the usual over priced Championship stuff we buy.

We'll probably pay more for Benhrahma than Everton did for James Rodriguez FFS.

Can't we do something that smells of ambition rather than hoping it is good enough to keep us up for a change?

10 years of this rubbish.

I know what you mean, but that deal in particular feels to me like Ancellotti having to justify the reason he was bought to the club, to attract big name players.

How many £20m+ attacking midfielders have they got on their books now?

I'd probably take Sigurdsson if they're letting him go to balance the books.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithe on September 07, 2020, 10:01:10 PM

It is a bit strange that the owners haven't seemingly been pushing for a signing to signal intent.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on September 07, 2020, 10:02:05 PM

Quote from: Ian J on September 07, 2020, 09:51:47 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on September 07, 2020, 09:43:03 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on September 07, 2020, 09:32:29 PM

How did Wolves manage it then?

A lot of their players are loans and Mendes valuations.

When Wolves sold Doherty the other day it seemed the only one who lost out was Wolves, but then the replacement was already lined up at a snip, I presume another Mendes player?

Doherty might be a bad example as he’s possibly not with Mendez but is the theory that Spurs paid a lot more than the reported £12m to buy the player i.e. £12m was the transfer fee but a chunk more was going to an agent as Mendez was effectively cashing in some chips?

Is that how this arrangement works / will work?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 07, 2020, 10:03:51 PM

Wasn't it said last summer Wesley's agent recommended Engels and Nakamba to us when Suso was negotiating with Bruges?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 07, 2020, 10:04:14 PM

Percy reporting we are bidding £16m for Josh King

https://twitter.com/jpercytelegraph/status/1303076105398738956?s=21

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on September 07, 2020, 10:04:18 PM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on September 07, 2020, 09:50:14 PM

I did confirm our Martinez interest a few weeks ago. Key to this is Raya

Is this Martinez guy any good? He's 28 and has played the grand total of 70 league games in his career to date. Did his very best to keep us in the league in that Arsenal game with his efforts for that Davis chance. Based on his career to date the reported price seems ridiculous, only saving grace is that Arsenal keepers tend to do well elsewhere like Fabianski and Szcezny

The fact we are linked with a string of goalkeepers suggest all is very much not well with Heaton and unfortunately little faith in Steer, Nyland or Kalinic. Steer didn't put a foot wrong that I recall in the championship for us so not sure I understand the logic there.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 07, 2020, 10:04:32 PM

£16m bid for Norwegian (no I had no idea till the other day) Josh King.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on September 07, 2020, 10:05:12 PM

Quote from: PeterWithe on September 07, 2020, 10:01:10 PM

It is a bit strange that the owners haven't seemingly been pushing for a signing to signal intent.

I wonder if they haven't bothered with the marquee signing, to boost season ticket sales, as we aren't allowed in the stadium!  A couple of nice signings would be a huge boost though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on September 07, 2020, 10:05:33 PM

If we have another season long struggle then next Summer it's going to be a massive fight to keep hold of Mcginn, Mings and Grealish too. They'll be gone then the chance of being upwardly mobile becomes slimmer and riskier and we're back to the cycle of losing our better players and circling the plug hole.

We simply can't fuck this window up.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 07, 2020, 10:06:06 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 07, 2020, 10:04:18 PM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on September 07, 2020, 09:50:14 PM

I did confirm our Martinez interest a few weeks ago. Key to this is Raya

Is this Martinez guy any good? He's 28 and has played the grand total of 70 league games in his career to date. Did his very best to keep us in the league in that Arsenal game with his efforts for that Davis chance. Based on his career to date the reported price seems ridiculous, only saving grace is that Arsenal keepers tend to do well elsewhere like Fabianski and Szcezny

The fact we are linked with a string of goalkeepers suggest all is very much not well with Heaton and unfortunately little faith in Steer, Nyland or Kalinic. Steer didn't put a foot wrong that I recall in the championship for us so not sure I understand the logic there.

Was excellent for them in the FA cup and community shield the other week. Not just makes good saves but has a real presence in six yard box and claims plenty of crosses.

Guess the key is does he start the Fulham game for them on Saturday. If he dosen't he'll push to  leave.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 07, 2020, 10:08:41 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 07, 2020, 10:04:14 PM

Percy reporting we are bidding £16m for Josh King

https://twitter.com/jpercytelegraph/status/1303076105398738956?s=21

6 goals last season (3 of them pens), 28, injured from December to February. The exact same arguments people made against Wilson you could make here aswell.

I assume if we did sign him he'd play out wide rather than centrally.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rory on September 07, 2020, 10:09:15 PM

Quote from: PeterWithe on September 07, 2020, 10:01:10 PM

It is a bit strange that the owners haven't seemingly been pushing for a signing to signal intent.

I don't mind the idea of owners who are grown-ups who view us as an investment, and are happy to see us develop (relatively) organically rather than a vanity project on steroids. I'd rather not be able to detect an owner's imprint on any signings, they should be entirely the choice of the manager. But that, of course, relies on there actually being signings.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on September 07, 2020, 10:11:08 PM

Quote from: PeterWithe on September 07, 2020, 10:01:10 PM

It is a bit strange that the owners haven't seemingly been pushing for a signing to signal intent.

We don't know that they're not as frustrated as the rest of us that their billions count for seemingly nowt when trying to change the way we're seen by a world in which we've been garbage for a decade.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 07, 2020, 10:13:45 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 07, 2020, 10:08:41 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 07, 2020, 10:04:14 PM

Percy reporting we are bidding £16m for Josh King

https://twitter.com/jpercytelegraph/status/1303076105398738956?s=21

6 goals last season (3 of them pens), 28, injured from December to February. The exact same arguments people made against Wilson you could make here aswell.

I assume if we did sign him he'd play out wide rather than centrally.

Yes I would think so. I don’t know what to make of this. He’s a good player but 28, it’s a bit unimaginative.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithe on September 07, 2020, 10:14:36 PM

I think they are doing a sound job for the medium to long term with the investment in the Youth system, I just think its a bit strange they haven't in two years encouraged a 'bums on seats' signing, an anchor signing for other players. I'd guess few managers would pass up the chance to buy and manage a player of the calibre I'm thinking about. Just one.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on September 07, 2020, 10:15:47 PM

Pin the tail on the donkey bids if this one is true.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 07, 2020, 10:18:39 PM

Kings's scoring record in the league is actually better than what I thought. 16 in 16/17, 8 in 17/18 and 12 in 18/19. He was Bournemouth's penalty taker though and they got a decent amount for a bottom half team while we don't tend to get any these days.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: andyh on September 07, 2020, 10:19:11 PM

Bloody hell.
Our search for a striker seems pretty fucking narrow.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithe on September 07, 2020, 10:19:24 PM

Hmm, wait and see about this one, its not the kind of signing I'd have expected from the new recruitment fella. I dont remember him being any better than what we have.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 10:19:44 PM

King's okay apart the Manu hero worship cringe.. He's like Wilson. decent price, but you'd want someone else potentially more prolific. Martinez i like compared to Romero, but yeah not exactly experienced before this season. That said, a lot of arsenal fans prefer him to Leno

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on September 07, 2020, 10:19:52 PM

We already have a player of a calibre way in excess of players I'd be happy to see us bring in, but for whatever reason they don't seem to want to play with him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AV82EC on September 07, 2020, 10:20:09 PM

Quote from: Rory Christopher on September 07, 2020, 10:09:15 PM

Quote from: PeterWithe on September 07, 2020, 10:01:10 PM

It is a bit strange that the owners haven't seemingly been pushing for a signing to signal intent.

I don't mind the idea of owners who are grown-ups who view us as an investment, and are happy to see us develop (relatively) organically rather than a vanity project on steroids. I'd rather not be able to detect an owner's imprint on any signings, they should be entirely the choice of the manager. But that, of course, relies on there actually being signings.

I think the signings bit is what they employ Lange for and expect him to do the business with support from Purslow and input from Smith and Co.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on September 07, 2020, 10:21:56 PM

I was having a look at Bournemouth and Arsenal forums about King and Martinez respectively.  The Arsenal fans rate Martinez but Bournemouth are a bit more equivocal about King.  Talented but inconsistent and often on the treatment table they say.  Still, he's hit double figures in the PL twice so he does at least know where the goal is.

The question I have with Martinez is that if we spend, for sake of argument £15-20M on him then does he become our number one, even when Heaton is fit?  I can't se why he'd trade being no 2 at Arsenal for being no 2 here.  And I can't imagine why we'd pay that much for a back up keeper.  If so, what does Heaton do?  he won't want to be no 2 either.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on September 07, 2020, 10:22:18 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 07, 2020, 10:06:06 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 07, 2020, 10:04:18 PM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on September 07, 2020, 09:50:14 PM

I did confirm our Martinez interest a few weeks ago. Key to this is Raya

Is this Martinez guy any good? He's 28 and has played the grand total of 70 league games in his career to date. Did his very best to keep us in the league in that Arsenal game with his efforts for that Davis chance. Based on his career to date the reported price seems ridiculous, only saving grace is that Arsenal keepers tend to do well elsewhere like Fabianski and Szcezny

The fact we are linked with a string of goalkeepers suggest all is very much not well with Heaton and unfortunately little faith in Steer, Nyland or Kalinic. Steer didn't put a foot wrong that I recall in the championship for us so not sure I understand the logic there.

Was excellent for them in the FA cup and community shield the other week. Not just makes good saves but has a real presence in six yard box and claims plenty of crosses.

Guess the key is does he start the Fulham game for them on Saturday. If he dosen't he'll push to  leave.

Arsenal fans seem to love him on Twitter
Always a good sign

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: enigma on September 07, 2020, 10:24:07 PM

All this talk of FFP, I thought it had been relaxed this year due to covid?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on September 07, 2020, 10:24:15 PM

Quote from: Lastfootstamper on September 07, 2020, 10:19:52 PM

We already have a player of a calibre way in excess of players I'd be happy to see us bring in, but for whatever reason they don't seem to want to play with him.

Who are you thinking of

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on September 07, 2020, 10:24:24 PM

Josh King.  Is he a winger who can play down the middle a bit or a winger, winger?  Is he any good?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 07, 2020, 10:24:29 PM

Can we leave Brentford and Bournemouth alone and cast our net a bit further?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 07, 2020, 10:24:42 PM

Quote from: PeterWithe on September 07, 2020, 10:19:24 PM

Hmm, wait and see about this one, its not the kind of signing I'd have expected from the new recruitment fella. I dont remember him being any better than what we have.

It's pretty clear DS is doing the signings this summer with all the serious links and Matty Cash. Think we'll see more of Lange's influence in January and next summer. I reckon currently he's doing a review of our whole football set up for the owners so that's the focus.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 10:25:51 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 07, 2020, 10:21:56 PM

I was having a look at Bournemouth and Arsenal forums about King and Martinez respectively.  The Arsenal fans rate Martinez but Bournemouth are a bit more equivocal about King.  Talented but inconsistent and often on the treatment table they say.  Still, he's hit double figures in the PL twice so he does at least know where the goal is.

The question I have with Martinez is that if we spend, for sake of argument £15-20M on him then does he become our number one, even when Heaton is fit?  I can't se why he'd trade being no 2 at Arsenal for being no 2 here.  And I can't imagine why we'd pay that much for a back up keeper.  If so, what does Heaton do?  he won't want to be no 2 either.

Only my opinion but i'd rate  Martinez  far above Heaton. If he came for 20m he's No.1

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 07, 2020, 10:27:20 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 07, 2020, 10:21:56 PM

I was having a look at Bournemouth and Arsenal forums about King and Martinez respectively.  The Arsenal fans rate Martinez but Bournemouth are a bit more equivocal about King.  Talented but inconsistent and often on the treatment table they say.  Still, he's hit double figures in the PL twice so he does at least know where the goal is.

The question I have with Martinez is that if we spend, for sake of argument £15-20M on him then does he become our number one, even when Heaton is fit?  I can't se why he'd trade being no 2 at Arsenal for being no 2 here.  And I can't imagine why we'd pay that much for a back up keeper.  If so, what does Heaton do?  he won't want to be no 2 either.

Heaton won't be fit until middle of October so Martinez will come in and start our first 4-5 games if he signed next week. And if he takes his chance like he did at Arsenal he'll be our number one all season.

Worth remembering Heaton got injured at Burnley and then spent six months warming the bench behind Joe Hart so not like he'd throw a hissy fit at having to bide his time, I imagine he's a good professional around the training ground so he'll work, play in the cups and wait for another chance like he got at Burnley.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithe on September 07, 2020, 10:27:48 PM

Maybe I'm in a bad mood but I'm a bit non-plussed that after staying up by the width of a fanny hair we are looking at players from teams who were actually worse than us. Its very Villa shopping at the relegated clubs.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on September 07, 2020, 10:27:53 PM

Martinez would be coming in as number 1, no question.  Heaton would have a real scrap on his hands trying to get back in.  Exactly as it should be. I wish for the same up front and in midfield.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on September 07, 2020, 10:28:21 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 07, 2020, 10:24:42 PM

Quote from: PeterWithe on September 07, 2020, 10:19:24 PM

Hmm, wait and see about this one, its not the kind of signing I'd have expected from the new recruitment fella. I dont remember him being any better than what we have.

It's pretty clear DS is doing the signings this summer with all the serious links and Matty Cash. Think we'll see more of Lange's influence in January and next summer. I reckon currently he's doing a review of our whole football set up for the owners so that's the focus.

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 07, 2020, 10:24:42 PM

Quote from: PeterWithe on September 07, 2020, 10:19:24 PM

Hmm, wait and see about this one, its not the kind of signing I'd have expected from the new recruitment fella. I dont remember him being any better than what we have.

It's pretty clear DS is doing the signings this summer with all the serious links and Matty Cash. Think we'll see more of Lange's influence in January and next summer. I reckon currently he's doing a review of our whole football set up for the owners so that's the focus.

Review of the whole club set up

just tell him to read H&V     Sorted

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on September 07, 2020, 10:29:33 PM

Quote from: john e on September 07, 2020, 10:28:21 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 07, 2020, 10:24:42 PM

Quote from: PeterWithe on September 07, 2020, 10:19:24 PM

Hmm, wait and see about this one, its not the kind of signing I'd have expected from the new recruitment fella. I dont remember him being any better than what we have.

It's pretty clear DS is doing the signings this summer with all the serious links and Matty Cash. Think we'll see more of Lange's influence in January and next summer. I reckon currently he's doing a review of our whole football set up for the owners so that's the focus.

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 07, 2020, 10:24:42 PM

Quote from: PeterWithe on September 07, 2020, 10:19:24 PM

Hmm, wait and see about this one, its not the kind of signing I'd have expected from the new recruitment fella. I dont remember him being any better than what we have.

It's pretty clear DS is doing the signings this summer with all the serious links and Matty Cash. Think we'll see more of Lange's influence in January and next summer. I reckon currently he's doing a review of our whole football set up for the owners so that's the focus.

Review of the whole club set up

just tell him to read H&V     Sorted

All apart from your posts!! (joke).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: andyh on September 07, 2020, 10:30:46 PM

If Josh King is the answer, why did we bid for Callum Wilson?
Looks like we are shooting fish in the Bournemouth barrel.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on September 07, 2020, 10:32:15 PM

It feels like we're just going alphabetically through the Championship and are stuck on 'b'.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Des Little on September 07, 2020, 10:34:56 PM

That’s a worrying thought given the next one in that little sequence share our great city

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: enigma on September 07, 2020, 10:35:03 PM

Quote from: Newby on September 07, 2020, 10:24:24 PM

Josh King.  Is he a winger who can play down the middle a bit or a winger, winger?  Is he any good?

More of a striker that can play wide.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave P on September 07, 2020, 10:35:33 PM

Quote from: Monty on September 07, 2020, 10:32:15 PM

It feels like we're just going alphabetically through the Championship and are stuck on 'b'.

It’s a good job we call them Small Heath then isn’t it!?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 10:36:43 PM

Quote from: Des Little on September 07, 2020, 10:34:56 PM

That’s a worrying thought given the next one in that little sequence share our great city

ah but it works both ways. Hogan/Jota mega 2m deal

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on September 07, 2020, 10:36:54 PM

Quote from: enigma on September 07, 2020, 10:35:03 PM

Quote from: Newby on September 07, 2020, 10:24:24 PM

Josh King.  Is he a winger who can play down the middle a bit or a winger, winger?  Is he any good?

More of a striker that can play wide.

Underwhelming?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Shrek on September 07, 2020, 10:37:22 PM

We are coming across quite embarrassing.

We seem very naive and unprepared right now. Bidding on Wilson, to then withdraw and bid on his teammate??? Very poor planning.

Bournemouth will just say 21m for King, or whatever it was we bid for Wilson.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Shrek on September 07, 2020, 10:37:50 PM

Quote from: Newby on September 07, 2020, 10:36:54 PM

Quote from: enigma on September 07, 2020, 10:35:03 PM

Quote from: Newby on September 07, 2020, 10:24:24 PM

Josh King.  Is he a winger who can play down the middle a bit or a winger, winger?  Is he any good?

More of a striker that can play wide.

Underwhelming?

Very.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on September 07, 2020, 10:39:14 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 07, 2020, 09:58:20 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 07, 2020, 09:18:02 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 09:06:05 PM

im glad we're better than buying a 4 times spanish and german league winner and 2 times champions league winner and concentrating on the real quality at brentford 8)

Yeah, given the choice of someone who regularly puts them away against Rotherham and Barnsley or someone just off 14 in 32 starts at Bayern Munich and 29 in 64 at Real Madrid, and who has scored in World Cups, I know which I would plump for.

Wouldn't it be nice for us to do something exciting in the transfer market rather than the usual over priced Championship stuff we buy.

We'll probably pay more for Benhrahma than Everton did for James Rodriguez FFS.

Can't we do something that smells of ambition rather than hoping it is good enough to keep us up for a change?

10 years of this rubbish.

We do desperately a John Carew type signing, someone known around europe and proven in top leagues and also states to other players we actually mean business and are on the up so they might actually want to join us rather than have a think about it for weeks on end.

When we signed him and Ashley Young that January in the end days of Lerner and MON that convinced me we were on the right path and for the next two years we were.

Still waiting for that to happen under this manager and ownership.

If I recall correctly Carew fell into MONs lap a bit as Houllier? at Lyon really wanted him out and wanted Baros in. Was Carew really proven ? Bit of a nomadic career pre Villa. MON certainly went down the British is best route after that.

Young was a real statement of intent for sure (not sure how we got him out of Watford mid season), both in the same window too. Baros aside, I can't recall who we had up top around then. Likes of Luke Moore and Gabby I guess.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rory on September 07, 2020, 10:40:30 PM

Quote from: PeterWithe on September 07, 2020, 10:27:48 PM

Maybe I'm in a bad mood but I'm a bit non-plussed that after staying up by the width of a fanny hair we are looking at players from teams who were actually worse than us. Its very Villa shopping at the relegated clubs.

Nothing wrong with buying the best players from lower-placed clubs, it's what the whole market is about, but we do seem to pick 'easy' targets. When was the last time we bought a player from a PL club that they actually wanted to keep? Bent?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villan82 on September 07, 2020, 10:41:21 PM

Quote from: PeterWithe on September 07, 2020, 10:01:10 PM

It is a bit strange that the owners haven't seemingly been pushing for a signing to signal intent.

Maybe there isn't the intent we imagined?

It's been a disappointing window, the second one in a row.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 10:43:09 PM

I'm just waiting for Smith to bid something other than 20m. Has he got a voucher he's trying to get rid off?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 07, 2020, 10:45:15 PM

Josh King appears to be the Norwegian (I know right?!) Wilson. 1 in 3ish (3.25). Better than Samatta and Davis, more proven than Wesley.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on September 07, 2020, 10:46:11 PM

Quote from: andyh on September 07, 2020, 10:19:11 PM

Bloody hell.
Our search for a striker seems pretty fucking narrow.

That's alright for you to say, but if you're only allowed to buy players from pieces beginning with 'B', it's always going to be a challenge.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rory on September 07, 2020, 10:46:42 PM

Someone once told me, not sure who or when, that this Josh King fella is Norwegian. Don't think anybody else has pointed this out?.....;-)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ian. on September 07, 2020, 10:48:15 PM

Funnily enough I said to my mate at the weekend, a Spurs fan who is gutted we’re in for Watkins and I mentioned we’re rumoured to be in for Wilson, he said he’d prefer King.
He loves his football and knows more about players outside his club than I certainly do.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 10:49:07 PM

He's ok. Don't see any difference between him or wilson. Bit of experience, good value, probably 8-12 goals. If we sign him with someone else, yeah. On his own? nah

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: enigma on September 07, 2020, 10:53:42 PM

Quote from: Newby on September 07, 2020, 10:36:54 PM

Quote from: enigma on September 07, 2020, 10:35:03 PM

Quote from: Newby on September 07, 2020, 10:24:24 PM

Josh King.  Is he a winger who can play down the middle a bit or a winger, winger?  Is he any good?

More of a striker that can play wide.

Underwhelming?

I like him. Don't see him playing out wide for us though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on September 07, 2020, 10:55:30 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 10:49:07 PM

He's ok. Don't see any difference between him or wilson. Bit of experience, good value, probably 8-12 goals. If we sign him with someone else, yeah. On his own? nah

Can play across the front three which is something Wilson can't. More mobile than Wilson too.

Don't see him as our leading number 9 though. Our transfer strategy does seem increasingly random though, push hard for Wilson but don't get him and go back for his former club mate?? We seem to be running down the options list quickly

I'm sure we had made enquiries but surely we should have tabled an official bid for Tammy? Try and unsettle him a bit and also a show of ambition.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rory on September 07, 2020, 11:00:25 PM

Do we think Wilson was our number one choice, then? He never stood out that much, to me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: berneboy on September 07, 2020, 11:00:51 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 07, 2020, 10:55:30 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 10:49:07 PM

He's ok. Don't see any difference between him or wilson. Bit of experience, good value, probably 8-12 goals. If we sign him with someone else, yeah. On his own? nah

Can play across the front three which is something Wilson can't. More mobile than Wilson too.

Don't see him as our leading number 9 though. Our transfer strategy does seem increasingly random though, push hard for Wilson but don't get him and go back for his former club mate?? We seem to be running down the options list quickly

I'm sure we had made enquiries but surely we should have tabled an official bid for Tammy? Try and unsettle him a bit and also a show of ambition.

There are several Twitter messages stating very firmly (one apparently confirmed by Ian Talor) that we were never after Wilson.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on September 07, 2020, 11:03:26 PM

Quote from: berneboy on September 07, 2020, 11:00:51 PM

There are several Twitter messages stating very firmly (one apparently confirmed by Ian Talor) that we were never after Wilson.

It's par for the course.  First it's 'we didn't really want him anyway' and then 'we never made a bid at all.'  And then whoever we do end up signing is 'the one we really wanted all along.'

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: berneboy on September 07, 2020, 11:03:37 PM

I'm amazed that we believe the rumours. Clickbait and guesswork don't add up to truth.
It's as though one rumour copied by others becomes an accepted truth.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 11:04:00 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 07, 2020, 10:55:30 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 10:49:07 PM

He's ok. Don't see any difference between him or wilson. Bit of experience, good value, probably 8-12 goals. If we sign him with someone else, yeah. On his own? nah

Can play across the front three which is something Wilson can't. More mobile than Wilson too.

Don't see him as our leading number 9 though. Our transfer strategy does seem increasingly random though, push hard for Wilson but don't get him and go back for his former club mate?? We seem to be running down the options list quickly

I'm sure we had made enquiries but surely we should have tabled an official bid for Tammy? Try and unsettle him a bit and also a show of ambition.

yeah dont disagree with any of that. Also hasn't got the knee history Wilson has. Abraham must be on a packet. I mean hudson-odio is rumoured to be on 100k a week, so a guy who got just 15 goals for chelsea and probably their 2nd choice behind Werner. Think he'll bide his time

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Shrek on September 07, 2020, 11:06:41 PM

I’m clutching at straws here, but maybe King was our first choice all along and we just let Bournemouth use us to get more money out of Newcastle to secure a better deal on King.?

I’m just going to imagine we are in total control and have a clear plan.
King, Watkins and Brewster as a fluid front 3 Wouldn’t be too shabby at all.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on September 07, 2020, 11:10:39 PM

Quote from: berneboy on September 07, 2020, 11:03:37 PM

I'm amazed that we believe the rumours. Clickbait and guesswork don't add up to truth.
It's as though one rumour copied by others becomes an accepted truth.

Forums have been built on such reasoning.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithe on September 07, 2020, 11:10:47 PM

Quote from: berneboy on September 07, 2020, 11:03:37 PM

I'm amazed that we believe the rumours. Clickbait and guesswork don't add up to truth.
It's as though one rumour copied by others becomes an accepted truth.

Wilson has been quoted as saying he had a choice between Newcastle and us and made his decision.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 07, 2020, 11:25:39 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 07, 2020, 09:49:07 PM

Yes, its Income & Expenditure moreso than assets on the Balance Sheet.

It's a tango for the lonely wives of the business class.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: berneboy on September 07, 2020, 11:29:10 PM

Quote from: PeterWithe on September 07, 2020, 11:10:47 PM

Quote from: berneboy on September 07, 2020, 11:03:37 PM

I'm amazed that we believe the rumours. Clickbait and guesswork don't add up to truth.
It's as though one rumour copied by others becomes an accepted truth.

Wilson has been quoted as saying he had a choice between Newcastle and us and made his decision.

Yes. I've looked it up and he's pretty clear he had a choice to come to Villa

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: adrenachrome on September 07, 2020, 11:29:51 PM

Quote from: PeterWithe on September 07, 2020, 11:10:47 PM

Quote from: berneboy on September 07, 2020, 11:03:37 PM

I'm amazed that we believe the rumours. Clickbait and guesswork don't add up to truth.
It's as though one rumour copied by others becomes an accepted truth.

Wilson has been quoted as saying he had a choice between Newcastle and us and made his decision.

Yes, he is quite clear about it. Direct quotes in the local news organ.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Goldie.7 on September 07, 2020, 11:35:33 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 08:50:04 PM

Quote from: Richard E on September 07, 2020, 08:49:27 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 08:46:57 PM

See Everton have signed Rodriguez. *sigh*

A bloke whose whole career has been based off living off one worldie 6 years ago? Meh.

Yeh he's shite :o

Everton signing Rodriguez is a huge coup for them. I'm cringing at the thought of the utter crap we'll end up with.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: purpletrousers on September 07, 2020, 11:39:13 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 07, 2020, 10:39:14 PM

If I recall correctly Carew fell into MONs lap a bit as Houllier? at Lyon really wanted him out and wanted Baros in. Was Carew really proven ? Bit of a nomadic career pre Villa. MON certainly went down the British is best route after that.

Young was a real statement of intent for sure (not sure how we got him out of Watford mid season), both in the same window too. Baros aside, I can't recall who we had up top around then. Likes of Luke Moore and Gabby I guess.

We were seen to have overpaid a bit on Young at the time to get our man (presumably seemingly too good to turn down) but his form at a Villa soon proved it to be value for money.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villan82 on September 07, 2020, 11:46:17 PM

Quote from: purpletrousers on September 07, 2020, 11:39:13 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 07, 2020, 10:39:14 PM

If I recall correctly Carew fell into MONs lap a bit as Houllier? at Lyon really wanted him out and wanted Baros in. Was Carew really proven ? Bit of a nomadic career pre Villa. MON certainly went down the British is best route after that.

Young was a real statement of intent for sure (not sure how we got him out of Watford mid season), both in the same window too. Baros aside, I can't recall who we had up top around then. Likes of Luke Moore and Gabby I guess.

We were seen to have overpaid a bit on Young at the time to get our man (presumably seemingly too good to turn down) but his form at a Villa soon proved it to be value for money.

In my opinion we were a much bigger draw in 2006 than we are now. The 2010s have done a lot of damage to us. A generation grew up watching us at the arse end of the table.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: adrenachrome on September 07, 2020, 11:47:12 PM

Quote from: purpletrousers on September 07, 2020, 11:39:13 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 07, 2020, 10:39:14 PM

If I recall correctly Carew fell into MONs lap a bit as Houllier? at Lyon really wanted him out and wanted Baros in. Was Carew really proven ? Bit of a nomadic career pre Villa. MON certainly went down the British is best route after that.

Young was a real statement of intent for sure (not sure how we got him out of Watford mid season), both in the same window too. Baros aside, I can't recall who we had up top around then. Likes of Luke Moore and Gabby I guess.

We were seen to have overpaid a bit on Young at the time to get our man (presumably seemingly too good to turn down) but his form at a Villa soon proved it to be value for money.

Strange to reflect that, back then, MoN was known in the press as a ditherer, and Grauniad Fiver called him Woody Allen.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Footy-Vill on September 07, 2020, 11:59:15 PM

Callum was very clear and was live on sky sports stating Villa interest
https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11678/12065301/callum-wilson-newcastle-sign-bournemouth-striker-for-20m

He called Villa "a great club" and "not an easy decision as Villa is back home for me " and called it a 50/50" decisions.
Alan Shearer and the football movie 'Goal' swayed him though, oh how could we compete ?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Londonvilla on September 08, 2020, 12:00:29 AM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 10:43:09 PM

I'm just waiting for Smith to bid something other than 20m. Has he got a voucher he's trying to get rid off?

Smith does not do the bidding he is the Head Coach not the Manager..........

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: gpbarr on September 08, 2020, 12:02:26 AM

We should be shopping at Waitrose but feels like we are in the value section at Aldi - can’t wait to hear the spin from the club after this window!!!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on September 08, 2020, 12:02:44 AM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on September 07, 2020, 09:51:42 PM

If we are hampered by FFP we didn’t need a new right back and we don’t need a fifth goalkeeper at the club.

Appreciating that we are all desperate to see strikers & wingers signed we can’t pass up opportunity to improve defence also, few more clean sheets wouldn’t go amiss this yr :-) - Dean must have identified Guilbert as weak link defensively & if Heaton doesn’t hit the ground running when he returns then I’m guessing very few would be comfortable having Nyland or Steer in goal until Jan.

I’m still hoping by the end of the window that we’ll still have spent around 100m Ie.....
Cash 12m
Martinez 20m
King 16m
Watkins 25m
Brewster 20m
& if I’m being selfish a big, mobile CM would be nice :-)

But that would add 300k a week to wage bill if being conservative so need to find 15m a yr in the spending budget to subsidise that signing spree not to mention the necessity to negotiate relegation wages reductions / release fees that suit both the player and ourselves. 

Who knows what will happen but it seems market is starting to crank up so hopefully very soon for us ..... :-)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Footy-Vill on September 08, 2020, 12:05:21 AM

Interesting to read those who are frustrated with signings haven't pointed the finger much at Nordic Langes abilities in getting many deals over the line.
Matty Cash was pure Dean Smith move
If people want to be irate then look at What's Lange contribution so far...

He can come good. And is working in deals but the buck is with Nordic Lange to bring in some bacon .

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Jockey Randall on September 08, 2020, 12:14:07 AM

I'd prefer King over Wilson. He would offer more to the team with his versatility and his goals/assists record is decent over the last 5 years. He's a good penalty taker too which would be an added bonus. Can't help but feel he might be off to someone higher up the food chain though. Wouldn't be surprised if Man Utd came in for him again to be a bench warmer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 08, 2020, 12:22:27 AM

Quote from: algy on September 07, 2020, 10:46:11 PM

That's alright for you to say, but if you're only allowed to buy players from pieces beginning with 'B', it's always going to be a challenge.

We'll be fine, after checking Brentford and Bournemouth we're moving onto Barcelona, Bayern, Borussia Dortmund, Benfica and Boca Juniors.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 08, 2020, 12:30:46 AM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on September 08, 2020, 12:22:27 AM

Quote from: algy on September 07, 2020, 10:46:11 PM

That's alright for you to say, but if you're only allowed to buy players from pieces beginning with 'B', it's always going to be a challenge.

We'll be fine, after checking Brentford and Bournemouth we're moving onto Barcelona, Bayern, Borussia Dortmund, Benfica and Boca Juniors.

Burton Albion and Barnet. You forgot those.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Axl Rose on September 08, 2020, 12:33:58 AM

Has Rashica signed yet?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: charlatan on September 08, 2020, 12:35:22 AM

Quote from: LeeB on September 08, 2020, 12:30:46 AM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on September 08, 2020, 12:22:27 AM

Quote from: algy on September 07, 2020, 10:46:11 PM

That's alright for you to say, but if you're only allowed to buy players from pieces beginning with 'B', it's always going to be a challenge.

We'll be fine, after checking Brentford and Bournemouth we're moving onto Barcelona, Bayern, Borussia Dortmund, Benfica and Boca Juniors.

Burton Albion and Barnet. You forgot those.

Keinan was signed from Biggleswade Town (not to be confused with Biggleswade FC).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 08, 2020, 12:38:40 AM

Maybe he's seen better days but I'd take Gylfi Sigurdsson on loan as Everton have got about 50 midfielders on their books now so will be unloading a few.

Been a good premier league midfielder down the years so can chip in with 5-6 goals a season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 08, 2020, 01:36:35 AM

Yeah, I mentioned Gylfi earlier. I'd take him on-loan, Everton would probably be happy just for someone to pay most of his wages.

If we got him on form he would be an upgrade on Hourihane from set-pieces and has more presence and quality on the ball than Nakamba.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 08, 2020, 01:43:13 AM

Quote from: brontebilly link=topic=60987.msg3822053#msg3822053 date

If I recall correctly Carew fell into MONs lap a bit as Houllier? at Lyon really wanted him out and wanted Baros in. Was Carew really proven ? Bit of a nomadic career pre Villa. MON certainly went down the British is best route after that.

Young was a real statement of intent for sure (not sure how we got him out of Watford mid season), both in the same window too. Baros aside, I can't recall who we had up top around then. Likes of Luke Moore and Gabby I guess.

It was Angel up front flanked by Moore and Gabby. JPA was too "forrin" for O'Neill though, hence the emergency signing of Chris Sutton before he retired from football blindness and became a grumpy sod of an analyst on 5Live (he does do his research/stats on the games he covers though, I notice, so fair play. Have you heard Lawrenson lately any time he's asked about a non-British team in the Champions League? Barely knew more than 2 Bayern/PSG players when asked for his views on the final....was painful to listen to.)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on September 08, 2020, 02:12:48 AM

Quote from: PeterWithe on September 07, 2020, 10:27:48 PM

Maybe I'm in a bad mood but I'm a bit non-plussed that after staying up by the width of a fanny hair we are looking at players from teams who were actually worse than us. Its very Villa shopping at the relegated clubs.

It don’t work like that though
We’re asking 80 million from a team that just stayed up by that fanny hair

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ROBBO on September 08, 2020, 03:11:20 AM

Somethings not right, after our knuckle biting escape i would have expected to have two or three in by now. Is it wages? if we are after Josh King i can only think we are in plan C or D it is so underwhelming.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: villa for life on September 08, 2020, 05:08:01 AM

Sigurdsson was once really good but he’s been awful for quite sometime.
Avoid the temptation as we should have done with Drinkwater.

We don’t need squad fillers.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 08, 2020, 07:21:24 AM

I’m surprised none of Watford’s key players have moved on yet.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 08, 2020, 07:26:26 AM

I'm worried by the fanny hair metric. Fannies in northern Europe have hair that's a great deal thinner than even those of the Mediterranean, let alone those of the global south. Just how close were we?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aev on September 08, 2020, 07:28:32 AM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 08, 2020, 07:21:24 AM

I’m surprised none of Watford’s key players have moved on yet.

I wonder how much Troy Deeny would cost?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 08, 2020, 07:36:29 AM

Quote from: aev on September 08, 2020, 07:28:32 AM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 08, 2020, 07:21:24 AM

I’m surprised none of Watford’s key players have moved on yet.

I wonder how much Troy Deeny would cost?

The Albion fans at work reckon he's off to them - he's nailed on to score the winner against us then...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 08, 2020, 07:37:34 AM

people moaning at 'Championship player' Watkins.....
Same as Rhian Brewster then - Championship player.....

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brian green on September 08, 2020, 07:46:17 AM

Trust you to start splitting hairs Paddy.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 08, 2020, 07:47:21 AM

Quote from: brian green on September 08, 2020, 07:46:17 AM

Trust you to start splitting hairs Paddy.

My passion is accuracy, Brian.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 08, 2020, 08:13:16 AM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 08, 2020, 07:21:24 AM

I’m surprised none of Watford’s key players have moved on yet.

Dacoure to Everton?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: The Edge on September 08, 2020, 08:44:57 AM

Quote from: aev on September 08, 2020, 07:28:32 AM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 08, 2020, 07:21:24 AM

I’m surprised none of Watford’s key players have moved on yet.

I wonder how much Troy Deeny would cost?

Our very soul and self esteem. And his to be fair.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on September 08, 2020, 08:46:49 AM

Quote from: Mister E on September 08, 2020, 08:13:16 AM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 08, 2020, 07:21:24 AM

I’m surprised none of Watford’s key players have moved on yet.

Dacoure to Everton?

That one sounded close when they were talking of James Rodriguez & Allan signing for Everton.

Sure Watford will be gawking likes of Sarr, Hughes & Delofeu round for best prices....no doubt a few more will find a home at Udinese on loan if they need later in window.

If we were to sign any Watford players (perhaps Deeney would be a stretch, though personally whilst I’d rather he didn’t score against us I liked him giving the cupped ear to Holte & likewise taking it on the chin after we beat them, not enough of that goes on) I’d be happy because in Shakespeare we have the ideal person to recommend based on ability & character.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 08, 2020, 08:48:26 AM

Going back to Brewster, I know you shouldn't take too much notice of you tube clips but he does look a very good instinctive finisher.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on September 08, 2020, 08:51:15 AM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 08, 2020, 07:37:34 AM

people moaning at 'Championship player' Watkins.....
Same as Rhian Brewster then - Championship player.....

Similar experience, but being quoted at £7m less, is younger and has had much better coaching at Liverpool than Watkins has at Bournemouth.

Would like someone more experienced as well if we are punting on players that haven't shown it at Prem level. Seen Feeney mentioned and King, not fantastic players but proven to be better than what we have. That alongside a good prospect would be better than betting the farm on a Championship player.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: robbo1874 on September 08, 2020, 08:58:48 AM

Quote from: The Edge on September 08, 2020, 08:44:57 AM

Quote from: aev on September 08, 2020, 07:28:32 AM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 08, 2020, 07:21:24 AM

I’m surprised none of Watford’s key players have moved on yet.

I wonder how much Troy Deeny would cost?

Our very soul and self esteem. And his to be fair.

i quite like Deeney as it goes. Never gonna happen though is it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on September 08, 2020, 09:01:51 AM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on September 08, 2020, 08:51:15 AM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 08, 2020, 07:37:34 AM

people moaning at 'Championship player' Watkins.....
Same as Rhian Brewster then - Championship player.....

Similar experience, but being quoted at £7m less, is younger and has had much better coaching at Liverpool than Watkins has at Bournemouth.

Would like someone more experienced as well if we are punting on players that haven't shown it at Prem level. Seen Feeney mentioned and King, not fantastic players but proven to be better than what we have. That alongside a good prospect would be better than betting the farm on a Championship player.

I think something like King + Brewster would be a canny bit of business, an experienced head to take the pressure off a long term, first choice striker whilst he develops. It's something i think Wes could've done with last season in hindsight.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: The Edge on September 08, 2020, 09:03:59 AM

Quote from: robbo1874 on September 08, 2020, 08:58:48 AM

Quote from: The Edge on September 08, 2020, 08:44:57 AM

Quote from: aev on September 08, 2020, 07:28:32 AM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 08, 2020, 07:21:24 AM

I’m surprised none of Watford’s key players have moved on yet.

I wonder how much Troy Deeny would cost?

Our very soul and self esteem. And his to be fair.

i quite like Deeney as it goes. Never gonna happen though is it.

Yes I know people that know him,my son included, and by all accounts he's a good lad but he does hate the vile and has a Blues tat so it's a very big "No" from us and him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 08, 2020, 09:09:27 AM

Josh King's goal scoring record is not great is it?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: in exile on September 08, 2020, 09:10:56 AM

Quote from: Clampy on September 08, 2020, 09:09:27 AM

Josh King's goal scoring record is not great is it?

I honestly don't know but if I had to guess I would say 1 in 4

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 08, 2020, 09:11:23 AM

Quote from: The Edge on September 08, 2020, 09:03:59 AM

Quote from: robbo1874 on September 08, 2020, 08:58:48 AM

Quote from: The Edge on September 08, 2020, 08:44:57 AM

Quote from: aev on September 08, 2020, 07:28:32 AM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 08, 2020, 07:21:24 AM

I’m surprised none of Watford’s key players have moved on yet.

I wonder how much Troy Deeny would cost?

Our very soul and self esteem. And his to be fair.

i quite like Deeney as it goes. Never gonna happen though is it.

Yes I know people that know him,my son included, and by all accounts he's a good lad but he does hate the vile and has a Blues tat so it's a very big "No" from us and him.

I think he'd come, and I wouldn't mind if he did.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 08, 2020, 09:12:27 AM

Quote from: in exile on September 08, 2020, 09:10:56 AM

Quote from: Clampy on September 08, 2020, 09:09:27 AM

Josh King's goal scoring record is not great is it?

I honestly don't know but if I had to guess I would say 1 in 4

56 league goals according to Wiki. 17 for Norway.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: in exile on September 08, 2020, 09:15:57 AM

Is he Norwegian?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: DB on September 08, 2020, 09:17:44 AM

I hope we get strikers in better than Troy Deeney.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ger Regan on September 08, 2020, 09:20:29 AM

Watford fans would be delighted to see Deeney go, which I think says everything. It would be a no from me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: robbo1874 on September 08, 2020, 09:20:56 AM

Quote from: The Edge on September 08, 2020, 09:03:59 AM

Quote from: robbo1874 on September 08, 2020, 08:58:48 AM

Quote from: The Edge on September 08, 2020, 08:44:57 AM

Quote from: aev on September 08, 2020, 07:28:32 AM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 08, 2020, 07:21:24 AM

I’m surprised none of Watford’s key players have moved on yet.

I wonder how much Troy Deeny would cost?

Our very soul and self esteem. And his to be fair.

i quite like Deeney as it goes. Never gonna happen though is it.

Yes I know people that know him,my son included, and by all accounts he's a good lad but he does hate the vile and has a Blues tat so it's a very big "No" from us and him.

yeah- he’s a decent player, probably would have got a few in our side last season, as he did for Watford. Also saw an interview with him can’t remember where, might have been with Carragher and Neville or something like that and he came over as a decent person. The fact he’s a nose means it could never happen. I don’t have stats (as usual) but I think a few more have gone there than the other way around (for obvious reasons)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on September 08, 2020, 09:21:31 AM

Quote from: in exile on September 08, 2020, 09:15:57 AM

Is he Norwegian?

That other Norwegian striker Haaland looks abit special 🤔

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on September 08, 2020, 09:36:10 AM

Quote from: adrenachrome on September 07, 2020, 11:47:12 PM

Quote from: purpletrousers on September 07, 2020, 11:39:13 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 07, 2020, 10:39:14 PM

If I recall correctly Carew fell into MONs lap a bit as Houllier? at Lyon really wanted him out and wanted Baros in. Was Carew really proven ? Bit of a nomadic career pre Villa. MON certainly went down the British is best route after that.

Young was a real statement of intent for sure (not sure how we got him out of Watford mid season), both in the same window too. Baros aside, I can't recall who we had up top around then. Likes of Luke Moore and Gabby I guess.

We were seen to have overpaid a bit on Young at the time to get our man (presumably seemingly too good to turn down) but his form at a Villa soon proved it to be value for money.

Strange to reflect that, back then, MoN was known in the press as a ditherer, and Grauniad Fiver called him Woody Allen.

There were whole threads on here at the start about his reticence to spend and how he treated the money as is own.

Quickly got out of that habit.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aev on September 08, 2020, 09:39:24 AM

I would take Deeney on a short term deal.

I don't care that he is a rags fan (so is Rico Henry who I would also take), and away from the panto banter I think he comes across well. He was defensive of Grealish from memory, and didn't Grealish give him a signed Villa shirt for his brother who is obviously the brains of the family?

King has 1 year left on his deal I read, and 16m is bonkers for another non scoring striker. I'd rather spend 25m on Watkins to be honest, I am sure he would score as many as King.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 08, 2020, 09:39:32 AM

Wasn't that fond of forriners though, was he?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 08, 2020, 09:47:20 AM

Quote from: Risso on September 08, 2020, 09:39:32 AM

Wasn't that fond of forriners though, was he?

Foreigners? I haven't got a racist bone in my body but I hate them, and think that they are a miasma of menace.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: villabear on September 08, 2020, 09:48:07 AM

I’m sure many won’t agree with me but with a week or so to us playing our first game I can’t help feel concerned that our signings so far amount to a kid from Exeter and a promising player from Forest.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 08, 2020, 09:48:14 AM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 08, 2020, 09:47:20 AM

Quote from: Risso on September 08, 2020, 09:39:32 AM

Wasn't that fond of forriners though, was he?

Foreigners? I haven't got a racist bone in my body but I hate them, and think that they are a miasma of menace.

Hang on, I meant Foreigner. I've known what love is for ages.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: olaftab on September 08, 2020, 09:50:18 AM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 08:50:04 PM

Quote from: Richard E on September 07, 2020, 08:49:27 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 07, 2020, 08:46:57 PM

See Everton have signed Rodriguez. *sigh*

A bloke whose whole career has been based off living off one worldie 6 years ago? Meh.

yeh he's shite :o

Actually he is shite and has proved it consistently for 6 years.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Chico Hamilton III on September 08, 2020, 09:52:02 AM

Quote from: villabear on September 08, 2020, 09:48:07 AM

I’m sure many won’t agree with me but with a week or so to us playing our first game I can’t help feel concerned that our signings so far amount to a kid from Exeter and a promising player from Forest.

I'm starting to worry. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 08, 2020, 09:57:23 AM

Signing King is fine, he gives options across the front 3, but it has to be as well as Watkins, who I think will score a really decent amount of goals in our side.

King gives you a bit of premier league know how which is good, but even after those 2, we would need a proper right winger still. Going in with AEG and Trez as our wing options along with Jack would be a serious failing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Pat Mustard on September 08, 2020, 09:58:33 AM

If it came down to it, who would we prefer to spend £45-50 million on?  A pair like King and Watkins, who would probably cost 20-30 million each, or get someone like Deeney in on a free and spend more on an Abraham/Edouard or other superstar type?  Given that we already have Wesley to come back (I won't mention Samatta and Davies as that just starts another debate) I would definitely be more inclined to load the cash onto a first choice and get a cheaper back-up.

The problem with doing that, however, is that the more expensive players will have other offers and want more reassurance that we are going to be more than relegation candidates again.  It makes sense then that we are looking to sign players in non-priority areas first as it shows we are ambitious and looking to strengthen, and hopefully increases our chances of getting a proper first choice.  If we go all-in on Wilson/Watkins/King types now, we could be missing out on getting a better option in the next few weeks.  It may sound daft, but spending a bit of money on new full-backs, goalkeepers etc. might actually increase our chances of getting the centre-forward and wingers we really need.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: olaftab on September 08, 2020, 10:03:19 AM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 08, 2020, 07:21:24 AM

I’m surprised none of Watford’s key players have moved on yet.

Doucoure and Sarr are both really good players. Doucoure may go to Everton but we should be looking at Sarr.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on September 08, 2020, 10:04:28 AM

Quote from: VILLA MOLE on September 08, 2020, 09:21:31 AM

Quote from: in exile on September 08, 2020, 09:15:57 AM

Is he Norwegian?

That other Norwegian striker Haaland looks abit special 🤔

I only found out recently that he is Alf-Inge Haaland's son.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 08, 2020, 10:08:55 AM

Roy Keane is coming out of retirement to play against him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 08, 2020, 10:09:50 AM

Quote from: olaftab on September 08, 2020, 10:03:19 AM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 08, 2020, 07:21:24 AM

I’m surprised none of Watford’s key players have moved on yet.

Doucoure and Sarr are both really good players. Doucoure may go to Everton but we should be looking at Sarr.

Aren't Liverpool looking at him for about £40 million?

I mean I agree, if we could get him I would tomorrow, but don't think he is likely.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on September 08, 2020, 10:17:11 AM

Deeney is a no.

Watkins is still bubbling in the background I suspect. Possibly Bemrahma too.

King did ok and would be a solid signing I think. He's better than AEG, Trez and Samatta.

As for keepers, I'd be happy with Romero or Martinez.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on September 08, 2020, 10:17:43 AM

Martinez actually looks like he'd be a bit of a coup. Highly rated.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: nodge on September 08, 2020, 10:23:07 AM

Quote from: Chico Hamilton III on September 08, 2020, 09:52:02 AM

Quote from: villabear on September 08, 2020, 09:48:07 AM

I’m sure many won’t agree with me but with a week or so to us playing our first game I can’t help feel concerned that our signings so far amount to a kid from Exeter and a promising player from Forest.

I'm starting to worry. 

I’m preparing to start to worry.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 08, 2020, 10:32:57 AM

I was impressed with Capoue at Tottingham and then Watford whenever I saw him.

32 now though.  But on a reasonable fee it gives us quality in an area we need. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: frank black on September 08, 2020, 10:34:37 AM

Quote from: olaftab on September 08, 2020, 10:03:19 AM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 08, 2020, 07:21:24 AM

I’m surprised none of Watford’s key players have moved on yet.

Doucoure and Sarr are both really good players. Doucoure may go to Everton but we should be looking at Sarr.

Wages may be pretty high on some of their players I imagine

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 08, 2020, 10:40:12 AM

Quote from: KevinGage on September 08, 2020, 10:32:57 AM

I was impressed with Capoue at Tottingham and then Watford whenever I saw him.

32 now though.  But on a reasonable fee it gives us quality in an area we need. 

I also think a bit of experience in that holding/defensive midfield position (I think that's where he plays?) is no bad thing. Positioning is a big part of that position which only gets better with experience, and it's also a good place to be able to help and advise the rest of the team from as it's literally in the middle.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on September 08, 2020, 10:53:58 AM

Reports in France say we're willing to sell Freddie Guilbert for £4.5m. I can only assume it's utter bollox.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 08, 2020, 10:56:34 AM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on September 08, 2020, 10:53:58 AM

Reports in France say we're willing to sell Freddie Guilbert for £4.5m. I can only assume it's utter bollox.

I don't know, it's pretty 'Aston Villa'.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 08, 2020, 10:58:03 AM

Quote from: KevinGage on September 08, 2020, 10:32:57 AM

I was impressed with Capoue at Tottingham and then Watford whenever I saw him.

32 now though.  But on a reasonable fee it gives us quality in an area we need. 

You'd like Capoue in the middle of the park?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on September 08, 2020, 11:03:35 AM

Freddy leaving is quite possible. Not a decision from his side

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ian c. on September 08, 2020, 11:06:42 AM

I would be very disappointed if Freddy left.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 08, 2020, 11:07:01 AM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 08, 2020, 10:17:43 AM

Martinez actually looks like he'd be a bit of a coup. Highly rated.

He looks a quality keeper whenever I have seen him, but one you would hope would be in from game 1 if it is going to happen.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on September 08, 2020, 11:14:59 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 08, 2020, 11:07:01 AM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 08, 2020, 10:17:43 AM

Martinez actually looks like he'd be a bit of a coup. Highly rated.

He looks a quality keeper whenever I have seen him, but one you would hope would be in from game 1 if it is going to happen.

Arsenal getting Raya key to this deal

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 08, 2020, 11:19:33 AM

You have to wonder what is key to Watkins, Benrahma etc then

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 08, 2020, 11:19:42 AM

Isn't Raya the keeper who got caught out in the play off?

Looked mince in that game.

So in isolation if I were them I'd stick with what they have.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 08, 2020, 11:21:25 AM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on September 08, 2020, 11:14:59 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 08, 2020, 11:07:01 AM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 08, 2020, 10:17:43 AM

Martinez actually looks like he'd be a bit of a coup. Highly rated.

He looks a quality keeper whenever I have seen him, but one you would hope would be in from game 1 if it is going to happen.

Arsenal getting Raya key to this deal

Is McGinn still signing for Leicester, and Trez for Fenerbahce?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on September 08, 2020, 11:23:46 AM

Quote from: Risso on September 08, 2020, 11:21:25 AM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on September 08, 2020, 11:14:59 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 08, 2020, 11:07:01 AM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 08, 2020, 10:17:43 AM

Martinez actually looks like he'd be a bit of a coup. Highly rated.

He looks a quality keeper whenever I have seen him, but one you would hope would be in from game 1 if it is going to happen.

Arsenal getting Raya key to this deal

Is McGinn still signing for Leicester, and Trez for Fenerbahce?

Did we get relegated?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 08, 2020, 11:27:18 AM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on September 08, 2020, 11:23:46 AM

Quote from: Risso on September 08, 2020, 11:21:25 AM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on September 08, 2020, 11:14:59 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 08, 2020, 11:07:01 AM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 08, 2020, 10:17:43 AM

Martinez actually looks like he'd be a bit of a coup. Highly rated.

He looks a quality keeper whenever I have seen him, but one you would hope would be in from game 1 if it is going to happen.

Arsenal getting Raya key to this deal

Is McGinn still signing for Leicester, and Trez for Fenerbahce?

Did we get relegated?

Did Smith get the sack?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on September 08, 2020, 11:29:28 AM

Right lads - i'll keep anything off hear now. Not worth the snarky comments. bye

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Footy-Vill on September 08, 2020, 11:29:45 AM

The 2 midfielders I like from Watford Will Hughes . Though that's another left footer, and Challobah given age and physicality these 2 can give experience, skill, graft and dimensions to the midfield.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 08, 2020, 11:30:31 AM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on September 08, 2020, 11:29:28 AM

Right lads - i'll keep anything off hear now. Not worth the snarky comments. bye

Well, it was nearly all wrong anyway so it won't be a great loss.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Border villan on September 08, 2020, 11:31:01 AM

Quote from: PeterWithe on September 07, 2020, 10:14:36 PM

I think they are doing a sound job for the medium to long term with the investment in the Youth system, I just think its a bit strange they haven't in two years encouraged a 'bums on seats' signing, an anchor signing for other players. I'd guess few managers would pass up the chance to buy and manage a player of the calibre I'm thinking about. Just one.

“Bums on seats” signing for a ground that is already sold out every match?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Footy-Vill on September 08, 2020, 11:32:09 AM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on September 08, 2020, 11:29:28 AM

Right lads - i'll keep anything off hear now. Not worth the snarky comments. bye

No don't go VC . Those ungrateful people especially at these unprecedentedly difficult times don't know what they are missing.

Please can others be fair to VC ! He does his best and is reliable and informative.
No need to get on his back !

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on September 08, 2020, 11:32:25 AM

Quote from: Clampy on September 08, 2020, 11:30:31 AM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on September 08, 2020, 11:29:28 AM

Right lads - i'll keep anything off hear now. Not worth the snarky comments. bye

Well, it was nearly all wrong anyway so it won't be a great loss.

'nearly all wrong' ok mate. enjoy rest of the summer

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Footy-Vill on September 08, 2020, 11:34:33 AM

Quote from: Clampy on September 08, 2020, 11:30:31 AM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on September 08, 2020, 11:29:28 AM

Right lads - i'll keep anything off hear now. Not worth the snarky comments. bye

Well, it was nearly all wrong anyway so it won't be a great loss.

Oh come on now ! Get off his back man!
VC is one of the informed why the hate!
Nothing to suggest leading us on gives what he can ! Doing his best. Much like Villa.
Let's support each other mate !

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on September 08, 2020, 11:41:34 AM

I only ever post anything in good faith - end of. Things change, deals change.
As ive said before i dont ever claim to be ITK. I know someone who is connected that's all. NDA's all over the place within Villa now so this summer is like rocking horse poo to get anything out.

Ive been posting on here for over 8 years - i'm not a 'kid' looking for a wind up.

I will still post on here and read your thoughts which i enjoy. I now however wont say anything alluding to transfers or in club news, really not worth the snarky comments.

All i want from us is to have a successful summer and push on this season. Lets see

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 08, 2020, 11:41:55 AM

Quote from: Vill I An on September 08, 2020, 11:34:33 AM

Quote from: Clampy on September 08, 2020, 11:30:31 AM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on September 08, 2020, 11:29:28 AM

Right lads - i'll keep anything off hear now. Not worth the snarky comments. bye

Well, it was nearly all wrong anyway so it won't be a great loss.

Oh come on now ! Get off his back man!
VC is one of the informed why the hate!
Nothing to suggest leading us on gives what he can ! Doing his best. Much like Villa.
Let's support each other mate !

Twitter is full of such 'In The Know' if you really must waste your time with it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Chico Hamilton III on September 08, 2020, 11:45:04 AM

keep the gossip coming, VC84. If people don't want to read it they don't have to 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Legion on September 08, 2020, 11:45:54 AM

KFA or ITK? 99.99% is all KFA but pretend it's ITK.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ktvillan on September 08, 2020, 11:46:12 AM

Well it is a speculation thread so quite why anyone should have the piss taken out of them for speculating, whether informed or not,  is beyond me. No need.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Legion on September 08, 2020, 11:46:34 AM

That's not aimed at anyone in particular, by the way. It's just a general observation.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 08, 2020, 11:47:46 AM

Quote from: Chico Hamilton III on September 08, 2020, 11:45:04 AM

keep the gossip coming, VC84. If people don't want to read it they don't have to 

I second this emotion

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WarszaVillan on September 08, 2020, 11:48:12 AM

I agree, please keep posting Vinnie.  I'm not sure which part of gossip, speculation, etc.. people don't get. It's not as if any of this actually matters and influences what happens, it just passes the time.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: enigma on September 08, 2020, 11:52:42 AM

In a thread where people are seriously hoping we sign Deeney, I can't really get too bothered by Vinnie's sometimes wide of the mark postings.

I mean seriously. Fucking Deeney?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on September 08, 2020, 11:55:46 AM

Quote from: LeeB on September 08, 2020, 11:47:46 AM

Quote from: Chico Hamilton III on September 08, 2020, 11:45:04 AM

keep the gossip coming, VC84. If people don't want to read it they don't have to 

I second this emotion

Stop, wait,
I think I heard a rumour that you've gone insane......


Me too, stuff changes all the time.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Stu82 on September 08, 2020, 11:55:54 AM

Quote from: LeeB on September 08, 2020, 11:47:46 AM

Quote from: Chico Hamilton III on September 08, 2020, 11:45:04 AM

keep the gossip coming, VC84. If people don't want to read it they don't have to 

I second this emotion

Thirded

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gary Penrice on September 08, 2020, 12:01:38 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 08, 2020, 11:47:46 AM

Quote from: Chico Hamilton III on September 08, 2020, 11:45:04 AM

keep the gossip coming, VC84. If people don't want to read it they don't have to 

I second this emotion

I'll third it......oh & it's no from me re: Deeney!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gary Penrice on September 08, 2020, 12:02:54 PM

Quote from: Stu82 on September 08, 2020, 11:55:54 AM

Quote from: LeeB on September 08, 2020, 11:47:46 AM

Quote from: Chico Hamilton III on September 08, 2020, 11:45:04 AM

keep the gossip coming, VC84. If people don't want to read it they don't have to 

I second this emotion

Thirded

Fourthed then!  ;D

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 08, 2020, 12:03:15 PM

Harry Wilson now, according to the Mirror.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on September 08, 2020, 12:06:27 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 08, 2020, 12:03:15 PM

Harry Wilson now, according to the Mirror.

A week is a long time in football.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 08, 2020, 12:07:22 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 08, 2020, 12:06:27 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 08, 2020, 12:03:15 PM

Harry Wilson now, according to the Mirror.

A week is a long time in football.

Ha!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on September 08, 2020, 12:14:10 PM

I appreciate vinnies posts, I don’t expect them to be set in stone

You guys who are knocking him are just jealous sad twats

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villan82 on September 08, 2020, 12:15:16 PM

Quote from: john e on September 08, 2020, 12:14:10 PM

I appreciate vinnies posts, I don’t expect them to be set in stone

You guys who are knocking him are just jealous sad twats

Well said.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on September 08, 2020, 12:15:27 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 08, 2020, 12:03:15 PM

Harry Wilson now, according to the Mirror.

He'd be a poor signing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 08, 2020, 12:17:48 PM

Quote from: john e on September 08, 2020, 12:14:10 PM

I appreciate vinnies posts, I don’t expect them to be set in stone

You guys who are knocking him are just jealous sad twats

What is that you think people are jealous of?!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SamTheMouse on September 08, 2020, 12:20:03 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 07, 2020, 11:25:39 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 07, 2020, 09:49:07 PM

Yes, its Income & Expenditure moreso than assets on the Balance Sheet.

It's a tango for the lonely wives of the business class.

*clappy emoticon thingy *

I'm going to see them again in April, as it happens.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 08, 2020, 12:22:36 PM

I am with the keep posting Vinnie camp.  His posts give me hope.  Although I was rather annoyed when I lost my house recently due to gambling debts run up on smith leaving either way.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on September 08, 2020, 12:23:33 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 08, 2020, 12:17:48 PM

Quote from: john e on September 08, 2020, 12:14:10 PM

I appreciate vinnies posts, I don’t expect them to be set in stone

You guys who are knocking him are just jealous sad twats

What is that you think people are jealous of?!

His entourage?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave P on September 08, 2020, 12:23:44 PM

Do our scouts live in Poole or something?  I reckon we're only a week away from being linked with Ted McDougall!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Marlon From Bearwood on September 08, 2020, 12:24:22 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 08, 2020, 11:30:31 AM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on September 08, 2020, 11:29:28 AM

Right lads - i'll keep anything off hear now. Not worth the snarky comments. bye

Well, it was nearly all wrong anyway so it won't be a great loss.

Well, personally I’d rather read Vinnie’s posts than yours, any day.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 08, 2020, 12:25:46 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 08, 2020, 12:06:27 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 08, 2020, 12:03:15 PM

Harry Wilson now, according to the Mirror.

A week is a long time in football.

Stick that in your pipe and smoke it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 08, 2020, 12:26:21 PM

Vinnie is great. Although I fear he doth protest too much. He must enjoy the snark a teensy wee bit if he's still posting after eight years!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on September 08, 2020, 12:26:35 PM

Maybe the thread needs a poll.

What is this thread to you?

a/ Transfer News
b/ Gossip
c/ Utter Bollocks
d/ something far less important
e/ The Gospel according to........ (insert your own source here)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave P on September 08, 2020, 12:31:01 PM

Quote from: Drummond on September 08, 2020, 12:26:35 PM

Maybe the thread needs a poll.

What is this thread to you?

a/ Transfer News
b/ Gossip
c/ Utter Bollocks
d/ something far less important
e/ The Gospel according to........ (insert your own source here)

It's f) all of the above

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Marlon From Bearwood on September 08, 2020, 12:33:17 PM

We’ve already got a Harry Wilson in Hourihane.

An ok player but nothing special. Great left foot and free kick specialist so scores some great goals but has a tendency to go missing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 08, 2020, 12:33:58 PM

Less of the insults please.

No one is jealous.

As people know, I am pretty pessimistic and disillusioned, but this thread is for speculation, rubbish, discussion etc. Continually needling people for their contribution I agree, is not nice and should not be done. Vinnie, I apologise if my post appeared a jibe re Watkins and Benrahma, it may have appeared backhanded sarcasm when more aimed at Villa than you.

I think in fairness to those posting having a dig, we all want positive news, and good players to come in, and the time it is taking causes this place to become a bit gnarly at times. It is then frustrating when people who appear to have a bit more info post it and it doesn't happen. Opinion, speculation etc, all needs to be a pinch of salt on here. People want to whinge, whinge, moan, people wantt o see the positives, do so, but lets try not to make each other feel bad doing it.

Oh and Harry Wilson is shit.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Legion on September 08, 2020, 12:36:22 PM

Quote from: Drummond on September 08, 2020, 12:26:35 PM

Maybe the thread needs a poll.

What is this thread to you?

a/ Transfer News
b/ Gossip
c/ Utter Bollocks
d/ something far less important
e/ The Gospel according to........ (insert your own source here)

Mostly c, some b and d with a modicum of a and e thrown in for good measure.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 08, 2020, 12:39:21 PM

C, B, D, A, E.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 12:39:55 PM

Wilson would be......…. underwhelming. For that reason and the fact he's apparently available for Deano's golden voucher price of £20m, I wouldn't be surprised if it's true. Still at least he's actually kicked a ball in the premiership.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 08, 2020, 12:40:18 PM

Good grief Villa fucking do something.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: JJ-AV on September 08, 2020, 12:40:53 PM

Like Wilson, we should have signed him on loan last year. He wouldn't be anything transformational but he's better than Trez and Anwar, he's a good age and he's done OK-to-good at 3 clubs, so shows he can do it in different environments.

I'd say he'd be a solid if slightly unspectacular signing, which we need 3-4 of. The problem is that in this market 3-4 of those seem to be costing the thick end of £100m.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 08, 2020, 12:41:49 PM

Quote from: SamTheMouse on September 08, 2020, 12:20:03 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 07, 2020, 11:25:39 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 07, 2020, 09:49:07 PM

Yes, its Income & Expenditure moreso than assets on the Balance Sheet.

It's a tango for the lonely wives of the business class.

*clappy emoticon thingy *

I'm going to see them again in April, as it happens.

I was due to do so in October at Ally Pally. Not sure when it's been rescheduled for.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SamTheMouse on September 08, 2020, 12:46:37 PM

April. It's the same concert I was going to.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 08, 2020, 12:48:15 PM

Quote from: SamTheMouse on September 08, 2020, 12:46:37 PM

April. It's the same concert I was going to.

Ah! I assumed yours would be in France. See you there, assuming we're both still alive!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SamTheMouse on September 08, 2020, 12:52:49 PM

Yes indeed!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on September 08, 2020, 12:54:42 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 08, 2020, 11:27:18 AM

Did Smith get the sack?

That reminds me of the reports here and how Bruno Lage, the former Benfica coach was lined up to replace Smith. Linked with the switch was the Braga centre forward, Paulinho. 25 goals last season but he hasn't been called up by the national team. I reckon he'd fancy a move away to somewhere like Villa Park. The Dingles are supposed to be interested but I guess that goes with the territory. Also has the benefit of playing for a club starting with the letter B.

Have a butchers..

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 08, 2020, 01:21:42 PM

Harry Wilson...Christ, Bournemouth were relegated for a reason. Can't we focus on picking another team's better players?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on September 08, 2020, 01:25:05 PM

Just know that if we signed Harry Wilson, next season he'd be on the list of players we are trying to get rid of

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Hookeysmith on September 08, 2020, 01:27:59 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on September 08, 2020, 12:40:18 PM

Good grief Villa fucking do something.

This x 100

I'm not panicking yet but it is bloody frustrating - it makes me appreciate when Xia was here - he would stop any wild speculation by dismissing any players we were clearly not in for - i thought that actually helped ease tension

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 08, 2020, 01:32:18 PM

Harry Wilson is such a nothing player. Buendia and Benrahma are in a different league.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aev on September 08, 2020, 01:36:17 PM

28m + add ons for Watkins.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 08, 2020, 01:37:21 PM

Which is better value? £16m for a bloke with ten months left on his contract or Watkins for five years?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aev on September 08, 2020, 01:38:06 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on September 08, 2020, 01:37:21 PM

Which is better value? £16m for a bloke with ten months left on his contract or Watkins for five years?

Deffo Watkins for me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 08, 2020, 01:38:17 PM

Christ alive that is a lot of money. But then, if he scores 15 goals next season he will be worth it in todays market.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 08, 2020, 01:39:40 PM

Warkins £28m rising to £33m.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on September 08, 2020, 01:41:01 PM

Based on the stats alone, Wilson has a good record.  1 in 3 for a winger is bloody good.  7 goals in his first PL season, only 23.  Sounds pretty good to me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 08, 2020, 01:42:42 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 08, 2020, 01:39:40 PM

Warkins £28m rising to £33m.

If that's true, it's an insane amount of money for a championship player.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 08, 2020, 01:42:46 PM

Hopefully both King and Watkins.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Stu on September 08, 2020, 01:44:22 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 08, 2020, 01:39:40 PM

Warkins £28m rising to £33m.

Where's this, Ads?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aev on September 08, 2020, 01:45:10 PM

Phil McNulty BBC.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 01:47:36 PM

28m for a championship striker? One born every minute.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Stu on September 08, 2020, 01:47:45 PM

Clocked it, ta. Seems like a fair price tbh.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 08, 2020, 01:47:48 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 08, 2020, 01:42:42 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 08, 2020, 01:39:40 PM

Warkins £28m rising to £33m.

If that's true, it's an insane amount of money for a championship player.

Agreed, it seems Brentford have the negotiating ability of Levy. Imagine what they want for Benrahma.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: maidstonevillain on September 08, 2020, 01:49:25 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 08, 2020, 01:42:42 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 08, 2020, 01:39:40 PM

Warkins £28m rising to £33m.

If that's true, it's an insane amount of money for a championship player.

Much less than we would have wanted for Grealish had we not been promoted.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 08, 2020, 01:49:39 PM

It probably explains why it's taken so long for him to move. That price will have understandably put clubs off.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on September 08, 2020, 01:49:44 PM

Another hefty donation to the Brentford Widows & Orphans Fund.  I think he'll do well in the PL but for that money he'll have to hit the ground running.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: UK Redsox on September 08, 2020, 01:50:51 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 08, 2020, 12:39:21 PM

C, B, D, A, E.

Is that 'Smoke on the Water' ?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on September 08, 2020, 01:50:53 PM

Looks like it’s finally happening then. £28 million though? That’s an awful lot of money and a big old weight on the shoulders that Wesley seemed incapable of bearing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 08, 2020, 01:51:13 PM

Quote from: maidstonevillain on September 08, 2020, 01:49:25 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 08, 2020, 01:42:42 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 08, 2020, 01:39:40 PM

Warkins £28m rising to £33m.

If that's true, it's an insane amount of money for a championship player.

Much less than we would have wanted for Grealish had we had not been promoted.

That's true actually but at least he'd played Premiership football before then.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Stu on September 08, 2020, 01:51:19 PM

Looks like Brentford wanted much more than £28m up front as well.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villan82 on September 08, 2020, 01:51:58 PM

Can we offer them £50m for the pair, Watkins and Benrahma?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on September 08, 2020, 01:52:01 PM

Quote from: maidstonevillain on September 08, 2020, 01:49:25 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 08, 2020, 01:42:42 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 08, 2020, 01:39:40 PM

Warkins £28m rising to £33m.

If that's true, it's an insane amount of money for a championship player.

Much less than we would have wanted for Grealish had we not been promoted.

True, but Grealish has a far more impressive pedigree than Watkins, and would have been an anomaly in the Championship.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on September 08, 2020, 01:52:12 PM

Watkins plus King for approaching £50m makes me nauseous but they'll make us 10x more threatening, add work rate and trickery. They keep us up and they've paid for themselves. Add in each place being worth £2m+ and moving from 17th to 12th is £10m paid back straight away and players looking at your as growers rather then relegation dog fight material.

It's a lot of money but it has to be spent if we are going down the route of British based players this Summer. It makes me wonder why we were fucking around with Wilson.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on September 08, 2020, 01:54:48 PM

Maybe the Wilson thing was to show Brentford we had other options.... I reckon we held out for £25m for Watkins and then had to cough up the rest when it fell through.

Who knows though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 08, 2020, 01:56:04 PM

Its a bit embarrassing how we're still signing players like under Xia four years ago. Overpriced Championship stars.

We should have signed Toney and loaned him out to Brentford for a season. Would save us a packet when we go after him next summer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 08, 2020, 01:56:15 PM

Quote from: Drummond on September 08, 2020, 01:54:48 PM

Maybe the Wilson thing was to show Brentford we had other options.... I reckon we held out for £25m for Watkins and then had to cough up the rest when it fell through.

Who knows though.

Or we maybe wanted both but like you said, who knows?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Legion on September 08, 2020, 01:56:47 PM

Exactly. No-one does.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 01:57:36 PM

well whatever way you look at it, Dean has put all his eggs in the Watkins basket. Lets hope this season's hopeful punt is a better bet than the last two attempts.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on September 08, 2020, 01:58:05 PM

Watkins will help us press from the front, his work-rate is brilliant. No more Samatta lolloping around half-hearted yards away from defenders pretending he's closing them down. Get King in and that's a very fluid front 3 if Grealish is playing with them.

That leaves a Keeper and a centre Mid.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on September 08, 2020, 01:58:34 PM

Brentford have pulled our pants down yet again, we would be far better advised getting in their negotiating team instead on Benhrahma! Watkins looks a player with real potential but as others have said is under huge pressure to deliver now with that fee.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on September 08, 2020, 01:58:39 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 08, 2020, 01:52:12 PM

It makes me wonder why we were fucking around with Wilson.

Cheaper, PL experience, England international.  I'm not a massive fan but you can see the sense in it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 08, 2020, 01:58:42 PM

Reported sizeable sell-on to Exeter may have meant digging deeper for the extra few mill.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 08, 2020, 01:59:35 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 08, 2020, 01:58:42 PM

Reported sizeable sell-on to Exeter may have meant digging deeper for the extra few mill.

Hadn't thought of that actually.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 08, 2020, 02:00:09 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 01:57:36 PM

well whatever way you look at it, Dean has put all his eggs in the Watkins basket. Lets hope this season's hopeful punt is a better bet than the last two attempts.

Well, Dean, the Head of Recruitment, the Sporting Director and the CEO have.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Chris_Jephcott on September 08, 2020, 02:00:16 PM

To be honest... 28 million rising to 33 million.

What are we getting? There are some who would have argued that Grealish was undervalued at 20 million when Spurs put their bid in. I would for sure. We had a knowledge that Jack would be a real talent but had very little premier league experience.

Watkins is another one from this camp. I’ve seen him play and believe that he’s been the same as Jack was in the Championship. Time will be the judge but I believe that he’ll cut it in the premier league. If he turns out half as good as the expectation is, then we will have had a bargain.

It does feel like we’re having our pants pulled down a bit. But I reckon that he’s got enough potential and enough promise to really make a difference for us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Hookeysmith on September 08, 2020, 02:01:16 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 08, 2020, 01:56:04 PM

Its a bit embarrassing how we're still signing players like under Xia four years ago. Overpriced Championship stars.

We should have signed Toney and loaned him out to Brentford for a season. Would save us a packet when we go after him next summer.

We moan when we dont, we moan when we do, we moan when we dont break our transfer fee, we moan*.....

Leys hope he lives up to it - there have been worse dud that premiership teams have spent way more on

*not directed at you Eamonn

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 08, 2020, 02:01:57 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 08, 2020, 01:49:39 PM

It probably explains why it's taken so long for him to move. That price will have understandably put clubs off.

Agreed. I am big enough to say I would have been waiting out if I was Villa to try and get it down.

6m of that goes straight to Exeter though, so I can see why Brentford have been holding out.

I do wonder if we will try and run the clock on Benrahma now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 08, 2020, 02:02:07 PM

Am I the only one that finds the phrase ‘having our pants pulled down’ uncouth in the extreme?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 08, 2020, 02:02:40 PM

Its a pity we couldn't part-ex any of our fringe players (Lansbury, Jota, Kalinic and Hogan) for Cash or Watkins.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 02:03:00 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 08, 2020, 02:00:09 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 01:57:36 PM

well whatever way you look at it, Dean has put all his eggs in the Watkins basket. Lets hope this season's hopeful punt is a better bet than the last two attempts.

Well, Dean, the Head of Recruitment, the Sporting Director and the CEO have.

yep without a doubt, although probably only Dean will get the tin-tack if it fails

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 08, 2020, 02:03:10 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on September 08, 2020, 02:02:07 PM

Am I the only one that finds the phrase ‘having our pants pulled down’ uncouth in the extreme?

You are, although I don't like it. It's all fart and no sh... no, I can't do it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on September 08, 2020, 02:03:48 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on September 08, 2020, 02:02:07 PM

Am I the only one that finds the phrase ‘having our pants pulled down’ uncouth in the extreme?

Would you prefer the phrase 'being given a wedgie'?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 08, 2020, 02:04:11 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 01:47:36 PM

28m for a championship striker? One born every minute.

Are you more upset about who he is/where he's coing in from or the fact that you'll have to stop using the £20m golden voucher 'joke' now?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 08, 2020, 02:04:16 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 02:03:00 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 08, 2020, 02:00:09 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 01:57:36 PM

well whatever way you look at it, Dean has put all his eggs in the Watkins basket. Lets hope this season's hopeful punt is a better bet than the last two attempts.

Well, Dean, the Head of Recruitment, the Sporting Director and the CEO have.

yep without a doubt, although probably only Dean will get the tin-tack if it fails

Suso called, he wants his Nakamba back. And as far as I'm concerned, he can have him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Border villan on September 08, 2020, 02:04:47 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on September 08, 2020, 02:02:07 PM

Am I the only one that finds the phrase ‘having our pants pulled down’ uncouth in the extreme?

You can take the boy out of Solihull (Hall Green) but .......

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on September 08, 2020, 02:07:09 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 08, 2020, 01:58:34 PM

Brentford have pulled our pants down yet again, we would be far better advised getting in their negotiating team instead on Benhrahma! Watkins looks a player with real potential but as others have said is under huge pressure to deliver now with that fee.

Unfortunately there's virtually no one a middling to lower Prem club can get for this kind of money who guarentees anything. It's just the state of the market. Pressure is part and parcel of Premier League football, as long as we back him up with another forward to share the burden and don't leave him carrying the can like we did with Wesley, to his detriment, then he has all the physical qualities to do fine.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on September 08, 2020, 02:07:24 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 08, 2020, 02:02:40 PM

Its a pity we couldn't part-ex any of our fringe players (Lansbury, Jota, Kalinic and Hogan) for Cash or Watkins.

Did think they might like Jota. They know Hogan is rubbish, so won't go near him

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 02:08:54 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 08, 2020, 02:04:11 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 01:47:36 PM

28m for a championship striker? One born every minute.

Are you more upset about who he is/where he's coing in from or the fact that you'll have to stop using the £20m golden voucher 'joke' now?

Said all along I wanted a striker with experience at the top level. That i'm not dancing on the ceiling because we bought the worlds most expensive championship striker, shouldn't be all that surprising.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on September 08, 2020, 02:10:04 PM

I like having my pants pulled down, as long as its done correctly and by the right person. As to Olly I'm thrilled that Exeter are set for a gigantic windfall, it's what richer clubs should be doing anyway, as a matter of course.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 08, 2020, 02:11:10 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 02:08:54 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 08, 2020, 02:04:11 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 01:47:36 PM

28m for a championship striker? One born every minute.

Are you more upset about who he is/where he's coing in from or the fact that you'll have to stop using the £20m golden voucher 'joke' now?

Said all along I wanted a striker with experience at the top level. That i'm not dancing on the ceiling because we bought the worlds most expensive championship striker, shouldn't be all that surprising.

We should have signed Andy Carroll instead.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Shrek on September 08, 2020, 02:11:40 PM

I really like Watkins and really want him, but I’m a bit concerned at that price tbh. It adds an awful lot of pressure on the lad, hopefully the lack of fans let’s him settle easier.

Remember this though, he got the same amount of goals as Tammy without a single set piece, all from open play... and we’d of all bitten Chelsea’s hand off to have Tammy for this fee, so fingers crossed he is as good as we all hope.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 08, 2020, 02:11:52 PM

Hells bells that’s a lot of money. But come on Villa get it across the line then onto the next one.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dr Butler on September 08, 2020, 02:12:16 PM

Quote from: mr underhill on September 08, 2020, 02:10:04 PM

I like having my pants pulled down, as long as its done correctly and by the right person. As to Olly I'm thrilled that Exeter are set for a gigantic windfall, it's what richer clubs should be doing anyway, as a matter of course.

agreed mr underhill, delighted for Exeter.

UTV
The Doc

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Axl Rose on September 08, 2020, 02:13:14 PM

Silly money. But we've got loads of it. Spend the bloody thing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 08, 2020, 02:13:36 PM

Quote from: Dr Butler on September 08, 2020, 02:12:16 PM

Quote from: mr underhill on September 08, 2020, 02:10:04 PM

I like having my pants pulled down, as long as its done correctly and by the right person. As to Olly I'm thrilled that Exeter are set for a gigantic windfall, it's what richer clubs should be doing anyway, as a matter of course.

agreed mr underhill, delighted for Exeter.

UTV
The Doc

I'm delighted at the outbreak of socialism on here!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Nev on September 08, 2020, 02:14:58 PM

For fucks sake Villa,spend so money!





Not that much FFS!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Nunkin1965 on September 08, 2020, 02:16:43 PM

Excited by this signing and absolutely fantastic for Exeter City.
If he picks up 10+ goals for us this season then it will have been worth the huge fee.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 08, 2020, 02:17:12 PM

Quote from: Nev on September 08, 2020, 02:14:58 PM

For fucks sake Villa,spend so money!





Not that much FFS!

Haha exactly!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: enigma on September 08, 2020, 02:19:53 PM

Brentford have taken us to the cleaners with the price but getting turned down by Wilson has meant we seem to have blinked first.

Not complaining though. We despereately need a striker (or two)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 08, 2020, 02:20:50 PM

So are we limited by FFP in what we can spend or not (salaries aside)? I'm confused.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 08, 2020, 02:21:05 PM

Last week Wolves paid £35m for a 19-year old who has played more youth games than senior games. At least Watkins knows the language and the English game.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: enigma on September 08, 2020, 02:21:37 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 08, 2020, 02:20:50 PM

So are we limited by FFP in what we can spend or not (salaries aside)? I'm confused.

FFP has been relaxed this season hasn't it?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 08, 2020, 02:22:58 PM

Jonathan Percy has confirmed it now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on September 08, 2020, 02:23:03 PM

Quote from: Shrek on September 08, 2020, 02:11:40 PM

I really like Watkins and really want him, but I’m a bit concerned at that price tbh. It adds an awful lot of pressure on the lad, hopefully the lack of fans let’s him settle easier.

Remember this though, he got the same amount of goals as Tammy without a single set piece, all from open play... and we’d of all bitten Chelsea’s hand off to have Tammy for this fee, so fingers crossed he is as good as we all hope.

Very good point, that.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on September 08, 2020, 02:23:13 PM

Seems only yesterday that value for money was a vital consideration in this season's signings because FFP.

But as for Watkins, he's a good player, we've overpaid but I'm glad we signed him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dicedlam on September 08, 2020, 02:23:17 PM

Our record signing and one that I think will turn out to be a real bargain.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sirlordbaltimore on September 08, 2020, 02:23:35 PM

FFP has been relaxed this season but it's not gone away. We still have to account for this season next season instead (or something like that)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on September 08, 2020, 02:24:59 PM

One of Samatta or Wesley will be on their way you’d think.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Scott Nielsen on September 08, 2020, 02:25:40 PM

I don't really care about the price. I'm excited.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 08, 2020, 02:25:53 PM

I like the price tag, it shows people we're not fucking about.

I'd not really seen him play, haven't watched that league since we finally got the fuck out of it, but I've just watched his goals last year and I like what I see, he's a proper fucking goalscorer. I know his stats bear that out, but it 's the kind of goals that a centre forward should score, the boy likes getting on the end of a cross and that's a weakness in all of our current forward options.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 08, 2020, 02:26:22 PM

Quote from: Nev on September 08, 2020, 02:14:58 PM

For fucks sake Villa,spend so money!

Not that much FFS!

Indeed.

It's more than I'd want us to pay but -realistically - not much more.

Maupay moved last summer for £20 million and, seeing as they've always rated Watkins higher, I was expecting a minimum of £25 million with the rest made up of add ons.

Based on his career to date he's not a £30 million + player for me. But even a half decent season in the top flight and he will be. That's the market now.

Attitude won't be an issue in his case.  From all I've heard about him he won't be someone who bags his first big contract and goes on cruise control for the rest of his career.

There's more to his all round game than goals as well, so looking forward to see how this one pans out.  I'd have been annoyed if he'd gone to Crystal Palace or Fulham etc.  Whereas I couldn't give two shiny shites that Wilson ended up at Poocastle.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: maidstonevillain on September 08, 2020, 02:27:37 PM

Quote from: Dr Butler on September 08, 2020, 02:12:16 PM

Quote from: mr underhill on September 08, 2020, 02:10:04 PM

I like having my pants pulled down, as long as its done correctly and by the right person. As to Olly I'm thrilled that Exeter are set for a gigantic windfall, it's what richer clubs should be doing anyway, as a matter of course.

agreed mr underhill, delighted for Exeter.

UTV
The Doc

I'm not.

One of my "second" clubs is Plymouth.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: enigma on September 08, 2020, 02:29:59 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 08, 2020, 02:25:53 PM

I like the price tag, it shows people we're not fucking about.

We've been fucking about for weeks.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 08, 2020, 02:31:03 PM

Watch his movement on some of those goals, it is exceptional.

The point about Tammy is pretty sound too, we would have to pay 35-50m for him now after what, 11-12 prem goals. Watkins gets 12-15 he is right in that bracket.

If we can get King over the line too, all of a sudden you have a front line that is faster, has more goals and is more mobile.

The only other take away from that video, we need a winger to supply him. Benrahma with him would make a huge amount of sense.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 08, 2020, 02:33:24 PM

Quote from: Scott Nielsen on September 08, 2020, 02:25:40 PM

I don't really care about the price. I'm excited.

That's exactly what we need.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 08, 2020, 02:33:49 PM

Quote from: enigma on September 08, 2020, 02:29:59 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 08, 2020, 02:25:53 PM

I like the price tag, it shows people we're not fucking about.

We've been fucking about for weeks.

So we should just pay whatever price a club wants and not try and negotiate?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: four fornicholl on September 08, 2020, 02:34:11 PM

To play to his obviously great strengths, we definitely need someone who can cross a fkn ball.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aev on September 08, 2020, 02:36:14 PM

Quote from: four fornicholl on September 08, 2020, 02:34:11 PM

To play to his obviously great strengths, we definitely need someone who can cross a fkn ball.

Targett and Cash certainly can, and perhaps explains the Cash signing, but it would indeed be nice to have a proper winger on board too.

I wonder how Watkins would link up with Wesley?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: The Edge on September 08, 2020, 02:36:32 PM

Quote from: Axl Rose on September 08, 2020, 02:13:14 PM

Silly money. But we've got loads of it. Spend the bloody thing.

Exactly.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on September 08, 2020, 02:38:09 PM

That's some long fucking money. James Rodriguez cost £20m...well, I just hope it's worth it - and that it hasn't blown all the budget as we are very much not done.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 08, 2020, 02:38:20 PM

With the exception of 2 of his goals that were on the edge of the box (one of which was a one-on-one that he took early), all of his goals were tap-ins and headers. That's what you want to see from a striker.

You can see why we bought Matty Cash too. Get it done and then sort out the wide positions.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Three Spires Villa on September 08, 2020, 02:38:44 PM

Wow that is some transfer fee, must be the most paid to a Championship club for a player never to have played in the Premier League.

Good luck I hope you are worth it!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: The Edge on September 08, 2020, 02:40:02 PM

Quote from: enigma on September 08, 2020, 02:21:37 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 08, 2020, 02:20:50 PM

So are we limited by FFP in what we can spend or not (salaries aside)? I'm confused.

FFP has been relaxed this season hasn't it?

I was under the impression that Man City have blasted it totally out of the water. And I don't know why people are getting upset about the price tag for Watkins. Our extremely wealthy owners are backing our manager. Let's fucking celebrate it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 08, 2020, 02:40:24 PM

If we somehow added Martinez, Josh King and a decent midfielder, I'd be looking forward to next season with a great deal of hope.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: UK Redsox on September 08, 2020, 02:40:50 PM

Has anything been said on Sky Sports News yet ?

Can't see anything on their website.

Is it still just the BBC reporting the Watkins deal ?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 08, 2020, 02:43:04 PM

Quote from: OCD on September 08, 2020, 02:38:20 PM

With the exception of 2 of his goals that were on the edge of the box (one of which was a one-on-one that he took early), all of his goals were tap-ins and headers. That's what you want to see from a striker.

You can see why we bought Matty Cash too. Get it done and then sort out the wide positions.

Good supply from wide is a must. Cash will hopefully give us that and Targett is excellent going forward to be fair to him. If we can add King and a winger then Watkins will thrive well enough.

Interestingly Wesley played from the left a fair bit in Belgium so maybe he would be another option out there when fully fit.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on September 08, 2020, 02:44:26 PM

BBC is good enough for me, they're generally extremely cautious on transfer stuff.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 08, 2020, 02:46:11 PM

Not sure if I've suggested him before but one player I would love down there and who would be ideal is Ryan Sessegnon. He hasn't had a great start at Tottenham although I doubt they would sell him after a season. He'd link up great with Grealish as well, like Targett as at times.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: enigma on September 08, 2020, 02:49:49 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 08, 2020, 02:33:49 PM

Quote from: enigma on September 08, 2020, 02:29:59 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 08, 2020, 02:25:53 PM

I like the price tag, it shows people we're not fucking about.

We've been fucking about for weeks.

So we should just pay whatever price a club wants and not try and negotiate?

No?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AlexAlexCropley on September 08, 2020, 02:49:59 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 08, 2020, 02:46:11 PM

Not sure if I've suggested him before but one player I would love down there and who would be ideal is Ryan Sessegnon. He hasn't had a great start at Tottenham although I doubt they would sell him after a season.

Nah, hyperventilated.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 08, 2020, 02:50:19 PM

Quote from: Monty on September 08, 2020, 02:44:26 PM

BBC is good enough for me, they're generally extremely cautious on transfer stuff.

Of no value to the thread whatsoever, but I've just come of the phone to a man called Goodenough, found myself humming the old Dodgy song, and then read this.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john2710 on September 08, 2020, 02:51:10 PM

A team is only as good as it's strikers & a striker is only as good as his supply.

Next get some width & pace.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: frank black on September 08, 2020, 02:51:30 PM

Quote from: Monty on September 08, 2020, 02:38:09 PM

That's some long fucking money. James Rodriguez cost £20m...well, I just hope it's worth it - and that it hasn't blown all the budget as we are very much not done.

I may well be proved wrong on this but I have my suspicions that that Hamez bloke is shite.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: enigma on September 08, 2020, 02:52:17 PM

No way will Bournemouth sell King to us for £16m now. A proven PL striker for half of what we just paid for a Championship player. We'll have to spend big again to land him I reckon.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 08, 2020, 02:52:24 PM

Watkins will fail if we don't get him the support he needs. He needs service.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ian. on September 08, 2020, 02:53:43 PM

Quote from: Nev on September 08, 2020, 02:14:58 PM

For fucks sake Villa,spend so money!





Not that much FFS!

Ha ha!

Great news if we get this fella. I'm really excited about this one, not just because of his potential but he is a product of the Exeter City Academy which is the city where my four kids were born. He is also from Torquay and I played for their youth side until I was 17. A little bit of Devon at the Villa.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aev on September 08, 2020, 02:54:11 PM

Quote from: enigma on September 08, 2020, 02:52:17 PM

No way will Bournemouth sell King to us for £16m now. A proven PL striker for half of what we just paid for a Championship player. We'll have to spend big again to land him I reckon.

Hasn't he only got a year left on his contract? If so, even with us spending 28m, 16m is pretty expensive.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on September 08, 2020, 02:55:00 PM

Quote from: enigma on September 08, 2020, 02:52:17 PM

No way will Bournemouth sell King to us for £16m now. A proven PL striker for half of what we just paid for a Championship player. We'll have to spend big again to land him I reckon.

King only has 9 months left of his contract and Bournemouth wont allow another Ryan Fraser situation

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Goldie.7 on September 08, 2020, 02:55:05 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 08, 2020, 02:33:24 PM

Quote from: Scott Nielsen on September 08, 2020, 02:25:40 PM

I don't really care about the price. I'm excited.

That's exactly what we need.

Really? We have zero pacy wingers. Half those goals will be instantly chalked off in this league due to a higher standard of defending.

I mean look at that second goal. We would crucify our defence if that was us.

4:15, 4:53 and 6:24 were the only stand out goals in that entire video. The rest were tap-ins.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 08, 2020, 02:55:10 PM

It is a good call. Quality wing back if we played 3-5-2 at times too.

Guardian are saying Villa and West Brom in talks with Connor Gallagher from Chelsea. Not sure I can see that happening given our reluctance to loan players and develop them for others under Smith.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Nev on September 08, 2020, 02:55:12 PM

Surely you have only overpaid for a player if they don't deliver? For instance Newcastle paid 40 Million for Joelinton and with a return of 2/38 games he represents appalling value, but that might change although I concede it's unlikely.

If Watkins doesn't work out then the same applies. We have to wait and see.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 08, 2020, 02:57:02 PM

Quote from: frank black on September 08, 2020, 02:51:30 PM

Quote from: Monty on September 08, 2020, 02:38:09 PM

That's some long fucking money. James Rodriguez cost £20m...well, I just hope it's worth it - and that it hasn't blown all the budget as we are very much not done.

I may well be proved wrong on this but I have my suspicions that that Hamez bloke is shite.

I think you will be, he has been one of the most creative players in the leagues he has played in during the last 5 years, and was very good under Ancellotti. I think he will be exceptional, fair play to Everton for getting him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: GordonCowansisthegreatest on September 08, 2020, 02:57:56 PM

£28 Million for Ollie Watkins, fee agered according to the beeb.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Scott Nielsen on September 08, 2020, 02:58:44 PM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on September 08, 2020, 02:55:05 PM

4:15, 4:53 and 6:24 were the only stand out goals in that entire video. The rest were tap-ins.

We could have done with someone tapping in a few goals for us last season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on September 08, 2020, 02:59:35 PM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on September 08, 2020, 02:55:05 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 08, 2020, 02:33:24 PM

Quote from: Scott Nielsen on September 08, 2020, 02:25:40 PM

I don't really care about the price. I'm excited.

That's exactly what we need.

Really? We have zero pacy wingers. Half those goals will be instantly chalked off in this league due to a higher standard of defending.

I mean look at that second goal. We would crucify our defence if that was us.

4:15, 4:53 and 6:24 were the only stand out goals in that entire video. The rest were tap-ins.

Could be wrong but, from what I've seen, he can beat a man if he needs, and has great penalty box movement and awareness and nous.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villa Lew on September 08, 2020, 03:00:35 PM

Blimey Sky only just breaking the news, let's hope the deal goes through.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 08, 2020, 03:01:02 PM

Re movement - tap ins only happen through the striker getting into the right place for them. Watkins pulls off the back after looking like he will go near post a number of times.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 08, 2020, 03:02:33 PM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on September 08, 2020, 02:55:05 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 08, 2020, 02:33:24 PM

Quote from: Scott Nielsen on September 08, 2020, 02:25:40 PM

I don't really care about the price. I'm excited.

That's exactly what we need.

Really? We have zero pacy wingers. Half those goals will be instantly chalked off in this league due to a higher standard of defending.

I mean look at that second goal. We would crucify our defence if that was us.

4:15, 4:53 and 6:24 were the only stand out goals in that entire video. The rest were tap-ins.

That's the spirit! You keep worrying. Some of us have bigger problems than the transfer window.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 08, 2020, 03:02:57 PM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on September 08, 2020, 02:55:05 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 08, 2020, 02:33:24 PM

Quote from: Scott Nielsen on September 08, 2020, 02:25:40 PM

I don't really care about the price. I'm excited.

That's exactly what we need.

Really? We have zero pacy wingers. Half those goals will be instantly chalked off in this league due to a higher standard of defending.

I mean look at that second goal. We would crucify our defence if that was us.

4:15, 4:53 and 6:24 were the only stand out goals in that entire video. The rest were tap-ins.

Jesus wept, it's not 'glass half empty' with you is it? It's the wrong fucking type of glass.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Virgil Caine on September 08, 2020, 03:05:03 PM

Hoping that Benrahma is on his way to join Ollie a la Fraser and Wilson.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on September 08, 2020, 03:06:02 PM

Quote from: Nev on September 08, 2020, 02:55:12 PM

Surely you have only overpaid for a player if they don't deliver? For instance Newcastle paid 40 Million for Joelinton and with a return of 2/38 games he represents appalling value, but that might change although I concede it's unlikely.

If Watkins doesn't work out then the same applies. We have to wait and see.

Yep I agree with you

even if JoeLinton had cost 20 mil or 15 mil he would still be appalling value

it’s what they do that matters
if the deliver no one even mentions the transfer fee

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 08, 2020, 03:15:00 PM

Hopefully he’ll be great.  Our problem is Brentford knew we were desperate so could squeeze every penny.  If we hadn’t bought him he’d prob have gone elsewhere at the end of the window for £20m like Maupay to a club who could afford to wait.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: darren woolley on September 08, 2020, 03:15:29 PM

I hope we sign Watkins I know it's a lot of money but we are desperate for a striker and he's a good player.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 08, 2020, 03:17:08 PM

I wonder when he'll get his own thread. Can't wait !

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: maidstonevillain on September 08, 2020, 03:24:58 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 08, 2020, 03:02:57 PM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on September 08, 2020, 02:55:05 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 08, 2020, 02:33:24 PM

Quote from: Scott Nielsen on September 08, 2020, 02:25:40 PM

I don't really care about the price. I'm excited.

That's exactly what we need.

Really? We have zero pacy wingers. Half those goals will be instantly chalked off in this league due to a higher standard of defending.

I mean look at that second goal. We would crucify our defence if that was us.

4:15, 4:53 and 6:24 were the only stand out goals in that entire video. The rest were tap-ins.

Jesus wept, it's not 'glass half empty' with you is it? It's the wrong fucking type of glass.

I don't think he even bothered to bring a glass.

Having said that, the defending was poor fir a few of those goals. But conversely Watkins is young, and plenty of scope for improvement.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ian. on September 08, 2020, 03:30:01 PM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on September 08, 2020, 02:55:05 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 08, 2020, 02:33:24 PM

Quote from: Scott Nielsen on September 08, 2020, 02:25:40 PM

I don't really care about the price. I'm excited.

That's exactly what we need.

Really? We have zero pacy wingers. Half those goals will be instantly chalked off in this league due to a higher standard of defending.

I mean look at that second goal. We would crucify our defence if that was us.

4:15, 4:53 and 6:24 were the only stand out goals in that entire video. The rest were tap-ins.

You're a hard person to please!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Goldie.7 on September 08, 2020, 03:30:52 PM

Quote from: Scott Nielsen on September 08, 2020, 02:58:44 PM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on September 08, 2020, 02:55:05 PM

4:15, 4:53 and 6:24 were the only stand out goals in that entire video. The rest were tap-ins.

We could have done with someone tapping in a few goals for us last season.

We don't really fizz the ball in like a lot of his goals though. We mainly cut back the ball and cross it in. Only time off the top of my head was Guilbert vs Leicester.

We'll definitely need to change our approach for Watkins to thrive.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Pat Mustard on September 08, 2020, 03:39:28 PM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on September 08, 2020, 03:30:52 PM

Quote from: Scott Nielsen on September 08, 2020, 02:58:44 PM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on September 08, 2020, 02:55:05 PM

4:15, 4:53 and 6:24 were the only stand out goals in that entire video. The rest were tap-ins.

We could have done with someone tapping in a few goals for us last season.

We don't really fizz the ball in like a lot of his goals though. We mainly cut back the ball and cross it in. Only time off the top of my head was Guilbert vs Leicester.

We'll definitely need to change our approach for Watkins to thrive.

I don't think that's necessarily fair - when we did cross what was missing was anyone to finish them off half of the time.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on September 08, 2020, 03:40:08 PM

Quote from: Shrek on September 08, 2020, 02:11:40 PM

I really like Watkins and really want him, but I’m a bit concerned at that price tbh.

He's the price of two Targetts. Bargain!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: maidstonevillain on September 08, 2020, 03:43:16 PM

Less pressure on Wesley now to live up to the price tag. Could help him immeasurably.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 03:44:48 PM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on September 08, 2020, 02:55:05 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 08, 2020, 02:33:24 PM

Quote from: Scott Nielsen on September 08, 2020, 02:25:40 PM

I don't really care about the price. I'm excited.

That's exactly what we need.

Really? We have zero pacy wingers. Half those goals will be instantly chalked off in this league due to a higher standard of defending.

I mean look at that second goal. We would crucify our defence if that was us.

4:15, 4:53 and 6:24 were the only stand out goals in that entire video. The rest were tap-ins.

Best not to watch those videos as the Championship is muck. If he's any good he'll be able to adapt to a league with defenders and hopefully that's what Smith has staked his job on.. If he bought him on the strength of 20 goals in the championship then McCormack is still available on a free as cheap back-up

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on September 08, 2020, 03:51:03 PM

fuck me  cheer up - it was obvious that this is the p[layer Dean wanted and he's got his man. He was backed by the board big time and they will do it again, not least for the PL quality winger we need. If that bloke comes from Brentford again, fine.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Pat Mustard on September 08, 2020, 03:53:35 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 03:44:48 PM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on September 08, 2020, 02:55:05 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 08, 2020, 02:33:24 PM

Quote from: Scott Nielsen on September 08, 2020, 02:25:40 PM

I don't really care about the price. I'm excited.

That's exactly what we need.

Really? We have zero pacy wingers. Half those goals will be instantly chalked off in this league due to a higher standard of defending.

I mean look at that second goal. We would crucify our defence if that was us.

4:15, 4:53 and 6:24 were the only stand out goals in that entire video. The rest were tap-ins.

Best not to watch those videos as the Championship is muck. If he's any good he'll be able to adapt to a league with defenders and hopefully that's what Smith has staked his job on.. If he bought him on the strength of 20 goals in the championship then McCormack is still available on a free as cheap back-up

Yeah, you're right.  There's no point buying anyone from below the Premier League as all other football is shit.  Let's go and get Andy Carroll and Jack Wilshere, that should see us winning the League as they've only ever played in the top flight so they must be brilliant.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on September 08, 2020, 03:56:41 PM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on September 08, 2020, 03:53:35 PM

Yeah, you're right.  There's no point buying anyone from below the Premier League as all other football is shit.  Let's go and get Andy Carroll and Jack Wilshere, that should see us winning the League as they've only ever played in the top flight so they must be brilliant.

Except for Carroll who did for Newcastle.

Jack Wheelchair didn't though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 08, 2020, 03:58:56 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 08, 2020, 02:46:11 PM

Not sure if I've suggested him before but one player I would love down there and who would be ideal is Ryan Sessegnon. He hasn't had a great start at Tottenham although I doubt they would sell him after a season. He'd link up great with Grealish as well, like Targett as at times.

Mourinho doesn't seem to rate him, so not a bad shout.

Not sure the player will want to leave Tottingham after he was linked with them for so many years. But a loan towards the end of the window wouldn't be a bad bit of business.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Goldie.7 on September 08, 2020, 03:59:52 PM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on September 08, 2020, 03:39:28 PM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on September 08, 2020, 03:30:52 PM

Quote from: Scott Nielsen on September 08, 2020, 02:58:44 PM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on September 08, 2020, 02:55:05 PM

4:15, 4:53 and 6:24 were the only stand out goals in that entire video. The rest were tap-ins.

We could have done with someone tapping in a few goals for us last season.

We don't really fizz the ball in like a lot of his goals though. We mainly cut back the ball and cross it in. Only time off the top of my head was Guilbert vs Leicester.

We'll definitely need to change our approach for Watkins to thrive.

I don't think that's necessarily fair - when we did cross what was missing was anyone to finish them off half of the time.

I somewhat agree. Wesley was notorious for never being where he should have been.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Proposition Joe on September 08, 2020, 04:00:12 PM

If you'd asked me 6 months ago who Ollie Watkins was, I'd have had a guess that he was an England cricketer.

But having watched that video, I would say the following:
- He seems genuinely two-footed, and also as happy to finish with his head as with his feet.
- We probably will need to find a different way of playing to get the most out of him. He might not be best suited to having his back to goal watching Mings' hoofs go sailing by, nor our usually very slow and ponderous attacking play. We definitely need more players that can keep up with him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on September 08, 2020, 04:02:35 PM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on September 08, 2020, 02:55:05 PM

Really? We have zero pacy wingers. Half those goals will be instantly chalked off in this league due to a higher standard of defending.

Fine, we'll take half of his 25 goals from last season then. 13 will be a perfectly decent return.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AV82EC on September 08, 2020, 04:11:54 PM

Good signing....onto the next one please.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 08, 2020, 04:13:22 PM

Get the right winger and support striker around him, he will score a lot. His movement will do half the work for him, and a bit like Vardy, his work rate will do the rest.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Goldie.7 on September 08, 2020, 04:23:57 PM

Quote from: Dave on September 08, 2020, 04:02:35 PM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on September 08, 2020, 02:55:05 PM

Really? We have zero pacy wingers. Half those goals will be instantly chalked off in this league due to a higher standard of defending.

Fine, we'll take half of his 25 goals from last season then. 13 will be a perfectly decent return.

Seeing how Jarrod Bowen really struggled making the step up, I would take 8.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lescottstweets on September 08, 2020, 04:26:17 PM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on September 08, 2020, 03:53:35 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 03:44:48 PM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on September 08, 2020, 02:55:05 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 08, 2020, 02:33:24 PM

Quote from: Scott Nielsen on September 08, 2020, 02:25:40 PM

I don't really care about the price. I'm excited.

That's exactly what we need.

Really? We have zero pacy wingers. Half those goals will be instantly chalked off in this league due to a higher standard of defending.

I mean look at that second goal. We would crucify our defence if that was us.

4:15, 4:53 and 6:24 were the only stand out goals in that entire video. The rest were tap-ins.

Best not to watch those videos as the Championship is muck. If he's any good he'll be able to adapt to a league with defenders and hopefully that's what Smith has staked his job on.. If he bought him on the strength of 20 goals in the championship then McCormack is still available on a free as cheap back-up

Yeah, you're right.  There's no point buying anyone from below the Premier League as all other football is shit.  Let's go and get Andy Carroll and Jack Wilshere, that should see us winning the League as they've only ever played in the top flight so they must be brilliant.

The guy knows how to put crosses away and looks a very good header of the ball, only issue is we need to put decent crosses into him in the first place.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: enigma on September 08, 2020, 04:26:45 PM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on September 08, 2020, 04:23:57 PM

Quote from: Dave on September 08, 2020, 04:02:35 PM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on September 08, 2020, 02:55:05 PM

Really? We have zero pacy wingers. Half those goals will be instantly chalked off in this league due to a higher standard of defending.

Fine, we'll take half of his 25 goals from last season then. 13 will be a perfectly decent return.

Seeing how Jarrod Bowen really struggled making the step up, I would take 8.

Bowen did really well though? One of their stand out players. Besides, he's a winger. Not really expected to score a hatful.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 08, 2020, 04:56:57 PM

If Bellingham went for £25m, Watkins, was always going to cost more.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on September 08, 2020, 04:59:36 PM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on September 08, 2020, 04:23:57 PM

Quote from: Dave on September 08, 2020, 04:02:35 PM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on September 08, 2020, 02:55:05 PM

Really? We have zero pacy wingers. Half those goals will be instantly chalked off in this league due to a higher standard of defending.

Fine, we'll take half of his 25 goals from last season then. 13 will be a perfectly decent return.

Seeing how Jarrod Bowen really struggled making the step up, I would take 8.

I’m taking no less than 32 goals

(all from open play obvs)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 08, 2020, 05:02:33 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 08, 2020, 04:56:57 PM

If Bellingham went for £25m, Watkins, was always going to cost more.

Time for Brentford to retire the shirt.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 08, 2020, 05:07:25 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 08, 2020, 04:56:57 PM

If Bellingham went for £25m, Watkins, was always going to cost more.

I don't think there's any correlation.  I doubt there will be many clubs spending really big mnoney this window and I think Brentford are very lucky we were absolutely desperate.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SamTheMouse on September 08, 2020, 05:23:31 PM

At least he knows how to head the ball, which is more than can be said for Wesley.

Anyway, he clearly loves getting into scoring positions, which is an art in itself. He'll enjoy playing alongside Jack.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SaddVillan on September 08, 2020, 05:27:07 PM

Hoping that the deal for Watkins goes through tomorrow.

No doubt some will complain about the price and £28m might seem high.

But:

Tammy Abraham scored 26 goals in 40 games for us when we got promoted. How much would we have been prepared to pay for him last summer if he'd been available - £25m, £30m?

Watkins scored 26 in 50 for Brentford. So you might say that Abraham has a better goals per game record.

However:
Abraham got 6 pens, so 20 in 40 from open play. An average of 1 in 2

Watkins no pens at all. 26 from 50 in open play  - just over 1 in 2, marginally better than Tammy.

£28m seems reasonable, all things considered.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 08, 2020, 05:27:08 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 08, 2020, 05:07:25 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 08, 2020, 04:56:57 PM

If Bellingham went for £25m, Watkins, was always going to cost more.

I don't think there's any correlation.  I doubt there will be many clubs spending really big mnoney this window and I think Brentford are very lucky we were absolutely desperate.

Disagree. It's a market. A good young Championship player went for £25m, why would a better one cost less?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 08, 2020, 05:28:24 PM

Michy Batshuayi: Chelsea striker set for contract extension and Crystal Palace loan (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54077897)

Would have been a decent loan signing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 08, 2020, 05:36:22 PM

Bowen has looked very good for West Ham. If he played like that for us you'd be calling him our best post-lockdown player after Luiz. I'd rather we had overpaid for him than Watkins.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 08, 2020, 05:39:20 PM

£50m for two championship players.  Bit steep innit.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 08, 2020, 05:44:35 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on September 08, 2020, 05:39:20 PM

£50m for two championship players.  Bit steep innit.

McGinn, Grealish and Mings were Championship players not so long ago...

I'd have paid £50mil for a couple of them :)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mellin on September 08, 2020, 05:49:08 PM

There's a lot of quality in the Championship. It's all about sourcing the right one(s). Championship player of the year probably isn't a bad place to start. None of ours managed that whilst we were down there and we had some very good (and bad) players.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 08, 2020, 05:52:37 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 08, 2020, 05:27:08 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 08, 2020, 05:07:25 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 08, 2020, 04:56:57 PM

If Bellingham went for £25m, Watkins, was always going to cost more.

I don't think there's any correlation.  I doubt there will be many clubs spending really big mnoney this window and I think Brentford are very lucky we were absolutely desperate.

Disagree. It's a market. A good young Championship player went for £25m, why would a better one cost less?

I just think they are very diffent signings.  Bellingham was a gamble on someone with incredible potential who Dortmund believe will go on to play at the very highest level of the game.  Watkins is a really good established Championship player, but he's 24 and has 3 full Championship seasons under his belt and top clubs aren't queing up for him.  I really like Watkins, but I feel there's a strong chance Bellingham will go on to greater things.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: villa for life on September 08, 2020, 06:05:30 PM

Does it really matter whether he cost 15, 20, 25 or 30 million??

It’s all crazy amounts anyway..

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on September 08, 2020, 06:05:40 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 08, 2020, 02:33:49 PM

Quote from: enigma on September 08, 2020, 02:29:59 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 08, 2020, 02:25:53 PM

I like the price tag, it shows people we're not fucking about.

We've been fucking about for weeks.

So we should just pay whatever price a club wants and not try and negotiate?

Some top negotiations there getting that price down to 33 mill

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on September 08, 2020, 06:08:26 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 08, 2020, 05:52:37 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 08, 2020, 05:27:08 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 08, 2020, 05:07:25 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 08, 2020, 04:56:57 PM

If Bellingham went for £25m, Watkins, was always going to cost more.

I don't think there's any correlation.  I doubt there will be many clubs spending really big mnoney this window and I think Brentford are very lucky we were absolutely desperate.

Disagree. It's a market. A good young Championship player went for £25m, why would a better one cost less?

I just think they are very diffent signings.  Bellingham was a gamble on someone with incredible potential who Dortmund believe will go on to play at the very highest level of the game.  Watkins is a really good established Championship player, but he's 24 and has 3 full Championship seasons under his belt and top clubs aren't queing up for him.  I really like Watkins, but I feel there's a strong chance Bellingham will go on to greater things.

To me it looks like strikers peak in their late 20s (look at the top scorers from last season...). Scoring bucketloads in the Championship from age 21-24 seems promising to me. We paid, what, £20m for Mings ... so £8m extra for a striker under those terms seems ok to me. Not bargain basement price right enough, but i don't think it's massively overpriced either.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 08, 2020, 06:10:50 PM

Quote from: john e on September 08, 2020, 06:05:40 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 08, 2020, 02:33:49 PM

Quote from: enigma on September 08, 2020, 02:29:59 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 08, 2020, 02:25:53 PM

I like the price tag, it shows people we're not fucking about.

We've been fucking about for weeks.

So we should just pay whatever price a club wants and not try and negotiate?

Some top negotiations there getting that price down to 33 mill

£28m and they might have wanted more than that seeing as some goes to Exeter.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 08, 2020, 06:16:31 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 08, 2020, 05:52:37 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 08, 2020, 05:27:08 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 08, 2020, 05:07:25 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 08, 2020, 04:56:57 PM

If Bellingham went for £25m, Watkins, was always going to cost more.

I don't think there's any correlation.  I doubt there will be many clubs spending really big mnoney this window and I think Brentford are very lucky we were absolutely desperate.

Disagree. It's a market. A good young Championship player went for £25m, why would a better one cost less?

I just think they are very diffent signings.  Bellingham was a gamble on someone with incredible potential who Dortmund believe will go on to play at the very highest level of the game.  Watkins is a really good established Championship player, but he's 24 and has 3 full Championship seasons under his belt and top clubs aren't queing up for him.  I really like Watkins, but I feel there's a strong chance Bellingham will go on to greater things.

That's fair enough and I agree with a lot of what you say. I do think though that the Championship's best players cost good money. Bellingham is not so far along and Dortmund are gambling more, but he is still a talent and that costs a premium.

There's been rumours of interest from others in Watkins too and Dortmund have to box clever given the finances over there; Sancho, Haarland, Bellingham etc.

I like Watkins and the fee doesn't bother me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on September 08, 2020, 06:17:14 PM

Would the people moaning about the price be moaning more or less if we went another day without buying someone?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 08, 2020, 06:25:43 PM

The price is really only a factor if going higher than we wanted impacts on further deals and means we might have to settle for a second choice winger of midfielder.  None of us truly know if that's the case.

We could have waited until towards the end of the window and chance the notion that Brentford's resolve may weaken. But the risk there is it wouldn't or someone else nips in.

As it is -if we tie this up fairly early this week - Watkins has the best part of two weeks with us to prepare for the Sheff U game.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Londonvilla on September 08, 2020, 06:40:06 PM

EDUARDO CAMAVINGA is who I want next for our midfield as we need 2 players who are young with resale value.

I think £28m plus add on should get him

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 08, 2020, 06:45:33 PM

Quote from: Londonvilla on September 08, 2020, 06:40:06 PM

EDUARDO CAMAVINGA is who I want next for our midfield as we need 2 players who are young with resale value.

I think £28m plus add on should get him

Me too pal, but I think the best clubs in Europe will as well.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Londonvilla on September 08, 2020, 06:47:53 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 08, 2020, 06:45:33 PM

Quote from: Londonvilla on September 08, 2020, 06:40:06 PM

EDUARDO CAMAVINGA is who I want next for our midfield as we need 2 players who are young with resale value.

I think £28m plus add on should get him

Me too pal, but I think the best clubs in Europe will as well.

I was joking with the £28m comment .......£45m - £60m would be needed but I can dream

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Holy Trinity on September 08, 2020, 06:48:11 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 08, 2020, 06:45:33 PM

Quote from: Londonvilla on September 08, 2020, 06:40:06 PM

EDUARDO CAMAVINGA is who I want next for our midfield as we need 2 players who are young with resale value.

I think £28m plus add on should get him

Me too pal, but I think the best clubs in Europe will as well.

I'd give both my bollocks and an eye for us to sign him but can't see it happening

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Legion on September 08, 2020, 06:49:03 PM

Never heard of him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on September 08, 2020, 06:49:19 PM

Those goals are quite similar to the ones Abraham got for us i.e. the kind Wesley and Davis will never get. I seem to recall Watkins having a field day against us on the left on at least one occasion so he has a bit more to his game.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 08, 2020, 06:50:39 PM

Quote from: Londonvilla on September 08, 2020, 06:47:53 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 08, 2020, 06:45:33 PM

Quote from: Londonvilla on September 08, 2020, 06:40:06 PM

EDUARDO CAMAVINGA is who I want next for our midfield as we need 2 players who are young with resale value.

I think £28m plus add on should get him

Me too pal, but I think the best clubs in Europe will as well.

I was joking with the £28m comment .......£45m - £60m would be needed but I can dream

He had a sparkling career for us on my Championship Manager, sitting in behind Jack and Joao Felix!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Holy Trinity on September 08, 2020, 06:52:53 PM

Quote from: Legion on September 08, 2020, 06:49:03 PM

Never heard of him.

Hes young  athletic and has one hell of a career ahead of him.

Hes a bit of a cross between yaya toure and Patrick vieria and hes only just starting out. Hes destined for greatness

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on September 08, 2020, 07:07:02 PM

He can't be that good or Brentford would have signed him

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 08, 2020, 07:23:18 PM

Camavinga is off to Real Madrid.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on September 08, 2020, 07:43:04 PM

Watkins, a lot of money but he's only 24 and will work his nuts off for Smith.  Good luck getting Bananarama in for anything less than £35mill now though!!  Get another couple in, plus a keeper.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ktvillan on September 08, 2020, 07:52:56 PM

Just watched the video of Watkins goals.  Height, pace,  skill, makes good runs, can finish from inside and outside the box.  Looks great - however I'm sure there was a similar compilation of Hogan from his Brentford days (minus the height).   

Also either he's great at finding space or he came up against some shite defences - he was in acres pf space for some of his goals.  Also note that the service to him from Brentford's wide players was pretty impressive, but he still got himself in the right places to take advantage.  Not sure I can see him getting that kind of service from Trez and  AEM though.

£28m+ looks a bit steep but it all depends on how he does - it could look like a proper bargain in two years time.  Glad we're signing him and prefer him to C Wilson.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on September 08, 2020, 07:53:11 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on September 08, 2020, 06:17:14 PM

Would the people moaning about the price be moaning more or less if we went another day without buying someone?

I'll put my hands up on this one, yes. I would be worrying we hadn't signed anyone, and I am concerned we  have paid too much.

Out of the two I prefer this, afterall he could be rip roaring success or might fail. No new striker is a definite relegation though.

We have shown ambition, and filled a gaping hole in the squad. Like all here I will be hoping he is a big success.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: themossman on September 08, 2020, 08:07:24 PM

Lots of price hikers on this one:

We are desperate for a player in that position and everyone knows it.
We’re minted
No attitude or injury baggage
Right age
English
Versatile
Sell on clause
Strikers are always too expensive

Spurs fans appear to be unhappy which is good enough for me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Des Little on September 08, 2020, 08:16:54 PM

Right, who’s next in? And who thinks we’ll get another striker?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on September 08, 2020, 08:22:01 PM

Assuming we get Watkins, then I think a Winger is the priority.

Expect Bournemouth to reject our offer for King.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Richard E on September 08, 2020, 08:30:52 PM

King would bring love and pride to the club.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 08, 2020, 08:33:52 PM

Quote from: Richard E on September 08, 2020, 08:30:52 PM

King would bring love and pride to the club.

Good, because that's what my heart yearns for now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy65 on September 08, 2020, 08:35:45 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 08, 2020, 05:28:24 PM

Michy Batshuayi: Chelsea striker set for contract extension and Crystal Palace loan (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54077897)

Would have been a decent loan signing.

Never convinced by him. Bit part player and on big wages I would imagine

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: olaftab on September 08, 2020, 08:38:41 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 08, 2020, 08:33:52 PM

Quote from: Richard E on September 08, 2020, 08:30:52 PM

King would bring love and pride to the club.

Good, because that's what my heart yearns for now.

But with William around do we really need a King?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Londonvilla on September 08, 2020, 08:58:19 PM

Why did Ademola Lookman leave Everton?

Is he an upgrade on what we have?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: CT on September 08, 2020, 09:22:57 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 08, 2020, 08:33:52 PM

Quote from: Richard E on September 08, 2020, 08:30:52 PM

King would bring love and pride to the club.

Good, because that's what my heart yearns for now.

Get your boots on!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: enigma on September 08, 2020, 09:30:25 PM

Quote from: Rudy65 on September 08, 2020, 08:35:45 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 08, 2020, 05:28:24 PM

Michy Batshuayi: Chelsea striker set for contract extension and Crystal Palace loan (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54077897)

Would have been a decent loan signing.

Never convinced by him. Bit part player and on big wages I would imagine

I was hoping we'd sign him last January. Excellent scoring record and got another two for Belgium tonight.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 08, 2020, 09:47:12 PM

Martinez has rejected a new contract from Arsenal.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave shelley on September 08, 2020, 09:57:23 PM

A strict discipinarian is just what our defence needs.   ;)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 08, 2020, 10:14:07 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 08, 2020, 09:47:12 PM

Martinez has rejected a new contract from Arsenal.

Poor form that Ads, Dave's witty post looks shite now!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Holy Trinity on September 08, 2020, 10:26:37 PM

Strange name linked just.

Morten Thorsby

Never heard of him. Plays in seria a

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave shelley on September 08, 2020, 10:30:08 PM

Norwegian, 24 year old midfielder with two full caps.  He had Covid 19 back in March.  All according to Wiki.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 08, 2020, 10:30:25 PM

Quote from: Holy Trinity on September 08, 2020, 10:26:37 PM

Strange name linked just.

Morten Thorsby

Never heard of him. Plays in seria a

Sounds like a Village.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: andyh on September 08, 2020, 10:32:19 PM

Quote from: Holy Trinity on September 08, 2020, 10:26:37 PM

Strange name linked just.

Morten Thorsby

Never heard of him. Plays in seria a

Didn’t he used to present The Big Match?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 08, 2020, 10:37:21 PM

Quote from: dave shelley on September 08, 2020, 10:30:08 PM

Norwegian, 24 year old midfielder with two full caps.  He had Covid 19 back in March.  All according to Wiki.

Would be one from Lange there. I hear he's a bit of an animal, with a shot like a rocket.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 08, 2020, 10:39:03 PM

Quote from: dave shelley on September 08, 2020, 10:30:08 PM

Norwegian, 24 year old midfielder with two full caps.  He had Covid 19 back in March.  All according to Wiki.

Looks to be a strong defensive type of midfielder according to my extensive research.

* Ok, according to a quick look on Football Manager.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 10:40:16 PM

End of the day you have to back the manager or sack him imo. I'm not a fan of choosing players by committee - manager wants A, gets C etc. Yeah C may be on paper be as good or better than the manager's choice, but you can't fake a manager who really wants a player to join or the ability of a player to run through walls for a manager who believes in him. So i hope Watkins is a success just to wind up the likes of twitter and the Meaning  Evil currently taking the piss.

On a more general point,  our signings so far seem to have fallen into the obsession with value, that Lerner lately suffered from after MON left. Actually the complete misunderstanding of what "value" means.  Yes of course this club needs to buy young players with potential like McGinn and watkins or cash, with resale value, but you still need to buy the older players at 29/30/31 with no-resale value who will provide experience when we're struggling, ESPECIALLY where we are now, because blooding a championship player or foreign lower league at 23 or 24 may insure you get someone you can sell at 28 for 30m, but it won't make up for the 100m cost of relegation while they find their feet or not.. That's not a go at Watkins, that's just a view of the players we bought after coming up, and the way it seems to be  going this summer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 08, 2020, 10:46:37 PM

Asked a mate from work (Norwegian) who he is and his response was that he's pretty good, big, strong and works hard but keeps it simple and won't score or create much so would be the a DM in England and would need someone creative alongside him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rory on September 08, 2020, 10:48:35 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 10:40:16 PM

So i hope Watkins is a success just to wind up the likes of twitter and the Meaning  Evil currently taking the piss.

Are they? Genuine question, as I'm not on Twitter and don't read that rag.


Given the current market, I think the reported fee for Watkins is perfectly reasonable.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LukeJames on September 08, 2020, 10:50:06 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 08, 2020, 10:46:37 PM

Asked a mate from work (Norwegian) who he is and his response was that he's pretty good, big, strong and works hard but keeps it simple and won't score or create much so would be the a DM in England and would need someone creative alongside him.

Gareth Southgate is looking to see if he has an English Grandad.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 08, 2020, 10:50:42 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 10:40:16 PM

End of the day you have to back the manager or sack him imo. I'm not a fan of choosing players by committee - manager wants A, gets C etc. Yeah C may be on paper be as good or better than the manager's choice, but you can't fake a manager who really wants a player to join or the ability of a player to run through walls for a manager who believes in him. So i hope Watkins is a success just to wind up the likes of twitter and the Meaning  Evil currently taking the piss.

On a more general point,  our signings so far seem to have fallen into the obsession with value, that Lerner lately suffered from after MON left. Actually the complete misunderstanding of what "value" means.  Yes of course this club needs to buy young players with potential like McGinn and watkins or cash, with resale value, but you still need to buy the older players at 29/30/31 with no-resale value who will provide experience when we're struggling, ESPECIALLY where we are now, because blooding a championship player or foreign lower league at 23 or 24 may insure you get someone you can sell at 28 for 30m, but it won't make up for the 100m cost of relegation while they find their feet or not.. That's not a go at Watkins, that's just a view of the players we bought after coming up, and the way it seems to be  going this summer.

at

Watford had squad full of proven premier league players that had finished mid table and got to the cup final, and yet they went down and we didn't.

Experience is valuable, but it needs to be good and provide value. Lescott and Richards were experienced, and were an absolute skid mark on the clubs history. Kortney Hause has proven better value than both put together and he's only a back up.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 10:52:27 PM

Quote from: Rory Christopher on September 08, 2020, 10:48:35 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 10:40:16 PM

So i hope Watkins is a success just to wind up the likes of twitter and the Meaning  Evil currently taking the piss.

Are they? Genuine question, as I'm not on Twitter and don't read that rag.


Given the current market, I think the reported fee for Watkins is perfectly reasonable.

yeah mail have got some article claiming brentford fans are all celebrating. Shouldn't rise to the bait, but y'know.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on September 08, 2020, 10:52:30 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 08, 2020, 10:30:25 PM

Quote from: Holy Trinity on September 08, 2020, 10:26:37 PM

Strange name linked just.

Morten Thorsby

Never heard of him. Plays in seria a

Sounds like a Village.

I went there once, nice little pub, The Tortured Rabbit.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on September 08, 2020, 10:56:45 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 10:40:16 PM

On a more general point,  our signings so far seem to have fallen into the obsession with value, that Lerner lately suffered from after MON left. Actually the complete misunderstanding of what "value" means.  Yes of course this club needs to buy young players with potential like McGinn and watkins or cash, with resale value, but you still need to buy the older players at 29/30/31 with no-resale value who will provide experience when we're struggling, ESPECIALLY where we are now, because blooding a championship player or foreign lower league at 23 or 24 may insure you get someone you can sell at 28 for 30m, but it won't make up for the 100m cost of relegation while they find their feet or not.. That's not a go at Watkins, that's just a view of the players we bought after coming up, and the way it seems to be  going this summer.

There’s truth in what you’re saying but it’s a hard to balance.  I look at the players that have moved that fall into that category (Hendricks / Wilson / I’m struggling...) and I’m not sure any fit in such crucial positions (Dacoure maybe).  If we are going to spend big money do it in the positions that will most influenced the team.

Weirdly I think Rose would tick a few boxes.  Improves on Taggert and adds PL know how.  On the flip side appears to be a bit of a handful and it would mean dealing with Daniel Levy.

There’s definitely scope in the DCM position for a player of this ilk but I am not familiar with the realistic options other than the lazy Milner/Delph propositions.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 08, 2020, 10:58:05 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 10:52:27 PM

Quote from: Rory Christopher on September 08, 2020, 10:48:35 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 10:40:16 PM

So i hope Watkins is a success just to wind up the likes of twitter and the Meaning  Evil currently taking the piss.

Are they? Genuine question, as I'm not on Twitter and don't read that rag.


Given the current market, I think the reported fee for Watkins is perfectly reasonable.

yeah mail have got some article claiming brentford fans are all celebrating. Shouldn't rise to the bait, but y'know.

They may be. It’s a tough time for Championship teams, especially one that’s just built a new stadium. This deal ensures they have a future.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 10:59:33 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 08, 2020, 10:50:42 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 10:40:16 PM

End of the day you have to back the manager or sack him imo. I'm not a fan of choosing players by committee - manager wants A, gets C etc. Yeah C may be on paper be as good or better than the manager's choice, but you can't fake a manager who really wants a player to join or the ability of a player to run through walls for a manager who believes in him. So i hope Watkins is a success just to wind up the likes of twitter and the Meaning  Evil currently taking the piss.

On a more general point,  our signings so far seem to have fallen into the obsession with value, that Lerner lately suffered from after MON left. Actually the complete misunderstanding of what "value" means.  Yes of course this club needs to buy young players with potential like McGinn and watkins or cash, with resale value, but you still need to buy the older players at 29/30/31 with no-resale value who will provide experience when we're struggling, ESPECIALLY where we are now, because blooding a championship player or foreign lower league at 23 or 24 may insure you get someone you can sell at 28 for 30m, but it won't make up for the 100m cost of relegation while they find their feet or not.. That's not a go at Watkins, that's just a view of the players we bought after coming up, and the way it seems to be  going this summer.

at

Watford had squad full of proven premier league players that had finished mid table and got to the cup final, and yet they went down and we didn't.

Experience is valuable, but it needs to be good and provide value. Lescott and Richards were experienced, and were an absolute skid mark on the clubs history. Kortney Hause has proven better value than both put together and he's only a back up.

yeah one or the other is daft. There's a balance. Over the years we've brought loads of brilliant players with a good few miles on the clock who no-one was upset about the wages or them leaving on a free at 33. 50m in wages and transfer fees on a few older players seems a good exchange for staying in the pl for 3 years to me. Doesn't stop up buying the likes of cash as well if we're loaded

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 08, 2020, 11:02:21 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 08, 2020, 10:30:25 PM

Quote from: Holy Trinity on September 08, 2020, 10:26:37 PM

Strange name linked just.

Morten Thorsby

Never heard of him. Plays in seria a

Sounds like a Village.

In rural Oxfordshire

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 11:03:20 PM

Quote from: Dante Lavelli on September 08, 2020, 10:56:45 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 10:40:16 PM

On a more general point,  our signings so far seem to have fallen into the obsession with value, that Lerner lately suffered from after MON left. Actually the complete misunderstanding of what "value" means.  Yes of course this club needs to buy young players with potential like McGinn and watkins or cash, with resale value, but you still need to buy the older players at 29/30/31 with no-resale value who will provide experience when we're struggling, ESPECIALLY where we are now, because blooding a championship player or foreign lower league at 23 or 24 may insure you get someone you can sell at 28 for 30m, but it won't make up for the 100m cost of relegation while they find their feet or not.. That's not a go at Watkins, that's just a view of the players we bought after coming up, and the way it seems to be  going this summer.

There’s truth in what you’re saying but it’s a hard to balance.  I look at the players that have moved that fall into that category (Hendricks / Wilson / I’m struggling...) and I’m not sure any fit in such crucial positions (Dacoure maybe).  If we are going to spend big money do it in the positions that will most influenced the team.

Weirdly I think Rose would tick a few boxes.  Improves on Taggert and adds PL know how.  On the flip side appears to be a bit of a handful and it would mean dealing with Daniel Levy.

There’s definitely scope in the DCM position for a player of this ilk but I am not familiar with the realistic options other than the lazy Milner/Delph propositions.

well yeah it is a bit limited in this country. I'd be looking abroad

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rory on September 08, 2020, 11:04:29 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 10:52:27 PM

Quote from: Rory Christopher on September 08, 2020, 10:48:35 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 10:40:16 PM

So i hope Watkins is a success just to wind up the likes of twitter and the Meaning  Evil currently taking the piss.

Are they? Genuine question, as I'm not on Twitter and don't read that rag.


Given the current market, I think the reported fee for Watkins is perfectly reasonable.

yeah mail have got some article claiming brentford fans are all celebrating. Shouldn't rise to the bait, but y'know.

That's the thing. I know it's a cliche that football fans claim certain media outlets are against them, but with the Mail it is pretty blatant. If we signed Messi and Ronaldo on free transfers the Mail would be calling us an old folks' home. It's not possible to get an objective view of our business from that paper.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on September 08, 2020, 11:06:23 PM

Quote from: Dante Lavelli on September 08, 2020, 10:56:45 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 10:40:16 PM

On a more general point,  our signings so far seem to have fallen into the obsession with value, that Lerner lately suffered from after MON left. Actually the complete misunderstanding of what "value" means.  Yes of course this club needs to buy young players with potential like McGinn and watkins or cash, with resale value, but you still need to buy the older players at 29/30/31 with no-resale value who will provide experience when we're struggling, ESPECIALLY where we are now, because blooding a championship player or foreign lower league at 23 or 24 may insure you get someone you can sell at 28 for 30m, but it won't make up for the 100m cost of relegation while they find their feet or not.. That's not a go at Watkins, that's just a view of the players we bought after coming up, and the way it seems to be  going this summer.

There’s truth in what you’re saying but it’s a hard to balance.  I look at the players that have moved that fall into that category (Hendricks / Wilson / I’m struggling...) and I’m not sure any fit in such crucial positions (Dacoure maybe).  If we are going to spend big money do it in the positions that will most influenced the team.

Weirdly I think Rose would tick a few boxes.  Improves on Taggert and adds PL know how.  On the flip side appears to be a bit of a handful and it would mean dealing with Daniel Levy.

There’s definitely scope in the DCM position for a player of this ilk but I am not familiar with the realistic options other than the lazy Milner/Delph propositions.

Bad form but to respond to my own post but I think Westwood has been POTY at Burnley at least once since he left and, well you can imagine how popular that signing would be.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 11:08:31 PM

Quote from: OCD on September 08, 2020, 10:58:05 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 10:52:27 PM

Quote from: Rory Christopher on September 08, 2020, 10:48:35 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 10:40:16 PM

So i hope Watkins is a success just to wind up the likes of twitter and the Meaning  Evil currently taking the piss.

Are they? Genuine question, as I'm not on Twitter and don't read that rag.


Given the current market, I think the reported fee for Watkins is perfectly reasonable.

yeah mail have got some article claiming brentford fans are all celebrating. Shouldn't rise to the bait, but y'know.

They may be. It’s a tough time for Championship teams, especially one that’s just built a new stadium. This deal ensures they have a future.

heh. it's the mail. it was "mainly who the hell would pay that for him? seen plenty of brentford fans bigging him up on twitter to be fair. Obviously the rest of premiership are taking the piss as you do, apart from spurs fan who think its a sign they can't compete with us

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 11:12:42 PM

Quote from: Dante Lavelli on September 08, 2020, 11:06:23 PM

Quote from: Dante Lavelli on September 08, 2020, 10:56:45 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 10:40:16 PM

On a more general point,  our signings so far seem to have fallen into the obsession with value, that Lerner lately suffered from after MON left. Actually the complete misunderstanding of what "value" means.  Yes of course this club needs to buy young players with potential like McGinn and watkins or cash, with resale value, but you still need to buy the older players at 29/30/31 with no-resale value who will provide experience when we're struggling, ESPECIALLY where we are now, because blooding a championship player or foreign lower league at 23 or 24 may insure you get someone you can sell at 28 for 30m, but it won't make up for the 100m cost of relegation while they find their feet or not.. That's not a go at Watkins, that's just a view of the players we bought after coming up, and the way it seems to be  going this summer.

There’s truth in what you’re saying but it’s a hard to balance.  I look at the players that have moved that fall into that category (Hendricks / Wilson / I’m struggling...) and I’m not sure any fit in such crucial positions (Dacoure maybe).  If we are going to spend big money do it in the positions that will most influenced the team.

Weirdly I think Rose would tick a few boxes.  Improves on Taggert and adds PL know how.  On the flip side appears to be a bit of a handful and it would mean dealing with Daniel Levy.

There’s definitely scope in the DCM position for a player of this ilk but I am not familiar with the realistic options other than the lazy Milner/Delph propositions.

Bad form but to respond to my own post but I think Westwood has been POTY at Burnley at least once since he left and, well you can imagine how popular that signing would be.

well yeah. I don't want us going down that Ajax of the UK, Lerner wanted. I think westwood is a premiership player, but he didn't do much good for us turning him into one.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on September 08, 2020, 11:15:46 PM

I want Morten Thorsby just for the name.  First dcm to be linked for a while. We certainly need one.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Londonvilla on September 08, 2020, 11:18:20 PM

Aston Villa and Watford – Clubs keen on goalkeeper and defender

Brescia chief Massimo Cellino is in England negotiating with Aston Villa and Watford over potential deals for Jesse Joronen and Jhon Chancellor.

https://sportwitness.co.uk/massimo-cellino-negotiating-england-aston-villa-watford/

Jesse Pekka Joronen is a Finnish professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Serie B club Brescia (6 feet 4 inches)

Jhon Carlos Chancellor Cedeño is a Venezuelan professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Serie B club Brescia (6 feet 4 inches)

Plan B???????????????????

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithe on September 08, 2020, 11:21:23 PM

He’d be good for our budget.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 11:24:56 PM

Quote from: Rory Christopher on September 08, 2020, 11:04:29 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 10:52:27 PM

Quote from: Rory Christopher on September 08, 2020, 10:48:35 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 10:40:16 PM

So i hope Watkins is a success just to wind up the likes of twitter and the Meaning  Evil currently taking the piss.

Are they? Genuine question, as I'm not on Twitter and don't read that rag.


Given the current market, I think the reported fee for Watkins is perfectly reasonable.

yeah mail have got some article claiming brentford fans are all celebrating. Shouldn't rise to the bait, but y'know.

That's the thing. I know it's a cliche that football fans claim certain media outlets are against them, but with the Mail it is pretty blatant. If we signed Messi and Ronaldo on free transfers the Mail would be calling us an old folks' home. It's not possible to get an objective view of our business from that paper.

yeah ignore me.  i'm ashamed for falling for the click-bait

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 11:29:10 PM

dear god. Serie b?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 08, 2020, 11:31:13 PM

Quote from: PeterWithe on September 08, 2020, 11:21:23 PM

He’d be good for our budget.

Nothing wrong with having a big Pekka either.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 08, 2020, 11:33:30 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 11:03:20 PM

well yeah it is a bit limited in this country. I'd be looking abroad

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 11:29:10 PM

dear god. Serie b?

Still not happy?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 08, 2020, 11:34:18 PM

Joronen's a pretty good goalkeeper, apparently made Serie A squad of the season.

Would be cool to see a Venezuelan play for us. Big Chancellor is quite economical at the back for them.....would prefer Yordan Osorio though who was on loan at Zenit from Porto last season. He had a fantastic game against Brazil last summer in copa America when Venezuelan drew 0-0.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 11:36:22 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on September 08, 2020, 11:33:30 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 11:03:20 PM

well yeah it is a bit limited in this country. I'd be looking abroad

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 11:29:10 PM

dear god. Serie b?

Still not happy?

No. when i said abroad i didn't mean italy's version of the championship but 5 times shitter

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithe on September 09, 2020, 12:00:06 AM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 11:36:22 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on September 08, 2020, 11:33:30 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 11:03:20 PM

well yeah it is a bit limited in this country. I'd be looking abroad

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 11:29:10 PM

dear god. Serie b?

Still not happy?

No. when i said abroad i didn't mean italy's version of the championship but 5 times shitter

They were Serie A last time out. Finished second bottom.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on September 09, 2020, 12:14:21 AM

From the BBC Sport gossip page: "Aston Villa want to seal a quick deal with Arsenal for Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, 28, so that he arrives in time for their opening game of the new season on Sunday. {Mail}"

Fair enough, but we're not playing Sunday are we?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 09, 2020, 12:28:06 AM

Quote from: PeterWithe on September 09, 2020, 12:00:06 AM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 11:36:22 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on September 08, 2020, 11:33:30 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 11:03:20 PM

well yeah it is a bit limited in this country. I'd be looking abroad

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 11:29:10 PM

dear god. Serie b?

Still not happy?

No. when i said abroad i didn't mean italy's version of the championship but 5 times shitter

They were Serie A last time out. Finished second bottom.

yeah i saw soccer Hq's post.. I'm a bit negative tonight i'm afraid about the general direction of our transfer business.. Apologies and to brazillian villian too

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 09, 2020, 12:31:30 AM

Quote from: LeeB on September 08, 2020, 10:50:42 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 10:40:16 PM

End of the day you have to back the manager or sack him imo. I'm not a fan of choosing players by committee - manager wants A, gets C etc. Yeah C may be on paper be as good or better than the manager's choice, but you can't fake a manager who really wants a player to join or the ability of a player to run through walls for a manager who believes in him. So i hope Watkins is a success just to wind up the likes of twitter and the Meaning  Evil currently taking the piss.

On a more general point,  our signings so far seem to have fallen into the obsession with value, that Lerner lately suffered from after MON left. Actually the complete misunderstanding of what "value" means.  Yes of course this club needs to buy young players with potential like McGinn and watkins or cash, with resale value, but you still need to buy the older players at 29/30/31 with no-resale value who will provide experience when we're struggling, ESPECIALLY where we are now, because blooding a championship player or foreign lower league at 23 or 24 may insure you get someone you can sell at 28 for 30m, but it won't make up for the 100m cost of relegation while they find their feet or not.. That's not a go at Watkins, that's just a view of the players we bought after coming up, and the way it seems to be  going this summer.

at

Watford had squad full of proven premier league players that had finished mid table and got to the cup final, and yet they went down and we didn't.

Experience is valuable, but it needs to be good and provide value. Lescott and Richards were experienced, and were an absolute skid mark on the clubs history. Kortney Hause has proven better value than both put together and he's only a back up.

Think back to our real good teams in living memory and they all had fantastic experience right through.

92/93- God, Stan Staunton, Richardson, Houghton, Garry Parker, Saunders.

Then Brian Little came in and realised some of those were past their best but still got in someone like Townsend who was 30 when we signed him from Chelsea and he provided superb leadership for two years.

Then the 2000 cup final team had James-Southgate-Ugo-Taylor-Merson-Dublin.

And MON had Friedel-Mellberg-Laursen-Petrov-Barry-Carew.

People like  me and a few others who want experience aren't asking for us to sign half a team of 35 year olds but any succesful Villa team has always had a good core of been there, done it players in key positions so just seems odd we're wildly swinging away from that policy now.

Even looking at the teams who win trophies and finish in CL you had Arsenal signing 32 year old David Luiz last summer (o.k maybe not the best example!) and added Willian this summer who's the same age. Chelsea just signed a 35 year old CB to try to improve their defence. Liverpool signed James Milner when he was 29 and got five fantastic years out of him.

I think it's an error from us just because likes of Drinkwater and Lescott have been terrible. We've signed plenty of terrible players aged under 25 in last decade aswell and haven't made too much money back on them either.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 09, 2020, 12:38:09 AM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 09, 2020, 12:31:30 AM

Quote from: LeeB on September 08, 2020, 10:50:42 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 10:40:16 PM

End of the day you have to back the manager or sack him imo. I'm not a fan of choosing players by committee - manager wants A, gets C etc. Yeah C may be on paper be as good or better than the manager's choice, but you can't fake a manager who really wants a player to join or the ability of a player to run through walls for a manager who believes in him. So i hope Watkins is a success just to wind up the likes of twitter and the Meaning  Evil currently taking the piss.

On a more general point,  our signings so far seem to have fallen into the obsession with value, that Lerner lately suffered from after MON left. Actually the complete misunderstanding of what "value" means.  Yes of course this club needs to buy young players with potential like McGinn and watkins or cash, with resale value, but you still need to buy the older players at 29/30/31 with no-resale value who will provide experience when we're struggling, ESPECIALLY where we are now, because blooding a championship player or foreign lower league at 23 or 24 may insure you get someone you can sell at 28 for 30m, but it won't make up for the 100m cost of relegation while they find their feet or not.. That's not a go at Watkins, that's just a view of the players we bought after coming up, and the way it seems to be  going this summer.

at

Watford had squad full of proven premier league players that had finished mid table and got to the cup final, and yet they went down and we didn't.

Experience is valuable, but it needs to be good and provide value. Lescott and Richards were experienced, and were an absolute skid mark on the clubs history. Kortney Hause has proven better value than both put together and he's only a back up.

Think back to our real good teams in living memory and they all had fantastic experience right through.

92/93- God, Stan Staunton, Richardson, Houghton, Garry Parker, Saunders.

Then Brian Little came in and realised some of those were past their best but still got in someone like Townsend who was 30 when we signed him from Chelsea and he provided superb leadership for two years.

Then the 2000 cup final team had James-Southgate-Ugo-Taylor-Merson-Dublin.

And MON had Friedel-Mellberg-Laursen-Petrov-Barry-Carew.

People like  me and a few others who want experience aren't asking for us to sign half a team of 35 year olds but any succesful Villa team has always had a good core of been there, done it players in key positions so just seems odd we're wildly swinging away from that policy now.

Even looking at the teams who win trophies and finish in CL you had Arsenal signing 32 year old David Luiz last summer (o.k maybe not the best example!) and added Willian this summer who's the same age. Chelsea just signed a 35 year old CB to try to improve their defence. Liverpool signed James Milner when he was 29 and got five fantastic years out of him.

I think it's an error from us just because likes of Drinkwater and Lescott have been terrible. We've signed plenty of terrible players aged under 25 in last decade aswell and haven't made too much money back on them either.

this with bells on. Far better than i could have put it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 09, 2020, 12:54:25 AM

I think its the wages of established players late 20s to 30s, especially if they've been raking-in Premier League coin for the best part of a decade, that is making us wary of those signings.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 09, 2020, 01:04:30 AM

Quote from: eamonn on September 09, 2020, 12:54:25 AM

I think its the wages of established players late 20s to 30s, especially if they've been raking-in Premier League coin for the best part of a decade, that is making us wary of those signings.

Just get them on loan and get the parent club to pay 90% or something (Levy special) just to get them in the shop window.

Of course we got Jenas in when he was 28 years old and somehow had to pay his full wages for the season even after he got injured and we sent him back in December! Proper amateur hour under Lerner, hopefully we weren't paying too much percentage of Drinkwater's salary as he would be on a bomb at Chelsea.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Londonvilla on September 09, 2020, 01:24:53 AM

Brescia, made for Joronen: there is the signature

https://gianlucadimarzio.com/it/brescia-fatta-per-joronen-ce-la-firma

refused the English proposals of Aston Villa.

It looks like he has turned us down..................

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on September 09, 2020, 05:52:31 AM

Comforting that both Matty Cash and Ollie Watkins are both described by former clubs as having a top class attitude to every aspect of being a professional.

Dean Smith once said that attitude was as important as any other aspect when assessing a potential transfer.

Unlikely to see any jammed gates.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on September 09, 2020, 06:32:47 AM

Good post Soccer HQ regarding experience, we were crying out for some sensible heads last season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on September 09, 2020, 06:49:35 AM

I think most, if not all, our signings in this window will already be playing here.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: exiled on the wirral! on September 09, 2020, 06:58:09 AM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on September 09, 2020, 06:32:47 AM

Good post Soccer HQ regarding experience, we were crying out for some sensible heads last season.

Most of our team have at least 1 years worth of Premiership experience now, not sure its an issue to be honest.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 09, 2020, 07:23:56 AM

Quote from: exiled on the wirral! on September 09, 2020, 06:58:09 AM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on September 09, 2020, 06:32:47 AM

Good post Soccer HQ regarding experience, we were crying out for some sensible heads last season.

Most of our team have at least 1 years worth of Premiership experience now, not sure its an issue to be honest.

I think we could do with a couple of premiership experienced heads in key positions, but like Eamonn says, the wages are going to be a big issue. Ideally in the centre of midfield would be one. I would happily take Danny Rose at left back as competition for Targett too, but don't think we will afford him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mcgrath_85 on September 09, 2020, 07:47:00 AM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 09, 2020, 12:31:30 AM

Quote from: LeeB on September 08, 2020, 10:50:42 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 10:40:16 PM

End of the day you have to back the manager or sack him imo. I'm not a fan of choosing players by committee - manager wants A, gets C etc. Yeah C may be on paper be as good or better than the manager's choice, but you can't fake a manager who really wants a player to join or the ability of a player to run through walls for a manager who believes in him. So i hope Watkins is a success just to wind up the likes of twitter and the Meaning  Evil currently taking the piss.

On a more general point,  our signings so far seem to have fallen into the obsession with value, that Lerner lately suffered from after MON left. Actually the complete misunderstanding of what "value" means.  Yes of course this club needs to buy young players with potential like McGinn and watkins or cash, with resale value, but you still need to buy the older players at 29/30/31 with no-resale value who will provide experience when we're struggling, ESPECIALLY where we are now, because blooding a championship player or foreign lower league at 23 or 24 may insure you get someone you can sell at 28 for 30m, but it won't make up for the 100m cost of relegation while they find their feet or not.. That's not a go at Watkins, that's just a view of the players we bought after coming up, and the way it seems to be  going this summer.

at

Watford had squad full of proven premier league players that had finished mid table and got to the cup final, and yet they went down and we didn't.

Experience is valuable, but it needs to be good and provide value. Lescott and Richards were experienced, and were an absolute skid mark on the clubs history. Kortney Hause has proven better value than both put together and he's only a back up.

Think back to our real good teams in living memory and they all had fantastic experience right through.

92/93- God, Stan Staunton, Richardson, Houghton, Garry Parker, Saunders.

Then Brian Little came in and realised some of those were past their best but still got in someone like Townsend who was 30 when we signed him from Chelsea and he provided superb leadership for two years.

Then the 2000 cup final team had James-Southgate-Ugo-Taylor-Merson-Dublin.

And MON had Friedel-Mellberg-Laursen-Petrov-Barry-Carew.

People like  me and a few others who want experience aren't asking for us to sign half a team of 35 year olds but any succesful Villa team has always had a good core of been there, done it players in key positions so just seems odd we're wildly swinging away from that policy now.

Even looking at the teams who win trophies and finish in CL you had Arsenal signing 32 year old David Luiz last summer (o.k maybe not the best example!) and added Willian this summer who's the same age. Chelsea just signed a 35 year old CB to try to improve their defence. Liverpool signed James Milner when he was 29 and got five fantastic years out of him.

I think it's an error from us just because likes of Drinkwater and Lescott have been terrible. We've signed plenty of terrible players aged under 25 in last decade aswell and haven't made too much money back on them either.

Really good post. I couldn’t agree more.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: fbriai on September 09, 2020, 07:54:11 AM

Point of Order: Big Ron signed Townsend, not Sir Brian. He was sent off in the first-half of the 4-3 defeat at Wimbledon, in which we were also 1-3 up at one point, which ended up being Atkinson's last game in charge.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: TheMalandro on September 09, 2020, 07:56:54 AM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on September 09, 2020, 06:32:47 AM

Good post Soccer HQ regarding experience, we were crying out for some sensible heads last season.

I'd love a player like Houghton/Townsend but where are they?

I can't think of any that are available or that are worthwhile.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 09, 2020, 08:01:04 AM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 09, 2020, 12:38:09 AM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 09, 2020, 12:31:30 AM

Quote from: LeeB on September 08, 2020, 10:50:42 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 10:40:16 PM

End of the day you have to back the manager or sack him imo. I'm not a fan of choosing players by committee - manager wants A, gets C etc. Yeah C may be on paper be as good or better than the manager's choice, but you can't fake a manager who really wants a player to join or the ability of a player to run through walls for a manager who believes in him. So i hope Watkins is a success just to wind up the likes of twitter and the Meaning  Evil currently taking the piss.

On a more general point,  our signings so far seem to have fallen into the obsession with value, that Lerner lately suffered from after MON left. Actually the complete misunderstanding of what "value" means.  Yes of course this club needs to buy young players with potential like McGinn and watkins or cash, with resale value, but you still need to buy the older players at 29/30/31 with no-resale value who will provide experience when we're struggling, ESPECIALLY where we are now, because blooding a championship player or foreign lower league at 23 or 24 may insure you get someone you can sell at 28 for 30m, but it won't make up for the 100m cost of relegation while they find their feet or not.. That's not a go at Watkins, that's just a view of the players we bought after coming up, and the way it seems to be  going this summer.

at

Watford had squad full of proven premier league players that had finished mid table and got to the cup final, and yet they went down and we didn't.

Experience is valuable, but it needs to be good and provide value. Lescott and Richards were experienced, and were an absolute skid mark on the clubs history. Kortney Hause has proven better value than both put together and he's only a back up.

Think back to our real good teams in living memory and they all had fantastic experience right through.

92/93- God, Stan Staunton, Richardson, Houghton, Garry Parker, Saunders.

Then Brian Little came in and realised some of those were past their best but still got in someone like Townsend who was 30 when we signed him from Chelsea and he provided superb leadership for two years.

Then the 2000 cup final team had James-Southgate-Ugo-Taylor-Merson-Dublin.

And MON had Friedel-Mellberg-Laursen-Petrov-Barry-Carew.

People like  me and a few others who want experience aren't asking for us to sign half a team of 35 year olds but any succesful Villa team has always had a good core of been there, done it players in key positions so just seems odd we're wildly swinging away from that policy now.

Even looking at the teams who win trophies and finish in CL you had Arsenal signing 32 year old David Luiz last summer (o.k maybe not the best example!) and added Willian this summer who's the same age. Chelsea just signed a 35 year old CB to try to improve their defence. Liverpool signed James Milner when he was 29 and got five fantastic years out of him.

I think it's an error from us just because likes of Drinkwater and Lescott have been terrible. We've signed plenty of terrible players aged under 25 in last decade aswell and haven't made too much money back on them either.

this with bells on. Far better than i could have put it.

You've picked three quality players there, all of whom would be the highest paid players in our squad by miles and would never join us in our position in a million years.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on September 09, 2020, 08:09:48 AM

I did wonder if we could get Milner. It's not as if he plays a lot for Liverpool.

Probably be too much money in transfers and wages.

Knocking on a bit, but apparently still the fittest player in their squad.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 09, 2020, 08:18:31 AM

Quote from: fbriai on September 09, 2020, 07:54:11 AM

Point of Order: Big Ron signed Townsend, not Sir Brian. He was sent off in the first-half of the 4-3 defeat at Wimbledon, in which we were also 1-3 up at one point, which ended up being Atkinson's last game in charge.

And it was Brian that came in and straight away decided many of our squad were way too old, had bad habits and lacked motivation (he detailed is thinking extensively in his 'Return of the Little Villain' book), so went out and signed young players from a mixture of the lower division (Charles and Johnson), relegated sides (Draper and Southgate) and a big unknown in Savo, for a side that had narrowly avoided relegation.

The 'experienced top flight players' he signed for big money, Curcic and Collymore, pretty much finished him off.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brian green on September 09, 2020, 08:33:12 AM

Fair play, Sasa Curcic went on to have a stellar career as a magician in Las Vegas.   Sir Brian never got any of the credit for that.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Nii Lamptey on September 09, 2020, 08:33:24 AM

Brian Little's best signing was part-exing Guy Whittingham for Ian Taylor. I remember thinking 'who?!' at the time.  ;)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 09, 2020, 08:37:03 AM

Buying Gareth Southgate Badger as a midfielder and playing him centre half was a good move as well.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 09, 2020, 08:39:44 AM

Quote from: brian green on September 09, 2020, 08:33:12 AM

Fair play, Sasa Curcic went on to have a stellar career as a magician in Las Vegas.   Sir Brian never got any of the credit for that.

In fact, I seem to remember that a biography of the city that I read (a sort of twisted cousin of Peter Ackroyd's Biography of London, but in neon, with its tits out) gave most of the credit to Jim Walker.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 09, 2020, 08:40:21 AM

Quote from: Clampy on September 09, 2020, 08:37:03 AM

Buying Gareth Southgate Badger as a midfielder and playing him centre half was a good move as well.

Yes, because on the evidence of the odd occasion he did play in midfield he was shite!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: maidstonevillain on September 09, 2020, 08:48:03 AM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on September 09, 2020, 08:09:48 AM

I did wonder if we could get Milner. It's not as if he plays a lot for Liverpool.

Probably be too much money in transfers and wages.

Knocking on a bit, but apparently still the fittest player in their squad.

I would expect, if he moves on anywhere, it will be full circle back to Leeds.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 09, 2020, 08:50:00 AM

Quote from: Rory Christopher on September 08, 2020, 11:04:29 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 10:52:27 PM

Quote from: Rory Christopher on September 08, 2020, 10:48:35 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 08, 2020, 10:40:16 PM

So i hope Watkins is a success just to wind up the likes of twitter and the Meaning  Evil currently taking the piss.

Are they? Genuine question, as I'm not on Twitter and don't read that rag.


Given the current market, I think the reported fee for Watkins is perfectly reasonable.

yeah mail have got some article claiming brentford fans are all celebrating. Shouldn't rise to the bait, but y'know.

That's the thing. I know it's a cliche that football fans claim certain media outlets are against them, but with the Mail it is pretty blatant. If we signed Messi and Ronaldo on free transfers the Mail would be calling us an old folks' home. It's not possible to get an objective view of our business from that paper.

I can't stand the mail clikbait articles and agree they can be negative at times, but I don't think this is particulalty true.  Matt Kendrick, Ashley Preece, James Rushton and Dan Rollinson are all huge Villa fans and do try a positive spin where they can. It doesn't help that the paper is Mirror Group syndicated and some of the clickbait stuff come from offer Mirror Group local rags.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 09, 2020, 08:54:29 AM

Quote from: LeeB on September 09, 2020, 08:40:21 AM

Quote from: Clampy on September 09, 2020, 08:37:03 AM

Buying Gareth Southgate Badger as a midfielder and playing him centre half was a good move as well.

Yes, because on the evidence of the odd occasion he did play in midfield he was shite!

Haha four years later Keegan tried putting him back in midfield against Germany...
And he was shite!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 09, 2020, 08:56:50 AM

Quote from: Clampy on September 09, 2020, 08:37:03 AM

Buying Gareth Southgate Badger as a midfielder and playing him centre half was a good move as well.

In hindsight, I wish he'd never bothered.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brian green on September 09, 2020, 08:58:20 AM

If it was Jim Walker who got Sasa Curcic the gig on the undercard to Siegfried and Roy at Circus Circus he played a blinder.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 09, 2020, 09:03:44 AM

Cahill could have been the experience we needed last season, but inflated Prem salaries and the 'lure of London' apparently put paid to that.
Albrighton might be worth a shout,for a combination of the experience and the commitment.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 09, 2020, 09:06:33 AM

Quote from: brian green on September 09, 2020, 08:58:20 AM

If it was Jim Walker who got Sasa Curcic the gig on the undercard to Siegfried and Roy at Circus Circus he played a blinder.

I believe it was Billy McNeill.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 09, 2020, 09:08:03 AM

Quote from: LeeB on September 09, 2020, 08:18:31 AM

Quote from: fbriai on September 09, 2020, 07:54:11 AM

Point of Order: Big Ron signed Townsend, not Sir Brian. He was sent off in the first-half of the 4-3 defeat at Wimbledon, in which we were also 1-3 up at one point, which ended up being Atkinson's last game in charge.

And it was Brian that came in and straight away decided many of our squad were way too old, had bad habits and lacked motivation (he detailed is thinking extensively in his 'Return of the Little Villain' book), so went out and signed young players from a mixture of the lower division (Charles and Johnson), relegated sides (Draper and Southgate) and a big unknown in Savo, for a side that had narrowly avoided relegation.

The 'experienced top flight players' he signed for big money, Curcic and Collymore, pretty much finished him off.

In an alternative universe, they were the two players that inspired us to a title win and helped lay the foundations for us being cemented as Champions League regulars.  I used to go to a lot of Bolton's games back then with work, and Curcic was brilliant for them.  It was like the ball was stuck to his feet, and he had that Grealish type ability to just go past defenders like they weren't there.  When it turned out we were signing him I was stupidly excited, and even more so after his debut which is still one of the best from a Villa player I've ever seen.  It being Villa though, of course it couldn't last and I don't think I've seen a player go down hill quite so quickly.  Other than Collymore of course.  FFS.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on September 09, 2020, 09:16:28 AM

Sanchez went downhill stupid fast. He played a wonderful cross field pass on his debut and never did anything similar again.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sid1964 on September 09, 2020, 09:37:18 AM

Read Watkins was the best player in the championship last season and for £33 million he better be

Minimum of 15 goals this season and no excuses Unless he gets injured

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 09, 2020, 09:42:23 AM

Quote from: Risso on September 09, 2020, 09:08:03 AM

Quote from: LeeB on September 09, 2020, 08:18:31 AM

Quote from: fbriai on September 09, 2020, 07:54:11 AM

Point of Order: Big Ron signed Townsend, not Sir Brian. He was sent off in the first-half of the 4-3 defeat at Wimbledon, in which we were also 1-3 up at one point, which ended up being Atkinson's last game in charge.

And it was Brian that came in and straight away decided many of our squad were way too old, had bad habits and lacked motivation (he detailed is thinking extensively in his 'Return of the Little Villain' book), so went out and signed young players from a mixture of the lower division (Charles and Johnson), relegated sides (Draper and Southgate) and a big unknown in Savo, for a side that had narrowly avoided relegation.

The 'experienced top flight players' he signed for big money, Curcic and Collymore, pretty much finished him off.

In an alternative universe, they were the two players that inspired us to a title win and helped lay the foundations for us being cemented as Champions League regulars.  I used to go to a lot of Bolton's games back then with work, and Curcic was brilliant for them.  It was like the ball was stuck to his feet, and he had that Grealish type ability to just go past defenders like they weren't there.  When it turned out we were signing him I was stupidly excited, and even more so after his debut which is still one of the best from a Villa player I've ever seen.  It being Villa though, of course it couldn't last and I don't think I've seen a player go down hill quite so quickly.  Other than Collymore of course.  FFS.

This is all so true. I was so chuffed when we signed them both.  What could have been eh?  The useless fuckers.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on September 09, 2020, 09:43:37 AM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 09, 2020, 09:42:23 AM

Quote from: Risso on September 09, 2020, 09:08:03 AM

Quote from: LeeB on September 09, 2020, 08:18:31 AM

Quote from: fbriai on September 09, 2020, 07:54:11 AM

Point of Order: Big Ron signed Townsend, not Sir Brian. He was sent off in the first-half of the 4-3 defeat at Wimbledon, in which we were also 1-3 up at one point, which ended up being Atkinson's last game in charge.

And it was Brian that came in and straight away decided many of our squad were way too old, had bad habits and lacked motivation (he detailed is thinking extensively in his 'Return of the Little Villain' book), so went out and signed young players from a mixture of the lower division (Charles and Johnson), relegated sides (Draper and Southgate) and a big unknown in Savo, for a side that had narrowly avoided relegation.

The 'experienced top flight players' he signed for big money, Curcic and Collymore, pretty much finished him off.

In an alternative universe, they were the two players that inspired us to a title win and helped lay the foundations for us being cemented as Champions League regulars.  I used to go to a lot of Bolton's games back then with work, and Curcic was brilliant for them.  It was like the ball was stuck to his feet, and he had that Grealish type ability to just go past defenders like they weren't there.  When it turned out we were signing him I was stupidly excited, and even more so after his debut which is still one of the best from a Villa player I've ever seen.  It being Villa though, of course it couldn't last and I don't think I've seen a player go down hill quite so quickly.  Other than Collymore of course.  FFS.

This is all so true. I was so chuffed when we signed them both.  What could have been eh?  The useless fuckers.

yep such a waste of talent

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 09, 2020, 09:44:53 AM

Quote from: Drummond on September 09, 2020, 09:16:28 AM

Sanchez went downhill stupid fast. He played a wonderful cross field pass on his debut and never did anything similar again.

I've said it a number of times on here, but Sanchez is the worst player I've ever seen play for us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on September 09, 2020, 09:47:51 AM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 09, 2020, 09:44:53 AM

Quote from: Drummond on September 09, 2020, 09:16:28 AM

Sanchez went downhill stupid fast. He played a wonderful cross field pass on his debut and never did anything similar again.

I've said it a number of times on here, but Sanchez is the worst player I've ever seen play for us.

He is still earning silly money at West Ham
! Much to my West Ham mates astonishment

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on September 09, 2020, 09:57:52 AM

Quote from: VILLA MOLE on September 09, 2020, 09:47:51 AM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 09, 2020, 09:44:53 AM

Quote from: Drummond on September 09, 2020, 09:16:28 AM

Sanchez went downhill stupid fast. He played a wonderful cross field pass on his debut and never did anything similar again.

I've said it a number of times on here, but Sanchez is the worst player I've ever seen play for us.

He is still earning silly money at West Ham
! Much to my West Ham mates astonishment

Nah, he's gone. Went at the end of June, apparently. Currently clubless.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on September 09, 2020, 10:01:42 AM

Quite why Manure should have been quoted £100 million plus for the services of Jadon Sancho, on the evidence of last night, is a mystery.

Makes Ollie Watkins look like the bargain of the century.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Footy-Vill on September 09, 2020, 10:29:42 AM

Quote from: TheMalandro on September 09, 2020, 07:56:54 AM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on September 09, 2020, 06:32:47 AM

Good post Soccer HQ regarding experience, we were crying out for some sensible heads last season.

I'd love a player like Houghton/Townsend but where are they?

I can't think of any that are available or that are worthwhile.

That's why important to keep Elmo on .

Regards any experience heads well Walcott who I believe is available!! And Mata are model pros but outside of that there's only one other option and the best :

Theres only one James Milner !

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 09, 2020, 10:32:50 AM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 09, 2020, 09:44:53 AM

Quote from: Drummond on September 09, 2020, 09:16:28 AM

Sanchez went downhill stupid fast. He played a wonderful cross field pass on his debut and never did anything similar again.

I've said it a number of times on here, but Sanchez is the worst player I've ever seen play for us.

We've had some absolute stinkers in the last ten years.  Sanchez was awful, but I at least did see him have some decent games for his national team.  Tonev didn't even look like a real footballer, and will probably turn out to be an unemployed plumber from Jaywick Sands who pretended to be a Bulgarian winger for a laugh and to see if he could get on TV.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 09, 2020, 10:36:58 AM

Quote from: Risso on September 09, 2020, 10:32:50 AM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 09, 2020, 09:44:53 AM

Quote from: Drummond on September 09, 2020, 09:16:28 AM

Sanchez went downhill stupid fast. He played a wonderful cross field pass on his debut and never did anything similar again.

I've said it a number of times on here, but Sanchez is the worst player I've ever seen play for us.

We've had some absolute stinkers in the last ten years.  Sanchez was awful, but I at least did see him have some decent games for his national team.  Tonev didn't even look like a real footballer, and will probably turn out to be an unemployed plumber from Jaywick Sands who pretended to be a Bulgarian winger for a laugh and to see if he could get on TV.

I'm still scarred from the 5-0 at Arsenal where the ball seemed to bounce off Sanchez's shins every few minutes (between Arsenal goals). Perhaps I ought to re-evaluate and just say that it was the worst performance I've ever seen.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aev on September 09, 2020, 10:41:36 AM

La Roca.

I originally thought it was a play on his defensive capabilities and solidity in the centre of the park.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on September 09, 2020, 10:42:27 AM

Danny Drinkwater was probably the worst that I recall. His debut 'performance' v Man City will hardly ever be beaten. Micah Richards last couple of performances for us came close, there was one in a cup game that beggared belief (Yeovil?).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Nunkin1965 on September 09, 2020, 10:46:55 AM

Eric Djemba Djemba deserves a mention.
“He played for Yanited so he must be good right?”
Wrong.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Bryan on September 09, 2020, 10:52:22 AM

Can I give a quick shout out on worst performance seen in a Villa shirt to Marlon Harewood in the 4-4 Spurs game. We were 4-1 up when when he came on......

On topic - If we truly are going to spend £100m as mentioned, Cash + Watkins take us to (about) 43m. Remaining 57m on Benrhama, Werder guy and a keeper? I'd live with that.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on September 09, 2020, 10:53:09 AM

Quote from: aev on September 09, 2020, 10:41:36 AM

La Roca.

I originally thought it was a play on his defensive capabilities and solidity in the centre of the park.

He could not leave the centre of the park he was that immobile

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 09, 2020, 11:05:45 AM

I agree that a blend of youth and experience is ideal but either way, the player has to have good ability first and foremost. Drinkwater offered experience and look how that turned out. Milner would be great but he's probably still wanted by Liverpool and his wages probably make it unfeasible right now. I wonder whether someone like Snodgrass could be re-purposed to an inside right position.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dick Edwards on September 09, 2020, 11:08:44 AM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 09, 2020, 10:36:58 AM

Quote from: Risso on September 09, 2020, 10:32:50 AM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 09, 2020, 09:44:53 AM

Quote from: Drummond on September 09, 2020, 09:16:28 AM

Sanchez went downhill stupid fast. He played a wonderful cross field pass on his debut and never did anything similar again.

I've said it a number of times on here, but Sanchez is the worst player I've ever seen play for us.

We've had some absolute stinkers in the last ten years.  Sanchez was awful, but I at least did see him have some decent games for his national team.  Tonev didn't even look like a real footballer, and will probably turn out to be an unemployed plumber from Jaywick Sands who pretended to be a Bulgarian winger for a laugh and to see if he could get on TV.

I'm still scarred from the 5-0 at Arsenal where the ball seemed to bounce off Sanchez's shins every few minutes (between Arsenal goals). Perhaps I ought to re-evaluate and just say that it was the worst performance I've ever seen.

Sanchez was a strange one. At the same time he looked so poor for us he looked a completely different player at international level. I remember he played a great game marking Messi in a Colombia v Argentina game.

For what it's worth, Rudy Gestede is the worst player I've seen in a Villa shirt, and I've been watching Villa since the really dark days of the late 1960s.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on September 09, 2020, 11:17:56 AM

I remember Hause's debut being a bit of a horror show.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 09, 2020, 11:18:35 AM

Quote from: Bryan on September 09, 2020, 10:52:22 AM

Can I give a quick shout out on worst performance seen in a Villa shirt to Marlon Harewood in the 4-4 Spurs game. We were 4-1 up when when he came on......

On topic - If we truly are going to spend £100m as mentioned, Cash + Watkins take us to (about) 43m. Remaining 57m on Benrhama, Werder guy and a keeper? I'd live with that.

we won't sign Benrahma and Rashica, it will be one or the other at most.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 09, 2020, 11:19:49 AM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 09, 2020, 11:17:56 AM

I remember Hause's debut being a bit of a horror show.

Curtis Davies. "Pub player" statement followed his debut.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 09, 2020, 11:22:01 AM

Quote from: Risso on September 09, 2020, 09:08:03 AM

Quote from: LeeB on September 09, 2020, 08:18:31 AM

Quote from: fbriai on September 09, 2020, 07:54:11 AM

Point of Order: Big Ron signed Townsend, not Sir Brian. He was sent off in the first-half of the 4-3 defeat at Wimbledon, in which we were also 1-3 up at one point, which ended up being Atkinson's last game in charge.

And it was Brian that came in and straight away decided many of our squad were way too old, had bad habits and lacked motivation (he detailed is thinking extensively in his 'Return of the Little Villain' book), so went out and signed young players from a mixture of the lower division (Charles and Johnson), relegated sides (Draper and Southgate) and a big unknown in Savo, for a side that had narrowly avoided relegation.

The 'experienced top flight players' he signed for big money, Curcic and Collymore, pretty much finished him off.

In an alternative universe, they were the two players that inspired us to a title win and helped lay the foundations for us being cemented as Champions League regulars.  I used to go to a lot of Bolton's games back then with work, and Curcic was brilliant for them.  It was like the ball was stuck to his feet, and he had that Grealish type ability to just go past defenders like they weren't there.  When it turned out we were signing him I was stupidly excited, and even more so after his debut which is still one of the best from a Villa player I've ever seen.  It being Villa though, of course it couldn't last and I don't think I've seen a player go down hill quite so quickly.  Other than Collymore of course.  FFS.

It was Derby at home if I remember, and he was sensational, I'd concur it was the best debut I've seen.

Except for Ugo's.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on September 09, 2020, 11:23:30 AM

Quote from: paul_e on September 09, 2020, 11:18:35 AM

Quote from: Bryan on September 09, 2020, 10:52:22 AM

Can I give a quick shout out on worst performance seen in a Villa shirt to Marlon Harewood in the 4-4 Spurs game. We were 4-1 up when when he came on......

On topic - If we truly are going to spend £100m as mentioned, Cash + Watkins take us to (about) 43m. Remaining 57m on Benrhama, Werder guy and a keeper? I'd live with that.

we won't sign Benrahma and Rashica, it will be one or the other at most.

Also i take it wages included with in this 100 mil budget

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 09, 2020, 11:29:57 AM

I didnt see Curcic's debut but was it better than Carbone's against Wimbledon a couple of years later at VP? Covered every blade of grass with class.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sid1964 on September 09, 2020, 11:33:57 AM

I think that we will now start to see a fair few leave our club - although most will probably want to stay and see out their contracts and then leave on a free as we very rarely sell anyone.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Bryan on September 09, 2020, 11:36:58 AM

Quote from: sid1964 on September 09, 2020, 11:33:57 AM

I think that we will now start to see a fair few leave our club - although most will probably want to stay and see out their contracts and then leave on a free as we very rarely sell anyone.

I'd agree. Jota, Hogan and Kalinic must be on excess of £100k a week combined.

Which is shocking when you think about their general contribution.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: JUAN PABLO on September 09, 2020, 11:38:14 AM

watkins signed..5 year deal

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: in exile on September 09, 2020, 11:41:28 AM

Quote from: OCD on September 09, 2020, 11:05:45 AM

...I wonder whether someone like Snodgrass could be re-purposed to an inside right position.

Snodgrass is 33.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: MalcolmP on September 09, 2020, 11:45:01 AM

Quote from: JUAN PABLO on September 09, 2020, 11:38:14 AM

watkins signed..5 year deal

who with? 🙄

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on September 09, 2020, 11:46:13 AM

Good.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 09, 2020, 11:47:56 AM

Quote from: in exile on September 09, 2020, 11:41:28 AM

Quote from: OCD on September 09, 2020, 11:05:45 AM

...I wonder whether someone like Snodgrass could be re-purposed to an inside right position.

Snodgrass is 33.

I was responding to the discussion about experience.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 09, 2020, 11:57:35 AM

Watkins done. Who's next?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Footy-Vill on September 09, 2020, 12:04:11 PM

Quote from: OCD on September 09, 2020, 11:57:35 AM

Watkins done. Who's next?

Looks like we're signing the best players of their position in the championship so Jon Swift or Todd Cantwell next !

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on September 09, 2020, 12:08:20 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on September 09, 2020, 12:04:11 PM

Quote from: OCD on September 09, 2020, 11:57:35 AM

Watkins done. Who's next?

Looks like we're signing the best players of their position in the championship so Jon Swift or Todd Cantwell next !

I wouldn't mind Cantwell actually.  He's been decent whenever I've seen him, bit of flair and has a bit of mongrel in him too.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 09, 2020, 12:27:19 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 09, 2020, 12:08:20 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on September 09, 2020, 12:04:11 PM

Quote from: OCD on September 09, 2020, 11:57:35 AM

Watkins done. Who's next?

Looks like we're signing the best players of their position in the championship so Jon Swift or Todd Cantwell next !

I wouldn't mind Cantwell actually.  He's been decent whenever I've seen him, bit of flair and has a bit of mongrel in him too.

I think Cantwell is going to be a very good player indeed.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 09, 2020, 12:34:42 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 09, 2020, 12:27:19 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 09, 2020, 12:08:20 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on September 09, 2020, 12:04:11 PM

Quote from: OCD on September 09, 2020, 11:57:35 AM

Watkins done. Who's next?

Looks like we're signing the best players of their position in the championship so Jon Swift or Todd Cantwell next !

I wouldn't mind Cantwell actually.  He's been decent whenever I've seen him, bit of flair and has a bit of mongrel in him too.

I think Cantwell is going to be a very good player indeed.

Me too, he's an excellent prospect, but not really a priority position assuming we keep Jack.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: maidstonevillain on September 09, 2020, 12:35:14 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 09, 2020, 12:27:19 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 09, 2020, 12:08:20 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on September 09, 2020, 12:04:11 PM

Quote from: OCD on September 09, 2020, 11:57:35 AM

Watkins done. Who's next?

Looks like we're signing the best players of their position in the championship so Jon Swift or Todd Cantwell next !

I wouldn't mind Cantwell actually.  He's been decent whenever I've seen him, bit of flair and has a bit of mongrel in him too.

I think Cantwell is going to be a very good player indeed.

Buendia first please. Instead of Benrahma.

Edit. Quote fail.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 09, 2020, 12:35:54 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 09, 2020, 12:34:42 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 09, 2020, 12:27:19 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 09, 2020, 12:08:20 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on September 09, 2020, 12:04:11 PM

Quote from: OCD on September 09, 2020, 11:57:35 AM

Watkins done. Who's next?

Looks like we're signing the best players of their position in the championship so Jon Swift or Todd Cantwell next !

I wouldn't mind Cantwell actually.  He's been decent whenever I've seen him, bit of flair and has a bit of mongrel in him too.

I think Cantwell is going to be a very good player indeed.

Me too, he's an excellent prospect, but not really a priority position assuming we keep Jack.

That's a point I was going to make. Where would he play?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 09, 2020, 12:38:01 PM

He's the sort of player an established PL team like Everton could pick up and use as a quality squad option.  We just don't have that luxury at the moment.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 09, 2020, 12:41:50 PM

If we did go in for Cantwell, I'm not sure I could bare all the speculation about Jack leaving that it would bring.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 09, 2020, 12:48:28 PM

Benrahma or Buendia and King. Now we have Watkins and when back Wesley down the middle, a utility forward like King, and a proper creative winger like Benrahma or Buendia transforms our attacking play from last season.

Then see what we have left and go all out for a quality number 8.

Martinez in goal would be a cherry, but I would sooner have the cake sorted.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 09, 2020, 12:49:52 PM

I like Cantwell but I don't see where he fits. He's similar to Grealish in that it's hard to work out where he'd be best but comes with the disadvantage that he's not good enough to build a team around (yet, he will be very good in a few years) whereas Jack clearly is.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 09, 2020, 12:56:43 PM

Quote from: Dick Edwards on September 09, 2020, 11:08:44 AM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 09, 2020, 10:36:58 AM

Quote from: Risso on September 09, 2020, 10:32:50 AM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 09, 2020, 09:44:53 AM

Quote from: Drummond on September 09, 2020, 09:16:28 AM

Sanchez went downhill stupid fast. He played a wonderful cross field pass on his debut and never did anything similar again.

I've said it a number of times on here, but Sanchez is the worst player I've ever seen play for us.

We've had some absolute stinkers in the last ten years.  Sanchez was awful, but I at least did see him have some decent games for his national team.  Tonev didn't even look like a real footballer, and will probably turn out to be an unemployed plumber from Jaywick Sands who pretended to be a Bulgarian winger for a laugh and to see if he could get on TV.

I'm still scarred from the 5-0 at Arsenal where the ball seemed to bounce off Sanchez's shins every few minutes (between Arsenal goals). Perhaps I ought to re-evaluate and just say that it was the worst performance I've ever seen.

Sanchez was a strange one. At the same time he looked so poor for us he looked a completely different player at international level. I remember he played a great game marking Messi in a Colombia v Argentina game.

For what it's worth, Rudy Gestede is the worst player I've seen in a Villa shirt, and I've been watching Villa since the really dark days of the late 1960s.

Drinkwater for me- and I've been watching since the dark days of the 1960's!
Gestede and the Twins is also a good shout, though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 09, 2020, 12:58:47 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 09, 2020, 12:48:28 PM

Benrahma or Buendia and King. Now we have Watkins and when back Wesley down the middle, a utility forward like King, and a proper creative winger like Benrahma or Buendia transforms our attacking play from last season.

Then see what we have left and go all out for a quality number 8.

Martinez in goal would be a cherry, but I would sooner have the cake sorted.

Buendia would be neat.
I still think L-Cheek would be a valuable addition .... SJM still isn't looking up to pace yet.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 09, 2020, 12:59:09 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 09, 2020, 12:49:52 PM

I like Cantwell but I don't see where he fits. He's similar to Grealish in that it's hard to work out where he'd be best but comes with the disadvantage that he's not good enough to build a team around (yet, he will be very good in a few years) whereas Jack clearly is.

Assuming Jack stays as one of the forward attacking players, you'd play Cantwell with Luiz and a decent replacement for Nakamba as the midfield 3.  Luiz can put a shift in as well as playing some quality football, so no chance the midfield would be left a bit lightweight.

As it stands that would then give us:

Heaton/Steer/Nyland
Cash Konsa Mings Targett
Nakamba
Cantwell Luiz
Trez Watkins Jack

A massive improvement on last year, with better strength in depth with the likes of Guilbert, Elmo and Hourihane as decent options from the bench.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 09, 2020, 01:00:38 PM

So McGinn out Cantwell in?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 09, 2020, 01:05:26 PM

Quote from: danno on September 09, 2020, 01:00:38 PM

So McGinn out Cantwell in?

Yep.  Haven't been very impressed with SJM for quite a while, even before his injury.  He was largely awful after the break.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Des Little on September 09, 2020, 01:14:50 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 09, 2020, 12:48:28 PM

Benrahma or Buendia and King. Now we have Watkins and when back Wesley down the middle, a utility forward like King, and a proper creative winger like Benrahma or Buendia transforms our attacking play from last season.

Then see what we have left and go all out for a quality number 8.

Martinez in goal would be a cherry, but I would sooner have the cake sorted.

Saved me typing my preferred list out! Agree with all of this.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Footy-Vill on September 09, 2020, 01:36:02 PM

I already predicted Guilbert will go I see Wesley going if we sign another striker or wing forward.
Wesley maybe though will go in winter window.

My humble hunch being these were signings under the old regime with suso being the protagonist. Cash and Watkins are the more Dean Smith type players he wants and has now bought!
I think because the new signings will be better suited and perform better than Guilbert and Wesley .

Good luck to both but they aren't needed in the big scheme of things only cup and squad players if hanging around.

I also move on Jota say we get Cantwell or
Buendia.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 09, 2020, 01:38:58 PM

I think Smith likes Wesley actually, and signing Watkins and another striker doesn't necessarily mean he goes, it just means we have options up top for once. Hopefully ones that actually know the aim of the game is to hit the ball over the line between the goal posts.

I can see Samatta going though, bought relatively cheaply and would probably not make a huge loss to France or even back to Belgium.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Holy Trinity on September 09, 2020, 01:40:54 PM

We can forget about cantwell from what I've heard.

We enquired and he was very rude and dismissive of us and Dean and it never got past the tentative enquiry stage. He thinks Man u or Chelsea are just waiting to snatch him from the championship and only wants to play for one of the really big boys.

Buendia would be my top priority! Benrahma would be far to expensive and I'm not a big fan of having my pants pulled down by the same club twice. We have money but we need to spend it wisely

Gk a certainty
CB has been on the cards for ages with one falling through when we binned off suso
A CM is wanted but won't break the bank
A winger will happen and is now the absolute top priority
King we are supposedly on the verge but this will see either samatta or Davies leave maybe both

Samatta is wanted by a couple of champions league teams and may end up out on loan with one of them. Davis won't be sold under any circumstances as smith really rates him in a heskey roll, I expect him to end up at Swansea.

Sprinkling of itk and stuff ive assumed after speaking to my friend this morning.
Disclaimer he knew nothing about watkins or Wilson but did tell me about Martinez so he does drop the odd pearl now and again even if it ends up not happening.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 09, 2020, 01:48:43 PM

Quote from: Holy Trinity on September 09, 2020, 01:40:54 PM

We can forget about cantwell from what I've heard.

We enquired and he was very rude and dismissive of us and Dean and it never got past the tentative enquiry stage. He thinks Man u or Chelsea are just waiting to snatch him from the championship and only wants to play for one of the really big boys.

Thinks a lot of himself then. Hope he enjoys his time at Norwich and in the Championship.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Footy-Vill on September 09, 2020, 01:49:34 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 09, 2020, 12:35:54 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 09, 2020, 12:34:42 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 09, 2020, 12:27:19 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 09, 2020, 12:08:20 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on September 09, 2020, 12:04:11 PM

Quote from: OCD on September 09, 2020, 11:57:35 AM

Watkins done. Who's next?

Looks like we're signing the best players of their position in the championship so Jon Swift or Todd Cantwell next !

I wouldn't mind Cantwell actually.  He's been decent whenever I've seen him, bit of flair and has a bit of mongrel in him too.

I think Cantwell is going to be a very good player indeed.

Me too, he's an excellent prospect, but not really a priority position assuming we keep Jack.

That's a point I was going to make. Where would he play?

Cantwell would be in the midfield instead of Hourihane .
He would complete Dean and mines ideal midfield

So he would play left midfield but also swap with Jack Grealish when Jack drops back to pick up the ball and Cantwell makes runs forward. Has the energy.  Similar with McGinn he can also play attacking right mid

Perfect for our 3 in midfield.
Cantwell  Doug McGinn.

Him or Jon Swift.
Then Hourihane as back up and selected games.

Having Cantwell as energy in midfield I think far more suited than Hourihane.  CH can come on and play deep with Dougie Luiz as a double pivot.  But a cantwell type in midfield allows flexibility and more attacking play

Similar Swift would offer generous box to box energy and creativity.
Both Cantwell and Swift move off the ball which would put them straight into the current Villa midfield.

So thats where Todd Cantwell most likely play left or right midfield.

So be Douglas , McGinn Cantwell/Swift.

Players today in midfield can play a variety of roles but actually Cantwell and Grealish can most suitability be incorporated as Grealish will be higher up the pitch/ roaming and dovetailing. 

Release Greakish from defence responsibilities.

Leave it to  Swift/Cantwell, McGinn And Doug.

All have the flexibility to play attacking but can do box to box cover and play all across midfield positions.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 09, 2020, 01:50:15 PM

Quote from: Holy Trinity on September 09, 2020, 01:40:54 PM

We can forget about cantwell from what I've heard.

We enquired and he was very rude and dismissive of us and Dean and it never got past the tentative enquiry stage. He thinks Man u or Chelsea are just waiting to snatch him from the championship and only wants to play for one of the really big boys.

Buendia would be my top priority! Benrahma would be far to expensive and I'm not a big fan of having my pants pulled down by the same club twice. We have money but we need to spend it wisely

Gk a certainty
CB has been on the cards for ages with one falling through when we binned off suso
A CM is wanted but won't break the bank
A winger will happen and is now the absolute top priority
King we are supposedly on the verge but this will see either samatta or Davies leave maybe both

Samatta is wanted by a couple of champions league teams and may end up out on loan with one of them. Davis won't be sold under any circumstances as smith really rates him in a heskey roll, I expect him to end up at Swansea.

Sprinkling of itk and stuff ive assumed after speaking to my friend this morning.
Disclaimer he knew nothing about watkins or Wilson but did tell me about Martinez so he does drop the odd pearl now and again even if it ends up not happening.

Good stuff that is, especially about Cantwell as I can now indulge the primal urge I have to dislike him for being a poncey little twat.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 09, 2020, 01:51:15 PM

And being called "Todd".

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aev on September 09, 2020, 01:52:50 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 09, 2020, 01:50:15 PM

Quote from: Holy Trinity on September 09, 2020, 01:40:54 PM

We can forget about cantwell from what I've heard.

We enquired and he was very rude and dismissive of us and Dean and it never got past the tentative enquiry stage. He thinks Man u or Chelsea are just waiting to snatch him from the championship and only wants to play for one of the really big boys.

Buendia would be my top priority! Benrahma would be far to expensive and I'm not a big fan of having my pants pulled down by the same club twice. We have money but we need to spend it wisely

Gk a certainty
CB has been on the cards for ages with one falling through when we binned off suso
A CM is wanted but won't break the bank
A winger will happen and is now the absolute top priority
King we are supposedly on the verge but this will see either samatta or Davies leave maybe both

Samatta is wanted by a couple of champions league teams and may end up out on loan with one of them. Davis won't be sold under any circumstances as smith really rates him in a heskey roll, I expect him to end up at Swansea.

Sprinkling of itk and stuff ive assumed after speaking to my friend this morning.
Disclaimer he knew nothing about watkins or Wilson but did tell me about Martinez so he does drop the odd pearl now and again even if it ends up not happening.

Good stuff that is, especially about Cantwell as I can now indulge the primal urge I have to dislike him for being a poncey little twat.

Todd.

Apols. Mr Ealing got there first.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 09, 2020, 01:54:26 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 09, 2020, 01:51:15 PM

And being called "Todd".

Yes, that too. He may not have been responsible for it but that's why we have middle names, and any person with an ounce of self respect would adjust accordingly.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on September 09, 2020, 01:56:22 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 09, 2020, 01:51:15 PM

And being called "Todd".

One of the shittest names around along with Guy.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Des Little on September 09, 2020, 01:57:00 PM

So Maritinez, Swift, King, Benrahma/Buendia and a CB. I’d be happy with that!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 09, 2020, 01:57:12 PM

With you all the way. The long hair, the name Todd, and even speculated arrogance of dismissing us out of hand, I hope he ends up getting splinters on the Norwich bench and his career goes the way of Berahino.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: frank black on September 09, 2020, 01:59:09 PM

Isn’t the Martinez thing just some agent generated pressure on Arsenal to give him a bumper new contract? I suspect this, good signing if it happens

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 09, 2020, 02:02:16 PM

Tim Vickery who is usually pretty good on this stuff said we are definitely interested, and he is desperate to go and be a number 1 as he thinks he can be the Argentina first choice if he is playing, but Villa were a bit spooked by the Arsenal fee at first.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 09, 2020, 02:03:08 PM

Quote from: exiled on the wirral! on September 09, 2020, 06:58:09 AM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on September 09, 2020, 06:32:47 AM

Good post Soccer HQ regarding experience, we were crying out for some sensible heads last season.

Most of our team have at least 1 years worth of Premiership experience now, not sure its an issue to be honest.

Time will tell. Could make the same argument after 12/13 but likes of Bennett, Baker, Clark all just became alright championship players. Weimann was excellent in that season and that was the best it got for him.

I'd be amazed if any of Trez, Hause, Nakamba or Wesley ever were regulars for us when hopefully we're back to being a top half team again in near future. They all however played parts in us staying up and we should be thankful for that.

When I mean experience I mean players with the confidence and ability to tell others around them when to push up or sit back during a game, 1 nil up v Chelsea and us frightened to death of even going over the halfway line to try to score another goal. That was a major reason why we threw away so many leads against top half teams, lack of experience and belief at key moments.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 09, 2020, 02:03:50 PM

Never trust Greg Evans. Albion fan and gets more wrong than right about Villa. Awful "jounalist".

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on September 09, 2020, 02:05:48 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 09, 2020, 01:50:15 PM

Good stuff that is, especially about Cantwell as I can now indulge the primal urge I have to dislike him for being a poncey little twat.

Halfway through TCR by Sleaford Mods there's a line 'pointy little tit' that's delivered in precisely the way I hear you saying that...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 09, 2020, 02:06:26 PM

Interestingly he said when he joined Arsenal Martinez couldn't jump very well and was a calamity for the Argentina youth side, giving away almost a goal a game, and that Martinez and Arsenal have worked wonders to turn him into the keeper he has become.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 09, 2020, 02:08:39 PM

Quote from: OCD on September 09, 2020, 11:05:45 AM

I agree that a blend of youth and experience is ideal but either way, the player has to have good ability first and foremost. Drinkwater offered experience and look how that turned out. Milner would be great but he's probably still wanted by Liverpool and his wages probably make it unfeasible right now. I wonder whether someone like Snodgrass could be re-purposed to an inside right position.

I was dead against Drinkwater. Hadn't played in years, barely played for Burnley in first half of the season (and they were only just above us after we beat them in January) and real problems off the pitch so exactly the wrong sort of profile, amazed DS went for him tbh although guess that's the desperation of January window.

We must've offered to pay much more % of wages than Burnley given how quickly Chelsea recalled him from his loan there.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 09, 2020, 02:10:24 PM

Thanks for the transfer whispers Holy Trinity. Poor Vinnie took a couple of sceptical posts on his claims to heart but I appreciate any "insider" info however caveat'd. It makes this thread great again.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 09, 2020, 02:12:19 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 09, 2020, 02:06:26 PM

Interestingly he said when he joined Arsenal Martinez couldn't jump very well and was a calamity for the Argentina youth side, giving away almost a goal a game, and that Martinez and Arsenal have worked wonders to turn him into the keeper he has become.

He's got an excellent command of the six yard box, frequently comes for crosses and claims them. Miles better than someone like Butland who's done an excellent Shay Given impression of being statue-esque on the goalline when a cross is swung in.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 09, 2020, 02:13:12 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 09, 2020, 02:03:50 PM

Never trust Greg Evans. Albion fan and gets more wrong than right about Villa. Awful "jounalist".

I don't know about that.  The Athletic hold themselves to higher standards and between them have a big network.  He may not be a Villa fan, but maybe that allows him to be a bit more objective in his appraisals.  I don't subscribe so haven't read his artciles this year, but he speaks pretty well and I think he's probably the best Villa journalist out there at the moment.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 09, 2020, 02:17:32 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on September 09, 2020, 02:02:39 PM

Hold on. Let's just see what happens
That post also read "my friend knew nothing of Watkins and Wilson "
What levels of ITK are we talking
Seemingly Jon Percy and Gregg Evans provide accurate & specific info.

Let's have some names shall we on this wing foward thats coming in.
We all know the GK

So samatta is off then you're saying ?
Well that gives further credence to the culling of Suso bought players.

I'll keep eyes on these moves comings and goings as some claims have now been made!

Don't do this, the guy is just passing on some info, he's not claiming to be some hotshot journalist.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 09, 2020, 02:18:44 PM

Quote from: Drummond on September 09, 2020, 02:05:48 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 09, 2020, 01:50:15 PM

Good stuff that is, especially about Cantwell as I can now indulge the primal urge I have to dislike him for being a poncey little twat.

Halfway through TCR by Sleaford Mods there's a line 'pointy little tit' that's delivered in precisely the way I hear you saying that...

I haven't noticed and I love that track.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 09, 2020, 02:19:33 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 09, 2020, 02:03:08 PM

Quote from: exiled on the wirral! on September 09, 2020, 06:58:09 AM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on September 09, 2020, 06:32:47 AM

Good post Soccer HQ regarding experience, we were crying out for some sensible heads last season.

Most of our team have at least 1 years worth of Premiership experience now, not sure its an issue to be honest.

Time will tell. Could make the same argument after 12/13 but likes of Bennett, Baker, Clark all just became alright championship players. Weimann was excellent in that season and that was the best it got for him.

I'd be amazed if any of Trez, Hause, Nakamba or Wesley ever were regulars for us when hopefully we're back to being a top half team again in near future. They all however played parts in us staying up and we should be thankful for that.

When I mean experience I mean players with the confidence and ability to tell others around them when to push up or sit back during a game, 1 nil up v Chelsea and us frightened to death of even going over the halfway line to try to score another goal. That was a major reason why we threw away so many leads against top half teams, lack of experience and belief at key moments.

In a decent side, Wesley will come good.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Holy Trinity on September 09, 2020, 02:22:48 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 09, 2020, 02:10:24 PM

Thanks for the transfer whispers Holy Trinity. Poor Vinnie took a couple of sceptical posts on his claims to heart but I appreciate any "insider" info however caveat'd. It makes this thread great again.

Hes generally reliable. The only person who really put me off posting on here is footyskillz aka vill I an. He boils my p**s so I tend to not post much.
My friend is a coach who did work with the kids but now works with both the firat and youth teams.
As skills is advocating some press no nothings who copy and paste off thatcherlovers twitter feed.
My friend knew watkins was our number 1 target but knew nothing of the rapid events that happened yesterday and I have no name to give for a winger as we have several targets and it is our number 1 priority.

I dont mind taking flak when it goes wrong because he wouldn't tell me if he didn't believe it himself. Edited for redaction.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: simboy on September 09, 2020, 02:26:50 PM

Has the hopes of getting Origi gone? Appreciate he's injured at the minute but if i was looking for a player to play through the centre, with Watkins playing a wider attacking role on the right and Jack on the left, I think that might get us a few goals ... 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 09, 2020, 02:29:45 PM

I’d be surprised if Watkins wasn’t earmarked for the central role. You don’t score 26 in a season and then move for £28m to play on the wing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 09, 2020, 02:30:38 PM

Don't give too  much info about your contact Holy, it can't be that hard for someone to work it out who knows the personnel at the club.  Maybe edit the above down a bit?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 09, 2020, 02:32:45 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on September 09, 2020, 02:21:44 PM

Just sounded a bit unfair to a player that's could be coming to villa that's all.

Could be coming to villa? Based on what, a few people on a forum saying he'd be a decent signing which you triggered?

On the attitude thing I've seen comments before about him saying he's a arrogant tit so it wouldn't surprise me if he thought he was too good for anyone outside the top 6.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 09, 2020, 02:33:32 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 09, 2020, 02:29:45 PM

I’d be surprised if Watkins wasn’t earmarked for the central role. You don’t score 26 in a season and then move for £28m to play on the wing.

Yeah he'll start v Sheffield United upfront for sure.

Would still like a decent back up just in case he doesen't hit the ground running which everyone will expect now because of the fee.

Can send Davis on loan if that happens which he desperately needs.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Holy Trinity on September 09, 2020, 02:34:04 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 09, 2020, 02:30:38 PM

Don't give too  much info about your contact Holy, it can't be that hard for someone to work it out who knows the personnel at the club.  Maybe edit the above down a bit?

Good point and I've edited the tell tale bits out

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: simboy on September 09, 2020, 02:37:23 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 09, 2020, 02:29:45 PM

I’d be surprised if Watkins wasn’t earmarked for the central role. You don’t score 26 in a season and then move for £28m to play on the wing.

Smith played him on the wing to start with at Brentford - I wasn't really thinking of a winger, I was thinking more a right sided Grealish than, say a Zaha. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 09, 2020, 02:43:55 PM

Long term I'd like to see Villa play with 2 wide forwards (so positioned between the centre half and full back on either side) and a withdrawn central striker. I think Jack in the central role could be superb and and Watkins, Davis, AEG, Trez and Wesley would all be better in the wide forward roles than as out and out wingers or lone strikers.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 09, 2020, 02:46:44 PM

One of my favourite football quotes ever, despite it being a shit, arrogant thing to say, said by a dickhead, is: “I’m Craig Bellamy. I don’t play for shit foootball clubs.”
I can’t remember why I enjoyed it so much...

If that’s true about Cantwell,he can stay at Norwich.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 09, 2020, 02:47:16 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on September 09, 2020, 02:05:44 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 09, 2020, 02:03:50 PM

Never trust Greg Evans. Albion fan and gets more wrong than right about Villa. Awful "jounalist".

Oh really ?
Ok just found he broke this Watkins story via athletic and Birmingham Mail days had an inside ear to the villa goings on.
Ok

It was the BBC bloke who first reported the breakthrough in negotiations with Brentford yesterday. Our interest goes back to the end of the play-offs and has been speculated about everywhere.

Evans is -as best - a news aggregator (aggravator?) / minesweeper when it comes to that sort of thing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 09, 2020, 02:49:21 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 09, 2020, 02:46:44 PM

One of my favourite football quotes ever, despite it being a shit, arrogant thing to say, said by a dickhead, is: “I’m Craig Bellamy. I don’t play for shit foootball clubs.”
I can’t remember why I enjoyed it so much...

If that’s true about Cantwell,he can stay at Norwich.

Was he playing for Norwich Coventry Newcastle or West Ham at the time?

(Although in fairness Newcastle were fairly good whilst he was there)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 09, 2020, 02:50:24 PM

 No idea. I know who he was talking about though!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 09, 2020, 02:51:14 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 09, 2020, 02:50:24 PM

No idea. I know who he was talking about though!

Haha it's coming back to me now!  Mcleish must have tried to sign him at Blues?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 09, 2020, 02:52:06 PM

It may have been. Him or Bruce anyway.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 09, 2020, 02:55:26 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 09, 2020, 02:46:44 PM

One of my favourite football quotes ever, despite it being a shit, arrogant thing to say, said by a dickhead, is: “I’m Craig Bellamy. I don’t play for shit foootball clubs.”
I can’t remember why I enjoyed it so much...

If that’s true about Cantwell,he can stay at Norwich.

I don't think Cantwell would even be on our radar. at the moment.  But I'm not going to dismiss the kid for having a bit of confidence and arrogance (and a hearsay quote about the Villa).  We see all the stupid hatred for Jack because of his talent and how he looks and I see similarities in Cantwell.  As a player he's got some real quality and there'll be plenty of players higher up my 'dislike' list until he does something to deserve it.     

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 09, 2020, 02:57:33 PM

Quote from: danno on September 09, 2020, 02:51:14 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 09, 2020, 02:50:24 PM

No idea. I know who he was talking about though!

Haha it's coming back to me now!  Mcleish must have tried to sign him at Blues?

It was indeed the rags he was talking about.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 09, 2020, 02:58:45 PM

I think Phil McNulty from the BBC broke the story yesterday, and David Ornstein is at The Athletic and appears to have the inside track from a Brentford/ Watkins side of it. Evans is along for the ride. As ever.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 09, 2020, 02:59:26 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 09, 2020, 02:52:06 PM

It may have been. Him or Bruce anyway.

Had a look, Bruce tried to sign him twice in 2005. He ended up joining Blackburn.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 09, 2020, 03:08:49 PM

Apparently he text Shepherd when they tried to sell him to Blues with that infamous line. He also text Shearer something fairly amusing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on September 09, 2020, 03:11:01 PM

Quote from: danno on September 09, 2020, 02:51:14 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 09, 2020, 02:50:24 PM

No idea. I know who he was talking about though!

Haha it's coming back to me now!  Mcleish must have tried to sign him at Blues?

Try Potato Head (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/b/birmingham_city/4663403.stm)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 09, 2020, 03:14:48 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on September 09, 2020, 03:11:01 PM

Quote from: danno on September 09, 2020, 02:51:14 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 09, 2020, 02:50:24 PM

No idea. I know who he was talking about though!

Haha it's coming back to me now!  Mcleish must have tried to sign him at Blues?

Try Potato Head (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/b/birmingham_city/4663403.stm)

Imagine announcing that you’ve failed to buy a player!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on September 09, 2020, 03:18:04 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 09, 2020, 02:18:44 PM

Quote from: Drummond on September 09, 2020, 02:05:48 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 09, 2020, 01:50:15 PM

Good stuff that is, especially about Cantwell as I can now indulge the primal urge I have to dislike him for being a poncey little twat.

Halfway through TCR by Sleaford Mods there's a line 'pointy little tit' that's delivered in precisely the way I hear you saying that...

I haven't noticed and I love that track.

In reference to someone liking Garage Punk...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 09, 2020, 03:18:44 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 09, 2020, 03:14:48 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on September 09, 2020, 03:11:01 PM

Quote from: danno on September 09, 2020, 02:51:14 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 09, 2020, 02:50:24 PM

No idea. I know who he was talking about though!

Haha it's coming back to me now!  Mcleish must have tried to sign him at Blues?

Try Potato Head (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/b/birmingham_city/4663403.stm)

Imagine announcing that you’ve failed to buy a player!

Didn't we do similar once?  May even have been Bellamy thinking about it.  Announced on Pravda that we had made a bid, then nothing else happened.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on September 09, 2020, 03:35:24 PM

If you want to subscribe to the Athletic, it's currently on offer for £1pm. Is it worth it?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on September 09, 2020, 03:38:50 PM

sounds expensive to me

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aev on September 09, 2020, 03:41:17 PM

Quote from: Drummond on September 09, 2020, 03:35:24 PM

If you want to subscribe to the Athletic, it's currently on offer for £1pm. Is it worth it?

It isn't bad - the articles are a little different to others around.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 09, 2020, 03:45:01 PM

Quote from: danno on September 09, 2020, 02:59:26 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 09, 2020, 02:52:06 PM

It may have been. Him or Bruce anyway.

Had a look, Bruce tried to sign him twice in 2005. He ended up joining Blackburn.

Fairly sure we bid for him that summer. We signed Baros for a similar amount a few weeks later.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 09, 2020, 03:47:46 PM

Think Doug said we had matched Chelsea's £11M bid for Lampard from West Ham.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 09, 2020, 03:57:30 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 09, 2020, 03:45:01 PM

Quote from: danno on September 09, 2020, 02:59:26 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 09, 2020, 02:52:06 PM

It may have been. Him or Bruce anyway.

Had a look, Bruce tried to sign him twice in 2005. He ended up joining Blackburn.

Fairly sure we bid for him that summer. We signed Baros for a similar amount a few weeks later.

We did bid, remember my colleague who was a big Newcastle fan texting me about it as I was in Barcelona.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 09, 2020, 04:18:59 PM

Ok, ok, it's well fit to announce players you don't sign!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Billy Walker on September 09, 2020, 04:19:47 PM

Isn't Cantwell the grandson of former man utd player Noel Cantwell?  That link alone would make me steer clear as I suspect his ambition will be to use whatever club he plays for next as a stepping stone to his grandfather's club.  Thanks but no thanks.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 09, 2020, 04:51:55 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on September 09, 2020, 04:46:24 PM

Gk Alphonse Areola signing for Fulham is a class signing  its loan and would have taken him at Villa
Very decent buy but

he was mentioned to be going to Arsenal which would free up Martinez to a move to Villa.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: steamer on September 09, 2020, 05:14:26 PM

Noel,Noel, Noel, Noel that is the name of that wanker Cantwell
Popular festive  tune, back in the day.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: frank black on September 09, 2020, 05:17:23 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on September 09, 2020, 05:04:48 PM

If Demari Gray of Leicester  is being made available yes please.
I also think Rasmus Falk for Copenhagen who was involved vs England last night could be someone to bring in for midfield roles.

Wouldn’t be happy with Gray, very average IMO

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 09, 2020, 05:48:16 PM

I'd take Gray and Albrighton. Double-swap with El Khazi and Trezeguet the Second.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: darren woolley on September 09, 2020, 05:51:08 PM

Quote from: Holy Trinity on September 09, 2020, 01:40:54 PM

We can forget about cantwell from what I've heard.

We enquired and he was very rude and dismissive of us and Dean and it never got past the tentative enquiry stage. He thinks Man u or Chelsea are just waiting to snatch him from the championship and only wants to play for one of the really big boys.

Buendia would be my top priority! Benrahma would be far to expensive and I'm not a big fan of having my pants pulled down by the same club twice. We have money but we need to spend it wisely

Gk a certainty
CB has been on the cards for ages with one falling through when we binned off suso
A CM is wanted but won't break the bank
A winger will happen and is now the absolute top priority
King we are supposedly on the verge but this will see either samatta or Davies leave maybe both

Samatta is wanted by a couple of champions league teams and may end up out on loan with one of them. Davis won't be sold under any circumstances as smith really rates him in a heskey roll, I expect him to end up at Swansea.

Sprinkling of itk and stuff ive assumed after speaking to my friend this morning.
Disclaimer he knew nothing about watkins or Wilson but did tell me about Martinez so he does drop the odd pearl now and again even if it ends up not happening.

I wouldn't want Cantwell if he's slagging us off HT.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 09, 2020, 05:51:37 PM

wonder if we're selling any?

we've got plenty to go out; Hogan, numerous wank keepers, Lansbury.... to name a few....

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: darren woolley on September 09, 2020, 06:04:02 PM

I would love us to resign Marc Albrighton.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on September 09, 2020, 06:17:28 PM

Listened to the 1874 podcast earlier and it was indicated by Greg Evans that a “sit up and take notice “ signing was possible in the No 8 position. He indicated this was a position that we’re looking to strengthen. He said it may not be a huge fee (or record breaking for us) but a player others feel we wouldn’t be able to attract.
I’ve just read through the last few pages and some are questioning his reliability, so who knows, perhaps he’s covering a few bases so can claim he was on the money if it comes off.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: JUAN PABLO on September 09, 2020, 06:46:18 PM

speaking to an ass fan today . He reckons Martinez is better then the other bloke in goal , said he would be absolute gutted if he went , he is top drawer .



come on Villa , get him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave shelley on September 09, 2020, 06:48:40 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 09, 2020, 04:51:55 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on September 09, 2020, 04:46:24 PM

Gk Alphonse Areola signing for Fulham is a class signing  its loan and would have taken him at Villa
Very decent buy but

he was mentioned to be going to Arsenal which would free up Martinez to a move to Villa.

I've heard he's a bit of a tit.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on September 09, 2020, 07:00:15 PM

Quote from: Bent Neilsens Screamer on September 09, 2020, 06:17:28 PM

Listened to the 1874 podcast earlier and it was indicated by Greg Evans that a “sit up and take notice “ signing was possible in the No 8 position. He indicated this was a position that we’re looking to strengthen. He said it may not be a huge fee (or record breaking for us) but a player others feel we wouldn’t be able to attract.
I’ve just read through the last few pages and some are questioning his reliability, so who knows, perhaps he’s covering a few bases so can claim he was on the money if it comes off.

I hope it's not Mata from the Plastics.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on September 09, 2020, 07:00:54 PM

Leeds are going to have a ginormous FFP problem if they don't stay up and they can't shift some of those 'big names'.

I think we are probably keeping within our salary structure so far.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 09, 2020, 07:02:21 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on September 09, 2020, 07:00:15 PM

Quote from: Bent Neilsens Screamer on September 09, 2020, 06:17:28 PM

Listened to the 1874 podcast earlier and it was indicated by Greg Evans that a “sit up and take notice “ signing was possible in the No 8 position. He indicated this was a position that we’re looking to strengthen. He said it may not be a huge fee (or record breaking for us) but a player others feel we wouldn’t be able to attract.
I’ve just read through the last few pages and some are questioning his reliability, so who knows, perhaps he’s covering a few bases so can claim he was on the money if it comes off.

I hope it's not Mata from the Plastics.

Or Lingard! 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Richard E on September 09, 2020, 07:04:23 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on September 09, 2020, 07:00:15 PM

Quote from: Bent Neilsens Screamer on September 09, 2020, 06:17:28 PM

Listened to the 1874 podcast earlier and it was indicated by Greg Evans that a “sit up and take notice “ signing was possible in the No 8 position. He indicated this was a position that we’re looking to strengthen. He said it may not be a huge fee (or record breaking for us) but a player others feel we wouldn’t be able to attract.
I’ve just read through the last few pages and some are questioning his reliability, so who knows, perhaps he’s covering a few bases so can claim he was on the money if it comes off.

I hope it's not Mata from the Plastics.

Delph is a number 8...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 09, 2020, 07:04:33 PM

Quote from: Big Ming on September 09, 2020, 07:00:54 PM

Leeds are going to have a ginormous FFP problem if they don't stay up and they can't shift some of those 'big names'.

I think we are probably keeping within our salary structure so far.

It would be absolutely hilarious if Leeds spent all those years getting the club back in some sort of order, came up to much fanfare and then promptly went straight back down and back into deep financial trouble.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aldridgeboy on September 09, 2020, 07:06:16 PM

As much as I don’t wish harm on anyone, I’d laugh my cock off !!^^

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on September 09, 2020, 07:07:48 PM

Quote from: danno on September 09, 2020, 07:02:21 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on September 09, 2020, 07:00:15 PM

Quote from: Bent Neilsens Screamer on September 09, 2020, 06:17:28 PM

Listened to the 1874 podcast earlier and it was indicated by Greg Evans that a “sit up and take notice “ signing was possible in the No 8 position. He indicated this was a position that we’re looking to strengthen. He said it may not be a huge fee (or record breaking for us) but a player others feel we wouldn’t be able to attract.
I’ve just read through the last few pages and some are questioning his reliability, so who knows, perhaps he’s covering a few bases so can claim he was on the money if it comes off.

I hope it's not Mata from the Plastics.

Or Lingard! 

Heaven forbid! Who's the number 8 at Brentford? ;)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 09, 2020, 07:17:18 PM

some new suggestions that the Rashica deal may be back on.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 09, 2020, 07:30:05 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 09, 2020, 07:17:18 PM

some new suggestions that the Rashica deal may be back on.

I'd be very happy with at. Add an 'exciting' number 8 as is rumoured and Martinez as rumoured as that would make it a very good window for us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on September 09, 2020, 07:31:35 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 09, 2020, 07:17:18 PM

some new suggestions that the Rashica deal may be back on.

Where is that from cheers ?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on September 09, 2020, 07:36:18 PM

What position is a number 8? 
This is the first time I’ve felt young in years.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on September 09, 2020, 07:44:46 PM

Quote from: VILLA MOLE on September 09, 2020, 07:31:35 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 09, 2020, 07:17:18 PM

some new suggestions that the Rashica deal may be back on.

Where is that from cheers ?

Report in Germany say we've agreed to pay the €25m asking price but still need to convince the player. He now appears a little bit more interested in living in Brum.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 09, 2020, 07:46:42 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on September 09, 2020, 07:44:46 PM

Quote from: VILLA MOLE on September 09, 2020, 07:31:35 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 09, 2020, 07:17:18 PM

some new suggestions that the Rashica deal may be back on.

Where is that from cheers ?

Report in Germany say we've agreed to pay the €25m asking price but still need to convince the player. He now appears a little bit more interested in living in Brum.

Wait until someone tells him the German Market has been cancelled.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 09, 2020, 07:47:18 PM

Quote from: Dante Lavelli on September 09, 2020, 07:36:18 PM

What position is a number 8? 
This is the first time I’ve felt young in years.

Central midfielder, I kind of consider an eight a box to box And a six a more defensively minded player. But I shall stand by to be corrected.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 09, 2020, 07:48:03 PM

Quote from: Dante Lavelli on September 09, 2020, 07:36:18 PM

What position is a number 8? 
This is the first time I’ve felt young in years.

McGinn plays as an 8 for us at the minute if that helps.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithe on September 09, 2020, 07:52:32 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on September 09, 2020, 07:44:46 PM

Quote from: VILLA MOLE on September 09, 2020, 07:31:35 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 09, 2020, 07:17:18 PM

some new suggestions that the Rashica deal may be back on.

Where is that from cheers ?

Report in Germany say we've agreed to pay the €25m asking price but still need to convince the player. He now appears a little bit more interested in living in Brum.

I'll book him into Mr Egg and hang the expense.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on September 09, 2020, 07:54:50 PM

Quote from: danno on September 09, 2020, 07:47:18 PM

Quote from: Dante Lavelli on September 09, 2020, 07:36:18 PM

What position is a number 8? 
This is the first time I’ve felt young in years.

Central midfielder, I kind of consider an eight a box to box And a six a more defensively minded player. But I shall stand by to be corrected.

Thanks (and Paul e)

That’s what I thought and hoped (key position for us).  There’s one number that seems to skew the logic, is ‘A Seven’ a left winger?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithe on September 09, 2020, 07:55:35 PM

7 was always a right winger, 11 left.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy65 on September 09, 2020, 08:01:29 PM

Quote from: darren woolley on September 09, 2020, 06:04:02 PM

I would love us to resign Marc Albrighton.

I don’t get the love in with Marc. Yes we should never have let him go but he Is way beyond his best now. We need to aim higher

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: JJ-AV on September 09, 2020, 08:08:50 PM

Martinez, Loftus-Cheek on loan, Rashica and King would be a nice way to close the window.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john2710 on September 09, 2020, 08:09:01 PM

You'd expect the players who haven't featured regularly or are in the last year of their contract to be either sold or sent out on loan. It would be in everyone's interests they play elsewhere.

Kalinic (who incredibly still has 3 years to run)
Lansbury
Hogan
Nyland
Jota
Davis
Elmo
Taylor
Hourihane

You could add Nakamba & Samata

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: johnny from donny on September 09, 2020, 08:11:31 PM

Quote from: Dante Lavelli on September 09, 2020, 07:36:18 PM

What position is a number 8? 
This is the first time I’ve felt young in years.

To be fair, it does my head in when positions are referred to as numbers. It must be an age thing but when I think of a number 8 in football, I think of Brian Little or Gary Shaw. I guess I'm a dinosaur.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: johnny from donny on September 09, 2020, 08:15:32 PM

Quote from: PeterWithe on September 09, 2020, 07:55:35 PM

7 was always a right winger, 11 left.

Reminds me of the Scottish joke as relayed by Chris Brookmyre:
What do you call a heiffer in a number 7 football shirt carrying a machine gun?

A right wing military coo.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Legion on September 09, 2020, 08:25:22 PM

Quote from: Holy Trinity on September 09, 2020, 02:22:48 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 09, 2020, 02:10:24 PM

Thanks for the transfer whispers Holy Trinity. Poor Vinnie took a couple of sceptical posts on his claims to heart but I appreciate any "insider" info however caveat'd. It makes this thread great again.

Hes generally reliable. The only person who really put me off posting on here is footyskillz aka vill I an.

There is an Ignore Poster option in your profile settings.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 09, 2020, 08:25:33 PM

Rashica has had a change of heart and is no longer arsed about staying in Germany. We're willing to meet the £25m fee.

Hypothetically  but Watkins, King and Rashica looks a hell of a lot more dangerous than Trez, El Ghazi and Wesley.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on September 09, 2020, 08:27:31 PM

I still don't know where a No 8 in Rugby Union plays

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 09, 2020, 08:27:50 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 09, 2020, 08:25:33 PM

Rashica gas had a change of heart and os no longer arsed about staying in Germany. We're willing to meet the £25m fee.

Hypothetically  but Watkins, King and Rashica looks a hell of a lot more dangerous than Trez, El Ghazi and Wesley.

Where's this from Ads?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: stevo_st on September 09, 2020, 08:28:34 PM

Would like us to bring in a Delph type player or someone of his ilk, who can push both conor and marvellous down the pecking order

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 09, 2020, 08:29:31 PM

Quote from: Legion on September 09, 2020, 08:25:22 PM

Quote from: Holy Trinity on September 09, 2020, 02:22:48 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 09, 2020, 02:10:24 PM

Thanks for the transfer whispers Holy Trinity. Poor Vinnie took a couple of sceptical posts on his claims to heart but I appreciate any "insider" info however caveat'd. It makes this thread great again.

Hes generally reliable. The only person who really put me off posting on here is footyskillz aka vill I an.

There is an Ignore Poster option in your profile settings.

It doesn't work.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Legion on September 09, 2020, 08:30:59 PM

It should do. Can you try again please and let me know the result so I can pass it on to Martin?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 09, 2020, 08:32:17 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 09, 2020, 08:27:50 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 09, 2020, 08:25:33 PM

Rashica gas had a change of heart and os no longer arsed about staying in Germany. We're willing to meet the £25m fee.

Hypothetically  but Watkins, King and Rashica looks a hell of a lot more dangerous than Trez, El Ghazi and Wesley.

Where's this from Ads?

DeichStube and Sport Life - Bremen blogs/news it seems.

I guess RB haven't got the cash.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 09, 2020, 08:32:30 PM

Quote from: danno on September 09, 2020, 07:02:21 PM

Or Lingard! 

Fabian Delph.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 09, 2020, 08:36:04 PM

Quote from: stevo_st on September 09, 2020, 08:28:34 PM

Would like us to bring in a Delph type player or someone of his ilk, who can push both conor and marvellous down the pecking order

Cover / competition for the midfield three is a must, IMO.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 09, 2020, 08:37:10 PM

Quote from: Legion on September 09, 2020, 08:30:59 PM

It should do. Can you try again please and let me know the result so I can pass it on to Martin?

I just added you and Ads to the ignore list, and I can still see your posts.  Purely for scientific purposes you understand!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on September 09, 2020, 08:38:19 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 09, 2020, 08:32:30 PM

Quote from: danno on September 09, 2020, 07:02:21 PM

Or Lingard! 

Fabian Delph.

Thomas Müller

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 09, 2020, 08:39:33 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 09, 2020, 08:37:10 PM

Quote from: Legion on September 09, 2020, 08:30:59 PM

It should do. Can you try again please and let me know the result so I can pass it on to Martin?

I just added you and Ads to the ignore list, and I can still see your posts.  Purely for scientific purposes you understand!

This is because I made you wear the Stone of Shame at the Stone Cutters Sceret Tory club isn't it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 09, 2020, 08:40:37 PM

Quote from: Lastfootstamper on September 09, 2020, 08:38:19 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 09, 2020, 08:32:30 PM

Quote from: danno on September 09, 2020, 07:02:21 PM

Or Lingard! 

Fabian Delph.

Thomas Müller

he'll do.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Legion on September 09, 2020, 08:40:44 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 09, 2020, 08:37:10 PM

Quote from: Legion on September 09, 2020, 08:30:59 PM

It should do. Can you try again please and let me know the result so I can pass it on to Martin?

I just added you and Ads to the ignore list, and I can still see your posts.  Purely for scientific purposes you understand!

Pretty sure Mods are exempt.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: thick_mike on September 09, 2020, 08:43:40 PM

Quote from: Legion on September 09, 2020, 08:40:44 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 09, 2020, 08:37:10 PM

Quote from: Legion on September 09, 2020, 08:30:59 PM

It should do. Can you try again please and let me know the result so I can pass it on to Martin?

I just added you and Ads to the ignore list, and I can still see your posts.  Purely for scientific purposes you understand!

Pretty sure Mods are exempt.

Can’t ignore Percy then?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on September 09, 2020, 08:44:05 PM

In the same podcast Evans claimed the noses were negotiating with a view to taking Hogan permanently. Fingers crossed they’re successful.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 09, 2020, 08:45:01 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 09, 2020, 08:32:17 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 09, 2020, 08:27:50 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 09, 2020, 08:25:33 PM

Rashica gas had a change of heart and os no longer arsed about staying in Germany. We're willing to meet the £25m fee.

Hypothetically  but Watkins, King and Rashica looks a hell of a lot more dangerous than Trez, El Ghazi and Wesley.

Where's this from Ads?

DeichStube and Sport Life - Bremen blogs/news it seems.

I guess RB haven't got the cash.

Ta!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 09, 2020, 08:46:16 PM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on September 09, 2020, 08:27:31 PM

I still don't know where a No 8 in Rugby Union plays

Back of the scrum, in open play it's the fattie mirror to a scrum half so the main job is to track across behind the ball and always be available to join in on any phase of play.

I know you probably weren't serious though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 09, 2020, 08:46:39 PM

Quote from: Legion on September 09, 2020, 08:40:44 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 09, 2020, 08:37:10 PM

Quote from: Legion on September 09, 2020, 08:30:59 PM

It should do. Can you try again please and let me know the result so I can pass it on to Martin?

I just added you and Ads to the ignore list, and I can still see your posts.  Purely for scientific purposes you understand!

Pretty sure Mods are exempt.

That's why I added Ads as well, but I can see his posts still.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Legion on September 09, 2020, 08:48:29 PM

Cheers.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on September 09, 2020, 08:50:39 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 09, 2020, 08:40:37 PM

Quote from: Lastfootstamper on September 09, 2020, 08:38:19 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 09, 2020, 08:32:30 PM

Quote from: danno on September 09, 2020, 07:02:21 PM

Or Lingard! 

Fabian Delph.

Thomas Müller

he'll do.

If it happens, remember where you heard it first. I'll change my username to Admin.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 09, 2020, 08:57:35 PM

Clément Grenier now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on September 09, 2020, 08:57:46 PM

Clement Grenier is apparently back on the table. He was linked back in January in an "if they stay up" kind of way.

Edit - no he wasn't. That was Morgan Sanson at Marseille.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aev on September 09, 2020, 08:58:07 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 09, 2020, 08:57:35 PM

Clément Grenier now.

Who?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Legion on September 09, 2020, 08:58:13 PM

Who?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aev on September 09, 2020, 08:58:46 PM

Perfect tee up for the Goodfellas Pesci line...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on September 09, 2020, 08:59:09 PM

Quote from: Legion on September 09, 2020, 08:58:13 PM

Who?

Plays for Rennes. Central midfielder.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Legion on September 09, 2020, 08:59:32 PM

Thank you.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Legion on September 09, 2020, 08:59:49 PM

Is he any good?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 09, 2020, 09:01:20 PM

Quote from: Dave on September 09, 2020, 08:59:09 PM

Quote from: Legion on September 09, 2020, 08:58:13 PM

Who?

Plays for Rennes. Central midfielder.

I'd never heard of him. Rennes, according to Wiki.

I'm definitely KFA, but it was on the Villa Report on Twitter.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ger Regan on September 09, 2020, 09:03:16 PM

29 year old (30 in january) doesn't strike me as the sort of age profile we'd be aiming for in that sort of position. That said, i know nothing about him so may be worth it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 09, 2020, 09:05:12 PM

heh. couldn't work out how he'd played so few games at 29

 "At the end of his recovery, he revealed that he was not far from losing the use of his legs"

Perfect!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: London Villan on September 09, 2020, 09:08:57 PM

This is more like it, exoctic foreign footballers no-one has ever heard of or knows if they are any good or not.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on September 09, 2020, 09:10:39 PM

Apparently they're in discussions with us, Porto, Galatasaray and Valladolid.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 09, 2020, 09:11:46 PM

I remember seeing him linked before and looked him up. He was rated as one of the best youngsters in France in about 13/14 but had a bit of a horror run of injuries and lost his place with Lyon.

I'd say he comes with the same risks as as Wilson so it'd need to be a smallish fee and reasonable wages to be worth it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 09, 2020, 09:15:13 PM

Quote from: aev on September 09, 2020, 08:58:46 PM

Perfect tee up for the Goodfellas line...

Isn't that Pacino's line in Heat?

Who, who , who! What are you a fucking owl?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 09, 2020, 09:21:41 PM

Aye. A very smallish fee. There's people with Munchausen syndrome who've spent less time in hospital.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: luke:lamf on September 09, 2020, 09:26:02 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 09, 2020, 09:05:12 PM

heh. couldn't work out how he'd played so few games at 29

 "At the end of his recovery, he revealed that he was not far from losing the use of his legs"

Perfect!

It's awful for him to have gone through, but with the Perfect! that is one of the funniest things I have read recently.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Percy McCarthy on September 09, 2020, 09:31:03 PM

Quote from: thick_mike on September 09, 2020, 08:43:40 PM

Quote from: Legion on September 09, 2020, 08:40:44 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 09, 2020, 08:37:10 PM

Quote from: Legion on September 09, 2020, 08:30:59 PM

It should do. Can you try again please and let me know the result so I can pass it on to Martin?

I just added you and Ads to the ignore list, and I can still see your posts.  Purely for scientific purposes you understand!

Pretty sure Mods are exempt.

Can’t ignore Percy then?

He’s ignored me plenty, probably very wisely for both our sakes 😉

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 09, 2020, 09:33:28 PM

Being linked with Clement Grenier who is a number 8 essentially. Don't know enough about him to know if he's any good, he was highly rated a few seasons back on football manager though lol

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 09, 2020, 09:34:44 PM

Who?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 09, 2020, 09:35:50 PM

Quote from: luke:lamf on September 09, 2020, 09:26:02 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 09, 2020, 09:05:12 PM

heh. couldn't work out how he'd played so few games at 29

 "At the end of his recovery, he revealed that he was not far from losing the use of his legs"

Perfect!

It's awful for him to have gone through, but with the Perfect! that is one of the funniest things I have read recently.

aye shouldn't larf really. shows you can come back after something like that.. Mind you, Bob Pires managed to play 9 games for us after losing the use of his legs

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 09, 2020, 09:36:48 PM

Quote from: aev on September 09, 2020, 08:58:07 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 09, 2020, 08:57:35 PM

Clément Grenier now.

Who?

Quote from: Legion on September 09, 2020, 08:58:13 PM

Who?

Is there an owl in here etc.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 09, 2020, 09:38:26 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 09, 2020, 09:33:28 PM

Being linked with Clement Grenier who is a number 8 essentially. Don't know enough about him to know if he's any good, he was highly rated a few seasons back on football manager though lol

According to Wiki, spent most if not all of his career in the French or Italian top divisions, capped 5 times for France. Played 17 times for the team that finished 3rd in the French top division last season. Horrendous injury problems for years but has played 60+ times in the last two seasons so clearly has made a comeback. Squarely in the age 28+ experience in top divisions some people have been mentioning a lot on here in the last few days.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: UK Redsox on September 09, 2020, 09:42:27 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 09, 2020, 08:46:16 PM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on September 09, 2020, 08:27:31 PM

I still don't know where a No 8 in Rugby Union plays

Back of the scrum, in open play it's the fattie mirror to a scrum half so the main job is to track across behind the ball and always be available to join in on any phase of play.

I know you probably weren't serious though.

When my dad started playing Number 8, he wore number 15

Number 8s weren’t called Number 8s until they started wearing number 8

Before that the player wearing number 8 was usually a prop but he was just called a prop and not Number 8

However, when the Number 8 was actually the number 15, they weren’t called Number 15, they were just a Back Row or Lock

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 09, 2020, 09:46:56 PM

Depends on the transfer fee.  I mean people were worried about Wilson. it would be a brave club who paid much for him, and an even braver insurance broker. Maybe we can get Richards' doctor to do the medical.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: maidstonevillain on September 09, 2020, 09:48:46 PM

Quote from: Legion on September 09, 2020, 08:25:22 PM

Quote from: Holy Trinity on September 09, 2020, 02:22:48 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 09, 2020, 02:10:24 PM

Thanks for the transfer whispers Holy Trinity. Poor Vinnie took a couple of sceptical posts on his claims to heart but I appreciate any "insider" info however caveat'd. It makes this thread great again.

Hes generally reliable. The only person who really put me off posting on here is footyskillz aka vill I an.

There is an Ignore Poster option in your profile settings.

How many can you add to the Ignore List.

Just asking.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: maidstonevillain on September 09, 2020, 09:57:20 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 09, 2020, 08:45:01 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 09, 2020, 08:32:17 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 09, 2020, 08:27:50 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 09, 2020, 08:25:33 PM

Rashica gas had a change of heart and os no longer arsed about staying in Germany. We're willing to meet the £25m fee.

Hypothetically  but Watkins, King and Rashica looks a hell of a lot more dangerous than Trez, El Ghazi and Wesley.

Where's this from Ads?

DeichStube and Sport Life - Bremen blogs/news it seems.

I guess RB haven't got the cash.

Ta!

Just google "Aston Villa". it comes up, on about page 1 or 2, with "NewsNow". And which includes all the links to the latest "fantastic", "incredible", "you won't believe it" clickbait articles.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on September 09, 2020, 10:02:09 PM

Sounds like Mendez-Laing might be available for free....

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 09, 2020, 10:03:57 PM

Quote from: Percy McCarthy on September 09, 2020, 09:31:03 PM

Quote from: thick_mike on September 09, 2020, 08:43:40 PM

Quote from: Legion on September 09, 2020, 08:40:44 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 09, 2020, 08:37:10 PM

Quote from: Legion on September 09, 2020, 08:30:59 PM

It should do. Can you try again please and let me know the result so I can pass it on to Martin?

I just added you and Ads to the ignore list, and I can still see your posts.  Purely for scientific purposes you understand!

Pretty sure Mods are exempt.

Can’t ignore Percy then?

He’s ignored me plenty, probably very wisely for both our sakes 😉

Who said that?!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 09, 2020, 10:04:34 PM

Been linked with Bristol City's Niclas Eliasson too. 24-year old Swede.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 09, 2020, 10:08:30 PM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on September 09, 2020, 10:02:09 PM

Sounds like Mendez-Laing might be available for free....

I'd wait to the transfer deadline. They may drop the price.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ROBBO on September 09, 2020, 10:09:41 PM

Number eight is an inside right, oh for the days when you got your number and knew precisely what your job was.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on September 09, 2020, 10:10:55 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 09, 2020, 10:08:30 PM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on September 09, 2020, 10:02:09 PM

Sounds like Mendez-Laing might be available for free....

I'd wait to the transfer deadline. They may drop the price.

What has he done ? (allegedly)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AV82EC on September 09, 2020, 10:11:54 PM

Quote from: OCD on September 09, 2020, 10:04:34 PM

Been linked with Bristol City's Niclas Eliasson too. 24-year old Swede.

That was last week wasn’t it? And was found to be a load of Twitter bollocks.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 09, 2020, 10:12:38 PM

Quote from: VILLA MOLE on September 09, 2020, 10:10:55 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 09, 2020, 10:08:30 PM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on September 09, 2020, 10:02:09 PM

Sounds like Mendez-Laing might be available for free....

I'd wait to the transfer deadline. They may drop the price.

What has he done ? (allegedly)

No idea. wiki says breach of contract:

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 09, 2020, 10:23:08 PM

I bit of a dig around shows up a lot of rumours on this.

The most important one being that there's a court case involved and, if so, I suspect it's not something the mods will want being discussed.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Richard E on September 09, 2020, 10:27:38 PM

Quote from: VILLA MOLE on September 09, 2020, 10:10:55 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 09, 2020, 10:08:30 PM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on September 09, 2020, 10:02:09 PM

Sounds like Mendez-Laing might be available for free....

I'd wait to the transfer deadline. They may drop the price.

What has he done ? (allegedly)

Punched a badger in an argument over a woman.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: oldtimernow on September 09, 2020, 10:34:48 PM

Quote from: dave shelley on September 09, 2020, 06:48:40 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 09, 2020, 04:51:55 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on September 09, 2020, 04:46:24 PM

Gk Alphonse Areola signing for Fulham is a class signing  its loan and would have taken him at Villa
Very decent buy but

he was mentioned to be going to Arsenal which would free up Martinez to a move to Villa.

I've heard he's a bit of a tit.

handed on plate

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on September 09, 2020, 10:37:05 PM

Quote from: Legion on September 09, 2020, 08:40:44 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 09, 2020, 08:37:10 PM

Quote from: Legion on September 09, 2020, 08:30:59 PM

It should do. Can you try again please and let me know the result so I can pass it on to Martin?

I just added you and Ads to the ignore list, and I can still see your posts.  Purely for scientific purposes you understand!

Pretty sure Mods are exempt.

I just added a poster to my ignore list and it works

Relieved I Am.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Percy McCarthy on September 09, 2020, 10:54:34 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 09, 2020, 10:03:57 PM

Quote from: Percy McCarthy on September 09, 2020, 09:31:03 PM

Quote from: thick_mike on September 09, 2020, 08:43:40 PM

Quote from: Legion on September 09, 2020, 08:40:44 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 09, 2020, 08:37:10 PM

Quote from: Legion on September 09, 2020, 08:30:59 PM

It should do. Can you try again please and let me know the result so I can pass it on to Martin?

I just added you and Ads to the ignore list, and I can still see your posts.  Purely for scientific purposes you understand!

Pretty sure Mods are exempt.

Can’t ignore Percy then?

He’s ignored me plenty, probably very wisely for both our sakes 😉

Who said that?!

Chortle.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 09, 2020, 10:56:55 PM

Ah, there's an extra step you need to do for ignore to work.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 09, 2020, 11:02:06 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 09, 2020, 10:12:38 PM

Quote from: VILLA MOLE on September 09, 2020, 10:10:55 PM

What has he done ? (allegedly)

No idea. wiki says breach of contract:

From what I've read he sounds like bad news bears, plus he's a Blose fan. No thanks!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 09, 2020, 11:09:07 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on September 09, 2020, 11:02:06 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 09, 2020, 10:12:38 PM

Quote from: VILLA MOLE on September 09, 2020, 10:10:55 PM

What has he done ? (allegedly)

No idea. wiki says breach of contract:

From what I've read he sounds like bad news bears, plus he's a Blose fan. No thanks!

Weirdly enough my mate mentioned to me that he played with him in a Sunday League friendly the other week.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 09, 2020, 11:11:40 PM

This made me laugh:

"Nathaniel Mendez-Laing gets sacked.

Football fans: Failed drugs test? Rapist? Murderer? Could be a nonce?
Also football fans: Sign him up, we could do with a winger."

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 09, 2020, 11:13:12 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 09, 2020, 10:37:05 PM

Quote from: Legion on September 09, 2020, 08:40:44 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 09, 2020, 08:37:10 PM

Quote from: Legion on September 09, 2020, 08:30:59 PM

It should do. Can you try again please and let me know the result so I can pass it on to Martin?

I just added you and Ads to the ignore list, and I can still see your posts.  Purely for scientific purposes you understand!

Pretty sure Mods are exempt.

I just added a poster to my ignore list and it works

Relieved I Am.

Does it require skillz to implement?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on September 09, 2020, 11:48:40 PM

Would Ryan Sessegnon be worth a shout? Clearly a very talented player but has lot his way at Spurs.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 10, 2020, 12:37:30 AM

Quote from: OCD on September 09, 2020, 10:04:34 PM

Been linked with Bristol City's Niclas Eliasson too. 24-year old Swede.

Weimann keeps him out of the Bristol City starting line up so dosen't suggest the best quality.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Holy Trinity on September 10, 2020, 05:48:25 AM

Quote from: LeeB on September 09, 2020, 11:13:12 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 09, 2020, 10:37:05 PM

Quote from: Legion on September 09, 2020, 08:40:44 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 09, 2020, 08:37:10 PM

Quote from: Legion on September 09, 2020, 08:30:59 PM

It should do. Can you try again please and let me know the result so I can pass it on to Martin?

I just added you and Ads to the ignore list, and I can still see your posts.  Purely for scientific purposes you understand!

Pretty sure Mods are exempt.

I just added a poster to my ignore list and it works

Relieved I Am.

Does it require skillz to implement?

Hopefully not or I An certain to mess it up

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on September 10, 2020, 06:52:36 AM

Quote from: oldtimernow on September 09, 2020, 10:34:48 PM

Quote from: dave shelley on September 09, 2020, 06:48:40 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 09, 2020, 04:51:55 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on September 09, 2020, 04:46:24 PM

Gk Alphonse Areola signing for Fulham is a class signing  its loan and would have taken him at Villa
Very decent buy but

he was mentioned to be going to Arsenal which would free up Martinez to a move to Villa.

I've heard he's a bit of a tit.

Think we've had more than our fair share of nipples in goal.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 10, 2020, 08:24:04 AM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 09, 2020, 11:48:40 PM

Would Ryan Sessegnon be worth a shout? Clearly a very talented player but has lot his way at Spurs.

Yes he would, very talented player.  Expect he'd be pricey particulalry with the Levy levy added.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave P on September 10, 2020, 08:26:41 AM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 09, 2020, 11:48:40 PM

Would Ryan Sessegnon be worth a shout? Clearly a very talented player but has lot his way at Spurs.

Would love him but probably file under 'No Chance'.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aev on September 10, 2020, 08:33:04 AM

That 18 year old kid that Wolves signed for 40m. 10m of that fee went to agents, of which 7m to Mendes's agency. Madness

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 10, 2020, 08:35:01 AM

Quote from: aev on September 10, 2020, 08:33:04 AM

That 18 year old kid that Wolves signed for 40m. 10m of that fee went to agents, of which 7m to Mendes's agency. Madness

And then they give away a quality player to Spurs for (relatively) buttons.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lsvilla on September 10, 2020, 08:44:31 AM

Quote from: LeeB on September 10, 2020, 08:35:01 AM

Quote from: aev on September 10, 2020, 08:33:04 AM

That 18 year old kid that Wolves signed for 40m. 10m of that fee went to agents, of which 7m to Mendes's agency. Madness

And then they give away a quality player to Spurs for (relatively) buttons.

Where the agent acting for both managers, player and as advisor to the selling club is Mendes.......nothing to see here.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Duncan Shaw on September 10, 2020, 08:44:31 AM

Quote from: aev on September 10, 2020, 08:33:04 AM

That 18 year old kid that Wolves signed for 40m. 10m of that fee went to agents, of which 7m to Mendes's agency. Madness

The whole set-up is just one big money laundering operation for Mendes and the Chinese guys.  The Dingles love it as they have got a decent team to watch as a by-product.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 10, 2020, 08:57:03 AM

Quote from: aev on September 10, 2020, 08:33:04 AM

That 18 year old kid that Wolves signed for 40m. 10m of that fee went to agents, of which 7m to Mendes's agency. Madness

It's just corrupt.  I honestly don't know how agents get away with it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 10, 2020, 09:01:46 AM

There's got to be a fall coming their way at some point over this stuff.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aev on September 10, 2020, 09:07:17 AM

And the Doherty deal? Mendes is an advisor to Wolves owners, who also have a stake in his business. He is also the agent to Nuno, Mourinho and Doherty.

This is according to some blue ticked bloke on twitter.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on September 10, 2020, 09:08:35 AM

Quote from: aev on September 10, 2020, 08:33:04 AM

That 18 year old kid that Wolves signed for 40m. 10m of that fee went to agents, of which 7m to Mendes's agency. Madness

Perhaps some of it comes 180 degrees and ends up in Wolves back pockets?

I miss Harry Redknapp.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on September 10, 2020, 09:11:37 AM

Quote from: aev on September 10, 2020, 09:07:17 AM

And the Doherty deal? Mendes is an advisor to Wolves owners, who also have a stake in his business. He is also the agent to Nuno, Mourinho and Doherty.

This is according to some blue ticked bloke on twitter.

Need a long spoon to sup with Mendes.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rob_bridge on September 10, 2020, 09:12:17 AM

Quote from: Lsvilla on September 10, 2020, 08:44:31 AM

Quote from: LeeB on September 10, 2020, 08:35:01 AM

Quote from: aev on September 10, 2020, 08:33:04 AM

That 18 year old kid that Wolves signed for 40m. 10m of that fee went to agents, of which 7m to Mendes's agency. Madness

And then they give away a quality player to Spurs for (relatively) buttons.

Where the agent acting for both managers, player and as advisor to the selling club is Mendes.......nothing to see here.

Sensible policies for Happier World

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 10, 2020, 09:18:12 AM

So - if we are going to get 1 of them, do people want Rashica or Benrahma?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 10, 2020, 09:27:02 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 10, 2020, 09:18:12 AM

So - if we are going to get 1 of them, do people want Rashica or Benrahma?

I've wanted Benrahma for 2 seasons now, but from what I're read about Rashica given the choice between the two I'd probably go for him.  Also, I'm a bit sick of Brentford fleecing us and kind of hope they get stuck with Benrahma or have to sell him cut price on deadline day.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: richardb on September 10, 2020, 09:27:26 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 10, 2020, 09:18:12 AM

So - if we are going to get 1 of them, do people want Rashica or Benrahma?

Rashica 100% - a front 3 of Grealish, Watkins, Rashica is a proper threat

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 10, 2020, 09:29:11 AM

I'd prefer Rashica on a footballing level if he didn't look like Stevie G's lovechild. Can see him getting punched in the face all the time by opposition players. Benrahma, looks a decent player but i think he'd struggle in the premiership

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 10, 2020, 09:30:54 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 10, 2020, 09:18:12 AM

So - if we are going to get 1 of them, do people want Rashica or Benrahma?

Benrahma, only because I've never seen Rashica play.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dick Edwards on September 10, 2020, 09:32:44 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 10, 2020, 09:18:12 AM

So - if we are going to get 1 of them, do people want Rashica or Benrahma?

I must admit, I'd never heard of Rashica before this summer and have never seen him play.

Benrahma looks a brilliant player at Championship level but I'm a little uncomfortable with us taking both him and Watkins from a team that wasn't good enough to get promoted and expecting them to both carry their form into the Premier League.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on September 10, 2020, 09:35:17 AM

I like Benrahma, but suspect Rashica would be a lot cheaper

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 10, 2020, 09:40:31 AM

The other thing with Rashica from the clips i've seen,  is i'd be a bit nervous about Grealish if we bought him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 10, 2020, 09:40:34 AM

Quote from: richardb on September 10, 2020, 09:27:26 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 10, 2020, 09:18:12 AM

So - if we are going to get 1 of them, do people want Rashica or Benrahma?

Rashica 100% - a front 3 of Grealish, Watson, Rashica is a proper threat

I'd be leaving Watson at Holme

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on September 10, 2020, 09:45:49 AM

Supposedly opened talks with Chelsea over Conor Gallagher (on loan at Charlton/Swansea last season)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: richardb on September 10, 2020, 09:49:07 AM

Quote from: Mister E on September 10, 2020, 09:40:34 AM

Quote from: richardb on September 10, 2020, 09:27:26 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 10, 2020, 09:18:12 AM

So - if we are going to get 1 of them, do people want Rashica or Benrahma?

Rashica 100% - a front 3 of Grealish, Watson, Rashica is a proper threat

I'd be leaving Watson at Holme

fml - fixed

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rob_bridge on September 10, 2020, 09:52:23 AM

Quote from: algy on September 10, 2020, 09:45:49 AM

Supposedly opened talks with Chelsea over Conor Gallagher (on loan at Charlton/Swansea last season)

That'd be quite an interesting punt - loan or perm?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithe on September 10, 2020, 09:56:40 AM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 10, 2020, 09:29:11 AM

I'd prefer Rashica on a footballing level if he didn't look like Stevie G's lovechild.

I’ve never seen him play either, or heard of him, a quick google backs up your comment though. He looks like he’d celebrate any lucrative move with a neck tattoo and by purchasing a Doberman.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: nigel on September 10, 2020, 09:57:23 AM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 10, 2020, 09:40:31 AM

The other thing with Rashica from the clips i've seen,  is i'd be a bit nervous about Grealish if we bought him.

Why’s that?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 10, 2020, 10:02:18 AM

Quote from: nigel on September 10, 2020, 09:57:23 AM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 10, 2020, 09:40:31 AM

The other thing with Rashica from the clips i've seen,  is i'd be a bit nervous about Grealish if we bought him.

Why’s that?

Just going by the clips. Attacking midfielder, beats 2 or 3 players in the middle of the pitch before having a shot. Doesn't look like yer cross it over winger from what i've seen

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 10, 2020, 10:04:45 AM

Quote from: PeterWithe on September 10, 2020, 09:56:40 AM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 10, 2020, 09:29:11 AM

I'd prefer Rashica on a footballing level if he didn't look like Stevie G's lovechild.

I’ve never seen him play either, or heard of him, a quick google backs up your comment though. He looks like he’d celebrate any lucrative move with a neck tattoo and by purchasing a Doberman.

Aye. Just got one of those faces.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 10, 2020, 10:07:16 AM

I reckon Rashica would be cheaper, but Benrahma would have the advantage of at least having an understanding with Watkins.  So based on that, both please.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on September 10, 2020, 10:13:37 AM

Quote from: Richard E on September 09, 2020, 10:27:38 PM

Quote from: VILLA MOLE on September 09, 2020, 10:10:55 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 09, 2020, 10:08:30 PM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on September 09, 2020, 10:02:09 PM

Sounds like Mendez-Laing might be available for free....

I'd wait to the transfer deadline. They may drop the price.

What has he done ? (allegedly)

Punched a badger in an argument over a woman.

Gareth Southgate Badger?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on September 10, 2020, 10:20:10 AM

I want Rashica. Purely because I'd not heard of him before and because I've decided on a song I'd like for him.....

Ah, freak out
Le freak, Rashica
Freak out
Ah, freak out
Le freak, Rashica
Freak out

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Legion on September 10, 2020, 10:22:14 AM

Quote from: Risso on September 09, 2020, 08:46:39 PM

Quote from: Legion on September 09, 2020, 08:40:44 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 09, 2020, 08:37:10 PM

Quote from: Legion on September 09, 2020, 08:30:59 PM

It should do. Can you try again please and let me know the result so I can pass it on to Martin?

I just added you and Ads to the ignore list, and I can still see your posts.  Purely for scientific purposes you understand!

Pretty sure Mods are exempt.

That's why I added Ads as well, but I can see his posts still.

Do you see similar to this?

https://ibb.co/H4thbRh

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Legion on September 10, 2020, 10:29:59 AM

Quote from: Legion on September 10, 2020, 10:22:14 AM

Quote from: Risso on September 09, 2020, 08:46:39 PM

Quote from: Legion on September 09, 2020, 08:40:44 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 09, 2020, 08:37:10 PM

Quote from: Legion on September 09, 2020, 08:30:59 PM

It should do. Can you try again please and let me know the result so I can pass it on to Martin?

I just added you and Ads to the ignore list, and I can still see your posts.  Purely for scientific purposes you understand!

Pretty sure Mods are exempt.

That's why I added Ads as well, but I can see his posts still.

Do you see similar to this?

https://ibb.co/H4thbRh

Ignore. I see you have it working with that extra step.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Legion on September 10, 2020, 10:30:52 AM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 09, 2020, 10:37:05 PM

Quote from: Legion on September 09, 2020, 08:40:44 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 09, 2020, 08:37:10 PM

Quote from: Legion on September 09, 2020, 08:30:59 PM

It should do. Can you try again please and let me know the result so I can pass it on to Martin?

I just added you and Ads to the ignore list, and I can still see your posts.  Purely for scientific purposes you understand!

Pretty sure Mods are exempt.

I just added a poster to my ignore list and it works

Relieved I Am.

Ha!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 10, 2020, 10:31:44 AM

Quote from: Legion on September 10, 2020, 10:29:59 AM

Ignore.

I am ! ;)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on September 10, 2020, 10:36:51 AM

Quote from: Risso on September 10, 2020, 10:31:44 AM

Quote from: Legion on September 10, 2020, 10:29:59 AM

Ignore.

I am ! ;)

But, but, you replied!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: maidstonevillain on September 10, 2020, 10:55:18 AM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 10, 2020, 09:29:11 AM

I'd prefer Rashica on a footballing level if he didn't look like Stevie G's lovechild. Can see him getting punched in the face all the time by opposition players. Benrahma, looks a decent player but i think he'd struggle in the premiership

I agree. Benrahma looks too light weight. Rashica or Buendia for me. Or both.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Legion on September 10, 2020, 10:56:21 AM

Quote from: maidstonevillain on September 09, 2020, 09:48:46 PM

Quote from: Legion on September 09, 2020, 08:25:22 PM

Quote from: Holy Trinity on September 09, 2020, 02:22:48 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 09, 2020, 02:10:24 PM

Thanks for the transfer whispers Holy Trinity. Poor Vinnie took a couple of sceptical posts on his claims to heart but I appreciate any "insider" info however caveat'd. It makes this thread great again.

Hes generally reliable. The only person who really put me off posting on here is footyskillz aka vill I an.

There is an Ignore Poster option in your profile settings.

How many can you add to the Ignore List.

Just asking.

As many as you want.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 10, 2020, 11:01:21 AM

Quote from: maidstonevillain on September 10, 2020, 10:55:18 AM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 10, 2020, 09:29:11 AM

I'd prefer Rashica on a footballing level if he didn't look like Stevie G's lovechild. Can see him getting punched in the face all the time by opposition players. Benrahma, looks a decent player but i think he'd struggle in the premiership

I agree. Benrahma looks too light weight. Rashica or Buendia for me. Or both.

Buendia for me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 10, 2020, 11:02:20 AM

Benrahma reminds me of Mahrez a fair bit, who despite his stature has been exceptional in the premier league. Think I would happily have either but due to his clear want of a better move, probably edge toward Benrahma.

Still like Lange to come up with a pacey young wide player that we can take a punt on cheap.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Des Little on September 10, 2020, 11:07:01 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 10, 2020, 11:02:20 AM

Benrahma reminds me of Mahrez a fair bit, who despite his stature has been exceptional in the premier league. Think I would happily have either but due to his clear want of a better move, probably edge toward Benrahma.

Still like Lange to come up with a pacey young wide player that we can take a punt on cheap.

Seen a couple of reports mentioning Marcus Edwards, so perhaps him?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villan82 on September 10, 2020, 11:13:07 AM

I didn't know there was an Ignore List, thanks!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithe on September 10, 2020, 11:21:16 AM

Quote from: Vill I An on September 10, 2020, 10:41:43 AM

I've done the same . Though as I wasn't logged in I have seen these hurtful comments.
I wish people would be kinder here exactly why I refrained from donating for so long.
I'll have to stay logged in so the comments making fun of me can be ignored.

Poor lamb.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: enigma on September 10, 2020, 11:27:02 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 10, 2020, 09:18:12 AM

So - if we are going to get 1 of them, do people want Rashica or Benrahma?

Benrahma. With regards to a transfer to Villa it doesn't seem like Rashica's heart is in it. Almost as if this is a step down and we're beneath him. Plus he seems happy in Germany so have to wonder how he'll settle in Brum.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 10, 2020, 11:29:26 AM

I'd want somebody who is devastatingly quick. 2009 Agbonlahor levels of quick.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on September 10, 2020, 11:36:55 AM

Quote from: enigma on September 10, 2020, 11:27:02 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 10, 2020, 09:18:12 AM

So - if we are going to get 1 of them, do people want Rashica or Benrahma?

Benrahma. With regards to a transfer to Villa it doesn't seem like Rashica's heart is in it. Almost as if this is a step down and we're beneath him. Plus he seems happy in Germany so have to wonder how he'll settle in Brum.

Yeah but he'd have a stormer of a season just to get out of brum. He wins the Bell on door and we make triple dollar off his sale.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 10, 2020, 12:33:27 PM

Both! - then we could flog El Ghazi :) I'm greedy

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 10, 2020, 12:34:15 PM

Quote from: danno on September 10, 2020, 11:29:26 AM

I'd want somebody who is devastatingly quick. 2009 Agbonlahor levels of quick.

not 2014/15 Level of quick?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 10, 2020, 12:38:02 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 10, 2020, 12:34:15 PM

Quote from: danno on September 10, 2020, 11:29:26 AM

I'd want somebody who is devastatingly quick. 2009 Agbonlahor levels of quick.

not 2014/15 Level of quick?

haha I think by 2015 in a foot race he's what Big Ron would have referred to as: 'lightning slow'.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: tomd2103 on September 10, 2020, 12:47:32 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 10, 2020, 12:33:27 PM

Both! - then we could flog El Ghazi :) I'm greedy

I would like to see an out and out wide player come in and then a young, creative type who could play wide and more centrally as an attacking midfielder, who could offer something a bit different in games.

Add a solid midfielder to play alongside Douglas and give us that solid base and things would be looking pretty decent.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on September 10, 2020, 12:58:11 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on September 10, 2020, 10:41:43 AM

I've done the same . Though as I wasn't logged in I have seen these hurtful comments.
I wish people would be kinder here exactly why I refrained from donating for so long.
I'll have to stay logged in so the comments making fun of me can be ignored.

Mate, I thought some of the comments on here towards you have been absolutely out of order.  Don't let other people's lack of manners put you off posting/visiting.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on September 10, 2020, 01:09:45 PM

Out of the wingers linked I would prefer Buendia as he did very well at this level and in a struggling team. He is also likely to cost less than either Rashica or Benrama.

I would really rather we didn't get any more players from Brentford who have already had an entire stadiums worth of cash off us from Hogan, Konsa and now Watkins two of which have been poor value and one of which may or may not be a good signing. Lets not be too quick to give them another £30m.

Rashica has a very good record of creating and scoring in a good league, but is still more of a risk than Buendia. Is the right sort of signing though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 10, 2020, 01:10:57 PM

Quote from: algy on September 10, 2020, 12:58:11 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on September 10, 2020, 10:41:43 AM

I've done the same . Though as I wasn't logged in I have seen these hurtful comments.
I wish people would be kinder here exactly why I refrained from donating for so long.
I'll have to stay logged in so the comments making fun of me can be ignored.

Mate, I thought some of the comments on here towards you have been absolutely out of order.  Don't let other people's lack of manners put you off posting/visiting.

Same here, there really is no need.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: frank black on September 10, 2020, 01:11:12 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on September 10, 2020, 01:09:45 PM

Out of the wingers linked I would prefer Buendia as he did very well at this level and in a struggling team. He is also likely to cost less than either Rashica or Benrama.

I would really rather we didn't get any more players from Brentford who have already had an entire stadiums worth of cash off us from Hogan, Konsa and now Watkins two of which have been poor value and one of which may or may not be a good signing. Lets not be too quick to give them another £30m.

Rashica has a very good record of creating and scoring in a good league, but is still more of a risk than Buendia. Is the right sort of signing though.

I imagine Buendia won’t cost less and Konsa will turn out to be an excellent signing

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 10, 2020, 01:12:05 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 09, 2020, 10:37:05 PM

Quote from: Legion on September 09, 2020, 08:40:44 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 09, 2020, 08:37:10 PM

Quote from: Legion on September 09, 2020, 08:30:59 PM

It should do. Can you try again please and let me know the result so I can pass it on to Martin?

I just added you and Ads to the ignore list, and I can still see your posts.  Purely for scientific purposes you understand!

Pretty sure Mods are exempt.

I just added a poster to my ignore list and it works

Relieved I Am.

How do it do it?  I can’t even meet them halfway on most things.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Legion on September 10, 2020, 01:15:23 PM

Profile
Summary
Modify Profile
Ignore/Buddy List

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 10, 2020, 01:15:37 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 10, 2020, 09:18:12 AM

So - if we are going to get 1 of them, do people want Rashica or Benrahma?

Rashica.

We're too one paced at the moment and he has a bit of nip as well as everything else.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 10, 2020, 01:22:50 PM

Thanks

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 10, 2020, 01:23:26 PM

Definitely Rashica we need a dead moody Kosovan to wind a few opponents up.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 10, 2020, 01:24:58 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on September 10, 2020, 01:09:45 PM

I would really rather we didn't get any more players from Brentford who have already had an entire stadiums worth of cash off us from Hogan, Konsa and now Watkins two of which have been poor value and one of which may or may not be a good signing. Lets not be too quick to give them another £30m.

Watkins hasn't even kicked a ball for us and he's being included in a group as to being poor value? Konsa was excellent after lockdown and at his age, we could have years of service from him.

No argument with Hogan, however. Different owners, different manager responsible for that one.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: DeeBoy1 on September 10, 2020, 01:29:20 PM

Quote from: danno on September 10, 2020, 01:10:57 PM

Quote from: algy on September 10, 2020, 12:58:11 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on September 10, 2020, 10:41:43 AM

I've done the same . Though as I wasn't logged in I have seen these hurtful comments.
I wish people would be kinder here exactly why I refrained from donating for so long.
I'll have to stay logged in so the comments making fun of me can be ignored.

Mate, I thought some of the comments on here towards you have been absolutely out of order.  Don't let other people's lack of manners put you off posting/visiting.

Same here, there really is no need.

Thirded

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on September 10, 2020, 01:34:46 PM

Quote from: Legion on September 10, 2020, 01:15:23 PM

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This has changed my life. I now have so much spare time, I'm less moody, my tennis has improved and my complexion has cleared up.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on September 10, 2020, 01:35:43 PM

When you do it , do you then lose all the replies where someone has quoted a person you've ignored?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 10, 2020, 01:37:21 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 10, 2020, 01:34:46 PM

Quote from: Legion on September 10, 2020, 01:15:23 PM

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This has changed my life. I now have so much spare time, I'm less moody, my tennis has improved and my complexion has cleared up.

This going to lead to some very strange threads in my opinion, we'll at least for those of us that see everything.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 10, 2020, 01:40:05 PM

I've ignored everyone on here apart from Darren.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 10, 2020, 01:51:48 PM

Quote from: Legion on September 10, 2020, 01:15:23 PM

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If you put an asterisk in the ignore list would it ignore every user? :D

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 10, 2020, 02:12:08 PM

Quote from: OCD on September 10, 2020, 01:24:58 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on September 10, 2020, 01:09:45 PM

I would really rather we didn't get any more players from Brentford who have already had an entire stadiums worth of cash off us from Hogan, Konsa and now Watkins two of which have been poor value and one of which may or may not be a good signing. Lets not be too quick to give them another £30m.

Watkins hasn't even kicked a ball for us and he's being included in a group as to being poor value? Konsa was excellent after lockdown and at his age, we could have years of service from him.

No argument with Hogan, however. Different owners, different manager responsible for that one.

Konsa was a snip at £12 million.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 10, 2020, 02:14:32 PM

Ake just cost Man City £41m. He’s better than Konsa but not by a wide margin. Based on that value Konsa is now easily £25m as a starting CB in the PL.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 10, 2020, 02:31:02 PM

Quote from: DeeBoy1 on September 10, 2020, 01:29:20 PM

Quote from: danno on September 10, 2020, 01:10:57 PM

Quote from: algy on September 10, 2020, 12:58:11 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on September 10, 2020, 10:41:43 AM

I've done the same . Though as I wasn't logged in I have seen these hurtful comments.
I wish people would be kinder here exactly why I refrained from donating for so long.
I'll have to stay logged in so the comments making fun of me can be ignored.

Mate, I thought some of the comments on here towards you have been absolutely out of order.  Don't let other people's lack of manners put you off posting/visiting.

Same here, there really is no need.

Thirded

Completely agree. Petty and unnecessary in the extreme.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Smithy on September 10, 2020, 02:44:35 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 10, 2020, 02:14:32 PM

Ake just cost Man City £41m. He’s better than Konsa but not by a wide margin. Based on that value Konsa is now easily £25m as a starting CB in the PL.

Althouth he's only 22 - a relative baby in centre-half terms - I'm expecting a big season from Konsa, he has all the attributes required to be a top, top defender.  People also forget that despite being very young, he's actually quite experienced, given he was playing first team football at 18 for Charlton.  He's got more career first-team appearances than Tyrone!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 10, 2020, 02:45:47 PM

Quote from: Smithy on September 10, 2020, 02:44:35 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 10, 2020, 02:14:32 PM

Ake just cost Man City £41m. He’s better than Konsa but not by a wide margin. Based on that value Konsa is now easily £25m as a starting CB in the PL.

Althouth he's only 22 - a relative baby in centre-half terms - I'm expecting a big season from Konsa, he has all the attributes required to be a top, top defender.  People also forget that despite being very young, he's actually quite experienced, given he was playing first team football at 18 for Charlton.  He's got more career first-team appearances than Tyrone!

I thought he was superb after the restart.  Looked just as at home at right back, which is the sign of a very good footballer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on September 10, 2020, 02:48:35 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 10, 2020, 02:45:47 PM

Quote from: Smithy on September 10, 2020, 02:44:35 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 10, 2020, 02:14:32 PM

Ake just cost Man City £41m. He’s better than Konsa but not by a wide margin. Based on that value Konsa is now easily £25m as a starting CB in the PL.

Althouth he's only 22 - a relative baby in centre-half terms - I'm expecting a big season from Konsa, he has all the attributes required to be a top, top defender.  People also forget that despite being very young, he's actually quite experienced, given he was playing first team football at 18 for Charlton.  He's got more career first-team appearances than Tyrone!

I thought he was superb after the restart.  Looked just as at home at right back, which is the sign of a very good footballer.

Konsa shows absolutely bags of promise.

He's still going to make mistakes - he's only 22 - but he's looking like money well spent

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on September 10, 2020, 02:51:06 PM

Quote from: Drummond on September 10, 2020, 01:35:43 PM

When you do it , do you then lose all the replies where someone has quoted a person you've ignored?

I was thinking this as well. If I've blocked person B and then person A quotes person B, do I see what they've quoted so I can understand the context of person A?

I scroll by anyway so I'm just curious.

On transfers, how does Rashica compare to Benrahma? They both similar? One more pacey etc?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Legion on September 10, 2020, 02:53:23 PM

You cannot ignore 'quoted' posts or posts made by a member of the mod/admin team.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on September 10, 2020, 03:00:36 PM

Ok, cheers.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 10, 2020, 03:08:29 PM

Agreed on the Konsa love. I think he's a potential top, top player.

Rashica or Benhrama - haven't seen Rashica play and Benrahma only once or twice so undecided. Which one of them is fastest? That's what I want, a really pacy skillful winger who'll scare the living daylights out of the full-back when he runs at him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisf on September 10, 2020, 03:10:23 PM

Quote from: Legion on September 10, 2020, 02:53:23 PM

You cannot ignore ... posts made by a member of the mod/admin team.

You definitely can.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Legion on September 10, 2020, 03:12:30 PM

Can you send me a screenshot please?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 10, 2020, 03:12:49 PM

Quote from: chrisf on September 10, 2020, 03:10:23 PM

Quote from: Legion on September 10, 2020, 02:53:23 PM

You cannot ignore ... posts made by a member of the mod/admin team.

You definitely can.

You can definitely ignore them (at your peril)...may lead to a ban though. :)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Legion on September 10, 2020, 03:14:21 PM

Ignore as in not pay any attention or ignore as in not being able to see them as per my earlier screenshot link?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisf on September 10, 2020, 03:17:02 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on September 10, 2020, 03:12:49 PM

Quote from: chrisf on September 10, 2020, 03:10:23 PM

Quote from: Legion on September 10, 2020, 02:53:23 PM

You cannot ignore ... posts made by a member of the mod/admin team.

You definitely can.

You can definitely ignore them (at your peril)...may lead to a ban though. :)

Haha. Sorry Legion just pulling your leg.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Legion on September 10, 2020, 03:17:50 PM

Naughty.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Axl Rose on September 10, 2020, 03:19:28 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 10, 2020, 02:31:02 PM

Quote from: DeeBoy1 on September 10, 2020, 01:29:20 PM

Quote from: danno on September 10, 2020, 01:10:57 PM

Quote from: algy on September 10, 2020, 12:58:11 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on September 10, 2020, 10:41:43 AM

I've done the same . Though as I wasn't logged in I have seen these hurtful comments.
I wish people would be kinder here exactly why I refrained from donating for so long.
I'll have to stay logged in so the comments making fun of me can be ignored.

Mate, I thought some of the comments on here towards you have been absolutely out of order.  Don't let other people's lack of manners put you off posting/visiting.

Same here, there really is no need.

Thirded

Completely agree. Petty and unnecessary in the extreme.

In your opinion.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Russ aka Big Nose on September 10, 2020, 03:21:22 PM

Re GK, was chatting to an Arsenal supporting mate, he reckons Martinez is marginally better than Leno, though both excellent keepers.

He thinks either is more than adequate for them with Matt Macey as back-up. They are also looking to spend big on one or two signings - he mentioned an athletic DCM. So I think if Villa match the valuation Arsenal have then Martinez looks a real possibility.

Assuming a fee of c.£20m based on appearances and given the value of having the best keeper you can afford - to have a quality player for the next 5-6 years and still have some resale value looks a very good deal.

With Heaton returning and given the positive impact he had on the side, it was not a position I thought was a priority - other than moving on a couple of GKs to reduce the wage bill, but the more I consider it, the more I think signing Martinez would be great - and a real sign of intent.

Not interested in Yanited's third choice keeper on stupid money.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 10, 2020, 03:38:44 PM

Quote from: Smithy on September 10, 2020, 02:44:35 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 10, 2020, 02:14:32 PM

Ake just cost Man City £41m. He’s better than Konsa but not by a wide margin. Based on that value Konsa is now easily £25m as a starting CB in the PL.

Althouth he's only 22 - a relative baby in centre-half terms - I'm expecting a big season from Konsa, he has all the attributes required to be a top, top defender.  People also forget that despite being very young, he's actually quite experienced, given he was playing first team football at 18 for Charlton.  He's got more career first-team appearances than Tyrone!

Wow, great stat! Something I'd expect to have been flagged by now by one of the statto's-  Skillz, PWS or the Eigentor etc.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 10, 2020, 03:48:22 PM

Quote from: Axl Rose on September 10, 2020, 03:19:28 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 10, 2020, 02:31:02 PM

Quote from: DeeBoy1 on September 10, 2020, 01:29:20 PM

Quote from: danno on September 10, 2020, 01:10:57 PM

Quote from: algy on September 10, 2020, 12:58:11 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on September 10, 2020, 10:41:43 AM

I've done the same . Though as I wasn't logged in I have seen these hurtful comments.
I wish people would be kinder here exactly why I refrained from donating for so long.
I'll have to stay logged in so the comments making fun of me can be ignored.

Mate, I thought some of the comments on here towards you have been absolutely out of order.  Don't let other people's lack of manners put you off posting/visiting.

Same here, there really is no need.

Thirded

Completely agree. Petty and unnecessary in the extreme.

In your opinion.

Fairly obviously 'in my opinion', yes, since it's a discussion board. I'm not sure why you would think it was anything else or why I would need to preface it with 'in my opinion'. I would have thought the 'completely agree' would have done that job for you.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Axl Rose on September 10, 2020, 03:59:13 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 10, 2020, 03:48:22 PM

Quote from: Axl Rose on September 10, 2020, 03:19:28 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 10, 2020, 02:31:02 PM

Quote from: DeeBoy1 on September 10, 2020, 01:29:20 PM

Quote from: danno on September 10, 2020, 01:10:57 PM

Quote from: algy on September 10, 2020, 12:58:11 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on September 10, 2020, 10:41:43 AM

I've done the same . Though as I wasn't logged in I have seen these hurtful comments.
I wish people would be kinder here exactly why I refrained from donating for so long.
I'll have to stay logged in so the comments making fun of me can be ignored.

Mate, I thought some of the comments on here towards you have been absolutely out of order.  Don't let other people's lack of manners put you off posting/visiting.

Same here, there really is no need.

Thirded

Completely agree. Petty and unnecessary in the extreme.

In your opinion.

Fairly obviously 'in my opinion', yes, since it's a discussion board. I'm not sure why you would think it was anything else or why I would need to preface it with 'in my opinion'. I would have thought the 'completely agree' would have done that job for you.

Thank you for clarifying that. It has really helped me to understand better.

I was just curious why you go out of your way to defend the indefensible, no matter what. All the time.

But anyway, as you said, 'it's a discussion board'.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on September 10, 2020, 04:03:35 PM

I would hardly say that support for a poster is "defending the indefensible".

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Axl Rose on September 10, 2020, 04:05:15 PM

I suppose it depends how irritating one finds the poster, but I understand your point.

Apologies, I'll shut up and behave.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Alex77 on September 10, 2020, 04:08:18 PM

I think a lot of people, including the more experienced posters, should really take time to read this and have a think if it relates to them and their posting style;

https://www.heroesandvillains.info/forumv3/index.php?topic=61196.0

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 10, 2020, 04:12:27 PM

Quote from: Axl Rose on September 10, 2020, 03:59:13 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 10, 2020, 03:48:22 PM

Quote from: Axl Rose on September 10, 2020, 03:19:28 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 10, 2020, 02:31:02 PM

Quote from: DeeBoy1 on September 10, 2020, 01:29:20 PM

Quote from: danno on September 10, 2020, 01:10:57 PM

Quote from: algy on September 10, 2020, 12:58:11 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on September 10, 2020, 10:41:43 AM

I've done the same . Though as I wasn't logged in I have seen these hurtful comments.
I wish people would be kinder here exactly why I refrained from donating for so long.
I'll have to stay logged in so the comments making fun of me can be ignored.

Mate, I thought some of the comments on here towards you have been absolutely out of order.  Don't let other people's lack of manners put you off posting/visiting.

Same here, there really is no need.

Thirded

Completely agree. Petty and unnecessary in the extreme.

In your opinion.

Fairly obviously 'in my opinion', yes, since it's a discussion board. I'm not sure why you would think it was anything else or why I would need to preface it with 'in my opinion'. I would have thought the 'completely agree' would have done that job for you.

Thank you for clarifying that. It has really helped me to understand better.

I was just curious why you go out of your way to defend the indefensible, no matter what. All the time.

But anyway, as you said, 'it's a discussion board'.

''Defend the indefensible'? Christ. Anyone would think I was advocating a capital crime rather than agreeing with four other posters that I disagreed with some comments made to Vill I An.

As to why I stick up for Vill I An when I think it's warranted, that's a discussion that has been had elsewhere and I don't think belongs here (that isn't a dig by the way, honestly, others will understand).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 10, 2020, 04:13:06 PM

Have there been any whispers murmurs about some of our fringe players leaving?
Kalinic and Lansbury spring to mind. I do know there was an article saying we'd consider letting some players leave.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 10, 2020, 04:15:28 PM

Thought I'd clicked on VillaTalk for a moment there....

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AV82EC on September 10, 2020, 04:15:39 PM

Quote from: danno on September 10, 2020, 04:13:06 PM

Have there been any whispers murmurs about some of our fringe players leaving?
Kalinic and Lansbury spring to mind. I do know there was an article saying we'd consider letting some players leave.

I don’t think that will happen until the domestic transfer window extension in early Oct.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Legion on September 10, 2020, 04:15:43 PM

Back to the bullshit, please.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Axl Rose on September 10, 2020, 04:17:00 PM

I remember reading your reasons for sticking up for Vill I An in the Muppets section, and found them commendable.

I now think you've gone too far, but anyway, that's a discussion board for you. Opinions and all that.

Apologies for getting irritated by you.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 10, 2020, 04:20:31 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 10, 2020, 02:48:35 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 10, 2020, 02:45:47 PM

Quote from: Smithy on September 10, 2020, 02:44:35 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 10, 2020, 02:14:32 PM

Ake just cost Man City £41m. He’s better than Konsa but not by a wide margin. Based on that value Konsa is now easily £25m as a starting CB in the PL.

Althouth he's only 22 - a relative baby in centre-half terms - I'm expecting a big season from Konsa, he has all the attributes required to be a top, top defender.  People also forget that despite being very young, he's actually quite experienced, given he was playing first team football at 18 for Charlton.  He's got more career first-team appearances than Tyrone!

I thought he was superb after the restart.  Looked just as at home at right back, which is the sign of a very good footballer.

Konsa shows absolutely bags of promise.

He's still going to make mistakes - he's only 22 - but he's looking like money well spent

Can’t recall what game it was but when he gave Mings a good bollocking for losing his man showed he’s not afraid to take that next step from a development and leadership standpoint. And that’s good for Mings too who I also expect to be much better.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 10, 2020, 04:21:19 PM

Quote from: AV82EC on September 10, 2020, 04:15:39 PM

Quote from: danno on September 10, 2020, 04:13:06 PM

Have there been any whispers murmurs about some of our fringe players leaving?
Kalinic and Lansbury spring to mind. I do know there was an article saying we'd consider letting some players leave.

I don’t think that will happen until the domestic transfer window extension in early Oct.

Yeah, I think loans right at the end of the window - Kalinic, Nyland, Jota, maybe Davis, Lansbury if we're lucky. Can't see much in the way of transfer fees coming in.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: frank black on September 10, 2020, 04:23:42 PM

Quote from: Legion on September 10, 2020, 02:53:23 PM

You cannot ignore 'quoted' posts or posts made by a member of the mod/admin team.

Who said that? Never mind carry on 😉

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 10, 2020, 04:24:53 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 10, 2020, 04:21:19 PM

Quote from: AV82EC on September 10, 2020, 04:15:39 PM

Quote from: danno on September 10, 2020, 04:13:06 PM

Have there been any whispers murmurs about some of our fringe players leaving?
Kalinic and Lansbury spring to mind. I do know there was an article saying we'd consider letting some players leave.

I don’t think that will happen until the domestic transfer window extension in early Oct.

Yeah, I think loans right at the end of the window - Kalinic, Nyland, Jota, maybe Davis, Lansbury if we're lucky. Can't see much in the way of transfer fees coming in.

I did (optimistically) think Kalinic and his agent might be pushing for a move with the euros coming up.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AV82EC on September 10, 2020, 04:31:45 PM

Quote from: danno on September 10, 2020, 04:24:53 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 10, 2020, 04:21:19 PM

Quote from: AV82EC on September 10, 2020, 04:15:39 PM

Quote from: danno on September 10, 2020, 04:13:06 PM

Have there been any whispers murmurs about some of our fringe players leaving?
Kalinic and Lansbury spring to mind. I do know there was an article saying we'd consider letting some players leave.

I don’t think that will happen until the domestic transfer window extension in early Oct.

Yeah, I think loans right at the end of the window - Kalinic, Nyland, Jota, maybe Davis, Lansbury if we're lucky. Can't see much in the way of transfer fees coming in.

I did (optimistically) think Kalinic and his agent might be pushing for a move with the euros coming up.

I think we all live in hope with Kalinic but I think he’s happy to sit on his lucrative contract. Has he really got 3 seasons left?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john2710 on September 10, 2020, 04:44:39 PM

Quote from: AV82EC on September 10, 2020, 04:31:45 PM

Quote from: danno on September 10, 2020, 04:24:53 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 10, 2020, 04:21:19 PM

Quote from: AV82EC on September 10, 2020, 04:15:39 PM

Quote from: danno on September 10, 2020, 04:13:06 PM

Have there been any whispers murmurs about some of our fringe players leaving?
Kalinic and Lansbury spring to mind. I do know there was an article saying we'd consider letting some players leave.

I don’t think that will happen until the domestic transfer window extension in early Oct.

Yeah, I think loans right at the end of the window - Kalinic, Nyland, Jota, maybe Davis, Lansbury if we're lucky. Can't see much in the way of transfer fees coming in.

I did (optimistically) think Kalinic and his agent might be pushing for a move with the euros coming up.

I think we all live in hope with Kalinic but I think he’s happy to sit on his lucrative contract. Has he really got 3 seasons left?

Yes!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Legion on September 10, 2020, 04:46:28 PM

The Croatian Micah Richards?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 10, 2020, 04:50:18 PM

Problem really is no mid level euro team can afford him, allegedly on 60k a week here although I find that hard to believe so rules him out of going back to play in  Belgium.

Would love to know the thought process behind signing him given he was a target for us a few years before. DS played him in 5 games and hasn't fancied him since.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 10, 2020, 04:52:33 PM

According to the Neil we are open to offers for  Kalinic, Nyland, Guilbert, Engels, El Ghazi and Nakamba.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 10, 2020, 04:56:03 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on September 10, 2020, 04:52:33 PM

According to the Neil we are open to offers for  Kalinic, Nyland, Guilbert, Engels, El Ghazi and Nakamba.

Diamond? Well, money talks......

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 10, 2020, 04:58:00 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on September 10, 2020, 04:52:33 PM

According to the Neil we are open to offers for  Kalinic, Nyland, Guilbert, Engels, El Ghazi and Nakamba.

Lansbury, Jota and Hogan weren't mentioned? Maybe those are just seen as obviously for sale.

The only one I'd be sad to see leave out of that lot is Guilbert, although wouldn't be against giving Nakamba another year to see how he develops.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 10, 2020, 04:59:14 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on September 10, 2020, 04:52:33 PM

According to the Neil we are open to offers for  Kalinic, Nyland, Guilbert, Engels, El Ghazi and Nakamba.

should get about £42 for those lot.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on September 10, 2020, 05:00:56 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on September 10, 2020, 04:52:33 PM

According to the Neil we are open to offers for  Kalinic, Nyland, Guilbert, Engels, El Ghazi and Nakamba.

Guilbert, Engels and Nakamba all showed good form in patches and I wouldn't be in a rush to get shot of. I know there have been reports of Smith falling out with Engels, maybe he doesn't get on with Guilbert? It does seem odd that we have prioritised replacing him when most here see a decent player in him.

Makes perfect sense to shift non playing goalkeepers out. Would possibly loan Steer out too if we did buy another keeper.

Surprised not to see Hogan, Lansbury and Jota on the list.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 10, 2020, 05:03:44 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 10, 2020, 04:58:00 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on September 10, 2020, 04:52:33 PM

According to the Neil we are open to offers for  Kalinic, Nyland, Guilbert, Engels, El Ghazi and Nakamba.

Lansbury, Jota and Hogan weren't mentioned? Maybe those are just seen as obviously for sale.

The only one I'd be sad to see leave out of that lot is Guilbert, although wouldn't be against giving Nakamba another year to see how he develops.

They're obviously the extra players we throw in for free. Like the pen you get from a sunlife plan.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on September 10, 2020, 05:03:48 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 10, 2020, 04:56:03 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on September 10, 2020, 04:52:33 PM

According to the Neil we are open to offers for  Kalinic, Nyland, Guilbert, Engels, El Ghazi and Nakamba.

Diamond? Well, money talks......

Simon Page?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 10, 2020, 05:06:11 PM

Quote from: danno on September 10, 2020, 05:03:44 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 10, 2020, 04:58:00 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on September 10, 2020, 04:52:33 PM

According to the Neil we are open to offers for  Kalinic, Nyland, Guilbert, Engels, El Ghazi and Nakamba.

Lansbury, Jota and Hogan weren't mentioned? Maybe those are just seen as obviously for sale.

The only one I'd be sad to see leave out of that lot is Guilbert, although wouldn't be against giving Nakamba another year to see how he develops.

They're obviously the extra players we throw in for free. Like the pen you get from a sunlife plan.

Remember the episode of Peep Show where Super Hans would only sell certain items if you took the others he'd bundled with them?
"Yeah, we'd like to buy Kalinic from you. What, Scott Hogan is included? No way, we don't want him, we've seen him play"
"Well, I'm sorry but you can't have Kalinic then".

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: nigel on September 10, 2020, 05:07:02 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on September 10, 2020, 10:41:43 AM

I've done the same . Though as I wasn't logged in I have seen these hurtful comments.
I wish people would be kinder here exactly why I refrained from donating for so long.
I'll have to stay logged in so the comments making fun of me can be ignored.

They say more about the poster than yourself, just rise above it.
You could always take them as a back handed complement  :D

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 10, 2020, 05:09:44 PM

I like his posts I just don’t like his more than occasional patronising manner that has been mentioned on a few occasions. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on September 10, 2020, 05:11:22 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on September 10, 2020, 04:52:33 PM

According to the Neil we are open to offers for  Kalinic, Nyland, Guilbert, Engels, El Ghazi and Nakamba.

Really don't understand the lack of faith in Guilbert. AEG has loads of ability too but maybe not tough enough mentally to make it at top levels. Others are no surprise

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 10, 2020, 05:14:34 PM

Some managers just have a blind spot with certain players.  If I remember correctly he missed the opening couple of matches last season without explanation but assumed lack of match fitness.  It could’ve been downhill from there. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 10, 2020, 05:14:46 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on September 10, 2020, 05:09:44 PM

I like his posts I just don’t like his more than occasional patronising manner that has been mentioned on a few occasions. 

That's the rub. Cut that out and there's no issue.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 10, 2020, 05:16:17 PM

you all seem to forget - this is the internet. Saftness takes place all too often :)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on September 10, 2020, 05:16:52 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 10, 2020, 05:14:46 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on September 10, 2020, 05:09:44 PM

I like his posts I just don’t like his more than occasional patronising manner that has been mentioned on a few occasions. 

That's the rub. Cut that out and there's no issue.

Try reading them in the voice of Donald Trump. Works for me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 10, 2020, 05:24:02 PM

‘It’s gonna be a great window a truly great window you’re gonna be so proud of your head coach.’

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 10, 2020, 05:29:19 PM

Quote from: Russ aka Big Nose on September 10, 2020, 03:21:22 PM

Re GK, was chatting to an Arsenal supporting mate, he reckons Martinez is marginally better than Leno, though both excellent keepers.

He thinks either is more than adequate for them with Matt Macey as back-up. They are also looking to spend big on one or two signings - he mentioned an athletic DCM. So I think if Villa match the valuation Arsenal have then Martinez looks a real possibility.

Assuming a fee of c.£20m based on appearances and given the value of having the best keeper you can afford - to have a quality player for the next 5-6 years and still have some resale value looks a very good deal.

With Heaton returning and given the positive impact he had on the side, it was not a position I thought was a priority - other than moving on a couple of GKs to reduce the wage bill, but the more I consider it, the more I think signing Martinez would be great - and a real sign of intent.

Not interested in Yanited's third choice keeper on stupid money.

Have a feeling that Martinez is only using us a leverage to get a better deal/ guarantee more playing time at Arsenal.

If he has any realistic chance of making it there he has to pursue it Shirley.

We'll see.  I haven't seen enough of him to be convinced we've missed out big time if we don't get him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 10, 2020, 05:31:08 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on September 10, 2020, 04:52:33 PM

According to the Neil we are open to offers for  Kalinic, Nyland, Guilbert, Engels, El Ghazi and Nakamba.

Most of those I'm fine with.

El Ghazi can still make the transition to top flight football and showed promise at times last year. So unless it's an attitude thing (quite possible, in his case) I'd hope he'd stay at least another season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 10, 2020, 05:44:23 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on September 10, 2020, 04:52:33 PM

According to the Neil we are open to offers for  Kalinic, Nyland, Guilbert, Engels, El Ghazi and Nakamba.

Blimey: with Ange, Hotter and Hulk, the club thinks it's 10 senior players overstaffed.
Not a good look.

Guilbert, Engels and Nakamba are surely worth another season in the squad?

Mind you, they could always start a new club off in the Conference and use this group of 10 as the core of the side...

... just an idea.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 10, 2020, 05:48:23 PM

Quote from: Mister E on September 10, 2020, 05:44:23 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on September 10, 2020, 04:52:33 PM

According to the Neil we are open to offers for  Kalinic, Nyland, Guilbert, Engels, El Ghazi and Nakamba.

Blimey: with Ange, Hotter and Hulk, the club thinks it's 10 senior players overstaffed.
Not a good look.

Guilbert, Engels and Nakamba are surely worth another season in the squad?

Mind you, they could always start a new club off in the Conference and use this group of 10 as the core of the side...

... just an idea.

Do what man city did and buy an MLS team.
Yippee Ohio F.C

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 10, 2020, 06:00:36 PM

Sorry this is the full list.

Reports in Turkey indicate that Besiktas may move for Samatta, 27.

Midfielder Marvelous Nakamba, defenders Bjorn Engels and Frederic Guilbert, and goalkeepers Orjan Nyland and Lovre Kalinic are also believed to be available along with forward Scott Hogan, while Villa may consider offers for Anwar El Ghazi if Smith can bring in another wide attacker.

Hogan had an impressive loan spell at Villa's city rivals Birmingham during the second half of last season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Russ aka Big Nose on September 10, 2020, 06:03:45 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on September 10, 2020, 05:29:19 PM

Quote from: Russ aka Big Nose on September 10, 2020, 03:21:22 PM

Re GK, was chatting to an Arsenal supporting mate, he reckons Martinez is marginally better than Leno, though both excellent keepers.

He thinks either is more than adequate for them with Matt Macey as back-up. They are also looking to spend big on one or two signings - he mentioned an athletic DCM. So I think if Villa match the valuation Arsenal have then Martinez looks a real possibility.

Assuming a fee of c.£20m based on appearances and given the value of having the best keeper you can afford - to have a quality player for the next 5-6 years and still have some resale value looks a very good deal.

With Heaton returning and given the positive impact he had on the side, it was not a position I thought was a priority - other than moving on a couple of GKs to reduce the wage bill, but the more I consider it, the more I think signing Martinez would be great - and a real sign of intent.

Not interested in Yanited's third choice keeper on stupid money.

Have a feeling that Martinez is only using us a leverage to get a better deal/ guarantee more playing time at Arsenal.

If he has any realistic chance of making it there he has to pursue it Shirley.

We'll see.  I haven't seen enough of him to be convinced we've missed out big time if we don't get him.

Maybe, but he's potentially got a big decision to make assuming he isn't made first choice at Arsenal - either take the easy option, no stress and good money or move to become first choice in the belief that will get him more international recognition/caps.

Of course, if he moves we will not be the only interested clubs, but we seem to be showing a lot of interest given we have a couple priority positions to cover/upgrade first.

I like Heaton and the impact he had, but this feels like a good deal if it happens.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on September 10, 2020, 06:05:16 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 10, 2020, 04:56:03 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on September 10, 2020, 04:52:33 PM

According to the Neil we are open to offers for  Kalinic, Nyland, Guilbert, Engels, El Ghazi and Nakamba.

Quote from: LeeB on September 10, 2020, 04:56:03 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on September 10, 2020, 04:52:33 PM

According to the Neil we are open to offers for  Kalinic, Nyland, Guilbert, Engels, El Ghazi and Nakamba.

money talks......

Matty Cash I want you, Matty Cash I need you, Woah

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Londonvilla on September 10, 2020, 06:29:55 PM

Both Aston Villa and Fulham are said to have held a tentative interest in Paulo Gazzaniga ahead of next month’s transfer deadline (Daily Mail).

And Tottenham, it is claimed, would listen to offers for the Argentine goalkeeper, after hiring Joe Hart in his position (Evening Standard).

https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/09/10/our-view-aston-villa-could-have-clear-run-at-tottenham-player-if-they-shelve-20m-transfer-pursuit/

£20m for Emi Martinez or the Spurs keeper for £50m

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 10, 2020, 06:32:42 PM

The Arsenal keeper is miles better

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on September 10, 2020, 06:43:05 PM

Gazzaniga is crap

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: enigma on September 10, 2020, 06:56:07 PM

Quote from: danno on September 10, 2020, 05:48:23 PM

Quote from: Mister E on September 10, 2020, 05:44:23 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on September 10, 2020, 04:52:33 PM

According to the Neil we are open to offers for  Kalinic, Nyland, Guilbert, Engels, El Ghazi and Nakamba.

Blimey: with Ange, Hotter and Hulk, the club thinks it's 10 senior players overstaffed.
Not a good look.

Guilbert, Engels and Nakamba are surely worth another season in the squad?

Mind you, they could always start a new club off in the Conference and use this group of 10 as the core of the side...

... just an idea.

Do what man city did and buy an MLS team.
Yippee Ohio F.C

At this rate we may as well just buy Brentford. Would probably work out cheaper.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Tokyo Sexwhale on September 10, 2020, 07:02:51 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 10, 2020, 04:58:00 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on September 10, 2020, 04:52:33 PM

According to the Neil we are open to offers for  Kalinic, Nyland, Guilbert, Engels, El Ghazi and Nakamba.

Lansbury, Jota and Hogan weren't mentioned? Maybe those are just seen as obviously for sale.

The only one I'd be sad to see leave out of that lot is Guilbert, although wouldn't be against giving Nakamba another year to see how he develops.

Neil Taylor should be on the for sale list too, he's barely good enough for a middling Championship side, let alone one with aspirations for the middle of the Premier League.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Londonvilla on September 10, 2020, 07:11:19 PM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on September 10, 2020, 06:43:05 PM

Gazzaniga is crap

Thank you for your well considered and thoughtful post

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 10, 2020, 07:18:08 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on September 10, 2020, 06:00:36 PM

Sorry this is the full list.

Reports in Turkey indicate that Besiktas may move for Samatta, 27.

Midfielder Marvelous Nakamba, defenders Bjorn Engels and Frederic Guilbert, and goalkeepers Orjan Nyland and Lovre Kalinic are also believed to be available along with forward Scott Hogan, while Villa may consider offers for Anwar El Ghazi if Smith can bring in another wide attacker.

Hogan had an impressive loan spell at Villa's city rivals Birmingham during the second half of last season.

So, why not Hotter and Ange?
They added absolutely f.a. last season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Londonvilla on September 10, 2020, 07:21:59 PM

Danny Drinkwater opens up on 'embarrassing' Aston Villa loan spell

https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/aston-villa/2020/09/10/danny-drinkwater-opens-up-on-embarrassing-aston-villa-loan-spell/

The fans were waiting for Danny Drinkwater and this loaf of bread turned up in midfield."

"I was thinking ‘Jesus, I’ve just been back to somewhere I had so much success and I couldn’t get on the pitch. This is embarrassing’,"

"I got some stick from the fans and I woke up and I was raging. After training I planned to go and speak to Dean Smith about things, but then I went and headbutted Jota.

I don't want him back

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Legion on September 10, 2020, 07:30:19 PM

Quote from: Londonvilla on September 10, 2020, 07:21:59 PM

Danny Drinkwater opens up on 'embarrassing' Aston Villa loan spell

https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/aston-villa/2020/09/10/danny-drinkwater-opens-up-on-embarrassing-aston-villa-loan-spell/

The fans were waiting for Danny Drinkwater and this loaf of bread turned up in midfield."

"I was thinking ‘Jesus, I’ve just been back to somewhere I had so much success and I couldn’t get on the pitch. This is embarrassing’,"

"I got some stick from the fans and I woke up and I was raging. After training I planned to go and speak to Dean Smith about things, but then I went and headbutted Jota.

I don't want him back

Blimey!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: four fornicholl on September 10, 2020, 07:59:27 PM

Another tentative thumbs up for Vill I an.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Richard E on September 10, 2020, 08:07:21 PM

https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/arsenal-emiliano-martinez-transfer-news-aston-villa-latest-bernd-leno-arteta-fulham-team-news-b421684.html

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: TelfordVilla on September 10, 2020, 08:10:59 PM

Well I've blocked him, and now I know how it works i may block a few others. Feel free to block me if it suits you.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 10, 2020, 08:12:16 PM

Forcing Arsenal's hand because they need some dough, blowing Spurs out the running for Watkins.

I like this window.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on September 10, 2020, 08:12:51 PM

Thanks for posting that Richard, it would be a really good piece of business to bring Martinez in.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: four fornicholl on September 10, 2020, 08:13:14 PM

Really don't see the point, but hey, each to their own.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 10, 2020, 08:15:02 PM

Quote from: four fornicholl on September 10, 2020, 08:13:14 PM

Really don't see the point, but hey, each to their own.

Replacing good players with better ones, what is this necromancy?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 10, 2020, 08:19:06 PM

Quote from: Newby on September 10, 2020, 08:12:51 PM

Thanks for posting that Richard, it would be a really good piece of business to bring Martinez in.

The idea is growing on me. I didn't really see why we were after another goalkeeper when Steer is ok as cover for Heaton when fit either. But this Martinez does seem to be very highly rated by those who've seen him play. In which case 20m for a 28 year old keeper seen by fans of a top six team as good enough for them does seem to be very good business.

When you're taking a player from a top half Premier League club and their fans don't really want them to leave, that has to be a good sign.

* Mind you, I do remember Newcastle fans telling us we'd got a great signing in Habib Beye so perhaps not always.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: four fornicholl on September 10, 2020, 08:22:17 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 10, 2020, 08:15:02 PM

Quote from: four fornicholl on September 10, 2020, 08:13:14 PM

Really don't see the point, but hey, each to their own.

Replacing good players with better ones, what is this necromancy?

I'm a bit slow, I was referring to Vill I an.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Legion on September 10, 2020, 08:23:52 PM

Can we please keep this thread to what it is intended for? Mindless, baseless speculation about potential transfers that no-one really has a clue about.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: TelfordVilla on September 10, 2020, 08:27:21 PM

Who is that we are signing now ?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on September 10, 2020, 08:30:17 PM

What do people think of the Clement Grenier links? Closer followers of French football, I know he's sort of the new Gourcuff in the sense that he's the latest 'new Zidane' disappointment, but despite not being top level is he still decent?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 10, 2020, 08:32:21 PM

So Martinez is now looking a real possibility. With Heatons injury record I would not be surprised if we have had a fairly grown up conversation with him about taking his time to get fit and then letting them fight for the number 1 spot. To have 2 top keepers is a dream after the Nyland years.

Josh King apparently has a "knock" and is staying in Norway until its a bit better. Or until he gets a move away from Bournemouth. Can't we give them Hogan and Lansbury as part of the deal for King. It would be most charitable of us. I actually think Steer or Nyland could do well there.

And Rashica is still possible.

Benrahma has gone very quiet.

At least things are getting a bit more interesting.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 10, 2020, 08:36:55 PM

Potentially Argentina's best goalkeeper and a top 8 player? Go on then.

I think he will see regular Premier League football as a route to the no1 spot for Argentina as they have cycled through 4 goalkeepers of late and nobosy has tied a spot down.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 10, 2020, 08:37:14 PM

Quote from: Legion on September 10, 2020, 08:23:52 PM

Can we please keep this thread to what it is intended for? Mindless, baseless speculation about potential transfers that no-one really has a clue about.

Indeed. Maybe give the lad his own thread or summat.

More twitter guff about Rashica. We have and then haven't had a bid accepted according to the make up artists in the twitter sphere.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 10, 2020, 08:37:25 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 10, 2020, 08:32:21 PM

So Martinez is now looking a real possibility. With Heatons injury record I would not be surprised if we have had a fairly grown up conversation with him about taking his time to get fit and then letting them fight for the number 1 spot. To have 2 top keepers is a dream after the Nyland years.

Josh King apparently has a "knock" and is staying in Norway until its a bit better. Or until he gets a move away from Bournemouth. Can't we give them Hogan and Lansbury as part of the deal for King. It would be most charitable of us. I actually think Steer or Nyland could do well there.

And Rashica is still possible.

Benrahma has gone very quiet.

At least things are getting a bit more interesting.

Heaton has form for accepting the challenge of players brought in while he was injured without causing a fuss, so it's quite possible.

A couple of midfielders linked as well this week - Grenier and that Norweigan chap - so perhaps that's another position on the list. Brewster also still keeps getting a mention.

Cash
Watkins
Martinez
King or Brewster
Rashica or Benrahma
A defensive midfielder

That would be a real step forward from last year. Only missing a left back to challenge Targett and consign Taylor to history from the positions I'd hoped would be filled.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 10, 2020, 08:40:31 PM

Quote from: Monty on September 10, 2020, 08:30:17 PM

What do people think of the Clement Grenier links? Closer followers of French football, I know he's sort of the new Gourcuff in the sense that he's the latest 'new Zidane' disappointment, but despite not being top level is he still decent?

Lovely crosser of the ball, takes a very decent free kick. Doesn’t mind mixing it up in the middle. Plays in Dennis Mortimer’s number. Throw a beard on him he even looks a bit like Dennis. What’s not to like?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on September 10, 2020, 08:42:41 PM

Looks like we’re getting our number 1 keeper target

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 10, 2020, 08:43:48 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 10, 2020, 08:32:21 PM

Josh King apparently has a "knock" and is staying in Norway until its a bit better. Or until he gets a move away from Bournemouth. Can't we give them Hogan and Lansbury as part of the deal for King. It would be most charitable of us. I actually think Steer or Nyland could do well there.

£14 million for King.

Or £18 million plus Angela and Hogan.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Percy McCarthy on September 10, 2020, 08:44:28 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 10, 2020, 08:37:25 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 10, 2020, 08:32:21 PM

So Martinez is now looking a real possibility. With Heatons injury record I would not be surprised if we have had a fairly grown up conversation with him about taking his time to get fit and then letting them fight for the number 1 spot. To have 2 top keepers is a dream after the Nyland years.

Josh King apparently has a "knock" and is staying in Norway until its a bit better. Or until he gets a move away from Bournemouth. Can't we give them Hogan and Lansbury as part of the deal for King. It would be most charitable of us. I actually think Steer or Nyland could do well there.

And Rashica is still possible.

Benrahma has gone very quiet.

At least things are getting a bit more interesting.

Heaton has form for accepting the challenge of players brought in while he was injured without causing a fuss, so it's quite possible.

A couple of midfielders linked as well this week - Grenier and that Norweigan chap - so perhaps that's another position on the list. Brewster also still keeps getting a mention.

Cash
Watkins
Martinez
King or Brewster
Rashica or Benrahma
A defensive midfielder

That would be a real step forward from last year. Only missing a left back to challenge Targett and consign Taylor to history from the positions I'd hoped would be filled.

I’d go for Danny Rose there. Talk of him going to Italy on SSN, surely wouldn’t cost much with a year left on his contract. I realise he doesn’t fit what seems to be the plan but always mentioned as one of the toughest opponents by forwards who have been up against him.

Really happy with how the rest of it is shaping up.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: richtheholtender on September 10, 2020, 08:47:55 PM

Think we could get Ryan Sessegnon from Spurs? He seems to be frozen out. Could do the wing and fill in at left back. Gets jack back in the middle.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on September 10, 2020, 08:51:39 PM

A writer specialising in South American and specifically argentine football who I follow on Twitter has posted this. I  thought  a few might be interested in some of the talent coming through over there. He’s a Villa fan as well!

http://outsideoftheboot.com/2020/09/10/brasileirao-young-players/

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Chris_Jephcott on September 10, 2020, 08:55:30 PM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on September 10, 2020, 08:42:41 PM

Looks like we’re getting our number 1 keeper target

That’s what I’ve heard tonight too.

Heaton is going to be a good few weeks off March fitness, but given the length of time he’s been off, he’ll be having a good time slowly getting up to match speed.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 10, 2020, 09:02:32 PM

Edouard and King the plan A and plan B for the central striker.

With Martinez, it feels quite arousing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 10, 2020, 09:07:00 PM

It would be great if we get Martinez and encouraging wrt the total budget if we're spending circa 20m on the keeper position.

Obviously H&V has its very own Damo but have we ever had a Damian/Damien play for the Villa first team?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ian. on September 10, 2020, 09:10:49 PM

Get on, hope these reports are true about this keeper from Arsenal.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Legion on September 10, 2020, 09:11:01 PM

Damian Bellón is the closest I can find.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 10, 2020, 09:24:01 PM

Quote from: four fornicholl on September 10, 2020, 08:22:17 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 10, 2020, 08:15:02 PM

Quote from: four fornicholl on September 10, 2020, 08:13:14 PM

Really don't see the point, but hey, each to their own.

Replacing good players with better ones, what is this necromancy?

I'm a bit slow, I was referring to Vill I an.

Ha, sorry, fair enough!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 10, 2020, 09:30:24 PM

Quote from: Percy McCarthy on September 10, 2020, 08:44:28 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 10, 2020, 08:37:25 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 10, 2020, 08:32:21 PM

So Martinez is now looking a real possibility. With Heatons injury record I would not be surprised if we have had a fairly grown up conversation with him about taking his time to get fit and then letting them fight for the number 1 spot. To have 2 top keepers is a dream after the Nyland years.

Josh King apparently has a "knock" and is staying in Norway until its a bit better. Or until he gets a move away from Bournemouth. Can't we give them Hogan and Lansbury as part of the deal for King. It would be most charitable of us. I actually think Steer or Nyland could do well there.

And Rashica is still possible.

Benrahma has gone very quiet.

At least things are getting a bit more interesting.

Heaton has form for accepting the challenge of players brought in while he was injured without causing a fuss, so it's quite possible.

A couple of midfielders linked as well this week - Grenier and that Norweigan chap - so perhaps that's another position on the list. Brewster also still keeps getting a mention.

Cash
Watkins
Martinez
King or Brewster
Rashica or Benrahma
A defensive midfielder

That would be a real step forward from last year. Only missing a left back to challenge Targett and consign Taylor to history from the positions I'd hoped would be filled.

I’d go for Danny Rose there. Talk of him going to Italy on SSN, surely wouldn’t cost much with a year left on his contract. I realise he doesn’t fit what seems to be the plan but always mentioned as one of the toughest opponents by forwards who have been up against him.

Really happy with how the rest of it is shaping up.

He's outspoken, but if his head's still in the game he'd be worth looking at.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mike on September 10, 2020, 09:30:40 PM

Quote from: four fornicholl on September 10, 2020, 08:22:17 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 10, 2020, 08:15:02 PM

Quote from: four fornicholl on September 10, 2020, 08:13:14 PM

Really don't see the point, but hey, each to their own.

Replacing good players with better ones, what is this necromancy?

I'm a bit slow, I was referring to Vill I an.

Having had the displeasure to grow up on a shitty estate in Brum then spend my working life interacting with everything from burglars to murderers, rapists to paedophiles, I find it hard to get too upset about an over enthusiastic, opinionated Villa fan whose use of English as a second language probably makes him sound more of a tit than he really is. Lighten up.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 10, 2020, 09:30:59 PM

Quote from: Legion on September 10, 2020, 09:11:01 PM

Damian Bellón is the closest I can find.

Same here, that's why I specified first team. The devil's in the details. :)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Legion on September 10, 2020, 09:32:19 PM

Quote from: Legion on September 10, 2020, 08:23:52 PM

Can we please keep this thread to what it is intended for? Mindless, baseless speculation about potential transfers that no-one really has a clue about.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 10, 2020, 09:37:39 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 10, 2020, 08:36:55 PM

Potentially Argentina's best goalkeeper and a top 8 player? Go on then.

I think he will see regular Premier League football as a route to the no1 spot for Argentina as they have cycled through 4 goalkeepers of late and nobosy has tied a spot down.

They're co-hosting Copa America next summer and he's said he's desperate to get in their squad so can't afford another season of bench warming at Arsenal.

Top signing if we can pull it off.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 10, 2020, 09:42:03 PM

Quote from: mike on September 10, 2020, 09:30:40 PM

Quote from: four fornicholl on September 10, 2020, 08:22:17 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 10, 2020, 08:15:02 PM

Quote from: four fornicholl on September 10, 2020, 08:13:14 PM

Really don't see the point, but hey, each to their own.

Replacing good players with better ones, what is this necromancy?

I'm a bit slow, I was referring to Vill I an.

Having had the displeasure to grow up on a shitty estate in Brum then spend my working life interacting with everything from burglars to murderers, rapists to paedophiles, I find it hard to get too upset about an over enthusiastic, opinionated Villa fan whose use of English as a second language probably makes him sound more of a tit than he really is. Lighten up.

Well-said Mike. A bit of perspective wouldn't go amiss.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Legion on September 10, 2020, 09:42:41 PM

Quote from: Legion on September 10, 2020, 09:32:19 PM

Quote from: Legion on September 10, 2020, 08:23:52 PM

Can we please keep this thread to what it is intended for? Mindless, baseless speculation about potential transfers that no-one really has a clue about.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 10, 2020, 09:42:47 PM

Amazing signing, at a real high in his standing. Arsenal know they will never have the chance to get more for him either.

Percy linking us with Eduoard and King. Have to say I would prefer a winger now to Edouard which you could probably still afford if you buy King, but if we have the money for both Edouard and a winger, happy days. Especially if you can find a midfielder you can get in on loan.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 10, 2020, 09:43:13 PM

Still on for one of King or Edouard, according to Percy.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 10, 2020, 09:44:41 PM

Don't forget the low-cost but unlikely midfielder we've also been ITK'd about.

Does anyone know how long Martinez has left on his contract at Arsenal ?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on September 10, 2020, 09:45:59 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 10, 2020, 09:44:41 PM

Don't forget the low-cost but unlikely midfielder we've also been ITK'd about.

Might that well be Grenier?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 10, 2020, 09:47:37 PM

I'd really, really like Edouard in.

King would be an ok signing who would do a job for us. Eduoard at the age of 22 if he hits the ground running has got bags of potential.

Eduoard and Watkins up front as a 2.
Eduoard in the middle, flanked by Grealish and Watkins.
Eduoard in the middle, flanked by Rashica or Benrahma plus Watkins with Grealish in behind them.
Watkins in the middle with Eduaord to come on when defenders are tired.

That would give so many good options.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: olaftab on September 10, 2020, 09:48:15 PM

Quote from: Bent Neilsens Screamer on September 10, 2020, 08:51:39 PM

A writer specialising in South American and specifically argentine football who I follow on Twitter has posted this. I  thought  a few might be interested in some of the talent coming through over there. He’s a Villa fan as well!

http://outsideoftheboot.com/2020/09/10/brasileirao-young-players/

I don't think we should go far Vasco da Gama. He's getting on a bit.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 10, 2020, 09:48:22 PM

If we're still keen on Edouard at anywhere between £30-40 million after already signing Watkins FFP is out the window.

Financial Pay to Play.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 10, 2020, 09:49:43 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 10, 2020, 09:42:47 PM

Amazing signing, at a real high in his standing. Arsenal know they will never have the chance to get more for him either.

Percy linking us with Eduoard and King. Have to say I would prefer a winger now to Edouard which you could probably still afford if you buy King, but if we have the money for both Edouard and a winger, happy days. Especially if you can find a midfielder you can get in on loan.

Presumably it's more about complying with FFP than having the money. They may have loosened FFP during Covid but the 3-year average still has to work once all this is over.

There's talk of Chelsea's Connor Gallagher coming on loan. My first reaction was that we're not supposed to be developing other club's players any more but we may have come to the conclusion that with how much other targets are going to cost, we need to do something like that. We could also be buying him or putting a clause in the deal for all I know. You have to wonder what their plans are for Ramsey too and whether we're going to be in for a midfielder.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 10, 2020, 09:50:44 PM

Quote from: Monty on September 10, 2020, 09:45:59 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 10, 2020, 09:44:41 PM

Don't forget the low-cost but unlikely midfielder we've also been ITK'd about.

Might that well be Grenier?

Maybe, I just presumed it would be a well-known signing. Grenier sounds like a mate of our Brian Green, who get together for a glass of red when Brian is in France.

Someone on Twitter speculated Rafinha from Barca as he has already been linked with moves to Leeds and Arsenal apparently.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: olaftab on September 10, 2020, 09:52:44 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 10, 2020, 09:47:37 PM

I'd really, really like Edouard in.

King would be an ok signing who would do a job for us. Eduoard at the age of 22 if he hits the ground running has got bags of potential.

Eduoard and Watkins up front as a 2.
Eduoard in the middle, flanked by Grealish and Watkins.
Eduoard in the middle, flanked by Rashica or Benrahma plus Watkins with Grealish in behind them.
Watkins in the middle with Eduaord to come on when defenders are tired.

That would give so many good options.

I would like Eduaord but do you really think the highlighted option is a goer even if we sign all those names?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 10, 2020, 09:56:18 PM

Quote from: olaftab on September 10, 2020, 09:52:44 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 10, 2020, 09:47:37 PM

I'd really, really like Edouard in.

King would be an ok signing who would do a job for us. Eduoard at the age of 22 if he hits the ground running has got bags of potential.

Eduoard and Watkins up front as a 2.
Eduoard in the middle, flanked by Grealish and Watkins.
Eduoard in the middle, flanked by Rashica or Benrahma plus Watkins with Grealish in behind them.
Watkins in the middle with Eduaord to come on when defenders are tired.

That would give so many good options.

I would like Eduaord but do you really think the highlighted option is a goer even if we sign all those names?

You're right, would be too attack-minded and prone to conceding goals :).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 10, 2020, 09:56:28 PM

Edouard would probably generate more headlines and be seen as quite a coup.

But King might be the better long term fit for us.  Both Watkins and King can play wide or up top and alternate.  For the fee it would require to bring Edouard in he would most likely need to be the main man and starting the majority of games when available.

Based on very little knowledge of either of their characters, King strikes me as one who is more likely to take one for the team if he doesn't start or doesn't get his favourite position.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 10, 2020, 09:57:17 PM

Quote from: olaftab on September 10, 2020, 09:52:44 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 10, 2020, 09:47:37 PM

I'd really, really like Edouard in.

King would be an ok signing who would do a job for us. Eduoard at the age of 22 if he hits the ground running has got bags of potential.

Eduoard and Watkins up front as a 2.
Eduoard in the middle, flanked by Grealish and Watkins.
Eduoard in the middle, flanked by Rashica or Benrahma plus Watkins with Grealish in behind them.
Watkins in the middle with Eduaord to come on when defenders are tired.

That would give so many good options.

I would like Eduaord but do you really think the highlighted option is a goer even if we sign all those names?

Don't see why not. We've played with a midfield three of Luiz, McGinn and Grealish before. I'm not saying it would work every game, it definitely wouldn't but it's an option in the right situation.

Basically a Villa 2020 version of Newcastle in the 90s, not bothering with defence, just letting Luiz and McGinn mop up the centre of the park while Grealish, Eduoard and the two wide players have at them with power, pace and skill. And then Mings doing his Phillipe Albert impression strolling up and smacking in a worldie for the cherry on the cake.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 10, 2020, 09:58:44 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 10, 2020, 09:47:37 PM

I'd really, really like Edouard in.

King would be an ok signing who would do a job for us. Eduoard at the age of 22 if he hits the ground running has got bags of potential.

Eduoard and Watkins up front as a 2.
Eduoard in the middle, flanked by Grealish and Watkins.
Eduoard in the middle, flanked by Rashica or Benrahma plus Watkins with Grealish in behind them.
Watkins in the middle with Eduaord to come on when defenders are tired.

That would give so many good options.

That's pure filth!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 10, 2020, 09:59:01 PM

Rashica, Eduoard, Watkins as a front three.

Super John McGinn, Super Jack Grealish as a pair of 8s and Dougie sitting

Looks a bit tasty that.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on September 10, 2020, 10:03:39 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 10, 2020, 09:59:01 PM

Rashica, Eduoard, Watkins as a front three.

Super John McGinn, Super Jack Grealish as a pair of 8s and Dougie sitting

Looks a bit tasty that.

Defending's for cowards.

Mind you I just have a feeling that we might see something like Doug and Grenier (?) playing deeper, a roving attacking three of Jack, McGinn and Watkins with Edouard or King as the focal point. Which I also like.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 10, 2020, 10:07:17 PM

Quote from: Monty on September 10, 2020, 10:03:39 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 10, 2020, 09:59:01 PM

Rashica, Eduoard, Watkins as a front three.

Super John McGinn, Super Jack Grealish as a pair of 8s and Dougie sitting

Looks a bit tasty that.

Defending's for cowards.

Mind you I just have a feeling that we might see something like Doug and Grenier (?) playing deeper, a roving attacking three of Jack, McGinn and Watkins with Edouard or King as the focal point. Which I also like.

Flexibility across the front 3 and players being more fluid is definitely part of Smith's plan. We all saw England the other night and how rigid, straight line play is not only tedious, but also futile.

With all those names, there's definitely room for variation; Grealish 8/10/outwide, Dougie 6/8, Wakins up top/wide.

Lot of pace too.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Nunkin1965 on September 10, 2020, 10:08:18 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 10, 2020, 09:58:44 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 10, 2020, 09:47:37 PM

I'd really, really like Edouard in.

King would be an ok signing who would do a job for us. Eduoard at the age of 22 if he hits the ground running has got bags of potential.

Eduoard and Watkins up front as a 2.
Eduoard in the middle, flanked by Grealish and Watkins.
Eduoard in the middle, flanked by Rashica or Benrahma plus Watkins with Grealish in behind them.
Watkins in the middle with Eduaord to come on when defenders are tired.

That would give so many good options.

That's pure filth!

It’s getting a bit hot and steamy where I am!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Chris_Jephcott on September 10, 2020, 10:14:37 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 10, 2020, 09:44:41 PM

Don't forget the low-cost but unlikely midfielder we've also been ITK'd about.

Does anyone know how long Martinez has left on his contract at Arsenal ?

Gareth Bale. 20-25 million with Real to pay some of his wages for a proportion of his contract.

In all truth... you heard this fantastic rumour here first. It’s no secret that he’s available at a real cut price fee.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 10, 2020, 10:20:24 PM

There is more chance of me flying one of your planes than us signing Bale Chris!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Legion on September 10, 2020, 10:22:13 PM

My imaginary source from Twatter has informed me that we have paid the buy-out clause in Messi's contract and he will be signing tomorrow. FACT!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Shrek on September 10, 2020, 10:24:23 PM

I’m quite excited with this Martínez keeper, he looks quality, is 6ft 5 and only 28.

He is inexperienced, but the fact he is moving to us to actually play when he could stay at Arsenal or join PSG, suggests he is a great character. Tbh his reaction to winning FA cup further supports this.

Also when was the last time we got a player from a top club they genuinely wanted to keep? He has basically turned down a new contract to come to us And the biggest factor was Dean Smith.

What a difference a few days makes eh... 😎

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Chris_Jephcott on September 10, 2020, 10:24:30 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 10, 2020, 10:20:24 PM

There is more chance of me flying one of your planes than us signing Bale Chris!

I agree entirely - but low cost and unlikely... seems like a reasonable 2+2 = 4.5?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 10, 2020, 10:24:50 PM

Quote from: Chris_Jephcott on September 10, 2020, 10:14:37 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 10, 2020, 09:44:41 PM

Don't forget the low-cost but unlikely midfielder we've also been ITK'd about.

Does anyone know how long Martinez has left on his contract at Arsenal ?

Gareth Bale. 20-25 million with Real to pay some of his wages for a proportion of his contract.

In all truth... you heard this fantastic rumour here first. It’s no secret that he’s available at a real cut price fee.

I only see him as a left-sided attacker, and there is a player ahead of him in that position. I know he's played in other areas, and in European Cup finals for Real Madrid,but I just see him as a left-sided attacker so there's no room for him in my team. Now the Madrid fans will be annoyed with me, and they were already sore due to my choosing Ercall Colts Under 11s ahead of them in 1988.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 10, 2020, 10:28:19 PM

Quote from: Chris_Jephcott on September 10, 2020, 10:14:37 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 10, 2020, 09:44:41 PM

Don't forget the low-cost but unlikely midfielder we've also been ITK'd about.

Does anyone know how long Martinez has left on his contract at Arsenal ?

Gareth Bale. 20-25 million with Real to pay some of his wages for a proportion of his contract.

In all truth... you heard this fantastic rumour here first. It’s no secret that he’s available at a real cut price fee.

It's got Spurs written all over it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 10, 2020, 10:28:39 PM

Quote from: Legion on September 10, 2020, 10:22:13 PM

My imaginary source from Twatter has informed me that we have paid the buy-out clause in Messi's contract and he will be signing tomorrow. FACT!

You have clearly been sharing a Dutch cake with Chris.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: villadelph on September 10, 2020, 10:33:45 PM

Quote from: OCD on September 10, 2020, 10:28:19 PM

Quote from: Chris_Jephcott on September 10, 2020, 10:14:37 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 10, 2020, 09:44:41 PM

Don't forget the low-cost but unlikely midfielder we've also been ITK'd about.

Does anyone know how long Martinez has left on his contract at Arsenal ?

Gareth Bale. 20-25 million with Real to pay some of his wages for a proportion of his contract.

In all truth... you heard this fantastic rumour here first. It’s no secret that he’s available at a real cut price fee.

It's got Spurs written all over it.

Isn’t he on £600k/week?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villafirst on September 10, 2020, 10:37:26 PM

Quote from: OCD on September 10, 2020, 10:28:19 PM

Quote from: Chris_Jephcott on September 10, 2020, 10:14:37 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 10, 2020, 09:44:41 PM

Don't forget the low-cost but unlikely midfielder we've also been ITK'd about.

Does anyone know how long Martinez has left on his contract at Arsenal ?

Gareth Bale. 20-25 million with Real to pay some of his wages for a proportion of his contract.

In all truth... you heard this fantastic rumour here first. It’s no secret that he’s available at a real cut price fee.

It's got Spurs written all over it.

Spurs are skint. £1billion stadium debt to pay.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 10, 2020, 10:46:25 PM

That's an interesting point in these weird times.

Much of their prospective income from league and Champions League matches and American Football borefests is off the table for the foreseeable.

I'd be absolutely devastated to see Tottingham plummet down the league as a result of having to service that debt.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 10, 2020, 11:02:52 PM

I wouldn't. I know you are being sarcastic but hiding my dislike of that club behind even veiled sarcasm would be too much. To then appoint that utter, total cock as manager sums them up. I would love it if that debt is severely added to with a huge payout at some point this season, languishing in the bottom 6. Unlikely, but oh please.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 10, 2020, 11:04:17 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on September 10, 2020, 10:46:25 PM

That's an interesting point in these weird times.

Much of their prospective income from league and Champions League matches and American Football borefests is off the table for the foreseeable.

I'd be absolutely devastated to see Tottingham plummet down the league as a result of having to service that debt.

It would be a travesty for such a successful club.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 10, 2020, 11:05:26 PM

I can't even feign the sarcasm at the post code lottery wankers. Their demise back to their natural midtable state would be chuckle inducing good.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Legion on September 10, 2020, 11:06:41 PM

Just Percy for me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 10, 2020, 11:07:28 PM

Quote from: Legion on September 10, 2020, 11:06:41 PM

Just Percy for me.

Me too.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AV82EC on September 10, 2020, 11:07:42 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 10, 2020, 11:04:17 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on September 10, 2020, 10:46:25 PM

That's an interesting point in these weird times.

Much of their prospective income from league and Champions League matches and American Football borefests is off the table for the foreseeable.

I'd be absolutely devastated to see Tottingham plummet down the league as a result of having to service that debt.

It would be a travesty for such a successful club.

It is quite amusing that for all their “success” they’ve still won the grand total of fuck all in the last 10 years.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 10, 2020, 11:12:52 PM

Percy
Mcnulty is generally very accurate but rarely breaks anything villa related
Preece is a villa fan and generally reports what has already broken elsewhere

The others I don't believe unless Percy confirms it.

Evans is albion. And wrote some awful shite at the meaning evil so will never be trusted in villa.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on September 10, 2020, 11:17:16 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 10, 2020, 11:04:17 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on September 10, 2020, 10:46:25 PM

That's an interesting point in these weird times.

Much of their prospective income from league and Champions League matches and American Football borefests is off the table for the foreseeable.

I'd be absolutely devastated to see Tottingham plummet down the league as a result of having to service that debt.

It would be a travesty for such a successful club.

£10m + Hogan for Harry Kane to help them out. Seems fair.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 10, 2020, 11:34:30 PM

Quote from: Dave on September 10, 2020, 11:17:16 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 10, 2020, 11:04:17 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on September 10, 2020, 10:46:25 PM

That's an interesting point in these weird times.

Much of their prospective income from league and Champions League matches and American Football borefests is off the table for the foreseeable.

I'd be absolutely devastated to see Tottingham plummet down the league as a result of having to service that debt.

It would be a travesty for such a successful club.

£10m + Hogan for Harry Kane to help them out. Seems fair.

Harsh. Let them have Lansbury too.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: robbo1874 on September 10, 2020, 11:35:29 PM

Quote from: Vill I An on September 10, 2020, 11:05:35 PM

So as he seem to have broken the Martinez story we can add Tom Kershaw to the transfer list of reliability.

I like to know we can trust on these matters and sounds has his ear to the grounds on this one.

My Transfer list is for most reliable
Jon Percy
Gregg Evans
Phil McNulty
Matt Lawton
Tom Collomosse
Ashley Preece

i listen to the claret and blue podcasts regularly. Ash Preece always says ‘dunno’ when asked about potential signings on there. Which I suppose means he either doesn’t, or does, but isn’t saying.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Louzie0 on September 11, 2020, 12:31:31 AM

2 out of 5 isn’t that bad at this point, as you say.

I would like us to get yet another striker, for choice.
It would be great if he was a bit creative from midfield - opposite to Jack and off  McGinn.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 11, 2020, 01:18:21 AM

Per the Beeb and Independent. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/gossip

"Arsenal's Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, 28, has agreed a four-year deal contract with Aston Villa, worth about £60,000 per week, with the clubs set to agree a transfer fee of more than £15m."

Sounds promising.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on September 11, 2020, 03:18:04 AM

Quote from: Ian J on September 10, 2020, 09:10:49 PM

Get on, hope these reports are true about this keeper from Arsenal.

They are.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: robbo1874 on September 11, 2020, 04:12:46 AM

So 16m for cash; 28 for Ollie; 15/16m for Martinez. Leaves us 40m out of the now mythical status 100m. Edouard and a left back?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pelty on September 11, 2020, 06:00:56 AM

Quote from: robbo1874 on September 11, 2020, 04:12:46 AM

So 16m for cash; 28 for Ollie; 15/16m for Martinez. Leaves us 40m out of the now mythical status 100m. Edouard and a left back?

Still think we could use a winger. AEG is not the answer, in my opinion, and we need more pace. Frankly, I think we could use two wingers but know that that will not happen.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ian. on September 11, 2020, 06:44:50 AM

So a week on and two more signed. Still rumours flying around about a winger and a midfielder. It’s all looking much better and our squad is being topped up with quality signings. This on top of keeping Jack, SJM and Doug, it’s been a very successful window.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on September 11, 2020, 06:54:39 AM

No way we won't invest in a pacey wide player if we can, Brentford and Norwich the most likelt clubs to be raided. IMO.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on September 11, 2020, 07:20:26 AM

Quote from: mr underhill on September 11, 2020, 06:54:39 AM

No way we won't invest in a pacey wide player if we can, Brentford and Norwich the most likelt clubs to be raided. IMO.

Is Benrahma that pacy, he looks more of a David Silva type whenever I have seen him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on September 11, 2020, 07:23:59 AM

That Conor Gallagher, linked a few pages back, looks an ideal loan option.

I think we would be foolish to not look at loans more this year.  I understand the purity on not wanting them, but all the clubs around us will and realistically they are our competition, not Chelsea.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 11, 2020, 07:38:14 AM

Quote from: Dante Lavelli on September 11, 2020, 07:23:59 AM

That Conor Gallagher, linked a few pages back, looks an ideal loan option.

I think we would be foolish to not look at loans more this year.  I understand the purity on not wanting them, but all the clubs around us will and realistically they are our competition, not Chelsea.

This would be a good move if they think Ramsey isn’t quite ready and would benefit from regular first team football for a season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 11, 2020, 07:44:43 AM

Quote from: robbo1874 on September 11, 2020, 04:12:46 AM

So 16m for cash; 28 for Ollie; 15/16m for Martinez. Leaves us 40m out of the now mythical status 100m. Edouard and a left back?

No.
Winger / striker and a central midfielder. Both would provide selection options and versatility.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Eckybloke on September 11, 2020, 07:45:44 AM

Reading The Athletic’s article about the U-23s etc the plan does seem to be to get the kids out playing first team football a lot more.
No bad thing. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on September 11, 2020, 08:01:12 AM

Quote from: Mister E on September 11, 2020, 07:44:43 AM

Quote from: robbo1874 on September 11, 2020, 04:12:46 AM

So 16m for cash; 28 for Ollie; 15/16m for Martinez. Leaves us 40m out of the now mythical status 100m. Edouard and a left back?

No.
Winger / striker and a central midfielder. Both would provide selection options and versatility.

Yep, I'd see it that we're planning on playing with 2 solid central defenders, 2 attacking fullbacks (almost wingbacks) bossing the wings up to the final third, a couple of deeper lying midfielders, then a flexible group of 3 attacking midfielders/wingers who can play either out wide it just behind a main striker. They'll provide all the creative/flamboyant stuff, then the main striker's job will be basically to hold up the ball and to mop up after those front 3 & convert the rebounds/easy tap ins to goals.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on September 11, 2020, 08:05:35 AM

We have 5 strikers , so I doubt that will be the priority.
A winger and midfielder and hopefully a clear out.
AEG Landsbury Taylor Hogan Samata

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 11, 2020, 08:12:33 AM

On Wednesdays Villa View podcast Dan Bardell said he thought a keeper would be next in and that we were close, after that priority will be someone who can play upfront and wide (like King) and then a number 8, probably from Europe as UK market is too expensive.

He doesn't claim to be ITK, but he does know people at the club and has his ear to ground through the Athletic contacts.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on September 11, 2020, 08:17:02 AM

Saw that Gallagher playing for Swansea in the playoffs and he looked quite good

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 11, 2020, 08:25:41 AM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 10, 2020, 10:24:50 PM

Quote from: Chris_Jephcott on September 10, 2020, 10:14:37 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 10, 2020, 09:44:41 PM

Don't forget the low-cost but unlikely midfielder we've also been ITK'd about.

Does anyone know how long Martinez has left on his contract at Arsenal ?

Gareth Bale. 20-25 million with Real to pay some of his wages for a proportion of his contract.

In all truth... you heard this fantastic rumour here first. It’s no secret that he’s available at a real cut price fee.

I only see him as a left-sided attacker, and there is a player ahead of him in that position. I know he's played in other areas, and in European Cup finals for Real Madrid,but I just see him as a left-sided attacker so there's no room for him in my team. Now the Madrid fans will be annoyed with me, and they were already sore due to my choosing Ercall Colts Under 11s ahead of them in 1988.

I think would could convert him back to leftback where he'd be a decent back up for Target.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Pat Mustard on September 11, 2020, 08:26:12 AM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on September 11, 2020, 08:17:02 AM

Saw that Gallagher playing for Swansea in the playoffs and he looked quite good

Not sure about Gallagher - I’ve heard he likes his Cigarettes and Alcohol.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Towser on September 11, 2020, 08:39:58 AM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on September 11, 2020, 08:26:12 AM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on September 11, 2020, 08:17:02 AM

Saw that Gallagher playing for Swansea in the playoffs and he looked quite good

Not sure about Gallagher - I’ve heard he likes his Cigarettes and Alcohol.

Whats the story

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 11, 2020, 08:44:30 AM

Quote from: Towser on September 11, 2020, 08:39:58 AM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on September 11, 2020, 08:26:12 AM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on September 11, 2020, 08:17:02 AM

Saw that Gallagher playing for Swansea in the playoffs and he looked quite good

Not sure about Gallagher - I’ve heard he likes his Cigarettes and Alcohol.

Whats the story

Please don't look back in anger if he turns us down.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on September 11, 2020, 08:46:46 AM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 11, 2020, 08:25:41 AM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 10, 2020, 10:24:50 PM

Quote from: Chris_Jephcott on September 10, 2020, 10:14:37 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 10, 2020, 09:44:41 PM

Don't forget the low-cost but unlikely midfielder we've also been ITK'd about.

Does anyone know how long Martinez has left on his contract at Arsenal ?

Gareth Bale. 20-25 million with Real to pay some of his wages for a proportion of his contract.

In all truth... you heard this fantastic rumour here first. It’s no secret that he’s available at a real cut price fee.

I only see him as a left-sided attacker, and there is a player ahead of him in that position. I know he's played in other areas, and in European Cup finals for Real Madrid,but I just see him as a left-sided attacker so there's no room for him in my team. Now the Madrid fans will be annoyed with me, and they were already sore due to my choosing Ercall Colts Under 11s ahead of them in 1988.

I think would could convert him back to leftback where he'd be a decent back up for Target.

I thought Messi was agitating for a move away from our feeder club, and wanted to play for a club who knew how to handle Bayern Munich. He's the obvious signing for me. Probably a bit older then the profile were trying to bring in, but on a shortish contract until Ramsay gets up to speed he'd be alright.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 11, 2020, 08:53:50 AM

Quote from: Mister E on September 11, 2020, 08:44:30 AM

Quote from: Towser on September 11, 2020, 08:39:58 AM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on September 11, 2020, 08:26:12 AM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on September 11, 2020, 08:17:02 AM

Saw that Gallagher playing for Swansea in the playoffs and he looked quite good

Not sure about Gallagher - I’ve heard he likes his Cigarettes and Alcohol.

Whats the story

Please don't look back in anger if he turns us down.

Whatever happens, you've just got to roll with it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 11, 2020, 08:56:04 AM

Gallagher from Chelsea is a good prospect. I'd be pleased if we signed him.

Have we been linked with loan or perm deal?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on September 11, 2020, 09:03:59 AM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 11, 2020, 08:25:41 AM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 10, 2020, 10:24:50 PM

Quote from: Chris_Jephcott on September 10, 2020, 10:14:37 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 10, 2020, 09:44:41 PM

Don't forget the low-cost but unlikely midfielder we've also been ITK'd about.

Does anyone know how long Martinez has left on his contract at Arsenal ?

Gareth Bale. 20-25 million with Real to pay some of his wages for a proportion of his contract.

In all truth... you heard this fantastic rumour here first. It’s no secret that he’s available at a real cut price fee.

I only see him as a left-sided attacker, and there is a player ahead of him in that position. I know he's played in other areas, and in European Cup finals for Real Madrid,but I just see him as a left-sided attacker so there's no room for him in my team. Now the Madrid fans will be annoyed with me, and they were already sore due to my choosing Ercall Colts Under 11s ahead of them in 1988.

I think would could convert him back to leftback where he'd be a decent back up for Target.

you mean Taylor surely.
Whatever Real are prepared to do it will be a lot of money and a huge risk to sign the monkey headed twat.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Fred Crump on September 11, 2020, 09:07:45 AM

Returning to a football related thread to cheer myself up. For once, so far we are doing ok in a window. Would like a really pacey winger who can cross and a skilful but physical DM cover for Dougie and ideally someone like King as a ultility forward and a LB as well to enable a bit of deadwood clearing. The Arse goalie sounds good if pricey too.
But generally I’m happy and have full confidence in Deano and Footyskillz to get it right this time.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: maidstonevillain on September 11, 2020, 09:18:59 AM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on September 11, 2020, 08:05:35 AM

We have 5 strikers , so I doubt that will be the priority.
A winger and midfielder and hopefully a clear out.
AEG Landsbury Taylor Hogan Samata

With Wesley injured a striker is still a priority. As things stand, we are going into the new season with one effective striker, but who is unproven at this level. Exactly the same position we were in last year.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: jwarry on September 11, 2020, 09:22:36 AM

Quote from: danno on September 11, 2020, 08:53:50 AM

Quote from: Mister E on September 11, 2020, 08:44:30 AM

Quote from: Towser on September 11, 2020, 08:39:58 AM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on September 11, 2020, 08:26:12 AM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on September 11, 2020, 08:17:02 AM

Saw that Gallagher playing for Swansea in the playoffs and he looked quite good

Not sure about Gallagher - I’ve heard he likes his Cigarettes and Alcohol.

Whats the story

Please don't look back in anger if he turns us down.

Whatever happens, you've just got to roll with it.

All part of the masterplan

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 11, 2020, 09:24:52 AM

Quote from: maidstonevillain on September 11, 2020, 09:18:59 AM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on September 11, 2020, 08:05:35 AM

We have 5 strikers , so I doubt that will be the priority.
A winger and midfielder and hopefully a clear out.
AEG Landsbury Taylor Hogan Samata

With Wesley injured a striker is still a priority. As things stand, we are going into the new season with one effective striker, but who is unproven at this level. Exactly the same position we were in last year.

But at least this one is settled in England, speaks the language and used to the intensity of English football.  I've far more confidence in him hitting the ground running than Wes, which was always a huge ask.

edit - tidying up quote fail

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Walmley_Villa on September 11, 2020, 09:27:06 AM

Some might say that we should cut our losses on Samatta?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Meanwood Villa on September 11, 2020, 09:37:30 AM

There's always the hope that players might come good. Might Samatta look better with Watkins alongside him? I wouldn't turn my nose up at another striker, they're the most exciting signings after all but left back is a concern, as is defensive mid if Doug gets injured.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 11, 2020, 09:40:09 AM

Quote from: Meanwood Villa on September 11, 2020, 09:37:30 AM

There's always the hope that players might come good. Might Samatta look better with Watkins alongside him? I wouldn't turn my nose up at another striker, they're the most exciting signings after all but left back is a concern, as is defensive mid if Doug gets injured.

Was that an Oasis B-side?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on September 11, 2020, 09:42:22 AM

Quote from: TelfordVilla on September 10, 2020, 08:10:59 PM

Well I've blocked him, and now I know how it works i may block a few others. Feel free to block me if it suits you.

You might as well add me to your list.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 11, 2020, 09:42:38 AM

Just acquiesce to Brentford's demands for Benrahma like we always do.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on September 11, 2020, 09:46:55 AM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 11, 2020, 08:56:04 AM

Gallagher from Chelsea is a good prospect. I'd be pleased if we signed him.

Have we been linked with loan or perm deal?

A loan, I think.

Thought Everton's approach to loans a few years back was perfect. Practically every player from abroad was on a loan with an option to buy, seemed a sensible policy since not all adapt perfectly. Might've been a good plan with Samatta for a start.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 11, 2020, 09:52:33 AM

Gregg Evans:

Aston Villa are waiting to announce new young signings Ruben Shakpoke, Lamare Bogarde and Sil Swinkels.
Goalkeeper Emi Martinez is set to join from Arsenal, too, in a deal worth around £20m. Big business for Villa.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: itbrvilla on September 11, 2020, 09:54:40 AM

Not seen much of Martinez but £20m for a GK with 15 top flight apps over 8 years seems pretty steep?!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithe on September 11, 2020, 10:00:30 AM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 11, 2020, 09:52:33 AM

Gregg Evans:

Aston Villa are waiting to announce new young signings Ruben Shakpoke, Lamare Bogarde and Sil Swinkels.
Goalkeeper Emi Martinez is set to join from Arsenal, too, in a deal worth around £20m. Big business for Villa.

What fantastic names.

There is some raw work done at the font.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Chris Smith on September 11, 2020, 10:05:08 AM

Quote from: PeterWithe on September 11, 2020, 10:00:30 AM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 11, 2020, 09:52:33 AM

Gregg Evans:

Aston Villa are waiting to announce new young signings Ruben Shakpoke, Lamare Bogarde and Sil Swinkels.
Goalkeeper Emi Martinez is set to join from Arsenal, too, in a deal worth around £20m. Big business for Villa.

What fantastic names.

There is some raw work done at the font.

Sil Swinkels sounds like a Sopranos character.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: jwarry on September 11, 2020, 10:05:43 AM

Martinez, Brewster, Rashica and a defensive midfielder and this will have been a fantastic window

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Des Little on September 11, 2020, 10:23:32 AM

A loan move for Loftus Cheek would be a good option IMO

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on September 11, 2020, 10:27:59 AM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 11, 2020, 09:52:33 AM

Gregg Evans:

Aston Villa are waiting to announce new young signings Ruben Shakpoke, Lamare Bogarde and Sil Swinkels

Sorry, are we signing the cast of a Saul Bellow novel?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: JUAN PABLO on September 11, 2020, 10:43:06 AM

Quote from: Ads on September 10, 2020, 09:59:01 PM

Rashica, Eduoard, Watkins as a front three.

Super John McGinn, Super Jack Grealish as a pair of 8s and Dougie sitting

Looks a bit tasty that.

football porn and throw in Martinez . wow

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brend'Watkins on September 11, 2020, 10:45:33 AM

Quote from: Monty on September 11, 2020, 10:27:59 AM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 11, 2020, 09:52:33 AM

Gregg Evans:

Aston Villa are waiting to announce new young signings Ruben Shakpoke, Lamare Bogarde and Sil Swinkels

Sorry, are we signing the cast of a Saul Bellow novel?

I shudder when I see that name on this forum.  It reminds me of Winston Bogarde of Chelsea fame...9 appearances over a 4 year period (2000 to 2004) and £60K a week. Okay, it's Chelsea who have laundered money to burn but even so that's eye watering given that it's 20 years ago. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 11, 2020, 10:46:45 AM

It's his cousin, apparently.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Border villan on September 11, 2020, 10:46:49 AM

The words coherent and plan are getting worryingly close to my mind .

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on September 11, 2020, 10:51:37 AM

Quote from: Border villan on September 11, 2020, 10:46:49 AM

The words coherent and plan are getting worryingly close to my mind .

Don't worry. There's still plenty of time for it all to go wrong.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Border villan on September 11, 2020, 10:55:25 AM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on September 11, 2020, 10:51:37 AM

Quote from: Border villan on September 11, 2020, 10:46:49 AM

The words coherent and plan are getting worryingly close to my mind .

Don't worry. There's still plenty of time for it all to go wrong.

Thanks for the reassurance Dave, I did not want others to share my suffering.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: JUAN PABLO on September 11, 2020, 10:56:50 AM

Quote from: KevinGage on September 11, 2020, 10:46:45 AM

It's his cousin, apparently.

nephew  , bit of a wonderkid . Ass thought they were getting him once.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 11, 2020, 10:59:40 AM

Quote from: JUAN PABLO on September 11, 2020, 10:56:50 AM

Quote from: KevinGage on September 11, 2020, 10:46:45 AM

It's his cousin, apparently.

nephew  , bit of a wonderkid . Ass thought they were getting him once.

Presumably you've seen the same article I have - https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8221425/Arsenal-ready-blow-rivals-water-bid-sign-Feyenoord-sensation-Lamare-Bogarde.html.

I had heard of the other 2 but Bogarde was a new name on me. He's got to make something of himself before he could do what his uncle did.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: UK Redsox on September 11, 2020, 11:02:14 AM

Quote from: JUAN PABLO on September 11, 2020, 10:56:50 AM

Quote from: KevinGage on September 11, 2020, 10:46:45 AM

It's his cousin, apparently.

nephew  , bit of a wonderkid . Ass thought they were getting him once.

I've  seen cousin and nephew mentioned. Relationship seems to vary; similar to Christopher Moltisanti and Tony Soprano

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Percy McCarthy on September 11, 2020, 11:04:55 AM

Quote from: UK Redsox on September 11, 2020, 11:02:14 AM

Quote from: JUAN PABLO on September 11, 2020, 10:56:50 AM

Quote from: KevinGage on September 11, 2020, 10:46:45 AM

It's his cousin, apparently.

nephew  , bit of a wonderkid . Ass thought they were getting him once.

I've  seen cousin and nephew mentioned. Relationship seems to vary; similar to Christopher Moltisanti and Tony Soprano

Ah, so he’s Carmella’s cousin. Thanks for clearing that up.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 11, 2020, 11:10:37 AM

I know everyone focuses on the now but I am dead excited about how we will look in terms of youth coming through in 4 or 5 years time.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Border villan on September 11, 2020, 11:18:46 AM

Quote from: OCD on September 11, 2020, 10:59:40 AM

Quote from: JUAN PABLO on September 11, 2020, 10:56:50 AM

Quote from: KevinGage on September 11, 2020, 10:46:45 AM

It's his cousin, apparently.

nephew  , bit of a wonderkid . Ass thought they were getting him once.

Presumably you've seen the same article I have - https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8221425/Arsenal-ready-blow-rivals-water-bid-sign-Feyenoord-sensation-Lamare-Bogarde.html.

I had heard of the other 2 but Bogarde was a new name on me. He's got to make something of himself before he could do what his uncle did.

Saw his uncle Humphrey play in Casablanca a few years ago.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 11, 2020, 11:31:08 AM

Quote from: KevinGage on September 11, 2020, 10:46:45 AM

It's his cousin, apparently.

Fuck me, he'll probably be older than Obafemi Martin's true age.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 11, 2020, 11:37:08 AM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on September 11, 2020, 11:10:37 AM

I know everyone focuses on the now but I am dead excited about how we will look in terms of youth coming through in 4 or 5 years time.

Absolutely. There's some really good work going on at the club. From what I've read, we've been hiring some of the best coaches around for all the youth levels and we're picking up some of the best talent around the continent. The first team is quite youthful and in a few years time there will be some good integration going on.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 11, 2020, 11:38:24 AM

There's a rumour on social media that Rashica is pretty much done and will be announced tomorrow. Add that to Martinez and the total spending is up around the £80-90m mark. That's probably enough left to get the cheaper but big signing in midfield and get another striker in as cover if we move Samatta on.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mellin on September 11, 2020, 11:40:58 AM

Quote from: paul_e on September 11, 2020, 11:38:24 AM

There's a rumour on social media that Rashica is pretty much done and will be announced tomorrow. Add that to Martinez and the total spending is up around the £80-90m mark. That's probably enough left to get the cheaper but big signing in midfield and get another striker in as cover if we move Samatta on.

That would be a very good window where we've given ourselves a chance, even without the added striker.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on September 11, 2020, 11:49:59 AM

Rumoured that we are trying to sign Chukwuemeka's brother, a striker at Northampton Town.

Think he is called Caleb, as suppose to Carney.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 11, 2020, 11:53:32 AM

Quote from: paul_e on September 11, 2020, 11:38:24 AM

There's a rumour on social media that Rashica is pretty much done and will be announced tomorrow. Add that to Martinez and the total spending is up around the £80-90m mark. That's probably enough left to get the cheaper but big signing in midfield and get another striker in as cover if we move Samatta on.

That would be nice. I would be surprised if the Rashica deal was that advanced though. Martinez doesn't seem far away though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 11, 2020, 12:04:01 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 11, 2020, 11:38:24 AM

There's a rumour on social media that Rashica is pretty much done and will be announced tomorrow. Add that to Martinez and the total spending is up around the £80-90m mark. That's probably enough left to get the cheaper but big signing in midfield and get another striker in as cover if we move Samatta on.

Still can't see Rashica happening, something just doesn't sit right with it.

Martinez is a really good signing though, and gives us a solid number 1 for the next 3 months while Heaton gets up to fitness, then a genuine fight between them.

I do think a loan in the midfield makes sense to put more into the second striker signing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: fbriai on September 11, 2020, 12:07:42 PM

I can't see that Rashica deal happening either. Think we are more likely to pick up Benrahama, just late on in the window.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 11, 2020, 12:10:51 PM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on September 11, 2020, 11:49:59 AM

Rumoured that we are trying to sign Chukwuemeka's brother, a striker at Northampton Town.

Think he is called Caleb, as suppose to Carney.

I used to see him training on a Tuesday night, as the Northampton kids train at Moulton College where I play 5 aside.  He's very quick.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on September 11, 2020, 12:13:55 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 11, 2020, 12:10:51 PM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on September 11, 2020, 11:49:59 AM

Rumoured that we are trying to sign Chukwuemeka's brother, a striker at Northampton Town.

Think he is called Caleb, as suppose to Carney.

I used to see him training on a Tuesday night, as the Northampton kids train at Moulton College where I play 5 aside.  He's very quick.

He can't be that quick, you could still see him!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: andyh on September 11, 2020, 12:22:03 PM

I wonder how long a work permit will take if we sign Martinez soon ?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 11, 2020, 12:31:54 PM

Quote from: andyh on September 11, 2020, 12:22:03 PM

I wonder how long a work permit will take if we sign Martinez soon ?

We shouldn't need one, he's been in the UK for 10 years

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: andyh on September 11, 2020, 12:34:44 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 11, 2020, 12:31:54 PM

Quote from: andyh on September 11, 2020, 12:22:03 PM

I wonder how long a work permit will take if we sign Martinez soon ?

We shouldn't need one, he's been in the UK for 10 years

Why am i getting a message saying I am ignoring posts from this user? I wouldn’t be so rude.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 11, 2020, 12:36:19 PM

People went ignore-post crazy yesterday, seems the spillage has affected even the most welcoming amongst us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 11, 2020, 12:36:31 PM

Quote from: andyh on September 11, 2020, 12:34:44 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 11, 2020, 12:31:54 PM

Quote from: andyh on September 11, 2020, 12:22:03 PM

I wonder how long a work permit will take if we sign Martinez soon ?

We shouldn't need one, he's been in the UK for 10 years

Why am i getting a message saying I am ignoring posts from this user? I wouldn’t be so rude.

AI innit? The server has obviously decided I'm a twat, which is fair enough.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AllanW on September 11, 2020, 01:15:56 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 11, 2020, 12:36:31 PM

AI innit? The server has obviously decided I'm a twat, which is fair enough.

An example of the reason why you're not on my ignore list :)

UTV

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Walmley_Villa on September 11, 2020, 01:18:58 PM

closing in on Rashica according to respected Italian journo Fabrizio Romano

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: itbrvilla on September 11, 2020, 01:29:18 PM

https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1304383903348797442

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: stevo_st on September 11, 2020, 01:30:49 PM

Ooooh things are getting interesting

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 11, 2020, 01:34:21 PM

I thought we agreed the few weeks ago.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 11, 2020, 01:34:40 PM

I think this round of Rashica rumours were triggered by a report on bild.de and there seems to be some added itk but I can't see the source for the other bit.

Definitely looks like it has something to it though because a lot of people with decent reputations are reporting it now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: DB on September 11, 2020, 01:42:08 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 11, 2020, 01:34:40 PM

I think this round of Rashica rumours were triggered by a report on bild.de and there seems to be some added itk but I can't see the source for the other bit.

Definitely looks like it has something to it though because a lot of people with decent reputations are reporting it now.

Including the 13th Duke of Wybourne

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Fred Crump on September 11, 2020, 01:44:45 PM

..... but he was very, very drunk  :)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 11, 2020, 01:46:10 PM

Where's our Dusseldorf correspondent, TebePaul to give us more hope to cling to ?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 11, 2020, 01:54:56 PM

If Engels is on the dump-list, as discussed earlier today, who are our back-up centre-backs? - we have Konsa, Mings and Hause; this seems a little light to me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: andyh on September 11, 2020, 02:02:40 PM

We could always put one of numerous goalies in there

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 11, 2020, 02:04:23 PM

Indeed.

If Leicester sign Tarkowski it might free up Jonny Evans.   A player of that ilk rather than a young trainee is closer to what we need. Konsa looked better when he switched to CB and Hause was better than many expected after the restart.

But could still do with experience there.  Particularly when you factor in Mings' injury record as well.

This campaign will be a dog of a season with so many games packed in. There will be more injuries than normal. Part of the reason I wouldn't be too quick to jettison El Ghazi either.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on September 11, 2020, 02:10:53 PM

Quote from: Drummond on September 10, 2020, 10:20:10 AM

Ah, freak out
Le freak, Rashica
Freak out
Ah, freak out
Le freak, Rashica
Freak out

I repeat.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 11, 2020, 02:12:25 PM

Quote from: Drummond on September 11, 2020, 02:10:53 PM

Quote from: Drummond on September 10, 2020, 10:20:10 AM

Ah, freak out
Le freak, Rashica
Freak out
Ah, freak out
Le freak, Rashica
Freak out

I repeat.

Name's got one too many syllables for that?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on September 11, 2020, 02:16:45 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 11, 2020, 02:12:25 PM

Quote from: Drummond on September 11, 2020, 02:10:53 PM

Quote from: Drummond on September 10, 2020, 10:20:10 AM

Ah, freak out
Le freak, Rashica
Freak out
Ah, freak out
Le freak, Rashica
Freak out

I repeat.

Name's got one too many syllables for that?

So many songs do, and the 'a' at the end of his name leads you nicely to Freak Out!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 11, 2020, 02:29:31 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on September 11, 2020, 02:04:23 PM

Indeed.

If Leicester sign Tarkowski it might free up Jonny Evans.   A player of that ilk rather than a young trainee is closer to what we need. Konsa looked better when he switched to CB and Hause was better than many expected after the restart.

But could still do with experience there.  Particularly when you factor in Mings' injury record as well.

This campaign will be a dog of a season with so many games packed in. There will be more injuries than normal. Part of the reason I wouldn't be too quick to jettison El Ghazi either.

Gary Cahill on a free last year would have been good. Sounds like we couldn't have offered him the wages he wanted and he may have wanted to stay in London.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Tebepaul on September 11, 2020, 02:32:00 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 11, 2020, 01:46:10 PM

Where's our Dusseldorf correspondent, TebePaul to give us more hope to cling to ?

Well, I'll have to leave any Düsseldorf developments to Kraftwerk. And they're probably busy watching the Tour de France at the moment.

I'm not sure how much insight Fabrizio Romano would have on the Rashica transfer. This isn't an area where he normally has any contacts. There are no concrete updates from Bremen sources - just the Bild story, and Bild is never normally good at breaking Werder Bremen news. Bild may be picking up on a recent article on the Werder Bremen fan site Deichstube (https://www.deichstube.de/news/werder-bremen-milot-rashica-wechsel-aston-villa-transfer-ssc-neapel-rb-leipzig-frank-baumann-bundesliga-geruechte-zr-13810822.html) which confirmed continued interest in Rashica from Villa and Napoli, and possibly also from Leeds. There have been no concrete offers so far, according to Deichstube.

The player still wants to go to Red Bull (Leipzig) but the unlovable energy drink manufacturer is refusing to budge from its original low offer for Rashica - the same hardball tactic as they are currently employing in trying to sign Alexander Sørloth from Crystal Palace. Werder Bremen are trying to front it out, letting it be known that they don't need to sell Rashica, but a transfer still looks highly likely as it benefits player and club alike.

Very much hope that Villa can persuade Rashica to sign.

 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: JUAN PABLO on September 11, 2020, 02:46:28 PM

so excited if we pull off the Rashica but Ive never even seen him play so Mcgrath knows why ..ha

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Percy McCarthy on September 11, 2020, 02:57:02 PM

Quote from: JUAN PABLO on September 11, 2020, 02:46:28 PM

so excited if we pull off the Rashica but Ive never even seen him play so Mcgrath knows why ..ha

Don’t watch his YouTube reel. It’s obscenely good.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: fbriai on September 11, 2020, 03:05:38 PM

Quote from: Percy McCarthy on September 11, 2020, 02:57:02 PM

Quote from: JUAN PABLO on September 11, 2020, 02:46:28 PM

so excited if we pull off the Rashica but Ive never even seen him play so Mcgrath knows why ..ha

Don’t watch his YouTube reel. It’s obscenely good.

Oh my God! I've just been watching it, but the thought of him on one side and Jack on the other got too much for me. I've had to turn it off!

[note to self: keep feet on ground]

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 11, 2020, 03:07:17 PM

Quote from: fbriai on September 11, 2020, 03:05:38 PM

Quote from: Percy McCarthy on September 11, 2020, 02:57:02 PM

Quote from: JUAN PABLO on September 11, 2020, 02:46:28 PM

so excited if we pull off the Rashica but Ive never even seen him play so Mcgrath knows why ..ha

Don’t watch his YouTube reel. It’s obscenely good.

Oh my God! I've just been watching it, but the thought of him on one side and Jack on the other got too much for me. I've had to turn it off!

[note to self: keep feet on ground]

And cock in trousers.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 11, 2020, 03:13:03 PM

Jesus, I've just watched it now and I want him more than any other player ever.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ktvillan on September 11, 2020, 03:14:38 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on September 11, 2020, 02:04:23 PM

Indeed.

If Leicester sign Tarkowski it might free up Jonny Evans.   A player of that ilk rather than a young trainee is closer to what we need. Konsa looked better when he switched to CB and Hause was better than many expected after the restart.

But could still do with experience there.  Particularly when you factor in Mings' injury record as well.

This campaign will be a dog of a season with so many games packed in. There will be more injuries than normal. Part of the reason I wouldn't be too quick to jettison El Ghazi either.

I agree we could do with another (experienced) CB but I really can't see Leicester selling Jonny Evans even if they get Tarkowski. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ian. on September 11, 2020, 03:22:21 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 11, 2020, 03:13:03 PM

Jesus, I've just watched it now and I want him more than any other player ever.

He looks bloody good, crikey he can strike a ball, take a player on and is quick. Yes please!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: enigma on September 11, 2020, 03:24:18 PM

Just watched rashica's Youtube vid and it seems I've been pronouncing his name wrong all this time (well the last couple of weeks since I first heard of him)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on September 11, 2020, 03:24:30 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 11, 2020, 03:13:03 PM

Jesus, I've just watched it now and I want him more than any other player ever.

Yes he looks much better than Benrama, sign him up please! Does Werder Bremen count as a 'B' to fit our policy?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on September 11, 2020, 03:25:33 PM

He's a very exciting player for sure, and signing him as well as £30m striker would be quite the statement.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 11, 2020, 03:33:47 PM

I watched a few videos of him when the first links started (In January) and decided immediately that he was the perfect fit for what we need. Since then I've watched a few of their games since the restart and he's stood out despite supposedly not being at his best.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 11, 2020, 03:34:20 PM

Warning this may cause a twitch in your loins

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on September 11, 2020, 03:38:47 PM

Quote from: fbriai on September 11, 2020, 03:05:38 PM

Quote from: Percy McCarthy on September 11, 2020, 02:57:02 PM

Don’t watch his YouTube reel. It’s obscenely good.

Oh my God! I've just been watching it, but the thought of him on one side and Jack on the other got too much for me. I've had to turn it off!

Same here, couldn't watch it all, had to stop. I get the feeling he's not a bad player, two footed, can play on the left flank or right , wicked shot on him and rather fast with the ball at his feet. He'll do for a season or two.

Any news on him. Is a deal likely?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 11, 2020, 03:40:24 PM

The Bayern goal (11) is something else, fantastic strike. I also really like the Dortmund one (3).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave P on September 11, 2020, 03:42:41 PM

Rashica and Grealish flanking Watkins seems very exciting.  Rachica and Watkins flanking Edouard with Grealish just behind even more so.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on September 11, 2020, 03:45:24 PM

#levels

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 11, 2020, 03:47:00 PM

Flanking, twitching...Good Heavens !

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 11, 2020, 04:42:19 PM

Villa analytics take on Rashica.  He's got some reservations -

https://twitter.com/VillaAnalytics/status/1304437200709443584

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 11, 2020, 04:52:49 PM

Can't see Twitter posts as I'm not on there.

Undoubtedly looks a good player. Saying his two-footed may be stretching it though. He looks very right footed to me and his left is more of a swinger.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rougegorge on September 11, 2020, 04:53:31 PM

Rashica is the right age and a position we need.

He had a good start to last season but fell away somewhat after Christmas. However Werder Bremen were doing badly and they only survived relegation via a play off on away goals in the end. I think he missed that high scoring England v Kosovo match a year ago but obviously he's probably Kosovo's best player.

I think I would still prefer Benrahma but Rashica is the kind of player who could come good.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 11, 2020, 04:56:39 PM

Quote from: OCD on September 11, 2020, 04:52:49 PM

Can't see Twitter posts as I'm not on there.

Undoubtedly looks a good player. Saying his two-footed may be stretching it though. He looks very right footed to me and his left is more of a swinger.

We can get Collymore to show him the delights of Cannock Chase then, that should close the deal.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 11, 2020, 04:58:56 PM

I just hope this isn’t going to turn into the modern day Benni McCarthy mystery.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 11, 2020, 05:13:42 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on September 11, 2020, 04:58:56 PM

I just hope this isn’t going to turn into the modern day Benni McCarthy mystery.

Yep, I have that feeling. I don't understand why Cisneros doesn't just put his hand in his pocket and pay what they want to get him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 11, 2020, 05:26:10 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on September 11, 2020, 04:58:56 PM

I just hope this isn’t going to turn into the modern day Benni McCarthy mystery.

McCarthy, Kiyotake, Belhanda etc feels just the same.

Just don't see it coming off, and having watched the highlights, I still think I prefer Benrahma.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villan82 on September 11, 2020, 05:37:00 PM

Clint Dempsey is another in that category!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on September 11, 2020, 05:37:52 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 11, 2020, 03:34:20 PM

Warning this may cause a twitch in your loins

He really doesn't do tap in's, does he?

Sign him up.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on September 11, 2020, 05:57:53 PM

I signed up to the Athletic today it’s only £1 a month for 6 months, thought it was worth a go

so I’m obviously going to know loads of stuff now

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 11, 2020, 06:00:21 PM

Not really. Some good articles though. Evans hasn't changed much.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 11, 2020, 06:02:05 PM

Rashica has genuine pace, along with Watkins. I think that will make us so much more dangerous on the break, especially away from home where we by and large lacked an out ball.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 11, 2020, 06:03:58 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 11, 2020, 06:02:05 PM

Rashica has genuine pace, along with Watkins. I think that will make us so much more dangerous on the break, especially away from home where we by and large lacked an out ball.

Got to get him first.

Apparently everyone's favourite club Leeds want him too, and Brighton want Martinez.

What is it with the love in for Leeds? And Bielsa, don't get me wrong hes a great coach, has been caught spying on teams etc, yet appears to be revered as some sort of god!!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 11, 2020, 06:11:28 PM

I wonder who this "number 8" Gregg Evans thinks Smith is bringing in - a big name apparently?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 11, 2020, 06:16:59 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 11, 2020, 06:11:28 PM

I wonder who this "number 8" Gregg Evans thinks Smith is bringing in - a big name apparently?

I thought that came for Ashley Preece not Evans? That is the big question still though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 11, 2020, 06:25:18 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 11, 2020, 06:16:59 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 11, 2020, 06:11:28 PM

I wonder who this "number 8" Gregg Evans thinks Smith is bringing in - a big name apparently?

I thought that came for Ashley Preece not Evans? That is the big question still though.

they all sound the same; these brummie blokes playing at journalism :D

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on September 11, 2020, 06:44:17 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 11, 2020, 06:25:18 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 11, 2020, 06:16:59 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 11, 2020, 06:11:28 PM

I wonder who this "number 8" Gregg Evans thinks Smith is bringing in - a big name apparently?

I thought that came for Ashley Preece not Evans? That is the big question still though.

they all sound the same; these brummie blokes playing at journalism :D

Which reminds me, is every male in Wolverhampton called Craig?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 11, 2020, 06:44:55 PM

I read about Brighton and Leeds rivalling us for players and just figured that's the negative spin we know the Mail for.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 11, 2020, 06:46:13 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 11, 2020, 06:00:21 PM

Not really. Some good articles though. Evans hasn't changed much.

He could do with a good editor. Even a bad one would do him some good. Perhaps even someone to tell him how to spell Greg.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on September 11, 2020, 07:04:41 PM

Sarr is an interesting one.  Has the tools, especially pace, to be a world beater but seems timid and lacking in self belief.  The negatives mean he might be in our range.

Hughes isn’t a bad shout too.  A few years experience at this level and I’d imagine has clocked a serious number of games in his career.  Ideal in the 8 role.

They would not be my priorities from the speculation buffet but they’d definitely improve us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 11, 2020, 07:38:54 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 11, 2020, 07:16:40 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 11, 2020, 06:16:59 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 11, 2020, 06:11:28 PM

I wonder who this "number 8" Gregg Evans thinks Smith is bringing in - a big name apparently?

I thought that came for Ashley Preece not Evans? That is the big question still though.

Imagine if we got Draxler !
From the Prem Mata or Ozil would be the big stage names but don't see them fitting

I'd rather not with those, a past-it player from the top clubs isn't the right choice for us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 11, 2020, 08:41:30 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 11, 2020, 07:38:54 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 11, 2020, 07:16:40 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 11, 2020, 06:16:59 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 11, 2020, 06:11:28 PM

I wonder who this "number 8" Gregg Evans thinks Smith is bringing in - a big name apparently?

I thought that came for Ashley Preece not Evans? That is the big question still though.

Imagine if we got Draxler !
From the Prem Mata or Ozil would be the big stage names but don't see them fitting

I'd rather not with those, a past-it player from the top clubs isn't the right choice for us.

Yeah, agree.

I had a slight feeling last night when we were talking about the possible line-ups if we sign the players we've  been linked with of that magic week under Brian Little, when every time I got back home and switched on Ceefax we were linked with another exciting player and (I think - my memory might be playing tricks) signed Southgate, Draper and Savo in quick succession. Players who excite us and make us wonder just what we can achieve, not players who have had their best days already and see us as a step down.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 11, 2020, 08:44:34 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 11, 2020, 08:41:30 PM

Yeah, agree.

I had a slight feeling last night when we were talking about the possible line-ups if we sign the players we've  been linked with of that magic week under Brian Little, when every time I got back home and switched on Ceefax we were linked with another exciting player and (I think - my memory might be playing tricks) signed Southgate, Draper and Savo in quick succession. Players who excite us and make us wonder just what we can achieve, not players who have had their best days already and see us as a step down.

Draper was a bit of a coup at the time.  He was highly regarded and Man U were heavily linked with him.  Southgate was a middling midfielder who Sir Brian turned into a top defender, but I don't think there was much excitement around the signing.  I reckon literally nobody had heard of Savo, but he seemed quite exotic and foreign at the time with his bandana wearing!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 11, 2020, 08:46:16 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 11, 2020, 08:44:34 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 11, 2020, 08:41:30 PM

Yeah, agree.

I had a slight feeling last night when we were talking about the possible line-ups if we sign the players we've  been linked with of that magic week under Brian Little, when every time I got back home and switched on Ceefax we were linked with another exciting player and (I think - my memory might be playing tricks) signed Southgate, Draper and Savo in quick succession. Players who excite us and make us wonder just what we can achieve, not players who have had their best days already and see us as a step down.

Draper was a bit of a coup at the time.  He was highly regarded and Man U were heavily linked with him.  Southgate was a middling midfielder who Sir Brian turned into a top defender, but I don't think there was much excitement around the signing.  I reckon literally nobody had heard of Savo, but he seemed quite exotic and foreign at the time with his bandana wearing!

I think it was exactly that with Savo, yes. Also, didn't each transfer in turn break our transfer record two or three times that summer? That probably would have impressed the 12 year old me, regardless of who we were signing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on September 11, 2020, 08:47:51 PM

No to Mata and Ozil.  But Draxler's only 27.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 11, 2020, 08:50:59 PM

I wouldn't say no to Mata on a free.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 11, 2020, 08:52:27 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 11, 2020, 07:38:54 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 11, 2020, 07:16:40 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 11, 2020, 06:16:59 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 11, 2020, 06:11:28 PM

I wonder who this "number 8" Gregg Evans thinks Smith is bringing in - a big name apparently?

I thought that came for Ashley Preece not Evans? That is the big question still though.

Imagine if we got Draxler !
From the Prem Mata or Ozil would be the big stage names but don't see them fitting

I'd rather not with those, a past-it player from the top clubs isn't the right choice for us.

Also totally agree. We need players desperate to get to the top at this stage, not those on their way back down.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 11, 2020, 09:10:40 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 11, 2020, 08:50:59 PM

I wouldn't say no to Mata on a free.

Me either, top professional, if you're going to get experience in that's the kind of character you want .

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rob_bridge on September 11, 2020, 09:12:51 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 11, 2020, 08:50:59 PM

I wouldn't say no to Mata on a free.

Absolutely

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 11, 2020, 09:13:57 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 11, 2020, 08:50:59 PM

I wouldn't say no to Mata on a free.

I really don't want to do any transfer dealings with them this summer in case they pull a "whilst we have you on the line, about Jack..".

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on September 11, 2020, 09:19:44 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 11, 2020, 08:46:16 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 11, 2020, 08:44:34 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 11, 2020, 08:41:30 PM

Yeah, agree.

I had a slight feeling last night when we were talking about the possible line-ups if we sign the players we've  been linked with of that magic week under Brian Little, when every time I got back home and switched on Ceefax we were linked with another exciting player and (I think - my memory might be playing tricks) signed Southgate, Draper and Savo in quick succession. Players who excite us and make us wonder just what we can achieve, not players who have had their best days already and see us as a step down.

Draper was a bit of a coup at the time.  He was highly regarded and Man U were heavily linked with him.  Southgate was a middling midfielder who Sir Brian turned into a top defender, but I don't think there was much excitement around the signing.  I reckon literally nobody had heard of Savo, but he seemed quite exotic and foreign at the time with his bandana wearing!

I think it was exactly that with Savo, yes. Also, didn't each transfer in turn break our transfer record two or three times that summer? That probably would have impressed the 12 year old me, regardless of who we were signing.

I was enjoying your comments until you said you were 12 at the time! I was working in a factory in smethwick on my summer holidays about to start my 2nd year at uni, I’m old. But 95-96 was the last really really good season we’ve had.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 11, 2020, 09:22:05 PM

Quote from: RamboandBruno on September 11, 2020, 09:19:44 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 11, 2020, 08:46:16 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 11, 2020, 08:44:34 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 11, 2020, 08:41:30 PM

Yeah, agree.

I had a slight feeling last night when we were talking about the possible line-ups if we sign the players we've  been linked with of that magic week under Brian Little, when every time I got back home and switched on Ceefax we were linked with another exciting player and (I think - my memory might be playing tricks) signed Southgate, Draper and Savo in quick succession. Players who excite us and make us wonder just what we can achieve, not players who have had their best days already and see us as a step down.

Draper was a bit of a coup at the time.  He was highly regarded and Man U were heavily linked with him.  Southgate was a middling midfielder who Sir Brian turned into a top defender, but I don't think there was much excitement around the signing.  I reckon literally nobody had heard of Savo, but he seemed quite exotic and foreign at the time with his bandana wearing!

I think it was exactly that with Savo, yes. Also, didn't each transfer in turn break our transfer record two or three times that summer? That probably would have impressed the 12 year old me, regardless of who we were signing.

I was enjoying your comments until you said you were 12 at the time! I was working in a factory in smethwick on my summer holidays about to start my 2nd year at uni, I’m old. But 95-96 was the last really really good season we’ve had.

I loved those Villa years- 93-97ish from Big Ron into Brian's team. I can't see anything overtaking it as my favourite era. Unless Jack and Deano bring home the F.A. Cup of course, then they might have a chance.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 11, 2020, 09:25:02 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 11, 2020, 06:56:28 PM

No Hughes , Sarr, Gray, Wellbeck, Or Deeney in that Watford squad and team tonight!
Guess they may all be off!

Hughes and Sarr yes please for Villa . No for rest

No Hughes, Sarr, Gray, no Troy Deeney
No Wellbeck thanks, no guarantee.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rob_bridge on September 11, 2020, 09:30:51 PM

1995

We had survived after a bizzarre topsy turvey season.

Southgate was meh signing but we had lost Richardson Parker and Houghton so need to strengthen the midfield and he played in defence. Then Draper who I was genuinely excited about - Gascoginesque at times. And Savo was pretty exotic by our standards.

Didn't think we had made near enough but it was a fine season

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on September 11, 2020, 09:31:45 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 11, 2020, 09:22:05 PM

Quote from: RamboandBruno on September 11, 2020, 09:19:44 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 11, 2020, 08:46:16 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 11, 2020, 08:44:34 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 11, 2020, 08:41:30 PM

Yeah, agree.

I had a slight feeling last night when we were talking about the possible line-ups if we sign the players we've  been linked with of that magic week under Brian Little, when every time I got back home and switched on Ceefax we were linked with another exciting player and (I think - my memory might be playing tricks) signed Southgate, Draper and Savo in quick succession. Players who excite us and make us wonder just what we can achieve, not players who have had their best days already and see us as a step down.

Draper was a bit of a coup at the time.  He was highly regarded and Man U were heavily linked with him.  Southgate was a middling midfielder who Sir Brian turned into a top defender, but I don't think there was much excitement around the signing.  I reckon literally nobody had heard of Savo, but he seemed quite exotic and foreign at the time with his bandana wearing!

I think it was exactly that with Savo, yes. Also, didn't each transfer in turn break our transfer record two or three times that summer? That probably would have impressed the 12 year old me, regardless of who we were signing.

I was enjoying your comments until you said you were 12 at the time! I was working in a factory in smethwick on my summer holidays about to start my 2nd year at uni, I’m old. But 95-96 was the last really really good season we’ve had.

I loved those Villa years- 93-97ish from Big Ron into Brian's team. I can't see anything overtaking it as my favourite era. Unless Jack and Deano bring home the F.A. Cup of course, then they might have a chance.

Great days really from SGT onwards till about 97ish with the odd blip season (Venglos). Pity is for me, in my early 20s partying and all that, I realised McGrath was majestic and yorke was really talented and that we had a good team, but was too distracted by life to realise that it was a bit of a golden period in villas history relatively. Hindsight and all that.
A cup run with jack and Deano, that would be special

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 11, 2020, 09:33:10 PM

I like Mata but given his age I'm worried that he's effectively had the last 6months off (played about 20 minutes after restart). Almost all players need a bit of time to get up to speed after a long break but players in their 30s find it much harder.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 11, 2020, 09:42:47 PM

Rob Dorsett reporting on Rashica to us now, likely £18.5m.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 11, 2020, 09:43:20 PM

It can’t be happening.......can it?!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 11, 2020, 09:50:43 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 11, 2020, 09:42:47 PM

Rob Dorsett reporting on Rashica to us now, likely £18.5m.

Brentford want £30m for Benhrama. Much better value to be had in Europe. Newcastle got Saint-Maximin for £16m last year which looks a bargain now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 11, 2020, 10:33:40 PM

Quote from: rob_bridge on September 11, 2020, 09:30:51 PM

1995

We had survived after a bizzarre topsy turvey season.

Southgate was meh signing but we had lost Richardson Parker and Houghton so need to strengthen the midfield and he played in defence. Then Draper who I was genuinely excited about - Gascoginesque at times. And Savo was pretty exotic by our standards.

Didn't think we had made near enough but it was a fine season

Draper was excellent that first season.

Had a bit of everything.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on September 11, 2020, 10:37:30 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 11, 2020, 09:42:47 PM

Rob Dorsett reporting on Rashica to us now, likely £18.5m.

Is Rob Dorsett usually reliable?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 11, 2020, 10:39:08 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 11, 2020, 09:42:47 PM

Rob Dorsett reporting on Rashica to us now, likely £18.5m.

I don't have Sky, but from reading his tweet it suggests that he's basically a transfer rumour column that's been near a League Cup?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 11, 2020, 10:43:27 PM

Quote from: OCD on September 11, 2020, 09:50:43 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 11, 2020, 09:42:47 PM

Rob Dorsett reporting on Rashica to us now, likely £18.5m.

Brentford want £30m for Benhrama. Much better value to be had in Europe. Newcastle got Saint-Maximin for £16m last year which looks a bargain now.

Yep, I thought the Rashica deal was dead but fair play to us for plugging away. Certainly good value for a player with good stats in a major european league, we don't often sign those types these days.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 11, 2020, 10:45:30 PM

I’d still be surprised if Rashica joins, but here’s hoping.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ian. on September 11, 2020, 11:22:50 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 11, 2020, 09:22:05 PM

Quote from: RamboandBruno on September 11, 2020, 09:19:44 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 11, 2020, 08:46:16 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 11, 2020, 08:44:34 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 11, 2020, 08:41:30 PM

Yeah, agree.

I had a slight feeling last night when we were talking about the possible line-ups if we sign the players we've  been linked with of that magic week under Brian Little, when every time I got back home and switched on Ceefax we were linked with another exciting player and (I think - my memory might be playing tricks) signed Southgate, Draper and Savo in quick succession. Players who excite us and make us wonder just what we can achieve, not players who have had their best days already and see us as a step down.

Draper was a bit of a coup at the time.  He was highly regarded and Man U were heavily linked with him.  Southgate was a middling midfielder who Sir Brian turned into a top defender, but I don't think there was much excitement around the signing.  I reckon literally nobody had heard of Savo, but he seemed quite exotic and foreign at the time with his bandana wearing!

I think it was exactly that with Savo, yes. Also, didn't each transfer in turn break our transfer record two or three times that summer? That probably would have impressed the 12 year old me, regardless of who we were signing.

I was enjoying your comments until you said you were 12 at the time! I was working in a factory in smethwick on my summer holidays about to start my 2nd year at uni, I’m old. But 95-96 was the last really really good season we’ve had.

I loved those Villa years- 93-97ish from Big Ron into Brian's team. I can't see anything overtaking it as my favourite era. Unless Jack and Deano bring home the F.A. Cup of course, then they might have a chance.

It may happen again, this summers signing seem very exciting, especially on top of keeping Jack and Dougie

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on September 11, 2020, 11:25:07 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 11, 2020, 11:16:46 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 11, 2020, 09:42:47 PM

Rob Dorsett reporting on Rashica to us now, likely £18.5m.

Weathercock Rob as I call him !

This nearly made me spit out my drink. So funny. I know nothing about him, but now whenever I hear the name Rob Dorsett I will always think 'that weathercock'.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on September 11, 2020, 11:40:52 PM

So Martinez, Rashica next week then.  Just a central midfielder to come and we are set.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: darren woolley on September 12, 2020, 12:42:43 AM

Quote from: Newby on September 11, 2020, 11:40:52 PM

So Martinez, Rashica next week then.  Just a central midfielder to come and we are set.

I would be a happy man if we bring those in.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Jimsta on September 12, 2020, 06:20:38 AM

It be a interesting day to see who are in the teams and who are left.
I be keeping a eye on Brentford's Said Benrahma if left out then i say 100% he be on the move.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Percy McCarthy on September 12, 2020, 06:52:25 AM

I’m writing a Russian gangster who speaks in broken English. H&V is becoming an invaluable resource.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on September 12, 2020, 06:53:25 AM

Quote from: Newby on September 11, 2020, 11:40:52 PM

So Martinez, Rashica next week then.  Just a central midfielder to come and we are set.

Perhaps an Ampadu type who can play as as central defender or defensive mid allowing Luiz to move forward.

I still worry about the open door at left back.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 12, 2020, 07:08:30 AM

Quote from: Newby on September 11, 2020, 11:40:52 PM

So Martinez, Rashica next week then.  Just a central midfielder to come and we are set.

Brighton are supposedly in for Martinez, according to the Grauniad website this morning.
And, if we go into this season with only 3 CB (Engels being on the bullet-list) we're at risk.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 12, 2020, 07:21:55 AM

Josh King is being allowed to leave Bournemouth according to The Telegraph - he's one that has been linked to us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 12, 2020, 07:26:14 AM

Quote from: Newby on September 11, 2020, 11:40:52 PM

So Martinez, Rashica next week then.  Just a central midfielder to come and we are set.

Agreed - however, there's some that need moving out too - hopefully we can move quickly on that front once the ins are done.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: FatSam on September 12, 2020, 07:40:34 AM

Quote from: Big Ming on September 12, 2020, 06:53:25 AM

I still worry about the open door at left back.

Yes, I would definitely like to see a left back come in. Someone with the attacking intent of Targett, but more solid. Would really like to see Taylor leaving if possible.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 12, 2020, 07:52:44 AM

Quote from: Newby on September 11, 2020, 11:40:52 PM

So Martinez, Rashica next week then.  Just a central midfielder to come and we are set.

Central striker too. Think we'd be very part of the 15-9th much of a muchness crowd then.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on September 12, 2020, 09:53:32 AM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 12, 2020, 07:21:55 AM

Josh King is being allowed to leave Bournemouth according to The Telegraph - he's one that has been linked to us.

We'll get one of King, Rashica or Benhrahma surely. I don't think we need another number 9 after bringing in Watkins.

Like others I'm very concerned about the left back spot and I'd still like an experienced body in midfield. Team likely to emerge something like the below in next couple of weeks.

--------------Martinez
Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett
------------Luiz, Houri/Naka
---King/Rashica, McGinn, Grealish
--------------Watkins

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 12, 2020, 09:57:23 AM

Quote from: Ads on September 12, 2020, 07:52:44 AM

Quote from: Newby on September 11, 2020, 11:40:52 PM

So Martinez, Rashica next week then.  Just a central midfielder to come and we are set.

Central striker too. Think we'd be very part of the 15-9th much of a muchness crowd then.

Definitely another forward. King looks most likely.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave shelley on September 12, 2020, 10:13:06 AM

Going on nothing more than but feeling, I don't think Benrahma is a target, be nice to be wrong though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 12, 2020, 10:20:28 AM

Advanced talks for Rashica on a 5 year deal according to European based sports journalist Nicolò Schira.

Rashica and a central striker who is quick and versatile would make a difference.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dicedlam on September 12, 2020, 10:23:00 AM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 12, 2020, 09:53:32 AM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 12, 2020, 07:21:55 AM

Josh King is being allowed to leave Bournemouth according to The Telegraph - he's one that has been linked to us.

We'll get one of King, Rashica or Benhrahma surely. I don't think we need another number 9 after bringing in Watkins.

Like others I'm very concerned about the left back spot and I'd still like an experienced body in midfield. Team likely to emerge something like the below in next couple of weeks.

--------------Martinez
Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett
------------Luiz, Houri/Naka
---King/Rashica, McGinn, Grealish
--------------Watkins

-----------Martinez
Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett
-----McGinn Luis Grealish
Rashica   Watkins   Benrahma/King

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 12, 2020, 10:27:33 AM

Quote from: dicedlam on September 12, 2020, 10:23:00 AM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 12, 2020, 09:53:32 AM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 12, 2020, 07:21:55 AM

Josh King is being allowed to leave Bournemouth according to The Telegraph - he's one that has been linked to us.

We'll get one of King, Rashica or Benhrahma surely. I don't think we need another number 9 after bringing in Watkins.

Like others I'm very concerned about the left back spot and I'd still like an experienced body in midfield. Team likely to emerge something like the below in next couple of weeks.

--------------Martinez
Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett
------------Luiz, Houri/Naka
---King/Rashica, McGinn, Grealish
--------------Watkins

-----------Martinez
Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett
-----McGinn Luis Grealish
Rashica   Watkins   Benrahma/King

I'd swap Watkins and King over, but you'd like to think that side is capable of being well clear of relegation.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on September 12, 2020, 10:40:41 AM

Quote from: dicedlam on September 12, 2020, 10:23:00 AM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 12, 2020, 09:53:32 AM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 12, 2020, 07:21:55 AM

Josh King is being allowed to leave Bournemouth according to The Telegraph - he's one that has been linked to us.

We'll get one of King, Rashica or Benhrahma surely. I don't think we need another number 9 after bringing in Watkins.

Like others I'm very concerned about the left back spot and I'd still like an experienced body in midfield. Team likely to emerge something like the below in next couple of weeks.

--------------Martinez
Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett
------------Luiz, Houri/Naka
---King/Rashica, McGinn, Grealish
--------------Watkins

-----------Martinez
Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett
-----McGinn Luis Grealish
Rashica   Watkins   Benrahma/King

Really hope we don't try McGinn and Grealish in that formation again. We got destroyed in midfield in the early part of last season with the "2 number 8s" as Smith put it, Grealish was completely ineffective going forward too. You could be right though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: nigel on September 12, 2020, 10:46:31 AM

Quote from: dave shelley on September 12, 2020, 10:13:06 AM

Going on nothing more than but feeling, I don't think Benrahma is a target, be nice to be wrong though.

I happen to agree.
Like Maupay, last season, I think it’s just speculation.
Watkins was the target from Brentford, and we got him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on September 12, 2020, 10:51:31 AM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 12, 2020, 09:53:32 AM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 12, 2020, 07:21:55 AM

Josh King is being allowed to leave Bournemouth according to The Telegraph - he's one that has been linked to us.

We'll get one of King, Rashica or Benhrahma surely. I don't think we need another number 9 after bringing in Watkins.

Like others I'm very concerned about the left back spot and I'd still like an experienced body in midfield. Team likely to emerge something like the below in next couple of weeks.

--------------Martinez
Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett
------------Luiz, Houri/Naka
---King/Rashica, McGinn, Grealish
--------------Watkins

Yep, that's what I'm expecting. To me the obvious next move from that is a solid midfielder anchor to replace Houri/Naka. Left back looks the weaker area, more because Taylor doesn't fit so well in to that system (as i imagine it) than anything.

No idea what we'll do this season, but just have this feeling that we'll be a bit of a surprise package and do better than expected.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villatillidie25 on September 12, 2020, 10:54:59 AM

Quote from: algy on September 12, 2020, 10:51:31 AM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 12, 2020, 09:53:32 AM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 12, 2020, 07:21:55 AM

Josh King is being allowed to leave Bournemouth according to The Telegraph - he's one that has been linked to us.

We'll get one of King, Rashica or Benhrahma surely. I don't think we need another number 9 after bringing in Watkins.

Like others I'm very concerned about the left back spot and I'd still like an experienced body in midfield. Team likely to emerge something like the below in next couple of weeks.

--------------Martinez
Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett
------------Luiz, Houri/Naka
---King/Rashica, McGinn, Grealish
--------------Watkins

Yep, that's what I'm expecting. To me the obvious next move from that is a solid midfielder anchor to replace Houri/Naka. Left back looks the weaker area, more because Taylor doesn't fit so well in to that system (as i imagine it) than anything.

No idea what we'll do this season, but just have this feeling that we'll be a bit of a surprise package and do better than expected.

What is this positive optimism you seem to have!! I’ll stick to my dour doom and gloom that will expect us to lose every match until we sign messi et al. Even then, think we’d probably be mid table miediocrity 🤣

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dicedlam on September 12, 2020, 11:05:14 AM

Quote from: Ads on September 12, 2020, 10:27:33 AM

Quote from: dicedlam on September 12, 2020, 10:23:00 AM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 12, 2020, 09:53:32 AM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 12, 2020, 07:21:55 AM

Josh King is being allowed to leave Bournemouth according to The Telegraph - he's one that has been linked to us.

We'll get one of King, Rashica or Benhrahma surely. I don't think we need another number 9 after bringing in Watkins.

Like others I'm very concerned about the left back spot and I'd still like an experienced body in midfield. Team likely to emerge something like the below in next couple of weeks.

--------------Martinez
Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett
------------Luiz, Houri/Naka
---King/Rashica, McGinn, Grealish
--------------Watkins

-----------Martinez
Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett
-----McGinn Luis Grealish
Rashica   Watkins   Benrahma/King

I'd swap Watkins and King over, but you'd like to think that side is capable of being well clear of relegation.

That is exactly what I like about the type of players we are being linked with. The forwards have the ability to play either side or play through the middle.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 12, 2020, 11:08:51 AM

Yes agreed, there's a great deal of flexibility with a fluid front line like that.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on September 12, 2020, 11:15:23 AM

Quote from: Villatillidie25 on September 12, 2020, 10:54:59 AM

Quote from: algy on September 12, 2020, 10:51:31 AM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 12, 2020, 09:53:32 AM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 12, 2020, 07:21:55 AM

Josh King is being allowed to leave Bournemouth according to The Telegraph - he's one that has been linked to us.

We'll get one of King, Rashica or Benhrahma surely. I don't think we need another number 9 after bringing in Watkins.

Like others I'm very concerned about the left back spot and I'd still like an experienced body in midfield. Team likely to emerge something like the below in next couple of weeks.

--------------Martinez
Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett
------------Luiz, Houri/Naka
---King/Rashica, McGinn, Grealish
--------------Watkins

Yep, that's what I'm expecting. To me the obvious next move from that is a solid midfielder anchor to replace Houri/Naka. Left back looks the weaker area, more because Taylor doesn't fit so well in to that system (as i imagine it) than anything.

No idea what we'll do this season, but just have this feeling that we'll be a bit of a surprise package and do better than expected.

What is this positive optimism you seem to have!! I’ll stick to my dour doom and gloom that will expect us to lose every match until we sign messi et al. Even then, think we’d probably be mid table miediocrity 🤣

It's because we're currently 2nd in the table and we're only not top on alphabetical order. Once that situation changes for the worse, we're nailed on for relegation and i don't even like football anyway.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Percy McCarthy on September 12, 2020, 11:22:14 AM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 12, 2020, 10:40:41 AM

Quote from: dicedlam on September 12, 2020, 10:23:00 AM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 12, 2020, 09:53:32 AM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 12, 2020, 07:21:55 AM

Josh King is being allowed to leave Bournemouth according to The Telegraph - he's one that has been linked to us.

We'll get one of King, Rashica or Benhrahma surely. I don't think we need another number 9 after bringing in Watkins.

Like others I'm very concerned about the left back spot and I'd still like an experienced body in midfield. Team likely to emerge something like the below in next couple of weeks.

--------------Martinez
Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett
------------Luiz, Houri/Naka
---King/Rashica, McGinn, Grealish
--------------Watkins

-----------Martinez
Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett
-----McGinn Luis Grealish
Rashica   Watkins   Benrahma/King

Really hope we don't try McGinn and Grealish in that formation again. We got destroyed in midfield in the early part of last season with the "2 number 8s" as Smith put it, Grealish was completely ineffective going forward too. You could be right though.

Yeah, we’d need a shit-hot defence to play like that. Although we’d probably get away with against crap teams. And of course, having a greater threat going forward helps the defence as well.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: BoVillan esq on September 12, 2020, 11:27:53 AM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 12, 2020, 09:53:32 AM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 12, 2020, 07:21:55 AM

Josh King is being allowed to leave Bournemouth according to The Telegraph - he's one that has been linked to us.

We'll get one of King, Rashica or Benhrahma surely. I don't think we need another number 9 after bringing in Watkins.

Like others I'm very concerned about the left back spot and I'd still like an experienced body in midfield. Team likely to emerge something like the below in next couple of weeks.

--------------Martinez
Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett
------------Luiz, Houri/Naka
---King/Rashica, McGinn, Grealish
--------------Watkins

Makings of a decent squad, we do need to tighten up the back left spot and I definitely think going in for Todd Cantwell (Norwich) would be a really savvy move for us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 12, 2020, 11:28:56 AM

Quote from: darren woolley on September 12, 2020, 12:42:43 AM

Quote from: Newby on September 11, 2020, 11:40:52 PM

So Martinez, Rashica next week then.  Just a central midfielder to come and we are set.

I would be a happy man if we bring those in.

Same here, Rashica looks like he'd be exciting to watch though perhaps a little frustrating at times particularly as he adjusts to the PL.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on September 12, 2020, 11:37:38 AM

I think if it’s true that Rashica is signing, then we won’t be going for Benhrama, Brentford also looking for more silly money, which will price a lot of teams out of a deal
If we can get Rashica and King in as well as Martinez, that is a good window. Although a back up centre midfielder would be nice too.
I don’t think Smith will totally abandon his more cautious post lockdown approach, he’s more or less admitted he was a bit naive in the first 2/3 of the season.
If we get those players in, I think he’ll have grealish and Rashica either side of Watkins, with king an option to come in and Watkins play wide/interchangeable.
Luiz to cover the defense with McGinn covering the ground in between. Hopefully a fully fit McGinn will be like a new signing as well.
If we get those signings in, I’m full of pre season optimism, it may take a few games to gel, but if we can scrap together some early results, while the team settles, I think we could have a very good season.
8th with an FA Cup win 😜

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: BoVillan esq on September 12, 2020, 11:44:50 AM

Quote from: RamboandBruno on September 12, 2020, 11:37:38 AM

I think if it’s true that Rashica is signing, then we won’t be going for Benhrama, Brentford also looking for more silly money, which will price a lot of teams out of a deal
If we can get Rashica and King in as well as Martinez, that is a good window. Although a back up centre midfielder would be nice too.
I don’t think Smith will totally abandon his more cautious post lockdown approach, he’s more or less admitted he was a bit naive in the first 2/3 of the season.
If we get those players in, I think he’ll have grealish and Rashica either side of Watkins, with king an option to come in and Watkins play wide/interchangeable.
Luiz to cover the defense with McGinn covering the ground in between. Hopefully a fully fit McGinn will be like a new signing as well.
If we get those signings in, I’m full of pre season optimism, it may take a few games to gel, but if we can scrap together some early results, while the team settles, I think we could have a very good season.
8th with an FA Cup win 😜

Yeah, if we can just get of to a positive start, chalk up a few points, good draws even, notch up a win here and there, not lose, definitely not lose any to start, the squad will get right in the groove and we will be of and running, who knows, its not impossible we could see a repeat of a Leicester City style resurgence.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 12, 2020, 12:05:07 PM

Quote from: BoVillan esq on September 12, 2020, 11:27:53 AM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 12, 2020, 09:53:32 AM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 12, 2020, 07:21:55 AM

Josh King is being allowed to leave Bournemouth according to The Telegraph - he's one that has been linked to us.

We'll get one of King, Rashica or Benhrahma surely. I don't think we need another number 9 after bringing in Watkins.

Like others I'm very concerned about the left back spot and I'd still like an experienced body in midfield. Team likely to emerge something like the below in next couple of weeks.

--------------Martinez
Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett
------------Luiz, Houri/Naka
---King/Rashica, McGinn, Grealish
--------------Watkins

Makings of a decent squad, we do need to tighten up the back left spot and I definitely think going in for Todd Cantwell (Norwich) would be a really savvy move for us.

He's a dick, he said he didn't want to play for someone shit like us and is waiting for Juventus to come in for him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on September 12, 2020, 12:05:21 PM

No Benrahma or Raja for Brentford today. Raja to the Arse, Martinez to us, hopefully.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: BoVillan esq on September 12, 2020, 12:47:57 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 12, 2020, 12:05:07 PM

Quote from: BoVillan esq on September 12, 2020, 11:27:53 AM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 12, 2020, 09:53:32 AM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 12, 2020, 07:21:55 AM

Josh King is being allowed to leave Bournemouth according to The Telegraph - he's one that has been linked to us.

We'll get one of King, Rashica or Benhrahma surely. I don't think we need another number 9 after bringing in Watkins.

Like others I'm very concerned about the left back spot and I'd still like an experienced body in midfield. Team likely to emerge something like the below in next couple of weeks.

--------------Martinez
Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett
------------Luiz, Houri/Naka
---King/Rashica, McGinn, Grealish
--------------Watkins

Makings of a decent squad, we do need to tighten up the back left spot and I definitely think going in for Todd Cantwell (Norwich) would be a really savvy move for us.

He's a dick, he said he didn't want to play for someone shit like us and is waiting for Juventus to come in for him.

He'd have a point on last season's performance, we was shit, as for Juventus wanting him, never in a million years, all that said, wouldn't stop me going for him, he's a good player, and could be a much better player out of Norwich.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 12, 2020, 12:50:49 PM

Its a moronic attitude. Fuck him and his daft name.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john2710 on September 12, 2020, 01:36:51 PM

Rashica will be £10-£15m cheaper than Benrahma & he plays on the right, allowing Jack to stay on the left.

I'd like to see better cover at centre-half.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on September 12, 2020, 02:10:21 PM

Any word on any of the deadwood leaving?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Border villan on September 12, 2020, 02:15:12 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 12, 2020, 02:10:21 PM

Any word on any of the deadwood leaving?

They will go in stages.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Footy-Vill on September 12, 2020, 02:22:21 PM

Gregg Evans , Todd Cantwell and Gareth Southgate seem to bare the brunt of scathing attacks whenever mentioned !

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Colhint on September 12, 2020, 02:26:01 PM

Yeah, just show them the whip and crack away.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 12, 2020, 02:27:23 PM

€15m bud for Bertrand Traoure out of Lyon rejected.

Gregg Evans also saying there are positive noises around the Rashica deal.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on September 12, 2020, 02:33:13 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 12, 2020, 02:27:23 PM

€15m bud for Bertrand Traoure out of Lyon rejected.

Gregg Evans also saying there are positive noises around the Rashica deal.

We really are going the full Keegan, aren't we?!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Chris_Jephcott on September 12, 2020, 02:34:44 PM

It’s all getting a bit exciting now isn’t it??

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 12, 2020, 02:36:09 PM

If we're going for 2 wide players, that suggests that Jack will be moved back to the centre.

I know some disagree but that's how I would like to see us play.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 12, 2020, 02:38:18 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 12, 2020, 02:27:23 PM

€15m bud for Bertrand Traoure out of Lyon rejected.

Gregg Evans also saying there are positive noises around the Rashica deal.

Healthy goal return for a wide forward.

Traore, that is.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 12, 2020, 02:38:48 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 12, 2020, 02:27:23 PM

€15m bud for Bertrand Traoure out of Lyon rejected.

Gregg Evans also saying there are positive noises around the Rashica deal.

Interesting. Was excellent for Ajax in their europa league run a few years back but hasn't done much at Lyon. Was one of those Chelsea were constantly loaning out before that.

A pacy wide player, Rashica and another striker on top of Watkins might look excessive but would sort out the final third for years.

It's crucial in a years time we finally have a summer where we don't have to spend 80m on new attackers as we seem to do every year.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 12, 2020, 02:41:54 PM

20 odd goals in 80 games for Lyon.  Looks to me like he's done OK in this three years there.

Haven't seen much of him admittedly.

He came through the ranks at Chelsea as well. So settling in/ homesickness shouldn't be a major issue.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 12, 2020, 02:47:22 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on September 12, 2020, 02:41:54 PM

20 odd goals in 80 games for Lyon.  Looks to me like he's done OK in this three years there.

Haven't seen much of him admittedly.

He came through the ranks at Chelsea as well. So settling in/ homesickness shouldn't be a major issue.

Not really a regular there, was unused sub last night in their 0-0 with Bordeaux. Memphis Depay and Dembele (ex Celtic) main players in them for attack so Lyon will likely sell him if we bid a bit more.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 12, 2020, 02:49:15 PM

Talk of Depay moving to Barcelona though (the odd times we live in).  So maybe they're keen to hold onto him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on September 12, 2020, 02:52:32 PM

Quote from: Border villan on September 12, 2020, 02:15:12 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 12, 2020, 02:10:21 PM

Any word on any of the deadwood leaving?

They will go in stages.

Shit crap away shit crap away shit crap away.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 12, 2020, 02:53:37 PM

Don't know anything about Traoré but I now know someone from Burkina Faso is described as Burkinabé. Who'd have thought?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 12, 2020, 02:56:13 PM

If we buy Rashica and Traore then you have to think Watkins is nailed on at 9. Unless of course we are getting attacking options stacked in case we lose someone very important.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on September 12, 2020, 03:00:00 PM

Dion Dublin thinks Grealish will still leave this window

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: four fornicholl on September 12, 2020, 03:00:43 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 12, 2020, 02:56:13 PM

If we buy Rashica and Traore then you have to think Watkins is nailed on at 9. Unless of course we are getting attacking options stacked in case we lose someone very important.

Don't, no need.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 12, 2020, 03:00:56 PM

I would be very, very surprised.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 12, 2020, 03:03:27 PM

Martinez under going a medical.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Shrek on September 12, 2020, 03:03:30 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 12, 2020, 02:56:13 PM

If we buy Rashica and Traore then you have to think Watkins is nailed on at 9. Unless of course we are getting attacking options stacked in case we lose someone very important.

Don’t even insinuate Jack leaving... 😭

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: enigma on September 12, 2020, 03:24:06 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 12, 2020, 03:03:27 PM

Martinez under going a medical.

At Villa I take it?  Please don't be Brighton.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 12, 2020, 03:24:07 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 12, 2020, 03:00:56 PM

I would be very, very surprised.

Me too, but United need a big signing and Sancho isn't happening. I can see them chucking £80m on the table last minute.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 12, 2020, 03:25:15 PM

Fee agreed with arsenal for Martinez

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on September 12, 2020, 03:29:45 PM

Quote from: Shrek on September 12, 2020, 03:03:30 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 12, 2020, 02:56:13 PM

If we buy Rashica and Traore then you have to think Watkins is nailed on at 9. Unless of course we are getting attacking options stacked in case we lose someone very important.

Don’t even insinuate Jack leaving... 😭

I can’t see it now.  Man U have signed that lad from Ajax and I’d imagine he is a cheaper version on Jack.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 12, 2020, 03:36:22 PM

Martinez is done. And Rashica now very close. Both according to Ashley Preece. And Percy confirmed Martinez a day or two back.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Border villan on September 12, 2020, 03:39:35 PM

Quote from: john e on September 12, 2020, 03:00:00 PM

Dion Dublin thinks Grealish will still leave this window

The only windows Dion knows anything about are on Homes under the hammer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Footy-Vill on September 12, 2020, 03:55:11 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on September 12, 2020, 03:25:15 PM

Fee agreed with arsenal for Martinez

Finally!

Brighton did Arsenal a favour there bumping up the price

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Footy-Vill on September 12, 2020, 04:00:45 PM

I would love Bertrand Tarore . Think he can offer a lot both wide and central
Please villa pay the money and sign him up!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Holy Trinity on September 12, 2020, 04:03:20 PM

Not sure if anyones mentioned we beat united 1-0 and watkins scored the winner.

Please don't be another false dawn but I'm really starting to get excited. Maybe it wasn't just dean being shit last season and maybe he has learnt a new trick or 2.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Holy Trinity on September 12, 2020, 04:05:54 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 12, 2020, 04:00:45 PM

I would love Bertrand Tarore . Think he can offer a lot both wide and central
Please villa pay the money and sign him up!

I think with traore Skillz we are being clever and trying to use him to push rashina through. Same as we did with wilson/king same with the brescia keeper and martinez and now this with rashina. Big clubs used to do it all the time back in the day and we appear to be acting like a big club for a change.

Where are you from Skillz?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 12, 2020, 04:13:11 PM

If Martinez and Rashica are as close as some are suggesting then I'd guess it'll be 1 more attacking player and a midfielder now.

At a guess Betrand Traore is an alternative to King in that he can also play all across the front line as that attacking player.

The midfielder is really intriguing now because there haven't really been any links.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: charleeco7 on September 12, 2020, 04:14:21 PM

Rashica has signed apparently.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Chris_Jephcott on September 12, 2020, 04:19:26 PM

I just heard that too.

Double unveil tomorrow?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy65 on September 12, 2020, 04:37:10 PM

Quote from: john e on September 12, 2020, 03:00:00 PM

Dion Dublin thinks Grealish will still leave this window

That’s worrying. DD must have connections within the game Insinuating that

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Holy Trinity on September 12, 2020, 04:43:14 PM

Quote from: Rudy65 on September 12, 2020, 04:37:10 PM

Quote from: john e on September 12, 2020, 03:00:00 PM

Dion Dublin thinks Grealish will still leave this window

That’s worrying. DD must have connections within the game Insinuating that

Don't forget Dion has united roots as well but I dont think he's being malicious with what he's saying. Just that he's probably thinking what the rest of the world is, which is.

Hang on a minute here, how the hell are jammy little avfc the team that survived only because of broken technology (some would have you believe) splashing the cash like this. Oh it must be grealish is going to subsidise it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy65 on September 12, 2020, 04:46:14 PM

I hope you’re right. It would be typical of us to make some great signings and then our best and most influential player leaves  That said, if I was signing for us I would want to know that the likes of JG was staying

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Chris_Jephcott on September 12, 2020, 04:50:32 PM

But more importantly, with the quality of the signings coming in, it might give Jack more ammunition to stay. Not that he needs it - he’s wanting playing time ahead of the Euros, playing for his boyhood club and generally quite happy.

But apart from that, there had been no formal contact as of a couple of weeks ago.

I wonder if anything happened this afternoon after the friendly...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 12, 2020, 04:52:25 PM

I'd probably be more concerned if Liverpool or Man City were being mooted as possible suitors. They both have Lallana and Silva shaped holes in their squads. Man United play Rashford on the left whenever he's fit, have just signed De Beek and look to be keeping Pogba.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on September 12, 2020, 05:00:25 PM

Beating Man United, even in a friendly, can't be a bad thing for these incoming players.  Villa on the up.

I wonder though, if we sign Rashica, Martinez, a central midfielder and another forward that we Jack might be on his way?  I hope not as we need to build from a position of strength and you get nowhere selling your best players.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dicedlam on September 12, 2020, 05:00:36 PM

Talking of Liverpool...I reckon a bid for Shaqiri would be a good bit of business. He is struggling to even get in the liverpool squad these days and is still only 28yrs old.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 12, 2020, 05:10:50 PM

Quote from: dicedlam on September 12, 2020, 05:00:36 PM

Talking of Liverpool...I reckon a bid for Shaqiri would be a good bit of business. He is struggling to even get in the liverpool squad these days and is still only 28yrs old.

Looks like we’ll be well stocked for wide players or ‘number 10’ types if half of these deals come off, most of them a good bit younger than Shaqiri.

If we’re looking at older heads I’ve always liked the look of Milivojević at Palace. Would give us height and strength in the middle of the park and good at set pieces.

Xhaka at Arsenal looked on the way out last year and might have been a semi realistic option at one stage. But Arteta seems to rate him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 12, 2020, 05:13:25 PM

By selling the two keepers, Guilbert if you believe the stories, Ghazi, Lansbury, Jota, and a few others we will recoup a chunk of the money.  The way the pyramid works is the top division sides get their squads settled, then the market opens up for teams below to buy their deadwood. 

I would be amazed if about six or seven weren’t out the door by October 5th.  We will spend less than last season, have more income, the wage bill will still be manageable and hopefully we will finish higher.  Do that and the stability of the club is back.  Finally on Jack, I think they are anticipating a departure next summer hence signings now.  Still get a decent wedge next year.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 12, 2020, 05:25:23 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on September 12, 2020, 05:13:25 PM

By selling the two keepers, Guilbert if you believe the stories, Ghazi, Lansbury, Jota, and a few others we will recoup a chunk of the money.  The way the pyramid works is the top division sides get their squads settled, then the market opens up for teams below to buy their deadwood. 

I would be amazed if about six or seven weren’t out the door by October 5th.  We will spend less than last season, have more income, the wage bill will still be manageable and hopefully we will finish higher.  Do that and the stability of the club is back.  Finally on Jack, I think they are anticipating a departure next summer hence signings now.  Still get a decent wedge next year.

Getting rid of the deadwood is going to be more a function of the wages of the departees: that is what can stymy a move to a lower league.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 12, 2020, 05:29:24 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 12, 2020, 03:24:07 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 12, 2020, 03:00:56 PM

I would be very, very surprised.

Me too, but United need a big signing and Sancho isn't happening. I can see them chucking £80m on the table last minute.

There's no way we'd sell him last minute surely? All our play goes through him and it would be beyond DS to come up with a new gamplan 4-5 games into a season given how clueless we look whenever he is injured in a season.

Unless he goes on strike which I really doubt he's here until next summer now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on September 12, 2020, 05:31:31 PM

Talk of Manure signing Sancho, having already signed Van de Beek.

I can't see them spending around about 230M on 3 midfielders.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on September 12, 2020, 06:00:12 PM

Rashica stuff in here for now, until there's something a bit more concrete reporting it than a private Twitter account.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 12, 2020, 06:09:19 PM

Who’s this Traore fella we are being linked to.  Nixon reckons it’s ‘live’.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on September 12, 2020, 06:14:12 PM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on September 12, 2020, 06:09:19 PM

Who’s this Traore fella we are being linked to.  Nixon reckons it’s ‘live’.

One of Chelsea's perennial loanees.

Was good for Vitesse, then Ajax, then Lyon. Fast winger. Done well everywhere he's played.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 12, 2020, 06:28:56 PM

Quote from: Border villan on September 12, 2020, 03:39:35 PM

Quote from: john e on September 12, 2020, 03:00:00 PM

Dion Dublin thinks Grealish will still leave this window

The only windows Dion knows anything about are on Homes under the hammer.

Its a bit of a stretch but we'll allow it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hipkiss92 on September 12, 2020, 06:52:21 PM

Tbf, Dion actually said he think he'd go if the bid of 70million came in, as we'd be mad not to take it. Not like he said Jack's off for peanuts.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 12, 2020, 07:03:08 PM

Buendia not in the Naaarrrich squad today ....
... just sayin'.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Shrek on September 12, 2020, 07:12:43 PM

Thinking about it, I see zero chance of Jack leaving this late, no way our owners would let him leave without replacing him, just like Brentford did with us.

And also I just can’t see united paying 80m for Jack.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Russ aka Big Nose on September 12, 2020, 07:19:58 PM

Quote from: Mister E on September 12, 2020, 07:03:08 PM

Buendia not in the Naaarrrich squad today ....
... just sayin'.

Serving a ban I think ... or more accurately read somewhere.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Skerra on September 12, 2020, 07:23:04 PM

Jack, I know that you’ll be reading this forum so, a bit of advice to you.
You have, at last and well overdue been included in the England squad. You’re best bet is to remain at the Villa as you’ll still be the first name on the team sheet whereas at Manure you will just be part of the squad. Bear in mind that another Villa captain went to Man City to enhance his career and then also lost his England place as, he was just treated as a squad player there. In addition, Villa are now moving forward with the new signings and so, looking to move up the table quite quickly. The pieces are now all falling into place and, I think, Villa will be top 6 within the next 2 seasons. You know it makes sense Jack!!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 12, 2020, 08:03:44 PM

If we got Traore and Rashica to go with Watkins I would be over the moon. Our biggest weakness was the ability to break at pace. All 3 are rapid. Transforms us, gives us options and would also be good with Wesley when he comes back.

A bloody good number 8 too would be dreamland.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Percy McCarthy on September 12, 2020, 08:12:28 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 12, 2020, 08:03:44 PM

If we got Traore and Rashica to go with Watkins I would be over the moon. Our biggest weakness was the ability to break at pace. All 3 are rapid. Transforms us, gives us options and would also be good with Wesley when he comes back.

A bloody good number 8 too would be dreamland.

Where would Jack play?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 12, 2020, 08:19:38 PM

On the left, the rest can fight it out. The difference being, Jack would have players around him that when he creates space, they can exploit it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Chris_Jephcott on September 12, 2020, 08:22:00 PM

I see rumours that we’ve made a 2nd bid for Traoré of up to £20 million.

Where does Jack fit into all of this???

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 12, 2020, 08:24:13 PM

Surely it is about options. At home you can play Jack at 8 and have a mobile front 3. Away he plays left and you rotate around that. You can also change games and shape much more easily.

AEG may well go though you would think.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 12, 2020, 08:24:42 PM

Quote from: Chris_Jephcott on September 12, 2020, 08:22:00 PM

I see rumours that we’ve made a 2nd bid for Traoré of up to £20 million.

Where does Jack fit into all of this???

I'm starting to worry that he doesn't.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on September 12, 2020, 08:25:28 PM

Quote from: Chris_Jephcott on September 12, 2020, 08:22:00 PM

I see rumours that we’ve made a 2nd bid for Traoré of up to £20 million.

Where does Jack fit into all of this???

We're building the type of side he needs to play in to be the first name on the England teamsheet. Showing what happens when you provide quality support around him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: TheMalandro on September 12, 2020, 08:25:28 PM

Quote from: Percy McCarthy on September 12, 2020, 08:12:28 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 12, 2020, 08:03:44 PM

If we got Traore and Rashica to go with Watkins I would be over the moon. Our biggest weakness was the ability to break at pace. All 3 are rapid. Transforms us, gives us options and would also be good with Wesley when he comes back.

A bloody good number 8 too would be dreamland.

Where would Jack play?

Old Trafford.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 12, 2020, 08:26:03 PM

Alan Nixon
@reluctantnicko
·
16m
Villa. Traore. Offer to Lyon up to 20m all in. French club likely to accept. Wages not an issue. Talk of medical in France start of week. Fulham has been looking.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Chris_Jephcott on September 12, 2020, 08:26:15 PM

I can see Grealish getting a more creative role, behind the forward three, bringing him into more a central position - which he much prefers.

That would be a seriously pacy front 3 though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 12, 2020, 08:27:33 PM

In fairness Traore is as much a centre forward as winger, so is probably an alternative to King. Rashica is the likely out and out wing option, Watkins 9 and Traore can play both. Jack is not affected at all, he fits where he fits.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Chris_Jephcott on September 12, 2020, 08:32:23 PM

Quote from: TheMalandro on September 12, 2020, 08:25:28 PM

Quote from: Percy McCarthy on September 12, 2020, 08:12:28 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 12, 2020, 08:03:44 PM

If we got Traore and Rashica to go with Watkins I would be over the moon. Our biggest weakness was the ability to break at pace. All 3 are rapid. Transforms us, gives us options and would also be good with Wesley when he comes back.

A bloody good number 8 too would be dreamland.

Where would Jack play?

Old Trafford.

I’m more worried that something was done at the friendly match today - and that the reason we’re waiting until 10pm is that we can announce Rashica and they can announce Grealish at the same time.

It just feels like we’re starting to build something a bit more special here now and for Grealish to leave would be a massive downer.

That’s Villa-based paranoia - a bred into characteristic of most Villa fans. That when things are looking really good, a giant arse appears above you and drops a turd that Glenn Peen would have been proud of, right onto the team.

In actual fact, I strongly suspect that Jack is staying though - just as I know a bit through some mutual friends. And we would be under no pressure to sell him at the moment, not on the eve of a new season.

But it doesn’t stop me feeling slightly worried!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 12, 2020, 08:35:12 PM

Do we know that we're waiting till 10pm to make an announcement (not being arsey, just missed it if we do)?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Chris_Jephcott on September 12, 2020, 08:36:15 PM

It just seems a bit “odd” to have had a press embargo at the friendly today, and to deny the full match rerun until 10pm.

Is there a logic that I’ve missed somewhere on this?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 12, 2020, 08:36:52 PM

Jack has to be excited at what is being built around him. And to the other players, even including players like SJM, it’s an announcement that no spot in the midfield or up front are safe and they have to work to keep a starting place.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VillaBoy_23 on September 12, 2020, 08:39:18 PM

Quote from: Chris_Jephcott on September 12, 2020, 08:36:15 PM

It just seems a bit “odd” to have had a press embargo at the friendly today, and to deny the full match rerun until 10pm.

Is there a logic that I’ve missed somewhere on this?

Apparently the reason we have to charge for it is because MUTV is also behind a paywall and we can’t show it any earlier than they do.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 12, 2020, 08:44:43 PM

Quote from: VillaBoy_23 on September 12, 2020, 08:39:18 PM

Quote from: Chris_Jephcott on September 12, 2020, 08:36:15 PM

It just seems a bit “odd” to have had a press embargo at the friendly today, and to deny the full match rerun until 10pm.

Is there a logic that I’ve missed somewhere on this?

Apparently the reason we have to charge for it is because MUTV is also behind a paywall and we can’t show it any earlier than they do.

and they can't show it until 10pm because of some technicality in the agreement between the PL and Sky (I suspect).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Eckybloke on September 12, 2020, 08:50:22 PM

So hypothetically...had we said at the start of the summer that we might sell Jack and get Cash, Rashica, Traore and Watkins in, would people think that was good business?

I‘m not saying I would. I think maybe, but if we do this AND keep Jack then I would be over the moon.

I think back to Young and Downing did they not swap sides and attack in different ways?  Would that not be on the cards with these guys making the attacking really quite dynamic.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: johnny from donny on September 12, 2020, 08:59:24 PM

So, if the deals being spoken about at the moment come through,  we will be looking at:
                        Martinez
Cash  Konsa  Mings   Targett
  McGinn    Luiz   Grealish
Rashica   Watkins  Traore
As our starting line up against Sheffield United  (subject to maybe shuffling the front line for the exact positions).
I guess that's ok to hopefully win a few more games than last season. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lsvilla on September 12, 2020, 09:00:57 PM

Jacks going nowhere. Relax everyone he’s leading us to top 6 this season

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ian. on September 12, 2020, 09:01:57 PM

Quote from: Lsvilla on September 12, 2020, 09:00:57 PM

Jacks going nowhere. Relax everyone he’s leading us to top 6 this season

Too right he’s going nowhere.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 12, 2020, 09:10:49 PM

I agree, I think it's too late in the window for us to sell him now and I don't think he'll force through a move in these circumstances. I certainly don't think he'd have played in the last friendly of the summer against the team that want him if he was halfway out the door.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 12, 2020, 09:12:28 PM

If he's a Villa supporter, shouldn't he hate them anyway?
( I'm only partly joking )

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Eckybloke on September 12, 2020, 09:14:29 PM

Traore is a Villa player already according to wiki so done deal then?
;)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 12, 2020, 09:14:55 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 12, 2020, 09:10:49 PM

I agree, I think it's too late in the window for us to sell him now and I don't think he'll force through a move in these circumstances. I certainly don't think he'd have played in the last friendly of the summer against the team that want him if he was halfway out the door.

Yes, that's certainly reassuring now you mention it Paul.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 12, 2020, 09:18:26 PM

I don’t think for a second we are making all of these investments to sell Jack. It’s to convince him to stay.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ger Regan on September 12, 2020, 09:19:55 PM

Or just to make us a better team.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 12, 2020, 09:21:32 PM

Going from Jack-Samatta-Trezeguet to Traore-Watkins-Rashica with Jack moved to centre midfield, that's some change. Pace, goals, flexible, width, ability to hit teams on the counter. Get it done!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Eckybloke on September 12, 2020, 09:27:44 PM

If all of these happen it’s going to give the other teams something to think about for sure. Quite the statement to make.

Scary biscuits!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 12, 2020, 09:28:35 PM

I wonder whether a Bid for Antonio (WetSpam) would be a smart thing to do? He's a grafter and an effective line-leader.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 12, 2020, 09:29:18 PM

Quote from: Eckybloke on September 12, 2020, 09:27:44 PM

If all of these happen it’s going to give the other teams something to think about for sure. Quite the statement to make.

Scary biscuits!

Still got to be able to defend effectively. But, yes!, I agree.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 12, 2020, 09:29:24 PM

Age and injury history would worry me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 12, 2020, 09:31:14 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on September 12, 2020, 09:29:24 PM

Age and injury history would worry me.

possibly.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ger Regan on September 12, 2020, 09:35:15 PM

Rashica not playing for Werder tonight either. Cup game though, so possibly just rested.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 12, 2020, 09:36:33 PM

The other thing with Antonio is that he's been a pretty average player for most of his career, taking an interest in an older player on the back of a few good months isn't how our recruitment team works.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 12, 2020, 09:43:30 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 12, 2020, 09:36:33 PM

The other thing with Antonio is that he's been a pretty average player for most of his career, taking an interest in an older player on the back of a few good months isn't how our recruitment team works.

Oh but for the days when it used to be!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 12, 2020, 09:49:39 PM

Quote from: Chris_Jephcott on September 12, 2020, 08:22:00 PM

I see rumours that we’ve made a 2nd bid for Traoré of up to £20 million.

Where does Jack fit into all of this???

Rashica Watkins  King/Traore
    Grealish
McGinn Luiz

That would be a very good summer. We'd then have likes of Trez, Samatta and El Ghazi on the bench who would actually have to do something special to start games rather than the 20 + starts they got last season for very little until Trez's goal spree in last 5 games.

That is how you improve your squad, the weaker line up players just become impact subs.

Probably wouldn't play them all v top 6 but we'd certainly be on the front foot more v bottom half teams and be more dangerous on the counter attack.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 12, 2020, 09:55:11 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 12, 2020, 08:24:42 PM

Quote from: Chris_Jephcott on September 12, 2020, 08:22:00 PM

I see rumours that we’ve made a 2nd bid for Traoré of up to £20 million.

Where does Jack fit into all of this???

I'm starting to worry that he doesn't.

Only at Villa do we think the world exists around the first 11 if we suddenly have more than 3 attacking players that must mean we're selling everyone else.

Look at Newcastle tonight. A bog standard average mid table team. They now have Wilson, Fraser, Almiron, Carroll, Saint Maxim, Joelinthon and Gayle when he's fit again for the 3 attacking slots. No talk of them cashing in on Saint Maximn despite signing two new attackers this week.

I'd say with the ridiculous fixture congestion this season you need 7 serious options for the 3 forward positions so we're still two short given I'd send Davis out on loan.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Shrek on September 12, 2020, 10:04:47 PM

Moving half of last seasons first team to the bench means we finally have strong Squad depth, exciting times.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on September 12, 2020, 10:41:10 PM

                 Martinez
Cash    Konsa    Mings     Targett
            McGinn   Luiz
                 Grealish
Rashica      Watkins     Traore

Subs: when all fit Heaton, Engels, Hourihane, Wesley, Trezeguet, El Ghazi, Nakamba. (Samatta/Davis, Taylor, Guilbert in the meantime).

Has look of pace and skill about it.  I am still concerned about physicality through the middle but Dean Smith wants to attack rather than defend I guess. The full backs getting forward too, plenty of attacking flair.   

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 12, 2020, 10:57:56 PM

If FFP is an issue and we need to bring some cash in, I'd take whoever offers higher for one of Guilbert/Engels and Trezeguet/El Ghazi. And come to an agreement with Kalinic, ie grant him a free transfer if we only have to pay two of the remaining three years on his contract. And get rid of Samatta if we can get our money back.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Skerra on September 12, 2020, 11:04:30 PM

I think Jack knows we are building a team around him and, with the extra strength, why would he want to leave Villa?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Alex77 on September 12, 2020, 11:07:30 PM

Quote from: Skerra on September 12, 2020, 11:04:30 PM

I think Jack knows we are building a team around him and, with the extra strength, why would he want to leave Villa?

It pains me to say it, but trophies?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on September 12, 2020, 11:16:27 PM

Quote from: Newby on September 12, 2020, 10:41:10 PM

                 Martinez
Cash    Konsa    Mings     Targett
            McGinn   Luiz
                 Grealish
Rashica      Watkins     Traore

Subs: when all fit Heaton, Engels, Hourihane, Wesley, Trezeguet, El Ghazi, Nakamba. (Samatta/Davis, Taylor, Guilbert in the meantime).

Has look of pace and skill about it.  I am still concerned about physicality through the middle but Dean Smith wants to attack rather than defend I guess. The full backs getting forward too, plenty of attacking flair.   

There’s no way that team can hold it’s own in midfield. 

Keep jack in the final third so his best bits cause the most damage. Rather than sign Traore buy a decent midfielder.  £20m on a DMC should buy more “quality” compared to a forward so it is win win = less defending for Jack.  Plus we get more bang-for-our-buck in DCM.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: TheMalandro on September 12, 2020, 11:17:02 PM

Quote from: Alex77 on September 12, 2020, 11:07:30 PM

Quote from: Skerra on September 12, 2020, 11:04:30 PM

I think Jack knows we are building a team around him and, with the extra strength, why would he want to leave Villa?

It pains me to say it, but trophies?

We have loads of them.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Alex77 on September 12, 2020, 11:27:50 PM

Quote from: TheMalandro on September 12, 2020, 11:17:02 PM

Quote from: Alex77 on September 12, 2020, 11:07:30 PM

Quote from: Skerra on September 12, 2020, 11:04:30 PM

I think Jack knows we are building a team around him and, with the extra strength, why would he want to leave Villa?

It pains me to say it, but trophies?

We have loads of them.

We do, Jack doesn't.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 12, 2020, 11:30:03 PM

The last thing they won was the Europa league three years ago. If he really wanted to win trophies (away from Villa park) he'd be better fluttering his eyelashes at Man City. Or Liverpool, or Arsenal. I think Chelsea have an FA cup in that time too.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Alex77 on September 12, 2020, 11:39:38 PM

Which still says that they are in a totally different league to us. I hope his motivation is there that he wants to be part of our project, but I wouldn't blame him if it wasn't.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 12, 2020, 11:41:33 PM

Quote from: Alex77 on September 12, 2020, 11:39:38 PM

Which still says that they are in a totally different league to us. I hope his motivation is there that he wants to be part of our project, but I wouldn't blame him if it wasn't.

Aye, I know was just making fun of the "biggest club in world" that's all.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on September 12, 2020, 11:41:56 PM

Quote from: Dante Lavelli on September 12, 2020, 11:16:27 PM

Quote from: Newby on September 12, 2020, 10:41:10 PM

                 Martinez
Cash    Konsa    Mings     Targett
            McGinn   Luiz
                 Grealish
Rashica      Watkins     Traore

Subs: when all fit Heaton, Engels, Hourihane, Wesley, Trezeguet, El Ghazi, Nakamba. (Samatta/Davis, Taylor, Guilbert in the meantime).

Has look of pace and skill about it.  I am still concerned about physicality through the middle but Dean Smith wants to attack rather than defend I guess. The full backs getting forward too, plenty of attacking flair.   

There’s no way that team can hold it’s own in midfield. 

Keep jack in the final third so his best bits cause the most damage. Rather than sign Traore buy a decent midfielder.  £20m on a DMC should buy more “quality” compared to a forward so it is win win = less defending for Jack.  Plus we get more bang-for-our-buck in DCM.

I don't think buying Traore will compromise any pursuit of a midfielder. We don't seem to have an either/or mentality at present. 'bout time, too.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 13, 2020, 12:15:43 AM

                Martinez
Cash    Konsa    Mings     Targett
            McGinn   Luiz
                 Grealish
Rashica      Watkins     Traore

Back-ups team (when everyone's fit) -

                    Heaton
Guibert   Engels    Hause   Taylor
            Nakamba (or new)  Hourihane
                 Ramsey (or new)
Trezeguet    Wesley     El Ghazi

A lot of importance on Luiz and Jack/wide player if we move Jack out wide.             

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LukeJames on September 13, 2020, 12:26:07 AM

Im proper into this Rashica tranfer now, rapid as fuck. I'll be gutted if it turns out to be bullshit.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Shrek on September 13, 2020, 12:40:09 AM

Nixon claiming Palace are getting Benhrama for 20million, seems strange why we are not interested at that price.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LukeJames on September 13, 2020, 12:42:24 AM

I genuinly cant see a single thing in Benrahma, granted I only really saw Brentford for the last few months of last season but I saw nothing in him at all.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Skerra on September 13, 2020, 12:46:19 AM

Shit, we are out of the champions league places. We desperately need to pick up some points from our remaining 38 games!!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: jwarry on September 13, 2020, 07:35:39 AM

Can I be greedy and have Rashica and Traore please?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OzVilla on September 13, 2020, 07:43:58 AM

Quote from: Alex77 on September 12, 2020, 11:07:30 PM

Quote from: Skerra on September 12, 2020, 11:04:30 PM

I think Jack knows we are building a team around him and, with the extra strength, why would he want to leave Villa?

It pains me to say it, but trophies?

Which is interesting because we came a lot closer to actually winning a trophy than Manchester United did last season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: frank black on September 13, 2020, 08:05:48 AM

I hope that Traore bloke turns out a lot better than the highlight reel on YouTube. Crikey he seems more of a typical Villa signing from abroad

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithe on September 13, 2020, 08:11:08 AM

Always thought he looked lively, if not outstanding for Lyon.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 13, 2020, 08:15:16 AM

If Benrahma is going for £20m we can’t have been in for him.  Some players do have a weird fondness that London place though I guess.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: nodge on September 13, 2020, 08:42:01 AM

Quote from: frank black on September 13, 2020, 08:05:48 AM

I hope that Traore bloke turns out a lot better than the highlight reel on YouTube. Crikey he seems more of a typical Villa signing from abroad

I thought that, got some great skills, gets past the defender and then puts an awful cross in or blasts it wide. I did give up watching after a few minutes so maybe it got better.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 13, 2020, 09:27:11 AM

Traore shit, Cash roasted on his debut...maybe new signings generally are over-rated. Its the excitement and anticipation that kills...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 13, 2020, 09:37:01 AM

I do like how people think Jack is going to leave just because we might be signing a new winger.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Chris_Jephcott on September 13, 2020, 09:48:30 AM

Traoré sounds a bit like the other Traoré we signed a few years ago. Skill, pace, physical attributes but very raw. There is a quality player in there, but it’s up to us to develop him I think.

Not really a problem, a lot of people have mentioned his decision making - I’m sure that we have the coaching staff to help him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on September 13, 2020, 10:02:24 AM

Quote from: Clampy on September 13, 2020, 09:37:01 AM

I do like how people think Jack is going to leave just because we might be signing a new winger.

I think it’s just Dion mate

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: olaftab on September 13, 2020, 10:03:45 AM

Quote from: Eckybloke on September 12, 2020, 09:14:29 PM

Traore is a Villa player already according to wiki so done deal then?
;)

No the deal will be confirmed when his wife or gf follows us on Twitter. That's the rule nowadays.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on September 13, 2020, 10:12:14 AM

I guess we are looking at a system using wide forwards.

When Wesley comes back, he will give us the option to revert to a target man if we want to?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on September 13, 2020, 10:45:55 AM

Quote from: Skerra on September 13, 2020, 12:46:19 AM

Shit, we are out of the champions league places. We desperately need to pick up some points from our remaining 38 games!!

It's only going to get worse, I reckon we could be six points adrift in a week's time, and being kept off the bottom by our GD. No thanks there to our so-called 'strikers', mind. Ffs, sort it out Villa!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WarszaVillan on September 13, 2020, 10:52:03 AM

Quote from: Lastfootstamper on September 13, 2020, 10:45:55 AM

Quote from: Skerra on September 13, 2020, 12:46:19 AM

Shit, we are out of the champions league places. We desperately need to pick up some points from our remaining 38 games!!

It's only going to get worse, I reckon we could be six points adrift in a week's time, and being kept off the bottom by our GD. No thanks there to our so-called 'strikers', mind. Ffs, sort it out Villa!

Although as noone drew yesterday we've kept our UEFA Cup spot in the table

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 13, 2020, 11:03:44 AM

Noone? Played for Cardiff a few years ago, not sure where he is now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Zouch Villa on September 13, 2020, 11:05:50 AM

At least we no longer need to be concerned about links with noone this transfer window.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on September 13, 2020, 11:06:03 AM

Quote from: Newby on September 12, 2020, 10:41:10 PM

                 Martinez
Cash    Konsa    Mings     Targett
            McGinn   Luiz
                 Grealish
Rashica      Watkins     Traore

Subs: when all fit Heaton, Engels, Hourihane, Wesley, Trezeguet, El Ghazi, Nakamba. (Samatta/Davis, Taylor, Guilbert in the meantime).

Has look of pace and skill about it.  I am still concerned about physicality through the middle but Dean Smith wants to attack rather than defend I guess. The full backs getting forward too, plenty of attacking flair.

Think that will be the team at times if signings come off, a lot of the time though, the more cautious approach smith took after lockdown might come into play. Meaning grealish moving to the left and Watkins/Traore being interchangeable depending on form, with hourihane coming in to the middle.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Jimsta on September 13, 2020, 11:21:32 AM

Quote from: Newby on Today at 03:41:10 AM
                 Martinez
Cash    Konsa    Mings     Targett
            McGinn   Luiz
                 Grealish
Rashica      Watkins     Traore

Subs: when all fit Heaton, Engels, Hourihane, Wesley, Trezeguet, El Ghazi, Nakamba. (Samatta/Davis, Taylor, Guilbert in the meantime).

Has look of pace and skill about it.  I am still concerned about physicality through the middle but Dean Smith wants to attack rather than defend I guess. The full backs getting forward too, plenty of attacking flair.

Think that will be the team at times if signings come off, a lot of the time though, the more cautious approach smith took after lockdown might come into play. Meaning grealish moving to the left and Watkins/Traore being interchangeable depending on form, with hourihane coming in to the middle.

This is why we need another midfielder, Hourihane should be way down the pecking order, Should not be picked because of his set pieces we should be looking above that.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Border villan on September 13, 2020, 11:38:55 AM

With this formation SJM may have to be more disciplined and not make as many forward runs as it could leave the back four exposed with only Doug in front of them.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on September 13, 2020, 11:46:49 AM

I’d prefer Grealish to be further forward where he can hurt teams more, either directly or simply winning free kicks in shooting/crossing range.  If he’s too deep it is too easy to foul him, allowing the opposition to drop back and get organised.  An extra midfielder should help protect the defence more too.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Footy-Vill on September 13, 2020, 11:51:58 AM

Looking into Rashica he's comparable in style to
Cheslea Pulisic
Watford Deulofeu
Real Madrid Hazard
Bayern Munich Gnabry.


An upgrade on El Ghazi perhaps but I feel he'll be an upgrade.
When on form and in right set up Rashica could flourish cam play all across the front too.

Comparable to St Maxim and Adoma on levels of excitement and frustration!
Think he'll enjoy playing the slow and weaker defender.
Should surprise a few of the more established defenders and offer up some goals and assists.

The pace and fluidity is great asset dean bring him in !
Rashica probably more apparent in matches than Trez but I feel still places for the Egyptian who I may add gave the assist for Watkins
Building a decent squad now arent we !
Excitement

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: tomd2103 on September 13, 2020, 12:56:48 PM

Quote from: Border villan on September 13, 2020, 11:38:55 AM

With this formation SJM may have to be more disciplined and not make as many forward runs as it could leave the back four exposed with only Doug in front of them.

Would prefer a more solid option come in to play alongside Douglas, giving us that solid base in midfield and then McGinn play in front of them.

Someone like Mouthino from Wolves, who has a bit of nous and could give us a bit of control in there.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: tomd2103 on September 13, 2020, 12:58:32 PM

Quote from: tomd2103 on September 13, 2020, 12:56:48 PM

Quote from: Border villan on September 13, 2020, 11:38:55 AM

With this formation SJM may have to be more disciplined and not make as many forward runs as it could leave the back four exposed with only Doug in front of them.

Would prefer a more solid option come in to play alongside Douglas, giving us that solid base in midfield and then McGinn play in front of them.

A signing like Wolves made with Mouthino - - a midfielder who has a bit of nous and could give us a bit of control in there.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Singapore Villa on September 13, 2020, 01:00:46 PM

What happened to the Milot Reschica thread?

Assume we jumped the gun too early and it was blocked.

Must admit I was sceptical when I read that as no real credible links on it being done.

Bid - yes
Talks - yes
Done deal - no

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 13, 2020, 01:08:47 PM

This is a general question, but is tapping up a player no longer an offense?  It was reported we'd agreed personal terms with Martinez before we'd had a bid accepted. I'm only using us as an example, it was also reported weeks ago that Sancho has agreed terms with Man United.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 13, 2020, 01:11:02 PM

I think some clubs now give permission for the player to agree personal terms with the buying club and once that's done - the clubs get together to discuss the fee etc...

whereas years ago it seemed to be the clubs agreed the price first.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on September 13, 2020, 01:13:26 PM

Quote from: danno on September 13, 2020, 01:08:47 PM

This is a general question, but is tapping up a player no longer an offense?  It was reported we'd agreed personal terms with Martinez before we'd had a bid accepted. I'm only using us as an example, it was also reported weeks ago that Sancho has agreed terms with Man United.

Good question.

This is a guess on my part but I think terms can be agreed with a third, unconnected party.  I recall a few years ago Man U (or someone like that) agreed terms on a deal but the agent did not even represent the player.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 13, 2020, 01:18:26 PM

It's common place for the personal terms etc to be sounded out before agreeing the other bits. Crouch on one of his podcasts went through it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 13, 2020, 01:21:14 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 13, 2020, 01:18:26 PM

It's common place for the personal terms etc to be sounded out before agreeing the other bits. Crouch on one of his podcasts went through it.

You still need the selling clubs permission to speak to the player first though right?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 13, 2020, 01:24:32 PM

I think it's pretty obvious this happens all the time. No club wants to go through the hassle of getting a bid accepted only for the player to tell them he's not interested.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 13, 2020, 01:28:35 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 13, 2020, 01:24:32 PM

I think it's pretty obvious this happens all the time. No club wants to go through the hassle of getting a bid accepted only for the player to tell them he's not interested.

Well yeah, that's why I asked if there was still a rule against tapping up. Darren Bent didn't just wake up one day and decide to put in a transfer request.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Three Spires Villa on September 13, 2020, 01:31:44 PM

Quote from: danno on September 13, 2020, 01:28:35 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 13, 2020, 01:24:32 PM

I think it's pretty obvious this happens all the time. No club wants to go through the hassle of getting a bid accepted only for the player to tell them he's not interested.

Well yeah, that's why I asked if there was still a rule against tapping up. Darren Bent didn't just wake up one day and decide to put in a transfer request.

Of course he did he was playing for Sunderland!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 13, 2020, 01:42:01 PM

Quote from: Three Spires Villa on September 13, 2020, 01:31:44 PM

Quote from: danno on September 13, 2020, 01:28:35 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 13, 2020, 01:24:32 PM

I think it's pretty obvious this happens all the time. No club wants to go through the hassle of getting a bid accepted only for the player to tell them he's not interested.

Well yeah, that's why I asked if there was still a rule against tapping up. Darren Bent didn't just wake up one day and decide to put in a transfer request.

Of course he did he was playing for Sunderland!

and Bruce!  Although in hindsight the mangers he had here weren't any better.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: yammers on September 13, 2020, 02:01:10 PM

Private jet has just flown over Walsall and looked like it was landing at Birmingham.  European based player flying in for a medical perhaps?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LukeJames on September 13, 2020, 02:03:50 PM

This thread has just peaked.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on September 13, 2020, 02:04:15 PM

Quote from: yammers on September 13, 2020, 02:01:10 PM

Private jet has just flown over Walsall and looked like it was landing at Birmingham.  European based player flying in for a medical perhaps?

Maybe it's Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on September 13, 2020, 02:09:18 PM

It's nice to be back off holiday. Anything happen while I was away?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: yammers on September 13, 2020, 02:09:21 PM

Quote from: Monty on September 13, 2020, 02:04:15 PM

Quote from: yammers on September 13, 2020, 02:01:10 PM

Private jet has just flown over Walsall and looked like it was landing at Birmingham.  European based player flying in for a medical perhaps?

Maybe it's Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Nah, he would have stayed over at the Jury’s Inn following yesterday’s friendly! 🥴

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AV82EC on September 13, 2020, 02:09:40 PM

Quote from: Monty on September 13, 2020, 02:04:15 PM

Quote from: yammers on September 13, 2020, 02:01:10 PM

Private jet has just flown over Walsall and looked like it was landing at Birmingham.  European based player flying in for a medical perhaps?

Maybe it's Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

It’ll be Wes now the Bucks are out of the playoffs.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 13, 2020, 03:01:02 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on September 13, 2020, 02:09:18 PM

It's nice to be back off holiday. Anything happen while I was away?

Nah

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 13, 2020, 03:07:07 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on September 13, 2020, 02:09:18 PM

It's nice to be back off holiday. Anything happen while I was away?

Not much, how's Kylie?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: gpbarr on September 13, 2020, 03:44:39 PM

Quote from: yammers on September 13, 2020, 02:01:10 PM

Private jet has just flown over Walsall and looked like it was landing at Birmingham.  European based player flying in for a medical perhaps?

Messi

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on September 13, 2020, 04:10:08 PM

Fee agreed for the geezer from Lyon. seems like a lot for not much.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Goldie.7 on September 13, 2020, 04:25:07 PM

Quote from: mr underhill on September 13, 2020, 04:10:08 PM

Fee agreed for the geezer from Lyon. Seems like a lot for not much.

Charles Insomnia 2.0.

Bertrand Traore looks utter gash. The Lyon fans also hate him with a passion because he misses so many chances and disappears after 20 minutes, pretty damning.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 13, 2020, 04:25:11 PM

1 in 3 for Vitesse, Ajax and 1 in 4 for Lyon is decent. Seems to be absolutely rapid and very direct.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 13, 2020, 04:25:49 PM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on September 13, 2020, 04:25:07 PM

Quote from: mr underhill on September 13, 2020, 04:10:08 PM

Fee agreed for the geezer from Lyon. Seems like a lot for not much.

Charles Insomnia 2.0.

Bertrand Traore looks utter gash. The Lyon fans also hate him with a passion because he misses so many chances and disappears after 20 minutes, pretty damning.

Lol.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 13, 2020, 04:28:50 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 13, 2020, 04:25:49 PM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on September 13, 2020, 04:25:07 PM

Quote from: mr underhill on September 13, 2020, 04:10:08 PM

Fee agreed for the geezer from Lyon. Seems like a lot for not much.

Charles Insomnia 2.0.

Bertrand Traore looks utter gash. The Lyon fans also hate him with a passion because he misses so many chances and disappears after 20 minutes, pretty damning.

Lol.

Lol indeed, can imagine him having to Google translate some Lyon version of TBAR in a desperate attempt to find a negative.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 13, 2020, 04:29:47 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 13, 2020, 04:25:49 PM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on September 13, 2020, 04:25:07 PM

Quote from: mr underhill on September 13, 2020, 04:10:08 PM

Fee agreed for the geezer from Lyon. Seems like a lot for not much.

Charles Insomnia 2.0.

Bertrand Traore looks utter gash. The Lyon fans also hate him with a passion because he misses so many chances and disappears after 20 minutes, pretty damning.

Lol.

Yeh these highlights make him look complete bollocks and very hateable.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Goldie.7 on September 13, 2020, 04:33:48 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 13, 2020, 04:29:47 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 13, 2020, 04:25:49 PM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on September 13, 2020, 04:25:07 PM

Quote from: mr underhill on September 13, 2020, 04:10:08 PM

Fee agreed for the geezer from Lyon. Seems like a lot for not much.

Charles Insomnia 2.0.

Bertrand Traore looks utter gash. The Lyon fans also hate him with a passion because he misses so many chances and disappears after 20 minutes, pretty damning.

Lol.

Yeh these highlights make him look complete bollocks and very hateable.

1:56 is comedy gold. The way he hurls himself to the ground is too much.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: enigma on September 13, 2020, 04:35:02 PM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on September 13, 2020, 04:33:48 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 13, 2020, 04:29:47 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 13, 2020, 04:25:49 PM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on September 13, 2020, 04:25:07 PM

Quote from: mr underhill on September 13, 2020, 04:10:08 PM

Fee agreed for the geezer from Lyon. Seems like a lot for not much.

Charles Insomnia 2.0.

Bertrand Traore looks utter gash. The Lyon fans also hate him with a passion because he misses so many chances and disappears after 20 minutes, pretty damning.

Lol.

Yeh these highlights make him look complete bollocks and very hateable.

1:56 is comedy gold. The way he hurls himself to the ground is too much.

Yeah but even Tonev can look good in a youtube highlight video.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 13, 2020, 04:36:02 PM

00:18 is a bit tasty on his weaker foot.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Goldie.7 on September 13, 2020, 04:47:34 PM

Quote from: enigma on September 13, 2020, 04:35:02 PM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on September 13, 2020, 04:33:48 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 13, 2020, 04:29:47 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 13, 2020, 04:25:49 PM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on September 13, 2020, 04:25:07 PM

Quote from: mr underhill on September 13, 2020, 04:10:08 PM

Fee agreed for the geezer from Lyon. Seems like a lot for not much.

Charles Insomnia 2.0.

Bertrand Traore looks utter gash. The Lyon fans also hate him with a passion because he misses so many chances and disappears after 20 minutes, pretty damning.

Lol.

Yeh these highlights make him look complete bollocks and very hateable.

1:56 is comedy gold. The way he hurls himself to the ground is too much.

Yeah but even Tonev can look good in a youtube highlight video.

This guy looks like a player we should sign, that first goal is outrageous.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on September 13, 2020, 04:51:05 PM

I also hate exciting if imperfect players, much like I hate sunshine, love, babies' laughter etc.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 13, 2020, 04:52:33 PM

You do know you can't actually win this argument until he actually signs and then plays crap for us right?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 13, 2020, 04:52:49 PM

Some people love to whinge. Constantly.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: thick_mike on September 13, 2020, 05:00:41 PM

Reminds me a bit of Kodjia the way he cuts in from the wing and goes past players with fast feet. Seems to pass a bit more though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 13, 2020, 05:03:07 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 13, 2020, 04:52:49 PM

Some people love to whinge. Constantly.

I'm a moaning bastard*

*according to my wife.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 13, 2020, 05:07:16 PM

I like to also look at what level players play at in these montages. In this selection he’s playing Ligue 1 and also some Champions League. Better than Tonev in division 3 standard in Bulgaria.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 13, 2020, 05:08:47 PM

I can put up with the wide or creative players being a bit mercurial and having off days.

It's when your goalkeeper or centre halves are like that when you have problems.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 13, 2020, 05:10:29 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on September 13, 2020, 05:08:47 PM

I can put up with the wide or creative players being a bit mercurial and having off days.

It's when your goalkeeper or centre halves are like that when you have problems.

Also, we won't be relying on one player this season like we did last. So if for example Traore has an off-day, well perhaps Jack or Rashica or Watkins will be having an on-day.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sid1964 on September 13, 2020, 05:10:57 PM

Let’s hope that he is not here just for the money

I think we are hoping that he will do for us what that other ex Villa player is doing for Wolves

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on September 13, 2020, 05:18:29 PM

Let's be realistic - a consistent and talented attacking player isn't going to sign for us this summer - and if they did we'd complain that they were only here for the money or using us as a stepping stone.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: charlatan on September 13, 2020, 05:20:20 PM

Quote from: sid1964 on September 13, 2020, 05:10:57 PM

Let’s hope that he is not here just for the money

Either he'll try or he won't.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: timeoutbigbar on September 13, 2020, 05:24:34 PM

Any chance we might actually get both Rashica and Traore?  Must be one or the other surely, if we're even after Rashica.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on September 13, 2020, 05:25:42 PM

Probably a good idea not to write players off, we haven’t seen that much of yet. Fair enough if you’ve watched them play over a period of time, but if not let’s wait to see how they get on for us.
I’m excited by the prospects of the players that look like their signing and they seem on the face of it, better than what we have.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 13, 2020, 05:25:54 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on September 13, 2020, 05:18:29 PM

Let's be realistic - a consistent and talented attacking player isn't going to sign for us this summer - and if they did we'd complain that they were only here for the money or using us as a stepping stone.

Is Watkins not consistent and talented?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on September 13, 2020, 05:26:33 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 13, 2020, 04:52:49 PM

Some people love to whinge. Constantly.

Is that you whinging about people whinging?  ;)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: frank black on September 13, 2020, 05:26:44 PM

Quote from: enigma on September 13, 2020, 04:35:02 PM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on September 13, 2020, 04:33:48 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 13, 2020, 04:29:47 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 13, 2020, 04:25:49 PM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on September 13, 2020, 04:25:07 PM

Quote from: mr underhill on September 13, 2020, 04:10:08 PM

Fee agreed for the geezer from Lyon. Seems like a lot for not much.

Charles Insomnia 2.0.

Bertrand Traore looks utter gash. The Lyon fans also hate him with a passion because he misses so many chances and disappears after 20 minutes, pretty damning.

Lol.

Yeh these highlights make him look complete bollocks and very hateable.

1:56 is comedy gold. The way he hurls himself to the ground is too much.

Yeah but even Tonev can look good in a youtube highlight video.

Thing is in this edit he looks quick, tricky and a bit shit....oh well let’s see and hope he’s a hit.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on September 13, 2020, 05:37:47 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 13, 2020, 05:25:54 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on September 13, 2020, 05:18:29 PM

Let's be realistic - a consistent and talented attacking player isn't going to sign for us this summer - and if they did we'd complain that they were only here for the money or using us as a stepping stone.

Is Watkins not consistent and talented?

You didn't see where I also put experienced top-level.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 13, 2020, 05:38:31 PM

Traore did better at Ajax than AEG. And also better impact in France.

El Ghazi is talented enough for premier league but horribly inconsistant. For where we are currently I think Traore and hopefully Rashica will be good signings.

Good we've realised to seriously improve in the league we can't give AEG and Trez 20 + starts in the league. If they want to play serious minutes they'll have to have some very impressive cameos off the bench where they influence the result so that's the way to improve standards through the squad.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 13, 2020, 05:45:09 PM

Indeed.  I like the idea of Rashica and Traore up top and alternating with that pair.

Though Trez and El Ghazi may start initially as they get up to speed with the game here.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 13, 2020, 05:52:07 PM

Traore looks to have a fair bit of talent to me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 13, 2020, 05:52:11 PM

I do very much hope Traore is as well as Rashica and not instead.

Traore looks an expensive free hit to me, fast, physical, quick feet and eye for goal. Can also play down the middle. Maybe the madness of the premier league will suit him, but I do love a frustrating, infuriating forward. Unpredictable and mercurial is kind of what we need. El Ghazi  has the talent but not the application in the top league for me.

I would still keep Trez. Options for once!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ger Regan on September 13, 2020, 06:04:05 PM

Trez did enough last year to earn a squad place, El Ghazi did anything but.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AV82EC on September 13, 2020, 06:08:11 PM

Quote from: Ger Regan on September 13, 2020, 06:04:05 PM

Trez did enough last year to earn a squad place, El Ghazi did anything but.

This x 1000.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on September 13, 2020, 06:22:43 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on September 13, 2020, 05:52:07 PM

Traore looks to have a fair bit of talent to me.

He does so it's strange that Lyon want rid. It obviously hasn't worked out for him in France.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: stubbsyandy on September 13, 2020, 06:28:07 PM

Quote from: Ger Regan on September 13, 2020, 06:04:05 PM

Trez did enough last year to earn a squad place, El Ghazi did anything but.

El khazi

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LukeJames on September 13, 2020, 06:32:37 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on September 13, 2020, 06:22:43 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on September 13, 2020, 05:52:07 PM

Traore looks to have a fair bit of talent to me.

He does so it's strange that Lyon want rid. It obviously hasn't worked out for him in France.

To be fair though, Lyon also thought swapping Carew for Baros was a good deal.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on September 13, 2020, 06:36:19 PM

I presume that, if we sign Traore, we are not in for Rashica too?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 13, 2020, 06:36:19 PM

I can see us getting a lot of free kicks and penalties this year with this bunch.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on September 13, 2020, 06:42:10 PM

Trez will end up being the Salah of today but the Chelsea Salah past.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 13, 2020, 06:49:19 PM

Quote from: Newby on September 13, 2020, 06:36:19 PM

I presume that, if we sign Traore, we are not in for Rashica too?

In for both.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 13, 2020, 06:50:55 PM

What about a stopper in midfield, are we getting one of those too ?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 13, 2020, 06:53:16 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 13, 2020, 06:49:19 PM

Quote from: Newby on September 13, 2020, 06:36:19 PM

I presume that, if we sign Traore, we are not in for Rashica too?

In for both.

And still in for Brewster I've read in a couple of places, presumably as a back-up for Watkins with Eduoard now not on the cards.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 13, 2020, 06:54:33 PM

Quote from: Ger Regan on September 13, 2020, 06:04:05 PM

Trez did enough last year to earn a squad place, El Ghazi did anything but.

I don't think that's fair, AEG played well for a couple of short spells and so did Trez. The big difference is that the really hot streak from the latter came right at the end of the season and is fresh. Both of them have the potential to be decent players in the prem but they both have flaws to iron out to get there.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on September 13, 2020, 06:55:08 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 13, 2020, 06:49:19 PM

Quote from: Newby on September 13, 2020, 06:36:19 PM

I presume that, if we sign Traore, we are not in for Rashica too?

In for both.

Reports in France say Fulham have agreed a fee of 19-20m euros for Toure, medical tomorrow in London.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on September 13, 2020, 06:55:32 PM

Think el Ghazi has more ability that Trez but so lightweight. Trez to be fair, I thought was not very good, but without him we would of been relegated. Scoring 5 or 6 instinctive  league goals as well as a last min semi final winner, earns him another season in my book

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 13, 2020, 06:58:01 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 13, 2020, 06:53:16 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 13, 2020, 06:49:19 PM

Quote from: Newby on September 13, 2020, 06:36:19 PM

I presume that, if we sign Traore, we are not in for Rashica too?

In for both.

And still in for Brewster I've read in a couple of places, presumably as a back-up for Watkins with Eduoard now not on the cards.

When Liverpool loan players out, they tend to insist on a clause that guarantees them starting x number of games. We wouldn't agree to that so would it be a permanent move?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 13, 2020, 07:00:21 PM

Quote from: OCD on September 13, 2020, 06:58:01 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 13, 2020, 06:53:16 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 13, 2020, 06:49:19 PM

Quote from: Newby on September 13, 2020, 06:36:19 PM

I presume that, if we sign Traore, we are not in for Rashica too?

In for both.

And still in for Brewster I've read in a couple of places, presumably as a back-up for Watkins with Eduoard now not on the cards.

When Liverpool loan players out, they tend to insist on a clause that guarantees them starting x number of games. We wouldn't agree to that so would it be a permanent move?

Permanent according to the papers but possibly with a buy-back clause. Us, Sheff Utd and someone else who I can't remember allegedly interested. Liverpool want money to buy Sarr from Watford.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 13, 2020, 07:10:28 PM

Buy back clauses are becoming popular. I guess, like with Luiz, if it gets you the player you have to take it on the chin, hope it doesn't get activated and possibly look to buy it out eventually. With Luiz, the common view was that if it was activated, he will have played well and we would have turned a profit anyway.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 13, 2020, 07:44:21 PM

For those who Saint-Maximin I think Traore will be much the same. Great pace, tricks, will look amazing at times and will piss us off at times.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 13, 2020, 07:45:30 PM

bit like Trez and El-Ghazi then?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 13, 2020, 07:48:45 PM

Quote

Great pace, tricks, will look amazing at times and will piss us off at times.

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 13, 2020, 07:45:30 PM

bit like Trez and El-Ghazi then?

Don't recall much in the way of pace, tricks or looking amazing from El Ghazi to be honest, think he just skipped straight to the "piss us off" bit.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on September 13, 2020, 07:49:33 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 13, 2020, 07:45:30 PM

bit like Trez and El-Ghazi then?

Well, minus the pace and tricks.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 13, 2020, 07:53:11 PM

In this respect I mean.... "will look amazing at times and will piss us off at times."

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Footy-Vill on September 13, 2020, 07:54:28 PM

Our man Gregg Evans:
"Villa have agreed a deal with Lyon to sign winger Bertrand Traore. Understood to be £19m.

Medical expected this week + work permit needs to be finalised.

Also waiting for an announcement that Emi Martinez is a Villa player.

Rashica talks ongoing."

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 13, 2020, 08:21:29 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 13, 2020, 07:58:44 PM

I see Swift and Cantwell playing for their respective clubs down in championship.
Let's take them both for our midfield and give them each Jota and Lansbury . Throw in Nyland and a  Davis loan.

I see Grealish playing for Villa. Let's give them Lingard, a half chewed fruit pastel and this McDonald's Happy Meal toy. They'll be grateful. - Some Man United twat.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 13, 2020, 08:58:32 PM

It's always a worry when fans are glad to see a player go.  I hope we know what we're getting with Traore

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 13, 2020, 09:00:33 PM

I think that’s one of those things. Sometimes it’s that they’re really happy, sometimes it’s justifying why it’s good for their club. I feel like he has talent.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 13, 2020, 09:03:47 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 13, 2020, 08:58:32 PM

It's always a worry when fans are glad to see a player go.  I hope we know what we're getting with Traore

I broadly agree, but Westwood was Burnley's player of the season last year (or maybe the year before). Also there were plenty who were glad to be rid of Adama. As well as some of the Sherwood French lads.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rougegorge on September 13, 2020, 09:03:58 PM

According to French websites, we bid €17m for Traore, but they turned it down so we came back with €20m.

He had 2 good seasons at Lyon, but started to lose favour last season.

At least we got past the letter B in the football handbook...although then again he would be our first international from Burkina Faso.
🙂

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Chris_Jephcott on September 13, 2020, 09:15:38 PM

There was a rumour that Rashica was set for a medical tomorrow, but with talks ongoing, I suspect that is all it was.

After a few weeks of inactivity, this feels like it’s going to be an exciting week.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on September 13, 2020, 09:30:11 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 13, 2020, 09:03:47 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 13, 2020, 08:58:32 PM

It's always a worry when fans are glad to see a player go.  I hope we know what we're getting with Traore

I broadly agree, but Westwood was Burnley's player of the season last year (or maybe the year before). Also there were plenty who were glad to be rid of Adama. As well as some of the Sherwood French lads.

I'll stick my hands up to that one. I thought we'd proper stitched 'boro up with that swap of the homophones.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on September 13, 2020, 09:31:53 PM

Quote from: rougegorge on September 13, 2020, 09:03:58 PM

According to French websites, we bid €17m for Traore, but they turned it down so we came back with €20m.

He had 2 good seasons at Lyon, but started to lose favour last season.

At least we got past the letter B in the football handbook...although then again he would be our first international from Burkina Faso.
🙂

Probably scouted him in the African Cup of Nations/WC qualifiers ...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 13, 2020, 09:32:14 PM

Greg Evans is not our fecking man.

Anyhow, I really hope Traore is not an alternative to Rashica. The latter looks the better player.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 13, 2020, 09:40:10 PM

He looks absolutely dreadful and that’s coming from someone who sat through Trez’s highlights reel.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on September 13, 2020, 09:44:52 PM

Glad to see we’re not making too many negative assumptions about our prospective new signing! 😂

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on September 13, 2020, 09:48:15 PM

Really hoping we get Rashica

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: frank black on September 13, 2020, 09:49:51 PM

I guess we’ll find out tomorrow that the Rashica chase is over. I’d like us to sign a decent central midfielder next (if theres cash left)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 13, 2020, 09:54:31 PM

I wonder if Yanited will sign Bale. Probably in a "the natives are restless, we'd better sign A Star asap" way.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: frank black on September 13, 2020, 09:56:20 PM

Kosovo journo on Twitter (Are we waiting a few weeks or have we gone elsewhere with Traore?):

“Milot Rashica is glad with potential move to A. Villa. That's really important for Villa fans. Things are moving forward in that direction. Werder is happy with Villa bid. But recently more teams showed interested in Rashica, so it will take some time to be done. Maybe 2-3 weeks.”

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 13, 2020, 09:59:06 PM

The medical bloke on Twitter is saying two done. Traore one, likely Martinez the other, which isn't a huge scoop.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ger Regan on September 13, 2020, 09:59:52 PM

Martinez and Traore?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 13, 2020, 10:03:06 PM

As I suspected with Rashica, sounds like it's a bit of a run around.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Percy McCarthy on September 13, 2020, 10:03:23 PM

Photo of Traore at what’s purported to be BHX doing the rounds.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on September 13, 2020, 10:03:49 PM

Quote from: frank black on September 13, 2020, 09:56:20 PM

Kosovo journo on Twitter (Are we waiting a few weeks or have we gone elsewhere with Traore?):

“Milot Rashica is glad with potential move to A. Villa. That's really important for Villa fans. Things are moving forward in that direction. Werder is happy with Villa bid. But recently more teams showed interested in Rashica, so it will take some time to be done. Maybe 2-3 weeks.”

Sounds to me like he's hedging his bets, the Journo that is. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Chris_Jephcott on September 13, 2020, 10:06:58 PM

I had heard that Rashica was due a medical either today/tomorrow.

The trouble is that I really want Rashica in our team now, I’d be very disappointed if we lose out on him after all this excitement.

I’m not convinced by Traore - seems to be inconsistent at best. So I really hope it’s both and that they are both tied up tomorrow. Competition for places really would be excellent.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 13, 2020, 10:08:59 PM

Agreed Chris but there is something off about the Rashica thing

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Chris_Jephcott on September 13, 2020, 10:11:25 PM

I have to say that I think so too. Maybe it was the sudden change of heart about leaving Germany?

I’d have thought we would have put this one to bed by now though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Eckybloke on September 13, 2020, 10:15:29 PM

I’m looking at the output from Traore and Rashica on those YouTube clips and thinking that surely there would be quite a bit of potential success there for Samatta?

Glass too half full?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 13, 2020, 10:18:34 PM

Some wild speculation going on in the speculation thread.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 13, 2020, 10:19:24 PM

That's what it's here for

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 13, 2020, 10:20:02 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 13, 2020, 10:03:06 PM

As I suspected with Rashica, sounds like it's a bit of a run around.

Tbf if you were a Kosovan settled in Germany who thought you were set for a move to CL semi-finalists there then it was an English team who just survived relegation that came in, you'd be dragging it out a bit to see what other options might come up. I know I would.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 13, 2020, 10:21:53 PM

Too right. If I was a footballer that good I'd be ringing out the last penny to get the most money I could.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: frank black on September 13, 2020, 10:36:49 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on September 13, 2020, 10:20:02 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 13, 2020, 10:03:06 PM

As I suspected with Rashica, sounds like it's a bit of a run around.

Tbf if you were a Kosovan settled in Germany who thought you were set for a move to CL semi-finalists there then it was an English team who just survived relegation that came in, you'd be dragging it out a bit to see what other options might come up. I know I would.

This

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on September 13, 2020, 10:42:05 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on September 13, 2020, 10:20:02 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 13, 2020, 10:03:06 PM

As I suspected with Rashica, sounds like it's a bit of a run around.

Tbf if you were a Kosovan settled in Germany who thought you were set for a move to CL semi-finalists there then it was an English team who just survived relegation that came in, you'd be dragging it out a bit to see what other options might come up. I know I would.

If i were a talented, young footballer playing at the level Rashica has, I wouldn't join us right now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 13, 2020, 10:51:12 PM

The level he is at right now is the German equivalent of us last season, only without an owner who makes a billion every year out of just one of his business and we have another owner too who is a billionaire, just because. I reckon insane wealth, doubling you're salary, in a country your naturally fond of as a Kosovan, is likely to be tempting when Panda Pop FC won't pony up the money to buy you. There are worse alternatives.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 13, 2020, 10:59:50 PM

We need 7 credible options for the 3/4 forward positions imo.

When you think our strikers are largely useless at actually scoring goals that's quite a few positions to fill.

I mentioned yesterday Newcastle have 7 options upfront/out wide and that's a fecking Bruceball side. Crystal Palace aswell currently have Zaha, Connor Wickham,  Ayew, Benteke, Townsend, Eze and Batshuyai. Could even class Max Meyer as number 10 type.

Hopefully at close of window we'll have Grealish, Rashica, Traore, Watkins, Samatta, El Ghazi and Trez as options. I would like another striker but get the feeling we might try Traore out more centrally. Davis out on loan until January. If we do sign another striker then could see someone like El Ghazi being unloaded to balance the books a little.

Think people are underestimating how tough a 9 month season packed into barely 8 months is going to be on squads especially if we have another cup run and get beyond FA cup 3rd round for first time in ages aswell.

It's not a season to go understocked in any positions as we will get injuries although hopefully not as bad as the three we got im December last season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 13, 2020, 11:04:42 PM

I've factored a cup double in, so I reckon Deano has too.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 13, 2020, 11:24:50 PM

Have we written Wesley off for the season?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on September 13, 2020, 11:30:32 PM

Quote from: OCD on September 13, 2020, 11:24:50 PM

Have we written Wesley off for the season?

Wesley won’t be back for till nearer Xmas. 3/4 month impact remaining

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on September 13, 2020, 11:45:01 PM

Sounds like Traore could cover slip front, if required

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Goldie.7 on September 13, 2020, 11:48:56 PM

Quote from: OCD on September 13, 2020, 11:24:50 PM

Have we written Wesley off for the season?

ACL injury is a year out. I don't see him featuring until next February / March.

I doubt we'll even name him in the 25-man squad until the next window opens.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 14, 2020, 12:12:45 AM

Quote from: OCD on September 13, 2020, 11:24:50 PM

Have we written Wesley off for the season?

If he's back in November and looks o.k I can see Samatta leaving in January window.

Actually good point on the squad. If he's not named in it he won't be able to play until January anyway.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on September 14, 2020, 12:39:17 AM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 14, 2020, 12:35:53 AM

Well Ashley Preece said
"Wesley flew back to Birmingham from Brazil to continue his recovery. Still a long, long way away. No.9 will be eyeing a pre-Christmas comeback. "

He could have at least named his source as Vinnie. Only japing, Ashley. (waves)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on September 14, 2020, 06:59:22 AM

Rashica isn't coming. IMO. But I wish he was.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 14, 2020, 07:42:36 AM

It certainly feels that way. He looks like the next level up to what we have and would genuinely improve our team, so guess that is where the disappointment comes in if it doesn't come off.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 14, 2020, 08:02:36 AM

The Italian John Percy said yesterday talks were ongoing with Rashica. Gregg Evans and the actual John Percy said the same. It might happen, it might not, but no speculation in the speculation room please gentlemen.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on September 14, 2020, 08:04:38 AM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 13, 2020, 08:58:32 PM

It's always a worry when fans are glad to see a player go.  I hope we know what we're getting with Traore

In fairness, I'd you read this forum when Adama left you saw the same. He was a fast tricky headless chicken for us, and has since become a very good player.

Let's hope this Traore had that period for Lyon and becomes a very good player for us.

I haven't written off Trez or El Ghazi yet either. Having enough competition may allow them more space to develop. I honestly think Trez will become an important player for us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brian green on September 14, 2020, 08:28:55 AM

Adama Traore was a fast tricky player Notts County shipped four yellow cards two of which should have been red chopping down.  His potential to become the player for us that he has for others was there for anybody with eyes and a brain in their head to see.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 14, 2020, 08:37:29 AM

Yeah I think I would have used Westwood as the example. Villa fans were happy to see him go, but been excellent in a different style for Burnley.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 14, 2020, 08:55:15 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 14, 2020, 08:37:29 AM

Yeah I think I would have used Westwood as the example. Villa fans were happy to see him go, but been excellent in a different style for Burnley.

I still wouldn't want him back though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 14, 2020, 09:01:02 AM

Eze was one of the players we should have signed. I think he'll be excellent.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 14, 2020, 09:02:56 AM

Quote from: Mister E on September 14, 2020, 09:01:02 AM

Eze was one of the players we should have signed. I think he'll be excellent.

A lot of people reported that he wanted to stay in London though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dicedlam on September 14, 2020, 09:27:45 AM

Quote from: brian green on September 14, 2020, 08:28:55 AM

Adama Traore was a fast tricky player Notts County shipped four yellow cards two of which should have been red chopping down.  His potential to become the player for us that he has for others was there for anybody with eyes and a brain in their head to see.

I was sitting in the lower trinity for that game and was amazed at the speed and talent of Traore.
You were right Brian, a couple of those tackles were awful and should of been red cards.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: frank black on September 14, 2020, 09:38:54 AM

Quote from: brian green on September 14, 2020, 08:28:55 AM

Adama Traore was a fast tricky player Notts County shipped four yellow cards two of which should have been red chopping down.  His potential to become the player for us that he has for others was there for anybody with eyes and a brain in their head to see.

TBF he always had that ability. Barcelona and Villa saw that, but unfortunately neither had the patience to see him actual add effectiveness to his repertoire. I have to confess that I didn’t expect him to develop it either (headless chicken that he was). Although I would add that he stills goes missing for prolonged periods and frustrates the hell out of supporters....Not sure he’ll ever move on from Wolves

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 14, 2020, 09:43:44 AM

Quote from: frank black on September 14, 2020, 09:38:54 AM

Quote from: brian green on September 14, 2020, 08:28:55 AM

Adama Traore was a fast tricky player Notts County shipped four yellow cards two of which should have been red chopping down.  His potential to become the player for us that he has for others was there for anybody with eyes and a brain in their head to see.

TBF he always had that ability. Barcelona and Villa saw that, but unfortunately neither had the patience to see him actual add effectiveness to his repertoire. I have to confess that I didn’t expect him to develop it either (headless chicken that he was). Although I would add that he stills goes missing for prolonged periods and frustrates the hell out of supporters....Not sure he’ll ever move on from Wolves

Maybe Barcelona didn't have the patience but i'm not sure that accusation could been aimed at us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ktvillan on September 14, 2020, 10:29:23 AM

Adama Traore needed coaching to harness and direct his natural ability - he didn't get that with us, nor at Boro.  Nuno got him playing just by getting him to slow down a bit and lift his head up more to see his options.

From the highlights reels, Rashica looks way better than B Traore based on end product.  Traore reminds me a bit of two players. Kodija - plenty of skill but poor decision making and going himself when a pass would be better,.  Also Jack a few years ago, lots of neat little tricks on the ball but not much to show for it in terms of goals and chances.  Jack obviously became much much better but his limitations back then were more from inexperience/youth, whereas Traore's won't be.   

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on September 14, 2020, 10:29:43 AM

was top of my to get list.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 14, 2020, 11:00:26 AM

The Traore clips remind me of Yannick Bolaise.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Chris_Jephcott on September 14, 2020, 11:19:56 AM

I love a bit of speculation... so...

Allegedly - photos of Rashica in Birmingham last night circulating on Twitter...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on September 14, 2020, 11:24:19 AM

Quote from: Chris_Jephcott on September 14, 2020, 11:19:56 AM

I love a bit of speculation... so...

Allegedly - photos of Rashica in Birmingham last night on Twitter...

https://mobile.twitter.com/Tedcox1904566
7/status/1305277461714870273/photo/1

not him

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Chris_Jephcott on September 14, 2020, 11:26:02 AM

I didn’t think so. I was wondering on the beard but was out and about so I didn’t get a proper chance to look at it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: placeforparks on September 14, 2020, 11:41:53 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 14, 2020, 09:02:56 AM

Quote from: Mister E on September 14, 2020, 09:01:02 AM

Eze was one of the players we should have signed. I think he'll be excellent.

A lot of people reported that he wanted to stay in London though.

yep. west brom offered qpr a higher fee, but he didn't want to leave london.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 14, 2020, 11:56:01 AM

Didn't Eze want £100k/wk too which apparently shocked us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: TheMalandro on September 14, 2020, 11:58:55 AM

Quote from: placeforparks on September 14, 2020, 11:41:53 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 14, 2020, 09:02:56 AM

Quote from: Mister E on September 14, 2020, 09:01:02 AM

Eze was one of the players we should have signed. I think he'll be excellent.

A lot of people reported that he wanted to stay in London though.

yep. west brom offered qpr a higher fee, but he'd rather stab himself in the eyes, than go to the baggies.

Edit.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: tomd2103 on September 14, 2020, 12:28:13 PM

Quote from: Mister E on September 14, 2020, 09:01:02 AM

Eze was one of the players we should have signed. I think he'll be excellent.

Definitely would like to see a young, exciting attacking midfielder come in.  Might not start every game, but could be one over the next couple of seasons who could come on and offer something different in games while adjusting to the league.

Still remember thinking how good Eze looked in that beating QPR have us after we had hammered Wolves at home.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 14, 2020, 12:38:12 PM

Quote from: tomd2103 on September 14, 2020, 12:28:13 PM

Quote from: Mister E on September 14, 2020, 09:01:02 AM

Eze was one of the players we should have signed. I think he'll be excellent.

Definitely would like to see a young, exciting attacking midfielder come in.  Might not start every game, but could be one over the next couple of seasons who could come on and offer something different in games while adjusting to the league.

Still remember thinking how good Eze looked in that beating QPR have us after we had hammered Wolves at home.

If that's the job you want them to do I'd rather stick with Jacob Ramsey.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 14, 2020, 12:40:28 PM

Quote from: OCD on September 14, 2020, 11:56:01 AM

Didn't Eze want £100k/wk too which apparently shocked us.

I doubt it. QPR have little money, I doubt he was on much more than £10k there.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: martyn ellis on September 14, 2020, 01:31:01 PM

Quote from: ktvillan on September 14, 2020, 10:29:23 AM

Adama Traore needed coaching to harness and direct his natural ability - he didn't get that with us, nor at Boro.  Nuno got him playing just by getting him to slow down a bit and lift his head up more to see his options.   

If I remember rightly, Graham Taylor did the same with Tony Daley who was a head down, run like hell player before Sir G took him aside and told him to slow down and mix it up.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on September 14, 2020, 03:42:57 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on September 14, 2020, 08:04:38 AM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 13, 2020, 08:58:32 PM

It's always a worry when fans are glad to see a player go.  I hope we know what we're getting with Traore

In fairness, I'd you read this forum when Adama left you saw the same. He was a fast tricky headless chicken for us, and has since become a very good player.

Let's hope this Traore had that period for Lyon and becomes a very good player for us.

I haven't written off Trez or El Ghazi yet either. Having enough competition may allow them more space to develop. I honestly think Trez will become an important player for us.

Trez stepped up for us in the relegation run in so I am looking forward to seeing him this season with a Premier League season under his belt.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 14, 2020, 04:05:23 PM

German press have gone back to the "Rashica isn't keen" line this afternoon.

We need to find an alternative and move on IF it is true.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aev on September 14, 2020, 04:15:21 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 14, 2020, 04:05:23 PM

German press have gone back to the "Rashica isn't keen" line this afternoon.

We need to find an alternative and move on IF it is true.

"Hi Said, how are you doin' pal?"

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Chris_Jephcott on September 14, 2020, 04:25:45 PM

Fabrizio Romano (I don’t know how authentic he is, but he has a blue tick!) has in the meantime said that the deal is very close now... As is Traore and Martinez is done.

https://mobile.twitter.com/FabizioRamano

It’s all smoke and mirrors isn’t it??

He seems quite well connected though, I think I should put my phone down anyway... can’t even have a nice cold beer on this warm day as I’m working later.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: frank black on September 14, 2020, 04:31:16 PM

From what I gather, we’ve expressed an interest in Rashica (at some point) the player isn’t that keen. So no bid as actually been made as quite rightly there’s no point if he ain’t interested...In the meantime Traoré is more likely...I really think it’s either or rather than both...just my instinct on this that’s all.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 14, 2020, 04:34:35 PM

Quote from: Chris_Jephcott on September 14, 2020, 04:25:45 PM

Fabrizio Romano (I don’t know how authentic he is, but he has a blue tick!) has in the meantime said that the deal is very close now... As is Traore and Martinez is done.

https://mobile.twitter.com/FabizioRamano

It’s all smoke and mirrors isn’t it??

He seems quite well connected though, I think I should put my phone down anyway... can’t even have a nice cold beer on this warm day as I’m working later.

That appears to be a fake account with 865 followers. The real fella has 1.7m!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 14, 2020, 04:35:10 PM

Quote from: Chris_Jephcott on September 14, 2020, 04:25:45 PM

Fabrizio Romano (I don’t know how authentic he is, but he has a blue tick!) has in the meantime said that the deal is very close now... As is Traore and Martinez is done.

https://mobile.twitter.com/FabizioRamano

It’s all smoke and mirrors isn’t it??

He seems quite well connected though, I think I should put my phone down anyway... can’t even have a nice cold beer on this warm day as I’m working later.

That's quite obviously a fake account though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on September 14, 2020, 04:35:14 PM

Quote from: Chris_Jephcott on September 14, 2020, 04:25:45 PM

Fabrizio Romano (I don’t know how authentic he is, but he has a blue tick!) has in the meantime said that the deal is very close now... As is Traore and Martinez is done.

https://mobile.twitter.com/FabizioRamano

It’s all smoke and mirrors isn’t it??

He seems quite well connected though, I think I should put my phone down anyway... can’t even have a nice cold beer on this warm day as I’m working later.

Thats a fake account

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 14, 2020, 04:36:28 PM

https://mobile.twitter.com/FabrizioRomano

Real account, no mention of anything Villa related.

https://mobile.twitter.com/FabizioRamano

Fake account, loads of made up shite.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Chris_Jephcott on September 14, 2020, 04:38:55 PM

That’s it... I’ve had enough of the internet today.

Feel like a right tool now!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 14, 2020, 04:53:44 PM

Quote from: Chris_Jephcott on September 14, 2020, 04:25:45 PM

Fabrizio Romano (I don’t know how authentic he is, but he has a blue tick!) has in the meantime said that the deal is very close now... As is Traore and Martinez is done.

If he's anything like Ray he's shite.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on September 14, 2020, 05:09:37 PM

Ronan Murphy
@swearimnotpaul
·
4h
Werder Bremen head of football Clemens Fritz on Aston Villa approach for Milot Rashica, to NDR-Sportclub: "They got in touch, yes, I can confirm that. But there is still a long way to go before an agreement on a transfer is reached." #SVW #AVFC

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 14, 2020, 05:18:28 PM

Do people really think we'll sign both Traore and Rashica? I'd be very (pleasantly) surprised.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 14, 2020, 05:51:08 PM

I believe we're trying to get both.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on September 14, 2020, 07:06:17 PM

I’d guess that the tentative Villa offer will remain on the table whilst rashica waits for a champions league club to come in for him.  If they don’t then I imagine his appetite to move to Birmingham will increase as deadline day approaches.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 14, 2020, 07:06:52 PM

Quote from: OCD on September 14, 2020, 05:51:08 PM

I believe we're trying to get both.

I'd like to believe that too :)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: darren woolley on September 14, 2020, 07:14:23 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 14, 2020, 07:06:52 PM

Quote from: OCD on September 14, 2020, 05:51:08 PM

I believe we're trying to get both.

I'd like to believe that too :)

Me too

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 14, 2020, 08:27:04 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 14, 2020, 04:36:28 PM

https://mobile.twitter.com/FabrizioRomano

Real account, no mention of anything Villa related.

https://mobile.twitter.com/FabizioRamano

Fake account, loads of made up shite.

The people that set up these fake accounts must have something very important missing from their lives.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on September 14, 2020, 08:38:15 PM

a life?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 14, 2020, 09:59:45 PM

Percy is saying both Traore and Martinez are done but it’s behind a paywall.  That was 7.40 tonight.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave shelley on September 14, 2020, 10:02:55 PM

I think I prefer it when signings are completed before anyone knows anything about it.  I find all this knowing beforehand provoking excitement and then having it drag out in a will they won't they scenario very frustrating.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brian green on September 14, 2020, 10:04:33 PM

What is a pay wall? A restriction on declaring how much they are to be paid?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on September 14, 2020, 10:34:02 PM

Thus far?

                Martinez
Cash    Konsa    Mings    Targett
         McGinn Luiz  XXXXX
  Traore     Watkins     Grealish

If we bring in Rashica, move Jack to the XXXX.  I still think we need that midfielder but we haven't been linked with anyone of note for that position.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on September 14, 2020, 10:48:54 PM

Quote from: brian green on September 14, 2020, 10:04:33 PM

What is a pay wall? A restriction on declaring how much they are to be paid?

It's a media thing - you can't read the article unless you subscribe.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 14, 2020, 10:59:41 PM

Quote from: Newby on September 14, 2020, 10:34:02 PM

Thus far?

                Martinez
Cash    Konsa    Mings    Targett
         McGinn Luiz  XXXXX
  Traore     Watkins     Grealish

If we bring in Rashica, move Jack to the XXXX.  I still think we need that midfielder but we haven't been linked with anyone of note for that position.

The full squad is more important:

Goal(3): Martinez, Heaton, Steer
RB(3): Cash, Guilbert, Elmo
LB(2): Targett, Taylor
CB(4): Mings, Konsa, Engles, Hause
DM(2): Luiz, Nakamba, *NEW*
CM(2): McGinn, Hourihane
AM(5): Grealish, *Rashica*, Trez, AEG, Traore
ST(4): Watkins, Wesley, Davis, Samatta

That's 26 so we'd need to move someone out and I think I'd go with Davis on loan for now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 14, 2020, 11:14:54 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 14, 2020, 10:59:41 PM

Quote from: Newby on September 14, 2020, 10:34:02 PM

Thus far?

                Martinez
Cash    Konsa    Mings    Targett
         McGinn Luiz  XXXXX
  Traore     Watkins     Grealish

If we bring in Rashica, move Jack to the XXXX.  I still think we need that midfielder but we haven't been linked with anyone of note for that position.

The full squad is more important:

Goal(3): Martinez, Heaton, Steer
RB(3): Cash, Guilbert, Elmo
LB(2): Targett, Taylor
CB(4): Mings, Konsa, Engles, Hause
DM(2): Luiz, Nakamba, *NEW*
CM(2): McGinn, Hourihane
AM(5): Grealish, *Rashica*, Trez, AEG, Traore
ST(4): Watkins, Wesley, Davis, Samatta

That's 26 so we'd need to move someone out and I think I'd go with Davis on loan for now.

Realistically you would hope to move Samatta on and replace with a better striker, and AEG on and replace with a better winger, on top of getting in Traore and Rashica. In this window, just getting Rashica would be a big step forward, but you still need that mythical number 8. Ideally someone with a physical presence that can get their foot in in both boxes. A 24 year old Ian Taylor please.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 14, 2020, 11:23:03 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 14, 2020, 11:14:54 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 14, 2020, 10:59:41 PM

Quote from: Newby on September 14, 2020, 10:34:02 PM

Thus far?

                Martinez
Cash    Konsa    Mings    Targett
         McGinn Luiz  XXXXX
  Traore     Watkins     Grealish

If we bring in Rashica, move Jack to the XXXX.  I still think we need that midfielder but we haven't been linked with anyone of note for that position.

The full squad is more important:

Goal(3): Martinez, Heaton, Steer
RB(3): Cash, Guilbert, Elmo
LB(2): Targett, Taylor
CB(4): Mings, Konsa, Engles, Hause
DM(2): Luiz, Nakamba, *NEW*
CM(2): McGinn, Hourihane
AM(5): Grealish, *Rashica*, Trez, AEG, Traore
ST(4): Watkins, Wesley, Davis, Samatta

That's 26 so we'd need to move someone out and I think I'd go with Davis on loan for now.

Realistically you would hope to move Samatta on and replace with a better striker, and AEG on and replace with a better winger, on top of getting in Traore and Rashica. In this window, just getting Rashica would be a big step forward, but you still need that mythical number 8. Ideally someone with a physical presence that can get their foot in in both boxes. A 24 year old Ian Taylor please.

I'd give him some more time, I'm not a fan of dumping anyone after half a season unless they've failed completely.

Next summer would be the time, for me, to replace the likes of Taylor, AEG, Trez, Samatta, etc.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on September 14, 2020, 11:29:15 PM

Quote from: Newby on September 14, 2020, 10:34:02 PM

Thus far?

                Martinez
Cash    Konsa    Mings    Targett
         McGinn Luiz  XXXXX
  Traore     Watkins     Grealish

If we bring in Rashica, move Jack to the XXXX.  I still think we need that midfielder but we haven't been linked with anyone of note for that position.

There is no way Smith should be contemplating moving Grealish. I've a horrible feeling after all this England nonsense that it's being considered. That midfield three Luiz, McGinn, Grealish were destroyed in the early part of last season. I don't think McGinn has the positional discipline (or fitness) to play in that role either.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Footy-Vill on September 14, 2020, 11:29:21 PM

Theres some flexibility in squad too for cover if we did get rid of some of those listed players.

Konsa can play right back and defensive midfield
Engels can play defensive Midfielder
Cash can play midfield
Hause can play left back
Elmo can play midfield winger
Grealish can play midfield
Traroe can play Central forward

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 14, 2020, 11:35:13 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 14, 2020, 11:29:15 PM

Quote from: Newby on September 14, 2020, 10:34:02 PM

Thus far?

                Martinez
Cash    Konsa    Mings    Targett
         McGinn Luiz  XXXXX
  Traore     Watkins     Grealish

If we bring in Rashica, move Jack to the XXXX.  I still think we need that midfielder but we haven't been linked with anyone of note for that position.

There is no way Smith should be contemplating moving Grealish. I've a horrible feeling after all this England nonsense that it's being considered. That midfield three Luiz, McGinn, Grealish were destroyed in the early part of last season. I don't think McGinn has the positional discipline (or fitness) to play in that role either.

Maybe not but with 2 more defensive players in there (Luiz and a new signing) Grealish, Rashica and McGinn all become options to play at 10. Could even play all 3 as a fairly fluid 3 behind Watkins, Wesley or Traore. That's why another Midfielder is so important, I wouldn't dare play that way with McGinn, Hourihane or Nakamba as 1 of the 2.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 14, 2020, 11:38:23 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 14, 2020, 11:29:15 PM

Quote from: Newby on September 14, 2020, 10:34:02 PM

Thus far?

                Martinez
Cash    Konsa    Mings    Targett
         McGinn Luiz  XXXXX
  Traore     Watkins     Grealish

If we bring in Rashica, move Jack to the XXXX.  I still think we need that midfielder but we haven't been linked with anyone of note for that position.

There is no way Smith should be contemplating moving Grealish. I've a horrible feeling after all this England nonsense that it's being considered. That midfield three Luiz, McGinn, Grealish were destroyed in the early part of last season. I don't think McGinn has the positional discipline (or fitness) to play in that role either.

I think I agree with this. I have no doubt that Jack could play that role, but it'd need to be with two solid midfielders behind him. I love both Luiz and McGinn, but I'm not sure I'd describe either as solid. I also wouldn't want to lose either from our first 11.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 14, 2020, 11:59:25 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 14, 2020, 11:38:23 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 14, 2020, 11:29:15 PM

Quote from: Newby on September 14, 2020, 10:34:02 PM

Thus far?

                Martinez
Cash    Konsa    Mings    Targett
         McGinn Luiz  XXXXX
  Traore     Watkins     Grealish

If we bring in Rashica, move Jack to the XXXX.  I still think we need that midfielder but we haven't been linked with anyone of note for that position.

There is no way Smith should be contemplating moving Grealish. I've a horrible feeling after all this England nonsense that it's being considered. That midfield three Luiz, McGinn, Grealish were destroyed in the early part of last season. I don't think McGinn has the positional discipline (or fitness) to play in that role either.

I think I agree with this. I have no doubt that Jack could play that role, but it'd need to be with two solid midfielders behind him. I love both Luiz and McGinn, but I'm not sure I'd describe either as solid. I also wouldn't want to lose either from our first 11.

This season more than most I don't think 'first 11' is a particularly useful concept. We're going to have to rotate players, particularly the midfield and wide options, so having options to set up in a different shape (even if the formation itself isn't changed) will help with that. I'll still be happy if the likes of McGinn and Luiz start 30+ games but I don't see 38 games for more than 1-2 players as being realistic and I don't think it will be fair to say players have been 'dropped' when the inevitable changes come along. With cup games and rescheduled matches there's going to be 3-4 times where we play weekend and midweek games for a few weeks in a row and there's where the squad depth will really make a difference.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 15, 2020, 12:05:31 AM

Yeah, fair enough. I guess it's going to take a while to get used to what looks suspiciously like sensible planning.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 15, 2020, 12:18:08 AM

My problem with the 'Luiz-McGinn-Grealish didn't work early last season' argument is that Luiz hadn't adapted then like he showed after lockdown.

When Jack starts on the left, he's given bit of a free role and likes to come into the middle a lot and he has to do that to get on the ball more often.

2 genuine wide options gives you more pace and can stretch teams better while also giving Jack the ability to influence games more from the middle.

Against the top sides we would need to play 2 DCM's, with Jack ahead of them in order to keep Jack in the middle but there's plenty of games, especially at home, where we would only need to play 1. Then the question is whether Nakamba can step up or whether we need an upgrade. We can't do everything in one window though so if we do need an upgrade, it may need to wait until next summer. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 15, 2020, 12:21:33 AM

I dont remember getting destroyed in the early part of the season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 15, 2020, 12:25:22 AM

Early part of the season is a bit of a falsehood anyway since we looked like a team of individuals and many were having their first Premier League experiences. We had a great set of starting fixtures but we struggled to win many of them just because we were adapting.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: stevo_st on September 15, 2020, 12:25:26 AM

we fell apart a few times early on

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 15, 2020, 12:25:48 AM

Quote from: Ads on September 15, 2020, 12:21:33 AM

I dont remember getting destroyed in the early part of the season.

We didn’t. We played very well at times and stupid defending and tactics let us down and it wore on us as the season went along. Of course when Leeds did the same thing it just means they’ll likely finish second to Liverpool this season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: tony scott on September 15, 2020, 03:12:04 AM

I just wonder if the Traore deal is on or is it being used to force a deal for Rashica ie make up your mind. As for being weak in midfield can Shaker wave his magic wand and turn our. Marvellous into Konta ?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on September 15, 2020, 05:13:26 AM

As the season developed we had the worst record for conceding chances, that manifested into losing points from winning positions.
We did run out of gas and were unable to close games out. We did look more solid after the break and a lot of that was down to the form of Luiz and our fullbacks playing deeper for longer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 15, 2020, 07:11:52 AM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on September 15, 2020, 05:13:26 AM

As the season developed we had the worst record for conceding chances, that manifested into losing points from winning positions.
We did run out of gas and were unable to close games out. We did look more solid after the break and a lot of that was down to the form of Luiz and our fullbacks playing deeper for longer.

Mings and Konsa improved no end too, and for all his faults Trez covered his full back brilliantly at times. I think Jack in the middle away from home is too light weight, but at home opens up a much more attacking dimension.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: tony scott on September 15, 2020, 07:35:24 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 15, 2020, 07:11:52 AM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on September 15, 2020, 05:13:26 AM

As the season developed we had the worst record for conceding chances, that manifested into losing points from winning positions.
We did run out of gas and were unable to close games out. We did look more solid after the break and a lot of that was down to the form of Luiz and our fullbacks playing deeper for longer.

Mings and Konsa improved no end too, and for all his faults Trez covered his full back brilliantly at times. I think Jack in the middle away from home is too light weight, but at home opens up a much more attacking dimension.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: tony scott on September 15, 2020, 07:39:58 AM

As co vid is still with us , will home and away mean as much without supporters ,so I think all away teams will attack far more

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 15, 2020, 07:55:14 AM

Quote from: tony scott on September 15, 2020, 03:12:04 AM

I just wonder if the Traore deal is on or is it being used to force a deal for Rashica ie make up your mind. As for being weak in midfield can Shaker wave his magic wand and turn our. Marvellous into Konta ?

I don't whether Nakamba would make a great female tennis player.


I think - as you imply - the jury is still out on Marvelous: you may be right that Craig S has had some time to work with him and give him more positional sense and more ability to anticipate and intercept rather than dive in.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Hairbandinho on September 15, 2020, 08:03:38 AM

It would seem that Hogan to Birmingham is complete pending official announcement etc

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 15, 2020, 08:29:31 AM

I really like Marvelous and think there is a player in there, might take a bit longer to fully adapt but worth sticking with as Dougie understudy.

Hogan to Blues. Found his level.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 15, 2020, 08:36:21 AM

Quote from: Hairbandinho on September 15, 2020, 08:03:38 AM

It would seem that Hogan to Birmingham is complete pending official announcement etc

Good news. Hopefully the start of removing the bottom layer of players from the squad.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: London Villan on September 15, 2020, 08:39:53 AM

How much is hogan going for?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 15, 2020, 08:43:10 AM

After his form for them last season you would hope 2-3 million at least

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on September 15, 2020, 08:52:27 AM

I think we are making a donation to their widows and orphans fund.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dicedlam on September 15, 2020, 08:57:14 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 14, 2020, 11:14:54 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 14, 2020, 10:59:41 PM

Quote from: Newby on September 14, 2020, 10:34:02 PM

Thus far?

                Martinez
Cash    Konsa    Mings    Targett
         McGinn Luiz  XXXXX
  Traore     Watkins     Grealish

If we bring in Rashica, move Jack to the XXXX.  I still think we need that midfielder but we haven't been linked with anyone of note for that position.

The full squad is more important:

Goal(3): Martinez, Heaton, Steer
RB(3): Cash, Guilbert, Elmo
LB(2): Targett, Taylor
CB(4): Mings, Konsa, Engles, Hause
DM(2): Luiz, Nakamba, *NEW*
CM(2): McGinn, Hourihane
AM(5): Grealish, *Rashica*, Trez, AEG, Traore
ST(4): Watkins, Wesley, Davis, Samatta

That's 26 so we'd need to move someone out and I think I'd go with Davis on loan for now.

Realistically you would hope to move Samatta on and replace with a better striker, and AEG on and replace with a better winger, on top of getting in Traore and Rashica. In this window, just getting Rashica would be a big step forward, but you still need that mythical number 8. Ideally someone with a physical presence that can get their foot in in both boxes. A 24 year old Ian Taylor please.

I was very impressed with Bissouma of BHA last night. Just the type of player that we need.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on September 15, 2020, 09:22:09 AM

Quote from: mr underhill on September 15, 2020, 08:52:27 AM

I think we are making a donation to their widows and orphans fund.

They have raided the 'ground improvements' budget and will  no longer be replacing the changing room light bulbs.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on September 15, 2020, 09:33:06 AM

Quote from: OCD on September 15, 2020, 12:18:08 AM

My problem with the 'Luiz-McGinn-Grealish didn't work early last season' argument is that Luiz hadn't adapted then like he showed after lockdown.

When Jack starts on the left, he's given bit of a free role and likes to come into the middle a lot and he has to do that to get on the ball more often.

2 genuine wide options gives you more pace and can stretch teams better while also giving Jack the ability to influence games more from the middle.

Against the top sides we would need to play 2 DCM's, with Jack ahead of them in order to keep Jack in the middle but there's plenty of games, especially at home, where we would only need to play 1. Then the question is whether Nakamba can step up or whether we need an upgrade. We can't do everything in one window though so if we do need an upgrade, it may need to wait until next summer.

It wasn't just Luiz, Jack was really poor too. I think it was the Brighton game at home where he was switched to the left for the first time where he dominated and his season kicked on from there. Coming in off the left suits him, no idea why we would be trying to change that. If anything I'd like to see us strengthen our options at LCM and LB (Nakamba and Targett aren't good enough for me) to allow Jack stay further up the pitch near Watkins.

We certainly need one winger in but don't understand the need to bring in two.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 15, 2020, 09:33:33 AM

Quote from: Mister E on September 15, 2020, 07:55:14 AM

Quote from: tony scott on September 15, 2020, 03:12:04 AM

I just wonder if the Traore deal is on or is it being used to force a deal for Rashica ie make up your mind. As for being weak in midfield can Shaker wave his magic wand and turn our. Marvellous into Konta ?

I don't whether Nakamba would make a great female tennis player.

A bastard hybrid of Konsa and Kante. What a player.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on September 15, 2020, 11:46:00 AM

Maybe the wrong thread but Grealish just signed a new 5 year contract...massive!!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: enigma on September 15, 2020, 12:02:47 PM

Quote from: dicedlam on September 15, 2020, 08:57:14 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 14, 2020, 11:14:54 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 14, 2020, 10:59:41 PM

Quote from: Newby on September 14, 2020, 10:34:02 PM

Thus far?

                Martinez
Cash    Konsa    Mings    Targett
         McGinn Luiz  XXXXX
  Traore     Watkins     Grealish

If we bring in Rashica, move Jack to the XXXX.  I still think we need that midfielder but we haven't been linked with anyone of note for that position.

The full squad is more important:

Goal(3): Martinez, Heaton, Steer
RB(3): Cash, Guilbert, Elmo
LB(2): Targett, Taylor
CB(4): Mings, Konsa, Engles, Hause
DM(2): Luiz, Nakamba, *NEW*
CM(2): McGinn, Hourihane
AM(5): Grealish, *Rashica*, Trez, AEG, Traore
ST(4): Watkins, Wesley, Davis, Samatta

That's 26 so we'd need to move someone out and I think I'd go with Davis on loan for now.

Realistically you would hope to move Samatta on and replace with a better striker, and AEG on and replace with a better winger, on top of getting in Traore and Rashica. In this window, just getting Rashica would be a big step forward, but you still need that mythical number 8. Ideally someone with a physical presence that can get their foot in in both boxes. A 24 year old Ian Taylor please.

I was very impressed with Bissouma of BHA last night. Just the type of player that we need.

I was hugely impressed with Tariq Lamptey. Best player on the park I thought. Hard to belive he's only 5'1"

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on September 15, 2020, 12:04:17 PM

Quote from: enigma on September 15, 2020, 12:02:47 PM

Quote from: dicedlam on September 15, 2020, 08:57:14 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 14, 2020, 11:14:54 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 14, 2020, 10:59:41 PM

Quote from: Newby on September 14, 2020, 10:34:02 PM

Thus far?

                Martinez
Cash    Konsa    Mings    Targett
         McGinn Luiz  XXXXX
  Traore     Watkins     Grealish

If we bring in Rashica, move Jack to the XXXX.  I still think we need that midfielder but we haven't been linked with anyone of note for that position.

The full squad is more important:

Goal(3): Martinez, Heaton, Steer
RB(3): Cash, Guilbert, Elmo
LB(2): Targett, Taylor
CB(4): Mings, Konsa, Engles, Hause
DM(2): Luiz, Nakamba, *NEW*
CM(2): McGinn, Hourihane
AM(5): Grealish, *Rashica*, Trez, AEG, Traore
ST(4): Watkins, Wesley, Davis, Samatta

That's 26 so we'd need to move someone out and I think I'd go with Davis on loan for now.

Realistically you would hope to move Samatta on and replace with a better striker, and AEG on and replace with a better winger, on top of getting in Traore and Rashica. In this window, just getting Rashica would be a big step forward, but you still need that mythical number 8. Ideally someone with a physical presence that can get their foot in in both boxes. A 24 year old Ian Taylor please.

I was very impressed with Bissouma of BHA last night. Just the type of player that we need.

I was hugely impressed with Tariq Lamptey. Best player on the park I thought. Hard to belive he's only 5'1"

yep released by Chelsea as deemed not good enough , there are some gems out there

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 15, 2020, 12:15:31 PM

Quote from: tony scott on September 15, 2020, 03:12:04 AM

I just wonder if the Traore deal is on or is it being used to force a deal for Rashica ie make up your mind. As for being weak in midfield can Shaker wave his magic wand and turn our. Marvellous into Konta ?

We need 7 credible forward options for this season. So far we have five so I'd say we need two more in as that's the depth teams have in final third who we want to finish above.

Plenty would probably argue on here that neither Trez or AEG are prem quality but I'd keep Trez as backup given what he showed end of last season and hopefully these new signings will give El Ghazi the kick up the backside he needs but it wouldn't shock me if we cashed in on him in the last week.

There is more than enough room for two wide players and even possibly another striker although that could wait until January.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: jwarry on September 15, 2020, 12:22:31 PM

Hopefully Jack signing a new contract will encourage others to come now
*fingers crossed*

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: tim on September 15, 2020, 12:27:39 PM

Quote from: jwarry on September 15, 2020, 12:22:31 PM

Hopefully Jack signing a new contract will encourage others to come now
*fingers crossed*

Thought the same thing - certainly shows a positive intent to hang on to JG, so may well encourage others to look our way.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: enigma on September 15, 2020, 12:31:51 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 15, 2020, 12:14:29 PM

Quote from: VILLA MOLE on September 15, 2020, 12:04:17 PM

Quote from: enigma on September 15, 2020, 12:02:47 PM

Quote from: dicedlam on September 15, 2020, 08:57:14 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 14, 2020, 11:14:54 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 14, 2020, 10:59:41 PM

Quote from: Newby on September 14, 2020, 10:34:02 PM

Thus far?

                Martinez
Cash    Konsa    Mings    Targett
         McGinn Luiz  XXXXX
  Traore     Watkins     Grealish

If we bring in Rashica, move Jack to the XXXX.  I still think we need that midfielder but we haven't been linked with anyone of note for that position.

The full squad is more important:

Goal(3): Martinez, Heaton, Steer
RB(3): Cash, Guilbert, Elmo
LB(2): Targett, Taylor
CB(4): Mings, Konsa, Engles, Hause
DM(2): Luiz, Nakamba, *NEW*
CM(2): McGinn, Hourihane
AM(5): Grealish, *Rashica*, Trez, AEG, Traore
ST(4): Watkins, Wesley, Davis, Samatta

That's 26 so we'd need to move someone out and I think I'd go with Davis on loan for now.

Realistically you would hope to move Samatta on and replace with a better striker, and AEG on and replace with a better winger, on top of getting in Traore and Rashica. In this window, just getting Rashica would be a big step forward, but you still need that mythical number 8. Ideally someone with a physical presence that can get their foot in in both boxes. A 24 year old Ian Taylor please.

I was very impressed with Bissouma of BHA last night. Just the type of player that we need.

I was hugely impressed with Tariq Lamptey. Best player on the park I thought. Hard to belive he's only 5'1"

yep released by Chelsea as deemed not good enough , there are some gems out there

Too simple to say Lamptey looks good because he's got pace.

The only people that mentioned his pace are the voices in your head.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 15, 2020, 12:34:28 PM

I reckon there'll be a couple well worth picking up from Chelsea in the next couple of windows, not least Tammy. No way will they keep everyone happy with the signings they've made, and it's more likely to be some of their good young English players they get rid of based on their history.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithe on September 15, 2020, 12:34:59 PM

Quote from: Hairbandinho on September 15, 2020, 08:03:38 AM

It would seem that Hogan to Birmingham is complete pending official announcement etc

Hope we've charged them plenty, we shouldn't be gving them tramps the steam off our piss.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on September 15, 2020, 12:35:59 PM

I thought Lampety looked outstanding..... but it was just one game.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 15, 2020, 12:37:54 PM

Quote from: Big Ming on September 15, 2020, 12:35:59 PM

I thought Lampety looked outstanding..... but it was just one game.

He's been good since he moved to Brighton.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy65 on September 15, 2020, 12:50:12 PM

Quote from: OCD on September 15, 2020, 12:37:54 PM

Quote from: Big Ming on September 15, 2020, 12:35:59 PM

I thought Lampety looked outstanding..... but it was just one game.

He's been good since he moved to Brighton.

I remember watching him play last season for Chelsea, I think he came on as sub. He was excellent as he was last night

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 15, 2020, 12:52:46 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 15, 2020, 12:34:28 PM

I reckon there'll be a couple well worth picking up from Chelsea in the next couple of windows, not least Tammy. No way will they keep everyone happy with the signings they've made, and it's more likely to be some of their good young English players they get rid of based on their history.

L-Cheek.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Footy-Vill on September 15, 2020, 01:00:39 PM

Alphonso Davies is 19 Lamptey is 19 who is the one that has outstanding matches every game.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on September 15, 2020, 01:03:30 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 15, 2020, 12:56:33 PM

Well I would back Sterling, Rashford and Grealish to get the the better of him

You could say that about practically every defender in the Prem, including Cash. Doesn't make him a bad player, and only 19.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 15, 2020, 01:13:25 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 15, 2020, 01:08:07 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on September 15, 2020, 01:03:30 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 15, 2020, 12:56:33 PM

Well I would back Sterling, Rashford and Grealish to get the the better of him

You could say that about practically every defender in the Prem, including Cash. Doesn't make him a bad player, and only 19.

Sure he's ok but I'm hearing talk as if he's as good as Alphonso Davies. Just addressing the balance and yet again helping others people with perspectives

From who?

You've gone off on an rant against him because a couple of people said they liked the look of him, in 1 game.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 15, 2020, 01:19:59 PM

Quote from: Mister E on September 15, 2020, 12:52:46 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 15, 2020, 12:34:28 PM

I reckon there'll be a couple well worth picking up from Chelsea in the next couple of windows, not least Tammy. No way will they keep everyone happy with the signings they've made, and it's more likely to be some of their good young English players they get rid of based on their history.

L-Cheek.

Yeah, exactly that sort of player. Maybe Tomori as well, definitely Tammy.

I think Reece James (who I think is a cracking player) and Mason Mount, maybe Hudson-Odoi as a sub will be the only ones who get lots of game time.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 15, 2020, 01:37:50 PM

Last summer we signed a lot of players to what averaged under £10m a player. And even that is a bit skewed as a stat. You cannot compete in the PL when you have that many players coming in all at once and at that average spend. This summer our average is going to be much higher for simply better talent. And even then it won’t be anywhere near the upper end of the market. But it will be a critical stepping stone. We will also move on a few of the players at the lower end or bottom of the squad. And next year if all goes well we will build again on top of what we are doing this summer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: tomd2103 on September 15, 2020, 01:42:21 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 15, 2020, 01:37:50 PM

Last summer we signed a lot of players to what averaged under £10m a player. And even that is a bit skewed as a stat. You cannot compete in the PL when you have that many players coming in all at once and at that average spend. This summer our average is going to be much higher for simply better talent. And even then it won’t be anywhere near the upper end of the market. But it will be a critical stepping stone. We will also move on a few of the players at the lower end or bottom of the squad. And next year if all goes well we will build again on top of what we are doing this summer.

Yep and hopefully we will soon be at the point where we only need one or two additions in transfer windows and those couple of signings can be more expensive.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 15, 2020, 01:44:50 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 15, 2020, 01:19:59 PM

Quote from: Mister E on September 15, 2020, 12:52:46 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 15, 2020, 12:34:28 PM

I reckon there'll be a couple well worth picking up from Chelsea in the next couple of windows, not least Tammy. No way will they keep everyone happy with the signings they've made, and it's more likely to be some of their good young English players they get rid of based on their history.

L-Cheek.

Yeah, exactly that sort of player. Maybe Tomori as well, definitely Tammy.

Not sure about Tomori; wasn't great in the Championship with Derby.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 15, 2020, 01:49:21 PM

Quote from: tomd2103 on September 15, 2020, 01:42:21 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 15, 2020, 01:37:50 PM

Last summer we signed a lot of players to what averaged under £10m a player. And even that is a bit skewed as a stat. You cannot compete in the PL when you have that many players coming in all at once and at that average spend. This summer our average is going to be much higher for simply better talent. And even then it won’t be anywhere near the upper end of the market. But it will be a critical stepping stone. We will also move on a few of the players at the lower end or bottom of the squad. And next year if all goes well we will build again on top of what we are doing this summer.

Yep and hopefully we will soon be at the point where we only need one or two additions in transfer windows and those couple of signings can be more expensive.

This is why focusing on signing younger players is important, it means we can move to a couple of signings in the summer and 1-2 in the winter knowing that the underlying squad can stay together for 4-5 years. The signings then can focus on replacing older players and/or replacing players that aren't doing enough.  Look at the squad I posted yesterday, by next summer Taylor will be 32, Elmo 34, Hourihane 30 and Heaton 35. They'll be top of the list to replace over the following 12months.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: four fornicholl on September 15, 2020, 01:51:34 PM

Quote from: Mister E on September 15, 2020, 01:44:50 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 15, 2020, 01:19:59 PM

Quote from: Mister E on September 15, 2020, 12:52:46 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 15, 2020, 12:34:28 PM

I reckon there'll be a couple well worth picking up from Chelsea in the next couple of windows, not least Tammy. No way will they keep everyone happy with the signings they've made, and it's more likely to be some of their good young English players they get rid of based on their history.

L-Cheek.

Yeah, exactly that sort of player. Maybe Tomori as well, definitely Tammy.

Not sure about Tomori; wasn't great in the Championship with Derby.

He wasn't even the best litter picker at Wimbledon.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villatillidie25 on September 15, 2020, 02:01:21 PM

Didn’t he win their player of the year...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rougegorge on September 15, 2020, 02:08:05 PM

Quote from: four fornicholl on September 15, 2020, 01:51:34 PM

Quote from: Mister E on September 15, 2020, 01:44:50 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 15, 2020, 01:19:59 PM

Quote from: Mister E on September 15, 2020, 12:52:46 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 15, 2020, 12:34:28 PM

I reckon there'll be a couple well worth picking up from Chelsea in the next couple of windows, not least Tammy. No way will they keep everyone happy with the signings they've made, and it's more likely to be some of their good young English players they get rid of based on their history.

L-Cheek.

Yeah, exactly that sort of player. Maybe Tomori as well, definitely Tammy.

Not sure about Tomori; wasn't great in the Championship with Derby.

He wasn't even the best litter picker at Wimbledon.

No, I'm not having that... Orinoco was worse. Tomsk was quite handy though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 15, 2020, 02:13:22 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 15, 2020, 01:08:07 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on September 15, 2020, 01:03:30 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 15, 2020, 12:56:33 PM

Well I would back Sterling, Rashford and Grealish to get the the better of him

You could say that about practically every defender in the Prem, including Cash. Doesn't make him a bad player, and only 19.

Sure he's ok but I'm hearing talk as if he's as good as Alphonso Davies. Just addressing the balance and yet again helping others people with perspectives

Bit condescending.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 15, 2020, 02:16:29 PM

Tomori? Temuri Ketsbaia...shudder, him and Curcic running the midfield would have been some sight. All that's left is their bald, mad creative midfield offspring John Joe Shelvey.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 15, 2020, 02:28:46 PM

After that chump on Sky has said Traore is instead of Rashica I would bloody love us to sign both. He is such a backtracking weasel about Villa he really is.

I thought Lamptey looked good too. Also for the poster writing him off at 19, Mings was playing non-league practically at that age and look at him now. Plenty show a lot less potential and go to the top from his age.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 15, 2020, 02:31:58 PM

Which chump?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 15, 2020, 02:34:54 PM

Dorsett? Basically talks complete tripe on twitter and sky, then tries to pretend like there is a reason his tripe was wrong while making up more tripe.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on September 15, 2020, 02:36:27 PM

 Actually I agree in a way as I never thought Rashica was a viable target for us. He will leave for a new club though so it will be mildly interesting to see where he goes. And talking of Lamptey someone must have cut bits of his anatomy off. He's 5' 5" according to wiki, not five one.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: jwarry on September 15, 2020, 02:45:02 PM

Can we sign another one like this please?
 https://youtu.be/7M3pF7uMB78

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: taylorsworkrate on September 15, 2020, 02:49:25 PM

I will be amazed if by the end of this window, Rashica isn't playing for us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 15, 2020, 02:52:36 PM

Quote from: jwarry on September 15, 2020, 02:45:02 PM

Can we sign another one like this please?
 https://youtu.be/7M3pF7uMB78

How many chances we missed following a bit of Jack brilliance in there is quite scary.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on September 15, 2020, 03:16:25 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 15, 2020, 01:37:50 PM

Last summer we signed a lot of players to what averaged under £10m a player. And even that is a bit skewed as a stat. You cannot compete in the PL when you have that many players coming in all at once and at that average spend. This summer our average is going to be much higher for simply better talent. And even then it won’t be anywhere near the upper end of the market. But it will be a critical stepping stone. We will also move on a few of the players at the lower end or bottom of the squad. And next year if all goes well we will build again on top of what we are doing this summer.

It reminds me of the first couple of years under BFR. I think he brought a dozen players in during the summer he took over and in the the following few months. Then I think in the following close season he made something like three signings.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Footy-Vill on September 15, 2020, 03:33:17 PM

Quote from: Damo70 on September 15, 2020, 03:16:25 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 15, 2020, 01:37:50 PM

Last summer we signed a lot of players to what averaged under £10m a player. And even that is a bit skewed as a stat. You cannot compete in the PL when you have that many players coming in all at once and at that average spend. This summer our average is going to be much higher for simply better talent. And even then it won’t be anywhere near the upper end of the market. But it will be a critical stepping stone. We will also move on a few of the players at the lower end or bottom of the squad. And next year if all goes well we will build again on top of what we are doing this summer.

It reminds me of the first couple of years under BFR. I think he brought a dozen players in during the summer he took over and in the the following few months. Then I think in the following close season he made something like three signings.

Whats BFR ??

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rob_bridge on September 15, 2020, 03:35:02 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 15, 2020, 03:33:17 PM

Quote from: Damo70 on September 15, 2020, 03:16:25 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 15, 2020, 01:37:50 PM

Last summer we signed a lot of players to what averaged under £10m a player. And even that is a bit skewed as a stat. You cannot compete in the PL when you have that many players coming in all at once and at that average spend. This summer our average is going to be much higher for simply better talent. And even then it won’t be anywhere near the upper end of the market. But it will be a critical stepping stone. We will also move on a few of the players at the lower end or bottom of the squad. And next year if all goes well we will build again on top of what we are doing this summer.

It reminds me of the first couple of years under BFR. I think he brought a dozen players in during the summer he took over and in the the following few months. Then I think in the following close season he made something like three signings.

Whats BFR ??

How old are you?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 15, 2020, 03:37:40 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 15, 2020, 03:33:17 PM

Quote from: Damo70 on September 15, 2020, 03:16:25 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 15, 2020, 01:37:50 PM

Last summer we signed a lot of players to what averaged under £10m a player. And even that is a bit skewed as a stat. You cannot compete in the PL when you have that many players coming in all at once and at that average spend. This summer our average is going to be much higher for simply better talent. And even then it won’t be anywhere near the upper end of the market. But it will be a critical stepping stone. We will also move on a few of the players at the lower end or bottom of the squad. And next year if all goes well we will build again on top of what we are doing this summer.

It reminds me of the first couple of years under BFR. I think he brought a dozen players in during the summer he took over and in the the following few months. Then I think in the following close season he made something like three signings.

Whats BFR ??

Big Fat Ron, the nickname for Ron Atkinson.  Villa manager in the early 90s.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave shelley on September 15, 2020, 03:38:18 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 15, 2020, 02:52:36 PM

Quote from: jwarry on September 15, 2020, 02:45:02 PM

Can we sign another one like this please?
 https://youtu.be/7M3pF7uMB78

How many chances we missed following a bit of Jack brilliance in there is quite scary.

Isn't it just?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 15, 2020, 03:49:13 PM

Quote from: rob_bridge on September 15, 2020, 03:35:02 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 15, 2020, 03:33:17 PM

Quote from: Damo70 on September 15, 2020, 03:16:25 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 15, 2020, 01:37:50 PM

Last summer we signed a lot of players to what averaged under £10m a player. And even that is a bit skewed as a stat. You cannot compete in the PL when you have that many players coming in all at once and at that average spend. This summer our average is going to be much higher for simply better talent. And even then it won’t be anywhere near the upper end of the market. But it will be a critical stepping stone. We will also move on a few of the players at the lower end or bottom of the squad. And next year if all goes well we will build again on top of what we are doing this summer.

It reminds me of the first couple of years under BFR. I think he brought a dozen players in during the summer he took over and in the the following few months. Then I think in the following close season he made something like three signings.

Whats BFR ??

How old are you?

It shouldn't matter to get BFR.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Footy-Vill on September 15, 2020, 03:49:29 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 15, 2020, 03:37:40 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 15, 2020, 03:33:17 PM

Quote from: Damo70 on September 15, 2020, 03:16:25 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 15, 2020, 01:37:50 PM

Last summer we signed a lot of players to what averaged under £10m a player. And even that is a bit skewed as a stat. You cannot compete in the PL when you have that many players coming in all at once and at that average spend. This summer our average is going to be much higher for simply better talent. And even then it won’t be anywhere near the upper end of the market. But it will be a critical stepping stone. We will also move on a few of the players at the lower end or bottom of the squad. And next year if all goes well we will build again on top of what we are doing this summer.

It reminds me of the first couple of years under BFR. I think he brought a dozen players in during the summer he took over and in the the following few months. Then I think in the following close season he made something like three signings.

Whats BFR ??

Big Fat Ron, the nickname for Ron Atkinson.  Villa manager in the early 90s.

Ahh ok. I know who he is sunglasses and champagne man wasn't he ??

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 15, 2020, 03:54:55 PM

That's the fella. Ugly as sin!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 15, 2020, 03:59:24 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 15, 2020, 03:54:55 PM

That's the fella. Ugly as sin!

Yeah but what a voice!  "I did it my waaaaaay"

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave P on September 15, 2020, 04:01:10 PM

He signed Dean Sarnders

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: itmustbe_it is! on September 15, 2020, 04:05:38 PM

Loved BFR, just for Sheff Wed away first game, and then beating Yanited at Wembley.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 15, 2020, 04:08:02 PM

Just don't ever offer him a penny for his thoughts!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 15, 2020, 04:10:58 PM

And told us all about it on the pitch lol. those were the days

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 15, 2020, 04:12:23 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 15, 2020, 03:54:55 PM

That's the fella. Ugly as sin!

Ugly? I wish us Irish could tan like him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 15, 2020, 04:13:18 PM

Ugly compared to normal folk not you Eamonn.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 15, 2020, 04:16:09 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 15, 2020, 04:12:23 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 15, 2020, 03:54:55 PM

That's the fella. Ugly as sin!

Ugly? I wish us Irish could tan like him.

He looks like he lost several arguments with the back of a shovel as an embryo. Some of us can tan, mate. Sometimes it lasts for up to 15 minutes!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brian green on September 15, 2020, 04:17:01 PM

Had to have braces on his forearms to support his bling.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 15, 2020, 04:22:32 PM

signed anyone new yet?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 15, 2020, 04:23:13 PM

We're talking aesthetics at the minute.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 15, 2020, 04:29:40 PM

meh

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on September 15, 2020, 04:34:07 PM

I was there for that Saunders pitch address - and I couldn't then understand why he kept calling him Dean Sanders. Big Fat Ron's Claret and Blue army - that chant never sounded better.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 15, 2020, 05:12:42 PM

Quote from: itmustbe_it is! on September 15, 2020, 04:05:38 PM

Loved BFR, just for Sheff Wed away first game, and then beating Yanited at Wembley.

Oh yes!!


Lest we forget: he bought Dalian, one of the most talented players I've seen and one who so under-fulfilled his potential.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 15, 2020, 05:13:38 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 15, 2020, 05:10:47 PM

I read Ron Atkinson carried a brief case only  containing a hair dryer and an American Express gold card.

there was a porno mag in there too, maybe a cuban cigar.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: enigma on September 15, 2020, 05:14:54 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 15, 2020, 12:56:33 PM

Quote from: Rudy65 on September 15, 2020, 12:50:12 PM

Quote from: OCD on September 15, 2020, 12:37:54 PM

Quote from: Big Ming on September 15, 2020, 12:35:59 PM

I thought Lampety looked outstanding..... but it was just one game.

He's been good since he moved to Brighton.

I remember watching him play last season for Chelsea, I think he came on as sub. He was excellent as he was last night

Yes so good Chelsea let him go !

They also let De Bruyne and Salah go. He might not become world class like them but it shows being let go isn't the be all and end all.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Footy-Vill on September 15, 2020, 05:24:58 PM

Quote from: enigma on September 15, 2020, 05:14:54 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 15, 2020, 12:56:33 PM

Quote from: Rudy65 on September 15, 2020, 12:50:12 PM

Quote from: OCD on September 15, 2020, 12:37:54 PM

Quote from: Big Ming on September 15, 2020, 12:35:59 PM

I thought Lampety looked outstanding..... but it was just one game.

He's been good since he moved to Brighton.

I remember watching him play last season for Chelsea, I think he came on as sub. He was excellent as he was last night

Yes so good Chelsea let him go !

They also let De Bruyne and Salah go. He might not become world class like them but it shows being let go isn't the be all and end all.

That's a very fair and accurate point.
And can see the players who villa let go like Callum Robinson can show to be capable in premier league.

Ok just didn't find the hype on Lamptey justify but take point on letting players go. I just not seeing him become bordering world class like Salah and KDB.
whereas Alphonso Davis is already at 19. No worries

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 15, 2020, 05:30:44 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 15, 2020, 05:13:38 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 15, 2020, 05:10:47 PM

I read Ron Atkinson carried a brief case only  containing a hair dryer and an American Express gold card.

there was a porno mag in there too, maybe a cuban cigar.

Did Ron ever meet Trump?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 15, 2020, 05:39:38 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 15, 2020, 05:30:44 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 15, 2020, 05:13:38 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 15, 2020, 05:10:47 PM

I read Ron Atkinson carried a brief case only  containing a hair dryer and an American Express gold card.

there was a porno mag in there too, maybe a cuban cigar.

Did Ron ever meet Trump?

have you ever seen the two of them in the same room at the same time?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Des Little on September 15, 2020, 05:47:44 PM

I’m watching the Transfer Show on Sky for the first time. Where did they find this pair of strokers? Awful!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: villabear on September 15, 2020, 05:52:46 PM

Quote from: Des Little on September 15, 2020, 05:47:44 PM

I’m watching the Transfer Show on Sky for the first time. Where did they find this pair of strokers? Awful!

What about when they go to a VT or a break and they all look at the camera. Comical.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brian green on September 15, 2020, 06:15:36 PM

Point of order.  It was not his gold card it was his wife's.  And his briefcase also held another very valuable document.  Dwight Yorke's passport.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on September 15, 2020, 08:02:41 PM

Whilst We’re off topic can you remind me what TBAR stands for?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 15, 2020, 08:06:07 PM

Quote from: Dante Lavelli on September 15, 2020, 08:02:41 PM

Whilst We’re off topic can you remind me what TBAR stands for?

The Bells Are Ringing

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on September 15, 2020, 08:15:20 PM

they are at Burton - but not in a good way thus far.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: stevo_st on September 15, 2020, 08:42:33 PM

FTFY had me done for awhile

Thought it was F*ck That F*ck You

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 15, 2020, 08:45:30 PM

Tonight reminds me we need a left back and centre half.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: stevo_st on September 15, 2020, 08:48:22 PM

but maybe not a centre mid?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on September 15, 2020, 09:06:32 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 15, 2020, 08:06:07 PM

Quote from: Dante Lavelli on September 15, 2020, 08:02:41 PM

Whilst We’re off topic can you remind me what TBAR stands for?

The Bells Are Ringing

Cheers

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: johnny from donny on September 15, 2020, 09:31:10 PM

Quote from: Dante Lavelli on September 15, 2020, 08:02:41 PM

Whilst We’re off topic can you remind me what TBAR stands for?

It's where us Yorkshire folk go to buy a pint.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave shelley on September 15, 2020, 09:41:28 PM

Quote from: johnny from donny on September 15, 2020, 09:31:10 PM

Quote from: Dante Lavelli on September 15, 2020, 08:02:41 PM

Whilst We’re off topic can you remind me what TBAR stands for?

It's where us Yorkshire folk go to buy a pint.

Very good.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Marlon From Bearwood on September 15, 2020, 10:30:32 PM

Jack’s post match interview was interesting. It sounds like he’s been told something by the owners that he’s keeping secret for now. A surprise signing?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on September 15, 2020, 10:52:22 PM

Quote from: Marlon From Bearwood on September 15, 2020, 10:30:32 PM

Jack’s post match interview was interesting. It sounds like he’s been told something by the owners that he’s keeping secret for now. A surprise signing?

What did he say?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on September 15, 2020, 10:58:19 PM

Quote from: stevo_st on September 15, 2020, 08:42:33 PM

FTFY had me done for awhile

Thought it was F*ck That F*ck You

I did not know that

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 15, 2020, 11:11:06 PM

Quote from: stevo_st on September 15, 2020, 08:42:33 PM

FTFY had me done for awhile

Is that what Jack said in the post-match interview? F*ck Tottenham, F*ck Yanited!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 15, 2020, 11:36:16 PM

Quote from: Monty on September 15, 2020, 10:52:22 PM

Quote from: Marlon From Bearwood on September 15, 2020, 10:30:32 PM

Jack’s post match interview was interesting. It sounds like he’s been told something by the owners that he’s keeping secret for now. A surprise signing?

What did he say?

That he spoke with the owner (I assume he meant Edens. Edit - Sawiris according to the Telegraph.) on Saturday about his ambitions for the season. And that they only started talking about a new contract in the last 24 hours. So whatever was said was enough to convince him to sign a new contract in double quick time.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on September 16, 2020, 07:40:39 AM

Jota in the middle is much better than Jota the (not a) winger.

Just needs the weight a pass better. Could be a cost-free Grealish squad back up?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 16, 2020, 08:03:09 AM

Rashica has taken down his Werder Bremen stuff from Instagram apparently.

It appears to be true, although the caveat is that I have no idea whether he had it up before.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: JUAN PABLO on September 16, 2020, 08:05:21 AM

well watching last night we need to shift El Ghazi to fulham/watford/baggies , he just isnt good enoug and a few rumours going round Rascica looks a big possibilty now so to be replaced by him would be excellent business.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy65 on September 16, 2020, 08:15:53 AM

Quote from: Big Ming on September 16, 2020, 07:40:39 AM

Jota in the middle is much better than Jota the (not a) winger.

Just needs the weight a pass better. Could be a cost-free Grealish squad back up?

He is too lightweight imo. Always makes me laugh that apparently he calls himself King Jota on his twitter page. King?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 16, 2020, 08:24:25 AM

Jota, in a good side, who could afford to carry him, would probably look very good.

Not in the 17th best team in the Premier League - we can't afford to do that.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sid1964 on September 16, 2020, 08:28:54 AM

Absolute rubbish performance

Only Jack stood out - no wonder no one wants the likes of Lansbury (he was dreadful, along with quite a few others)

I will reserve judgement on Watkins, missed a sitter, but supposedly runs a lot?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on September 16, 2020, 08:29:45 AM

thought El Ghazi was poor last night

I mean he was up against div 1 players you would have thought he would have run riot

he took two corners in quick succession in the second half first one went so far over everyone in nearly went out
second one nearly didn’t make the box never mind the first man

My lad plays u13 football last weekend the opposition had a lot of corners they scored 3 goals from them
every one was right into the box right on the spot
U13 lads can do it why do professionals struggle

he’s simply not good enough for where we want to be
got to hope the replacements are a big upgrade

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 16, 2020, 08:37:37 AM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 15, 2020, 05:13:38 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 15, 2020, 05:10:47 PM

I read Ron Atkinson carried a brief case only  containing a hair dryer and an American Express gold card.

there was a porno mag in there too, maybe a cuban cigar.

Am I making this up or was there once a brilliant Spitting Image sketch called 100 Great Sporting Moments where Ron walks into a tobacconist and asks for a large Cuban Cigar.  The shopkeeper says ‘that’ll be 50 pence please Mr Atkinson.  Then you just see a bejewelled hand appear and Ron saying ‘I’ll give you £250,000.’

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on September 16, 2020, 08:41:56 AM

Quote from: sid1964 on September 16, 2020, 08:28:54 AM

Absolute rubbish performance

Only Jack stood out - no wonder no one wants the likes of Lansbury (he was dreadful, along with quite a few others)

I will reserve judgement on Watkins, missed a sitter, but supposedly runs a lot?

Bit harsh on Watkins who got himself into a goal scoring position 3 times, something Samatta struggled to do over 3 or 4 entire games.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Flamingo Lane on September 16, 2020, 09:04:22 AM

Quote from: john e on September 16, 2020, 08:29:45 AM

My lad plays u13 football last weekend the opposition had a lot of corners they scored 3 goals from them
every one was right into the box right on the spot
U13 lads can do it why do professionals struggle

I'm surprised to see that sort of thing happening at U13 level - slinging corners into the box isn't a way to develop the technical skills of the youngsters, it just means the big lads get to play on the winning team.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Border villan on September 16, 2020, 09:07:33 AM

Quote from: Flamingo Lane on September 16, 2020, 09:04:22 AM

Quote from: john e on September 16, 2020, 08:29:45 AM

My lad plays u13 football last weekend the opposition had a lot of corners they scored 3 goals from them
every one was right into the box right on the spot
U13 lads can do it why do professionals struggle

I'm surprised to see that sort of thing happening at U13 level - slinging corners into the box isn't a way to develop the technical skills of the youngsters, it just means the big lads get to play on the winning team.

Thus proving that size matters.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 16, 2020, 09:12:27 AM

Quote from: sid1964 on September 16, 2020, 08:28:54 AM

Absolute rubbish performance

Only Jack stood out - no wonder no one wants the likes of Lansbury (he was dreadful, along with quite a few others)

I will reserve judgement on Watkins, missed a sitter, but supposedly runs a lot?

Watkins scored again by the way, but hey, let's look on the down side.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on September 16, 2020, 09:21:31 AM

Quote from: sid1964 on September 16, 2020, 08:28:54 AM

I will reserve judgement on Watkins, missed a sitter, but supposedly runs a lot?

Played two games, scored in both of them, both of which we won.

I fear you may be setting the bar a bit too high if you're going to find fault with that.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on September 16, 2020, 09:21:50 AM

Quote from: Flamingo Lane on September 16, 2020, 09:04:22 AM

Quote from: john e on September 16, 2020, 08:29:45 AM

My lad plays u13 football last weekend the opposition had a lot of corners they scored 3 goals from them
every one was right into the box right on the spot
U13 lads can do it why do professionals struggle

I'm surprised to see that sort of thing happening at U13 level - slinging corners into the box isn't a way to develop the technical skills of the youngsters, it just means the big lads get to play on the winning team.

goals were scored by the smallest lads on the pitch as the big lads wouldn't head it
its not academy level football we are still slinging em in

maybe that's why Villa cant defend corners then because they they were to bothered honing their technical skills to bother with defending corners

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 16, 2020, 09:51:12 AM

Assuming he scores 1 in 3 - 12-13 goals in this league will be a very decent return for his first season and just what we need.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 16, 2020, 09:52:00 AM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 16, 2020, 09:21:31 AM

Quote from: sid1964 on September 16, 2020, 08:28:54 AM

I will reserve judgement on Watkins, missed a sitter, but supposedly runs a lot?

Played two games, scored in both of them, both of which we won.

I fear you may be setting the bar a bit too high if you're going to find fault with that.

And got into scoring positions to easily get a couple more, having played literally no pre-season games. Picking fault in our first competitive match with any of them for looking rusty is a bit OTT in my opinion. Sure they looked a bit ropey at times, but got through.

If we can add a couple of wingers, and a really top class central midfielder before the deadline it would be great.

I would still take Danny Rose as left back competition too.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: JUAN PABLO on September 16, 2020, 10:10:05 AM

nice to see we have signed a great goalie

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ROBBO on September 16, 2020, 10:31:39 AM

Positioning is a skill you can't teach it just comes natural, Watkins has it, he missed a couple so what name me a goalscorer that hasn't. Jack ran the game and thats where we need to improve, he is too big a miss when out injured.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on September 16, 2020, 10:37:20 AM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 16, 2020, 09:55:25 AM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 16, 2020, 08:24:25 AM

Jota, in a good side, who could afford to carry him, would probably look very good.

Not in the 17th best team in the Premier League - we can't afford to do that.

Do you think so? Interesting reading that.
For me he's barely Premier League quality in my opinion wouldn't make an impression in a good side in this league.
He would stand out in MLS or at Celtic /Rangers

Or just suited to Spain.
Here he isn't so useful for what we are trying to achieve.

I just wouldn't see a good side in England (so a team that finished top half) taking him on.
And we're becoming a better side so he wouldn't be much part.

The cup games yes there would be a place for him

I tend to agree with Vill here.  I can't see a team who'd finished even lower mid table wanting to take Jota off our hands, even as a squad player.  If the money's available, I'd buy a solid central midfielder, and try to maximise Jota's sell on value for next summer* by loaning him out to a decent Championship club.

Think Jota was a reasonable enough purchase in the circumstances - a low budget squad filler who'd do a job this season if we'd been relegated.  But he's not what we need now.  If we make a small profit on him, just to keep FFP ticking over, that'd be fine by me.

* I can't see many Championship clubs splashing money about this season, and realistically those will be the clubs we're trying to flog him to

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on September 16, 2020, 10:39:21 AM

its turning into a decent window for us

not sure about the wingers yet
i'd have much rather slapped 70/80 mill down for St Maximin at Newcastle and see if Ashley could refuse rather than keep  taking
 10-20 mill pot shots

but then its dead easy on this side of the internet

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 16, 2020, 10:43:46 AM

I wonder if we're still going to get that midfield enforcer signing to make us all a little giddy. A seasoned pro who has done it all and is winding down a little but would still be a clear upgrade on Conor and Marvellous.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 16, 2020, 10:48:40 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 16, 2020, 09:52:00 AM

I would still take Danny Rose as left back competition too.

Apropos of nothing every time I see his name here I think of Richard Burton in "Where Eagles Dare".

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: olaftab on September 16, 2020, 10:57:22 AM

Quote from: eamonn on September 16, 2020, 10:43:46 AM

I wonder if we're still going to get that midfield enforcer signing to make us all a little giddy. A seasoned pro who has done it all and is winding down a little but would still be a clear upgrade on Conor and Marvellous.

I think you miss Whelan?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rob_bridge on September 16, 2020, 11:01:35 AM

Quote from: kippaxvilla2 on September 16, 2020, 09:51:12 AM

Assuming he scores 1 in 3 - 12-13 goals in this league will be a very decent return for his first season and just what we need.

Totally agree - if he fit for most or all of season less than 10 would be disappointing and anything more than 13/14 would be brilliant

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rob_bridge on September 16, 2020, 11:08:18 AM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on September 16, 2020, 10:48:40 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 16, 2020, 09:52:00 AM

I would still take Danny Rose as left back competition too.

Apropos of nothing every time I see his name here I think of Richard Burton in "Where Eagles Dare".

Not for me - similar to Sturridge not sure he gives a shit anymore. Seemed to sulk when he didn't get his big money move and not been the same player the last 3 years. Previous 4 he was superb

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on September 16, 2020, 11:20:25 AM

Quote from: rob_bridge on September 16, 2020, 11:08:18 AM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on September 16, 2020, 10:48:40 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 16, 2020, 09:52:00 AM

I would still take Danny Rose as left back competition too.

Apropos of nothing every time I see his name here I think of Richard Burton in "Where Eagles Dare".

Not for me - similar to Sturridge not sure he gives a shit anymore. Seemed to sulk when he didn't get his big money move and not been the same player the last 3 years. Previous 4 he was superb

Danny Rose is a player on the way down for me. 30 is quite old for a fullback/winger and I would question his desire at this point in his career. We don't need another Joleon Lescott

As for Jota I saw him play well a few times for Small Heath in the Championship and on occasions he was their best player. But he was inconsistent even at that level so I don't expect him to shine in the Premier League.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 16, 2020, 11:32:07 AM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 16, 2020, 11:13:24 AM

Mick McCarthy once played Conor Hourihane at left back.

I quite like the idea of doing that, but I think DS would have tried it already is it was in his thinking.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on September 16, 2020, 11:41:10 AM

Quote from: Mister E on September 16, 2020, 11:32:07 AM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 16, 2020, 11:13:24 AM

Mick McCarthy once played Conor Hourihane at left back.

I quite like the idea of doing that, but I think DS would have tried it already is it was in his thinking.

Hourihane was awful there, so much so McCarthy said post game he wouldn't be trying him there again 😄

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on September 16, 2020, 11:51:48 AM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 16, 2020, 11:41:10 AM

Quote from: Mister E on September 16, 2020, 11:32:07 AM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 16, 2020, 11:13:24 AM

Mick McCarthy once played Conor Hourihane at left back.

I quite like the idea of doing that, but I think DS would have tried it already is it was in his thinking.

Hourihane was awful there, so much so McCarthy said post game he wouldn't be trying him there again 😄

I can imagine , no pace cant tackle

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mike on September 16, 2020, 11:55:24 AM

Quote from: olaftab on September 16, 2020, 10:57:22 AM

Quote from: eamonn on September 16, 2020, 10:43:46 AM

I wonder if we're still going to get that midfield enforcer signing to make us all a little giddy. A seasoned pro who has done it all and is winding down a little but would still be a clear upgrade on Conor and Marvellous.

I think you miss Whelan?

I miss George Boateng more!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Footy-Vill on September 16, 2020, 12:20:33 PM

Quote from: mike on September 16, 2020, 11:55:24 AM

Quote from: olaftab on September 16, 2020, 10:57:22 AM

Quote from: eamonn on September 16, 2020, 10:43:46 AM

I wonder if we're still going to get that midfield enforcer signing to make us all a little giddy. A seasoned pro who has done it all and is winding down a little but would still be a clear upgrade on Conor and Marvellous.

I think you miss Whelan?

I miss George Boateng more!

I read a book called the dammed utd . Brian Clough signed a battle hardy vet Dave McKay to bolster the midfiled.
Sounds all very Martin O'Neil , Steve Bruce.
Not very Dean Smith way.
Grounds though for wanting a player like that perhaps still to have the sort in the squad.

The midfield talk has been of a number 8. Brings the creative flair , ball retention, competitive nature and energy to the midfield.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 16, 2020, 12:22:31 PM

But who could it be? Hope its not someone too dirty like Marc Van Bommel.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 16, 2020, 12:28:39 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 16, 2020, 12:20:33 PM

Quote from: mike on September 16, 2020, 11:55:24 AM

Quote from: olaftab on September 16, 2020, 10:57:22 AM

Quote from: eamonn on September 16, 2020, 10:43:46 AM

I wonder if we're still going to get that midfield enforcer signing to make us all a little giddy. A seasoned pro who has done it all and is winding down a little but would still be a clear upgrade on Conor and Marvellous.

I think you miss Whelan?

I miss George Boateng more!

I read a book called the dammed utd . Brian Clough signed a battle hardy vet Dave McKay to bolster the midfiled.
Sounds all very Martin O'Neil , Steve Bruce.
Not very Dean Smith way.
Grounds though for wanting a player like that perhaps still to have the sort in the squad.

The midfield talk has been of a number 8. Brings the creative flair , ball retention, competitive nature and energy to the midfield.

Older posters than me will have to correct you, but Clough would have signed MacKay because of his passing ability.
He wasn't the bruiser you've just imagined.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Olof's Beard on September 16, 2020, 12:32:02 PM

Carlton Palmer would be the obvious choice.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 16, 2020, 12:33:29 PM

My first exposure to the word ****** was a song about Carlton Palmer. Apparently he was a cheating ******.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on September 16, 2020, 12:35:13 PM

Quote from: danno on September 16, 2020, 12:28:39 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 16, 2020, 12:20:33 PM

Quote from: mike on September 16, 2020, 11:55:24 AM

Quote from: olaftab on September 16, 2020, 10:57:22 AM

Quote from: eamonn on September 16, 2020, 10:43:46 AM

I wonder if we're still going to get that midfield enforcer signing to make us all a little giddy. A seasoned pro who has done it all and is winding down a little but would still be a clear upgrade on Conor and Marvellous.

I think you miss Whelan?

I miss George Boateng more!

I read a book called the dammed utd . Brian Clough signed a battle hardy vet Dave McKay to bolster the midfiled.
Sounds all very Martin O'Neil , Steve Bruce.
Not very Dean Smith way.
Grounds though for wanting a player like that perhaps still to have the sort in the squad.

The midfield talk has been of a number 8. Brings the creative flair , ball retention, competitive nature and energy to the midfield.

Older posters than me will have to correct you, but Clough would have signed MacKay because of his passing ability.
He wasn't the bruiser you've just imagined.

Clough was the best English manager if all time, Leeds didn't deserve him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Footy-Vill on September 16, 2020, 12:36:45 PM

Quote from: danno on September 16, 2020, 12:28:39 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 16, 2020, 12:20:33 PM

Quote from: mike on September 16, 2020, 11:55:24 AM

Quote from: olaftab on September 16, 2020, 10:57:22 AM

Quote from: eamonn on September 16, 2020, 10:43:46 AM

I wonder if we're still going to get that midfield enforcer signing to make us all a little giddy. A seasoned pro who has done it all and is winding down a little but would still be a clear upgrade on Conor and Marvellous.

I think you miss Whelan?

I miss George Boateng more!

I read a book called the dammed utd . Brian Clough signed a battle hardy vet Dave McKay to bolster the midfiled.
Sounds all very Martin O'Neil , Steve Bruce.
Not very Dean Smith way.
Grounds though for wanting a player like that perhaps still to have the sort in the squad.

The midfield talk has been of a number 8. Brings the creative flair , ball retention, competitive nature and energy to the midfield.

Older posters than me will have to correct you, but Clough would have signed MacKay because of his passing ability.
He wasn't the bruiser you've just imagined.

Oh sure . Ok. I always read it as an uncompromising Scott Brown type so maybe A bit more Barry Ferguson then .

For me I prefer super John McGinn to John Fleck of Sheff Utd

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Chris Smith on September 16, 2020, 12:41:03 PM

Quote from: danno on September 16, 2020, 12:28:39 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 16, 2020, 12:20:33 PM

Quote from: mike on September 16, 2020, 11:55:24 AM

Quote from: olaftab on September 16, 2020, 10:57:22 AM

Quote from: eamonn on September 16, 2020, 10:43:46 AM

I wonder if we're still going to get that midfield enforcer signing to make us all a little giddy. A seasoned pro who has done it all and is winding down a little but would still be a clear upgrade on Conor and Marvellous.

I think you miss Whelan?

I miss George Boateng more!

I read a book called the dammed utd . Brian Clough signed a battle hardy vet Dave McKay to bolster the midfiled.
Sounds all very Martin O'Neil , Steve Bruce.
Not very Dean Smith way.
Grounds though for wanting a player like that perhaps still to have the sort in the squad.

The midfield talk has been of a number 8. Brings the creative flair , ball retention, competitive nature and energy to the midfield.

Older posters than me will have to correct you, but Clough would have signed MacKay because of his passing ability.
He wasn't the bruiser you've just imagined.

He was fairly old when Clough signed him and if I remember rightly he used him as a sweeper. I think there must have been something of the thug about him though as he later managed Small Heath for a couple of years.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 16, 2020, 12:44:10 PM

Quote from: Chris Smith on September 16, 2020, 12:41:03 PM

Quote from: danno on September 16, 2020, 12:28:39 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 16, 2020, 12:20:33 PM

Quote from: mike on September 16, 2020, 11:55:24 AM

Quote from: olaftab on September 16, 2020, 10:57:22 AM

Quote from: eamonn on September 16, 2020, 10:43:46 AM

I wonder if we're still going to get that midfield enforcer signing to make us all a little giddy. A seasoned pro who has done it all and is winding down a little but would still be a clear upgrade on Conor and Marvellous.

I think you miss Whelan?

I miss George Boateng more!

I read a book called the dammed utd . Brian Clough signed a battle hardy vet Dave McKay to bolster the midfiled.
Sounds all very Martin O'Neil , Steve Bruce.
Not very Dean Smith way.
Grounds though for wanting a player like that perhaps still to have the sort in the squad.

The midfield talk has been of a number 8. Brings the creative flair , ball retention, competitive nature and energy to the midfield.

Older posters than me will have to correct you, but Clough would have signed MacKay because of his passing ability.
He wasn't the bruiser you've just imagined.

He was fairly old when Clough signed him and if I remember rightly he used him as a sweeper. I think there must have been something of the thug about him though as he later managed Small Heath for a couple of years.

and he signed him for Derby anyway. He must have been retired by the time Clough went to Leeds.
think skillz may have meant his compatriot John McGovern.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rob_bridge on September 16, 2020, 12:47:05 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on September 16, 2020, 12:35:13 PM

Quote from: danno on September 16, 2020, 12:28:39 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 16, 2020, 12:20:33 PM

Quote from: mike on September 16, 2020, 11:55:24 AM

Quote from: olaftab on September 16, 2020, 10:57:22 AM

Quote from: eamonn on September 16, 2020, 10:43:46 AM

I wonder if we're still going to get that midfield enforcer signing to make us all a little giddy. A seasoned pro who has done it all and is winding down a little but would still be a clear upgrade on Conor and Marvellous.

I think you miss Whelan?

I miss George Boateng more!

I read a book called the dammed utd . Brian Clough signed a battle hardy vet Dave McKay to bolster the midfiled.
Sounds all very Martin O'Neil , Steve Bruce.
Not very Dean Smith way.
Grounds though for wanting a player like that perhaps still to have the sort in the squad.

The midfield talk has been of a number 8. Brings the creative flair , ball retention, competitive nature and energy to the midfield.

Older posters than me will have to correct you, but Clough would have signed MacKay because of his passing ability.
He wasn't the bruiser you've just imagined.

Clough was the best English manager if all time, Leeds didn't deserve him.

Ain't that The Truth. Paisley may be as good mind, and Leeds didn't deserve him either.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 16, 2020, 12:57:22 PM

Quote from: Olof's Beard on September 16, 2020, 12:32:02 PM

Carlton Palmer would be the obvious choice.

I can always remember the first time I saw Carlton Palmer, he was playing for the Albion in what was a pretty low-key derby against them in the 2nd Division in 1987. They had quite an old fashioned kit with really short shorts, and his legs just looked ridiculously long.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: lovejoy on September 16, 2020, 01:10:34 PM

So are we buying Rashica?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Holy Trinity on September 16, 2020, 01:15:56 PM

Quote from: lovejoy on September 16, 2020, 01:10:34 PM

So are we buying Rashica?

Someone on twitter says he wants a relegation release clause for what we are buying him for and we have said no. Apparently they have come to an agreement which means no release clause but he will be allowed to leave for X amount should we be relegated.

Villamole formerly thatcherlover

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 16, 2020, 01:23:48 PM

Thatcherlover? Well fuck that.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 16, 2020, 01:24:42 PM

He's an absolute clown.  Can't believe people actually follow what he says, bizarre.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Holy Trinity on September 16, 2020, 01:26:38 PM

I dont know, he's seems to have been pretty spot on this window.
Ive never followed him outside of this one though

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 16, 2020, 01:29:00 PM

Quote from: JUAN PABLO on September 16, 2020, 08:05:21 AM

well watching last night we need to shift El Ghazi to fulham/watford/baggies , he just isnt good enoug and a few rumours going round Rascica looks a big possibilty now so to be replaced by him would be excellent business.

Can see us cashing in on AEG in last week of window, he's still young so we should get back what we paid for him which wasn't much in current climate.

Anyone know what happened to Trez last night?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 16, 2020, 01:32:45 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 16, 2020, 01:29:00 PM

Quote from: JUAN PABLO on September 16, 2020, 08:05:21 AM

well watching last night we need to shift El Ghazi to fulham/watford/baggies , he just isnt good enoug and a few rumours going round Rascica looks a big possibilty now so to be replaced by him would be excellent business.

Can see us cashing in on AEG in last week of window, he's still young so we should get back what we paid for him which wasn't much in current climate.

Anyone know what happened to Trez last night?

Still at Villa Park since Saturday, trying to see if there's anyone left to 'Double High Five' with after his cross for Watkins goal.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 16, 2020, 01:34:31 PM

Quote from: Holy Trinity on September 16, 2020, 01:26:38 PM

I dont know, he's seems to have been pretty spot on this window.
Ive never followed him outside of this one though

I have no knowledge of the tweeter, I just know that I hate him because of his 'name'.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Holy Trinity on September 16, 2020, 01:42:24 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 16, 2020, 01:34:31 PM

Quote from: Holy Trinity on September 16, 2020, 01:26:38 PM

I dont know, he's seems to have been pretty spot on this window.
Ive never followed him outside of this one though

I have no knowledge of the tweeter, I just know that I hate him because of his 'name'.

Haha I'm a shade to young. I was alive but to young. Major and Blair were the priministers of my youth

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 16, 2020, 01:43:44 PM

Mine too, but you're never too young to hate!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 16, 2020, 01:48:52 PM

Quote from: Holy Trinity on September 16, 2020, 01:15:56 PM

Someone on twitter says he wants a relegation release clause for what we are buying him for and we have said no. Apparently they have come to an agreement which means no release clause but he will be allowed to leave for X amount should we be relegated.

Villamole formerly thatcherlover

Haven't read his tweets but he's got good taste in cider.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Holy Trinity on September 16, 2020, 01:53:10 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on September 16, 2020, 01:48:52 PM

Quote from: Holy Trinity on September 16, 2020, 01:15:56 PM

Someone on twitter says he wants a relegation release clause for what we are buying him for and we have said no. Apparently they have come to an agreement which means no release clause but he will be allowed to leave for X amount should we be relegated.

Villamole formerly thatcherlover

Haven't read his tweets but he's got good taste in cider.

Thatchers haze from the Royal Oak on a hot summers day is heaven!

Hope covid buggers off soon because I have a thirst for the beer garden now

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 16, 2020, 01:53:32 PM

I'd be more comfortable labelling myself 'closetnecrophilliac' than 'thatcher lover'

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: wozwebs on September 16, 2020, 01:58:54 PM

There are a few saying there is a signing coming that no press have picked up on yet and one that helped Jack sign new deal. Name banded about just is Ross Barkley.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 16, 2020, 02:01:03 PM

Thatcherlover, whatever name he goes by now, is full of shit, gets a lot more wrong than right but posts so often that the bullshit gets lost in the noise and he just retweets himself any time he's proven right.

He's a fucking clown.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 16, 2020, 02:06:16 PM

Quote from: wozwebs on September 16, 2020, 01:58:54 PM

There are a few saying there is a signing coming that no press have picked up on yet and one that helped Jack sign new deal. Name banded about just is Ross Barkley.

I hope that's just fans guessing, he's a fucking awful player who gets rated far higher than his performances deserve because he's scored a few decent long range goals, he's an overrated scouse version of Hourihane at best, with less of an impressive work ethic.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 16, 2020, 02:10:55 PM

Surprised we haven't been linked to Victor Moses, he can cover a few positions and played for a Chelsea 11 in a friendly v Wimbledon (Drinkwater also featured).

Can see us getting one in this window. Would've said Loftus Cheek but given he started for them the other night it suggests he's in their plans.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 16, 2020, 02:13:16 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 16, 2020, 01:53:32 PM

I'd be more comfortable labelling myself 'closetnecrophilliac' than 'thatcher lover'

You would certainly get more respect.

In a civilised society anyroad.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on September 16, 2020, 02:25:24 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 16, 2020, 01:32:45 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 16, 2020, 01:29:00 PM

Anyone know what happened to Trez last night?

Still at Villa Park since Saturday, trying to see if there's anyone left to 'Double High Five' with after his cross for Watkins goal.

Ha! Cruel but true. I almost felt sorry for him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 16, 2020, 02:54:20 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 16, 2020, 01:53:32 PM

I'd be more comfortable labelling myself 'closetnecrophilliac' than 'thatcher lover'

Given her demise you could combine the two. ;)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 16, 2020, 02:57:47 PM

Quote from: Holy Trinity on September 16, 2020, 01:53:10 PM

Thatchers haze from the Royal Oak on a hot summers day is heaven!

Hope covid buggers off soon because I have a thirst for the beer garden now

Agreed, I could murder a pint of Thatcher's Gold.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SamTheMouse on September 16, 2020, 03:03:22 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on September 16, 2020, 02:57:47 PM

Quote from: Holy Trinity on September 16, 2020, 01:53:10 PM

Thatchers haze from the Royal Oak on a hot summers day is heaven!

Hope covid buggers off soon because I have a thirst for the beer garden now

Agreed, I could murder a pint of Thatcher's Gold.

Bernard Ingham's favourite tipple, that. The dirty bugger.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Hockley Lion on September 16, 2020, 03:23:38 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on September 16, 2020, 02:54:20 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 16, 2020, 01:53:32 PM

I'd be more comfortable labelling myself 'closetnecrophilliac' than 'thatcher lover'

Given her demise you could combine the two. ;)

Let's not go there shall we. It's a very dark closet of the imagination indeed!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 16, 2020, 03:27:56 PM

Quote from: Hockley Lion on September 16, 2020, 03:23:38 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on September 16, 2020, 02:54:20 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 16, 2020, 01:53:32 PM

I'd be more comfortable labelling myself 'closetnecrophilliac' than 'thatcher lover'

Given her demise you could combine the two. ;)

Let's not go there shall we. It's a very dark closet of the imagination indeed!

Agreed, its probably best to close the lid on this and bury it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on September 16, 2020, 03:39:18 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on September 16, 2020, 12:35:13 PM

Quote from: danno on September 16, 2020, 12:28:39 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 16, 2020, 12:20:33 PM

Quote from: mike on September 16, 2020, 11:55:24 AM

Quote from: olaftab on September 16, 2020, 10:57:22 AM

Quote from: eamonn on September 16, 2020, 10:43:46 AM

I wonder if we're still going to get that midfield enforcer signing to make us all a little giddy. A seasoned pro who has done it all and is winding down a little but would still be a clear upgrade on Conor and Marvellous.

I think you miss Whelan?

I miss George Boateng more!

I read a book called the dammed utd . Brian Clough signed a battle hardy vet Dave McKay to bolster the midfiled.
Sounds all very Martin O'Neil , Steve Bruce.
Not very Dean Smith way.
Grounds though for wanting a player like that perhaps still to have the sort in the squad.

The midfield talk has been of a number 8. Brings the creative flair , ball retention, competitive nature and energy to the midfield.

Older posters than me will have to correct you, but Clough would have signed MacKay because of his passing ability.
He wasn't the bruiser you've just imagined.

Clough was the best English manager if all time, Leeds didn't deserve him.

In Clough's own words "I wasn't the best manager in the business but I was in the top one"!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 16, 2020, 03:59:02 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on September 16, 2020, 02:54:20 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 16, 2020, 01:53:32 PM

I'd be more comfortable labelling myself 'closetnecrophilliac' than 'thatcher lover'

Given her demise you could combine the two. ;)

Ha!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 16, 2020, 04:06:40 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 16, 2020, 01:43:44 PM

Mine too, but you're never too young to hate!

It takes guts to be gentle and kind #forebears

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on September 16, 2020, 04:30:41 PM

Any truth to the Ross Barkley rumour? I'd forgot he was still playing, great at Everton, tipped to be a star then moved to Chelsea. Amazed he's only 26 (27 in December).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 16, 2020, 04:36:35 PM

Barkley...isn't he a bit of a flat-tack bully? Uses his brawn more than his brain.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brian green on September 16, 2020, 04:43:45 PM

I need some of those flat tacks to repair some lino.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WarszaVillan on September 16, 2020, 04:48:19 PM

This summer's Drinkwater

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithe on September 16, 2020, 04:51:48 PM

I'd be surprised at that, for one he'll be on collossal wages and two, he wouldn't fit the 'make people stand up and take notice' description would he? Another midfield plodder vastly overpriced on account of his nationality. Looked tidy at times at Everton.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 16, 2020, 04:58:04 PM

Quote from: brian green on September 16, 2020, 04:43:45 PM

I need some of those flat tacks to repair some lino.

Eagle-eyed as ever, sir !

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 16, 2020, 05:02:03 PM

Dele Ali perhaps.

Mourinho not a fan apparently, and him and Grealish are tight.

Edit: Not suggesting we should go for him.  But that might be the name put forward.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 16, 2020, 05:03:21 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on September 16, 2020, 05:02:03 PM

Dele Ali perhaps.

Mourinho not a fan apparently, and him and Grealish are tight.

Ooh, now that I could go for.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on September 16, 2020, 05:04:44 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on September 16, 2020, 05:02:03 PM

Dele Ali perhaps.

Mourinho not a fan apparently, and him and Grealish are tight.

Would be a good signing. I had read he was being traded for Bale though, so probably not possible.

Barclay was good for Everton, and does have the presence we lack.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 16, 2020, 05:07:34 PM

Can't see Ali at Real Madrid somehow.

But they did sign Thomas Gravesen and Jonathan Woodgate a few years back so who knows.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 16, 2020, 05:09:24 PM

Barkley is shit. It's a no from me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Axl Rose on September 16, 2020, 05:10:40 PM

I want Ozil.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on September 16, 2020, 05:11:34 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on September 16, 2020, 05:07:34 PM

Can't see Ali at Real Madrid somehow.

But they did sign Thomas Gravesen and Jonathan Woodgate a few years back so who knows.

is that where Woodagate had the greatest debut games of all times

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on September 16, 2020, 05:16:25 PM

We've also been linked with every player at Brentford Rico Henry. We could do with a upgrade at left back but is he any good?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on September 16, 2020, 05:16:40 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on September 16, 2020, 05:07:34 PM

Can't see Ali at Real Madrid somehow.

But they did sign Thomas Gravesen and Jonathan Woodgate a few years back so who knows.

I belive that Julian Faubert from West Ham is still the legally-required "why did Real Madrid sign him?!" go-to example.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LukeJames on September 16, 2020, 05:19:06 PM

Quote from: Axl Rose on September 16, 2020, 05:10:40 PM

I want Ozil.

Oh god no, just fucking no.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 16, 2020, 05:34:32 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on September 16, 2020, 05:16:25 PM

We've also been linked with every player at Brentford Rico Henry. We could do with a upgrade at left back but is he any good?

can't be any worse than Taylor.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 16, 2020, 05:35:06 PM

Quote from: Axl Rose on September 16, 2020, 05:10:40 PM

I want Ozil.

I'd rather have Geoff Horsfield.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 16, 2020, 05:46:08 PM

Quote from: Axl Rose on September 16, 2020, 05:10:40 PM

I want Ozil.

You need therapy.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: wolfman999 on September 16, 2020, 05:47:37 PM

Zaha anybody? At least we could then say we have the two most fouled players in the premier league.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: frank black on September 16, 2020, 05:49:26 PM

Quote from: wolfman999 on September 16, 2020, 05:47:37 PM

Zaha anybody? At least we could then say we have the two most fouled players in the premier league.

No

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 16, 2020, 05:50:03 PM

Quote from: wolfman999 on September 16, 2020, 05:47:37 PM

Zaha anybody? At least we could then say we have the two most fouled players in the premier league.

good player - but would be well over-priced.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 16, 2020, 05:52:06 PM

Quote from: LukeJames on September 16, 2020, 05:19:06 PM

Quote from: Axl Rose on September 16, 2020, 05:10:40 PM

I want Ozil.

Oh god no, just fucking no.

One of the reasons Arsenal can’t shift him, aside from the crazy wages, is that he loves living in Hampstead. I can’t see him shifting up the M40, just as I can’t see us touching him with a long stick.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: FatSam on September 16, 2020, 05:54:18 PM

Being linked with Rico Henry by Duncan Wright (https://twitter.com/TheSunFootball/status/1306234014630637570?s=20).

I'm not comfortable with our LB options at the moment, but surely we can't go back to Brentford again? We'll never get good value out of them if they know we rely on them to do our scouting for us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 16, 2020, 06:03:35 PM

Brentford is becoming to us what Southampton has been to Liverpool. We should just buy them, have them scout our future talent and we can send players on loan there. We'd have an ace new back up stadium.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Matt C on September 16, 2020, 06:10:07 PM

Brentford are surely going to double the asking price if we come calling again, I’m guessing that’s why Benrahma won’t be happening.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on September 16, 2020, 06:50:19 PM

I see our Gabby is winding a few up on TalkSPORT and Twitter

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ktvillan on September 16, 2020, 06:55:15 PM

Has Mario Gotze found a new club yet?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on September 16, 2020, 06:56:58 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 16, 2020, 06:03:35 PM

Brentford is becoming to us what Southampton has been to Liverpool. We should just buy them, have them scout our future talent and we can send players on loan there. We'd have an ace new back up stadium.

Quite happy for Brentford to scout & develop players, then us to buy them.  They've an excellent scouting set up - and I'd suspect that in terms of mentality, playing style, etc there'd be a broad enough overlap that they'd generally settle quickly with us.  Even accepting that we're going to end up overpaying, if there's a very low number of duds then it's probably still cheaper to go shopping there.  Plus I'd guess the wages will be relatively affordable.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on September 16, 2020, 06:59:50 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on September 16, 2020, 05:02:03 PM

Dele Ali perhaps.

Mourinho not a fan apparently, and him and Grealish are tight.

Edit: Not suggesting we should go for him.  But that might be the name put forward.

Good shout, it's about time we started pinching some of their players off them.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on September 16, 2020, 07:27:09 PM

Quote from: algy on September 16, 2020, 06:59:50 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on September 16, 2020, 05:02:03 PM

Dele Ali perhaps.

Mourinho not a fan apparently, and him and Grealish are tight.

Edit: Not suggesting we should go for him.  But that might be the name put forward.

Good shout, it's about time we started pinching some of their players off them.

After last summer and their interest in Jack we should offer them Lansbury and £3m.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brian green on September 16, 2020, 07:29:38 PM

As much as that?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ger Regan on September 16, 2020, 07:30:23 PM

Being realistic, Ali would cost a fortune considering the Levy levy. He's gone off the boil but i think he'd be great for us, just not likely.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on September 16, 2020, 07:32:23 PM

Quote from: brian green on September 16, 2020, 07:29:38 PM

As much as that?

Do you want him or not!?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on September 16, 2020, 07:52:41 PM

Rico Henry is a yes from me. Would be great competition for Targett and a chance to get shot of Taylor.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: tony_harrison on September 16, 2020, 07:56:58 PM

Skybet now offering 7/2 on Barkley signing. Make of that what you will.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 16, 2020, 08:29:16 PM

Quote from: tony_harrison on September 16, 2020, 07:56:58 PM

Skybet now offering 7/2 on Barkley signing. Make of that what you will.

Teeny weeny market.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on September 16, 2020, 08:29:54 PM

Quote from: Newby on September 16, 2020, 07:52:41 PM

Rico Henry is a yes from me. Would be great competition for Targett and a chance to get shot of Taylor.

It's a toss of a coin which one to get shot of. Both, ideally.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: olaftab on September 16, 2020, 08:30:25 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 16, 2020, 05:52:06 PM

Quote from: LukeJames on September 16, 2020, 05:19:06 PM

Quote from: Axl Rose on September 16, 2020, 05:10:40 PM

I want Ozil.

Oh god no, just fucking no.

One of the reasons Arsenal can’t shift him, aside from the crazy wages, is that he loves living in Hampstead. I can’t see him shifting up the M40, just as I can’t see us touching him with a long stick.

Yes but we have the German Doner Kebab restaurant  down Moseley road. He would love that.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on September 16, 2020, 08:39:08 PM

I'd rather sign Gnarls Barkley

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 16, 2020, 08:41:08 PM

Quote from: olaftab on September 16, 2020, 08:30:25 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 16, 2020, 05:52:06 PM

Quote from: LukeJames on September 16, 2020, 05:19:06 PM

Quote from: Axl Rose on September 16, 2020, 05:10:40 PM

I want Ozil.

Oh god no, just fucking no.

One of the reasons Arsenal can’t shift him, aside from the crazy wages, is that he loves living in Hampstead. I can’t see him shifting up the M40, just as I can’t see us touching him with a long stick.

Yes but we have the German Doner Kebab restaurant  down Moseley road. He would love that.

Handy for the 50 bus route as well. I can't see what's holding this up!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 16, 2020, 08:54:29 PM

Sounds like a lesser villain in the DC comic universe.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ROBBO on September 16, 2020, 09:03:56 PM

Barkley would not be a game changer for Grealish signing new contract. Rico Henry would be better than what we have but i am waiting for the HTF did they get him player.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 16, 2020, 09:04:44 PM

Barkley isn’t an international level player in my opinion but a very solid PL one and he would add significant steel to our midfield.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 16, 2020, 09:04:45 PM

Maybe we've offered Bale a free membership to the Belfry?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Des Little on September 16, 2020, 09:23:26 PM

I’d rather have (another) dose of the clap than Ozil.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Percy McCarthy on September 16, 2020, 09:28:25 PM

Quote from: Des Little on September 16, 2020, 09:23:26 PM

I’d rather have (another) dose of the clap than Ozil.

Have you had the umbrella though?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Des Little on September 16, 2020, 09:37:01 PM

Quote from: Percy McCarthy on September 16, 2020, 09:28:25 PM

Quote from: Des Little on September 16, 2020, 09:23:26 PM

I’d rather have (another) dose of the clap than Ozil.

Have you had the umbrella though?

I think they come as a pair


(https://i.ibb.co/611y6cT/98076325-E5-F3-4-DCB-B967-E72-B450498-AE.jpg) (https://ibb.co/611y6cT)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Londonvilla on September 16, 2020, 09:48:05 PM

@ScottHogan_9
 has joined Blues on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

https://twitter.com/BCFC/status/1306323900184354817

Not a bad few days for the villa

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Percy McCarthy on September 16, 2020, 10:35:44 PM

Quote from: Des Little on September 16, 2020, 09:37:01 PM

Quote from: Percy McCarthy on September 16, 2020, 09:28:25 PM

Quote from: Des Little on September 16, 2020, 09:23:26 PM

I’d rather have (another) dose of the clap than Ozil.

Have you had the umbrella though?

I think they come as a pair


(https://i.ibb.co/611y6cT/98076325-E5-F3-4-DCB-B967-E72-B450498-AE.jpg) (https://ibb.co/611y6cT)

Ouch!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on September 16, 2020, 10:46:02 PM

Quote from: mr underhill on September 16, 2020, 08:39:08 PM

I'd rather sign Gnarls Barkley

That would be crazy!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on September 16, 2020, 10:48:59 PM

Spanish fellow on football daily Podcast a few days ago was saying Valencia were after Capoue as Javi Garcia managed him at Watford. He said the price quoted was less than £5m. I think at that price he’d be a good pick up in a position that we need to improve.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on September 16, 2020, 11:18:14 PM

Quote from: Axl Rose on September 16, 2020, 05:10:40 PM

I want Ozil.

I never understood this as a kid. Why would anyone want to wipe their arse with shiny greaseproof paper?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Axl Rose on September 17, 2020, 03:25:43 AM

Quote from: Drummond on September 16, 2020, 11:18:14 PM

Quote from: Axl Rose on September 16, 2020, 05:10:40 PM

I want Ozil.

I never understood this as a kid. Why would anyone want to wipe their arse with shiny greaseproof paper?

Haha. Took me a while to get this.

Seems Ozil isn't a popular suggestion! :)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 17, 2020, 08:26:37 AM

Quote from: Drummond on September 16, 2020, 11:18:14 PM

Quote from: Axl Rose on September 16, 2020, 05:10:40 PM

I want Ozil.

I never understood this as a kid. Why would anyone want to wipe their arse with shiny greaseproof paper?

You wouldn't unless it was the only thing on offer (as was the case in my childhood household). Horrible stuff.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: The Edge on September 17, 2020, 08:45:25 AM

Quote from: Mister E on September 17, 2020, 08:26:37 AM

Quote from: Drummond on September 16, 2020, 11:18:14 PM

Quote from: Axl Rose on September 16, 2020, 05:10:40 PM

I want Ozil.

I never understood this as a kid. Why would anyone want to wipe their arse with shiny greaseproof paper?

You wouldn't unless it was the only thing on offer (as was the case in my childhood household). Horrible stuff.

Does make you wonder. When you think of all the arse wiping materials to choose from they chose to market that as bog roll. Torn up sheets of old newspaper was much easier on your arse even if you were left with ink stains. Come to think about it sandpaper would have been better than that shiny stuff.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Des Little on September 17, 2020, 08:53:45 AM

Only on here in the midst of an exciting transfer window can the merits of wiping your arse be discussed so passionately.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 17, 2020, 09:15:03 AM

It used to clog the bogs up sop badly too. Whoever thought it up must still chuckle at the day to day use of that stuff in schools back in the day. Although, at least kids couldn't soak it and stick it to the ceiling, damn stuff was near waterproof.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 17, 2020, 09:19:22 AM

Tracing paper bog roll and carbolic soap? Luxury. I used to live in shoe box in middle of road.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AllanW on September 17, 2020, 09:21:09 AM

Obligatory discussion of the 25 and movements this transfer window …

19/20 season squad;

GK; (Heaton inj), Steer, Nyland, Kalinic

CB; Engels, Konsa, Mings, Hause

RB: Elmo, Guilbert

LB; Taylor, Targett

DM; Luiz, Nakamba

CM; Hourihane, McGinn

AM; Grealish, Jota, Lansbury

Wingers; Trez, El Ghazi,

Strikers; (Wesley inj), Samatta, Davis, Vassilev U21, Hogan


Keepers; 4  Defenders; 8  Midfielders; 7  Wingers; 2 (both Right-sided)  Forwards; 5

Total; 26 (25 need to be declared)


Additions this window;    Reductions this window;
Cash RB/RWB £16m            Hogan £4m?
Watkins CF/W £28m
Martinez GK £17m
Traore LW £19m

now 29 (28 need to be declared) in squad

Additional moves this window?

Still think Rashica would be okay as a purchase because he can operate on the left but would far prefer Rhiann Brewster from Liverpool as a different striking option. But Blades seem to be in the box seat there if the ITK crowd are to be believed.

Sale or loan out options to get to 25 for squad declaration;  need 3 from the list below.

Kalinic £3m, Nyland £5m, Engels £7m, Guilbert £8/9m? Jota, Lansbury,

Those first 2 must be the priority as we now have plenty of cover.  Which leaves the next 4 as sale or loan-out options.

Attack; Depending on how the staff feel about Wes and Vassilev they may let Davis go out on loan but more likely is that Vassilev will spend most time in the U23’s, Davis will be on the bench to get playing time and develop and if Wes comes back at Christmas then Samatta can be sold/loaned in the January window provided no further injuries to strikers.

Defense; I hope we keep Guilbert and work out whatever beef is between him and Dean; I like him as a player and Elmo is not getting any younger. Happy to move Engels on provided we get a replacement and none seem possible from the U23’s at the moment.

Midfield/wingers; Equally happy to move Jota on if they have a buyer as Jacob Ramsey will need more game time to develop and can confidently be on our bench when needed. He doesn't need to be declared as U23 player so that gives us more flexibility.

Keepers; Should have enough cover until Heaton comes back and don’t need to buy in the next year with Martinez/Heaton and Steer as backup.

Summary;

Money spent; NET only £76m so far including Traore (initial cost is used here as the additions are only triggered over the succeeding years depending on certain conditions).

Attack strengthened significantly and invested in for the future.
GK position sorted for the next 5 years.
Manager backed on defensive call and investment on the right side.
Not strengthened in midfield apart from keeping Jack and Meatball and Luiz for another year.
Need options at Left back, might need Centre back replacement for Engels departure.

7 out of 10 going to 8 out of 10 if we get a decent centre back for Engels. That's as good as you can hope for, in my opinion and the window hasn't closed yet. Seems the calm heads and 'wait and see what happens' commenters were spot on ...  . Mind you, sales of adult diapers in the Birmingham area are a welcome filip to retailers during this covid nightmare :)

UTV

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on September 17, 2020, 09:34:23 AM

Seen a couple of links to Rico Henry, personally if Taylor was to be moved on I’d hope that we would sign a ‘boring’ left back who can actually defend.  Henry strikes me as a faster version of Targett but equally poor defensively.

Maybe it’s just me but I have a real bugbear about the amount of easy ball that comes in from wide areas & sadly I tend to judge wingers also on their ability to track back & defend :-)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithe on September 17, 2020, 10:01:54 AM

Quote from: The Edge on September 17, 2020, 08:45:25 AM

Quote from: Mister E on September 17, 2020, 08:26:37 AM

Quote from: Drummond on September 16, 2020, 11:18:14 PM

Quote from: Axl Rose on September 16, 2020, 05:10:40 PM

I want Ozil.

I never understood this as a kid. Why would anyone want to wipe their arse with shiny greaseproof paper?

You wouldn't unless it was the only thing on offer (as was the case in my childhood household). Horrible stuff.

Does make you wonder. When you think of all the arse wiping materials to choose from they chose to market that as bog roll. Torn up sheets of old newspaper was much easier on your arse even if you were left with ink stains. Come to think about it sandpaper would have been better than that shiny stuff.

Our Nan used to work as a cleaner at one of the schools on Chelmsley and would liberate the bog rolls so we even had to use it at her house as well as at school, it had such a lack of purchase youd wipe your backside then have to check halfway up your back.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: fredm on September 17, 2020, 10:29:36 AM

Quote from: Gareth on September 17, 2020, 09:34:23 AM

Seen a couple of links to Rico Henry, personally if Taylor was to be moved on I’d hope that we would sign a ‘boring’ left back who can actually defend.  Henry strikes me as a faster version of Targett but equally poor defensively.

Maybe it’s just me but I have a real bugbear about the amount of easy ball that comes in from wide areas & sadly I tend to judge wingers also on their ability to track back & defend :-)

The problem is, I think, that Smith wants his back four to be a close unit and has the full backs tucking in alongside the centre backs.  Presumably he then wants the wide front men to track back and cover the opposing wide men. Unfortunately they cannot be relied upon to do this 100% of the time and even if they do they will be knackered after an hour. But I agree with you, all this does is allow the opposing wingers freedom of the park to get their crosses in which has me pulling my hair out.  I am with MON on this one, full backs job is to get out wide and stop any crosses coming into the box.  If a cross came in during his time at the club the full back soon got an earful.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clive W on September 17, 2020, 10:36:13 AM

Quote from: fredm on September 17, 2020, 10:29:36 AM

Quote from: Gareth on September 17, 2020, 09:34:23 AM

Seen a couple of links to Rico Henry, personally if Taylor was to be moved on I’d hope that we would sign a ‘boring’ left back who can actually defend.  Henry strikes me as a faster version of Targett but equally poor defensively.

Maybe it’s just me but I have a real bugbear about the amount of easy ball that comes in from wide areas & sadly I tend to judge wingers also on their ability to track back & defend :-)

The problem is, I think, that Smith wants his back four to be a close unit and has the full backs tucking in alongside the centre backs.  Presumably he then wants the wide front men to track back and cover the opposing wide men. Unfortunately they cannot be relied upon to do this 100% of the time and even if they do they will be knackered after an hour. But I agree with you, all this does is allow the opposing wingers freedom of the park to get their crosses in which has me pulling my hair out.  I am with MON on this one, full backs job is to get out wide and stop any crosses coming into the box.  If a cross came in during his time at the club the full back soon got an earful.

Call me old school and boring (both of which I am) but I like full backs that can defend. Anything in addition is a bonus

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on September 17, 2020, 10:41:46 AM

Quote from: Clive W on September 17, 2020, 10:36:13 AM

Quote from: fredm on September 17, 2020, 10:29:36 AM

Quote from: Gareth on September 17, 2020, 09:34:23 AM

Seen a couple of links to Rico Henry, personally if Taylor was to be moved on I’d hope that we would sign a ‘boring’ left back who can actually defend.  Henry strikes me as a faster version of Targett but equally poor defensively.

Maybe it’s just me but I have a real bugbear about the amount of easy ball that comes in from wide areas & sadly I tend to judge wingers also on their ability to track back & defend :-)

The problem is, I think, that Smith wants his back four to be a close unit and has the full backs tucking in alongside the centre backs.  Presumably he then wants the wide front men to track back and cover the opposing wide men. Unfortunately they cannot be relied upon to do this 100% of the time and even if they do they will be knackered after an hour. But I agree with you, all this does is allow the opposing wingers freedom of the park to get their crosses in which has me pulling my hair out.  I am with MON on this one, full backs job is to get out wide and stop any crosses coming into the box.  If a cross came in during his time at the club the full back soon got an earful.

Call me old school and boring (both of which I am) but I like full backs that can defend. Anything in addition is a bonus

Game's changed. If your full-backs can't attack your chances of scoring basically ever go down dramatically these days.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 17, 2020, 10:45:40 AM

Quote from: Monty on September 17, 2020, 10:41:46 AM

Quote from: Clive W on September 17, 2020, 10:36:13 AM

Call me old school and boring (both of which I am) but I like full backs that can defend. Anything in addition is a bonus

Game's changed. If your full-backs can't attack your chances of scoring basically ever go down dramatically these days.

Was going to make the same point as Monty. However Clive mentioning 'old school' put me in mind of Clive Thomas who reassuringly is alive and kicking at 84.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AV82EC on September 17, 2020, 10:50:52 AM

Quote from: Monty on September 17, 2020, 10:41:46 AM

Quote from: Clive W on September 17, 2020, 10:36:13 AM

Quote from: fredm on September 17, 2020, 10:29:36 AM

Quote from: Gareth on September 17, 2020, 09:34:23 AM

Seen a couple of links to Rico Henry, personally if Taylor was to be moved on I’d hope that we would sign a ‘boring’ left back who can actually defend.  Henry strikes me as a faster version of Targett but equally poor defensively.

Maybe it’s just me but I have a real bugbear about the amount of easy ball that comes in from wide areas & sadly I tend to judge wingers also on their ability to track back & defend :-)

The problem is, I think, that Smith wants his back four to be a close unit and has the full backs tucking in alongside the centre backs.  Presumably he then wants the wide front men to track back and cover the opposing wide men. Unfortunately they cannot be relied upon to do this 100% of the time and even if they do they will be knackered after an hour. But I agree with you, all this does is allow the opposing wingers freedom of the park to get their crosses in which has me pulling my hair out.  I am with MON on this one, full backs job is to get out wide and stop any crosses coming into the box.  If a cross came in during his time at the club the full back soon got an earful.

Call me old school and boring (both of which I am) but I like full backs that can defend. Anything in addition is a bonus

Game's changed. If your full-backs can't attack your chances of scoring basically ever go down dramatically these days.

Thats true but it does assume you have some element of control in midfield as well, not something we were blessed with last season in the majority of games. However I'm not in the camp of defensive full backs, it just smacks of Tony Pulis thinking.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 17, 2020, 10:54:33 AM

Quote from: Monty on September 17, 2020, 10:41:46 AM

Quote from: Clive W on September 17, 2020, 10:36:13 AM

Quote from: fredm on September 17, 2020, 10:29:36 AM

Quote from: Gareth on September 17, 2020, 09:34:23 AM

Seen a couple of links to Rico Henry, personally if Taylor was to be moved on I’d hope that we would sign a ‘boring’ left back who can actually defend.  Henry strikes me as a faster version of Targett but equally poor defensively.

Maybe it’s just me but I have a real bugbear about the amount of easy ball that comes in from wide areas & sadly I tend to judge wingers also on their ability to track back & defend :-)

The problem is, I think, that Smith wants his back four to be a close unit and has the full backs tucking in alongside the centre backs.  Presumably he then wants the wide front men to track back and cover the opposing wide men. Unfortunately they cannot be relied upon to do this 100% of the time and even if they do they will be knackered after an hour. But I agree with you, all this does is allow the opposing wingers freedom of the park to get their crosses in which has me pulling my hair out.  I am with MON on this one, full backs job is to get out wide and stop any crosses coming into the box.  If a cross came in during his time at the club the full back soon got an earful.

Call me old school and boring (both of which I am) but I like full backs that can defend. Anything in addition is a bonus

Game's changed. If your full-backs can't attack your chances of scoring basically ever go down dramatically these days.

And your defending better be good, because you’re going to spend a lot more time doing it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 17, 2020, 10:54:40 AM

Quote from: Monty on September 17, 2020, 10:41:46 AM

Quote from: Clive W on September 17, 2020, 10:36:13 AM

Quote from: fredm on September 17, 2020, 10:29:36 AM

Quote from: Gareth on September 17, 2020, 09:34:23 AM

Seen a couple of links to Rico Henry, personally if Taylor was to be moved on I’d hope that we would sign a ‘boring’ left back who can actually defend.  Henry strikes me as a faster version of Targett but equally poor defensively.

Maybe it’s just me but I have a real bugbear about the amount of easy ball that comes in from wide areas & sadly I tend to judge wingers also on their ability to track back & defend :-)

The problem is, I think, that Smith wants his back four to be a close unit and has the full backs tucking in alongside the centre backs.  Presumably he then wants the wide front men to track back and cover the opposing wide men. Unfortunately they cannot be relied upon to do this 100% of the time and even if they do they will be knackered after an hour. But I agree with you, all this does is allow the opposing wingers freedom of the park to get their crosses in which has me pulling my hair out.  I am with MON on this one, full backs job is to get out wide and stop any crosses coming into the box.  If a cross came in during his time at the club the full back soon got an earful.

Call me old school and boring (both of which I am) but I like full backs that can defend. Anything in addition is a bonus

Game's changed. If your full-backs can't attack your chances of scoring basically ever go down dramatically these days.

Yep, the fullbacks are the players who get the most space to work in of any position on the pitch. They have so much time and space to work with that the idea of letting them sit on the halfway line and not get involved is almost unthinkable in modern football.

Attacking football now is about either getting an overload or moving teams out of their defensive formation to create gaps. Having someone like Jack who draws players in is great for the 2nd part but you can do it purely with tactics. Teams that hold their shape better have better defensive records (once you get to a level where defensive errors are uncommon).

What I suspect will come soon as a 'trend' is full backs who underlap wide players and break into the box from deep to try to create confusion as to who defends against them, if the timing is right you could have 3-4 people moving into the box from different places at the same time and that creates a lot of chances for errors.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on September 17, 2020, 11:10:07 AM

Quote from: Monty on September 17, 2020, 10:41:46 AM

Quote from: Clive W on September 17, 2020, 10:36:13 AM

Call me old school and boring (both of which I am) but I like full backs that can defend. Anything in addition is a bonus

Game's changed. If your full-backs can't attack your chances of scoring basically ever go down dramatically these days.

Full backs need to both defend and attack which is why we should we looking to bring in a new left back. Neither Targett or Taylor are good enough.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sid1964 on September 17, 2020, 11:15:33 AM

reading the thoughts of the posters - it would seem that like last summer we need another 11 players

I would imagine once Traore has signed, I don't think that there will be anyone else signed unless we can get rid of a few

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 17, 2020, 11:19:01 AM

Quote from: sid1964 on September 17, 2020, 11:15:33 AM

reading the thoughts of the posters - it would seem that like last summer we need another 11 players

I would imagine once Traore has signed, I don't think that there will be anyone else signed unless we can get rid of a few

1 more, a centre mid coming in is really important. Shifting some out is clearly needed as well but I don't think they'll miss out on the signings we need because Lansbury (for example) gets no offers.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on September 17, 2020, 11:22:07 AM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on September 17, 2020, 11:10:07 AM

Quote from: Monty on September 17, 2020, 10:41:46 AM

Quote from: Clive W on September 17, 2020, 10:36:13 AM

Call me old school and boring (both of which I am) but I like full backs that can defend. Anything in addition is a bonus

Game's changed. If your full-backs can't attack your chances of scoring basically ever go down dramatically these days.

Full backs need to both defend and attack which is why we should we looking to bring in a new left back. Neither Targett or Taylor are good enough.

True, but of the two I'd much, much rather have Targett.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 17, 2020, 11:24:10 AM

Quote from: sid1964 on September 17, 2020, 11:15:33 AM

reading the thoughts of the posters - it would seem that like last summer we need another 11 players

I would imagine once Traore has signed, I don't think that there will be anyone else signed unless we can get rid of a few

I think another winger and a central midfielder after Traore will still be wanted regardless, but I think that will be it unless there are some big outs. After this window I would think it would then be about adding 1-2 first team starters each window to push the squad along. Last season 12, this summer about 6, next maybe 2-3 ideally.

While I would love a better backup/ competition for Targett than Taylor, I don't have an issue with letting Targett progress this season and see how he develops. He has decent delivery going forward and is not as bad a player as is made out. One for next summer maybe.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on September 17, 2020, 11:25:44 AM

Quote from: Monty on September 17, 2020, 11:22:07 AM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on September 17, 2020, 11:10:07 AM

Quote from: Monty on September 17, 2020, 10:41:46 AM

Quote from: Clive W on September 17, 2020, 10:36:13 AM

Call me old school and boring (both of which I am) but I like full backs that can defend. Anything in addition is a bonus

Game's changed. If your full-backs can't attack your chances of scoring basically ever go down dramatically these days.

Full backs need to both defend and attack which is why we should we looking to bring in a new left back. Neither Targett or Taylor are good enough.

True, but of the two I'd much, much rather have Targett.

For me they're as bad as each other. If we could mold them into one player we'd have a more than decent left back.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 17, 2020, 11:27:25 AM

Quote from: paul_e on September 17, 2020, 11:19:01 AM

1 more, a centre mid coming in is really important. Shifting some out is clearly needed as well but I don't think they'll miss out on the signings we need because Lansbury (for example) gets no offers.

I hope so, since the end of last season my dad''s being banging on about the importance of getting a centre midfielder in. Not even any tangible links yet.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on September 17, 2020, 11:28:14 AM

See I disagree, Taylor's just so bad on the ball that he's kind of defensively bad as well, as you'll just find yourself on the back foot so often the likelihood is you'd give more chances away even if your defensive skills were Maldini-level (and, to state the obvious, his ain't).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 17, 2020, 11:39:22 AM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on September 17, 2020, 11:27:25 AM

Quote from: paul_e on September 17, 2020, 11:19:01 AM

1 more, a centre mid coming in is really important. Shifting some out is clearly needed as well but I don't think they'll miss out on the signings we need because Lansbury (for example) gets no offers.

I hope so, since the end of last season my dad''s being banging on about the importance of getting a centre midfielder in. Not even any tangible links yet.

Thats because its the hush-hush secret signing that no one expects Villa to pull off. It's going to be our Rude Gullet to Chelsea in the mid-90s equivalent.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Baldy on September 17, 2020, 11:50:26 AM

BBC saying Delph is surplus to requirement at Everton. Grievances aside, could he do a job for us at left back????

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on September 17, 2020, 11:50:26 AM

Quote from: Monty on September 17, 2020, 11:28:14 AM

See I disagree, Taylor's just so bad on the ball that he's kind of defensively bad as well, as you'll just find yourself on the back foot so often the likelihood is you'd give more chances away even if your defensive skills were Maldini-level (and, to state the obvious, his ain't).

Taylor and Maldini in the same sentence? Oh Monty! Defensively he's as good/bad as any of our right backs if not better. Targett is shockingly poor but gains praise on the days he has nobody to mark. That said, he did show some improvement after the break so I'd possibly keep him around as back up to a proper left back. I'm feeling extremely kind today.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: MalcolmP on September 17, 2020, 11:53:42 AM

Quote from: Monty on September 17, 2020, 11:28:14 AM

See I disagree, Taylor's just so bad on the ball that he's kind of defensively bad as well, as you'll just find yourself on the back foot so often the likelihood is you'd give more chances away even if your defensive skills were Maldini-level (and, to state the obvious, his ain't).

So bad on the ball with the goal assist for Watkins against Burton, so so bad? Mings was responsible for numerous goals conceded last season - is he so bad too? Taylor is nowhere near as bad as some on here make out.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Border villan on September 17, 2020, 11:53:52 AM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 17, 2020, 11:52:29 AM

Take what you will but Ross Barkley was all in favour of Grealish staying at Villa giving him congrats via Instagram.

Signing Barkley makes sense and isn't out of the realms.
I can see the Barkley at number 8 coming into this team.
Like Grealish he's a bit of a ball hog but I think he would be an improvement to the engine in midfield.
On field he's good .
Off field needs to settle .

Can't see him being the first choice once all Chelsea players are fit and a move could suit.
It's a big enough statement in some ways and the only concern would be how he is off field impacting on field performance.

It’s a no from me Simon.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: robleflaneur on September 17, 2020, 11:55:36 AM

Quote from: paul_e on September 17, 2020, 10:54:40 AM

Quote from: Monty on September 17, 2020, 10:41:46 AM

Quote from: Clive W on September 17, 2020, 10:36:13 AM

Quote from: fredm on September 17, 2020, 10:29:36 AM

Quote from: Gareth on September 17, 2020, 09:34:23 AM

Seen a couple of links to Rico Henry, personally if Taylor was to be moved on I’d hope that we would sign a ‘boring’ left back who can actually defend.  Henry strikes me as a faster version of Targett but equally poor defensively.

Maybe it’s just me but I have a real bugbear about the amount of easy ball that comes in from wide areas & sadly I tend to judge wingers also on their ability to track back & defend :-)

The problem is, I think, that Smith wants his back four to be a close unit and has the full backs tucking in alongside the centre backs.  Presumably he then wants the wide front men to track back and cover the opposing wide men. Unfortunately they cannot be relied upon to do this 100% of the time and even if they do they will be knackered after an hour. But I agree with you, all this does is allow the opposing wingers freedom of the park to get their crosses in which has me pulling my hair out.  I am with MON on this one, full backs job is to get out wide and stop any crosses coming into the box.  If a cross came in during his time at the club the full back soon got an earful.

Call me old school and boring (both of which I am) but I like full backs that can defend. Anything in addition is a bonus

Game's changed. If your full-backs can't attack your chances of scoring basically ever go down dramatically these days.

Yep, the fullbacks are the players who get the most space to work in of any position on the pitch. They have so much time and space to work with that the idea of letting them sit on the halfway line and not get involved is almost unthinkable in modern football.

Attacking football now is about either getting an overload or moving teams out of their defensive formation to create gaps. Having someone like Jack who draws players in is great for the 2nd part but you can do it purely with tactics. Teams that hold their shape better have better defensive records (once you get to a level where defensive errors are uncommon).

What I suspect will come soon as a 'trend' is full backs who underlap wide players and break into the box from deep to try to create confusion as to who defends against them, if the timing is right you could have 3-4 people moving into the box from different places at the same time and that creates a lot of chances for errors.

Man City use this tactic a lot ,a player not too wide of the box plays a short pass into the box for a player making an outward diagonal run.The defence is turned and the cross is made from inside the box.The variant is the Grealish pass that set up Targett v Brighton and Taylor v Burton.Liverpool are more traditional with the crosses coming in from fullbacks at great pace and bending in to favour the attackers.The modern  lightweight ball makes this easier.
Villa need to replace Taylor who is barely Championship  level.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 17, 2020, 12:01:42 PM

Arsenal did it well with Maitland Niles & Bellerin on Saturday.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mike on September 17, 2020, 12:22:58 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on September 17, 2020, 11:25:44 AM

Quote from: Monty on September 17, 2020, 11:22:07 AM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on September 17, 2020, 11:10:07 AM

Quote from: Monty on September 17, 2020, 10:41:46 AM

Quote from: Clive W on September 17, 2020, 10:36:13 AM

Call me old school and boring (both of which I am) but I like full backs that can defend. Anything in addition is a bonus

Game's changed. If your full-backs can't attack your chances of scoring basically ever go down dramatically these days.

Full backs need to both defend and attack which is why we should we looking to bring in a new left back. Neither Targett or Taylor are good enough.

True, but of the two I'd much, much rather have Targett.

For me they're as bad as each other. If we could mold them into one player we'd have a more than decent left back.

Or a completely shit one if you’re unlucky. Born in Brum.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 17, 2020, 12:24:56 PM

Quote from: MalcolmP on September 17, 2020, 11:53:42 AM

So bad on the ball with the goal assist for Watkins against Burton, so so bad?

Yes, you're absolutely right. Let's give him a 5 year contract at £120k per week.

One decent moment in a glorified pre season game (and the odd decent performance in Bruce's first full season) doesn't counter all the dross served up over the last three and a bit years.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Fred Crump on September 17, 2020, 12:26:37 PM

Quote from: Baldy on September 17, 2020, 11:50:26 AM

BBC saying Delph is surplus to requirement at Everton. Grievances aside, could he do a job for us at left back????

Glad you suggested it. As you haven’t received the expected tsunami of pelters, I’m going to very timidly agree ( runs away and hides).
Presumably his wages would be too high but our Ashley did well converting into a left back at the unmentionables and perhaps Mr Snake could do a similar job extending his career too. Plus emergency cover for Dougie.
After all, we are really his first love  ;D

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 17, 2020, 12:28:42 PM

Quote from: Fred Crump on September 17, 2020, 12:26:37 PM

Quote from: Baldy on September 17, 2020, 11:50:26 AM

BBC saying Delph is surplus to requirement at Everton. Grievances aside, could he do a job for us at left back????

Glad you suggested it. As you haven’t received the expected tsunami of pelters, I’m going to very timidly agree ( runs away and hides).
Presumably his wages would be too high but our Ashley did well converting into a left back at the unmentionables and perhaps Mr Snake could do a similar job extending his career too. Plus emergency cover for Dougie.

If he'd never played for us, maybe.

But he has, so no.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: passport1 on September 17, 2020, 12:34:06 PM

According  a news report  someone stepped onto a bus with a live snake wrapped around his face as a replacement face mask. So if all else fails...... 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: exigo on September 17, 2020, 12:38:47 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 17, 2020, 10:50:52 AM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on September 17, 2020, 10:45:40 AM

Quote from: Monty on September 17, 2020, 10:41:46 AM

Quote from: Clive W on September 17, 2020, 10:36:13 AM

Call me old school and boring (both of which I am) but I like full backs that can defend. Anything in addition is a bonus

We're going to be trendsetters. Four keepers playing in front of our keeper.


Game's changed. If your full-backs can't attack your chances of scoring basically ever go down dramatically these days.

Was going to make the same point as Monty. However Clive mentioning 'old school' put me in mind of Clive Thomas who reassuringly is alive and kicking at 84.

Not quite the  Tony Pulis style 4 centre backs covering the 4 defensive positions gambit ?

We're going to be trendsetters. Four keepers playing in front of our keeper.


(https://i.ibb.co/pQTcMr6/Screen-Shot-2020-09-17-at-12-34-47.png) (https://ibb.co/pQTcMr6)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Londonvilla on September 17, 2020, 01:18:00 PM

REPORTED £13M ASTON VILLA TARGET LEFT OUT OF SQUAD; NOT IN MANAGER’S PLANS

Franco Cervi was left out of Benfica’s Champions League qualification clash with PAOK this week as the reported Aston Villa target falls out of favour at the Estadio da Luz,

https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/09/17/reported-13m-aston-villa-target-left-out-of-squad-not-in-managers-plans/

Not sure this is a real link .......may be cheaper plan B for the left wing

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SaddVillan on September 17, 2020, 01:25:34 PM

This is what Deano said in an article in the Guardian regarding our recruitment plans:

"As soon as Johan came into the club we sat down and profiled the positions we needed and then it’s a case of me adding some names I liked in those positions. Then it’s down to the recruitment department, headed by Rob and with Johan’s input, to come up with players that a) fit the profile, b) fit the personality profile and c) are actionable. They come up with a list and I sit down with the coaches and decide the best ones.”

So I expect we've drawn up a list of potential targets for the positions we need to improve, both short and long term, and it's a question of who we can bring in.

At

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: GordonCowansisthegreatest on September 17, 2020, 01:37:34 PM

Quote from: Londonvilla on September 17, 2020, 01:18:00 PM

REPORTED £13M ASTON VILLA TARGET LEFT OUT OF SQUAD; NOT IN MANAGER’S PLANS

Franco Cervi was left out of Benfica’s Champions League qualification clash with PAOK this week as the reported Aston Villa target falls out of favour at the Estadio da Luz,

https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/09/17/reported-13m-aston-villa-target-left-out-of-squad-not-in-managers-plans/

Not sure this is a real link .......may be cheaper plan B for the left wing

What a greedy b@stard! Not one cross, lay off or through ball.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LukeJames on September 17, 2020, 01:56:50 PM

How many times does he want to take the same player on. Fuck that.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ktvillan on September 17, 2020, 02:08:31 PM

Quote from: MalcolmP on September 17, 2020, 11:53:42 AM

Quote from: Monty on September 17, 2020, 11:28:14 AM

See I disagree, Taylor's just so bad on the ball that he's kind of defensively bad as well, as you'll just find yourself on the back foot so often the likelihood is you'd give more chances away even if your defensive skills were Maldini-level (and, to state the obvious, his ain't).

So bad on the ball with the goal assist for Watkins against Burton, so so bad? Mings was responsible for numerous goals conceded last season - is he so bad too? Taylor is nowhere near as bad as some on here make out.

One goal assist does not make Taylor a decent player on the ball. How many other examples can you think of?  There must be hundreds of counter examples to demonstrate the opposite.  He is generally poor, very poor, on the ball going forward, and defensively I'd say not good enough for  top half PL team which is where we should be aiming.  I'd agree with you about Mings though, great bloke and all that but overrated by some and for me a bit of a Zat Knight mark II.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Skerra on September 17, 2020, 02:09:30 PM

Let’s offer Delph a 5 year contract with £100k a week and then pull out of it at the last minute like he did with us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ktvillan on September 17, 2020, 02:15:00 PM

Delph is a good player but seems to have spent at least half of his career crocked.  May as well sign Wilshere.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sid1964 on September 17, 2020, 02:15:55 PM

Let’s not go for Delph he has had his time with us!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 17, 2020, 02:16:29 PM

Quote from: Skerra on September 17, 2020, 02:09:30 PM

Let’s offer Delph a 5 year contract with £100k a week and then pull out of it at the last minute like he did with us.

And then wink at him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on September 17, 2020, 02:27:10 PM

Quote from: MalcolmP on September 17, 2020, 11:53:42 AM

Quote from: Monty on September 17, 2020, 11:28:14 AM

See I disagree, Taylor's just so bad on the ball that he's kind of defensively bad as well, as you'll just find yourself on the back foot so often the likelihood is you'd give more chances away even if your defensive skills were Maldini-level (and, to state the obvious, his ain't).

So bad on the ball with the goal assist for Watkins against Burton, so so bad? Mings was responsible for numerous goals conceded last season - is he so bad too? Taylor is nowhere near as bad as some on here make out.

Re. the assist the other night, where was he running to, what was he hoping would happen? Because he seemed very surprised indeed to discover that the ball was in fact in front of him on his left foot, and that there wasn't something else altogether going on somewhere over his right shoulder.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 17, 2020, 02:29:39 PM

Quote from: Lastfootstamper on September 17, 2020, 02:27:10 PM

Quote from: MalcolmP on September 17, 2020, 11:53:42 AM

Quote from: Monty on September 17, 2020, 11:28:14 AM

See I disagree, Taylor's just so bad on the ball that he's kind of defensively bad as well, as you'll just find yourself on the back foot so often the likelihood is you'd give more chances away even if your defensive skills were Maldini-level (and, to state the obvious, his ain't).

So bad on the ball with the goal assist for Watkins against Burton, so so bad? Mings was responsible for numerous goals conceded last season - is he so bad too? Taylor is nowhere near as bad as some on here make out.

Re. the assist the other night, where was he running to, what was he hoping would happen? Because he seemed very surprised indeed to discover that the ball was in fact in front of him on his left foot, and that there wasn't something else altogether going on somewhere over his right shoulder.

I thought Jacks pass took a deflection? 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 17, 2020, 02:32:18 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 17, 2020, 02:29:39 PM

Quote from: Lastfootstamper on September 17, 2020, 02:27:10 PM

Quote from: MalcolmP on September 17, 2020, 11:53:42 AM

Quote from: Monty on September 17, 2020, 11:28:14 AM

See I disagree, Taylor's just so bad on the ball that he's kind of defensively bad as well, as you'll just find yourself on the back foot so often the likelihood is you'd give more chances away even if your defensive skills were Maldini-level (and, to state the obvious, his ain't).

So bad on the ball with the goal assist for Watkins against Burton, so so bad? Mings was responsible for numerous goals conceded last season - is he so bad too? Taylor is nowhere near as bad as some on here make out.

Re. the assist the other night, where was he running to, what was he hoping would happen? Because he seemed very surprised indeed to discover that the ball was in fact in front of him on his left foot, and that there wasn't something else altogether going on somewhere over his right shoulder.

I thought Jacks pass took a deflection? 

I just thought it was that outrageous he couldn't quite believe it had landed where it did.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on September 17, 2020, 02:33:42 PM

have we been linked to Jesse Lingard yet

nailed on to happen at some point in his career

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on September 17, 2020, 02:37:10 PM

I will accept that Taylor is good enough on the ball to be a threat against Burton Albion, as long as a world class attacking midfielder is feeding his runs with balls even he is surprised are possible.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 17, 2020, 02:38:42 PM

Quote from: john e on September 17, 2020, 02:33:42 PM

have we been linked to Jesse Lingard yet

nailed on to happen at some point in his career

Thankfully those days my be in the past my friend.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 17, 2020, 02:43:23 PM

Sounds like Samatta may be on his way to Fenerbache which is a shame because he had a super record when he joined us. But it makes sense and allows us to bring in another forward to back up Ollie until Wes gets back.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: CT Villan on September 17, 2020, 02:45:51 PM

Dean's comment re. Taylor was class...I've seen people do no-look passes before, but never seen no-look receiving of the ball.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 17, 2020, 02:46:37 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 17, 2020, 02:38:42 PM

Quote from: john e on September 17, 2020, 02:33:42 PM

have we been linked to Jesse Lingard yet

nailed on to happen at some point in his career

Thankfully those days my be in the past my friend.

Lee Sharpe for the Jilted Generation.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: TaxDodger on September 17, 2020, 02:54:00 PM

Quote from: john e on September 17, 2020, 02:33:42 PM

have we been linked to Jesse Lingard yet

nailed on to happen at some point in his career

As long as we're only linked with him it's fine.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 17, 2020, 03:03:24 PM

Quote from: john e on September 17, 2020, 02:33:42 PM

have we been linked to Jesse Lingard yet

nailed on to happen at some point in his career

I honestly don't mind him that much. He looked pretty good when he first broke into the Man Ure team but he does seem to have gone backwards.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 17, 2020, 03:07:46 PM

He's useless

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on September 17, 2020, 03:12:07 PM

Quote from: ktvillan on September 17, 2020, 02:15:00 PM

Delph is a good player but seems to have spent at least half of his career crocked.  May as well sign Wilshere.

Delph is yet another player who is probably past his best at thirty. At best might be worth a punt on a two year deal. I think our club is being run very well these days but any attempt to sign Wilshere would make me question the Villa powers that be. There is a headline on line that says "Galatasaray To Request Detailed medical Report For Jack Wilshere Before Making Move'". When I read that I had a vision of the Galatasaray  fax machine spitting out page after page of Wilshere's medical history before overheating and blowing up.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on September 17, 2020, 03:28:17 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 17, 2020, 02:38:42 PM

Quote from: john e on September 17, 2020, 02:33:42 PM

have we been linked to Jesse Lingard yet

nailed on to happen at some point in his career

Thankfully those days my be in the past my friend.

Give it time

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 17, 2020, 03:54:27 PM

Quote from: john e on September 17, 2020, 03:28:17 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 17, 2020, 02:38:42 PM

Quote from: john e on September 17, 2020, 02:33:42 PM

have we been linked to Jesse Lingard yet

nailed on to happen at some point in his career

Thankfully those days my be in the past my friend.

Give it time

We'll sign Barkley and Mark Noble now and my head will explode.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Duncan Shaw on September 17, 2020, 03:56:29 PM

Lots of talk around Samatta to Fenerbache.  Surely that means we have a deal for another striker sorted?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villafirst on September 17, 2020, 04:09:34 PM

Quote from: Duncan Shaw on September 17, 2020, 03:56:29 PM

Lots of talk around Samatta to Fenerbache.  Surely that means we have a deal for another striker sorted?

Sun (exclusive)? Reckon Baggies are trying to hijack Samatta deal to  Fenerbache?? Don't let him go to that shower! What's the betting he scores against us if he ends up at the Hawthorns??

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 17, 2020, 04:14:04 PM

Quote from: Duncan Shaw on September 17, 2020, 03:56:29 PM

Lots of talk around Samatta to Fenerbache.  Surely that means we have a deal for another striker sorted?

Depends on whether Smith sees Traore as an option up front i'd guess. If he does Watkins with Davis and Traore as backups and Wesley to return in a couple of months is probably ok. This is why having forward players who can play a few different roles is important, it gives us depth without having 3-4 players for a single position.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 17, 2020, 04:16:40 PM

Quote from: Villafirst on September 17, 2020, 04:09:34 PM

Quote from: Duncan Shaw on September 17, 2020, 03:56:29 PM

Lots of talk around Samatta to Fenerbache.  Surely that means we have a deal for another striker sorted?

Sun (exclusive)? Reckon Baggies are trying to hijack Samatta deal to  Fenerbache?? Don't let him go to that shower! What's the betting he scores against us if he ends up at the Hawthorns??

I'd loan him to them, and put a clause in that he had to play against us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rob_bridge on September 17, 2020, 04:27:18 PM

Quote from: Skerra on September 17, 2020, 02:09:30 PM

Let’s offer Delph a 5 year contract with £100k a week and then pull out of it at the last minute like he did with us.

I like it

Just a joke Fab

Delph can fuck off. Done  nothing of note for 2-3 years

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 17, 2020, 04:40:39 PM

Twitter is a strange place today. The Rashica obsession appears to have reached full Belhanda/ Kiyotake levels now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on September 17, 2020, 04:44:14 PM

Quote from: Fred Crump on September 17, 2020, 12:26:37 PM

Quote from: Baldy on September 17, 2020, 11:50:26 AM

BBC saying Delph is surplus to requirement at Everton. Grievances aside, could he do a job for us at left back????

Glad you suggested it. As you haven’t received the expected tsunami of pelters, I’m going to very timidly agree ( runs away and hides).
Presumably his wages would be too high but our Ashley did well converting into a left back at the unmentionables and perhaps Mr Snake could do a similar job extending his career too. Plus emergency cover for Dougie.
After all, we are really his first love  ;D

Be an improvement in midfield too, exactly the sort of player and experienced head we need. As an aside I know people at Man City who tell me that Villa encouraged his move and not the snake he appeared.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on September 17, 2020, 04:50:03 PM

Baggies do want Samatta

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on September 17, 2020, 04:50:28 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 17, 2020, 03:54:27 PM

Quote from: john e on September 17, 2020, 03:28:17 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 17, 2020, 02:38:42 PM

Quote from: john e on September 17, 2020, 02:33:42 PM

have we been linked to Jesse Lingard yet

nailed on to happen at some point in his career

Thankfully those days my be in the past my friend.

Give it time

We'll sign Barkley and Mark Noble now and my head will explode.

i would take Noble to help close games out.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 17, 2020, 05:06:34 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on September 17, 2020, 04:44:14 PM

Quote from: Fred Crump on September 17, 2020, 12:26:37 PM

Quote from: Baldy on September 17, 2020, 11:50:26 AM

BBC saying Delph is surplus to requirement at Everton. Grievances aside, could he do a job for us at left back????

Glad you suggested it. As you haven’t received the expected tsunami of pelters, I’m going to very timidly agree ( runs away and hides).
Presumably his wages would be too high but our Ashley did well converting into a left back at the unmentionables and perhaps Mr Snake could do a similar job extending his career too. Plus emergency cover for Dougie.
After all, we are really his first love  ;D

Be an improvement in midfield too, exactly the sort of player and experienced head we need. As an aside I know people at Man City who tell me that Villa encouraged his move and not the snake he appeared.

I wouldn't take him now, but not because of what happened, just age and fitness. I'd always suspected he was hung out to dry, I reckon we'd spent the money we'd got thinking he was going.

At the end of the day, he could of walked away that summer for fuck all and probably earned himself more money, but signing that deal in January when we were utterly on our arse meant we at least got a fee, and I respected him for that.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LukeJames on September 17, 2020, 05:32:23 PM

Loaning Vassilev out is a good move, I didnt see a single thing in him in his few cameo's that made me thing he could have a career at this level. Lots of effort though so hopefully he'll score a fair amount in Oeague 1 and we can get a fee for him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Pat Mustard on September 17, 2020, 05:41:34 PM

Quote from: LukeJames on September 17, 2020, 05:32:23 PM

Loaning Vassilev out is a good move, I didnt see a single thing in him in his few cameo's that made me thing he could have a career at this level. Lots of effort though so hopefully he'll score a fair amount in Oeague 1 and we can get a fee for him.

Bit harsh considering he played a total of about an hour across 5 games in a struggling team.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 17, 2020, 05:54:25 PM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on September 17, 2020, 05:41:34 PM

Quote from: LukeJames on September 17, 2020, 05:32:23 PM

Loaning Vassilev out is a good move, I didnt see a single thing in him in his few cameo's that made me thing he could have a career at this level. Lots of effort though so hopefully he'll score a fair amount in Oeague 1 and we can get a fee for him.

Bit harsh considering he played a total of about an hour across 5 games in a struggling team.

agreed. I like what I've seen of him with the U23 but I think he needs to find a position, right now he seems to be a bit of a utility attacking player and I suspect, if he makes it, it'll be as more of a battling centre mid in a similar style to McGinn.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LukeJames on September 17, 2020, 06:00:27 PM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on September 17, 2020, 05:41:34 PM

Quote from: LukeJames on September 17, 2020, 05:32:23 PM

Loaning Vassilev out is a good move, I didnt see a single thing in him in his few cameo's that made me thing he could have a career at this level. Lots of effort though so hopefully he'll score a fair amount in Oeague 1 and we can get a fee for him.

Bit harsh considering he played a total of about an hour across 5 games in a struggling team.

Possibly harsh but I've always tended to make quite a quick decision if I like or dislike a player. Eg, Ramsey the other night, I saw enough in 60 mins to think that he has the technique, forward thinking and drive too make it at this level. On the flip side I couldn't take to Trez from the start and even though he scored a couple of important goals, I still dont think he's upto it at this level.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on September 17, 2020, 06:02:21 PM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on September 17, 2020, 05:41:34 PM

Quote from: LukeJames on September 17, 2020, 05:32:23 PM

Loaning Vassilev out is a good move, I didnt see a single thing in him in his few cameo's that made me thing he could have a career at this level. Lots of effort though so hopefully he'll score a fair amount in Oeague 1 and we can get a fee for him.

Bit harsh considering he played a total of about an hour across 5 games in a struggling team.

to be fair ive been known to make a rash judgement about a player just by the way he runs up and down the touch line

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: saunders_heroes on September 17, 2020, 06:33:27 PM

Traore to be announced tomorrow according to lequipe.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 17, 2020, 07:07:52 PM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on September 17, 2020, 04:50:03 PM

Baggies do want Samatta

Where did you hear this?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 17, 2020, 07:09:44 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 17, 2020, 07:03:37 PM

Skysports News midlands man Weather-cock Rob have to love him and vague attempts to sound ITK

Couple of days ago he was makes claims and statements.
This was all after signing right back cash and stirker watkins and Not before them being transferred.
And certainly not pre window.
It was of course literally a day or 2 before we comfortably signed Martinez which he said was" being left for now"

"At the start of the window I was told Villa want a striker, a winger , another Striker,  then a GK then a right back . That was the order I was told the signings were coming and they signed deals either end of their priority list... the money is running out a little bit and they won't be spending huge money on the other players"

He was also adamant when asked about Villa signings the other day(before Martinez) that Villa wouldn't sign anyone after the Right Back and Striker until off loaded one or two as couldn't afford to buy anyone else.
And that Villa wouldn't pay the fee for Martinez because that would ruin the budget for the next striker!

So he claimed Villa would leave Martinez for now and if Arsenal wanted to sell him Villa would come back at the end of the transfer window paying less than the asking price to Arsenal as now Villa are focused on outgoings to raise more funds for transfers before the signing a winger and striker and then the goal keeper!

No mention of Grealish signing a new deal and he was also claiming Watkins as a winger so he covering all sorts of bases with the winger/striker signing

Does say "no interest in Josh King or Harry Wilson
And if we can sell players we could buy Rashica who prefers a move to Rb Leipzig"

Rob Dorset also does horoscope readings

Ha ha, nice one.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Londonvilla on September 17, 2020, 07:29:53 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 17, 2020, 07:07:52 PM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on September 17, 2020, 04:50:03 PM

Baggies do want Samatta

Where did you hear this?

West Brom want to 'hijack' Aston Villa transfer - reports

West Brom are in the market for a new striker and Aston Villa's Mbwana Samatta has reportedly emerged as an option


https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/villa-samatta-west-brom-transfer-18951897

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 17, 2020, 07:51:23 PM

Quote from: Londonvilla on September 17, 2020, 07:29:53 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 17, 2020, 07:07:52 PM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on September 17, 2020, 04:50:03 PM

Baggies do want Samatta

Where did you hear this?

West Brom want to 'hijack' Aston Villa transfer - reports

West Brom are in the market for a new striker and Aston Villa's Mbwana Samatta has reportedly emerged as an option


https://www.xxxx.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/villa-samatta-west-brom-transfer-18951897

That explains it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: nigel on September 17, 2020, 07:58:33 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 17, 2020, 09:19:22 AM

Tracing paper bog roll and carbolic soap? Luxury. I used to live in shoe box in middle of road.

A shoe box? You didn’t know you were born...  :P

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on September 17, 2020, 08:10:31 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 17, 2020, 07:51:23 PM

Quote from: Londonvilla on September 17, 2020, 07:29:53 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 17, 2020, 07:07:52 PM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on September 17, 2020, 04:50:03 PM

Baggies do want Samatta

Where did you hear this?

West Brom want to 'hijack' Aston Villa transfer - reports

West Brom are in the market for a new striker and Aston Villa's Mbwana Samatta has reportedly emerged as an option


https://www.xxxx.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/villa-samatta-west-brom-transfer-18951897

That explains it.

Whether they’ve left it too late or not I don’t know. They have defo come in for him today

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 17, 2020, 08:12:52 PM

£10 million they can have him. We will probably sign another striker if we let him go, and probably one that's better than him is imagine, so with getting the money back and use it elsewhere.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 17, 2020, 08:19:16 PM

Quote from: nigel on September 17, 2020, 07:58:33 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 17, 2020, 09:19:22 AM

Tracing paper bog roll and carbolic soap? Luxury. I used to live in shoe box in middle of road.

A shoe box? You didn’t know you were born...  :P

I bet it was a Jeffery West shoe box as well.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Legion on September 17, 2020, 09:08:27 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on September 17, 2020, 04:44:14 PM

Quote from: Fred Crump on September 17, 2020, 12:26:37 PM

Quote from: Baldy on September 17, 2020, 11:50:26 AM

BBC saying Delph is surplus to requirement at Everton. Grievances aside, could he do a job for us at left back????

Glad you suggested it. As you haven’t received the expected tsunami of pelters, I’m going to very timidly agree ( runs away and hides).
Presumably his wages would be too high but our Ashley did well converting into a left back at the unmentionables and perhaps Mr Snake could do a similar job extending his career too. Plus emergency cover for Dougie.
After all, we are really his first love  ;D

As an aside I know people at Man City who tell me that Villa encouraged his move and not the snake he appeared.

This.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Legion on September 17, 2020, 09:10:43 PM

Quote from: LukeJames on September 17, 2020, 05:32:23 PM

Loaning Vassilev out is a good move, I didnt see a single thing in him in his few cameo's that made me thing he could have a career at this level. Lots of effort though so hopefully he'll score a fair amount in Oeague 1 and we can get a fee for him.

Agreed. I've seen him plenty of times for the U23s etc and he flatters to deceive. A hard-worker and a trier (a la Weimann) but just not cut out for the top level. Only my opinion.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 17, 2020, 09:14:01 PM

I wouldn’t write off players too young. Development is a funny thing and some can surprise.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 17, 2020, 09:50:44 PM

Quote from: Legion on September 17, 2020, 09:10:43 PM

Quote from: LukeJames on September 17, 2020, 05:32:23 PM

Loaning Vassilev out is a good move, I didnt see a single thing in him in his few cameo's that made me thing he could have a career at this level. Lots of effort though so hopefully he'll score a fair amount in Oeague 1 and we can get a fee for him.

Agreed. I've seen him plenty of times for the U23s etc and he flatters to deceive. A hard-worker and a trier (a la Weimann) but just not cut out for the top level. Only my opinion.

I only saw him at Leicester but straight away thought as much, and I never thought Weimann would be more than he is, just ended up playing because everyone else at that time was shite.

I hope he proves me wrong, emphatically.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Legion on September 17, 2020, 09:52:19 PM

So do I.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: richtheholtender on September 17, 2020, 09:54:18 PM

I’ve mentioned on another thread about signing a new centre half to improve us there but also to keep Konsa getting games we could possibly use him as back up to Luiz. Thinking about it, if we sign a better centre back, we could also then use Mings as a back up left back for Targett. I do think another strong centre back gives us plenty of options rather than say committing to another left back as example.

Also, do we think the Vila fan at forest could still be an option? Can’t remember his name and I don’t know why he’s popped in to my head but he did look decent whenever I saw him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 17, 2020, 09:55:07 PM

As I said elsewhere I don't think he'll make it as a winger/striker but he could become a decent box-to-box midfielder if he gets some coaching, I can see him as a McGinn style terrier in there.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Legion on September 17, 2020, 09:56:21 PM

Quote from: richtheholtender on September 17, 2020, 09:54:18 PM

I’ve mentioned on another thread about signing a new centre half to improve us there but also to keep Konsa getting games we could possibly use him as back up to Luiz. Thinking about it, if we sign a better centre back, we could also then use Mings as a back up left back for Targett. I do think another strong centre back gives us plenty of options rather than say committing to another left back as example.

Also, do we think the Vila fan at forest could still be an option? Can’t remember his name and I don’t know why he’s popped in to my head but he did look decent whenever I saw him.

Lolley?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Legion on September 17, 2020, 09:57:46 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 17, 2020, 09:55:07 PM

As I said elsewhere I don't think he'll make it as a winger/striker but he could become a decent box-to-box midfielder if he gets some coaching, I can see him as a McGinn style terrier in there.

He's not a striker but is being played as one.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 17, 2020, 09:58:51 PM

Quote from: Legion on September 17, 2020, 09:57:46 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 17, 2020, 09:55:07 PM

As I said elsewhere I don't think he'll make it as a winger/striker but he could become a decent box-to-box midfielder if he gets some coaching, I can see him as a McGinn style terrier in there.

He's not a striker but is being played as one.

I thinkthey see him as a wide forward but, for me, he hasn't got the pace for that.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: andyh on September 17, 2020, 10:49:15 PM

Potentially 3 forwards out in quick succession, leaving us with 2 and a bit.
There must be another one coming in, surely?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 17, 2020, 11:22:39 PM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on September 17, 2020, 08:10:31 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 17, 2020, 07:51:23 PM

Quote from: Londonvilla on September 17, 2020, 07:29:53 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 17, 2020, 07:07:52 PM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on September 17, 2020, 04:50:03 PM

Baggies do want Samatta

Where did you hear this?

West Brom want to 'hijack' Aston Villa transfer - reports

West Brom are in the market for a new striker and Aston Villa's Mbwana Samatta has reportedly emerged as an option


https://www.xxxx.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/villa-samatta-west-brom-transfer-18951897

That explains it.

Whether they’ve left it too late or not I don’t know. They have defo come in for him today

Think that's just press talk, West Brom are after Grant from Huddersfield for about 15m (actually goal ratio not far off Watkins last season) and Deeney been mentioned regularly.

Think Samatta is more likely to go out on loan abroad but I'd keep him as back up and loan Davis out instead.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 17, 2020, 11:54:10 PM

I reckon we must be in for another striker if Samatta goes. No way do we risk Watkins being injured for a period and only having Davis as backup.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Legion on September 17, 2020, 11:58:51 PM

Wes.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 18, 2020, 12:03:47 AM

Quote from: Legion on September 17, 2020, 11:58:51 PM

Wes.

Until late November he is going to be nowhere near. Not kicked a ball for 9 months.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 18, 2020, 12:05:02 AM

Quote from: Legion on September 17, 2020, 11:58:51 PM

Wes.

Will be back in December and will then need a good two months just to get back up to intensity of league and even then that's no guarantee as we saw with Kozak and Kodjia.

I can see Traore playing a bit centrally with his skillset but still makes sense to get another forward in.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 18, 2020, 12:50:27 AM

We were in for Wilson and I doubt it was a case of either Wilson OR Watkins. Put me in the '1 more striker to come' camp.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: villa for life on September 18, 2020, 01:57:33 AM

If we do sell Samatta, I hope we insert a sell on clause. When he first arrived, he scored a few goals that seems to suggest he can do it. His level fell away after lockdown, which must have been pretty miserable for him. Once he settles, he may turn out to be a decent striker, so that sell on clause needs to be in there. I’d prefer a loan to west Brom at this point.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on September 18, 2020, 07:16:13 AM

Whatever happens in the rest of the window, let's give a massive shout to the owners.

Match day income now zilch but huge financial support for the club allowing us to make up some serious ground on the established clubs.

It could all have been so different.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 18, 2020, 08:07:07 AM

Quote from: OCD on September 18, 2020, 12:50:27 AM

We were in for Wilson and I doubt it was a case of either Wilson OR Watkins. Put me in the '1 more striker to come' camp.

The Traore links only started after Wilson went to Newcastle though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rob_bridge on September 18, 2020, 08:15:26 AM

Quote from: Big Ming on September 18, 2020, 07:16:13 AM

Whatever happens in the rest of the window, let's give a massive shout to the owners.

Match day income now zilch but huge financial support for the club allowing us to make up some serious ground on the established clubs.

It could all have been so different.

Totally agree - some big money signings and re-signing Jack is equivalent to a £50m signing

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: maidstonevillain on September 18, 2020, 08:28:18 AM

I wouldn't be surprised to see Eduardo/Brewster, Rashica, and Rose/Henry come in. Probably just wishful thinking.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sid1964 on September 18, 2020, 09:02:01 AM

Éduardo - could be the one - but it depends how Dean will set up the team?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on September 18, 2020, 09:04:47 AM

Brewster seems nailed on for Sheff Utd.

I'm reckoning there's something else brewing.

Dele Alli?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Marlon From Bearwood on September 18, 2020, 09:16:00 AM

Quote from: Drummond on September 18, 2020, 09:04:47 AM

Brewster seems nailed on for Sheff Utd.

I'm reckoning there's something else brewing.

Dele Alli?

Alli is being linked with PSG and Inter so probably not. As much as I rate him, he doesn’t really play in the positions we need covering.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Duncan Shaw on September 18, 2020, 09:18:16 AM

Indy has gone to Burton on season long loan

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithe on September 18, 2020, 09:20:00 AM

I cant see Dele Alli joining a team not in CL, and I cant see us paying him anywhere near what others would.

Id rate our chances of buying him at zero.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mike on September 18, 2020, 09:30:49 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 17, 2020, 11:54:10 PM

I reckon we must be in for another striker if Samatta goes. No way do we risk Watkins being injured for a period and only having Davis as backup.

We said something similar last year...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: The Edge on September 18, 2020, 09:48:17 AM

Quote from: mike on September 18, 2020, 09:30:49 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 17, 2020, 11:54:10 PM

I reckon we must be in for another striker if Samatta goes. No way do we risk Watkins being injured for a period and only having Davis as backup.

We said something similar last year...

This is true.I can't see them allowing that situation to happen again. Does anyone know how far off Wesley is from returning to training?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mike on September 18, 2020, 10:07:17 AM

Quote from: The Edge on September 18, 2020, 09:48:17 AM

Quote from: mike on September 18, 2020, 09:30:49 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 17, 2020, 11:54:10 PM

I reckon we must be in for another striker if Samatta goes. No way do we risk Watkins being injured for a period and only having Davis as backup.

We said something similar last year...

This is true.I can't see them allowing that situation to happen again. Does anyone know how far off Wesley is from returning to training?

I agree... I just couldn’t resist in! Anyway, we’ve done no centre backs and no centre forwards, must be a different position this year. Definitely won’t be no goalkeepers.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 18, 2020, 10:16:00 AM

You could almost say we have cover everywhere atm. Although how good that cover is is open to debate.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villan82 on September 18, 2020, 10:18:48 AM

Quote from: sid1964 on September 18, 2020, 09:02:01 AM

Éduardo - could be the one - but it depends how Dean will set up the team?

I think Watkins is the main man now. At one point I did think Watkins wide and Éduardo in the middle but Watkins looks the real deal.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 18, 2020, 11:10:31 AM

A dream return for Ross McCormack is off, sadly.

He's joined Aldershot.

Shame.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brend'Watkins on September 18, 2020, 11:26:03 AM

Quote from: PeterWithe on September 18, 2020, 09:20:00 AM

I cant see Dele Alli joining a team not in CL, and I cant see us paying him anywhere near what others would.

Id rate our chances of buying him at zero.

I don't particularly want him either. He's like the last throws of a Roman Candle now ...just before the flame burns out.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: tomd2103 on September 18, 2020, 11:38:05 AM

We are definitely going to need another striker if Samatta goes.  Wesley shouldn't be rushed back and we wouldn't be able to rely on Davis as the only back up.

Think we will get another in.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Footy-Vill on September 18, 2020, 11:41:17 AM

Dean Smith:
"My role [in recruitment] is pretty much the same. As soon as Johan came into the club we sat down and profiled the positions we needed and then it’s a case of me adding some names I liked in those positions. Then it’s down to the recruitment department, headed by Rob and with Johan’s input, to come up with players that a) fit the profile, b) fit the personality profile and c) are actionable. They come up with a list and I sit down with the coaches and decide the best ones.”
We’re very fortunate to have the owners we do. They’ve invested an awful lot of money already and now it is going to be down to the strategy of the people they have employed. It’s not just about the finances they have because we want to make it a sustainable club. We signed an awful lot of players with potential last season and they have to go on and fulfil their potential."

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 18, 2020, 11:51:17 AM

Quote from: KevinGage on September 18, 2020, 11:10:31 AM

A dream return for Ross McCormack is off, sadly.

He's joined Aldershot.

Shame.

They went kaput in 1992. He did in 2017. Hope they resurrect in hell..er, or something.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 18, 2020, 12:03:14 PM

Seems to have gone quiet in terms of rumours and links.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: luke:lamf on September 18, 2020, 12:08:31 PM

Quote from: Brend'Watkins on September 18, 2020, 11:26:03 AM

Quote from: PeterWithe on September 18, 2020, 09:20:00 AM

I cant see Dele Alli joining a team not in CL, and I cant see us paying him anywhere near what others would.

Id rate our chances of buying him at zero.

I don't particularly want him either. He's like the last throws of a Roman Candle now ...just before the flame burns out.

Whilst I don't necessarily disagree that he'd not be a good signing, that's a bit harsh - he's only 24. Plenty of possibility, if the motivation is there, for him to get back to his previous level.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: olaftab on September 18, 2020, 12:09:00 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on September 18, 2020, 11:10:31 AM

A dream return for Ross McCormack is off, sadly.

He's joined Alder shot.

Shame.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on September 18, 2020, 01:35:40 PM

Quote from: PeterWithe on September 18, 2020, 09:20:00 AM

I cant see Dele Alli joining a team not in CL, and I cant see us paying him anywhere near what others would.

Id rate our chances of buying him at zero.

Fingers crossed that zero is correct :-)

Personally I think he is the biggest ‘all fart no shit’ player out there...there is obv a bit of talent in there but at no point in his career has he ever shown it in more than flashes.

Having watched the Spurs doc there is no doubt in my mind that he will want out as they painted him as a complete simpleton - think his edited highlights were starting a debate in physio room about top 3 chocolate bars / having a bit of verbals about having verbals with Dier / being called lazy in a team mtg by Mourinho / announcing that in lockdown he learnt to cook baked beans in a microwave’didnt realise it was so easy’ :-(

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on September 18, 2020, 01:49:33 PM

Some French newspaper reckons we're in for Danny Rose

https://le10sport.com/football/mercato/exclu-mercato-psg-danny-rose-pour-remplacer-juan-bernat-la-reponse-518883

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: villadelph on September 18, 2020, 01:58:48 PM

Quote from: Gareth on September 18, 2020, 01:35:40 PM

Quote from: PeterWithe on September 18, 2020, 09:20:00 AM

I cant see Dele Alli joining a team not in CL, and I cant see us paying him anywhere near what others would.

Id rate our chances of buying him at zero.

Fingers crossed that zero is correct :-)

Personally I think he is the biggest ‘all fart no 'The Mighty Reds YNWA'’ player out there...there is obv a bit of talent in there but at no point in his career has he ever shown it in more than flashes.

Having watched the Spurs doc there is no doubt in my mind that he will want out as they painted him as a complete simpleton - think his edited highlights were starting a debate in physio room about top 3 chocolate bars / having a bit of verbals about having verbals with Dier / being called lazy in a team mtg by Mourinho / announcing that in lockdown he learnt to cook baked beans in a microwave’didnt realise it was so easy’ :-(

That whole squad came off as simpletons. Maybe its just the modern footballer, but my lord are some of those guys dense.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 18, 2020, 02:29:42 PM

I worked with someone who's partner was a chef for West Brom. Although you can't tar a group of people together by the same brush, some players are spoiled, demanding children. I've heard stories of certain players refusing to do anything until they got a specific meal in their preferred manner and him having to go a player's house Christmas morning to cook a meal for them. Apparently a divide developed between the senior players and the development squad too.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 18, 2020, 02:56:13 PM

Quote from: Gareth on September 18, 2020, 01:35:40 PM

Quote from: PeterWithe on September 18, 2020, 09:20:00 AM

I cant see Dele Alli joining a team not in CL, and I cant see us paying him anywhere near what others would.

Id rate our chances of buying him at zero.

Fingers crossed that zero is correct :-)

Personally I think he is the biggest ‘all fart no shit’ player out there...there is obv a bit of talent in there but at no point in his career has he ever shown it in more than flashes.

That is an incredibly harsh way of looking at his first three years his Spurs. I can't remember the stat but didn't he (at one point) have more premier league goals than Lampard and Gerrard at the same age?  This was an article from last year

(https://talksport.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/04/Stats2.jpg?strip=all&w=960&quality=100)

He has been crap for the last two seasons though, and I do agree with you that I hope we steer clear. Unless he's really good mates with Jack and that Dean is certain he can turn his form around.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 18, 2020, 03:17:49 PM

At 24 he is well worth getting if you could, but there is no way he would come to us now. He will go to a big club in Italy or Spain, then come back to someone like Newcastle on mad wages in 2 years time.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on September 18, 2020, 03:58:29 PM

Quote from: Gareth on September 18, 2020, 01:35:40 PM

Personally I think he is the biggest ‘all fart no shit’ player out there...there is obv a bit of talent in there but at no point in his career has he ever shown it in more than flashes.

No, that would be Jessie Lingard, a man so ineffectual he makes Alli look like an over-achiever.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rigadon on September 18, 2020, 04:04:14 PM

I have wondered about Deli Ali too.  Never seen in him the qualities he is supposed to posses, but there again I don't watch any football unless Villa are playing so I'm no judge!  Isn't he bessie matters with Jack?  That might go some way if we actually are interested, that and whether Spurs get Bale back.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on September 18, 2020, 04:05:30 PM

Dele Alli would be way to much money for us at the moment

but I would have him
his form a couple of years ago was one of the best players in the prem
lately not so good

Mourinho isn’t the right man to coach anyone who has dropped in form he  deals in ‘oven ready’ players for his short term quick success cycle of football that he tries to deliver wherever he goes
and in fairness has acquired a fair few trophies in the past but I’m not sure he can do it anymore

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on September 18, 2020, 04:38:54 PM

Quote from: algy on September 18, 2020, 01:49:33 PM

Some French newspaper reckons we're in for Danny Rose

https://le10sport.com/football/mercato/exclu-mercato-psg-danny-rose-pour-remplacer-juan-bernat-la-reponse-518883

How did he get on at Newcastle last season?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on September 18, 2020, 04:42:41 PM

Deano  said in the press conference a couple more , now does that include Traore or do we class him as already here?

A left back and another winger ?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 18, 2020, 04:53:45 PM

Quote from: john e on September 18, 2020, 04:05:30 PM

Dele Alli would be way to much money for us at the moment

but I would have him
his form a couple of years ago was one of the best players in the prem
lately not so good

Mourinho isn’t the right man to coach anyone who has dropped in form he  deals in ‘oven ready’ players for his short term quick success cycle of football that he tries to deliver wherever he goes
and in fairness has acquired a fair few trophies in the past but I’m not sure he can do it anymore

I watched the first episode of the spurs thing and if I was top class footballer, I would not play for him. Such a caricature of the manager he thinks he used to be now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 18, 2020, 04:57:45 PM

Weren't we very close to signing Alli one January window under Lambert when he played for MK Dons? Think he was at Bodymoor for talks but Spurs came in for him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 18, 2020, 05:11:39 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 18, 2020, 04:57:45 PM

Weren't we very close to signing Alli one January window under Lambert when he played for MK Dons? Think he was at Bodymoor for talks but Spurs came in for him.

Lambert would have ruined Alli a lot worse than the Spurs managers seemed to have recently :D

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on September 18, 2020, 05:13:32 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 18, 2020, 04:57:45 PM

Weren't we very close to signing Alli one January window under Lambert when he played for MK Dons? Think he was at Bodymoor for talks but Spurs came in for him.

He had the choice of us or Spurs.

He chose Spurs, so fuck him and the horse he rode in on, the gibbering fucking simpleton. You only get the chance once*

He comes across as a complete moron in that Spurs thing, too, as others have mentioned, even by footballer standards of intelligence.



* unless you are Andy Gray or Sid or Steve Hunt.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 18, 2020, 05:15:20 PM

With Jota potentially off to Liverpool, Rashica to Wolves may well crank up, they were linked earlier in the window.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: manic-road on September 18, 2020, 05:16:42 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on September 18, 2020, 04:38:54 PM

Quote from: algy on September 18, 2020, 01:49:33 PM

Some French newspaper reckons we're in for Danny Rose

https://le10sport.com/football/mercato/exclu-mercato-psg-danny-rose-pour-remplacer-juan-bernat-la-reponse-518883

How did he get on at Newcastle last season?

Pretty decent to be fair, surprised Bruce didn't sign him pernamently unless he doesn't want to settle oop North.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 18, 2020, 05:29:31 PM

Rose is from up north - so that may not have been the issue.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Richard E on September 18, 2020, 05:56:41 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 18, 2020, 05:15:20 PM

With Jota potentially off to Liverpool, Rashica to Wolves may well crank up, they were linked earlier in the window.

Doubt it. Rashica isn’t Portuguese and Mendes isn’t his agent.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LukeJames on September 18, 2020, 05:56:50 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 18, 2020, 05:15:20 PM

With Jota potentially off to Liverpool, Rashica to Wolves may well crank up, they were linked earlier in the window.

Has to read this a couple of times, Thought I'd missed something there.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Three Spires Villa on September 18, 2020, 05:57:13 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 18, 2020, 05:13:32 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 18, 2020, 04:57:45 PM

Weren't we very close to signing Alli one January window under Lambert when he played for MK Dons? Think he was at Bodymoor for talks but Spurs came in for him.

He had the choice of us or Spurs.

He chose Spurs, so fuck him and the horse he rode in on, the gibbering fucking simpleton. You only get the chance once*

He comes across as a complete moron in that Spurs thing, too, as others have mentioned, even by footballer standards of intelligence.



* unless you are Andy Gray or Sid or Steve Hunt.

Or Steve Staunton

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 18, 2020, 05:59:13 PM

I think Mourinho has ruined a few of them with his anti football. Dele Alli looked great under Pochettino.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 18, 2020, 06:12:12 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 18, 2020, 05:59:13 PM

I think Mourinho has ruined a few of them with his anti football. Dele Alli looked great under Pochettino.

His form fell off a cliff in Poch' final season to be fair.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 18, 2020, 06:14:50 PM

Quote from: LukeJames on September 18, 2020, 05:56:50 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 18, 2020, 05:15:20 PM

With Jota potentially off to Liverpool, Rashica to Wolves may well crank up, they were linked earlier in the window.

Has to read this a couple of times, Thought I'd missed something there.

When I read Liverpool were paying £35 million for Jota I thought Purslow and Lange were after a knighthood. I never remember Wolves have a decent one. Mendes moving players on and churning them through at Wolves, I read Doherty had taken him on as his agent too before he moved to Spurs (might be rubbish) but both he and Jota look under market value at £15 and £35 million.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: johnny from donny on September 18, 2020, 06:24:08 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 18, 2020, 05:29:31 PM

Rose is from up north - so that may not have been the issue.

Doncaster lad, I remember him on sky sports news when he joined Newcastle saying he wanted to come back up North because the chippies are better.
His agent is his uncle Mark Rankine (ex of Wolves & Preston among others. He scored against SHA  in the play-off semi in the last minute. Preston won on penalties.
Not that any of the above is important or interesting.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on September 18, 2020, 06:48:24 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 18, 2020, 05:15:20 PM

With Jota potentially off to Liverpool, Rashica to Wolves may well crank up, they were linked earlier in the window.

If the thought of Birmingham didn't impress him
can you imagine what he'll think of the Black Country

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 18, 2020, 06:59:43 PM

Quote from: johnny from donny on September 18, 2020, 06:24:08 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 18, 2020, 05:29:31 PM

Rose is from up north - so that may not have been the issue.

Doncaster lad, I remember him on sky sports news when he joined Newcastle saying he wanted to come back up North because the chippies are better.
His agent is his uncle Mark Rankine (ex of Wolves & Preston among others. He scored against SHA  in the play-off semi in the last minute. Preston won on penalties.
Not that any of the above is important or interesting.

Some of it was interesting! are the chippies better?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 18, 2020, 07:16:26 PM

Quote from: danno on September 18, 2020, 06:59:43 PM

Quote from: johnny from donny on September 18, 2020, 06:24:08 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 18, 2020, 05:29:31 PM

Rose is from up north - so that may not have been the issue.

Doncaster lad, I remember him on sky sports news when he joined Newcastle saying he wanted to come back up North because the chippies are better.
His agent is his uncle Mark Rankine (ex of Wolves & Preston among others. He scored against SHA  in the play-off semi in the last minute. Preston won on penalties.
Not that any of the above is important or interesting.

Some of it was interesting! are the chippies better?

They'll be better than London for sure, but inferior to West Midlands chippies  which are the standard bearer from my vast experience.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 18, 2020, 07:17:01 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 18, 2020, 05:29:31 PM

Rose is from up north - so that may not have been the issue.

I'm from Telford but you'd have to drug, gag and bind me to get me there again.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 18, 2020, 07:18:29 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 18, 2020, 07:17:01 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 18, 2020, 05:29:31 PM

Rose is from up north - so that may not have been the issue.

I'm from Telford but you'd have to drug, gag and bind me to get me there again.

It worked last time, I'm not changing a winning formula.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 18, 2020, 07:19:11 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 18, 2020, 07:17:01 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 18, 2020, 05:29:31 PM

Rose is from up north - so that may not have been the issue.

I'm from Telford but you'd have to drug, gag and bind me to get me there again.

We nearly moved there in the early 80s.  I'm glad we didn't.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: TelfordVilla on September 18, 2020, 07:20:55 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 18, 2020, 07:17:01 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 18, 2020, 05:29:31 PM

Rose is from up north - so that may not have been the issue.

I'm from Telford but you'd have to drug, gag and bind me to get me there again.

charming

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 18, 2020, 07:22:18 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 18, 2020, 07:19:11 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 18, 2020, 07:17:01 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 18, 2020, 05:29:31 PM

Rose is from up north - so that may not have been the issue.

I'm from Telford but you'd have to drug, gag and bind me to get me there again.

We nearly moved there in the early 80s.  I'm glad we didn't.

You didn't miss much, apart from my wodergoal from the halfway line to seal the victory against Trench in 1990.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Londonvilla on September 18, 2020, 07:23:08 PM

Club have ‘approached’ Aston Villa player about transfer – Villains want sale, not loan

Part of their promotion revolution last year, Björn Engels didn’t have the ideal first season in the Premier League with Aston Villa

According to Walfoot, Anderlecht have come knocking, ‘approaching the player’, although they would want him on a loan rather than a full transfer.

http://sportwitness.co.uk/club-approached-aston-villa-player-transfer-villains-want-sale-not-loan/

I would be happy to see Björn Engels stay however it does not look like Smith is keen........so who do we bring in?  Joe Rodon from Swansea? Have we been linked to any Anderlecht players?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Goldie.7 on September 18, 2020, 07:24:54 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 18, 2020, 05:13:32 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 18, 2020, 04:57:45 PM

Weren't we very close to signing Alli one January window under Lambert when he played for MK Dons? Think he was at Bodymoor for talks but Spurs came in for him.

He comes across as a complete moron in that Spurs thing, too, as others have mentioned, even by footballer standards of intelligence.

"I cooked baked beans for the first time today, I never realised how easy it was."

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 18, 2020, 07:25:50 PM

Quote from: TelfordVilla on September 18, 2020, 07:20:55 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 18, 2020, 07:17:01 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 18, 2020, 05:29:31 PM

Rose is from up north - so that may not have been the issue.

I'm from Telford but you'd have to drug, gag and bind me to get me there again.

charming

Sorry mate, no offence intended, but I feel scarred by the place. You can't have a town centre that's indoors. Even the wasps have neck tattoos!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rougegorge on September 18, 2020, 07:43:43 PM

Quote from: Londonvilla on September 18, 2020, 07:23:08 PM

Club have ‘approached’ Aston Villa player about transfer – Villains want sale, not loan

Part of their promotion revolution last year, Björn Engels didn’t have the ideal first season in the Premier League with Aston Villa

According to Walfoot, Anderlecht have come knocking, ‘approaching the player’, although they would want him on a loan rather than a full transfer.

http://sportwitness.co.uk/club-approached-aston-villa-player-transfer-villains-want-sale-not-loan/

I would be happy to see Björn Engels stay however it does not look like Smith is keen........so who do we bring in?  Joe Rodon from Swansea? Have we been linked to any Anderlecht players?

Smith hasn't seemingly been keen on Engels for a long time.

I'm hoping we've got past the Belgian league in the players' catalogue.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 18, 2020, 07:58:19 PM

I like Engels but I think Dean thinks he’s too slow and gets turned too quickly.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on September 18, 2020, 08:25:05 PM

Still no central midfielder!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Des Little on September 18, 2020, 08:30:22 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 18, 2020, 07:17:01 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 18, 2020, 05:29:31 PM

Rose is from up north - so that may not have been the issue.

I'm from Telford but you'd have to drug, gag and bind me to get me there again.

How can you possibly say that? It’s a great day out https://youtu.be/LTs5rk5h3R4

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 18, 2020, 08:31:06 PM

Didn't Dalian die in Telford ?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LukeJames on September 18, 2020, 08:49:00 PM

Quote from: Londonvilla on September 18, 2020, 07:23:08 PM

Club have ‘approached’ Aston Villa player about transfer – Villains want sale, not loan

Part of their promotion revolution last year, Björn Engels didn’t have the ideal first season in the Premier League with Aston Villa

According to Walfoot, Anderlecht have come knocking, ‘approaching the player’, although they would want him on a loan rather than a full transfer.

http://sportwitness.co.uk/club-approached-aston-villa-player-transfer-villains-want-sale-not-loan/

I would be happy to see Björn Engels stay however it does not look like Smith is keen........so who do we bring in?  Joe Rodon from Swansea? Have we been linked to any Anderlecht players?

I love some of the words the media use to describe the processes of a bid.

Bracing
Preparing
Approaching

Come knocking is my new favourite though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Des Little on September 18, 2020, 08:50:30 PM

If I don’t hear the phrases ‘over the line’ and ‘in the building’ in a transfer context ever again I wouldn’t mind at all.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on September 18, 2020, 08:51:43 PM

It feels like it has been along window

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ldavfc4eva on September 18, 2020, 08:55:13 PM

I know he isn’t ours but £35m for Jota? Seems way too cheap in the current market.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: olaftab on September 18, 2020, 09:02:37 PM

Quote from: VILLA MOLE on September 18, 2020, 08:51:43 PM

It feels like it has been along window

Windows are either wide or tall or both but never long.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 18, 2020, 09:22:27 PM

Quote from: Londonvilla on September 18, 2020, 07:23:08 PM

Club have ‘approached’ Aston Villa player about transfer – Villains want sale, not loan

Part of their promotion revolution last year, Björn Engels didn’t have the ideal first season in the Premier League with Aston Villa

According to Walfoot, Anderlecht have come knocking, ‘approaching the player’, although they would want him on a loan rather than a full transfer.

http://sportwitness.co.uk/club-approached-aston-villa-player-transfer-villains-want-sale-not-loan/

I would be happy to see Björn Engels stay however it does not look like Smith is keen........so who do we bring in?  Joe Rodon from Swansea? Have we been linked to any Anderlecht players?

Could always do a loan with an obligation to buy in a year's time as seems to be a new trend.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 18, 2020, 09:56:02 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 18, 2020, 08:31:06 PM

Didn't Dalian die in Telford ?

He did. In Trench, in fact, who, if you scroll up a bit, got funeraled by me from the halfway line in 1990.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 18, 2020, 10:01:12 PM

Quote from: Des Little on September 18, 2020, 08:30:22 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 18, 2020, 07:17:01 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 18, 2020, 05:29:31 PM

Rose is from up north - so that may not have been the issue.

I'm from Telford but you'd have to drug, gag and bind me to get me there again.

How can you possibly say that? It’s a great day out https://youtu.be/LTs5rk5h3R4

That's genuinely depressing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 18, 2020, 10:03:30 PM

Quote from: ldavfc4eva on September 18, 2020, 08:55:13 PM

I know he isn’t ours but £35m for Jota? Seems way too cheap in the current market.

Very. Or else Watkins is too high.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: fbriai on September 18, 2020, 10:04:42 PM

All I remember about Telford is that we used to go to the cinema there. Oh yeah, and the ice rink, to watch the Tigers have a fight every now and again. Wasn't there some big adventure playground thing there too?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 18, 2020, 10:07:51 PM

If I lived in Italy I guarantee that I wouldn't think about Telford either! Yes, there was 'Telford Town Park'. It was shit.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: TelfordVilla on September 18, 2020, 10:12:07 PM

The adventure land is in the town park along with wonderland. The town park has undergone a European style transformation lately and has loads of eateries and trendy bars around a pool that used to be a boating lake. I am not from telford I hasten to add. (Just the usual number of fingers and toes on me) I am a brummie who just happens to have ended up in telford. Close to Trench the unfortunate scene of Dalians demise and also close to Lilleshall home of the former National Sports Centre and my golf club 😀

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: fbriai on September 18, 2020, 10:14:18 PM

'Telford Town Park'. You learn something new and all that.
No, can't say I've thought about the place much in the last 30 years.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Shrek on September 18, 2020, 10:28:40 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 18, 2020, 10:03:30 PM

Quote from: ldavfc4eva on September 18, 2020, 08:55:13 PM

I know he isn’t ours but £35m for Jota? Seems way too cheap in the current market.

Very. Or else Watkins is too high.

I wonder if this is the downside to being in bed with Mendes, the fees are never as high as they should be when players are sold so that the agents fees are larger?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Des Little on September 18, 2020, 10:30:29 PM

If Mendes is involved, you can be sure that every move will be very beneficial to one party...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Percy McCarthy on September 18, 2020, 10:37:59 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 18, 2020, 09:56:02 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 18, 2020, 08:31:06 PM

Didn't Dalian die in Telford ?

He did. In Trench, in fact, who, if you scroll up a bit, got funeraled by me from the halfway line in 1990.

Fuck’s sake, okay we know. You scored a goal. Give it a rest.

*sorry, bit upset about the obvious sexual chemistry between you and Lee B.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Matt C on September 18, 2020, 10:38:38 PM

The Athletic reporting its more like 45m for Jota.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 18, 2020, 10:49:29 PM

What a cynical bunch of barstewards you are this sweet sweet Friday evening pre season kick off (for us).

I’m fairly certain when our Jack and Deli Ali stay up conversing late it’s like when Jean Paul Sartre met Che Guevara in the 60s.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 18, 2020, 11:21:50 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on September 18, 2020, 10:49:29 PM

What a cynical bunch of barstewards you are this sweet sweet Friday evening pre season kick off (for us).

I’m fairly certain when our Jack and Deli Ali stay up conversing late it’s like when Jean Paul Sartre met Che Guevara in the 60s.

I reckon its more like Jamie Oliver and Heston Blumenthal. Two young English culinary titans swapping recipes. Dele is your traditionalist sets the toaster to 4, Jack the maverick is not averse to using the grill.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Londonvilla on September 18, 2020, 11:36:04 PM

Emiliano Martinez caps a week to remember by earning an Argentina recall after sealing £20m Aston Villa move


https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/floydmayweather/article-8748773/Martinez-caps-week-remember-earning-Argentina-recall-sealing-20m-Aston-Villa-move.html

Magic happens when you sign for the villa :)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SirSteveUK on September 19, 2020, 12:13:29 AM

Quote from: eamonn on September 18, 2020, 11:51:17 AM

Quote from: KevinGage on September 18, 2020, 11:10:31 AM

A dream return for Ross McCormack is off, sadly.

He's joined Aldershot.

Shame.

They went kaput in 1992. He did in 2017. Hope they resurrect in hell..er, or something.

I can't remember too many matches from my first deacde as a fan - but 'Aldershot' brings back bad memories. Jan 64 - as a 4th Div club - they held us 0-0 at VP - and beat us at their place.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 19, 2020, 12:17:22 AM

Quote from: Percy McCarthy on September 18, 2020, 10:37:59 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 18, 2020, 09:56:02 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 18, 2020, 08:31:06 PM

Didn't Dalian die in Telford ?

He did. In Trench, in fact, who, if you scroll up a bit, got funeraled by me from the halfway line in 1990.

Fuck’s sake, okay we know. You scored a goal. Give it a rest.

*sorry, bit upset about the obvious sexual chemistry between you and Lee B.

I horned LeeB from the halfway line and I think he knows it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on September 19, 2020, 12:17:57 AM

Quote from: ldavfc4eva on September 18, 2020, 08:55:13 PM

I know he isn’t ours but £35m for Jota? Seems way too cheap in the current market.

It does but if mendes decides to move him he will...like he will the day the right job (or financial opportunity) comes up for Nuno.

Not that the dingles will have a bar of it being dodgy....whilst it’s going well denial is the best way

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: maidstonevillain on September 19, 2020, 01:28:54 AM

Quote from: olaftab on September 18, 2020, 09:02:37 PM

Quote from: VILLA MOLE on September 18, 2020, 08:51:43 PM

It feels like it has been along window

Windows are either wide or tall or both but never long.

Sorry. They are either square, arched, or round.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on September 19, 2020, 07:18:31 AM

Quote from: maidstonevillain on September 19, 2020, 01:28:54 AM

Quote from: olaftab on September 18, 2020, 09:02:37 PM

Quote from: VILLA MOLE on September 18, 2020, 08:51:43 PM

It feels like it has been along window

Windows are either wide or tall or both but never long.

Sorry. They are either square, arched, or round.

Today, we are going through the round window.

I hated Floella Benjamin. She never went through the window I wanted.

Cow!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dorsetvillian on September 19, 2020, 07:19:55 AM

Villa fan though!!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brian green on September 19, 2020, 07:27:43 AM

Shirley a transfer window must be a fanlight.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: jwarry on September 19, 2020, 08:25:42 AM

With the Engels, Nakamba, Samatta, Trey and Guilbert exit rumours You have to wonder if Dean had any say in their recruitment and Suso was given carte Blanche to sign whoever he liked just to get numbers in.  And now the new team are wondering about the quality of all of them except maybe the ones Dean did have a say on ie Mings, Konsa and Targett.

 To be fair to him we were in a mess with having no team at all at the start of the season but I really hope our recruitment approach has changed for the better with the new team

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 19, 2020, 08:27:52 AM

Dean has very clearly stated in an interview last week that he and Suso agreed fully on every player through the door last summer, and would not hear a word to the contrary. I know he is playing the professional line, but he expressed regret that Suso had left and thought he had done a good job in difficult circumstances.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on September 19, 2020, 08:43:09 AM

Quote from: jwarry on September 19, 2020, 08:25:42 AM

With the Engels, Nakamba, Samatta, Trey and Guilbert exit rumours You have to wonder if Dean had any say in their recruitment and Suso was given carte Blanche to sign whoever he liked just to get numbers in.  And now the new team are wondering about the quality of all of them except maybe the ones Dean did have a say on ie Mings, Konsa and Targett.

 To be fair to him we were in a mess with having no team at all at the start of the season but I really hope our recruitment approach has changed for the better with the new team

Quote from: jwarry on September 19, 2020, 08:25:42 AM

With the Engels, Nakamba, Samatta, Trey and Guilbert exit rumours You have to wonder if Dean had any say in their recruitment and Suso was given carte Blanche to sign whoever he liked just to get numbers in.  And now the new team are wondering about the quality of all of them except maybe the ones Dean did have a say on ie Mings, Konsa and Targett.

 To be fair to him we were in a mess with having no team at all at the start of the season but I really hope our recruitment approach has changed for the better with the new team

The worstest ones were Hause and Drinkwater I know one was only a temp but still a bit rubbish
suppose they were Suso as well

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: jwarry on September 19, 2020, 08:54:13 AM

Well it looks like Samatta is off to Turkey

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Proposition Joe on September 19, 2020, 08:59:49 AM

Quote from: dorsetvillian on September 19, 2020, 07:19:55 AM

Villa fan though!!

And currently Attorney General.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on September 19, 2020, 09:04:00 AM

Quote from: dorsetvillian on September 19, 2020, 07:19:55 AM

Villa fan though!!

I follow Floella on Twitter for that very reason

that’s how sad I am

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: TelfordVilla on September 19, 2020, 09:07:44 AM

Quote from: Big Ming on September 19, 2020, 07:18:31 AM

Quote from: maidstonevillain on September 19, 2020, 01:28:54 AM

Quote from: olaftab on September 18, 2020, 09:02:37 PM

Quote from: VILLA MOLE on September 18, 2020, 08:51:43 PM

It feels like it has been along window

Windows are either wide or tall or both but never long.

Sorry. They are either square, arched, or round.

Today, we are going through the round window.

I hated Floella Benjamin. She never went through the window I wanted.

Cow!

hating her because she chose the wrong window is a bit extreme.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 19, 2020, 09:13:27 AM

Quote from: jwarry on September 19, 2020, 08:54:13 AM

Well it looks like Samatta is off to Turkey

good

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lescottstweets on September 19, 2020, 09:20:21 AM

Great signings so far and really pleased with this window. With doubts over Hause’s ability and not sure what’s going on with Engels, still feel a quality CB is needed. For arguments sake if Mings and/or Konsa have a lengthy injury, I think we’d be light in back-up unless Engels gets more game time.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on September 19, 2020, 09:35:43 AM

Quote from: Lescottstweets on September 19, 2020, 09:20:21 AM

Great signings so far and really pleased with this window. With doubts over Hause’s ability and not sure what’s going on with Engels, still feel a quality CB is needed. For arguments sake if Mings and/or Konsa have a lengthy injury, I think we’d be light in back-up unless Engels gets more game time.

I'd suspect at the moment, based on what Dean Smith's been saying, that we need to shed a few players before we add any more. Bearing in mind we've only got 25 places in the squad, we can't really afford to have, say, Henri Lansbury hanging around getting paid £40k/week but literally no use to the team as we're not allowed to play him. Not playing would destroy the little sell on value he has, and we'd be lumbered with him until his contract ran out.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: JUAN PABLO on September 19, 2020, 09:36:26 AM

troare signed   ....    nice one

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: colin69 on September 19, 2020, 09:40:15 AM

Happy so far with who we’ve got in but if Samatta is going we could do with another striker as we could be short if we get injuries.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: darren woolley on September 19, 2020, 09:48:34 AM

Hope we sign Milot Rashica now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: johnny from donny on September 19, 2020, 09:55:52 AM

Quick note for Danno, the chippies in Doncaster don't sell fresh roe so West Midlands chippies are automatically better. Don't know about Newcastle

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 19, 2020, 09:57:38 AM

Quote from: johnny from donny on September 19, 2020, 09:55:52 AM

Quick note for Danno, the chippies in Doncaster don't sell fresh roe so West Midlands chippies are automatically better. Don't know about Newcastle

Duly noted.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: jwarry on September 19, 2020, 10:08:19 AM

Well that’s three big gaping holes filled with 2 strikers and a keeper, plus a bonus full back.  Anything else now is a bonus and can only improve our quality

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WALTERS WARRIORS on September 19, 2020, 10:14:45 AM

Will Traore be eligible to play Monday ?? Could he have been registered without his work permit ?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: simboy on September 19, 2020, 10:32:55 AM

Quote from: darren woolley on September 19, 2020, 09:48:34 AM

Hope we sign Milot Rashica now.

Wolves is my bet for Rashica now Jota has gone  - I think Origi is still a possibility for us. Can’t be happy to be further down the Scouse pecking order.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 19, 2020, 10:36:50 AM

Quote from: simboy on September 19, 2020, 10:32:55 AM

Quote from: darren woolley on September 19, 2020, 09:48:34 AM

Hope we sign Milot Rashica now.

Wolves is my bet for Rashica now Jota has gone  - I think Origi is still a possibility for us. Can’t be happy to be further down the Scouse pecking order.

Neto and Podence are Jota's replacements.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Chris_Jephcott on September 19, 2020, 10:47:05 AM

McNulty tweets that Traore is likely to be our last piece of business this transfer window unless something unforeseen happens... seems contrary to what Dean was saying yesterday.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: simboy on September 19, 2020, 10:47:14 AM

I hope you’re right Ads and that Rashica does come to us. From what I’ve seen (and it’s been limited to Sky/BT) he seems better than Traore and certainly an upgrade on what we had before yesterday.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on September 19, 2020, 10:48:35 AM

Quote from: Chris_Jephcott on September 19, 2020, 10:47:05 AM

McNulty tweets that Traore is likely to be our last piece of business this transfer window unless something unforeseen happens... seems contrary to what Dean was saying yesterday.

I know who I trust more.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on September 19, 2020, 11:07:22 AM

Quote from: johnny from donny on September 19, 2020, 09:55:52 AM

Quick note for Danno, the chippies in Doncaster don't sell fresh roe so West Midlands chippies are automatically better. Don't know about Newcastle

I went to Middleborough once with a lad from Wolverhampton, who'd got an incredibly strong accent. Had one of the best chip shop conversations ever

"Can i get roe & chips?"
"What and chips?"
"Roe and chips."
"Sorry, what and chips?"
"Can I have roe and chips"
"Do you want it buttered?"
"What buttered?"
"The bread roll."
"No, i don't want a bread roll"
"Ok, so just chips on their own?"
"No, i want roe. Roe and chips."
...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on September 19, 2020, 11:08:20 AM

Quote from: TelfordVilla on September 19, 2020, 09:07:44 AM

Quote from: Big Ming on September 19, 2020, 07:18:31 AM

Quote from: maidstonevillain on September 19, 2020, 01:28:54 AM

Quote from: olaftab on September 18, 2020, 09:02:37 PM

Quote from: VILLA MOLE on September 18, 2020, 08:51:43 PM

It feels like it has been along window

Windows are either wide or tall or both but never long.

Sorry. They are either square, arched, or round.

Today, we are going through the round window.

I hated Floella Benjamin. She never went through the window I wanted.

Cow!

hating her because she chose the wrong window is a bit extreme.

God! I'm a windowist.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 19, 2020, 11:11:00 AM

I was stood behind one of the Black Country Lions in a chippy by Everton a few years back.

'Pie and chips please bab'

'What flavour pie?'

'Mate'

You had to be there.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 19, 2020, 11:13:21 AM

Mcnulty is taking pelters on twitter!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 19, 2020, 11:14:38 AM

Rob Dorsett was saying we couldn't do a deal for Marrinez because of FFP. Then we signed Martinez.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: garyellis on September 19, 2020, 11:15:15 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 19, 2020, 11:13:21 AM

Mcnulty is taking pelters on twitter!

How long before he is made to look a plonker?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 19, 2020, 11:16:00 AM

Quote from: simboy on September 19, 2020, 10:47:14 AM

I hope you’re right Ads and that Rashica does come to us. From what I’ve seen (and it’s been limited to Sky/BT) he seems better than Traore and certainly an upgrade on what we had before yesterday.

He does look a very good player. My comments come from John Percy, who is usually very reliable. I think Wolves have some issues bubbling behind the scenes, not necessarily catastrophic, but something isn't quite right.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: saunders_heroes on September 19, 2020, 11:22:28 AM

Quote from: Ads on September 19, 2020, 11:16:00 AM

Quote from: simboy on September 19, 2020, 10:47:14 AM

I hope you’re right Ads and that Rashica does come to us. From what I’ve seen (and it’s been limited to Sky/BT) he seems better than Traore and certainly an upgrade on what we had before yesterday.

He does look a very good player. My comments come from John Percy, who is usually very reliable. I think Wolves have some issues bubbling behind the scenes, not necessarily catastrophic, but something isn't quite right.

Its probably down to that agent who seems to rule the roost at Wolves.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 19, 2020, 11:24:12 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 19, 2020, 11:13:21 AM

Mcnulty is taking pelters on twitter!

Is it a ‘return to the dark ages’ of social media?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on September 19, 2020, 11:25:19 AM

Quote from: Ads on September 19, 2020, 11:16:00 AM

Quote from: simboy on September 19, 2020, 10:47:14 AM

I hope you’re right Ads and that Rashica does come to us. From what I’ve seen (and it’s been limited to Sky/BT) he seems better than Traore and certainly an upgrade on what we had before yesterday.

He does look a very good player. My comments come from John Percy, who is usually very reliable. I think Wolves have some issues bubbling behind the scenes, not necessarily catastrophic, but something isn't quite right.

From what I've read Wolves don't think they need to replace Jota as they've a couple of players who are ahead of him and Jota was likely to spend the season on their bench. Now he's going to sit near Klopp.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: saunders_heroes on September 19, 2020, 11:25:41 AM

Rashica looks the real deal. I really hope we get him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: DB on September 19, 2020, 11:25:54 AM

Quote from: algy on September 19, 2020, 11:07:22 AM

Quote from: johnny from donny on September 19, 2020, 09:55:52 AM

Quick note for Danno, the chippies in Doncaster don't sell fresh roe so West Midlands chippies are automatically better. Don't know about Newcastle

I went to Middleborough once with a lad from Wolverhampton, who'd got an incredibly strong accent. Had one of the best chip shop conversations ever

"Can i get roe & chips?"
"What and chips?"
"Roe and chips."
"Sorry, what and chips?"
"Can I have roe and chips"
"Do you want it buttered?"
"What buttered?"
"The bread roll."
"No, i don't want a bread roll"
"Ok, so just chips on their own?"
"No, i want roe. Roe and chips."
...

When I head back home and head to the chippy*, my missus cannot believe people talk that way. After a short interaction to make my order, my accent goes that way too.

*Blue Submarine, Dudley where you can get normal and orange chips

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 19, 2020, 11:29:05 AM

Quote from: saunders_heroes on September 19, 2020, 11:22:28 AM

Quote from: Ads on September 19, 2020, 11:16:00 AM

Quote from: simboy on September 19, 2020, 10:47:14 AM

I hope you’re right Ads and that Rashica does come to us. From what I’ve seen (and it’s been limited to Sky/BT) he seems better than Traore and certainly an upgrade on what we had before yesterday.

He does look a very good player. My comments come from John Percy, who is usually very reliable. I think Wolves have some issues bubbling behind the scenes, not necessarily catastrophic, but something isn't quite right.

Its probably down to that agent who seems to rule the roost at Wolves.

Oh no doubt, Doherty and Jota going for the fees they have is a consequence of Mendes. But I think FOSUN have issues. Something isn't right and it wouldn't surprise me if they had cash flow issues.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 19, 2020, 11:30:29 AM

The physio/medicals guy has said 2 down and 1 to go on Twitter.

Come ooooooon Milot.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Holy Trinity on September 19, 2020, 11:35:15 AM

Something big is happening i can feel it.

Something really big!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 19, 2020, 11:37:05 AM

Quote from: Ads on September 19, 2020, 11:30:29 AM

The physio/medicals guy has said 2 down and 1 to go on Twitter.
Come ooooooon Milot.

I agree with those who say a CMF or CB would be better business than another forward / wide player ... lest we forget some of the defensive clangers of last season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Arsey on September 19, 2020, 11:40:09 AM

seems likely Samatta is on his way out. I would be surprised if we don’t get another striker in. Wes not back until Jan at the earliest, so relying on solely on Watkins and Davis would be far too risky.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Arsey on September 19, 2020, 11:50:13 AM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 19, 2020, 11:40:38 AM

Quote from: Ads on September 19, 2020, 11:30:29 AM

The physio/medicals guy has said 2 down and 1 to go on Twitter.

Come ooooooon Milot.

A name we can trust brilliant!

Rob Dorset of sky sports said  the business would be  5 signings of
GK ,
Right back
Winger
2 strikers. With at least one striker able to play wide forward.

As well as shifting a few out.

I'm wondering of the talk to the midfielder no 8 that some have mentioned .

Maybe that move I one that is more under wraps?

Hmmm i’m sure he posted that comment when Martinez and Traore were done deals.

I too can comfortably predict our business to date will be a GK, RB, Striker that can play wide, Winger oh am i am fairly confident JG will sign a contract he signed a few days ago.


don’t understand the 2 down but of the other Tweet, Traore and?? JG?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on September 19, 2020, 11:51:41 AM

Do you think left back situation he is happy with 🤔

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 19, 2020, 11:53:26 AM

Guess its Martinez and Traore with one more to come. Given he appears to be a worker or somebody at Little Aston where they do the medicals, I'm guessing he only knows about deals quite close to completion.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Arsey on September 19, 2020, 11:55:28 AM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 19, 2020, 11:46:14 AM

Quote from: Arsey on September 19, 2020, 11:40:09 AM

seems likely Samatta is on his way out. I would be surprised if we don’t get another striker in. Wes not back until Jan at the earliest, so relying on solely on Watkins and Davis would be far too risky.

Errm Bertrand Traoré is a striker who can play central as well as wide forward position .
So we are fine there now. Hopefully!

We've looked at getting players in who can play across the front and a lot of players now have a capabilities to play more than one set position so we will all find Traoré is also a 9 as well as player attacking wide forward.

I don't see us and way Dean Smith plays in for some  Mitrovic who can only play central and that's why he's brought in Watkins and Traore gives the team all sorts of options!

And keeps AEG from starting up front ever again ! Despite his best efforts ! He's merely a wide player. Whereas Olie and Bert are wide and central.

Hope that helps and it's exactly how Dean Smith plays his system to have flexibility and fluidity withing the front players as well as the squad .
Particularly in the offensive positions

i thought he predominately played RW, even if he can play central, him doing so means we go back to Trez or El G wife right.... that’s not something we want more than the odd game.

I’m still hoping for Edouard.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Arsey on September 19, 2020, 11:58:06 AM

I don’t really see LB as a priority. Targett is fine for where we are currently and Taylor, well, he’s not terrible in that position.  We definitely need another striker/winger if not we definitely need a CM.  Really we probably need both.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on September 19, 2020, 12:18:43 PM

Must get another central midfielder. PLEASE DEAN! We still lack defensive physicality in front of the defence. Really pleased with the business so far though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on September 19, 2020, 12:23:06 PM

Quote from: Mister E on September 19, 2020, 11:37:05 AM

Quote from: Ads on September 19, 2020, 11:30:29 AM

The physio/medicals guy has said 2 down and 1 to go on Twitter.
Come ooooooon Milot.

I agree with those who say a CMF or CB would be better business than another forward / wide player ... lest we forget some of the defensive clangers of last season.

Attack is the best form of defence!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on September 19, 2020, 12:39:50 PM

Quote from: Arsey on September 19, 2020, 11:58:06 AM

I don’t really see LB as a priority. Targett is fine for where we are currently and Taylor, well, he’s not terrible in that position.  We definitely need another striker/winger if not we definitely need a CM.  Really we probably need both.

Can't agree re Targett. Dreadful defender, possibly the worst in the division defensively. If we had a strong defender there we could leave Jack further up the pitch.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on September 19, 2020, 12:52:59 PM

Quote from: Arsey on September 19, 2020, 11:58:06 AM

I don’t really see LB as a priority. Targett is fine for where we are currently and Taylor, well, he’s not terrible in that position.  We definitely need another striker/winger if not we definitely need a CM.  Really we probably need both.

This is where I'm at with it. I'd definitely look at bringing someone else in next summer, but think this year, it'll be more effective if we spend money on strengthening the spine.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 19, 2020, 12:54:14 PM

we're the 17th best side in the league - which is about right for Matt Targett

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 19, 2020, 12:55:06 PM

I think we will spend over £100m. What do you think Ads? You still confident?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on September 19, 2020, 01:20:48 PM

I reckon we will TV, although claw a bit back by flogging Samatta, Engels and Freddy.  Hopefully a couple of keepers too.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 19, 2020, 01:22:09 PM

Quote from: Holy Trinity on September 19, 2020, 11:35:15 AM

Something big is happening i can feel it.

Something really big!

Oh take me, please *swoon*

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AllanW on September 19, 2020, 01:26:59 PM

Quote from: Newby on September 19, 2020, 01:20:48 PM

I reckon we will TV, although claw a bit back by flogging Samatta, Engels and Freddy.  Hopefully a couple of keepers too.

From where we are now (around £80m spend after Traore) we could spend another £40m (hopefully including Brewster if Tammy isn't coming) because we'll get more than £20m in from the sales of 5 players and still keep it around £100m net.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 19, 2020, 01:33:38 PM

Quote from: Newby on September 19, 2020, 01:20:48 PM

I reckon we will TV, although claw a bit back by flogging Samatta, Engels and Freddy.  Hopefully a couple of keepers too.

I’ve been confident I’d us spending a lot this summer for a while. I think you’re right our net spend will about that. We will also likely ship out players in the domestic window; likes of Lansbury, Jota, Nyland. Players that it will made clear are not part of the PL squad when it’s finalized. We won’t get a lot for them but we need to trim the excess.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 19, 2020, 01:41:44 PM

Arsey he may be, I would still take Rose on loan at left back. Upgrade on Targett defensively and potentially going forward.

Another striker/ winger is a must if we let Samatta go. All eggs are in the Watkins basket, with no backup. Traore can play down the middle so could be the option, but we are light.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 19, 2020, 01:43:09 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 19, 2020, 12:55:06 PM

I think we will spend over £100m. What do you think Ads? You still confident?

£77m spent so far, I'd be surprised if it wasn't £100m.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on September 19, 2020, 01:44:37 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 19, 2020, 01:43:09 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 19, 2020, 12:55:06 PM

I think we will spend over £100m. What do you think Ads? You still confident?

£77m spent so far, I'd be surprised if it wasn't £100m.


Don’t forget all that Scott hogan ££ to spend 😳

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dazvillain on September 19, 2020, 02:43:52 PM

Buendia not in Norwich squad 👀👀

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 19, 2020, 02:45:54 PM

Ooo I would like Buendia. Good player.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 19, 2020, 02:46:05 PM

he's off to Wolves ;)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Arsey on September 19, 2020, 02:54:14 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 19, 2020, 12:55:06 PM

I think we will spend over £100m. What do you think Ads? You still confident?

we probably already have with Jack’s signing on fee 😂

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WALTERS WARRIORS on September 19, 2020, 03:07:19 PM

Josh King not in Bournemouth squad ........

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Axl Rose on September 19, 2020, 03:23:14 PM

Rashica not in the Bremen squad.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on September 19, 2020, 03:24:21 PM

I think we need another centre midfielder. I like hourihane, he seems to wear the shirt with pride and has a good free kick on him. Saying that I don’t think he should be regularly starting, which I think he might be unless grealish moves into the middle, which is too attacking for me and may expose us. If grealish stays on the left, the midfield 3 are Luiz, McGinn and Hourihane or nakamba, think nakambas a trier, but bit of a headless chicken.

So with attacking options of grealish, Watkins, Traore, with Davis, Trez and el Ghazi supporting, I think a cm should be a priority.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on September 19, 2020, 03:26:31 PM

I'm not in the Alkmaar squad...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Richard E on September 19, 2020, 03:28:02 PM

Quote from: Monty on September 19, 2020, 03:26:31 PM

I'm not in the Alkmaar squad...

Are you not heading to Nijmegen?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on September 19, 2020, 03:30:42 PM

Quote from: Richard E on September 19, 2020, 03:28:02 PM

Quote from: Monty on September 19, 2020, 03:26:31 PM

I'm not in the Alkmaar squad...

Are you not heading to Nijmegen?

Couldn't possibly comment at this stage, though you might want to check my other half's Twitter follows.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rooboy316 on September 19, 2020, 03:38:48 PM

Quote from: RamboandBruno on September 19, 2020, 03:24:21 PM

I think we need another centre midfielder. I like hourihane, he seems to wear the shirt with pride and has a good free kick on him. Saying that I don’t think he should be regularly starting, which I think he might be unless grealish moves into the middle, which is too attacking for me and may expose us. If grealish stays on the left, the midfield 3 are Luiz, McGinn and Hourihane or nakamba, think nakambas a trier, but bit of a headless chicken.

So with attacking options of grealish, Watkins, Traore, with Davis, Trez and el Ghazi supporting, I think a cm should be a priority.

Agree with this. Really need an upgrade on Nakamba. I see Luiz playing more as a number 8. Box to box, and offers a lot going forward so you don’t want him to sit in front of defence.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 19, 2020, 03:39:47 PM

Luiz was brilliant in front of the defence at the end of the season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on September 19, 2020, 03:46:56 PM

Benrahma missing for Brentford...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Matt C on September 19, 2020, 03:56:01 PM

Still think we’ll sign a couple more and take advantage of FFP being relaxed.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 19, 2020, 04:01:07 PM

Quote from: rooboy316 on September 19, 2020, 03:38:48 PM

Quote from: RamboandBruno on September 19, 2020, 03:24:21 PM

I think we need another centre midfielder. I like hourihane, he seems to wear the shirt with pride and has a good free kick on him. Saying that I don’t think he should be regularly starting, which I think he might be unless grealish moves into the middle, which is too attacking for me and may expose us. If grealish stays on the left, the midfield 3 are Luiz, McGinn and Hourihane or nakamba, think nakambas a trier, but bit of a headless chicken.

So with attacking options of grealish, Watkins, Traore, with Davis, Trez and el Ghazi supporting, I think a cm should be a priority.

Agree with this. Really need an upgrade on Nakamba. I see Luiz playing more as a number 8. Box to box, and offers a lot going forward so you don’t want him to sit in front of defence.

Luiz will be the deep playmaker, setting the tempo of our play and starting attacks, he needs someone next to him so McGinn/Grealish making up the 3 can get forward and hit the box without a huge amount of defensive responsibility. 2 more defensive players means the fullbacks can get forward more as well, which is clearly what we want them to do.

That doesn't mean a player who is only there to win possession though, it needs to be some who does that but can still play and make things happen himself.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 19, 2020, 04:07:07 PM

I reckon there will be 2 more, another forward and a midfielder, can't see us signing a defender unless Engels is sold and we need centre back cover. I do wonder if we can get the forward done, we will look around for a couple of loan deals from top sides that have left players out in the first few games. Barkley maybe on loan wouldn't surprise me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AllanW on September 19, 2020, 04:14:30 PM

Would happily spend another £40m on Grujic and Brewster from the Scousers. Keep the eventual window bill under £100m by selling Nyland, Kalinic, Hogan, Jota, Lansbury and Engels. 6 in, 6 out, FFP safe and 25-man squad declared with Ramsey an undeclared addition.

That would be an awesome window.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: darren woolley on September 19, 2020, 04:32:57 PM

I hope we bring in a couple more signings before the end of the transfer window.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Baldy on September 19, 2020, 04:34:19 PM

A fully fit and firing John McGinn will make up for the midfield frailties we suffered for the best part of last season.

He only got booked 3 times last season. I expect at least 15 bookings this season.  :)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on September 19, 2020, 05:08:00 PM

McGinn will hopefully kick on this season but was largely poor last season, could be a fantastic player for us.  Nakamba just doesn't look good enough, no better than the Djemba twins.  If we bring in a decent midfielder to assist Luiz, who improved greatly, but is still not physical enough, I think we will be a much better side and certainly harder to beat. I was hoping we would have gone in for Dacoure but not to be.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on September 19, 2020, 05:21:11 PM

We are looking to bring in another 2 minimum

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 19, 2020, 05:21:31 PM

I am not a fan, but Billing or Lerma from Bournmouth maybe. Both dirty bastards but would give us more of a physical presence in the middle.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: UK Redsox on September 19, 2020, 05:21:42 PM

Quote from: Richard E on September 19, 2020, 03:28:02 PM

Quote from: Monty on September 19, 2020, 03:26:31 PM

I'm not in the Alkmaar squad...

Are you not heading to Nijmegen?

Barge to Waregem, ordinary to Enschede, hydrofoil to Malmo
And the last bus to your heart

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on September 19, 2020, 05:26:19 PM

No King in the Bormuff squad, no Buendia in the Norwich squad, No Benrahma in the Brentford squad and apparently Eduoard was an unused sub for Celtic today and they used all five subs.  No Rashica in the Bremen squad either.  Which one of this little lot is Villa bound? 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: enigma on September 19, 2020, 05:33:55 PM

Posted this in another thread but looks like more big signings aren't likely (though not out of the question)

"while manager Dean Smith remains on the look-out for reinforcements the deal for Traore is likely to represent the end of the major deals in this window unless an unforeseen opportunity presents itself."

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: exigo on September 19, 2020, 06:08:35 PM

That quote is from Phil McNulty, of the BBC. And as thousands of fans have pointed out to him all day on twitter, Deano said the exact opposite yesterday in front of all the cameras and microphones. Including the BBC's.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 19, 2020, 06:12:05 PM

Quote from: Newby on September 19, 2020, 05:26:19 PM

No King in the Bormuff squad, no Buendia in the Norwich squad, No Benrahma in the Brentford squad and apparently Eduoard was an unused sub for Celtic today and they used all five subs.  No Rashica in the Bremen squad either.  Which one of this little lot is Villa bound? 

I'll be greedy and take Eduoard and Rashica please.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on September 19, 2020, 06:17:18 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 19, 2020, 06:12:05 PM

Quote from: Newby on September 19, 2020, 05:26:19 PM

No King in the Bormuff squad, no Buendia in the Norwich squad, No Benrahma in the Brentford squad and apparently Eduoard was an unused sub for Celtic today and they used all five subs.  No Rashica in the Bremen squad either.  Which one of this little lot is Villa bound? 

I'll be greedy and take Eduoard and Rashica please.

I was thinking exactly the same and wouldn't be in the slightest bit surprised if this came off, if we can shift a few too. I wonder if Buendia and Benrahma are plan B and C for Rashica. King and Brewster are plan B and C for Eduoard.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 19, 2020, 06:24:34 PM

Quote from: Newby on September 19, 2020, 06:17:18 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 19, 2020, 06:12:05 PM

Quote from: Newby on September 19, 2020, 05:26:19 PM

No King in the Bormuff squad, no Buendia in the Norwich squad, No Benrahma in the Brentford squad and apparently Eduoard was an unused sub for Celtic today and they used all five subs.  No Rashica in the Bremen squad either.  Which one of this little lot is Villa bound? 

I'll be greedy and take Eduoard and Rashica please.

I was thinking exactly the same and wouldn't be in the slightest bit surprised if this came off, if we can shift a few too. I wonder if Buendia and Benrahma are plan B and C for Rashica. King and Brewster are plan B and C for Eduoard.

I would be suprised if it did come off to be honest but would be probably more excited than I've been for any other season since I was a kid.

I think that in some ways Brewster would make more sense than Eduoard in that he might be less demanding in the amount of first team starts and so an obvious first back-up to Watkins. But there's just something about Eduoard that makes me think he could be a real star for us, not based on anything other than a feeling.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on September 19, 2020, 06:26:53 PM

Yeah,  I reckon Eduoard has been plan a all the way through.  Be great to have players further forward who can interchange and keep the opposition guessing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 19, 2020, 06:58:06 PM

Quote from: Newby on September 19, 2020, 06:17:18 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 19, 2020, 06:12:05 PM

Quote from: Newby on September 19, 2020, 05:26:19 PM

No King in the Bormuff squad, no Buendia in the Norwich squad, No Benrahma in the Brentford squad and apparently Eduoard was an unused sub for Celtic today and they used all five subs.  No Rashica in the Bremen squad either.  Which one of this little lot is Villa bound? 

I'll be greedy and take Eduoard and Rashica please.

I was thinking exactly the same and wouldn't be in the slightest bit surprised if this came off, if we can shift a few too. I wonder if Buendia and Benrahma are plan B and C for Rashica. King and Brewster are plan B and C for Eduoard.

Benrahma seems to be heading to Palace.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Russ aka Big Nose on September 19, 2020, 07:27:38 PM

I'd like to see us sign Tuanzebe. He can cover CB, RB (I know we are well stocked) and DCM.

Particularly if Engels is heading for the exit and with Lindelof and Maguire both bang average but getting picked, Tuanzebe is not even on the bench for Yanited, which I can't imagine he is enjoying.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 19, 2020, 07:38:16 PM

I believe Tuanzebe is injured or is just getting back to fitness. I think he'd be a good signing but his injury record would be a concern.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 19, 2020, 07:39:44 PM

Isn’t he always injured while he’s with them? A bit like RHM was always injured with us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 19, 2020, 08:31:02 PM

Edouard and a CMF - L-Cheek perhaps- would be amazing.

My concern is how we're getting shot of the dead weight - Lansbury, particularly, may be hard to move, but we also need shot of Jota and 2 keepers.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on September 19, 2020, 08:56:09 PM

Quote from: UK Redsox on September 19, 2020, 05:21:42 PM

Quote from: Richard E on September 19, 2020, 03:28:02 PM

Quote from: Monty on September 19, 2020, 03:26:31 PM

I'm not in the Alkmaar squad...

Are you not heading to Nijmegen?

Barge to Waregem, ordinary to Enschede, hydrofoil to Malmo
And the last bus to your heart

Saido Berahino took a barge to Waregem*

*he now plays for Zulte Waregem in Belgian mid-table obscurity.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 19, 2020, 09:00:46 PM

Thank God Suso got the push then.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 19, 2020, 11:28:50 PM

Tuanzebe has probably thrown his career away because he couldn't get over his ego that he was never going to break into the United side and needed to move away to get regular first team football.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: TheMalandro on September 19, 2020, 11:32:28 PM

Quote from: OCD on September 19, 2020, 11:28:50 PM

Tuanzebe has probably thrown his career away because he couldn't get over his ego that he was never going to break into the United side and needed to move away to get regular first team football.

That's a weird perspective.

He had a good season on loan and then his parent club said he ha a important future with them.

He's waited for a chance there.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 20, 2020, 12:40:15 AM

Tuanzebe gets better the more time he's injured/benched which seems to be all the time. I'd rather Engels was bjorn again and given a second chance.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ian c. on September 20, 2020, 06:49:44 AM

Quote from: UK Redsox on September 19, 2020, 05:21:42 PM

Quote from: Richard E on September 19, 2020, 03:28:02 PM

Quote from: Monty on September 19, 2020, 03:26:31 PM

I'm not in the Alkmaar squad...

Are you not heading to Nijmegen?

Barge to Waregem, ordinary to Enschede, hydrofoil to Malmo
And the last bus to your heart

Applause.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brian green on September 20, 2020, 07:30:55 AM

I think I have something in my eye.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on September 20, 2020, 07:54:26 AM

Quote from: TheMalandro on September 19, 2020, 11:32:28 PM

Quote from: OCD on September 19, 2020, 11:28:50 PM

Tuanzebe has probably thrown his career away because he couldn't get over his ego that he was never going to break into the United side and needed to move away to get regular first team football.

That's a weird perspective.

He had a good season on loan and then his parent club said he ha a important future with them.

He's waited for a chance there.

Agree Malandro, the injuries since he went back have been a killer, I have no doubt if he had had an injury free season he would have shifted Lindelof & be partnering Maguire now....so it was completely the right decision he made.  If Engels does leave & Utd are willing to loan Axel for another season would take him in a heartbeat

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on September 20, 2020, 08:13:32 AM

I’d like us to be looking at Will Hughes. Available for under £10m allegedly. Ticks loads of boxes for us.
Ajer from Celtic at CB too I’d be all over

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on September 20, 2020, 08:25:51 AM

Weird that Traore only popped up as a possibility a couple of weeks ag and is now 'done'....... whereas Rashica seems to have been bubbling along for most of my adult life.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 20, 2020, 08:34:10 AM

from BBC Gossip: Wolves are interested in signing 27-year-old Liverpool and England midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/gossip)

now that would be a great signing for us. I'd like to think we'd be interested there - as would most clubs.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ian. on September 20, 2020, 08:35:57 AM

Blimey when did he become 27? I still think him as a young prospect.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on September 20, 2020, 08:42:40 AM

i'd like to see Hughes arrive - big upgrade on Hourihane.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Hookeysmith on September 20, 2020, 08:52:28 AM

I still live in hope that we really make a statement signing

Dele Ali
Eduard
Milner
Mahrez
Loftus cheek

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: manic-road on September 20, 2020, 09:05:30 AM

Quote from: mr underhill on September 20, 2020, 08:42:40 AM

i'd like to see Hughes arrive - big upgrade on Hourihane.

Hughes a big upgrade on Connor? Sorry I just don't see it. I remember plenty of hype about him when he was at Derby but I haven't seen anything from him in the last few years that have stood out. To kick on up the league we will need better players than Hughes.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 20, 2020, 09:24:22 AM

Quote from: mr underhill on September 20, 2020, 08:42:40 AM

i'd like to see Hughes arrive - big upgrade on Hourihane.

Quote from: manic-road on September 20, 2020, 09:05:30 AM

Quote from: mr underhill on September 20, 2020, 08:42:40 AM

i'd like to see Hughes arrive - big upgrade on Hourihane.

Hughes a big upgrade on Connor? Sorry I just don't see it. I remember plenty of hype about him when he was at Derby but I haven't seen anything from him in the last few years that have stood out. To kick on up the league we will need better players than Hughes.

Yep. Changing Hughes for Hourihane would be pointless.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on September 20, 2020, 09:44:53 AM

Quote from: manic-road on September 20, 2020, 09:05:30 AM

Quote from: mr underhill on September 20, 2020, 08:42:40 AM

i'd like to see Hughes arrive - big upgrade on Hourihane.

Hughes a big upgrade on Connor? Sorry I just don't see it. I remember plenty of hype about him when he was at Derby but I haven't seen anything from him in the last few years that have stood out. To kick on up the league we will need better players than Hughes.

Agree, he’s looked a nonentity at Watford.

I’ve never been Conor’s biggest fan in open play but am more than happy that he is a squad option and is a better option than Hughes.

If we are going for a centre mid then would like to see a big, athletic enforcer type

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Des Little on September 20, 2020, 09:56:10 AM

My wishlist would be (in order of preference):

Tammy/Edouard
Rashica/Buendia/Benrahma
Loftus Cheek

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 20, 2020, 10:05:51 AM

My wishlist would be...

Lewandowski
Mane
NGolo Kante

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 20, 2020, 10:08:09 AM

Quote from: eamonn on September 20, 2020, 12:40:15 AM

Tuanzebe gets better the more time he's injured/benched which seems to be all the time. I'd rather Engels was bjorn again and given a second chance.

yep, the ManU lot seem to think there's a serious question mark about his injury problems. Almost like us when we had complete radio silence over Richards.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 20, 2020, 10:26:35 AM

Quote from: eamonn on September 20, 2020, 12:40:15 AM

Tuanzebe gets better the more time he's injured/benched which seems to be all the time. I'd rather Engels was bjorn again and given a second chance.

Every player does with a long term injury - Richard Dunne was the best.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on September 20, 2020, 10:33:57 AM

Loftus Cheek, another on the long list of lots of hype but not much substance.
File alongside Ross Berkeley

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on September 20, 2020, 10:45:14 AM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 20, 2020, 10:05:51 AM

My wishlist would be...

Lewandowski
Mane
NGolo Kante



Aim for the stars 🌟 I

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on September 20, 2020, 11:07:58 AM

Whilst I wouldn't really want Will Hughes, I think he would offer more creativity than Hot Lips, although I think Hot Lips has a better shot/freekick delivery.

Still praying for Rashica....

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 20, 2020, 11:14:02 AM

I think the priority now has to be a central midfielder.  We'll be starting with Hourihane, who despite his improvment after lockdown isn't really good enough to start every week, and after that we're into the likes of Nakamba and Lansbury, neither of whom are nearly good enough.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on September 20, 2020, 11:15:26 AM

Quote from: Risso on September 20, 2020, 11:14:02 AM

I think the priority now has to be a central midfielder.  We'll be starting with Hourihane, who despite his improvment after lockdown isn't really good enough to start every week, and after that we're into the likes of Nakamba and Lansbury, neither of whom are nearly good enough.

yep agree with all this
although I still have hopes for Nakamba

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on September 20, 2020, 11:16:33 AM

Quote from: Risso on September 20, 2020, 11:14:02 AM

I think the priority now has to be a central midfielder.  We'll be starting with Hourihane, who despite his improvment after lockdown isn't really good enough to start every week, and after that we're into the likes of Nakamba and Lansbury, neither of whom are nearly good enough.

and lose either of SJM or Luiz and you end up playing 2 of them.
I think Ramsey will feature at some point.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on September 20, 2020, 11:17:43 AM

I see Dele Alli not even made the squad today for Spurs

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on September 20, 2020, 11:18:08 AM

Just putting this out there, but Riqui Puig looks like he's out of the picture at Barcelona. 21yo central midfielder, played a dozen games in the first team last season (and 20-odd for Barcelona B). If he's available at a sane price, I'd be all over him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on September 20, 2020, 11:18:26 AM

Quote from: john e on September 20, 2020, 11:17:43 AM

I see Dele Alli not even made the squad today for Spurs

manure bound

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: simboy on September 20, 2020, 11:18:47 AM

Quote from: Risso on September 20, 2020, 11:14:02 AM

I think the priority now has to be a central midfielder.  We'll be starting with Hourihane, who despite his improvment after lockdown isn't really good enough to start every week, and after that we're into the likes of Nakamba and Lansbury, neither of whom are nearly good enough.

My view as well. I am hoping Grealish might move inside eventually and dictate games but not quite now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on September 20, 2020, 11:28:24 AM

Quote from: simboy on September 20, 2020, 11:18:47 AM

Quote from: Risso on September 20, 2020, 11:14:02 AM

I think the priority now has to be a central midfielder.  We'll be starting with Hourihane, who despite his improvment after lockdown isn't really good enough to start every week, and after that we're into the likes of Nakamba and Lansbury, neither of whom are nearly good enough.

My view as well. I am hoping Grealish might move inside eventually and dictate games but not quite now.

this is where I think a flat 4 3 3 does not accommodate his potential

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 20, 2020, 11:29:23 AM

I hope this is true.

Tottenham want to sign Manchester United's England midfielder Jesse Lingard, 27, for £30m. (Daily Star Sunday)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 20, 2020, 11:32:10 AM

Watched the first 3 episodes of the Spurs thing on Amazon, Alli comes across as at least being able to string a sentence together compared to some of the others, and seems quite a nice kid. Going to United isn't going to solve his issues though, he needs a manager that is going to be making him the centre of the side.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 20, 2020, 11:34:51 AM

Having watched the same number of episodes he comes across as a lazy shit.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 20, 2020, 11:36:42 AM

Tell you who I did like though, and didn't expect to - Harry Winks. Came across as a nice, down-to-earth kid in the bits about him playing his way up through the ranks at the club, getting an international cap and taking part in the community scheme at the care home. Shouldn't be anywhere near the England squad mind, but that's not his fault.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: johnny from donny on September 20, 2020, 11:37:25 AM

Quote from: algy on September 20, 2020, 11:18:08 AM

Just putting this out there, but Riqui Puig looks like he's out of the picture at Barcelona. 21yo central midfielder, played a dozen games in the first team last season (and 20-odd for Barcelona B). If he's available at a sane price, I'd be all over him.

The story I read was they wanted to loan him out

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on September 20, 2020, 11:40:19 AM

Just seen the PL table.

We are comfortably mid-table, above Manure and not put a foot wrong yet!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 20, 2020, 12:06:25 PM

Riqui Puig and Mungo Bridge are the future.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: maidstonevillain on September 20, 2020, 12:06:37 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 20, 2020, 11:32:10 AM

Watched the first 3 episodes of the Spurs thing on Amazon, Alli comes across as at least being able to string a sentence together compared to some of the others, and seems quite a nice kid. Going to United isn't going to solve his issues though, he needs a manager that is going to be making him the centre of the side.

Having watched a few 5 minute excerpts, I must have missed the bits where Alli managed to string a sentence together.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: tomd2103 on September 20, 2020, 12:29:09 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 20, 2020, 11:14:02 AM

I think the priority now has to be a central midfielder.  We'll be starting with Hourihane, who despite his improvment after lockdown isn't really good enough to start every week, and after that we're into the likes of Nakamba and Lansbury, neither of whom are nearly good enough.

I agree.  We  need a solid option to go alongside Luiz and allow McGinn to push further forward.  A better version of Nakamba.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on September 20, 2020, 12:32:56 PM

Quote from: johnny from donny on September 20, 2020, 11:37:25 AM

Quote from: algy on September 20, 2020, 11:18:08 AM

Just putting this out there, but Riqui Puig looks like he's out of the picture at Barcelona. 21yo central midfielder, played a dozen games in the first team last season (and 20-odd for Barcelona B). If he's available at a sane price, I'd be all over him.

The story I read was they wanted to loan him out

They're our feeder club - they earnt that right when they managed to keep us down to only beating them 3-0. They can retire his shirt number now that he's finally going to get a move to a big club.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 20, 2020, 01:37:42 PM

MOTD did a piece on how effective McCarthy and McArther were for Palace yesterday. There's going to be games where we will need 2 midfielders to do a similar job. Luiz stepped up after lockdown to show he could be one but in terms of defensive midfielders, there's only Nakamba who could be the other. If we don't think he can do that job, we need an upgrade.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on September 20, 2020, 02:14:57 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 20, 2020, 12:06:25 PM

Riqui Puig and Mungo Bridge are the future.

On CBeebies?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villan82 on September 20, 2020, 02:17:10 PM

I was hoping we would sign somebody like James McCarthy to add a bit of experience to the squad.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on September 20, 2020, 03:35:41 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 20, 2020, 11:36:42 AM

Tell you who I did like though, and didn't expect to - Harry Winks. Came across as a nice, down-to-earth kid in the bits about him playing his way up through the ranks at the club, getting an international cap and taking part in the community scheme at the care home. Shouldn't be anywhere near the England squad mind, but that's not his fault.

For me the bit that told the actual truths rather than acted up bits was the way Mourinho talks to the medical staff....he comes across as a throughly obnoxious arse

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on September 20, 2020, 03:38:32 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 20, 2020, 11:14:02 AM

I think the priority now has to be a central midfielder.  We'll be starting with Hourihane, who despite his improvment after lockdown isn't really good enough to start every week, and after that we're into the likes of Nakamba and Lansbury, neither of whom are nearly good enough.

Wonder if PSG would like to sell us Idrissa Gueye? I can but dream :-) The way they keep changing the squad he’s sure to be out of favour soon

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 20, 2020, 03:43:51 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 20, 2020, 11:14:02 AM

I think the priority now has to be a central midfielder.  We'll be starting with Hourihane, who despite his improvment after lockdown isn't really good enough to start every week, and after that we're into the likes of Nakamba and Lansbury, neither of whom are nearly good enough.

Hourihane's still a decent squad player. I agree he shouldn't be starting 25 games a season but thought he showed last year he can make an impact in a short spell of games e.g. backend of the season where he did the job required.

I would imagine we'll alternate betweeen Jack playing out wide and inside in a central 3 depending on the opposition e.g. he'll start out wide v the top 6.

So we have really first choice trio of him-McGinn-Luiz and then Hourihane, Nakamba and young Ramsey as back up options. Think we can survive without a new CM until January unless Luiz has totally forgotten how to play the holding midfield role in 5 weeks. He was outstanding in that area for the last 10 games.

Would say another CB is a more pressing need given Engels seems to be in exile again. 3 CBs isn't enough as Mings could get another hamstring injury and we're still pretty average at defending crosses and set pieces. Odd we haven't really been linked to anyone in that area so could well be a last minute deadline day move if someone decent becomes available.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 20, 2020, 03:44:02 PM

Quote from: Gareth on September 20, 2020, 03:38:32 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 20, 2020, 11:14:02 AM

I think the priority now has to be a central midfielder.  We'll be starting with Hourihane, who despite his improvment after lockdown isn't really good enough to start every week, and after that we're into the likes of Nakamba and Lansbury, neither of whom are nearly good enough.

Wonder if PSG would like to sell us Idrissa Gueye? I can but dream :-) The way they keep changing the squad he’s sure to be out of favour soon

Ah, if we're dreaming, I'd take Kante from Chelsea - they surely need to recoup some cash somewhere along the line and I've seen him linked with a move away a couple of times.

Kante with McGinn and Luiz ahead of him, Jack plus Traore or Rashica wide, either Watkins or Eduoard in the middle. Shakespeare must know him well, c'mon Craig - get it sorted.

* Yes, I do realise there is no chance of this happening before it's pointed out but it's nice to imagine!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 20, 2020, 03:46:13 PM

Milivojevic would be a good pick up imo. Was on the bench for Palace yesterday so not sure whether he's carrying an injury or out of favour but he's a proven premier league DM who I imagine they'd sell for 15m.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 20, 2020, 03:48:52 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 20, 2020, 11:36:42 AM

Tell you who I did like though, and didn't expect to - Harry Winks. Came across as a nice, down-to-earth kid in the bits about him playing his way up through the ranks at the club, getting an international cap and taking part in the community scheme at the care home. Shouldn't be anywhere near the England squad mind, but that's not his fault.

Funny, I was thinking this morning that Winks would be a good addition alongside Luiz. He's also a mate of our Jack as well, I think.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 20, 2020, 03:49:15 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 20, 2020, 03:46:13 PM

Milivojevic would be a good pick up imo. Was on the bench for Palace yesterday so not sure whether he's carrying an injury or out of favour but he's a proven premier league DM who I imagine they'd sell for 15m.

Slightly more realistic than my pick! Yeah, he'd be a good signing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 20, 2020, 04:00:51 PM

Without checking, is Mili not well into his 30s?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 20, 2020, 04:00:56 PM

Seems to be a nice lad judging by his work with the old folks on the All or Nothing documentary. I can't see Mourinho letting him go though.

I'm talking about Winks btw!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 20, 2020, 04:22:45 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 20, 2020, 04:00:51 PM

Without checking, is Mili not well into his 30s?

29 years young. Unless we think anyone over 25 now is the new Satan. Or Drinkwater.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 20, 2020, 04:57:41 PM

Fine by me. He's worked hard under a disciplined boss like Woy.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 20, 2020, 05:55:24 PM

Loftus-Cheek not in the squad today ....
... just saying

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 20, 2020, 06:59:05 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 20, 2020, 03:46:13 PM

Milivojevic would be a good pick up imo. Was on the bench for Palace yesterday so not sure whether he's carrying an injury or out of favour but he's a proven premier league DM who I imagine they'd sell for 15m.

Agreed. If we could get him for anywhere near that figure it would be rude not to.   Him or Capoue could come straight in and hit the ground running. Both strong, physical presences in the centre of the park with a bit of a nasty streak.  We need that. Both would be fine until the scouting system finds younger and better.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 20, 2020, 07:03:12 PM

Wouldn't be a bad idea to add a bit of experience and leadership to the middle of the park. We were lacking that at times last season, like Arsenal away.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 20, 2020, 07:07:48 PM

No problems with Hourihane as a squad player. 

Barring injury, If he features in less games than he did last year it will mean we have improved.

If Angela features for any length of time it'll mean we have problems.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 20, 2020, 07:33:16 PM

Quote from: Mister E on September 20, 2020, 05:55:24 PM

Loftus-Cheek not in the squad today ....
... just saying

I'm sure he's on a ridiculous wage - approx £150,000 a week....

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 20, 2020, 07:54:26 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on September 20, 2020, 06:59:05 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 20, 2020, 03:46:13 PM

Milivojevic would be a good pick up imo. Was on the bench for Palace yesterday so not sure whether he's carrying an injury or out of favour but he's a proven premier league DM who I imagine they'd sell for 15m.

Agreed. If we could get him for anywhere near that figure it would be rude not to.   Him or Capoue could come straight in and hit the ground running. Both strong, physical presences in the centre of the park with a bit of a nasty streak.  We need that. Both would be fine until the scouting system finds younger and better.

Quality player but he is Palace captain isn't he? My bet was he was carrying an injury to not be starting.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: richtheholtender on September 20, 2020, 08:16:55 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 20, 2020, 07:33:16 PM

Quote from: Mister E on September 20, 2020, 05:55:24 PM

Loftus-Cheek not in the squad today ....
... just saying

I'm sure he's on a ridiculous wage - approx £150,000 a week....


We pay the above wages these days 😉

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Bad English on September 20, 2020, 08:23:39 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 20, 2020, 10:26:35 AM

Quote from: eamonn on September 20, 2020, 12:40:15 AM

Tuanzebe gets better the more time he's injured/benched which seems to be all the time. I'd rather Engels was bjorn again and given a second chance.

Every player does with a long term injury - Richard Dunne was the best.

Ahem, Wesley.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on September 20, 2020, 08:31:22 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 20, 2020, 07:54:26 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on September 20, 2020, 06:59:05 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 20, 2020, 03:46:13 PM

Milivojevic would be a good pick up imo. Was on the bench for Palace yesterday so not sure whether he's carrying an injury or out of favour but he's a proven premier league DM who I imagine they'd sell for 15m.

Agreed. If we could get him for anywhere near that figure it would be rude not to.   Him or Capoue could come straight in and hit the ground running. Both strong, physical presences in the centre of the park with a bit of a nasty streak.  We need that. Both would be fine until the scouting system finds younger and better.

Quality player but he is Palace captain isn't he? My bet was he was carrying an injury to not be starting.

I think they said on MOTD that he returned from a quarantined country so missed weeks of pre-season training.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 20, 2020, 08:51:00 PM

Quote from: Dante Lavelli on September 20, 2020, 08:31:22 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 20, 2020, 07:54:26 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on September 20, 2020, 06:59:05 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 20, 2020, 03:46:13 PM

Milivojevic would be a good pick up imo. Was on the bench for Palace yesterday so not sure whether he's carrying an injury or out of favour but he's a proven premier league DM who I imagine they'd sell for 15m.

Agreed. If we could get him for anywhere near that figure it would be rude not to.   Him or Capoue could come straight in and hit the ground running. Both strong, physical presences in the centre of the park with a bit of a nasty streak.  We need that. Both would be fine until the scouting system finds younger and better.

Quality player but he is Palace captain isn't he? My bet was he was carrying an injury to not be starting.

I think they said on MOTD that he returned from a quarantined country so missed weeks of pre-season training.

Could be something in that although he did start in league cup at Bournemouth.

Put it this way if McGinn is on the bench against a top 6 team this season some on here will probably put posts that he's leaving in January.

Fabian Schar is another I'd look at signing, was Newcastle's best CB under Benitez. Bruce might have a rethink after the way they defended today.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 20, 2020, 10:35:12 PM

Kosovan journalist saying Werder Bremen have been contacting a lot of European clubs over Rashica. We are however in pole position and he is happy to move to England.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 20, 2020, 10:35:17 PM

According to a Kosovan journalist the finishing touches to the Rashica transfer are being done.  No idea if your average Kosovan journalist is akin to Percy.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on September 20, 2020, 10:57:24 PM

Add me to the list of people that know nothing of Rashica's body of work, or had even heard of him a fortnight or so ago, yet are more excited about this signing than any other in a very, very long time. I've even found out the Kosovan pronunciation of his name.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on September 20, 2020, 11:17:56 PM

Shouting out I'm all yours, Rashica, Rashica, Rashica, ya ya

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Londonvilla on September 21, 2020, 01:35:47 AM

Here is the latest link

Small Details Between Aston Villa And Milot Rashica Capture

Aston Villa are in pole position to sign Werder Bremen winger Milot Rashica and only small details remain to be resolved before he can make the move to England, it has been claimed in Kosovo.

https://insidefutbol.com/2020/09/20/small-details-between-aston-villa-and-milot-rashica-capture/473306/

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 21, 2020, 02:00:53 AM

Thing is why shouldn’t Rashica take his time and make the best decision for his career? I don’t blame him one bit for that. He’s at the perfect age to play at a high level and I am sure CL level clubs might be after him. We’re a club that just survived in the PL by the skin of our nuts. We have tremendous potential but he needs to see that and we need to sell that to him. As we did with Martinez. The one thing I imagine we can offer that others may not is wages and exposure in the PL. He’s not at very top end so won’t get top offers but we are probably a very good one despite not being in Europe.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ROBBO on September 21, 2020, 02:31:24 AM

In my opinion he could be the player that adds the final touches to what has been a decent start to the season. He adds another dimension to the side and would, although a different kind of player, give us cover if Jack was out of the side. Fingers crossed this happens.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 21, 2020, 07:41:20 AM

Still can't see it happening.

Meanwhile at Mendes Wanderers, 1 Portugal International moved out to make room for another coming in.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 21, 2020, 07:48:46 AM

Quote from: ROBBO on September 21, 2020, 02:31:24 AM

In my opinion he could be the player that adds the final touches to what has been a decent start to the season. He adds another dimension to the side and would, although a different kind of player, give us cover if Jack was out of the side. Fingers crossed this happens.

I'll reserve judgement on that till we've played today. I'm no pessimist, but I would like to see how they approach a game that is - on paper - winnable.
Re Rashica, I know nothing about him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: frank black on September 21, 2020, 07:53:16 AM

Quote from: Lastfootstamper on September 20, 2020, 10:57:24 PM

Add me to the list of people that know nothing of Rashica's body of work, or had even heard of him a fortnight or so ago, yet are more excited about this signing than any other in a very, very long time. I've even found out the Kosovan pronunciation of his name.

I’ve never been so excited since we signed Sasa Curcic

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Three Spires Villa on September 21, 2020, 07:57:38 AM

Quote from: frank black on September 21, 2020, 07:53:16 AM

Quote from: Lastfootstamper on September 20, 2020, 10:57:24 PM

Add me to the list of people that know nothing of Rashica's body of work, or had even heard of him a fortnight or so ago, yet are more excited about this signing than any other in a very, very long time. I've even found out the Kosovan pronunciation of his name.

I’ve never been so excited since we signed Sasa Curcic

Ha ha quality

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on September 21, 2020, 07:58:51 AM

Rashica IN...

before the (next) Lock(down).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on September 21, 2020, 08:16:38 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 21, 2020, 07:41:20 AM

Still can't see it happening.

Meanwhile at Mendes Wanderers, 1 Portugal International moved out to make room for another coming in.

Hee hee! The new wonderkind missed a sitter in the Cup defeat against Stoke.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 21, 2020, 08:19:08 AM

Them signings will turn out to be good though you just know it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kipeye on September 21, 2020, 08:59:19 AM

Quote from: Lastfootstamper on September 20, 2020, 10:57:24 PM

Add me to the list of people that know nothing of Rashica's body of work, or had even heard of him a fortnight or so ago, yet are more excited about this signing than any other in a very, very long time. I've even found out the Kosovan pronunciation of his name.

Shitza has an ominous ring to it. I think he will give defenders the runs.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brian green on September 21, 2020, 09:12:45 AM

I wish you lot would lay off Sasa Curcic.  How many clubs can boast of a player voted Rookie Illusionist of the Year in BOTH Las Vegas and Reno Nevada?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 21, 2020, 09:18:08 AM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 20, 2020, 03:46:13 PM

Milivojevic would be a good pick up imo. Was on the bench for Palace yesterday so not sure whether he's carrying an injury or out of favour but he's a proven premier league DM who I imagine they'd sell for 15m.

I know he's 29 but I just don't see why Palace would sell him for £15m.

I would definitely like a midfielder with experience and PL nous though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SaddVillan on September 21, 2020, 09:42:51 AM

From today's Guardian's review of the weekend games

"Chances dwindling for Chelsea’s academy kids
Much of the praise heaped on Frank Lampard about this time last year focused on his apparent eagerness to find a place in the first-team setup for the academy graduates that had been rendered collateral damage by the money and splendour of the Abramovich era. But against Liverpool, the spearhead of last season’s locally sourced side, Tammy Abraham, was consigned to the bench by the £47m Timo Werner and the £72m Kai Havertz was picked ahead of Callum Hudson-Odoi, whose mettle will be further tested when Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic are fit. Ruben Loftus-Cheek was not in the squad at all. Fikayo Tomori’s emergency introduction was the first time he had kicked a ball since February. And Mason Mount is playing in the position preferred by Havertz. Suddenly Lampard’s new-look Chelsea begin to resemble the old one: expensive signings, a squad overflowing with pedigree – and a manager who needs to get results in the here and now."

Time for a call to Tammy's agent?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Percy McCarthy on September 21, 2020, 09:49:21 AM

Quote from: SaddVillan on September 21, 2020, 09:42:51 AM

From today's Guardian's review of the weekend games

"Chances dwindling for Chelsea’s academy kids
Much of the praise heaped on Frank Lampard about this time last year focused on his apparent eagerness to find a place in the first-team setup for the academy graduates that had been rendered collateral damage by the money and splendour of the Abramovich era. But against Liverpool, the spearhead of last season’s locally sourced side, Tammy Abraham, was consigned to the bench by the £47m Timo Werner and the £72m Kai Havertz was picked ahead of Callum Hudson-Odoi, whose mettle will be further tested when Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic are fit. Ruben Loftus-Cheek was not in the squad at all. Fikayo Tomori’s emergency introduction was the first time he had kicked a ball since February. And Mason Mount is playing in the position preferred by Havertz. Suddenly Lampard’s new-look Chelsea begin to resemble the old one: expensive signings, a squad overflowing with pedigree – and a manager who needs to get results in the here and now."

Time for a call to Tammy's agent?

And Tomori’s. The others I’m not mad on.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 21, 2020, 09:51:11 AM

The way Dean was talking on Friday the most I could see is another loan move for Tammy.  I’d be over the moon.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: villabear on September 21, 2020, 10:23:29 AM

There was a tweet at the end of last week from John Percy of the Telegraph saying we had bid for Tammy. The link when I clicked it had been removed and now the tweet has been deleted by the looks of it. Something in this then maybe as normally he’s seems to be quite a reliable source?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 21, 2020, 10:24:21 AM

He is hardly likely to swap the Chelsea bench for ours though

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on September 21, 2020, 10:27:41 AM

Quote from: brian green on September 21, 2020, 09:12:45 AM

I wish you lot would lay off Sasa Curcic.  How many clubs can boast of a player voted Rookie Illusionist of the Year in BOTH Las Vegas and Reno Nevada?

Don't forget he also won the Serbian version of Celebrity Big Brother. 'Big Brother VIP Serbia'. Wasn't there also a story of him considering himself to be a real lothario/sex stud. He seems to fall into a category somewhere between "A bit of a character" and "Batshit Crazy".

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on September 21, 2020, 10:30:15 AM

Quote from: kipeye on September 21, 2020, 08:59:19 AM

Quote from: Lastfootstamper on September 20, 2020, 10:57:24 PM

Add me to the list of people that know nothing of Rashica's body of work, or had even heard of him a fortnight or so ago, yet are more excited about this signing than any other in a very, very long time. I've even found out the Kosovan pronunciation of his name.

Shitza has an ominous ring to it. I think he will give defenders the runs.

Or a rash?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on September 21, 2020, 10:31:26 AM

Quote from: Damo70 on September 21, 2020, 10:27:41 AM

Quote from: brian green on September 21, 2020, 09:12:45 AM

I wish you lot would lay off Sasa Curcic.  How many clubs can boast of a player voted Rookie Illusionist of the Year in BOTH Las Vegas and Reno Nevada?

Don't forget he also won the Serbian version of Celebrity Big Brother. 'Big Brother VIP Serbia'. Wasn't there also a story of him considering himself to be a real lothario/sex stud. He seems to fall into a category somewhere between "A bit of a character" and "Batshit Crazy".

i think on the scale of 1 bit of a character and 10 bat shit crazy he is an 11

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 21, 2020, 10:32:45 AM

Quote from: Damo70 on September 21, 2020, 10:27:41 AM

Quote from: brian green on September 21, 2020, 09:12:45 AM

I wish you lot would lay off Sasa Curcic.  How many clubs can boast of a player voted Rookie Illusionist of the Year in BOTH Las Vegas and Reno Nevada?

Don't forget he also won the Serbian version of Celebrity Big Brother. 'Big Brother VIP Serbia'. Wasn't there also a story of him considering himself to be a real lothario/sex stud. He seems to fall into a category somewhere between "A bit of a character" and "Batshit Crazy".

I'm sure when he retired from football it was so he could spend his time making love to beautiful ladies instead, which is fair enough if you ask me.

And I've been to Croatia a few times, if the female population of Serbia is anything like theirs he was ridiculously spoiled for choice.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on September 21, 2020, 10:35:57 AM

Quote from: Big Ming on September 21, 2020, 07:58:51 AM

Rashica IN...

before the (next) Lock(down).

The latest news today on Birimingham Live is that "Minor Details" are holding up the Rashica deal.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sid1964 on September 21, 2020, 10:39:37 AM

The problem we have is that we overpay very average footballers, that is why we can never sell any for a decent fee

There is not a chance of us selling the likes of Taylor / Lansbury / Nyland / (the Croatian goal keeper) etc... before the end of their contracts - who else is going to pay them £30 - £40k a week - no club in the premier league or in Europe, we are stuck with them - and I don't blame them.

To be honest do we really think that they are bothered if they play or not?, as long as the pay goes into their bank each month that is all they are interested in.

I cant see the likes of Lansbury losing sleep worrying if he is going to play tonight?

As Dean said we just keep adding players to our squad, and this has to stop.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 21, 2020, 10:39:48 AM

Quote from: Damo70 on September 21, 2020, 10:35:57 AM

Quote from: Big Ming on September 21, 2020, 07:58:51 AM

Rashica IN...

before the (next) Lock(down).

The latest news today on Birimingham Live is that "Minor Details" are holding up the Rashica deal.

" ... and I want a vase full of blue smarties and fresh flowers before each home game, the Cadbury's Creme Egg car to take me to training each day, and fresh Roe in the canteen"

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 21, 2020, 10:53:28 AM

Quote from: sid1964 on September 21, 2020, 10:39:37 AM

The problem we have is that we overpay very average footballers, that is why we can never sell any for a decent fee

There is not a chance of us selling the likes of Taylor / Lansbury / Nyland / (the Croatian goal keeper) etc... before the end of their contracts - who else is going to pay them £30 - £40k a week - no club in the premier league or in Europe, we are stuck with them - and I don't blame them.

To be honest do we really think that they are bothered if they play or not?, as long as the pay goes into their bank each month that is all they are interested in.

I cant see the likes of Lansbury losing sleep worrying if he is going to play tonight?

As Dean said we just keep adding players to our squad, and this has to stop.

Nyland isn't on anywhere near that and will go I reckon. Kalinic might be tougher, we need him to play regularly and do well so someone actually wants him! Bit like Martinez did for Reading, maybe a championship loan might help him. Lansbury though - no chance of shifting him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Countryside Villain on September 21, 2020, 11:08:12 AM

Quote from: villabear on September 21, 2020, 10:23:29 AM

There was a tweet at the end of last week from John Percy of the Telegraph saying we had bid for Tammy. The link when I clicked it had been removed and now the tweet has been deleted by the looks of it. Something in this then maybe as normally he’s seems to be quite a reliable source?

There was a fake Percy account tweeting this out, could be that you spotted that, it wasn't obvious.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 21, 2020, 11:29:52 AM

Someone creating a fake twitter account of a sports journalist who covers midland football stories for a national newspaper. Arent there a few other more fun ways to pass the time ?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Richard E on September 21, 2020, 11:55:00 AM

Quote from: eamonn on September 21, 2020, 11:29:52 AM

Someone creating a fake twitter account of a sports journalist who covers midland football stories for a national newspaper. Arent there a few other more fun ways to pass the time ?

There are, but apparently they can cause you to go blind.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on September 21, 2020, 11:55:10 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 21, 2020, 10:53:28 AM

Quote from: sid1964 on September 21, 2020, 10:39:37 AM

The problem we have is that we overpay very average footballers, that is why we can never sell any for a decent fee

There is not a chance of us selling the likes of Taylor / Lansbury / Nyland / (the Croatian goal keeper) etc... before the end of their contracts - who else is going to pay them £30 - £40k a week - no club in the premier league or in Europe, we are stuck with them - and I don't blame them.

To be honest do we really think that they are bothered if they play or not?, as long as the pay goes into their bank each month that is all they are interested in.

I cant see the likes of Lansbury losing sleep worrying if he is going to play tonight?

As Dean said we just keep adding players to our squad, and this has to stop.

Nyland isn't on anywhere near that and will go I reckon. Kalinic might be tougher, we need him to play regularly and do well so someone actually wants him! Bit like Martinez did for Reading, maybe a championship loan might help him. Lansbury though - no chance of shifting him.

I didn't think we would be able to shift Hogan either though, so haven't given up hope on Lansbury and Nyland going. Wouldn't need much of a fee now to show as a profit for FFP purposes as amortation will have lowered their value. Suspect we may have to pony up a leaving fee to get rid of the wages though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 21, 2020, 11:58:41 AM

Quote from: Richard E on September 21, 2020, 11:55:00 AM

Quote from: eamonn on September 21, 2020, 11:29:52 AM

Someone creating a fake twitter account of a sports journalist who covers midland football stories for a national newspaper. Arent there a few other more fun ways to pass the time ?

There are, but apparently they can cause you to go blind.

Who said that?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on September 21, 2020, 11:59:54 AM

Quote from: LeeB on September 21, 2020, 10:32:45 AM

And I've been to Croatia a few times, if the female population of Serbia is anything like theirs he was ridiculously spoiled for choice.

I can just imagine the female population of Croatia, when the next plane from the UK lands, thinking 'oh bloody hell, our choices are spoilt again.'

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 21, 2020, 12:03:16 PM

Quote from: sid1964 on September 21, 2020, 10:39:37 AM

The problem we have is that we overpay very average footballers, that is why we can never sell any for a decent fee

There is not a chance of us selling the likes of Taylor / Lansbury / Nyland / (the Croatian goal keeper) etc... before the end of their contracts - who else is going to pay them £30 - £40k a week - no club in the premier league or in Europe, we are stuck with them - and I don't blame them.

To be honest do we really think that they are bothered if they play or not?, as long as the pay goes into their bank each month that is all they are interested in.

I cant see the likes of Lansbury losing sleep worrying if he is going to play tonight?

As Dean said we just keep adding players to our squad, and this has to stop.

They'll get loaned out and we'll carry a lot of the cost, until the contracts wind down.
Shit happens when poor decisions get made.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 21, 2020, 12:04:59 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 21, 2020, 10:24:21 AM

He is hardly likely to swap the Chelsea bench for ours though

He wouldn't need to though, would he? A front line of Tammy, Watkins and Traore, backed up by McGinn, JG and Luiz. Bring in L-Cheek as well and we'd be flush with talent and options :-)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 21, 2020, 12:20:17 PM

Quote from: Mister E on September 21, 2020, 12:04:59 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 21, 2020, 10:24:21 AM

He is hardly likely to swap the Chelsea bench for ours though

He wouldn't need to though, would he? A front line of Tammy, Watkins and Traore, backed up by McGinn, JG and Luiz. Bring in L-Cheek as well and we'd be flush with talent and options :-)

Hadn't Smith said he sees Ollie as an out and out centre forward?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Footy-Vill on September 21, 2020, 12:28:13 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 21, 2020, 12:20:17 PM

Quote from: Mister E on September 21, 2020, 12:04:59 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 21, 2020, 10:24:21 AM

He is hardly likely to swap the Chelsea bench for ours though

He wouldn't need to though, would he? A front line of Tammy, Watkins and Traore, backed up by McGinn, JG and Luiz. Bring in L-Cheek as well and we'd be flush with talent and options :-)

Hadn't Smith said he sees Ollie as an out and out centre forward?

Encouraging though we've  had some down and out centre forwards of recent times and loved Tammy and not watakins .
I penned OW  premier league 11-14 goals ! 15+ would be amazing

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 21, 2020, 12:33:00 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 21, 2020, 12:20:17 PM

Quote from: Mister E on September 21, 2020, 12:04:59 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 21, 2020, 10:24:21 AM

He is hardly likely to swap the Chelsea bench for ours though

He wouldn't need to though, would he? A front line of Tammy, Watkins and Traore, backed up by McGinn, JG and Luiz. Bring in L-Cheek as well and we'd be flush with talent and options :-)

Hadn't Smith said he sees Ollie as an out and out centre forward?

Yes. Signing a second striker would be nice, but they have to be accepting of fighting with Watkins for the shirt.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on September 21, 2020, 12:34:16 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 21, 2020, 12:20:17 PM

Quote from: Mister E on September 21, 2020, 12:04:59 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 21, 2020, 10:24:21 AM

He is hardly likely to swap the Chelsea bench for ours though

He wouldn't need to though, would he? A front line of Tammy, Watkins and Traore, backed up by McGinn, JG and Luiz. Bring in L-Cheek as well and we'd be flush with talent and options :-)

Hadn't Smith said he sees Ollie as an out and out centre forward?
[/quote

Quote from: Clampy on September 21, 2020, 12:20:17 PM

Quote from: Mister E on September 21, 2020, 12:04:59 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 21, 2020, 10:24:21 AM

He is hardly likely to swap the Chelsea bench for ours though

He wouldn't need to though, would he? A front line of Tammy, Watkins and Traore, backed up by McGinn, JG and Luiz. Bring in L-Cheek as well and we'd be flush with talent and options :-)

Hadn't Smith said he sees Ollie as an out and out centre forward?

Didn't play him as one at Brentford though did he? Even if he did we still need more than one plus a youngster (Davis). It looks like Samatta is going and Wesley is not going to be available until mid season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 21, 2020, 12:37:10 PM

I can't see us getting another striker now sadly.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 21, 2020, 12:38:36 PM

Central midfield is more of a priority.  I guarantee we'll all be saying it's not good enough very shortly.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 21, 2020, 12:42:31 PM

yep. threadbare. although if Watkins don't come off or gets injured we're right back to where we left off last season - no strikers.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 21, 2020, 12:51:34 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 21, 2020, 12:38:36 PM

Central midfield is more of a priority.  I guarantee we'll all be saying it's not good enough very shortly.

Yep.  And if Luiz get's injured we'd be in huge trouble. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 21, 2020, 12:52:39 PM

We cannot leave ourselves once again in a situation where we have young untested (at this level) forward as our only primary striker option. I would like for us to get someone else in of high quality to keep Ollie on his toes. And frankly, like Martinez comes along and is attainable, like a Tammy, we should act. Ollie shouldn't be guaranteed a starting spot. He should have to work for it to keep it or get it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave shelley on September 21, 2020, 12:55:35 PM

Quote from: Richard E on September 21, 2020, 11:55:00 AM

Quote from: eamonn on September 21, 2020, 11:29:52 AM

Someone creating a fake twitter account of a sports journalist who covers midland football stories for a national newspaper. Arent there a few other more fun ways to pass the time ?

There are, but apparently they can cause you to go blind.

Ah, that's why I need glasses.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 21, 2020, 12:56:05 PM

Traore can play down the middle, and Davis is still here, so a winger and a central midfielder before a striker for me. Considering we have lost Drinkwater (I know he was shit) we are 1 light in there already, desperate for a bit of presence.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: stevo_st on September 21, 2020, 02:12:59 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 21, 2020, 12:56:05 PM

Traore can play down the middle, and Davis is still here, so a winger and a central midfielder before a striker for me. Considering we have lost Drinkwater (I know he was shit) we are 1 light in there already, desperate for a bit of presence.

I wonder if Dean thinks Ramsey can fill the Drinkwater spot

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: tomd2103 on September 21, 2020, 02:13:06 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 21, 2020, 12:56:05 PM

Traore can play down the middle, and Davis is still here, so a winger and a central midfielder before a striker for me. Considering we have lost Drinkwater (I know he was shit) we are 1 light in there already, desperate for a bit of presence.

Yeah I thought Traore could play down the middle as well.  If Samatta doesn't end up leaving and with Wesley to come back, then there probably are enough numbers wise, but there will be pressure on Watkins to be the main striker.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Fred Crump on September 21, 2020, 02:20:19 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 21, 2020, 01:48:17 PM

So in case weren't aware here's some useful information
The deadline for transfer is the 5th October 11pm BUT!
The deadline for deals with EFL clubs is 16th October so we can still trade with clubs domestically. Not Premier league ones.
So maybe outgoings of loans as well as an incoming from Championship can be held fire till these later date and concentration on moves from premier league and overseas .

Interesting as there are a few players in championship who could be looking for moves after first few weeks of season .

Players at Bournemouth Brentford, Norwich , Watford keep eyes on.

Same with once we have squad sorted can shift out a few to EFL clubs

Thanks Footy, good info.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on September 21, 2020, 02:33:03 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 21, 2020, 10:53:28 AM

Quote from: sid1964 on September 21, 2020, 10:39:37 AM

The problem we have is that we overpay very average footballers, that is why we can never sell any for a decent fee

There is not a chance of us selling the likes of Taylor / Lansbury / Nyland / (the Croatian goal keeper) etc... before the end of their contracts - who else is going to pay them £30 - £40k a week - no club in the premier league or in Europe, we are stuck with them - and I don't blame them.

To be honest do we really think that they are bothered if they play or not?, as long as the pay goes into their bank each month that is all they are interested in.

I cant see the likes of Lansbury losing sleep worrying if he is going to play tonight?

As Dean said we just keep adding players to our squad, and this has to stop.

Nyland isn't on anywhere near that and will go I reckon. Kalinic might be tougher, we need him to play regularly and do well so someone actually wants him! Bit like Martinez did for Reading, maybe a championship loan might help him. Lansbury though - no chance of shifting him.

By the evidence of his performance v Burton, Lansbury used the recent break to get even more unfit and disinterested. We can file him under the likes of Nzogbia, Gabby and McCormack that hardly kicked a ball again once their Villa junket finished up.

Don't rate him much but Taylor should still be competent enough for most championship clubs. As it stands he's out only backup option at left back to arguably the worst player in our first eleven. Nyland and Kalinic had decent careers pre Villa so should have interest from Europe. Bar Lansbury I think most of our deadwood are solid enough pros capable of operating at a lower level or different league.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Goldie.7 on September 21, 2020, 02:41:17 PM

This is proof why you shouldn't believe any of those Rashica Kiyotake 2.0 links.

(https://i.imgur.com/elJCxBZ.jpg)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: themossman on September 21, 2020, 02:43:11 PM

I'm reluctant to diagnose the reasons for players failing when we only get drips and drabs of information (maybe they are not lazy, just crap). But I think at this stage it's fair to say that Lansbury has underperformed in the championship and in a just good enough PL team, so the idea that he's going to contribute in a meaningful way to a mid table PL team is pretty unrealistic.

I was really disappointed in most of the fringe players against Burton. You'd think they'd be busting a gut to prove their worth with new signings coming in. As it goes Lansbury did look more bothered to me than others, he was just rubbish.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 21, 2020, 02:43:39 PM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on September 21, 2020, 02:41:17 PM

This is proof why you shouldn't believe any of those Rashica Kiyotake 2.0 links.

(https://i.imgur.com/elJCxBZ.jpg)

Ha ha, there needs to be more of this.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Hookeysmith on September 21, 2020, 02:53:30 PM

It was always good when Dr Xia was here for this - any spurious links and he would quash them immediately

Maybe the only good thing about him  >:(

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 21, 2020, 02:57:18 PM

COVID has done for us getting rid of most of our fringe players. If you're a championship side you're looking to sell with sod all income guaranteed, not take on the likes of Lansbury even on a free. We got lucky with Hogan as blose had the Bellingham money. Not that i think Lansbury would have agreed to move anyway...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on September 21, 2020, 03:12:26 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 21, 2020, 02:43:39 PM

Quote from: Goldie.7 on September 21, 2020, 02:41:17 PM

This is proof why you shouldn't believe any of those Rashica Kiyotake 2.0 links.

(https://i.imgur.com/elJCxBZ.jpg)

Ha ha, there needs to be more of this.

Yep true, but can imagine the amount of time spent denying the bull shit that comes from ‘sky  understands’ 🤔😀

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on September 21, 2020, 03:14:49 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 21, 2020, 10:32:45 AM

Quote from: Damo70 on September 21, 2020, 10:27:41 AM

Quote from: brian green on September 21, 2020, 09:12:45 AM

I wish you lot would lay off Sasa Curcic.  How many clubs can boast of a player voted Rookie Illusionist of the Year in BOTH Las Vegas and Reno Nevada?

Don't forget he also won the Serbian version of Celebrity Big Brother. 'Big Brother VIP Serbia'. Wasn't there also a story of him considering himself to be a real lothario/sex stud. He seems to fall into a category somewhere between "A bit of a character" and "Batshit Crazy".

I'm sure when he retired from football it was so he could spend his time making love to beautiful ladies instead, which is fair enough if you ask me.

And I've been to Croatia a few times, if the female population of Serbia is anything like theirs he was ridiculously spoiled for choice.

I'm in the fortunate position of being able to compare & contrast the two countries, and can confirm that this is the case.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on September 21, 2020, 03:27:13 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 21, 2020, 01:48:17 PM

So in case weren't aware here's some useful information
The deadline for transfer is the 5th October 11pm BUT!
The deadline for deals with EFL clubs is 16th October so we can still trade with clubs domestically. Not Premier league ones.
So maybe outgoings of loans as well as an incoming from Championship can be held fire till these later date and concentration on moves from premier league and overseas .

Interesting as there are a few players in championship who could be looking for moves after first few weeks of season .

Players at Bournemouth Brentford, Norwich , Watford keep eyes on.

Same with once we have squad sorted can shift out a few to EFL clubs

In my view the only trading after 5th October that should be allowed is outgoings to EFL clubs for loans etc. Otherwise the Premier League clubs who've missed the deadlines will just hoover up the talent and leave clubs starved again.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Russ aka Big Nose on September 21, 2020, 03:38:37 PM

Still think Tammy is a possibility and a very good option.

I've posted this a few times - not least because he said it himself - but Tammy thinks his best position is as a wide (left) forward.

It is possible to accommodate both him and Watkins, even to rotate them in a game or naturally allow them to be fluid. It would also allow Grealish to move more centrally.

Though if the right type of CM/DCM is recruited (or Nakamba steps up considerably), I do see us operating with 4-2-3-1 at least some of the time as it would mean we are harder to break down in games when the opposition dominates possession. Certainly it is more compact shape than 4-3-3. UTV.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 21, 2020, 03:40:43 PM

Quote from: Drummond on September 21, 2020, 03:27:13 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 21, 2020, 01:48:17 PM

So in case weren't aware here's some useful information
The deadline for transfer is the 5th October 11pm BUT!
The deadline for deals with EFL clubs is 16th October so we can still trade with clubs domestically. Not Premier league ones.
So maybe outgoings of loans as well as an incoming from Championship can be held fire till these later date and concentration on moves from premier league and overseas .

Interesting as there are a few players in championship who could be looking for moves after first few weeks of season .

Players at Bournemouth Brentford, Norwich , Watford keep eyes on.

Same with once we have squad sorted can shift out a few to EFL clubs

In my view the only trading after 5th October that should be allowed is outgoings to EFL clubs for loans etc. Otherwise the Premier League clubs who've missed the deadlines will just hoover up the talent and leave clubs starved again.

I'd probably go the other way and allow outgoings from EFL clubs (and the rest of the lower leagues) to the premier and abroad all season. If things carry on much longer we could lose 10 or more clubs this season and I think most supporters would rather lose a star player than their club.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aev on September 21, 2020, 03:52:33 PM

Quote from: Hookeysmith on September 21, 2020, 02:53:30 PM

It was always good when Dr Xia was here for this - any spurious links and he would quash them immediately

Maybe the only good thing about him  >:(

Don't forget his shoes.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on September 21, 2020, 03:57:34 PM

Fulham are signing someone called Marlon (from Emmerdale FC?).

We should be all over that.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on September 21, 2020, 04:11:04 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 21, 2020, 12:38:36 PM

Central midfield is more of a priority.  I guarantee we'll all be saying it's not good enough very shortly.

Totally agree.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 21, 2020, 04:32:51 PM

Quote from: Big Ming on September 21, 2020, 03:57:34 PM

Fulham are signing someone called Marlon (from Emmerdale FC?).

We should be all over that.

Could fill the Ornondroyd/Crouch role but he's probably a little long in the tooth now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Londonvilla on September 21, 2020, 04:39:30 PM

Tyrone Mings: Aston Villa defender signs contract extension until 2024

https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11677/12078022/tyrone-mings-aston-villa-defender-signs-contract-extension-until-2024

The spine of the team are all on long-term contracts and that is good transfer business.

Still think we need 4 or 5 more this window as there is the risk of burn out as there are a lot of games in this covid-19 affected seasoned.

2 def 2 mid 1 forward but will be happy if 3 more come in before the window slams shut.............

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 21, 2020, 04:44:45 PM

Quote from: Londonvilla on September 21, 2020, 04:39:30 PM

Tyrone Mings: Aston Villa defender signs contract extension until 2024

https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11677/12078022/tyrone-mings-aston-villa-defender-signs-contract-extension-until-2024

The spine of the team are all on long-term contracts and that is good transfer business.

Still think we need 4 or 5 more this window as there is the risk of burn out as there are a lot of games in this covid-19 affected seasoned.

2 def 2 mid 1 forward but will be happy if 3 more come in before the window slams shut.............

So, a total of 9 new players?  - I think that's asking too much in terms of integrating more players.
Get a CMF and possibly a CB.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 21, 2020, 04:52:46 PM

A little bit of experience would have been nice. I know we're not gonna get that with our "buy for potential/re-sale/moneyball" policy but i can dream ::)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 21, 2020, 05:05:44 PM

Quote from: Londonvilla on September 21, 2020, 04:39:30 PM

Tyrone Mings: Aston Villa defender signs contract extension until 2024

https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11677/12078022/tyrone-mings-aston-villa-defender-signs-contract-extension-until-2024

The spine of the team are all on long-term contracts and that is good transfer business.

Still think we need 4 or 5 more this window as there is the risk of burn out as there are a lot of games in this covid-19 affected seasoned.

2 def 2 mid 1 forward but will be happy if 3 more come in before the window slams shut.............

The squad still needs work but there's no chance we'll get remotely close to that.  There will prob be one more, maybe two max if a loan opportunity comes up.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 21, 2020, 05:08:28 PM

Quote from: Londonvilla on September 21, 2020, 04:39:30 PM

Tyrone Mings: Aston Villa defender signs contract extension until 2024

https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11677/12078022/tyrone-mings-aston-villa-defender-signs-contract-extension-until-2024

The spine of the team are all on long-term contracts and that is good transfer business.

Still think we need 4 or 5 more this window as there is the risk of burn out as there are a lot of games in this covid-19 affected seasoned.

2 def 2 mid 1 forward but will be happy if 3 more come in before the window slams shut.............

When you exclude League cup games where we tend to rotate the squad, there aren't really any mid-week games until closer to Christmas. Just one game a week so the fixture list isn't as crowded as what it might seem. One game a week should allow for quite a settled side.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 21, 2020, 05:19:31 PM

Oliver Norwood not starting for Sheffield United tonight. I think he's a good player - was in the Championship team of the year when Sheffield got promoted. Good on the ball and helps to orchestrate the pattern of play. Would offer experience, while at 29 not being past it either.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 21, 2020, 05:35:20 PM

Quote from: OCD on September 21, 2020, 05:19:31 PM

Oliver Norwood not starting for Sheffield United tonight. I think he's a good player - was in the Championship team of the year when Sheffield got promoted. Good on the ball and helps to orchestrate the pattern of play. Would offer experience, while at 29 not being past it either.

I suspect his omission from the starting XI is tactical - they're rough us up for a while then he will probably come on to ping the ball around.
I'd be surprised if he were to be sold.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 21, 2020, 05:57:59 PM

We need 3 more this window looking at that bench. Winger, Striker, Centre Mid ASAP. Bench is poor.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 21, 2020, 06:00:54 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 21, 2020, 05:57:59 PM

We need 3 more this window looking at that bench. Winger, Striker, Centre Mid ASAP. Bench is poor.

CB as well, given injury risks.
Winger-striker more likely rather than one of each.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 21, 2020, 07:58:46 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 21, 2020, 04:11:04 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 21, 2020, 12:38:36 PM

Central midfield is more of a priority.  I guarantee we'll all be saying it's not good enough very shortly.

Totally agree.

That didn't take long.  Hourihane and McGinn, not good enough. Both Championship level players.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ROBBO on September 21, 2020, 08:05:43 PM

We are missing three decent players, that or a struggle season again.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on September 21, 2020, 08:28:23 PM

Get Traore in for Trezeguet.  We still need a couple of players. Centre forward and let Watkins go wider when we need him to, and a central midfielder because of the inconsistency of Hourihane and McGinn.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on September 21, 2020, 08:38:27 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 21, 2020, 07:58:46 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 21, 2020, 04:11:04 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 21, 2020, 12:38:36 PM

Central midfield is more of a priority.  I guarantee we'll all be saying it's not good enough very shortly.

Totally agree.

That didn't take long.  Hourihane and McGinn, not good enough. Both Championship level players.

We don’t tackle a lot 🤔

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Percy McCarthy on September 21, 2020, 09:47:00 PM

Quote from: VILLA MOLE on September 21, 2020, 08:38:27 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 21, 2020, 07:58:46 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 21, 2020, 04:11:04 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 21, 2020, 12:38:36 PM

Central midfield is more of a priority.  I guarantee we'll all be saying it's not good enough very shortly.

Totally agree.

That didn't take long.  Hourihane and McGinn, not good enough. Both Championship level players.

We don’t tackle a lot 🤔

Hotlips gets pelters but McGinn ain’t much better.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 21, 2020, 09:57:56 PM

A CM, winger/striker and LB all still required. And if he doesn't trust Engels and Guilbert is off, I'd want an experienced centre back in too.

Duff off one of Ghazi/Trez, let Samatta leave (on loan I suspect), offer Lansbury a free transfer and try find buyers for Taylor, Nyland and Kalinic.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on September 21, 2020, 10:00:27 PM

Samatta and Freddy are on their bike.  Dean being coy about selection and doing well in training.  They are off to pastures new.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 21, 2020, 10:01:57 PM

Think it shows how much a mess we were in 12 months ago squad-wise, that despite the huge investment by the board, our bench still seemed very weak tonight. It really is going to be a case of hoping some players don't get crocked again this season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on September 21, 2020, 10:08:53 PM

Quote from: Newby on September 21, 2020, 10:00:27 PM

Samatta and Freddy are on their bike.  Dean being coy about selection and doing well in training.  They are off to pastures new.

I really don't get the lack of faith in Guilbert, does anyone? Smith surely gave the Samatta signing the ok last January and has given up on him already. Seems a bit strange, dreadful though he was after lockdown. Might be a useful sub to bring on if chasing a goal.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on September 21, 2020, 10:16:40 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 21, 2020, 10:08:53 PM

Quote from: Newby on September 21, 2020, 10:00:27 PM

Samatta and Freddy are on their bike.  Dean being coy about selection and doing well in training.  They are off to pastures new.

I really don't get the lack of faith in Guilbert, does anyone? Smith surely gave the Samatta signing the ok last January and has given up on him already. Seems a bit strange, dreadful though he was after lockdown. Might be a useful sub to bring on if chasing a goal.

I agree about Freddy. I think he's a decent defender.  Samatta, not so much.  Poor player at the level imo and I hope we might be looking at a swap deal of some sort.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rory on September 21, 2020, 10:46:55 PM

Quote from: Newby on September 21, 2020, 10:16:40 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 21, 2020, 10:08:53 PM

Quote from: Newby on September 21, 2020, 10:00:27 PM

Samatta and Freddy are on their bike.  Dean being coy about selection and doing well in training.  They are off to pastures new.

I really don't get the lack of faith in Guilbert, does anyone? Smith surely gave the Samatta signing the ok last January and has given up on him already. Seems a bit strange, dreadful though he was after lockdown. Might be a useful sub to bring on if chasing a goal.

I agree about Freddy. I think he's a decent defender.  Samatta, not so much.  Poor player at the level imo and I hope we might be looking at a swap deal of some sort.

The 'Baros for Carew' sort, hopefully!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 21, 2020, 10:52:52 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 21, 2020, 10:08:53 PM

Quote from: Newby on September 21, 2020, 10:00:27 PM

Samatta and Freddy are on their bike.  Dean being coy about selection and doing well in training.  They are off to pastures new.

I really don't get the lack of faith in Guilbert, does anyone? Smith surely gave the Samatta signing the ok last January and has given up on him already. Seems a bit strange, dreadful though he was after lockdown. Might be a useful sub to bring on if chasing a goal.

I'd give Freddy another go but think the issue here is he's a squad player we can actually get some money back for. Wasn't there talk last week of Nantes bidding 5m? We wouldn't get 5m for Taylor, Lansbury and Jota combined.

If we're spending another 40m this summer we need to balance the books a little bit. Spending 100m every summer and hardly selling any squad player on inflated wages was unsustainable in the Lerner era and will be case here aswell.

We have Cash, AEM and in emergency Konsa could shift over there if we get in another CB so it's a well stocked position now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Nii Lamptey on September 21, 2020, 11:15:59 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 21, 2020, 10:52:52 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 21, 2020, 10:08:53 PM

Quote from: Newby on September 21, 2020, 10:00:27 PM

Samatta and Freddy are on their bike.  Dean being coy about selection and doing well in training.  They are off to pastures new.

I really don't get the lack of faith in Guilbert, does anyone? Smith surely gave the Samatta signing the ok last January and has given up on him already. Seems a bit strange, dreadful though he was after lockdown. Might be a useful sub to bring on if chasing a goal.

I'd give Freddy another go but think the issue here is he's a squad player we can actually get some money back for. Wasn't there talk last week of Nantes bidding 5m? We wouldn't get 5m for Taylor, Lansbury and Jota combined.

If we're spending another 40m this summer we need to balance the books a little bit. Spending 100m every summer and hardly selling any squad player on inflated wages was unsustainable in the Lerner era and will be case here aswell.

We have Cash, AEM and in emergency Konsa could shift over there if we get in another CB so it's a well stocked position now.

Not sure what he's done wrong, as he has quite the fan base amongst Villa fans.... For the sake of 5 million, I'd keep Freddie and play him as our first choice LB. Head and shoulders above the two players we have jostling for that position.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: FatSam on September 21, 2020, 11:16:45 PM

I was just thinking about this, and the last couple of transfer windows, in the context of the work that the new regime has had to do to get the playing squad into shape. My understanding is that the players on the books when they took over in summer 2018 were:

Goalkeepers: Steer, Bunn, Sarkic
Defenders: Chester, Elphick, Revan, Taylor, Elmohamady, De Laet, Bree, Hutton, Richards
Midfielders: Jedinak, Whelan, Hourihane, Gardner, Tshibola, Lansbury, Bjarnason, Doyle-Hayes, O’Hare, Ramsey, Grealish, Green, Adomah
Forwards: McCormack, Kodjia, Hogan, Davis, Hepburn-Murphy, McKirdy

I’ve struck through the players whose contracts were due to expire at the end of that season (summer 2019), which really exposes the paucity of assets at the football club. Other than a few exceptions, it is a very poor group, with several players offering pretty much nothing (Richards, Gardner, Tshibola, McCormack, Hogan). It’s no surprise that we didn’t at any point tear up the division, and only made it up by the skin of our teeth.

The work since then hasn’t been perfect, but has been ambitious and has ultimately got the job done. The loan signings that were brought in initially (Abraham, El Ghazi, Mings, Hause) were really important, and didn’t commit us to contracts that we might not have been able to afford long term. The sheer number of signings that were required following promotion last summer just to fill-out the squad was a feat in itself.

Mistakes have been made, and we’ve had some bad luck with injuries that has forced us into the market in less than ideal circumstances.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on September 21, 2020, 11:32:45 PM

Quote from: FatSam on September 21, 2020, 11:16:45 PM

Goalkeepers: Steer, Bunn, Sarkic
Defenders: Chester, Elphick, Revan, Taylor, Elmohamady, De Laet, Bree, Hutton, Richards
Midfielders: Jedinak, Whelan, Hourihane, Gardner, Tshibola, Lansbury, Bjarnason, Doyle-Hayes, O’Hare, Ramsey, Grealish, Green, Adomah
Forwards: McCormack, Kodjia, Hogan, Davis, Hepburn-Murphy, McKirdy

That is a truly horrific squad.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 22, 2020, 12:07:45 AM

Amazing that we got promoted with that squad. Shows what Smith meant by his comments about how last year was all about quantity and how this year it's been about quality.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 22, 2020, 12:36:27 AM

Seeing it in black and white shows just how much work we've done in the transfer market already. Of the eleven who started the playoff final, four were in our starting line up tonight and four have dropped to the bench.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on September 22, 2020, 05:47:46 AM

Quote from: danno on September 22, 2020, 12:36:27 AM

Seeing it in black and white shows just how much work we've done in the transfer market already. Of the eleven who started the playoff final, four were in our starting line up tonight and four have dropped to the bench.

Even so, the sight of Hause warming up when Konsa tweaked his hamstring caused a shudder.

Big shout to Martinez, not just for the penalty save but also for calmly dealing with a couple of  typical panicky  Villa back-passes.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: maidstonevillain on September 22, 2020, 06:04:34 AM

Quote from: Nii Lamptey on September 21, 2020, 11:15:59 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 21, 2020, 10:52:52 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 21, 2020, 10:08:53 PM

Quote from: Newby on September 21, 2020, 10:00:27 PM

Samatta and Freddy are on their bike.  Dean being coy about selection and doing well in training.  They are off to pastures new.

I really don't get the lack of faith in Guilbert, does anyone? Smith surely gave the Samatta signing the ok last January and has given up on him already. Seems a bit strange, dreadful though he was after lockdown. Might be a useful sub to bring on if chasing a goal.

I'd give Freddy another go but think the issue here is he's a squad player we can actually get some money back for. Wasn't there talk last week of Nantes bidding 5m? We wouldn't get 5m for Taylor, Lansbury and Jota combined.

If we're spending another 40m this summer we need to balance the books a little bit. Spending 100m every summer and hardly selling any squad player on inflated wages was unsustainable in the Lerner era and will be case here aswell.

We have Cash, AEM and in emergency Konsa could shift over there if we get in another CB so it's a well stocked position now.

Not sure what he's done wrong, as he has quite the fan base amongst Villa fans.... For the sake of 5 million, I'd keep Freddie and play him as our first choice LB. Head and shoulders above the two players we have jostling for that position.

Agree. Im not an expert, but I can't see why a good right back can't make a decent left back.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villafirst on September 22, 2020, 06:22:04 AM

I assume there's a new striker to replace Samatta already lined up? We're still really short of options up front. Last season DS got criticised for only recruiting Wesley up front. I'd like to see Villa go for Rhian Brewster.
 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 22, 2020, 07:31:57 AM

We need to replace Engels too; he's clearly out of favour. Might as well sell and replace.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 22, 2020, 08:28:21 AM

Quote from: Villafirst on September 22, 2020, 06:22:04 AM

I assume there's a new striker to replace Samatta already lined up? We're still really short of options up front. Last season DS got criticised for only recruiting Wesley up front. I'd like to see Villa go for Rhian Brewster.
 

I like Brewster too. I think we may see a couple of loan to buy type signings that go into next years FFP budgeting before the window closes.

And by god we need better quality out wide, especially at home when moving Jack inside is needed to get a spark going forward.

A CM that can come on and push McGinn a bit would be nice too, he was as poor as I have seen him last night, although in fairness it may take hims a few games fitness wise.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 22, 2020, 09:01:33 AM

CMF and LB seem to be most required.
With Davis, Watkins, Traore as a front three it means JG can shift back into the middle. Which is good. Problem is: there's no back-up for injuries other than shoving JG wide and / or bringing in Trez or AEG.
So, ideally, we need a new winger-cum-striker as well.

I'm amazed and disappointed that Guilbert appears to be on his way: a young, talented raw material - ripe for development  and advancement (fitting the owners' mould for young and with potential). Clearly, he's fallen out with Smith.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: olaftab on September 22, 2020, 09:17:26 AM

Get Danny Rose in now please Villa. We need a left back.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Chris Smith on September 22, 2020, 09:27:23 AM

Quote from: Mister E on September 22, 2020, 09:01:33 AM

CMF and LB seem to be most required.
With Davis, Watkins, Traore as a front three it means JG can shift back into the middle. Which is good. Problem is: there's no back-up for injuries other than shoving JG wide and / or bringing in Trez or AEG.
So, ideally, we need a new winger-cum-striker as well.

I'm amazed and disappointed that Guilbert appears to be on his way: a young, talented raw material - ripe for development  and advancement (fitting the owners' mould for young and with potential). Clearly, he's fallen out with Smith.

He’ll be 26 later this year so not that raw.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Duncan Shaw on September 22, 2020, 09:38:44 AM

I think SoccerHQ hit the nail on the head on the previous page about Guilbert - he's a squad/fringe player now in Deano's eyes and one we could get some money for, so in that case I think he'll be sacrificed.  i think Cash looked good last night with Elmo as a reliable backup.  Much as I like Freddie I can understand the thinking.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: in exile on September 22, 2020, 09:45:23 AM

I wish we would buy a decent left back and another striker.
Get it done asap so they can get bedded in.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on September 22, 2020, 09:55:26 AM

Quote from: Duncan Shaw on September 22, 2020, 09:38:44 AM

I think SoccerHQ hit the nail on the head on the previous page about Guilbert - he's a squad/fringe player now in Deano's eyes and one we could get some money for, so in that case I think he'll be sacrificed.  i think Cash looked good last night with Elmo as a reliable backup.  Much as I like Freddie I can understand the thinking.

I'd be worried if we were influenced by the relatively low sum of money we'd get for Guilbert.

One thing that i think has screwed us in recent years is the fact that even when the first XI is passable, their back up options have been dreadful.

As much as I like Elmo - and I do - he's also getting on a bit now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 22, 2020, 10:10:21 AM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 22, 2020, 09:55:26 AM

Quote from: Duncan Shaw on September 22, 2020, 09:38:44 AM

I think SoccerHQ hit the nail on the head on the previous page about Guilbert - he's a squad/fringe player now in Deano's eyes and one we could get some money for, so in that case I think he'll be sacrificed.  i think Cash looked good last night with Elmo as a reliable backup.  Much as I like Freddie I can understand the thinking.

I'd be worried if we were influenced by the relatively low sum of money we'd get for Guilbert.

One thing that i think has screwed us in recent years is the fact that even when the first XI is passable, their back up options have been dreadful.

As much as I like Elmo - and I do - he's also getting on a bit now.

Yep, 33 now.  Cash looks like a decent addition, but he's played one game, so any drop in form and we're short in that area if we sell Guilbert.  I wouldn't want to be moving Konsa to right back as it stands, as that would mean playing either Engels or Hause next to Mings, which to be frank makes my arsehole go all 50p/20p.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 22, 2020, 10:15:53 AM

Quote from: olaftab on September 22, 2020, 09:17:26 AM

Get Danny Rose in now please Villa. We need a left back.

????
The experienced Tottenham Danny Rose?
The one who's 30?
With totally no-resale value?

BLASPHEMER!!!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: baddowvillans on September 22, 2020, 10:17:21 AM

Apparently Fulham are after Lookman from RB Leipzig which would i guess provide cash to fund a bid for Rashica if as is suggested that is his favourite destination.  Ive seen the  he's happy to join Villa  messages but things don't seem to be moving too fast.  Have we been played?  Always felt so.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dicedlam on September 22, 2020, 10:24:37 AM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 22, 2020, 10:15:53 AM

Quote from: olaftab on September 22, 2020, 09:17:26 AM

Get Danny Rose in now please Villa. We need a left back.

????
The experienced Tottenham Danny Rose?
The one who's 30?
With totally no-resale value?

BLASPHEMER!!!

So we should look for an 'inexperienced' let back then?

Jeez..30 years old... Fuck me get him a zimmer quickly.

He will more than pay his way if he helps us to stay up again this season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 22, 2020, 10:26:18 AM

Quote from: dicedlam on September 22, 2020, 10:24:37 AM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 22, 2020, 10:15:53 AM

Quote from: olaftab on September 22, 2020, 09:17:26 AM

Get Danny Rose in now please Villa. We need a left back.

????
The experienced Tottenham Danny Rose?
The one who's 30?
With totally no-resale value?

BLASPHEMER!!!

So we should look for an 'inexperienced' let back then?

Jeez..30 years old... Fuck me get him a zimmer quickly.

He will more than pay his way if he helps us to stay up again this season.

erm…….I was taking the piss out of our Logans Run transfer policy.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 22, 2020, 10:35:22 AM

Danny Rose is an absolute cock socket.  It's a no from me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 22, 2020, 10:44:48 AM

Quote from: Risso on September 22, 2020, 10:35:22 AM

Danny Rose is an absolute cock socket.  It's a no from me.

He can be the full-on Ashley Cole for all I care as long as he plods along at left-back looking vaguely competent for a couple of seasons.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 22, 2020, 10:52:21 AM

On a 12 month loan deal I would take him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Marlon From Bearwood on September 22, 2020, 11:06:10 AM

France Football now linking us to Sarr and reporting that we’re willing to outbid Liverpool for him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 22, 2020, 11:08:55 AM

I would love us to get Sarr.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 22, 2020, 11:09:02 AM

Logan's Run? I preferred Ryan's Daughter.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 22, 2020, 11:12:50 AM

yep, I think most people on here would agree we have a decent core of players at the right age, who should be part of the side for the next 5+ years if they progress. There is nothing wrong with bringing in the odd older head to make a contribution for a few seasons and keep us in the premiership. Doesn't stop us buying the new Luiz in the summer, but every club has a few experienced older heads in the team from Liverpool downwards.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on September 22, 2020, 11:18:20 AM

Quote from: Risso on September 22, 2020, 10:35:22 AM

Danny Rose is an absolute cock socket.  It's a no from me.

That was my impression after the Spurs amazon thing - will say he believes in his ability - not sure how long the toys would stay in pram if Targett was picked ahead of him

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 22, 2020, 11:22:10 AM

I suppose people just want to see good performances as well as wins (wishful thinking), there will be times when we see both.
We've spent a lot of money; so can see why people want to see good football.
I hope Dean Smith sees the areas that need improving as clearly as the majority do - I'm sure he does.

It's a good enough performance to beat what we had in front of us.

Onwards and upwards.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 22, 2020, 11:22:28 AM

Quote from: Marlon From Bearwood on September 22, 2020, 11:06:10 AM

France Football now linking us to Sarr and reporting that we’re willing to outbid Liverpool for him.

I can just see how thrilled the player will be to find out that Villa have outbid Liverpool to get him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 22, 2020, 11:26:52 AM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 22, 2020, 11:22:28 AM

Quote from: Marlon From Bearwood on September 22, 2020, 11:06:10 AM

France Football now linking us to Sarr and reporting that we’re willing to outbid Liverpool for him.

I can just see how thrilled the player will be to find out that Villa have outbid Liverpool to get him.

Does he not know we're the pride of the midlands?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on September 22, 2020, 11:40:30 AM

Quote from: Marlon From Bearwood on September 22, 2020, 11:06:10 AM

France Football now linking us to Sarr and reporting that we’re willing to outbid Liverpool for him.

That would be a very good signing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sid1964 on September 22, 2020, 11:46:00 AM

If we signed Starr, Sky would say that Liverpool were never interested in signing him

Another winger?? We seem to have lots of goalkeepers, right backs and wingers.

I would have thought we would have a need for a top quality central midfield player

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 22, 2020, 11:49:21 AM

we need pace up front or wide, so winger or striker sort of hybrid would work.

We need a CM who can use the ball.

We need a centre back as Engels seems to be out of favour and Hause is shit

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on September 22, 2020, 11:50:33 AM

Sky have the biggest agenda going with their 'Transfer Centre' and associated bollocks. It's funny how they report on deals and get everyone betting on it isn't it?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 22, 2020, 11:51:46 AM

the people on that transfer centre just take all their info from peoples tweets

they're as bad as the Birmingham Mail or whatever the bog roll is called these days

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Matt C on September 22, 2020, 11:57:56 AM

Is Sarr any good? I only really watched Watford when they played us and they didn’t seem awash with 30m players

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 22, 2020, 11:59:23 AM

All this Sky Sports Transfer Blockbuster stuff has really emboldened Dharmesh Sheth. The way he went through the Aubameyang contract signing, tracing the day from hints on each party's social media channels to eventual announcement, he really sounded important. I just don't ever want to hear him again.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 22, 2020, 11:59:40 AM

Quote from: Drummond on September 22, 2020, 11:50:33 AM

Sky have the biggest agenda going with their 'Transfer Centre' and associated bollocks. It's funny how they report on deals and get everyone betting on it isn't it?

Steve Parish rinsed them about Brewster on Twitter yesterday, it was brilliant. Fair play to him, and they still tried to make out they were right.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 22, 2020, 12:00:40 PM

Quote from: Gareth on September 22, 2020, 11:18:20 AM

Quote from: Risso on September 22, 2020, 10:35:22 AM

Danny Rose is an absolute cock socket.  It's a no from me.

That was my impression after the Spurs amazon thing - will say he believes in his ability - not sure how long the toys would stay in pram if Targett was picked ahead of him

You can imagine both at school with Danny bullying a soft target like Matt.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 22, 2020, 12:02:01 PM

The mail says Liverpool have agreed a 36m fee for Sarr. Can't say i'm too upset.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 22, 2020, 12:02:49 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 22, 2020, 11:59:23 AM

All this Sky Sports Transfer Blockbuster stuff has really emboldened Dharmesh Sheth. The way he went through the Aubameyang contract signing, tracing the day from hints on each party's social media channels to eventual announcement, he really sounded important. I just don't ever want to hear him again.

He has been a complete tool for so many years. Sky has gone badly awry with some of its football coverage in recent times. The transfer thing is trying to build on the whole deadline day bit, but fails so badly because there is just not enough to fill it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 22, 2020, 12:04:21 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 22, 2020, 12:02:01 PM

The mail says Liverpool have agreed a 36m fee for Sarr. Can't say i'm too upset.

Lol that link lasted a long time then!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on September 22, 2020, 12:10:53 PM

Quote from: Matt C on September 22, 2020, 11:57:56 AM

Is Sarr any good? I only really watched Watford when they played us and they didn’t seem awash with 30m players

He was probably their best player against us in the 3-0, and scored their last goal.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 22, 2020, 12:12:25 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 22, 2020, 12:04:21 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 22, 2020, 12:02:01 PM

The mail says Liverpool have agreed a 36m fee for Sarr. Can't say i'm too upset.

Lol that link lasted a long time then!

heh, well not much of a loss. A 36m 22year old winger still learning his trade - will probably spend most of his time coming off  the bench as he develops. Decent buy for Liverpool. Us, less so.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: in exile on September 22, 2020, 12:12:44 PM

Quote from: Dave on September 22, 2020, 12:10:53 PM

Quote from: Matt C on September 22, 2020, 11:57:56 AM

Is Sarr any good? I only really watched Watford when they played us and they didn’t seem awash with 30m players

He was probably their best player against us in the 3-0, and scored their last goal.

He's a consistent good performer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on September 22, 2020, 12:28:45 PM

Presume Sarr is alternative as the Rashica thing seems to have stalled?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on September 22, 2020, 12:32:58 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 22, 2020, 12:02:49 PM

 Sky has gone badly awry with some of its football coverage in recent times. The transfer thing is trying to build on the whole deadline day bit, but fails so badly because there is just not enough to fill it.

Yep, the only decent coverage is Soccer Saturday with Stelling, the rest is basically a bloke in a suit or a woman in heels reading out Twitter feeds.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Russ aka Big Nose on September 22, 2020, 12:47:27 PM

Guilbert is an interesting one.

Like many fans, I like him. He demonstrably gives everything and whilst that is likely to be simply a reflection of his personality/demeaner compared to others, it wins him admirers. He can make poor decisions, though he has bags of potential.

However we need to squeeze every bit of value from the present squad to fund the upgrades we need to make progress.

Smith presumably sees Cash as his first choice RB and with Konsa as emergency cover we need only one of Guilbert or Elmo. Both were bought for very small fees, though Guilbert is certain to command a bigger fee if sold now (given his age and scope to improve).

So sentiment aside it probably makes sense and if it brings in between £6-12m then if that gets us a first choice upgrade elsewhere in the starting 11, then so be it. UTV

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on September 22, 2020, 12:56:38 PM

He's twice the player Targett is so whatever we paid for him times two.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sid1964 on September 22, 2020, 01:15:15 PM

I love the way on the transfer centre how they have their mobile phones on the desk, as if they are waiting for an important message

They are probably looking at their Just Eat App

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 22, 2020, 01:23:32 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 22, 2020, 09:55:26 AM

Quote from: Duncan Shaw on September 22, 2020, 09:38:44 AM

I think SoccerHQ hit the nail on the head on the previous page about Guilbert - he's a squad/fringe player now in Deano's eyes and one we could get some money for, so in that case I think he'll be sacrificed.  i think Cash looked good last night with Elmo as a reliable backup.  Much as I like Freddie I can understand the thinking.

I'd be worried if we were influenced by the relatively low sum of money we'd get for Guilbert.

One thing that i think has screwed us in recent years is the fact that even when the first XI is passable, their back up options have been dreadful.

As much as I like Elmo - and I do - he's also getting on a bit now.

AEM was fine in the run in and is one of the few experienced heads in squad so have no issue with him staying another 12 months.

Isn't there a young RB who's pretty highly rated, Kesler or something? Could perhaps see him get some minutes in last 10 games if we're comfortably mid table.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 22, 2020, 01:26:03 PM

Quote from: Dave on September 22, 2020, 12:10:53 PM

Quote from: Matt C on September 22, 2020, 11:57:56 AM

Is Sarr any good? I only really watched Watford when they played us and they didn’t seem awash with 30m players

He was probably their best player against us in the 3-0, and scored their last goal.

He looked very good against Liverpool as well, which is probably a better barometer of ability in all fairness!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 22, 2020, 01:26:07 PM

Quote from: Matt C on September 22, 2020, 11:57:56 AM

Is Sarr any good? I only really watched Watford when they played us and they didn’t seem awash with 30m players

Ridiculously quick and good at winning penalties. That said I think his final ball and cross isn't great, he didn't assist much for Watford last year so probably at similar level to Adama when he left us.

Still would be an upgrade on what we have currently on the flanks which was again evident last night.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Russ aka Big Nose on September 22, 2020, 01:35:43 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 22, 2020, 01:23:32 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 22, 2020, 09:55:26 AM

Quote from: Duncan Shaw on September 22, 2020, 09:38:44 AM

I think SoccerHQ hit the nail on the head on the previous page about Guilbert - he's a squad/fringe player now in Deano's eyes and one we could get some money for, so in that case I think he'll be sacrificed.  i think Cash looked good last night with Elmo as a reliable backup.  Much as I like Freddie I can understand the thinking.

I'd be worried if we were influenced by the relatively low sum of money we'd get for Guilbert.

One thing that i think has screwed us in recent years is the fact that even when the first XI is passable, their back up options have been dreadful.

As much as I like Elmo - and I do - he's also getting on a bit now.

AEM was fine in the run in and is one of the few experienced heads in squad so have no issue with him staying another 12 months.

Isn't there a young RB who's pretty highly rated, Kesler or something? Could perhaps see him get some minutes in last 10 games if we're comfortably mid table.

Elmo is a decent back-up option at RB plus the option of promoting a youngster for development and if selling Guilbert means we get a better upgrade on a starting 11 player, then we should do it. The same with Engels - another player I like.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 22, 2020, 01:42:20 PM

Getting rid of Guilbert seems daft to me. He's not going to command enough surely that selling him would make any difference to our plans, and Cash has played 1 game at this level.  What do we do if/when Cash has a prolonged loss of form or gets an injury?  Elmo is fine as an occasional fill in, but shouldn't be a regular at all these days.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on September 22, 2020, 01:44:17 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 22, 2020, 01:42:20 PM

Getting rid of Guilbert seems daft to me. He's not going to command enough surely that selling him would make any difference to our plans..

I'm sure Aston Villa would give us £25m for him. Oh hang on..

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on September 22, 2020, 01:45:46 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 22, 2020, 01:23:32 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 22, 2020, 09:55:26 AM

Quote from: Duncan Shaw on September 22, 2020, 09:38:44 AM

I think SoccerHQ hit the nail on the head on the previous page about Guilbert - he's a squad/fringe player now in Deano's eyes and one we could get some money for, so in that case I think he'll be sacrificed.  i think Cash looked good last night with Elmo as a reliable backup.  Much as I like Freddie I can understand the thinking.

I'd be worried if we were influenced by the relatively low sum of money we'd get for Guilbert.

One thing that i think has screwed us in recent years is the fact that even when the first XI is passable, their back up options have been dreadful.

As much as I like Elmo - and I do - he's also getting on a bit now.

AEM was fine in the run in and is one of the few experienced heads in squad so have no issue with him staying another 12 months.

Isn't there a young RB who's pretty highly rated, Kesler or something? Could perhaps see him get some minutes in last 10 games if we're comfortably mid table.

I think that's another thing.  If we have 3 right backs (Cash, Elmo, Guilbert), that doesn't leave much space for players from the U23 to come through.  It also uses up a place in the 25 man squad, which realistically is 2 players for each position plus an extra keeper and a couple of utility players.  The squad's quite short on experienced heads, so Elmo would probably fit the bill better there too.

Lastly, FFP is still something we'll have to play lip service to.  If we're making a profit - even a small one - on our squad players, that's good news and means that we can look to keep spending the big bucks next summer and the summer after.  Being ruthless, COVID is going to destroy an awful lot of club's finances, here and abroad.  We're going to be in a position where we'll be one of the few clubs in Europe able to spend serious money ... we need to be in a position when, if we finish in a decent mid-table position this season, we can exploit it, and move ourselves up the food chain a bit faster.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 22, 2020, 01:49:00 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on September 22, 2020, 12:56:38 PM

He's twice the player Targett is so whatever we paid for him times two.

two multiplied by nothing is nothing :D

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 22, 2020, 01:54:17 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 22, 2020, 01:42:20 PM

Getting rid of Guilbert seems daft to me. He's not going to command enough surely that selling him would make any difference to our plans, and Cash has played 1 game at this level.  What do we do if/when Cash has a prolonged loss of form or gets an injury?  Elmo is fine as an occasional fill in, but shouldn't be a regular at all these days.

Agree with that plus he seem's a good sort to have around the squad.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 22, 2020, 01:55:22 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 22, 2020, 01:49:00 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on September 22, 2020, 12:56:38 PM

He's twice the player Targett is so whatever we paid for him times two.

two multiplied by nothing is nothing :D

Surely it's two?!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Holy Trinity on September 22, 2020, 01:56:35 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 22, 2020, 01:55:22 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 22, 2020, 01:49:00 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on September 22, 2020, 12:56:38 PM

He's twice the player Targett is so whatever we paid for him times two.

two multiplied by nothing is nothing :D

Surely it's two?!

Satire?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 22, 2020, 01:58:51 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 22, 2020, 01:55:22 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 22, 2020, 01:49:00 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on September 22, 2020, 12:56:38 PM

He's twice the player Targett is so whatever we paid for him times two.

two multiplied by nothing is nothing :D

Surely it's two?!

would be nice to get a left back in though that's better than Targett and Taylor

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 22, 2020, 02:02:38 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 22, 2020, 01:58:51 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 22, 2020, 01:55:22 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 22, 2020, 01:49:00 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on September 22, 2020, 12:56:38 PM

He's twice the player Targett is so whatever we paid for him times two.

two multiplied by nothing is nothing :D

Surely it's two?!

would be nice to get a left back in though that's better than Targett and Taylor

I don't mind Targett, but - much more importantly - it's very rare for me to get the opportunity to correct somebody's maths!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 22, 2020, 02:04:58 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 22, 2020, 02:02:38 PM

it's very rare for me to get the opportunity to correct somebody's maths!

Not sure if serious...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 22, 2020, 02:06:13 PM

me neither...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 22, 2020, 02:08:03 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 22, 2020, 02:04:58 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 22, 2020, 02:02:38 PM

it's very rare for me to get the opportunity to correct somebody's maths!

Not sure if serious...

Haha! Just realised what a tit of myself I just made. Move on, par for the course.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 22, 2020, 02:09:14 PM

this guy is a bit crazy - but would have bought a bit of quality and shithousery to midfield...

Arturo Vidal (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54232655)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Russ aka Big Nose on September 22, 2020, 02:16:10 PM

It might not be a priority, but we do not get to do the deals we want, in the order we want and we should make intelligent - potentially unpopular - decisions when we get the chance (like moving to upgrade our keeper).

As algy says (above) we have to declare a PL squad of 25 and it would be daft to name three RBs. Cash will be one, Konsa will be in as a CB and can cover, so it is either Elmo or Guilbert.

I like Guilbert but if we get a good offer for him, sentiment aside, for our progress over the next year or two it makes sense to sell and reinvest in a player that improves the starting 11.

Whether we like our current LBs is irrelevant unless you think playing Guilbert or Elmo there is a better option than buying a decent LB (which I don't).

Picking fullbacks to play on their 'wrong' side is (to me) a marker for being a poor manager - reference Bruce and Southgate.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on September 22, 2020, 02:17:37 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 22, 2020, 01:49:00 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on September 22, 2020, 12:56:38 PM

He's twice the player Targett is so whatever we paid for him times two.

two multiplied by nothing is nothing :D

And even then we would have overpaid.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 22, 2020, 02:20:47 PM

Quote from: Russ aka Big Nose on September 22, 2020, 02:16:10 PM

It might not be a priority, but we do not get to do the deals we want, in the order we want and we should make intelligent - potentially unpopular - decisions when we get the chance (like moving to upgrade our keeper).

As algy says (above) we have to declare a PL squad of 25 and it would be daft to name three RBs. Cash will be one, Konsa will be in as a CB and can cover, so it is either Elmo or Guilbert.

I like Guilbert but if we get a good offer for him, sentiment aside, for our progress over the next year or two it makes sense to sell and reinvest in a player that improves the starting 11.

Whether we like our current LBs is irrelevant unless you think playing Guilbert or Elmo there is a better option than buying a decent LB (which I don't).

Picking fullbacks to play on their 'wrong' side is (to me) a marker for being a poor manager - reference Bruce and Southgate.

I don't think the 25 man squad thing is that much of an issue.  I expect Jota and Lansbury will be named, although I hope to see them not play a single second all season.  Guilbert is a promising young player, in a position where we don't know how Cash is going to fare, and where the cover is a 33 year old.  I wouldn't want to move Konsa there at all, he needs to stay firmly in the centre and work on his partnership with Mings.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on September 22, 2020, 02:23:26 PM

Quote from: Russ aka Big Nose on September 22, 2020, 02:16:10 PM

Picking fullbacks to play on their 'wrong' side is (to me) a marker for being a poor manager - reference Bruce and Southgate.

Also Pep, Klopp, Jose and others have done it plenty in their careers, but sure.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 22, 2020, 02:34:58 PM

Luke Young was Pubehead's one qualified success at this. Not hard when his other attempts at RB included Reo-Coker, Gardner and *shivers* Cuellar.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 22, 2020, 02:35:10 PM

Dennis Irwin didn't have a bad career...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Russ aka Big Nose on September 22, 2020, 02:39:40 PM

Quote from: Monty on September 22, 2020, 02:23:26 PM

Quote from: Russ aka Big Nose on September 22, 2020, 02:16:10 PM

Picking fullbacks to play on their 'wrong' side is (to me) a marker for being a poor manager - reference Bruce and Southgate.

Also Pep, Klopp, Jose and others have done it plenty in their careers, but sure.

As how they put together a balanced squad as opposed to a short-term measure to cope with injuries or suspensions, really?

Luke Young, for the most part, coped OK with being on his 'wrong' side, i.e. better than others in the same situation, though to suggest that that was better than finding a decent LB to do the job is a nonsense in my view (and at odds with the general sentiment on here from what I remember).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 22, 2020, 02:44:10 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 22, 2020, 02:34:58 PM

Luke Young was Pubehead's one qualified success at this. Not hard when his other attempts at RB included Reo-Coker, Gardner and *shivers* Cuellar.

Mellberg also played the 07/08 season at right back.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 22, 2020, 02:45:42 PM

Didn't he player milner there at 1 point?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on September 22, 2020, 02:47:08 PM

It depends on the player. There have been specialist inverted full backs at all levels, and some of them (Philip Lahm) have been quite good really.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on September 22, 2020, 02:49:17 PM

Quote from: Russ aka Big Nose on September 22, 2020, 02:16:10 PM

It might not be a priority, but we do not get to do the deals we want, in the order we want and we should make intelligent - potentially unpopular - decisions when we get the chance (like moving to upgrade our keeper).

As algy says (above) we have to declare a PL squad of 25 and it would be daft to name three RBs. Cash will be one, Konsa will be in as a CB and can cover, so it is either Elmo or Guilbert.

I like Guilbert but if we get a good offer for him, sentiment aside, for our progress over the next year or two it makes sense to sell and reinvest in a player that improves the starting 11.

Whether we like our current LBs is irrelevant unless you think playing Guilbert or Elmo there is a better option than buying a decent LB (which I don't).

Picking fullbacks to play on their 'wrong' side is (to me) a marker for being a poor manager - reference Bruce and Southgate.

Hang on, why is picking a full back to play full back a marker for a poor manager but picking a centre back to play full back isn't?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 22, 2020, 02:50:23 PM

Quote from: Monty on September 22, 2020, 02:47:08 PM

It depends on the player. There have been specialist inverted full backs at all levels, and some of them (Philip Lahm) have been quite good really.

Paolo Maldini was actually right footed as a kid but put the hours in to develop his left foot.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Russ aka Big Nose on September 22, 2020, 03:16:26 PM

Quote from: Drummond on September 22, 2020, 02:49:17 PM

Quote from: Russ aka Big Nose on September 22, 2020, 02:16:10 PM

It might not be a priority, but we do not get to do the deals we want, in the order we want and we should make intelligent - potentially unpopular - decisions when we get the chance (like moving to upgrade our keeper).

As algy says (above) we have to declare a PL squad of 25 and it would be daft to name three RBs. Cash will be one, Konsa will be in as a CB and can cover, so it is either Elmo or Guilbert.

I like Guilbert but if we get a good offer for him, sentiment aside, for our progress over the next year or two it makes sense to sell and reinvest in a player that improves the starting 11.

Whether we like our current LBs is irrelevant unless you think playing Guilbert or Elmo there is a better option than buying a decent LB (which I don't).

Picking fullbacks to play on their 'wrong' side is (to me) a marker for being a poor manager - reference Bruce and Southgate.

Hang on, why is picking a full back to play full back a marker for a poor manager but picking a centre back to play full back isn't?

A CB as cover for two RBs in a squad of 25 would be an example of making a sensible decision when required by injuries or suspensions. A manager with options deciding to do that when announcing an England squad (Southtgate recently) or at Villa when successive transfer windows meant someone could be bought in are not the same thing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 22, 2020, 03:22:23 PM

If ever there were a true twitter rumour, the Milner one doing the rounds would be my choice please. Even at 34. Would bring so much to us. Most unlikely, but it would be a brilliant addition.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Russ aka Big Nose on September 22, 2020, 03:23:20 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 22, 2020, 03:22:23 PM

If ever there were a true twitter rumour, the Milner one doing the rounds would be my choice please. Even at 34. Would bring so much to us. Most unlikely, but it would be a brilliant addition.

This

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on September 22, 2020, 03:28:59 PM

Quote from: Russ aka Big Nose on September 22, 2020, 03:23:20 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 22, 2020, 03:22:23 PM

If ever there were a true twitter rumour, the Milner one doing the rounds would be my choice please. Even at 34. Would bring so much to us. Most unlikely, but it would be a brilliant addition.

This

I would take him for a year for his quality, experience and mentality. He is a winner.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 22, 2020, 03:30:51 PM

yep. would be worth another 8 points this season I reckon

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on September 22, 2020, 03:36:44 PM

As much as I would love Milner back if he was available and at this stage in his career surely he’d be the ultimate PR signing for Leeds?

Would be a no brainer to get him back if could though

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 22, 2020, 03:41:10 PM

Our squad and starting average age is now amongst the lowest. Milner is one individual, both as a player and leader that would hugely benefit us or any number of teams outside of the top sides for the next couple of years at least. He's in tremendous shape.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on September 22, 2020, 03:44:37 PM

At some point a players legs go, nothing that training or diet can do about it.
He is 34 and will not play at this level for much longer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villafirst on September 22, 2020, 03:50:40 PM

I don't know, he can probably play another 2 years. After all, it often boils down to looking after your body/diet. Ryan Giggs,  Gareth Barry are prime examples. Ibrahimovic as well??

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 22, 2020, 04:00:24 PM

Giggs was good enough to let the ball do his running for him, as well as having top six players in front and behind him.
Barry and Carrick both had excellent positioning off the ball, and could spray the ball about rather than expend lots of energy chasing the ball.

I like James Milner (a lot) but I think he'll age like milk once his energy levels drop.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 22, 2020, 04:03:03 PM

He wouldn't have to play every game. But starting him on occasion or bringing him in game would give us all immense confidence little would go wrong.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on September 22, 2020, 04:04:11 PM

Milner appeared in 22 Premier league games last season and plenty of cup games too. He has begun to be a bit part player at Liverpool but I reckon he has at least one more good season in him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 22, 2020, 04:04:36 PM

Oh definitely. a one year deal etc would be fine.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: West Derby Villan on September 22, 2020, 04:10:04 PM

Would love him back......for the fourth time?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: villadelph on September 22, 2020, 04:10:53 PM

Yesterday is a perfect example of why we need someone like Milner in the squad. McGinn, by all accounts, did not have a stellar game and Douglas was left with the responsibility of protecting the back four. Being able to take McGinn off and put a disciplined+experienced player like James Milner in that spot would do a world of good when protecting leads.

I don't see it happening, but it'd be nice.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 22, 2020, 04:12:45 PM

Quote from: villadelph on September 22, 2020, 04:10:53 PM

Yesterday is a perfect example of why we need someone like Milner in the squad. McGinn, by all accounts, did not have a stellar game and Douglas was left with the responsibility of protecting the back four. Being able to take McGinn off and put a disciplined+experienced player like James Milner in that spot would do a world of good when protecting leads.

I don't see it happening, but it'd be nice.

Spot on, it is why I was happy with the McCarthy link from Palace too, nowhere near as good but gives a solid, hard working midfielder. Palace have played him in both games though so doubt that is happening. Type we need though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Fred Crump on September 22, 2020, 04:12:55 PM

We can but dream. Unfortunately in the unlikely event of him going anywhere it would be back to dirty Leeds. He is a Horsforth lad.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 22, 2020, 04:24:20 PM

Miller - is that the unexpected shock signing we've been promised? I'd take him. He keeps himself in good nick. Him and Tony Daley will still have tummys like surfboards in their 70s.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 22, 2020, 04:25:23 PM

Couldn't see Milner getting past the club's strict recruitment policy seeing he's over *whispers* 3.0. There's a rumour Elmo and Taylor have already gone on the run


(https://i.ibb.co/3YdL8Vd/4qP5.gif) (https://ibb.co/3YdL8Vd)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SaddVillan on September 22, 2020, 04:25:34 PM

Looking at our sigings so far:

Smith wanted to sign Watkins and Cash - he knew how good they were from his time at Brentford in Div 2. The club went out and signed them. Job done.

We also identified the need a new keeper, a winger, a forward and a midfielder.

Johan Lange - our new scout chappie brings in:
Emi Martinez - looks like a winner.
Bertrand Traore - yet to play.
Two rabbits that he pulled out of the hat. Nobody was even talking about them as possibles until the respective deals were being firmed up.

Wonder who Lange has up his sleeve this time to surprise and delight us with in terms of a forward and midfielder?

Compare our transfer window to the acrimony Manchester United have had. Every attempted signing is immediately leaked to the press & very few deals have been completed

We've made some smart signings, all carried out in a professional manner.  Let's hope any further additions are as good as the first four.

It's a big improvement over last season (but then we needed a whole new team and had little time to act, so that I can understand).

Oh, and don't forget that at the same time we've made considerable progress on restructuring the player development set up with a new player progression philosophy in place and some  young prospects coming on board.

Plenty of reasons to be positive and although
I'm sure there will be the odd stumble along the way,  Villa look suspiciously well organised for the first time in ages.

UTV

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villafirst on September 22, 2020, 04:29:17 PM

Quote from: danno on September 22, 2020, 04:00:24 PM

Giggs was good enough to let the ball do his running for him, as well as having top six players in front and behind him.
Barry and Carrick both had excellent positioning off the ball, and could spray the ball about rather than expend lots of energy chasing the ball.

I like James Milner (a lot) but I think he'll age like milk once his energy levels drop.

I don't agree. You still need high energy levels to play in the world's best League.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on September 22, 2020, 04:31:19 PM

Quote from: SaddVillan on September 22, 2020, 04:25:34 PM

Looking at our sigings so far:

Smith wanted to sign Watkins and Cash - he knew how good they were from his time at Brentford in Div 2. The club went out and signed them. Job done.

We also identified the need a new keeper, a winger, a forward and a midfielder.

Johan Lange - our new scout chappie brings in:
Emi Martinez - looks like a winner.
Bertrand Traore - yet to play.
Two rabbits that he pulled out of the hat. Nobody was even talking about them as possibles until the respective deals were being firmed up.

Wonder who Lange has up his sleeve this time to surprise and delight us with in terms of a forward and midfielder?

Compare our transfer window to the acrimony Manchester United have had. Every attempted signing is immediately leaked to the press & very few deals have been completed

We've made some smart signings, all carried out in a professional manner.  Let's hope any further additions are as good as the first four.

It's a big improvement over last season (but then we needed a whole new team and had little time to act, so that I can understand).

Oh, and don't forget that at the same time we've made considerable progress on restructuring the player development set up with a new player progression philosophy in place and some  young prospects coming on board.

Plenty of reasons to be positive and although
I'm sure there will be the odd stumble along the way,  Villa look suspiciously well organised for the first time in ages.

UTV

This.

Plus the massive amount of effort that has gone into improving the youngsters.

Feels like a plan coming together.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Londonvilla on September 22, 2020, 04:39:27 PM

Aston Villa have tied-up Keinan Davis for another four years after the striker penned a lengthy contract extension until 2024.

https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aston-villa-transfer-news-davis-18978595

Happy with this as there is a good player in there the trick is can we bring it out....I would loan him out as he need to start scoring and it work  for Harry kane who was loaned out 4 times and Bertrand Traoré can play up front

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on September 22, 2020, 04:41:06 PM

Quote from: Russ aka Big Nose on September 22, 2020, 02:39:40 PM

Quote from: Monty on September 22, 2020, 02:23:26 PM

Quote from: Russ aka Big Nose on September 22, 2020, 02:16:10 PM

Picking fullbacks to play on their 'wrong' side is (to me) a marker for being a poor manager - reference Bruce and Southgate.

Also Pep, Klopp, Jose and others have done it plenty in their careers, but sure.

As how they put together a balanced squad as opposed to a short-term measure to cope with injuries or suspensions, really?

Luke Young, for the most part, coped OK with being on his 'wrong' side, i.e. better than others in the same situation, though to suggest that that was better than finding a decent LB to do the job is a nonsense in my view (and at odds with the general sentiment on here from what I remember).

God, remember how many hundreds of hours we used to argue about this on here.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 22, 2020, 04:42:08 PM

Quote from: Villafirst on September 22, 2020, 04:29:17 PM

Quote from: danno on September 22, 2020, 04:00:24 PM

Giggs was good enough to let the ball do his running for him, as well as having top six players in front and behind him.
Barry and Carrick both had excellent positioning off the ball, and could spray the ball about rather than expend lots of energy chasing the ball.

I like James Milner (a lot) but I think he'll age like milk once his energy levels drop.

I don't agree. You still need high energy levels to play in the world's best League.

I don't fancy heading back to the Championship.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 22, 2020, 05:06:30 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 22, 2020, 04:25:23 PM

Couldn't see Milner getting past the club's strict recruitment policy seeing he's over *whispers* 3.0. There's a rumour Elmo and Taylor have already gone on the run


(https://i.ibb.co/3YdL8Vd/4qP5.gif) (https://ibb.co/3YdL8Vd)

They've been signed by York City?? They'd have been fine for this season, what's another year?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 22, 2020, 05:09:57 PM

Signing an experienced midfielder (Milner or someone like him) would also allow us to send Ramsey out on loan knowing that we weren't signing someone that would be blocking his path in a year or two.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 22, 2020, 05:10:57 PM

Bang up for Milner. Never going to happen.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on September 22, 2020, 05:28:00 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 22, 2020, 05:12:59 PM

Bring in Tom Davies.
Heard Southampton are interested
He's the type of midfielder bite and energy that can add to squad.

Similarly Lookmans is linked on loan to Fulham
A flying wing forward .
I would be looking at the deal if the cakes are available they you have to buy the whole

Tom Davies always looked very average to me, got in a poor Everton midfield very young but if they are ready to shift him out that suggests he isn’t all that

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 22, 2020, 05:34:04 PM

I still heart Milner and will do forever. Oh Jimmy *looks longingly into the distance*

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 22, 2020, 05:42:12 PM

Oxlade Chamberlain was being linked with Wolves the other day - if he was allowed to leave Liverpool then he'd be great - think he could get a higher placed club that us to be honest though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on September 22, 2020, 05:43:00 PM

Milner !

doesn’t fit our current transfer policy
legs have gone
too old
never go back
he’s a Leeds Utd season ticket holder

taking all that into consideration

It’s a big YES from me

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: manic-road on September 22, 2020, 05:43:08 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 22, 2020, 05:12:59 PM

Bring in Tom Davies.
Heard Southampton are interested
He's the type of midfielder bite and energy that can add to squad.

Similarly Lookmans is linked on loan to Fulham
A flying wing forward .
I would be looking at the deal if the cakes are available they you have to buy the whole

After lockdown last season Tom Davies stood out for one reason for me, he was absolutely gash. No thanks.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on September 22, 2020, 05:44:26 PM

You're just a big softie, Ads. I bet you spend all day posting pictures of puppies on social media.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Pat Mustard on September 22, 2020, 05:47:23 PM

If there is any chance of getting Milner back on a free we should be all over it. His influence on the younger players would be great, added to the fact that he is still a top player.

I don’t think anyone has said we should only be signing youngsters, what is important is the value you get from a signing. There is a world of difference between signing someone like Milner on big wages for a year or two, and spending £20+ million and £100k a week on a Callum Wilson for 4-5 years.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on September 22, 2020, 05:49:32 PM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on September 22, 2020, 05:47:23 PM

If there is any chance of getting Milner back on a free we should be all over it.

I've seen £8m as the asking price.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 22, 2020, 06:03:35 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on September 22, 2020, 05:44:26 PM

You're just a big softie, Ads. I bet you spend all day posting pictures of puppies on social media.

Only cute ones.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: DB on September 22, 2020, 06:44:20 PM

Milner, another one to add in ex-player coming back plea that ain't happening

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villan For Life on September 22, 2020, 06:53:27 PM

I loved Milner when he played for us but he’s too old now, I don’t want him back.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 22, 2020, 07:04:53 PM

Quote from: DB on September 22, 2020, 06:44:20 PM

Milner, another one to add in ex-player coming back plea that ain't happening

Has this rumour any legs? And no that is not a quip about his age!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 22, 2020, 07:10:49 PM

More chance of re-signing Joe Bennett for left back than Milner for midfield :D

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: steamer on September 22, 2020, 07:42:03 PM

Milner is a respected part of their set up
not going to play in majority of games, but a safe back up in cup games and off the bench.
for his experience Iwould have him in a heart beat

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on September 22, 2020, 07:44:17 PM

Quote from: Gareth on September 22, 2020, 05:28:00 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 22, 2020, 05:12:59 PM

Bring in Tom Davies.
Heard Southampton are interested
He's the type of midfielder bite and energy that can add to squad.

Similarly Lookmans is linked on loan to Fulham
A flying wing forward .
I would be looking at the deal if the cakes are available they you have to buy the whole

Tom Davies always looked very average to me, got in a poor Everton midfield very young but if they are ready to shift him out that suggests he isn’t all that

I too would be underwhelmed to get Tom Davies. He is a bang average squad filler for me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on September 22, 2020, 07:46:45 PM

Samatta on the way out and one or two coming in according to SKY a few minutes ago. No names given as to who might be arriving though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KRS on September 22, 2020, 07:51:27 PM

I think they actually said DS hasn’t ruled out more players coming in and Samatta leaving. Nothing concrete at all, but wouldn’t be surprised by either...we do need strengthening in certain positions and we do need to get rid of a number of players.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: nigel on September 22, 2020, 07:54:01 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 22, 2020, 05:42:12 PM

Oxlade Chamberlain was being linked with Wolves the other day - if he was allowed to leave Liverpool then he'd be great - think he could get a higher placed club that us to be honest though.

We’re 9th in the league and above Wolves 😉

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on September 22, 2020, 08:00:15 PM

Quote from: Damo70 on September 22, 2020, 07:44:17 PM

Quote from: Gareth on September 22, 2020, 05:28:00 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 22, 2020, 05:12:59 PM

Bring in Tom Davies.
Heard Southampton are interested
He's the type of midfielder bite and energy that can add to squad


No more man buns please .

Similarly Lookmans is linked on loan to Fulham
A flying wing forward .
I would be looking at the deal if the cakes are available they you have to buy the whole

Tom Davies always looked very average to me, got in a poor Everton midfield very young but if they are ready to shift him out that suggests he isn’t all that

I too would be underwhelmed to get Tom Davies. He is a bang average squad filler for me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave shelley on September 22, 2020, 08:15:06 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 22, 2020, 07:10:49 PM

More chance of re-signing Joe Bennett for left back than Milner for midfield :D

I was watching Cardiff on the telly at the weekend and saw Bennett playing for them and when I looked him up was surprised to see that he is now 30 years old.  I imagined him to be about twenty-four!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on September 22, 2020, 08:29:31 PM

A comment was made a couple of weeks ago about signing a midfielder who 'had done the lot'.  Milner fits that bill.  I wouldn't be in the slightest bit surprised for him to be offered a 3 year contract, given how dedicated he is. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 22, 2020, 08:40:30 PM

Quote from: Newby on September 22, 2020, 08:29:31 PM

A comment was made a couple of weeks ago about signing a midfielder who 'had done the lot'.  Milner fits that bill.  I wouldn't be in the slightest bit surprised for him to be offered a 3 year contract, given how dedicated he is.

Are you Tom Fox or Paul Faulkner? 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on September 22, 2020, 08:43:19 PM

Quote from: danno on September 22, 2020, 08:40:30 PM

Quote from: Newby on September 22, 2020, 08:29:31 PM

A comment was made a couple of weeks ago about signing a midfielder who 'had done the lot'.  Milner fits that bill.  I wouldn't be in the slightest bit surprised for him to be offered a 3 year contract, given how dedicated he is.

Are you Tom Fox or Paul Faulkner? 

Neither, but if he was to come to Villa, we would need to make it worth his while. Perhaps a 2 year contract with a years option on one side or the other. Who knows.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on September 22, 2020, 08:44:12 PM

Quote from: Newby on September 22, 2020, 08:29:31 PM

A comment was made a couple of weeks ago about signing a midfielder who 'had done the lot'.  Milner fits that bill.  I wouldn't be in the slightest bit surprised for him to be offered a 3 year contract, given how dedicated he is. 

Yeah, I think we could offer him a deal of that length that would make us hard to refuse (assuming he wants to keep playing).
Also worth noting that he’s played at left back quite frequently for Liverpool so add that dimension.

I’d be delighted.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 22, 2020, 08:44:57 PM

Quote from: Newby on September 22, 2020, 08:43:19 PM

Quote from: danno on September 22, 2020, 08:40:30 PM

Quote from: Newby on September 22, 2020, 08:29:31 PM

A comment was made a couple of weeks ago about signing a midfielder who 'had done the lot'.  Milner fits that bill.  I wouldn't be in the slightest bit surprised for him to be offered a 3 year contract, given how dedicated he is.

Are you Tom Fox or Paul Faulkner? 

Neither, but if he was to come to Villa, we would need to make it worth his while. Perhaps a 2 year contract with a years option on one side or the other. Who knows.

Fair point, its not wholly without precedent either Vardy and Willian have both recently been given three year deals.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on September 22, 2020, 08:46:33 PM

I think he would be a positive influence even he wasn’t playing.  Not that there should be any charity but a role that would transition him into coaching might be appealing for all parties.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: London Villan on September 22, 2020, 08:48:08 PM

He is exactly what we need in the squad. But we won’t get him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on September 22, 2020, 08:48:33 PM

I can see him doing a Gary McAllister and playing until he's almost forty if he wants.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 22, 2020, 08:51:06 PM

Wouldn't be a transfer thread without a link to Milner. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on September 22, 2020, 08:52:07 PM

I'd take him back.

He still comes on and occasionally starts for Liverpool FFS. Anyone who thinks someone like that can't improve us should be forced to watch a 2 minute loop of Danny Drinkwater giving the ball away for the next ten years.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ian. on September 22, 2020, 08:55:26 PM

I’d be delighted to have Milner back. That’s the sort of older head we need.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 22, 2020, 08:57:15 PM

Are there any actual media links to him, or are we just pining?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mike on September 22, 2020, 08:59:41 PM

This time last year, people were saying Milner wasn't good enough for us. I remember Stuart Pearce playing for West Ham when he was pushing 40. He came to take a corner by the Holte End and a few people booed him. 90% of the Holte End drowned them out with cheers. His thighs were fucking massive.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 22, 2020, 09:00:11 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 22, 2020, 08:52:07 PM

I'd take him back.

He still comes on and occasionally starts for Liverpool FFS. Anyone who thinks someone like that can't improve us should be forced to watch a 2 minute loop of Danny Drinkwater giving the ball away for the next ten years.

Absolutely agree.

There's a huge difference between 'experienced Premier League players' such as McCarthy, Hayden and other journeymen who've been talked about in previous pages and someone like Milner who's played at the top level. Having a top pro like him around would be invaluable to our younger players, and he's more than capable of contributing on the pitch still.

Having said that I don't think there's a chance of it happening, but it would be a brilliant signing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on September 22, 2020, 09:05:49 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 22, 2020, 08:57:15 PM

Are there any actual media links to him, or are we just pining?

Good question, I’m not on twitter so no idea where/how these things grow legs.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on September 22, 2020, 09:10:34 PM

Think it was a Twitter rumour, so don't dig out your Villa top with Milner on the back just yet

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 22, 2020, 10:23:10 PM

mentioned this milner story to my Liverpool supporting mate down the pub tonight. He's heard nowt but it was funny to see him go a shade of grey and frantically hit twitter for info after i mentioned it ;D

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on September 22, 2020, 10:44:28 PM

Liverpool Echo ran the story didn't it?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on September 22, 2020, 10:45:42 PM

Quote from: Drummond on September 22, 2020, 10:44:28 PM

Liverpool Echo ran the story didn't it?

No. It was a spoof site.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 22, 2020, 11:09:57 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on September 22, 2020, 03:44:37 PM

At some point a players legs go, nothing that training or diet can do about it.
He is 34 and will not play at this level for much longer.

I see him as similar to Barry who was still playing for Everton at a decent level when he was about 36.

It is similar to when Barry left Man. City for Everton when he was 32/33 and there were rumours he wanted to come back here but Lambert didn't want him and he was excellent generally for Everton.

Would love Milner back. Think he'd fit our midfield really well as he obviously plays a bit more deeper now but still got good energy. Also two years ago played a full season at left back.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on September 22, 2020, 11:33:46 PM

Lampard seems to be trying to sell some of his players. Wouldn't be at all surprised if we get offered Tammy in the next few days.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 22, 2020, 11:42:39 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 22, 2020, 11:09:57 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on September 22, 2020, 03:44:37 PM

At some point a players legs go, nothing that training or diet can do about it.
He is 34 and will not play at this level for much longer.

I see him as similar to Barry who was still playing for Everton at a decent level when he was about 36.

It is similar to when Barry left Man. City for Everton when he was 32/33 and there were rumours he wanted to come back here but Lambert didn't want him and he was excellent generally for Everton.

Would love Milner back. Think he'd fit our midfield really well as he obviously plays a bit more deeper now but still got good energy. Also two years ago played a full season at left back.

Do you see them as similar players?  (Barry and Milner)  I honestly think its like comparing Andy Townsend to Ian Taylor.  Both great players but one is going to age better than the other just down to how they play.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 23, 2020, 12:44:13 AM

Quote from: danno on September 22, 2020, 11:42:39 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 22, 2020, 11:09:57 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on September 22, 2020, 03:44:37 PM

At some point a players legs go, nothing that training or diet can do about it.
He is 34 and will not play at this level for much longer.

I see him as similar to Barry who was still playing for Everton at a decent level when he was about 36.

It is similar to when Barry left Man. City for Everton when he was 32/33 and there were rumours he wanted to come back here but Lambert didn't want him and he was excellent generally for Everton.

Would love Milner back. Think he'd fit our midfield really well as he obviously plays a bit more deeper now but still got good energy. Also two years ago played a full season at left back.

Do you see them as similar players?  (Barry and Milner)  I honestly think its like comparing Andy Townsend to Ian Taylor.  Both great players but one is going to age better than the other just down to how they play.

Taylor and Townsend were both still playing in premier league at age of 35 I think.

Milner and Barry both look after themselves superbly, hardly had any major injuries in their career so generally you can last longer at top level if you've got good genes.

Lampard was still pretty good going into his mid 30s while Rooney was pretty much finished as a top level striker as soon as he hit 30.

Hendrie is probably a better example of someone who really peaked as a player at about 25 and then it was a gradual decline bar the odd wonder goal every 3 months.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 23, 2020, 12:50:19 AM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 23, 2020, 12:44:13 AM

Quote from: danno on September 22, 2020, 11:42:39 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 22, 2020, 11:09:57 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on September 22, 2020, 03:44:37 PM

At some point a players legs go, nothing that training or diet can do about it.
He is 34 and will not play at this level for much longer.

I see him as similar to Barry who was still playing for Everton at a decent level when he was about 36.

It is similar to when Barry left Man. City for Everton when he was 32/33 and there were rumours he wanted to come back here but Lambert didn't want him and he was excellent generally for Everton.

Would love Milner back. Think he'd fit our midfield really well as he obviously plays a bit more deeper now but still got good energy. Also two years ago played a full season at left back.

Do you see them as similar players?  (Barry and Milner)  I honestly think its like comparing Andy Townsend to Ian Taylor.  Both great players but one is going to age better than the other just down to how they play.

Taylor and Townsend were both still playing in premier league at age of 35 I think.

Milner and Barry both look after themselves superbly, hardly had any major injuries in their career so generally you can last longer at top level if you've got good genes.

Lampard was still pretty good going into his mid 30s while Rooney was pretty much finished as a top level striker as soon as he hit 30.

Hendrie is probably a better example of someone who really peaked as a player at about 25 and then it was a gradual decline bar the odd wonder goal every 3 months.

You are right they did both play in premier league past 35.  Townsend was starting games and playing well for Middlesbrough.  Taylor was picking up more and more injuries. 

Townsend imho aged better than Taylor, just as Scholes aged better than Gerrard and Carrick aged better than Keane. I don't see Milner having the passing range or positioning off the ball to compensate for when physically he starts to decline.

I'd not turn my nose up at him, but I'd rather he be somebody else's problem and player to replace when his legs do start to go

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 23, 2020, 01:52:13 AM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 22, 2020, 10:23:10 PM

mentioned this milner story to my Liverpool supporting mate down the pub tonight. He's heard nowt but it was funny to see him go a shade of grey and frantically hit twitter for info after i mentioned it ;D

Ah, the halcyon days of being down the pub discussing transfers with mates.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villafirst on September 23, 2020, 06:22:13 AM

The striker options are still light. One or two injuries upfront and we're screwed. We need two more in my opinion.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sid1964 on September 23, 2020, 07:41:24 AM

With the news yesterday that potentially there will be no crowds until March? the loss of revenue must be huge for the club and with the money that they must be putting into the club to pay wages etc..,this must be costing them a fortune,

I think that the owners may now put the cheque book away (or hide the BACs card).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: TelfordVilla on September 23, 2020, 07:42:17 AM

I think Tammy will come in on deadline day but would prefer Eduard as Tammy is too similar to Watkins. Eduard is more of a Benteke mark2

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on September 23, 2020, 07:55:40 AM

Did anyone else on Monday night when Konsa was holding his leg after time wonder if we might still be a bit light on centre halves....with Engels being injured / out of favour permanently is it just Hause as back up to Mings / Konsa? 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on September 23, 2020, 08:01:49 AM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on September 22, 2020, 10:45:42 PM

Quote from: Drummond on September 22, 2020, 10:44:28 PM

Liverpool Echo ran the story didn't it?

No. It was a spoof site.

Spoof site, spoof twitter, is 2020 a spoof year?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villatillidie25 on September 23, 2020, 08:12:16 AM

Quote from: Drummond on September 22, 2020, 11:50:33 AM

Sky have the biggest agenda going with their 'Transfer Centre' and associated bollocks. It's funny how they report on deals and get everyone betting on it isn't it?

Apart from the fact that they don’t own Sky Bet anymore

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dicedlam on September 23, 2020, 08:17:59 AM

Quote from: TelfordVilla on September 23, 2020, 07:42:17 AM

I think Tammy will come in on deadline day but would prefer Eduard as Tammy is too similar to Watkins. Eduard is more of a Benteke mark2

I would take Tammy over Edourad every day of the week.

Tammy can play either out left or through the middle where I believe Edourad only plays as an out and out striker. Wasn't Tammy quoted as saying that his prefered position was a left sided forward?
Also, Tammy has got premier league experience under his belt whereby with Edourad we would be taking a chance on how he adapts to the pace of the league.

Yes, Tammy would cost more than Edourad but the advantage would be that the chemistry and understanding of how Dean Smith wants to play would be still fresh in the mind with Tammy and he would have no issues fitting straight back in where he left off.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 23, 2020, 08:20:37 AM

Quote from: Villatillidie25 on September 23, 2020, 08:12:16 AM

Quote from: Drummond on September 22, 2020, 11:50:33 AM

Sky have the biggest agenda going with their 'Transfer Centre' and associated bollocks. It's funny how they report on deals and get everyone betting on it isn't it?

Apart from the fact that they don’t own Sky Bet anymore

But they do receive large revenues from advertising betting companies. Relentlessly.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 23, 2020, 08:25:50 AM

Really can't see Chelsea letting Kevin go. They've sent out Batshuayi to palace, so really they have him and Giroud as back-up to Werner which is the least you'd want considering injuries and CL/cup games

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on September 23, 2020, 08:29:15 AM

the centre half thing is a worry

I like Engels but he looks out of favour might even be sold
if we have to rely on Hause for any length of time we’ll be in deep trouble

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Des Little on September 23, 2020, 08:31:09 AM

I think the last week of this window will be our busiest ever. Plenty to move out, as well as the much-needed incomings. My only regret is that it’ll draw me into watching the Sky Transfer Show...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Vegas on September 23, 2020, 08:32:09 AM

Quote from: Villatillidie25 on September 23, 2020, 08:12:16 AM

Quote from: Drummond on September 22, 2020, 11:50:33 AM

Sky have the biggest agenda going with their 'Transfer Centre' and associated bollocks. It's funny how they report on deals and get everyone betting on it isn't it?

Apart from the fact that they don’t own Sky Bet anymore

And the transfer betting market is absolutely insignificant. Even when they did own some of SkyBet, they’re not going to produce and broadcast expensive TV programmes to drum up £5 bets on Man City signing Messi.

The transfer show is just really crap, baseless journalism - no conspiracy

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on September 23, 2020, 08:43:41 AM

Quote from: sid1964 on September 23, 2020, 07:41:24 AM

With the news yesterday that potentially there will be no crowds until March? the loss of revenue must be huge for the club and with the money that they must be putting into the club to pay wages etc..,this must be costing them a fortune,

I think that the owners may now put the cheque book away (or hide the BACs card).

For me, this is the exact time to be spending money. Other clubs are vulnerable and will be holding back their spending - it's a great chance to be able to buy up players with little in the way of serious competition. Honestly think that well spent money over the next 3 or 4 windows would see us leapfrog a load of mid table sides, and even more sides in continental Europe.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dick Edwards on September 23, 2020, 08:48:39 AM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 22, 2020, 11:33:46 PM

Lampard seems to be trying to sell some of his players. Wouldn't be at all surprised if we get offered Tammy in the next few days.

Hudson-Odoi may be available too.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 23, 2020, 09:22:19 AM

Quote from: sid1964 on September 23, 2020, 07:41:24 AM

With the news yesterday that potentially there will be no crowds until March? the loss of revenue must be huge for the club and with the money that they must be putting into the club to pay wages etc..,this must be costing them a fortune,

I think that the owners may now put the cheque book away (or hide the BACs card).

There was never going to be 40,000 back inside Villa Park any time soon. It would have been a few thousand at the most for now and they would have known this so I can't see it making too much of a difference to spending.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: darren woolley on September 23, 2020, 09:33:05 AM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 22, 2020, 11:33:46 PM

Lampard seems to be trying to sell some of his players. Wouldn't be at all surprised if we get offered Tammy in the next few days.

I would love it if we signed Tammy.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave P on September 23, 2020, 09:36:03 AM

Quote from: darren woolley on September 23, 2020, 09:33:05 AM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 22, 2020, 11:33:46 PM

Lampard seems to be trying to sell some of his players. Wouldn't be at all surprised if we get offered Tammy in the next few days.

I would love it if we signed Tammy.

Samatta out and Tammy in would be on a par with the Baros / Carew swap.  I know Samatta isn't going to Chelsea but in terms of the squad strength I mean.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Marlon From Bearwood on September 23, 2020, 09:37:44 AM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 23, 2020, 08:25:50 AM

Really can't see Chelsea letting Kevin go. They've sent out Batshuayi to palace, so really they have him and Giroud as back-up to Werner which is the least you'd want considering injuries and CL/cup games

Correct. There’s no way Chelsea will let Tammy go unless they buy another striker, which would be highly unlikely.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 23, 2020, 10:27:04 AM

Talk of Chelsea buying Declan Rice for £80m so they might want to bring some money back in. Not necessarily on Abraham but maybe on some of their kids who they're making it hard for them to break through. Think of the likes of that right back that Brighton bought.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KRS on September 23, 2020, 10:30:57 AM

Declan Rice. £80m?! Is that a typo?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on September 23, 2020, 10:31:57 AM

That's truly remarkable. 80m. Jesus Christ.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: robbo1874 on September 23, 2020, 10:32:24 AM

I’d have Tammy, and for that matter Tuanzebe, back today if possible.

I think we’ve done about 76m out of the ‘100m’ so can only see one more max. big money signing through the door. Or a couple of smaller signings. I already think we’ve spent enough to get mid-table-ish. So might be best to hold on to a few quid for if we are forced to strengthen in Jan?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 23, 2020, 10:33:57 AM

We really, really need a new decent central midfielder.  If we don't get one, I think it'll be nearly as stupid as going into last season with just Wesley up front.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sid1964 on September 23, 2020, 10:34:11 AM

Declan Rice would be ideal for us - but not at £80 million

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 23, 2020, 10:36:31 AM

Quote from: Risso on September 23, 2020, 10:33:57 AM

We really, really need a new decent central midfielder.  If we don't get one, I think it'll be nearly as stupid as going into last season with just Wesley up front.

CMF and CB. We're vulnerable in both areas.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 23, 2020, 10:42:50 AM

Rice, albeit on a limited sample size, has never impressed me much.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brend'Watkins on September 23, 2020, 10:46:18 AM

Declan Rice and £80 million in the same sentence, wow.  Would be funny though to see the response from West Ham fans.  They'd be laying siege on the directors box again if it was football as normal.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on September 23, 2020, 10:49:52 AM

Quote from: Brend'Watkins on September 23, 2020, 10:46:18 AM

Declan Rice and £80 million in the same sentence, wow.  Would be funny though to see the response from West Ham fans.  They'd be laying siege on the directors box again if it was football as normal.

as I tell my West Ham pal he is a an upgrade Geoff Thomas

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 23, 2020, 10:50:05 AM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 23, 2020, 10:31:57 AM

That's truly remarkable. 80m. Jesus Christ.

For a player that needs six touches on the ball to turn around.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on September 23, 2020, 10:52:17 AM

Rice is a good player, not sure he is worth that much but could be their midfield lynchpin for years like Lampard was.

Of the spurious links I have seen to midfielders Barclay is the one I'd like to happen. Right sort of player, still young and would add some guts to midfield. Milner or Delph would also be good older heads to help out for a season or two.

If we can't get Rashica I would like to see us go for Buendia. If we take one more striker would prefer Tammy, but would also be quite excited if we got Brewster.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brend'Watkins on September 23, 2020, 10:52:45 AM

Quote from: LeeB on September 23, 2020, 10:50:05 AM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 23, 2020, 10:31:57 AM

That's truly remarkable. 80m. Jesus Christ.

For a player that needs six touches on the ball to turn around.

He's like Corporal Jones in Dad's Army getting into position.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: DB on September 23, 2020, 10:57:30 AM

Quote from: Mister E on September 23, 2020, 10:36:31 AM

Quote from: Risso on September 23, 2020, 10:33:57 AM

We really, really need a new decent central midfielder.  If we don't get one, I think it'll be nearly as stupid as going into last season with just Wesley up front.

CMF and CB. We're vulnerable in both areas.

I agree. Our midfield needs improving and some pace. A CB and another striker too

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Footy-Vill on September 23, 2020, 10:59:18 AM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on September 23, 2020, 10:42:50 AM

Rice, albeit on a limited sample size, has never impressed me much.

Have your tried couscous as an alternative?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: baddowvillans on September 23, 2020, 10:59:57 AM

So Rice is worth £80m but Jack isn't apparently.  It's a strange world T the moment!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on September 23, 2020, 11:06:35 AM

Quote from: Brend'Watkins on September 23, 2020, 10:46:18 AM

Declan Rice and £80 million in the same sentence, wow.  Would be funny though to see the response from West Ham fans.  They'd be laying siege on the directors box again if it was football as normal.

If the sentence was ‘Declan Rice is a friend of 80m+ rated Jack Grealish’ then it makes sense

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 23, 2020, 11:11:49 AM

I suppose the thinking is, Rice in a decent team could become like Liverpool's Henderson.  £80m being the new £20m.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on September 23, 2020, 11:19:05 AM

Quote from: Drummond on September 23, 2020, 08:01:49 AM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on September 22, 2020, 10:45:42 PM

Quote from: Drummond on September 22, 2020, 10:44:28 PM

Liverpool Echo ran the story didn't it?

No. It was a spoof site.

Spoof site, spoof twitter, is 2020 a spoof year?

Maybe Dave's post about it being a spoof site was actually a spoof post. I am not paranoid, I know everyone is lying to me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Vegas on September 23, 2020, 11:22:58 AM

Quote from: Risso on September 23, 2020, 10:33:57 AM

We really, really need a new decent central midfielder.  If we don't get one, I think it'll be nearly as stupid as going into last season with just Wesley up front.

Totally agree. After a striker, this was the main priority of the whole summer window for me. If Luiz gets injured on the 6th Oct we’re totally screwed.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on September 23, 2020, 11:27:16 AM

Quote from: Mister E on September 23, 2020, 10:36:31 AM

Quote from: Risso on September 23, 2020, 10:33:57 AM

We really, really need a new decent central midfielder.  If we don't get one, I think it'll be nearly as stupid as going into last season with just Wesley up front.

CMF and CB. We're vulnerable in both areas.

Declan Rice can play as a CMF and CB. But for eighty million quid I would expect us to clone him so he could play in both positions at the same time.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: darren woolley on September 23, 2020, 11:28:42 AM

I agree we do need a midfielder I would like to think we have one lined up and we are just checking our options.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 23, 2020, 11:29:25 AM

David Gold was on Talksport this morning.  He didn't mention him by name, but basically the money they were bidding for Tarkowski was all they had. The skint pricks.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on September 23, 2020, 11:41:38 AM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on September 23, 2020, 10:52:17 AM

Rice is a good player, not sure he is worth that much but could be their midfield lynchpin for years like Lampard was.

Apparently they want him to play him at centre-back.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: placeforparks on September 23, 2020, 11:46:13 AM

Quote from: Risso on September 23, 2020, 11:29:25 AM

David Gold was on Talksport this morning.  He didn't mention him by name, but basically the money they were bidding for Tarkowski was all they had. The skint pricks.

sounds like gold and sullivan are trying to sell, and it's all they're prepared to spend.

west ham spent big last couple of seasons, and most of them were in playing in the caribou cup last night!

haller - £45m
felipe anderson - £35m
fornals - £25m
diop - £22m
bowen - £19m
yarmolenko - £18m

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: GordonCowansisthegreatest on September 23, 2020, 12:04:41 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 23, 2020, 11:29:25 AM

David Gold was on Talksport this morning.  He didn't mention him by name, but basically the money they were bidding for Tarkowski was all they had. The skint pricks.

Be nice to nip in and steal him ;)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 23, 2020, 12:14:09 PM

With Mings, Konsa, Hause and hopefully a fit Engels at some point I really hope we don't go and drop another £20m + on a centre back.  Konsa deserves a proper crack at being first choice and I see the other two as sufficient back up.

They need to spend any money left on midfield and another winger / striker.  A leftback would be nice but I don't see it as realistic this window.

As others have said Tammy is a pipe dream now Batshuayi has gone.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 23, 2020, 12:14:20 PM

Quote from: Dave on September 23, 2020, 11:41:38 AM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on September 23, 2020, 10:52:17 AM

Rice is a good player, not sure he is worth that much but could be their midfield lynchpin for years like Lampard was.

Apparently they want him to play him at centre-back.

That was supposedly what they were originally going to do but now they're meant to be looking at him as a defensive midfielder.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on September 23, 2020, 12:24:39 PM

So if we were doing a priority list for new signings (&/or loans) what would yours be?

Today mine would be:
1. Striker
2. Powerful Centre Mid
3. Back up Centre Half
4. Winger
5. Left Back

Tomorrow probably different again

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 23, 2020, 12:28:43 PM

Strikers, wingers and maybe a central midfielder. Defenders are boring.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on September 23, 2020, 12:41:53 PM

Quote from: Gareth on September 23, 2020, 12:24:39 PM

So if we were doing a priority list for new signings (&/or loans) what would yours be?

Today mine would be:
1. Striker
2. Powerful Centre Mid
3. Back up Centre Half
4. Winger
5. Left Back

Tomorrow probably different again

1. Central midfielder x 2 - put McGinn and hourihane on the bench.
3. Left Back
4. Striker / wide forward.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on September 23, 2020, 12:48:44 PM

Quote from: Villatillidie25 on September 23, 2020, 08:12:16 AM

Quote from: Drummond on September 22, 2020, 11:50:33 AM

Sky have the biggest agenda going with their 'Transfer Centre' and associated bollocks. It's funny how they report on deals and get everyone betting on it isn't it?

Apart from the fact that they don’t own Sky Bet anymore

Ah, well, err, apart from that.... 😉

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dr Butler on September 23, 2020, 12:48:56 PM

I'd have that Bowen off Wet Sham if they are desperate for cash :)

UTV
The Doc

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on September 23, 2020, 12:50:32 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 23, 2020, 10:59:18 AM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on September 23, 2020, 10:42:50 AM

Rice, albeit on a limited sample size, has never impressed me much.

Have your tried couscous as an alternative?

Haha!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on September 23, 2020, 01:10:56 PM

Quote from: Gareth on September 23, 2020, 12:24:39 PM

So if we were doing a priority list for new signings (&/or loans) what would yours be?

Today mine would be:
1. Striker
2. Powerful Centre Mid
3. Back up Centre Half
4. Winger
5. Left Back

Tomorrow probably different again

This window:
1. Defensive midfield
2. Winger/Striker

Next summer:
1. Left back
2. Right back
3. Central midfielder
Plus possibly some more depending on who's available and where our weaknesses are

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on September 23, 2020, 01:24:57 PM

the number of players we bring in is now dependant on how many we ship out

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sid1964 on September 23, 2020, 01:25:12 PM

Reading that list we must have a lot of weaknesses

Eventually we will have a squad of 40 - no one ever leaves us unless it is a free transfer at the end of their contract

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AGRIPPA on September 23, 2020, 01:27:00 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 23, 2020, 10:31:57 AM

That's truly remarkable. 80m. Jesus Christ.

and to play in place of Kante too probably....

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Holy Trinity on September 23, 2020, 01:29:26 PM

Somehow I cant see Liverpool selling us thiago just days after buying him

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 23, 2020, 01:53:56 PM

Quote from: Drummond on September 23, 2020, 12:50:32 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 23, 2020, 10:59:18 AM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on September 23, 2020, 10:42:50 AM

Rice, albeit on a limited sample size, has never impressed me much.

Have your tried couscous as an alternative?

Haha!

This guy's comedy credentials are sorely overlooked.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 23, 2020, 01:59:13 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 23, 2020, 10:59:18 AM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on September 23, 2020, 10:42:50 AM

Rice, albeit on a limited sample size, has never impressed me much.

Have your tried couscous as an alternative?

Yes, it's very moorish.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: West Derby Villan on September 23, 2020, 02:01:11 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 23, 2020, 01:53:56 PM

Quote from: Drummond on September 23, 2020, 12:50:32 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 23, 2020, 10:59:18 AM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on September 23, 2020, 10:42:50 AM

Rice, albeit on a limited sample size, has never impressed me much.

Have your tried couscous as an alternative?

Haha!

This guy's comedy credentials are sorely overlooked.

Agree

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: olaftab on September 23, 2020, 02:08:19 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 23, 2020, 10:31:57 AM

That's truly remarkable. 80m. Jesus Christ.

If this happens Chelscum's spend in this window would reach £300M. Can anyone blame the Government if they refuse to bail out football in this crisis?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithe on September 23, 2020, 02:24:56 PM

Quote from: olaftab on September 23, 2020, 02:08:19 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 23, 2020, 10:31:57 AM

That's truly remarkable. 80m. Jesus Christ.

If this happens Chelscum's spend in this window would reach £300M. Can anyone blame the Government if they refuse to bail out football in this crisis?

I read that Spurs had made people redundant, then spent £20m on wages for Gareth Bale over the next 12 months.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dick Edwards on September 23, 2020, 03:18:04 PM

Quote from: Holy Trinity on September 23, 2020, 01:29:26 PM

Somehow I cant see Liverpool selling us thiago just days after buying him

You never know, Alcantara may do an Unsworth on them

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Fred Crump on September 23, 2020, 03:27:59 PM

Quote from: placeforparks on September 23, 2020, 11:46:13 AM

Quote from: Risso on September 23, 2020, 11:29:25 AM

David Gold was on Talksport this morning.  He didn't mention him by name, but basically the money they were bidding for Tarkowski was all they had. The skint pricks.

sounds like gold and sullivan are trying to sell, and it's all they're prepared to spend.

west ham spent big last couple of seasons, and most of them were in playing in the caribou cup last night!

haller - £45m
felipe anderson - £35m
fornals - £25m
diop - £22m
bowen - £19m
yarmolenko - £18m

That’s a very deer team for that cup...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 23, 2020, 04:10:56 PM

Quote from: Fred Crump on September 23, 2020, 03:27:59 PM

Quote from: placeforparks on September 23, 2020, 11:46:13 AM

Quote from: Risso on September 23, 2020, 11:29:25 AM

David Gold was on Talksport this morning.  He didn't mention him by name, but basically the money they were bidding for Tarkowski was all they had. The skint pricks.

sounds like gold and sullivan are trying to sell, and it's all they're prepared to spend.

west ham spent big last couple of seasons, and most of them were in playing in the caribou cup last night!

haller - £45m
felipe anderson - £35m
fornals - £25m
diop - £22m
bowen - £19m
yarmolenko - £18m

That’s a very deer team for that cup...

Doe!!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 23, 2020, 04:16:51 PM

Quote from: Mister E on September 23, 2020, 04:10:56 PM

Quote from: Fred Crump on September 23, 2020, 03:27:59 PM

That’s a very deer team for that cup...

Doe!!

Hindsight is 20/20.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Londonvilla on September 23, 2020, 04:18:25 PM

Had 10 mins so here my dream team for 20/21

We are two players short Ibrahim Sangaré and Ismaïla Sarr

(https://i.ibb.co/XSMnpjL/lineup-4.png) (https://ibb.co/XSMnpjL)

free image hosting (https://imgbb.com/)

Click to make bigger

This team could  end up in the top 7 if everyone was fit for the whole season the problem we have is our weak bench. we cant replace key players.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 23, 2020, 04:20:59 PM

Quote from: Londonvilla on September 23, 2020, 04:18:25 PM

Had 10 mins so here my dream team for 20/21

We are two players short Ibrahim Sangaré and Ismaïla Sarr

So your dream team involves recruiting ISIS?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rougegorge on September 23, 2020, 04:31:24 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on September 23, 2020, 04:16:51 PM

Quote from: Mister E on September 23, 2020, 04:10:56 PM

Quote from: Fred Crump on September 23, 2020, 03:27:59 PM

That’s a very deer team for that cup...

Doe!!

Hindsight is 20/20.

It's a staggering amount

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Fred Crump on September 23, 2020, 04:37:50 PM

Moose of them are overpriced

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Percy McCarthy on September 23, 2020, 04:39:56 PM

Quote from: Gareth on September 23, 2020, 12:24:39 PM

So if we were doing a priority list for new signings (&/or loans) what would yours be?

Today mine would be:
1. Striker
2. Powerful Centre Mid
3. Back up Centre Half
4. Winger
5. Left Back

Tomorrow probably different again

Got mine spot on there mate.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 23, 2020, 04:40:47 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on September 23, 2020, 04:20:59 PM

Quote from: Londonvilla on September 23, 2020, 04:18:25 PM

Had 10 mins so here my dream team for 20/21

We are two players short Ibrahim Sangaré and Ismaïla Sarr

So your dream team involves recruiting ISIS?

"The Caliphate is ours, the Caliphate is ooouuuurrrs......"

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Percy McCarthy on September 23, 2020, 04:43:50 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 23, 2020, 04:40:47 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on September 23, 2020, 04:20:59 PM

Quote from: Londonvilla on September 23, 2020, 04:18:25 PM

Had 10 mins so here my dream team for 20/21

We are two players short Ibrahim Sangaré and Ismaïla Sarr

So your dream team involves recruiting ISIS?

"The Caliphate is ours, the Caliphate is ooouuuurrrs......"

My sister went to Saudi Arabia.

Mecca?

No, she went of her own accord.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Footy-Vill on September 23, 2020, 04:47:01 PM

Quote from: Percy McCarthy on September 23, 2020, 04:43:50 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 23, 2020, 04:40:47 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on September 23, 2020, 04:20:59 PM

Quote from: Londonvilla on September 23, 2020, 04:18:25 PM

Had 10 mins so here my dream team for 20/21

We are two players short Ibrahim Sangaré and Ismaïla Sarr

So your dream team involves recruiting ISIS?

"The Caliphate is ours, the Caliphate is ooouuuurrrs......"

My sister went to Saudi Arabia.

Mecca?

No, she went of her own accord.

Yeman !

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 23, 2020, 04:49:21 PM

Jakarta !

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 23, 2020, 04:51:51 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 23, 2020, 04:49:21 PM

Jakarta !

No, she went on the bus.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Footy-Vill on September 23, 2020, 05:03:37 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 23, 2020, 04:51:51 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 23, 2020, 04:49:21 PM

Jakarta !

No, she went on the bus.

And Iran !

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: themossman on September 23, 2020, 05:24:20 PM

AL

Quote from: Percy McCarthy on September 23, 2020, 04:43:50 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 23, 2020, 04:40:47 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on September 23, 2020, 04:20:59 PM

Quote from: Londonvilla on September 23, 2020, 04:18:25 PM

Had 10 mins so here my dream team for 20/21

We are two players short Ibrahim Sangaré and Ismaïla Sarr

So your dream team involves recruiting ISIS?

"The Caliphate is ours, the Caliphate is ooouuuurrrs......"

My sister went to Saudi Arabia.

Mecca?

No, she went of her own accord.

I'm not sure about that. Alaska myself.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 23, 2020, 05:48:05 PM

Quote from: themossman on September 23, 2020, 05:24:20 PM

AL

Quote from: Percy McCarthy on September 23, 2020, 04:43:50 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 23, 2020, 04:40:47 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on September 23, 2020, 04:20:59 PM

Quote from: Londonvilla on September 23, 2020, 04:18:25 PM

Had 10 mins so here my dream team for 20/21

We are two players short Ibrahim Sangaré and Ismaïla Sarr

So your dream team involves recruiting ISIS?

"The Caliphate is ours, the Caliphate is ooouuuurrrs......"

My sister went to Saudi Arabia.

Mecca?

No, she went of her own accord.

I'm not sure about that. Alaska myself.

Take your coat, it's Chile.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: charlatan on September 23, 2020, 05:55:30 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on September 23, 2020, 04:20:59 PM

Quote from: Londonvilla on September 23, 2020, 04:18:25 PM

Had 10 mins so here my dream team for 20/21

We are two players short Ibrahim Sangaré and Ismaïla Sarr

So your dream team involves recruiting ISIS?

Nothing wrong with a punt on the Isis. Beware the black swan though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: baddowvillans on September 23, 2020, 06:22:38 PM

Quiet on the transfer front - clearly we won't bring out the big bucks!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on September 23, 2020, 06:31:04 PM

Quote from: baddowvillans on September 23, 2020, 06:22:38 PM

Quiet on the transfer front - clearly we won't bring out the big bucks!

At least our window hasn't been as fallow as most other clubs.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: themossman on September 23, 2020, 06:40:31 PM

I'm sure there are deals being worked on. We don't do our transfer business on the hoof anymore.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 23, 2020, 07:03:59 PM

Quote from: baddowvillans on September 23, 2020, 06:22:38 PM

Quiet on the transfer front - clearly we won't bring out the big bucks!

It makes we laugh when we go four days without signing a player and people say it's gone quiet and it means we won't spend big money. 🙄

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 23, 2020, 07:06:02 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 23, 2020, 07:03:59 PM

Quote from: baddowvillans on September 23, 2020, 06:22:38 PM

Quiet on the transfer front - clearly we won't bring out the big bucks!

It makes we laugh when we go four days without signing a player and people say it's gone quiet and it means we won't spend big money. 🙄

Wasn't this part of the deer puns?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on September 23, 2020, 07:08:52 PM

I expect he'll roe back on his criticism pretty quickly.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: themossman on September 23, 2020, 07:10:01 PM

Should have reined himself in.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brend'Watkins on September 23, 2020, 07:10:50 PM

I wonder if a Bid for Mount might tempt Chelsea? A midfield of Mount/Jack could do a lot of damage.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 23, 2020, 07:11:18 PM

Haha, I didnt realise we were in the middle of pun fest. My bad or should that be oh dear?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 23, 2020, 07:13:02 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 23, 2020, 04:40:47 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on September 23, 2020, 04:20:59 PM

So your dream team involves recruiting ISIS?

"The Caliphate is ours, the Caliphate is ooouuuurrrs......"

Ha! But Caliphate jokes? Syria's Lee!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on September 23, 2020, 07:13:24 PM

Quote from: Brend'Watkins on September 23, 2020, 07:10:50 PM

I wonder if a Bid for Mount might tempt Chelsea? A midfield of Mount/Jack could do a lot of damage.

Very strong.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: themossman on September 23, 2020, 07:14:11 PM

If we sign someone tomorrow can they play in the  Caribou cup?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: papa lazarou on September 23, 2020, 07:21:04 PM

Quote from: Mister E on September 23, 2020, 04:10:56 PM

Quote from: Fred Crump on September 23, 2020, 03:27:59 PM

Quote from: placeforparks on September 23, 2020, 11:46:13 AM

Quote from: Risso on September 23, 2020, 11:29:25 AM

David Gold was on Talksport this morning.  He didn't mention him by name, but basically the money they were bidding for Tarkowski was all they had. The skint pricks.

sounds like gold and sullivan are trying to sell, and it's all they're prepared to spend.

west ham spent big last couple of seasons, and most of them were in playing in the caribou cup last night!

haller - £45m
felipe anderson - £35m
fornals - £25m
diop - £22m
bowen - £19m
yarmolenko - £18m

That’s a very deer team for that cup...

Doe!!

Barry Venison would have fitted in nicely.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 23, 2020, 07:23:14 PM

Puns are shite. Stop getting people's hopes up that we might have made an exciting signing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Footy-Vill on September 23, 2020, 07:29:07 PM

Quote from: Dave on September 23, 2020, 07:13:24 PM

Quote from: Brend'Watkins on September 23, 2020, 07:10:50 PM

I wonder if a Bid for Mount might tempt Chelsea? A midfield of Mount/Jack could do a lot of damage.

Very strong.

Could be quite the antelope to cure the midfield issues

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ROBBO on September 23, 2020, 07:32:56 PM

Can we stop please.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Louzie0 on September 23, 2020, 07:36:44 PM

OK. Fawn ow.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Fred Crump on September 23, 2020, 07:39:08 PM

We’ve herd enough puns now

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Border villan on September 23, 2020, 07:47:46 PM

I was going to buck the trend but .....

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rob_bridge on September 23, 2020, 07:55:44 PM

Stag-gering level of humour

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Percy McCarthy on September 23, 2020, 07:58:11 PM

4 days without a signing and it’s all doom and gloom. We antler-ned nothing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: markeeeebeeee2005 on September 23, 2020, 08:00:01 PM

An ITK told me we have more doe to spend in this window.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SaddVillan on September 23, 2020, 08:12:46 PM

A couple of fallow days on the transfer front

We need to buck our ideers up.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Baldy on September 23, 2020, 08:23:32 PM

No-eye-dear who we are going to sign next.  ::)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: colin69 on September 23, 2020, 08:29:06 PM

Quote from: Baldy on September 23, 2020, 08:23:32 PM

No-eye-dear who we are going to sign next.  ::)

Apparently we’ve enquired about Antler Budimir from Mallorca......

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Aldridge Villa on September 23, 2020, 08:35:30 PM

And Ivan Muntjac from Hajduk Split

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 23, 2020, 08:46:05 PM

Maybe they'll be some sunshine after the rain - as Elk-ie Brooks once famously sang.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Andy Poole on September 23, 2020, 08:48:05 PM

'kin Elk. This pun fest needs to be hoofed into the long grass while we sika new Midfielder.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave shelley on September 23, 2020, 08:51:49 PM

This will all end up in Elland Road.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clive W on September 23, 2020, 08:53:07 PM

Sky reporting we’re in for Moosetapha Hadji

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Border villan on September 23, 2020, 08:55:25 PM

I will pay some of the doe for the next signing to end this punfest.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 23, 2020, 08:59:57 PM

Quote from: Clive W on September 23, 2020, 08:53:07 PM

Sky reporting we’re in for Moosetapha Hadji

Well done, that also covers the other pun fest.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 23, 2020, 09:10:07 PM

I'd like to tell some of you how shite your puns are but I haven't got the hart.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Border villan on September 23, 2020, 09:20:33 PM

This continues to stagger along.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Bad English on September 23, 2020, 09:24:41 PM

Really? I thought you would be game.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brian green on September 23, 2020, 09:27:52 PM

I gnu he would be.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Border villan on September 23, 2020, 09:36:24 PM

Let’s all agree to put this behind us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: tomd2103 on September 23, 2020, 09:47:25 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 23, 2020, 11:29:25 AM

David Gold was on Talksport this morning.  He didn't mention him by name, but basically the money they were bidding for Tarkowski was all they had. The skint pricks.

Thought Konsa was very assured the other night and seems to have struck up a good partnership with Mings, but Tarkowski would be a good signing for us. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on September 23, 2020, 10:05:30 PM

Wish I was as good as some of you at coming up with these puns on the hoof.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Londonvilla on September 23, 2020, 10:08:53 PM

According to Turkish outlet Skor. Galatasaray boss Faith Terim is keen on signing Villa winger Trezeguet before the transfer deadline in two weeks time

https://skor.sozcu.com.tr/2020/09/19/fatih-terimin-akli-trezeguetde-1529622/

https://www.footballfancast.com/aston-villa-transfer-rumours/villa-latest-news-trezeguet-future-exit-rumours-galatasaray-dean-smith-gossip

Is this new?
Not sue I would let him go this season unless we are going to bring in Sarr

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Fred Crump on September 23, 2020, 10:12:55 PM

Quote from: Border villan on September 23, 2020, 09:36:24 PM

Let’s all agree to put this behind us.

I’m sorry , I created a monster   :)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 23, 2020, 10:31:02 PM

Funnily enough just been looking at our DIY instant football squad signings from last summer (just add 100+m) and if you take out the likes of Mings/Konza/luiz who I presume everyone wants to keep, you're looking at the best part of 70m. Now call me perverse but after suffering the agony of watching a lot of them struggle to adapt over a premiership season or less and try and make the step-up, I'd like to see if they some of them have before binning them. The only one i'd been inclined to let go is Heaton, because he's 34, is a 1st choice quality 'keeper, cost 8m, and we have 3 other reserve standard keepers. I realise the summer outlay and the wage bill may not allow that luxury though....

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on September 23, 2020, 10:34:54 PM

Have to be impressed by the ambition Wolves are showing

Shopping in a more impressive shop than us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 23, 2020, 10:35:19 PM

Quote from: Fred Crump on September 23, 2020, 10:12:55 PM

I’m sorry , I created a monster   :)

Is that you admitting it wouldn't have happened "without me"?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 23, 2020, 10:36:56 PM

John Percy saying that we're looking at either Barkley or Loftus-Cheek on loan from Chelsea.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on September 23, 2020, 10:39:15 PM

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2020/09/23/aston-villa-consider-loan-move-chelseas-ross-barkley/

Quote

Aston Villa consider loan move for Chelsea's Ross Barkley
Ruben Loftus-Cheek another loan option but due to Premier League rules Villa will only be able to take one Chelsea player on temporary basis

By John Percy
23 September 2020 • 10:30pm

Aston Villa's head coach Dean Smith is weighing up a bid to sign Chelsea's Ross Barkley on loan.

Smith has prioritised a new 'No 8' as one of his final recruits in this transfer window and is considering a move to sign Barkley, the England international.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek is another loan option for Villa but due to Premier League rules Smith will only be able to take one Chelsea player on a temporary basis.

Barkley, 26, has appeared as a substitute for Chelsea in both games this season under Frank Lampard.

It is understood that Chelsea have demanded that any club pays Barkley his full £120,000-a-week salary if they take him on loan, and Villa are reluctant to agree a deal on those terms.

Loftus-Cheek, meanwhile, started in the 3-1 win over Brighton in their opening game but was left out of the squad for the Carabao Cup tie against Barnsley on Wednesday night.

Smith has made four major summer signings so far, with Ollie Watkins, Emiliano Martinez, Bertrand Traore and Matty Cash arriving.

After the 1-0 win over Sheffield United on Monday, Smith admitted that he is still hopeful of further additions.

He said: "I'm still discussing with [chief executive] Christian (Purslow) and [sporting director] Johan (Lange) about getting some more in but we'll have to see."

Villa are also keen to move on a number of fringe players to trim their squad, with Mbwana Samatta, Henri Lansbury, Frederic Guilbert, Bjorn Engels, Orjan Nyland and Lovre Kalinic likely to be made available.

Villa face Championship club Bristol City in the Carabao Cup on Thursday night, with Traore poised to make his debut.

Signed from Lyon for a fee worth up to £19 million, the former Chelsea winger missed the win over Sheffield United due to a delay over his work permit.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on September 23, 2020, 10:40:04 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 23, 2020, 10:36:56 PM

John Percy saying that we're looking at either Barkley or Loftus-Cheek on loan from Chelsea.

Yes please to the latter.  Would be a shrewd piece of business. Loan to buy I hope.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 23, 2020, 10:44:40 PM

Barkley, no. Loftus-Cheek loan to buy, so long as they can't cancel the permanent deal, yes.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 23, 2020, 10:45:34 PM

Keep forgetting Barkley is still young. He's a good player on his day, but he should score far more than he does

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on September 23, 2020, 10:45:54 PM

Either of them would be fine by me, though Loftus-Cheek much more so.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ian. on September 23, 2020, 10:56:19 PM

Having either of them would be brilliant business. We need it for sure, hope we get one of these done.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Arsey on September 23, 2020, 10:58:06 PM

Barkley’s on 120k a week!

Either would improve our midfield at the moment.

I’d be very concerned if we do not bring in another striker.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: tomd2103 on September 23, 2020, 11:08:36 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 23, 2020, 10:45:34 PM

Keep forgetting Barkley is still young. He's a good player on his day, but he should score far more than he does

I would say he is the exactly the kind of player we need if McGinn is going to play in a deeper role alongside Luiz.  Would be heavily dependent on his attitude and appetite for a move though - could have another Stephen Ireland written all over it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 23, 2020, 11:09:57 PM

I would take either happily. Loftus Cheek has greater potential but either would seriously improve out midfield.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 23, 2020, 11:13:36 PM

Chwek has a lot of strength and pace. I think Barkley has done pretty well at Chelsea myself, surprised at the lack of enthusiasm for him.

Fully appreciate his wages are high, but what would people really expect?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Hairbandinho on September 23, 2020, 11:14:54 PM

Don't want loans where we just help Chelsea and pay for the privilege to do so. Fail to see what we gain from it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: enigma on September 23, 2020, 11:16:07 PM

Yes to either of them. Can't belive people think Barkley isn't good enough for us. Good player who can be excellent on his day.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 23, 2020, 11:16:57 PM

Lampard came in for a lot of stick for picking Loftus-Cheek against Brighton and then he's not been in the squad for the Liverpool or cup games. With Barkley being involved, you can see Loftus-Cheek being more realistic. They would want to give him regular football for him to recovery from his injury. Loftus-Cheek apparently worked hard on his rehab which bodes well for his attitude.

Both will want regular football to get into the England squad next summer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on September 23, 2020, 11:19:26 PM

I’d take either but prefer RLC , I’d ask them about Hudson Odoi as well while we’re at it!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 23, 2020, 11:19:40 PM

Needs must, players move on a lot these days, some permanent signings are glorified loans in a sense (Guilbert, Engels, Samatta could all be moved on after a year or less with us) so I'm not against one or two borrowed players that would be difficult to sign permanently. 

Barkeley flatters to deceive still and hasn't kicked-on from the rave reviews he got as a teen but he would still offer more presence and attacking threat from open play than Nakamba and Conor, maybe even McGinn.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on September 23, 2020, 11:23:14 PM

I think if you are spending 100m+ on permanent signings we can’t really quibble if the club want to bring in one or two loans to supplement the squad for the season.  Both are good players & would provide high level competition to Douglas / McGinn etc and hopefully push them onto greater performances

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 23, 2020, 11:23:50 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 23, 2020, 11:13:36 PM

Chwek has a lot of strength and pace. I think Barkley has done pretty well at Chelsea myself, surprised at the lack of enthusiasm for him.

Fully appreciate his wages are high, but what would people really expect?

Agreed. He’s a good player. He would stand out in our midfield, less so in a team like Chelsea where he is surrounded by better talent. Both are good. I suppose RLC has greater potential but concerning that at 24 he really hasn’t played a lot of football for one reason or another. Barkley is just at that right age though to really come through and be a solid player for next 3-4 years.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 23, 2020, 11:25:15 PM

Barkley would be a step up from SJM which I think he needs in terms of a challenge but also so we can use his energy sparingly.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 23, 2020, 11:33:27 PM

Quote from: tomd2103 on September 23, 2020, 11:08:36 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 23, 2020, 10:45:34 PM

Keep forgetting Barkley is still young. He's a good player on his day, but he should score far more than he does

I would say he is the exactly the kind of player we need if McGinn is going to play in a deeper role alongside Luiz.  Would be heavily dependent on his attitude and appetite for a move though - could have another Stephen Ireland written all over it.

Oh don't get me wrong i'd take him, especially with his premiership experience. The other thing is he didn't cost them that much in modern transfer terms so if he did join on a loan to buy i'd imagine a deal could be done without breaking the bank if he was a success

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 23, 2020, 11:46:39 PM

Quote from: Hairbandinho on September 23, 2020, 11:14:54 PM

Don't want loans where we just help Chelsea and pay for the privilege to do so. Fail to see what we gain from it.

Talk it would go to permanent next summer if he'd play enough games/impress enough.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Fred Crump on September 23, 2020, 11:52:44 PM

Either , but I think Loftus-Cheek has the greater potential and could be really exciting. We really need an athletic, box to box midfielder. He reminds me of Ian Taylor, but not so good, obviously.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Fred Crump on September 23, 2020, 11:59:35 PM

Still think we desperately need a decent left back but Smith seems to have a blind spot about Targett, so I don’t think it will happen for a moment.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on September 24, 2020, 12:27:04 AM

The midfield positioning we need strengthening though is next to Luiz, ultimately replacing Nakamba and pushing Hourihane to the bench. Barkley isn't that player anyway, has no tactical or positional discipline whatsoever. Not sure we need another attacking midfielder. Trying to fit Traore, McGinn, Grealish and possibly still Rashica in will be a challenge. Perhaps more competition for McGinn would be good but LB particularly and LCM are still the two priority positions for me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 24, 2020, 12:28:51 AM

Ante Budimir ?

https://www.marca.com/en/football/spanish-football/2020/09/23/5f6b41c622601d57198b45c9.html

( he was mentioned earlier, but it got lost in amongst all antler wordplay)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 24, 2020, 12:32:54 AM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 24, 2020, 12:27:04 AM

The midfield positioning we need strengthening though is next to Luiz, ultimately replacing Nakamba and pushing Hourihane to the bench. Barkley isn't that player anyway, has no tactical or positional discipline whatsoever. Not sure we need another attacking midfielder. Trying to fit Traore, McGinn, Grealish and possibly still Rashica in will be a challenge. Perhaps more competition for McGinn would be good but LB particularly and LCM are still the two priority positions for me.

Is there any reason McGinn couldn't play as a left sided central midfielder? Assuming that we buy/loan another midfielder who is pre dominantly right footed.

Unless Taylor moves on I doubt signing a left back is going to happen.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on September 24, 2020, 12:45:54 AM

Quote from: danno on September 24, 2020, 12:32:54 AM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 24, 2020, 12:27:04 AM

The midfield positioning we need strengthening though is next to Luiz, ultimately replacing Nakamba and pushing Hourihane to the bench. Barkley isn't that player anyway, has no tactical or positional discipline whatsoever. Not sure we need another attacking midfielder. Trying to fit Traore, McGinn, Grealish and possibly still Rashica in will be a challenge. Perhaps more competition for McGinn would be good but LB particularly and LCM are still the two priority positions for me.

Is there any reason McGinn couldn't play as a left sided central midfielder? Assuming that we buy/loan another midfielder who is pre dominantly right footed.

Unless Taylor moves on I doubt signing a left back is going to happen.

McGinn struggled there in the championship so a definite no for me. Same problem as Barkley regarding tactical discipline, general fitness/mobility concerns and his range of passing is quite limited. He's at his best running with the ball and bum rolling. Trying that in front of our box is asking for trouble.

If/when his forms turns around he was at his best for us as an inside right I think (JM/JG/AA) with an overlapping full back outside him. But with Traore coming in I don't think it's being considered. McGinns form needs to improve either way.

Seems that way at LB alright but I think that's a grave error of judgement from Smith if so. Matt Targett is dreadful and Taylor isn't good enough for a decent championship team.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 24, 2020, 12:53:22 AM

Yes, I think I imagined Luiz sitting with two others bombing forward. A brief second contemplating a midfield three of Luiz McGinn and Barkley trying to defend did make me laugh.

I think I'd prefer us to be linked with one of those boring English holding midfielders Southgate seems so enamoured with.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ktvillan on September 24, 2020, 01:25:07 AM

Quote from: danno on September 24, 2020, 12:28:51 AM

Ante Budimir ?

https://www.marca.com/en/football/spanish-football/2020/09/23/5f6b41c622601d57198b45c9.html

( he was mentioned earlier, but it got lost in amongst all antler wordplay)

We don't have a great track record with Croatians do we? Balaban and Kalisinic - anyone else?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on September 24, 2020, 06:47:22 AM

Quote from: danno on September 24, 2020, 12:53:22 AM

Yes, I think I imagined Luiz sitting with two others bombing forward. A brief second contemplating a midfield three of Luiz McGinn and Barkley trying to defend did make me laugh.

I think I'd prefer us to be linked with one of those boring English holding midfielders Southgate seems so enamoured with.

Didn’t Loftus-Cheek play DCM for Crystal Palace, the form that got him into the England squad/team?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 24, 2020, 07:32:25 AM

Quote from: Dante Lavelli on September 24, 2020, 06:47:22 AM

Quote from: danno on September 24, 2020, 12:53:22 AM

Yes, I think I imagined Luiz sitting with two others bombing forward. A brief second contemplating a midfield three of Luiz McGinn and Barkley trying to defend did make me laugh.

I think I'd prefer us to be linked with one of those boring English holding midfielders Southgate seems so enamoured with.

Didn’t Loftus-Cheek play DCM for Crystal Palace, the form that got him into the England squad/team?

According to Transfermarkt, he played either left midfield or central, but a few games in defensive midfield that season. I like him as a player, good size, good ability. Just needs someone to make him their top dog in a position and be allowed to develop, and long term think he would be a really good fit.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: manic-road on September 24, 2020, 07:57:21 AM

Links to Loftus Cheek and Barkley! Yes to both, we lack quality competition in midfield.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 24, 2020, 08:12:26 AM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 23, 2020, 10:34:54 PM

Have to be impressed by the ambition Wolves are showing

Shopping in a more impressive shop than us.

A closed one? Owned by Mendes?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 24, 2020, 08:18:02 AM

I'd be very happy with Loftus-Cheek, not so much Barkley, I've never rated him. He has talent, but his decision making is woeful.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 24, 2020, 08:22:16 AM

L-Cheek, first choice - has he also played temporary CB in his career?
I think we lack that physicality in MF that he would bring.
If we could get him on a perm and bring in Barkley as a loan; that would be amazing business.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on September 24, 2020, 08:22:53 AM

Quote from: LeeB on September 24, 2020, 08:12:26 AM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 23, 2020, 10:34:54 PM

Have to be impressed by the ambition Wolves are showing

Shopping in a more impressive shop than us.

A closed one? Owned by Mendes?

Samedo who they’ve been linked with for £30m hasn’t done anything to justify that sort of fee, granted he’s younger and probably will get better under the right coach but he’s half the player of Doherty. Maybe the wolves system will suit him better.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Marlon From Bearwood on September 24, 2020, 08:24:43 AM

If Spurs really are willing to release Ryan Sessignon surely he’d be well worth a season loan with option to buy. Covers left back or left midfield. Scores goals too.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 24, 2020, 08:26:49 AM

Quote from: Marlon From Bearwood on September 24, 2020, 08:24:43 AM

If Spurs really are willing to release Ryan Sessignon surely he’d be well worth a season loan with option to buy. Covers left back or left midfield. Scores goals too.

Yeah, I'd be all over that one.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 24, 2020, 08:31:36 AM

Quote from: Bent Neilsens Screamer on September 24, 2020, 08:22:53 AM

Quote from: LeeB on September 24, 2020, 08:12:26 AM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 23, 2020, 10:34:54 PM

Have to be impressed by the ambition Wolves are showing

Shopping in a more impressive shop than us.

A closed one? Owned by Mendes?

Samedo who they’ve been linked with for £30m hasn’t done anything to justify that sort of fee, granted he’s younger and probably will get better under the right coach but he’s half the player of Doherty. Maybe the wolves system will suit him better.

Barcelona are signing Max Aarons from Norwich to replace Samedo for £20m. Wouldn't it make more sense for Wolves to go for him? Or are they not allowed to?

And Doherty for £14m, a player at the top of his game, to one of your rivals, but £30m for a player surplus to requirements at Barcelona? And £30m on an 18 year old to replace Jota?

Nothing to see here, move along.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 24, 2020, 08:32:55 AM

Quote from: LeeB on September 24, 2020, 08:26:49 AM

Quote from: Marlon From Bearwood on September 24, 2020, 08:24:43 AM

If Spurs really are willing to release Ryan Sessignon surely he’d be well worth a season loan with option to buy. Covers left back or left midfield. Scores goals too.

Yeah, I'd be all over that one.

And me. I wonder whether he's anchored to London like Eze though. Lots of young people from London genuinely think that it's a wilderness out there beyond the orbital.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villatillidie25 on September 24, 2020, 08:38:33 AM

Not sure it’s nothing to see. Losing Jota and Doherty is a blow for them, yes. But they’d already got podence and neto in last season, both who look decent.
They’ve then gone and bought one of the most highly rated youngsters in Europe in silva and Barcelona’s right back. Irrespective of whether they think he’s surplus to requirements, he played 30-40 games last year for one of the biggest clubs on the planet.
Now I don’t think we’re q there yet and they have the Mendes factor but they are definitely statement signings.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Chris Smith on September 24, 2020, 08:40:56 AM

Quote from: LeeB on September 24, 2020, 08:18:02 AM

I'd be very happy with Loftus-Cheek, not so much Barkley, I've never rated him. He has talent, but his decision making is woeful.

Agree on both counts, Barkley never lived up to the early hype.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 24, 2020, 08:41:39 AM

Quote from: LeeB on September 24, 2020, 08:26:49 AM

Quote from: Marlon From Bearwood on September 24, 2020, 08:24:43 AM

If Spurs really are willing to release Ryan Sessignon surely he’d be well worth a season loan with option to buy. Covers left back or left midfield. Scores goals too.

Yeah, I'd be all over that one.

Definitely, but will they loan him or insist on a ridiculous fee?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 24, 2020, 08:45:40 AM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 24, 2020, 08:41:39 AM

Quote from: LeeB on September 24, 2020, 08:26:49 AM

Quote from: Marlon From Bearwood on September 24, 2020, 08:24:43 AM

If Spurs really are willing to release Ryan Sessignon surely he’d be well worth a season loan with option to buy. Covers left back or left midfield. Scores goals too.

Yeah, I'd be all over that one.

Definitely, but will they loan him or insist on a ridiculous fee?

Probably, given what they've shelled out for Bale.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 24, 2020, 08:48:20 AM

Quote from: Hairbandinho on September 23, 2020, 11:14:54 PM

Don't want loans where we just help Chelsea and pay for the privilege to do so. Fail to see what we gain from it.

Survival in the premier league?  A good season where we have been seen to kick on and can attract even better players next season?  A team better equipped for a good cup run?  A chance for Luiz and McGinn to develop alongside an equally quality player?  More squad depth at minimal costs?  A higher placed PL finish with more prize money?

Other than this I can't think of much either.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brian green on September 24, 2020, 08:53:32 AM

I know this is not the place for it but I cannot help seeing in that withering riposte the way one has been forced to resist Brexit.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 24, 2020, 08:54:01 AM

Quote from: Villatillidie25 on September 24, 2020, 08:38:33 AM

Not sure it’s nothing to see. Losing Jota and Doherty is a blow for them, yes. But they’d already got podence and neto in last season, both who look decent.
They’ve then gone and bought one of the most highly rated youngsters in Europe in silva and Barcelona’s right back. Irrespective of whether they think he’s surplus to requirements, he played 30-40 games last year for one of the biggest clubs on the planet.
Now I don’t think we’re q there yet and they have the Mendes factor but they are definitely statement signings.

But why then are one of the biggest clubs on the planet getting shot of him and replacing him with a promising kid that has had one season of top flight football?

Teams like Barcelona don't generally give up players they rate, they don't get their arms twisted by the likes of Wulvz. The deal suits them and suits Mendes, and may well suit Wulvz, but the priorities are in that order.

And the boy wonder may well be that, but 18 is very young to adapt to another culture and style of play. Good luck to him, if it doesn't work out for him he could make a career as a Harpo Marx-a-like.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 24, 2020, 08:56:07 AM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 24, 2020, 08:48:20 AM

Quote from: Hairbandinho on September 23, 2020, 11:14:54 PM

Don't want loans where we just help Chelsea and pay for the privilege to do so. Fail to see what we gain from it.

Survival in the premier league?  A good season where we have been seen to kick on and can attract even better players next season?  A team better equipped for a good cup run?  A chance for Luiz and McGinn to develop alongside an equally quality player?  More squad depth at minimal costs?  A higher placed PL finish with more prize money?

Other than this I can't think of much either.

“All right, but apart from the sanitation, the medicine, education, wine, public order, irrigation, roads, a fresh water system, and public health..........."

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 24, 2020, 08:56:45 AM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 24, 2020, 08:48:20 AM

Quote from: Hairbandinho on September 23, 2020, 11:14:54 PM

Don't want loans where we just help Chelsea and pay for the privilege to do so. Fail to see what we gain from it.

Survival in the premier league?  A good season where we have been seen to kick on and can attract even better players next season?  A team better equipped for a good cup run?  A chance for Luiz and McGinn to develop alongside an equally quality player?  More squad depth at minimal costs?  A higher placed PL finish with more prize money?

Other than this I can't think of much either.

And, Chris? What have the Romans ever done for us???  ;D  Well put!


Ideally, we'd buy L-Cheek and also get a deal on Sessegnon. The latter would sort out LB and give us another winger-option.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 24, 2020, 08:58:54 AM

Quote from: LeeB on September 24, 2020, 08:18:02 AM

I'd be very happy with Loftus-Cheek, not so much Barkley, I've never rated him. He has talent, but his decision making is woeful.

I'd prefer Loftus-Cheek, but would be happy with Barkley as well.  Both are much better than McGinn and Hourihane.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 24, 2020, 09:03:41 AM

Quote from: Risso on September 24, 2020, 08:58:54 AM

Quote from: LeeB on September 24, 2020, 08:18:02 AM

I'd be very happy with Loftus-Cheek, not so much Barkley, I've never rated him. He has talent, but his decision making is woeful.

I'd prefer Loftus-Cheek, but would be happy with Barkley as well.  Both are much better than McGinn and Hourihane.

The latter yes, the former no. McGinn may be struggling for a bit of form but it will come.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on September 24, 2020, 09:06:36 AM

Quote from: Risso on September 24, 2020, 08:58:54 AM

Quote from: LeeB on September 24, 2020, 08:18:02 AM

I'd be very happy with Loftus-Cheek, not so much Barkley, I've never rated him. He has talent, but his decision making is woeful.

I'd prefer Loftus-Cheek, but would be happy with Barkley as well.  Both are much better than McGinn and Hourihane.

Anyone remember the heady days when we thought John McGinn was a £50 million footballer?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 24, 2020, 09:07:14 AM

McGinn at his best isn't as good as Barkley.  Let's be realistic, he's only shown it in the Championship.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 24, 2020, 09:08:16 AM

my worry with Loftus-cheek is he basically missed a year with injury so how long will it take for him to get back to speed? I can't see them letting him go yet so would we just be getting him fit for them? Barkley at 26 is up and running now, and if he cuts the mustard I reckon a deal could be done next summer rather than having the problem of again looking for a replacement.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: baddowvillans on September 24, 2020, 09:08:43 AM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 23, 2020, 07:06:02 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 23, 2020, 07:03:59 PM

Quote from: baddowvillans on September 23, 2020, 06:22:38 PM

Quiet on the transfer front - clearly we won't bring out the big bucks!

It makes we laugh when we go four days without signing a player and people say it's gone quiet and it means we won't spend big money. 🙄

Wasn't this part of the deer puns?

It was - and obviously so I thought. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: TaxDodger on September 24, 2020, 09:13:36 AM

Quote from: Risso on September 24, 2020, 09:07:14 AM

McGinn at his best isn't as good as Barkley.  Let's be realistic, he's only shown it in the Championship.

He isn't as technically skillful, but I'd still rather have the pre-injury John McGinn in my team than either Barkley or Loftus-Cheek. I still wouldn't turn my nose up at either of them on loan though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 24, 2020, 09:14:16 AM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 24, 2020, 09:08:16 AM

my worry with Loftus-cheek is he basically missed a year with injury so how long will it take for him to get back to speed? I can't see them letting him go yet so would we just be getting him fit for them? Barkley at 26 is up and running now, and if he cuts the mustard I reckon a deal could be done next summer rather than having the problem of again looking for a replacement.

McGinn's injury hasn't done him any favours either, so we defintely need a new CM to take the pressure off him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sid1964 on September 24, 2020, 09:24:26 AM

If lofted cheek is available on loan then I think he will have better choices than us

Teams that are involved in European competition will want him

Barclay £100k + a week seems a lot for a player who has not been playing a lot of football recently

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on September 24, 2020, 09:26:12 AM

Quote from: LeeB on September 24, 2020, 08:31:36 AM

Quote from: Bent Neilsens Screamer on September 24, 2020, 08:22:53 AM

Quote from: LeeB on September 24, 2020, 08:12:26 AM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 23, 2020, 10:34:54 PM

Have to be impressed by the ambition Wolves are showing

Shopping in a more impressive shop than us.

A closed one? Owned by Mendes?

Samedo who they’ve been linked with for £30m hasn’t done anything to justify that sort of fee, granted he’s younger and probably will get better under the right coach but he’s half the player of Doherty. Maybe the wolves system will suit him better.

Barcelona are signing Max Aarons from Norwich to replace Samedo for £20m. Wouldn't it make more sense for Wolves to go for him? Or are they not allowed to?

And Doherty for £14m, a player at the top of his game, to one of your rivals, but £30m for a player surplus to requirements at Barcelona? And £30m on an 18 year old to replace Jota?

Nothing to see here, move along.

Something smells fishy...and I’m not talking about the contents of Baldricks apple crumble.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 24, 2020, 09:29:32 AM

Quote from: Risso on September 24, 2020, 09:14:16 AM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 24, 2020, 09:08:16 AM

my worry with Loftus-cheek is he basically missed a year with injury so how long will it take for him to get back to speed? I can't see them letting him go yet so would we just be getting him fit for them? Barkley at 26 is up and running now, and if he cuts the mustard I reckon a deal could be done next summer rather than having the problem of again looking for a replacement.

McGinn's injury hasn't done him any favours either, so we defintely need a new CM to take the pressure off him.

Wouldn't disagree. Just not sure RLC is upto speed yet. By all accounts he was terrible in their 1st game and has struggled since he's returned from injury.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 24, 2020, 09:43:32 AM

Barclay could be an outstanding signing.  I understand the Drinkwater / Ireland type worry, but he's 26 and has real quality.  If he wants the move I'd much rather spend a loan fee / wages on him than speculate £6-7m on an unknown from Europe.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dazvillain on September 24, 2020, 09:45:31 AM

I thought we only needed about 4/5 newbies but the more I’m looking into it as of now, without Engels , we need another CB, midfielder to take some pressure off SJM , if Lansbury and Jota go maybe another for some bench competition. The bit I can’t get at mo is with vassilev on loan and Samatta seemingly likely to go on loan too , we’re shaping our goal scorers in to the lightest part of squad again . Traore can play part wing/ part striker but back up to Watkins looking extremely poor currently .
So with 3 or 4 in at mo it seems we still need another 4 or 5

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 24, 2020, 09:45:38 AM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 24, 2020, 09:43:32 AM

Barclay could be an outstanding signing.  I understand the Drinkwater / Ireland type worry, but he's 26 and has real quality.  If he wants the move I'd much rather spend a loan fee / wages on him than speculate £6-7m on an unknown from Europe.

It may be bollocks, of course, but I read something on Twitter earlier suggesting that he was reluctant to come to us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 24, 2020, 09:48:00 AM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 24, 2020, 09:45:38 AM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 24, 2020, 09:43:32 AM

Barclay could be an outstanding signing.  I understand the Drinkwater / Ireland type worry, but he's 26 and has real quality.  If he wants the move I'd much rather spend a loan fee / wages on him than speculate £6-7m on an unknown from Europe.

It may be bollocks, of course, but I read something on Twitter earlier suggesting that he was reluctant to come to us.

If that was true then I'd be a lot more cautious.  But I can't see a top 6 club coming in for him so unless Everton take him I don't see why he wouldn't give us a go for a year as he's got nothing to lose.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave P on September 24, 2020, 09:55:52 AM

Ross Barklay is just what we need imo. He will allow McGinn, Luiz and the front line to play their natural games.  Would love him here.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 24, 2020, 10:02:04 AM

Quote from: Dave P on September 24, 2020, 09:55:52 AM

Ross Barklay is just what we need imo. He will allow McGinn, Luiz and the front line to play their natural games.  Would love him here.

I'm not sure what you mean by saying it would allow McGinn and Luiz to play their natural game.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 24, 2020, 10:15:11 AM

I'm warming to Barkley. Plus there seems to be a window of opportunity for a transfer. He's had 2 and half years of mega money. Next summer that will be 3 and a half years. He'll be 27 with 2 years left, so a transfer deal with a 4 year contract would suit him and our Logans run recruitment policy. He only cost 15m so the fee is unlikely to be massive. Also he's managed 48 games a season for chelsea so obviously no fitness problems there. All this on the proviso he's actually any good for us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dazvillain on September 24, 2020, 10:24:32 AM

I thought our current loans these days were all signed loan with option to buy, apart from Drinkwater !

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Flamingo Lane on September 24, 2020, 10:24:42 AM

Perhaps the game has become too sophisticated for me to understand, but Loftus Cheek is a player whose role in a team I have yet to fathom.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on September 24, 2020, 10:32:03 AM

Barclay played a fair bit last season (~30 games, plus 8 games in an England shirt) and the season before (~40 games, plus 3 games for England).  I'd be pretty up for taking him.

For me, loan with an option to buy would be perfect.  If he does turn out to be another Drinkwater, we can send him back after a year.  If he fits in well (I think he will), then we've bagged ourselves a good player.  It's also good for Jack, since he'll be forming a partnership with an existing England regular, showing they can play together etc. etc.

Think one thing (of many) that we need to be looking at long term is to put Villa back in a place where, if you're in the Villa first team, there's also a decent chance of being in the England squad too.  I think a good way of doing that is to buy a few existing England internationals.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 24, 2020, 10:35:42 AM

Can I humbly point out that his name isn't Barclay.  Thank you.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 24, 2020, 10:43:06 AM

Since Kozak retired, financial regulations pun-fests (Libor et al.) have been scant. Really scant. So, I'd give algy a free pass on this.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villa Lew on September 24, 2020, 10:54:22 AM

If you're looking at a loan move you're not gonna get much better than Ross Barkley, not good enough now to start for Chelsea, but would definitely improve our midfield and of course a very experienced Premier League player.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 24, 2020, 10:56:00 AM

The Athletic's Chelsea reporter says they'd prefer to sell rather than loan. I guess that could feed into his reluctance to come (if indeed there is any).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 24, 2020, 11:08:27 AM

I'm getting myself all worked up over Barkley signing now and it's all going to be twitter bollocks isn't ot?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on September 24, 2020, 11:12:16 AM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 24, 2020, 11:08:27 AM

I'm getting myself all worked up over Barkley signing now and it's all going to be twitter bollocks isn't ot?

Think he is most likely to be used as a makeweight as part of the Rice to Chelsea deal. Moyes has managed him before of course.

Chelsea's squad is bloated in the extreme in terms of numbers and they need to get players out. If Rashica isn't coming could we go all out for Hudson-Odoi instead?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithe on September 24, 2020, 11:21:00 AM

I dont think there is anything particularly awry about the Tatters buying Semedo, Barca are short of a bit of cash and need to get money in and wages off the books so Koeman can bring in his own players, they didn't rate him enough to increase his wages and extend his contract and they've now sold him for over the odds.

Barca are pretty much top of the food chain, they dont sell anyone they want to keep, even if Mendes asks them to.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithe on September 24, 2020, 11:21:30 AM

The Rashica stuff seems to have gone very quiet.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 24, 2020, 11:22:33 AM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 24, 2020, 11:12:16 AM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 24, 2020, 11:08:27 AM

I'm getting myself all worked up over Barkley signing now and it's all going to be twitter bollocks isn't ot?

Think he is most likely to be used as a makeweight as part of the Rice to Chelsea deal. Moyes has managed him before of course.

Chelsea's squad is bloated in the extreme in terms of numbers and they need to get players out. If Rashica isn't coming could we go all out for Hudson-Odoi instead?

Moyes may have managed him before, but they were hardly like Dean and Jack, I'm not sure he'd be too keen to play for him again.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Tony Boucher on September 24, 2020, 11:22:40 AM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 24, 2020, 11:08:27 AM

I'm getting myself all worked up over Barkley signing now and it's all going to be twitter bollocks isn't ot?

Unlikely, since it's been reported by the likes of John Percy - that's not to say it's going to happen, but there's a decent chance there's some substance to it

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 24, 2020, 11:23:05 AM

I'd be disappointed if he chose west ham over us really if it wasn't a London thing. They're in a mess with players slagging off the board, they've basically told the world how skint they are, and if Rice goes he'd be joining a team who've sold their best player. I've always seen Barkley as quite ambitious with a high opinion of his own worth, so fecking off to them would be a bit strange when you can join a side the likes of Grealish in it. Okay so we're a work in progress, but west ham look like they're only going one way.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 24, 2020, 11:25:53 AM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 24, 2020, 11:23:05 AM

I'd be disappointed if he chose west ham over us really if it wasn't a London thing. They're in a mess with players slagging off the board, they've basically told the world how skint they are, and if Rice goes he'd be joining a team who've sold their best player. I've always seen Barkley as quite ambitious with a high opinion of his own worth, so fecking off to them would be a bit strange when you can join a side the likes of Grealish in it. Okay so we're a work in progress, but west ham look like they're only going one way.

That's my take on it too, but with £80m from the Rice deal they could afford to give him a fat contract and he wouldn't need to move house. West Ham is a graveyard for once-promising players though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: maidstonevillain on September 24, 2020, 11:37:01 AM

Quote from: PeterWithe on September 24, 2020, 11:21:30 AM

The Rashica stuff seems to have gone very quiet.

Which on the basis of last year, likely means it's going to happen.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 24, 2020, 11:45:06 AM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 24, 2020, 11:25:53 AM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 24, 2020, 11:23:05 AM

I'd be disappointed if he chose west ham over us really if it wasn't a London thing. They're in a mess with players slagging off the board, they've basically told the world how skint they are, and if Rice goes he'd be joining a team who've sold their best player. I've always seen Barkley as quite ambitious with a high opinion of his own worth, so fecking off to them would be a bit strange when you can join a side the likes of Grealish in it. Okay so we're a work in progress, but west ham look like they're only going one way.

That's my take on it too, but with £80m from the Rice deal they could afford to give him a fat contract and he wouldn't need to move house. West Ham is a graveyard for once-promising players though.

If you'd heard Sullivan's interview yesterday, there's no way they're paying massive salaries any more.  The £30m for Tarkowski and his wages is all the money they've got, and even that's a stretch.  Even with £80m for Rice, don't think they'd be splashing £20m+ on Barkley and £5m+  year on wages.  They are, to quote PWS, skint pricks.  Their defence is shit, and they're fairly well stocked with attacking players.  If they do sell Rice, they'll end up paying £45m for Tarkowski.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: in exile on September 24, 2020, 11:59:57 AM

I'd rather buy Tammy and loan one of the others or loan Tammy and buy one of the others.
I think we have more chance of securing Loftus-Cheek than Berkley either way.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on September 24, 2020, 12:01:23 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 24, 2020, 11:45:06 AM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 24, 2020, 11:25:53 AM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 24, 2020, 11:23:05 AM

I'd be disappointed if he chose west ham over us really if it wasn't a London thing. They're in a mess with players slagging off the board, they've basically told the world how skint they are, and if Rice goes he'd be joining a team who've sold their best player. I've always seen Barkley as quite ambitious with a high opinion of his own worth, so fecking off to them would be a bit strange when you can join a side the likes of Grealish in it. Okay so we're a work in progress, but west ham look like they're only going one way.

That's my take on it too, but with £80m from the Rice deal they could afford to give him a fat contract and he wouldn't need to move house. West Ham is a graveyard for once-promising players though.

If you'd heard Sullivan's interview yesterday, there's no way they're paying massive salaries any more.  The £30m for Tarkowski and his wages is all the money they've got, and even that's a stretch.  Even with £80m for Rice, don't think they'd be splashing £20m+ on Barkley and £5m+  year on wages.  They are, to quote PWS, skint pricks.  Their defence is shit, and they're fairly well stocked with attacking players.  If they do sell Rice, they'll end up paying £45m for Tarkowski.

Signing for West Ham always has a ring of 'end of career' about it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on September 24, 2020, 12:05:27 PM

if Chelsea want to offload any of Tammy, Barkley, Loftus-Cheek and Hudson-Udoi we shoud be trying to buy or loan to buy as many as possible. All good young players better than we have.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 24, 2020, 12:06:24 PM

They have David Moyes as manager. The most grim, grey, never won anything boring as fuck manager from a period long gone you can ever imagine. And they brought him back after firing him. The porn twats deserve all of the failure coming their way.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Smithy on September 24, 2020, 12:10:14 PM

Not sure it's been mentioned elsewhere in the thread, but premier league rules mean we can only loan two players at any one time, and only 1 from any other premier league club.

So if we're interested in Barkely and Loftus-Cheek, we're only going to be able to loan one of them - and then a loan for Tammy is definitely off the table.

We could of course just buy all three and be done with it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Smithy on September 24, 2020, 12:12:02 PM

It's a good year to be approaching English fringe players at the top clubs, given the Euros are at the end of the season.  Jack's broken into the squad ahead of people like Barkley and RLC, so there's definitely a selling point that playing regularly - and well - for us, gets you a place in the England squad.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 24, 2020, 12:13:31 PM

I reckon Barkley is worried that Jack will make him look shite in comparison if he joined us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on September 24, 2020, 12:20:29 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on September 24, 2020, 12:05:27 PM

if Chelsea want to offload any of Tammy, Barkley, Loftus-Cheek and Hudson-Udoi we shoud be trying to buy or loan to buy as many as possible. All good young players better than we have.

I am not a big fan of Barkley. The other three are quality and at the right age.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Axl Rose on September 24, 2020, 12:26:35 PM

Don't like Barkley. A rubbish run of the mill midfielder. A Southgate type of player. No.

Loftus Cheek, yes!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave P on September 24, 2020, 12:27:19 PM

Quote from: Clampy on September 24, 2020, 10:02:04 AM

Quote from: Dave P on September 24, 2020, 09:55:52 AM

Ross Barklay is just what we need imo. He will allow McGinn, Luiz and the front line to play their natural games.  Would love him here.

I'm not sure what you mean by saying it would allow McGinn and Luiz to play their natural game.

Luiz can sit and McGinn can go chasing the ball knowing a quality midfielder is beside them.  I like Conor but not sure he has the same effect on the team in open play.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on September 24, 2020, 12:34:48 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 24, 2020, 08:54:01 AM

Quote from: Villatillidie25 on September 24, 2020, 08:38:33 AM

Not sure it’s nothing to see. Losing Jota and Doherty is a blow for them, yes. But they’d already got podence and neto in last season, both who look decent.
They’ve then gone and bought one of the most highly rated youngsters in Europe in silva and Barcelona’s right back. Irrespective of whether they think he’s surplus to requirements, he played 30-40 games last year for one of the biggest clubs on the planet.
Now I don’t think we’re q there yet and they have the Mendes factor but they are definitely statement signings.

But why then are one of the biggest clubs on the planet getting shot of him and replacing him with a promising kid that has had one season of top flight football?

Teams like Barcelona don't generally give up players they rate, they don't get their arms twisted by the likes of Wulvz. The deal suits them and suits Mendes, and may well suit Wulvz, but the priorities are in that order.

And the boy wonder may well be that, but 18 is very young to adapt to another culture and style of play. Good luck to him, if it doesn't work out for him he could make a career as a Harpo Marx-a-like.

I was going to comment on the Harpo Marx reference but I couldn't find my bulbhorn.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on September 24, 2020, 12:38:47 PM

I wouldn't swap McGinn for Barkley.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Axl Rose on September 24, 2020, 12:43:58 PM

Quote from: Damo70 on September 24, 2020, 12:38:47 PM

I wouldn't swap McGinn for Barkley.

I wouldn't swap Lansbury for Barkley. Haha.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on September 24, 2020, 12:53:53 PM

Quote from: Damo70 on September 24, 2020, 12:38:47 PM

I wouldn't swap McGinn for Barkley.

I would, and give them some cash too. I like McGinn but he has shown nothing like the quality Barkley has at this level and is in terrible form following two injuries.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 24, 2020, 01:01:51 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on September 24, 2020, 12:53:53 PM

Quote from: Damo70 on September 24, 2020, 12:38:47 PM

I wouldn't swap McGinn for Barkley.

I would, and give them some cash too. I like McGinn but he has shown nothing like the quality Barkley has at this level and is in terrible form following two injuries.

I think that's a terrible idea personally.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sid1964 on September 24, 2020, 01:02:30 PM

 We will soon have more players than there were actors in the film of Ben Hur

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: enigma on September 24, 2020, 01:05:09 PM

Quote from: PeterWithe on September 24, 2020, 11:21:00 AM

Barca are pretty much top of the food chain, they dont sell anyone they want to keep

Except Neymar!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on September 24, 2020, 01:07:08 PM

Quote from: enigma on September 24, 2020, 01:05:09 PM

Quote from: PeterWithe on September 24, 2020, 11:21:00 AM

Barca are pretty much top of the food chain, they dont sell anyone they want to keep

Except Neymar!

Literally except Neymar, and they've responded by making their release fees even more absurdly high, to the extent that they can even keep Messi when he said publicly he wanted to go.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave shelley on September 24, 2020, 01:09:54 PM

[quote a  author=sid1964 link=topic=60987.msg3834020#msg3834020 date=1600948950]
 We will soon have more players than there were actors in the film of Ben Hur


[/quote]

I'll see your Ben Hur and raise you a Gandhi.  ;)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: enigma on September 24, 2020, 01:10:28 PM

Quote from: Monty on September 24, 2020, 01:07:08 PM

Quote from: enigma on September 24, 2020, 01:05:09 PM

Quote from: PeterWithe on September 24, 2020, 11:21:00 AM

Barca are pretty much top of the food chain, they dont sell anyone they want to keep

Except Neymar!

Literally except Neymar, and they've responded by making their release fees even more absurdly high, to the extent that they can even keep Messi when he said publicly he wanted to go.

Figo!

But yes, I'm being facetious of course. Although with Messi it was the timing more than the release clause that meant they got to keep him. Covid basically put the kybosh on that one.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on September 24, 2020, 01:11:40 PM

Quote from: enigma on September 24, 2020, 01:10:28 PM

Quote from: Monty on September 24, 2020, 01:07:08 PM

Quote from: enigma on September 24, 2020, 01:05:09 PM

Quote from: PeterWithe on September 24, 2020, 11:21:00 AM

Barca are pretty much top of the food chain, they dont sell anyone they want to keep

Except Neymar!

Literally except Neymar, and they've responded by making their release fees even more absurdly high, to the extent that they can even keep Messi when he said publicly he wanted to go.

Figo!

But yes, I'm being facetious of course. Although with Messi it was the timing more than the release clause that meant they got to keep him. Covid basically put the kybosh on that one.

Ah Figo, that brings back memories.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 24, 2020, 01:14:24 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 24, 2020, 08:54:01 AM

Quote from: Villatillidie25 on September 24, 2020, 08:38:33 AM

Not sure it’s nothing to see. Losing Jota and Doherty is a blow for them, yes. But they’d already got podence and neto in last season, both who look decent.
They’ve then gone and bought one of the most highly rated youngsters in Europe in silva and Barcelona’s right back. Irrespective of whether they think he’s surplus to requirements, he played 30-40 games last year for one of the biggest clubs on the planet.
Now I don’t think we’re q there yet and they have the Mendes factor but they are definitely statement signings.

But why then are one of the biggest clubs on the planet getting shot of him and replacing him with a promising kid that has had one season of top flight football?

Teams like Barcelona don't generally give up players they rate, they don't get their arms twisted by the likes of Wulvz. The deal suits them and suits Mendes, and may well suit Wulvz, but the priorities are in that order.

And the boy wonder may well be that, but 18 is very young to adapt to another culture and style of play. Good luck to him, if it doesn't work out for him he could make a career as a Harpo Marx-a-like.

Barca are in massive financial trouble, got a ridiculously stupid wage bill and it's actually compounded by Messi staying another year so basically they're glad premier league clubs come in and sign their squad players for 30-40m. Everton signed Digne, Mina and Andre Gomes for about 70m I think.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 24, 2020, 01:18:55 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 24, 2020, 12:06:24 PM

They have David Moyes as manager. The most grim, grey, never won anything boring as fuck manager from a period long gone you can ever imagine. And they brought him back after firing him. The porn twats deserve all of the failure coming their way.

Jeeze, what did he ever do to you?  I remember how awful Everton were in 1999. He completely rebuilt them and made them a consistent top half team and with a fraction of the money we threw around over the same ten year period.

He is boring though, Ill give you that. Bringing him back kept them up btw.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: maidstonevillain on September 24, 2020, 01:38:41 PM

Quote from: Damo70 on September 24, 2020, 12:38:47 PM

I wouldn't swap McGinn for Barkley.

On recent performances I would be tempted.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 24, 2020, 01:44:14 PM

Well in fairness the last Chelsea midfielder we brought in on loan was a real success.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 24, 2020, 01:45:12 PM

Moyesey is one of those people that smiling doesn't seem to suit.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brend'Watkins on September 24, 2020, 01:49:08 PM

Quote from: maidstonevillain on September 24, 2020, 01:38:41 PM

Quote from: Damo70 on September 24, 2020, 12:38:47 PM

I wouldn't swap McGinn for Barkley.

On recent performances I would be tempted.

He's played once this season so you must mean his one performance.  He wasn't great or neither was he terrible. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Singapore Villa on September 24, 2020, 02:37:18 PM

It’s all gone a bit quiet .....

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 24, 2020, 02:41:40 PM

Quote from: Singapore Villa on September 24, 2020, 02:37:18 PM

It’s all gone a bit quiet .....

...almost...too quiet.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Londonvilla on September 24, 2020, 02:45:48 PM

According to Turkish newspaper Yeni Asir, as covered by Sporx, Galatasaray want to sign Aston Villa midfielder Marvelous Nakamba.

https://www.sporx.com/galatasaray-nakamba-icin-yeniden-temasta-SXHBQ880224SXQ

http://sportwitness.co.uk/club-ready-open-talks-aston-villa-sign-midfielder/

With two weeks to go not sure letting him go would be a good thing..........he gets 7 out of 10 for defending, and 2 out of 10 for passing

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on September 24, 2020, 02:54:06 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 24, 2020, 02:41:40 PM

Quote from: Singapore Villa on September 24, 2020, 02:37:18 PM

It’s all gone a bit quiet .....

...almost...too quiet.

We rarely if ever do business on the day of a game.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 24, 2020, 02:57:04 PM

No way should Nakamba be allowed to leave. Only backup for Doug, and actually played in the prem for a season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 24, 2020, 02:58:02 PM

Quote from: Londonvilla on September 24, 2020, 02:45:48 PM

According to Turkish newspaper Yeni Asir, as covered by Sporx, Galatasaray want to sign Aston Villa midfielder Marvelous Nakamba.

https://www.sporx.com/galatasaray-nakamba-icin-yeniden-temasta-SXHBQ880224SXQ

http://sportwitness.co.uk/club-ready-open-talks-aston-villa-sign-midfielder/

With two weeks to go not sure letting him go would be a good thing..........he gets 7 out of 10 for defending, and 2 out of 10 for passing

No way should we be letting Marv go.  He's not the greatest player but we can't replace our whole squad this window and he makes a valuable contribution.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 24, 2020, 03:12:09 PM

He's also pally with Rashica from their time at Vitesse. 

Not enough on its own to keep him, admittedly. But I'd sooner have him coming on late in the game than Angela. It's one I'd look again at in Jan. If Barkley or whoever we end up signing slots right in and he's had little game time, then fair enough.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: nodge on September 24, 2020, 03:12:50 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 24, 2020, 01:45:12 PM

Moyesey is one of those people that smiling doesn't seem to suit.

When it was rumoured Zaha had a fling with his daughter my first thought was, I hope she looks like her mom!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 24, 2020, 03:14:10 PM

I've come to the conclusion after the Burton game that he is fucking gash, he looks like he has to put his heart and soul into making a five yard pass and even then it's a lottery as to if it will reach it's target.

He plays like he's had a feet transplant.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: oldhill_avfc on September 24, 2020, 03:16:48 PM

Agreed - too error prone to play is supposed best position - reminds me in a round bout way of Tommy 'goal a game' Elphick

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 24, 2020, 03:22:47 PM

They should both come with their own slapstick sound effects, at least we'd get a laugh.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 24, 2020, 03:25:02 PM

He seems a lovely lad but he's bad at his job.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 24, 2020, 03:29:32 PM

Nakamba is ok. Hes not played much, so I am not expecting him to come in and set the world on fire. His job is to get a foot in, play a simple ball to a team mate, which he is ok at. Let him go we literally have no one that can do that, and are already light on numbers in midfield.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 24, 2020, 03:44:29 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 24, 2020, 03:29:32 PM

Nakamba is ok. Hes not played much, so I am not expecting him to come in and set the world on fire. His job is to get a foot in, play a simple ball to a team mate, which he is ok at. Let him go we literally have no one that can do that, and are already light on numbers in midfield.

He's not even 'ok' at that from what I've seen.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 24, 2020, 03:51:04 PM

When he first broke through last season he looked decent. Then had a wobble, then looked good again in the SF against Leicester.

Thinking about it, that was one weird game. Nyland, Targett, Nakamba and Samatta all played well.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 24, 2020, 04:19:40 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 24, 2020, 03:44:29 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 24, 2020, 03:29:32 PM

Nakamba is ok. Hes not played much, so I am not expecting him to come in and set the world on fire. His job is to get a foot in, play a simple ball to a team mate, which he is ok at. Let him go we literally have no one that can do that, and are already light on numbers in midfield.

He's not even 'ok' at that from what I've seen.

But if Luiz gets an injury tonight, who would you play DM in the next game?  He's not great but as I said, we can't replace the whole squad this window.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: yammers on September 24, 2020, 04:21:23 PM

Quote from: Hairbandinho on September 23, 2020, 11:14:54 PM

Don't want loans where we just help Chelsea and pay for the privilege to do so. Fail to see what we gain from it.

A quality Premier League player that will help improve our final league position so we can attract even better players permanently the following season?

Fail to see the problem personally!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ger Regan on September 24, 2020, 04:27:31 PM

I wouldn't get rid of nakamba this year, either.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on September 24, 2020, 04:47:46 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 24, 2020, 04:19:40 PM

But if Luiz gets an injury tonight, who would you play DM in the next game?  He's not great but as I said, we can't replace the whole squad this window.

Barcley or Loftus-Cheek hopefully if letting him go freed up room in the squad.

I do agree though that he is a useful player that we should not let go unless it means someone better comes in. I think our main problem is that we are not able to shed players like Lansbury and Kalinic who add nothing, but are getting offers for players like Nakamba and Guilbert who make good backup players.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 24, 2020, 04:52:43 PM

Loftus Cheek maybe could play there. Barkley not a chance in hell. Not got the discipline. You would be better putting Ezri in there and playing Hause.

Or sign Tuanzebe and play him there.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on September 24, 2020, 05:14:14 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 24, 2020, 04:52:43 PM

Loftus Cheek maybe could play there. Barkley not a chance in hell. Not got the discipline. You would be better putting Ezri in there and playing Hause.

Or sign Tuanzebe and play him there.

Agree Barkley is no a like for like replacement, you would have to play differently. But my point is that I am happy to see players like Samatta and Nakamba go if it means better players come in. If it means we are more likely to see Lansbury et al in the team then I would rather keep them. Would like to see Tuanzebe back too, would provide cover for centre midfield and proper competition for Mings and Konsa.

Nakamba was getting rave reviews in his first few games, so I do think he is capable of improving if he can find that form again. But would still let him go if a better player came in.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 24, 2020, 05:30:54 PM

are Barkley and/or RLC an improvement on what we have in CM?

Yes, miles better than Lansbury, Hourihane and Nakamba.

They'd be an upgrade.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Axl Rose on September 24, 2020, 05:33:18 PM

Nakamba is rubbish.

Can't pass, slow, doesn't score goals, can't beat a player, has made about three tackles in his time here.

I'd sell him for a tenner.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 24, 2020, 05:34:06 PM

Quote from: Axl Rose on September 24, 2020, 05:33:18 PM

I'd sell him for a tenner.

you'll be lucky.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Axl Rose on September 24, 2020, 05:35:00 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 24, 2020, 05:34:06 PM

Quote from: Axl Rose on September 24, 2020, 05:33:18 PM

I'd sell him for a tenner.

you'll be lucky.

Haha. Surely there'd be takers at 10p?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 24, 2020, 05:45:18 PM

Oh look, there's a fiver.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 24, 2020, 06:01:09 PM

Nakamba will come good and I would rather not sell him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on September 24, 2020, 06:32:13 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on September 24, 2020, 06:01:09 PM

Nakamba will come good and I would rather not sell him.

I think he certainly showed enough at the start of last season to give him until January at least.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on September 24, 2020, 06:36:05 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 24, 2020, 09:43:32 AM

Barclay could be an outstanding signing.  I understand the Drinkwater / Ireland type worry, but he's 26 and has real quality.  If he wants the move I'd much rather spend a loan fee / wages on him than speculate £6-7m on an unknown from Europe.

Have you seen him play since joining Chelsea ? Has not benefited from weight training.
He has been awful, Chelsea fans groan when they see him pop out the dug out ready to come on.
Drinkwater type signing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on September 24, 2020, 06:41:45 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on September 24, 2020, 06:32:13 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on September 24, 2020, 06:01:09 PM

Nakamba will come good and I would rather not sell him.

I think he certainly showed enough at the start of last season to give him until January at least.

Am I dreaming or did I see a table that had him 5th best PL defensive midfielder from last season just a couple of weeks ago?

(It may have been interceptions?).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on September 24, 2020, 06:45:03 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on September 24, 2020, 06:36:05 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 24, 2020, 09:43:32 AM

Barclay could be an outstanding signing.  I understand the Drinkwater / Ireland type worry, but he's 26 and has real quality.  If he wants the move I'd much rather spend a loan fee / wages on him than speculate £6-7m on an unknown from Europe.

Have you seen him play since joining Chelsea ? Has not benefited from weight training.
He has been awful, Chelsea fans groan when they see him pop out the dug out ready to come on.
Drinkwater type signing.

Doubt they would groan if he were coming on to replace Lansbury, Nakamba, Hourihane, or mcginn. If Villa had their midfield options I wouldn't be so keen, but he is better than what we have.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on September 24, 2020, 07:05:23 PM

I don’t get the downer on McGinn or reference that’s he’s somehow a crap footballer now. He had a bad ankle break, rumoured to have fractured it again in recovery, didn’t play for about 5/6 months and has had 7/8 very average games since. What about up to December last year, he was as good as jack then and showed that he could compete at this level.
He’s in recovery still obviously, I think he’s fined enough over the last couple of years to earn himself  a bit more time before being labelled championship

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 24, 2020, 07:08:18 PM

On the twitter pages I read this AM, Chelsea fans appear much happier to see Loftus Cheek go than Barkley.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 24, 2020, 07:29:02 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on September 24, 2020, 06:32:13 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on September 24, 2020, 06:01:09 PM

Nakamba will come good and I would rather not sell him.

I think he certainly showed enough at the start of last season to give him until January at least.

Agreed.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy65 on September 24, 2020, 07:55:11 PM

Quote from: Axl Rose on September 24, 2020, 05:33:18 PM

Nakamba is rubbish.

Can't pass, slow, doesn't score goals, can't beat a player, has made about three tackles in his time here.

I'd sell him for a tenner.

Agreed, but I would keep him for now and see if he improves until Jan. he has performed the worse of all summer 2019 signings

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 24, 2020, 07:56:50 PM

I don't Barkley at all, if he didn't score the odd screamer he'd be a bit part player at somewhere like Burnley or Brighton. On tonight's showing I'd rather see Ramsey get 20 appearances than pay £120k a week to watch Barkley do fuck all week after week. Loftus-Cheek is worth a look but he's clearly not fully fit so I'm not sure a loan for him would be a good idea.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Londonvilla on September 24, 2020, 08:05:51 PM

Question should Jacob Ramsey be part of the first team squad or should he go out on loan?
A big Yes from me put him on the bench

If you're good enough you're old enough and he need to play before we will know

Will save us millions

Sends a message to other young players that there is a pathway to the first team

Keeps the dream alive for young local kids that they can grow up and one day play for the villa (can you imagine being a young Chelsea supporter and knowing that you will never play for them)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: steamer on September 24, 2020, 08:55:41 PM

watched the Chelsea goals against Barnsley, Tammy had a great game, Barkley is fucking ugly.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 24, 2020, 09:05:20 PM

I saw an article earlier about how Scottish clubs may be forced to sell players due to the announcement that crowds won't be allowed in for the foreseeable future. Edouard?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on September 24, 2020, 09:06:00 PM

I'd really like us to get Ruben Loftus-Cheek.  Ticks a lot of boxes as a player with his skill, height etc.  Terrific player and would strengthen us a treat.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: tomd2103 on September 24, 2020, 09:33:11 PM

Looking at the second string tonight, centre half has to be a bit of a concern.  Konsa and Mings are starting to form a good partnership, but with Engels seemingly not in the picture for whatever reason, we ook short there with only Hause as back up.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on September 24, 2020, 09:34:39 PM

Quote from: tomd2103 on September 24, 2020, 09:33:11 PM

Looking at the second string tonight, centre half has to be a bit of a concern.  Konsa and Mings are starting to form a good partnership, but with Engels seemingly not in the picture for whatever reason, we ook short there with only Hause as back up.

Tuanzebe on a permanent deal might not be the worst shout. Has his faults but knows the club and his career is going nowhere at Old Trafford.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on September 24, 2020, 09:58:21 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 24, 2020, 09:34:39 PM

Quote from: tomd2103 on September 24, 2020, 09:33:11 PM

Looking at the second string tonight, centre half has to be a bit of a concern.  Konsa and Mings are starting to form a good partnership, but with Engels seemingly not in the picture for whatever reason, we ook short there with only Hause as back up.

Tuanzebe on a permanent deal might not be the worst shout. Has his faults but knows the club and his career is going nowhere at Old Trafford.

If Engels goes, Tuanzebe wouldn't be a bad shout but he shouldn't replace Konsa.  Fight for their places.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on September 24, 2020, 10:29:51 PM

Samatta off to Fenerbahce on loan despite Albion also being interested.
One of Barkley or Loftus-Cheek coming in but definitely not both.
Jota and Lansbury surplus to requirements and leaving on loan or permanently if we can shift them.

"The popcorn you are eating has been pissed in, film at eleven"  ;)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: tomd2103 on September 24, 2020, 11:07:04 PM

Quote from: Newby on September 24, 2020, 09:58:21 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 24, 2020, 09:34:39 PM

Quote from: tomd2103 on September 24, 2020, 09:33:11 PM

Looking at the second string tonight, centre half has to be a bit of a concern.  Konsa and Mings are starting to form a good partnership, but with Engels seemingly not in the picture for whatever reason, we ook short there with only Hause as back up.

Tuanzebe on a permanent deal might not be the worst shout. Has his faults but knows the club and his career is going nowhere at Old Trafford.

If Engels goes, Tuanzebe wouldn't be a bad shout but he shouldn't replace Konsa.  Fight for their places.

Definitely think we need one more centre half if Engels goes or is not going to feature. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: FatSam on September 25, 2020, 12:09:21 AM

Engels is currently injured. I don’t know for how long that has been the case, but it is perhaps too early to rule him out as a second choice CB. He had some good games last season, but he also made some ricks, and he certainly started to look less of a long term solution than Konsa. I can believe the reports that he is available if a suitable offer comes in, but perhaps only in the sense that it would make funds available for us to strengthen either at CB or another position.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 25, 2020, 12:17:08 AM

Albion looking to bring in Adebayor if they can't get a striker. Could be an interesting season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 25, 2020, 12:24:59 AM

Quote from: OCD on September 25, 2020, 12:17:08 AM

Albion looking to bring in Adebayor if they can't get a striker. Could be an interesting season.

Because one 36 year old wasn't enough

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 25, 2020, 12:28:14 AM

They're 5/2 odds on to sign Deeney.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 25, 2020, 12:28:24 AM

Adebayor?! You're kidding, right? I thought he was stranded on some deserted island going doolally with Randy Lerner and the Shummanites.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 25, 2020, 01:07:41 AM

Adebayor will be 36 in 5 years time

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 25, 2020, 02:50:21 AM

Quote from: OCD on September 25, 2020, 12:17:08 AM

Albion looking to bring in Adebayor if they can't get a striker. Could be an interesting season.

Ok, so that’s one relegation slot sorted then.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on September 25, 2020, 05:32:36 AM

Quote from: paul_e on September 24, 2020, 07:56:50 PM

I don't Barkley at all, if he didn't score the odd screamer he'd be a bit part player at somewhere like Burnley or Brighton. On tonight's showing I'd rather see Ramsey get 20 appearances than pay £120k a week to watch Barkley do fuck all week after week.

At last , some sense about the muscle man.
I thought those days of signing over rated overpaid rejects from other clubs was over.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on September 25, 2020, 07:00:32 AM

Quote from: eamonn on September 25, 2020, 12:28:24 AM

Adebayor?! You're kidding, right? I thought he was stranded on some deserted island going doolally with Randy Lerner and the Shummanites.

Randy and the Shummanites eh?

I well remember the toe-tapper 'Echo Beach'

A fine popular music combo.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on September 25, 2020, 09:06:24 AM

Samattas gone on loan with obligation to buy in the summer for 7m euro.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 25, 2020, 09:17:14 AM

Pretty much £1m to have him cover up front when we were desperate then. Good luck to him, hope he scores for fun and has a great career.

Read there is interest in El Ghazi on loan too. Such an enigma of a player, has all the talent to be excellent but so very rarely engaged it. Done a good job for us getting us up then scoring a few along the way last season, but if we do get another wide option in he's got to be the next out the door.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on September 25, 2020, 09:18:23 AM

I wonder if we'll lose all those Tanzanians who started following us on twitter now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: maidstonevillain on September 25, 2020, 09:18:50 AM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on September 25, 2020, 09:06:24 AM

Samattas gone on loan with obligation to buy in the summer for 7m euro.

Obligation or option?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on September 25, 2020, 09:24:14 AM

Quote from: maidstonevillain on September 25, 2020, 09:18:50 AM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on September 25, 2020, 09:06:24 AM

Samattas gone on loan with obligation to buy in the summer for 7m euro.

Obligation or option?

Obligation. 4 year contract

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 25, 2020, 09:30:45 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 25, 2020, 09:17:14 AM

Pretty much £1m to have him cover up front when we were desperate then. Good luck to him, hope he scores for fun and has a great career.

Read there is interest in El Ghazi on loan too. Such an enigma of a player, has all the talent to be excellent but so very rarely engaged it. Done a good job for us getting us up then scoring a few along the way last season, but if we do get another wide option in he's got to be the next out the door.

El Ghazi certainly is a weird one. He reminds me of myself when I had pretensions of being a writer; I'd write a good paragraph and then sit back and admire it for an hour rather than cracking on and getting the job done. He beats a couple of defenders and then looks like he thinks he's done enough, despite the ball flying high above the opposition's net.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 25, 2020, 09:32:20 AM

I thought he was the one negative of last night.  He didn't play well at all.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 25, 2020, 09:35:55 AM

Quote from: Risso on September 25, 2020, 09:32:20 AM

I thought he was the one negative of last night.  He didn't play well at all.

Agreed. The commentator on the stream I was watching kept saying what a 'sharp' game he'd had. I only watched the second half but I thought he wasted good positions time and time again.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on September 25, 2020, 09:36:26 AM

Quote from: Risso on September 25, 2020, 09:32:20 AM

I thought he was the one negative of last night.  He didn't play well at all.

Agree. Picked wrong pass time and time again. Shot when a better option was on. Looked to me like he was trying to do too much and have a worldy game to try and get back into side. Firmly winger number 4 option now

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithe on September 25, 2020, 09:42:57 AM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 25, 2020, 09:18:23 AM

I wonder if we'll lose all those Tanzanians who started following us on twitter now.

We can but hope. Most of them were yampy.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 25, 2020, 10:16:11 AM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 25, 2020, 01:07:41 AM

Adebayor will be 36 in 5 years time

  :D

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 25, 2020, 10:16:42 AM

Quote from: Risso on September 25, 2020, 09:32:20 AM

I thought he was the one negative of last night.  He didn't play well at all.

Agreed.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AllanW on September 25, 2020, 10:29:30 AM

Obligatory discussion of the 25 and movements this transfer window …

19/20 season squad;

GK; (Heaton inj), Steer, Nyland, Kalinic

CB; Engels, Konsa, Mings, Hause

RB: Elmo, Guilbert

LB; Taylor, Targett

DM; Luiz, Nakamba

CM; Hourihane, McGinn

AM; Grealish, Jota, Lansbury

Wingers; Trez, El Ghazi,

Strikers; (Wesley inj), Samatta, Davis, Vassilev U21, Hogan


Keepers; 4  Defenders; 8  Midfielders; 7  Wingers; 2 (both Right-sided)  Forwards; 5

Total; 26 (25 need to be declared)


Additions this window;    Reductions this window;
Cash RB/RWB £16m            Hogan £4m?
Watkins CF/W £28m         Vassilev – year-long loan
Martinez GK £17m            Samatta – year-long loan then £7m sale
Traore LW £19m

now 27 (27 need to be declared) in squad, 2 still injured.

Additional moves this window?

Still think Rashica would be okay as a purchase because he can operate on the left but would far prefer Rhiann Brewster from Liverpool as a different striking option. Don’t want Barkley at all as we can give Jacob Ramsay time but would be fine with Hudson-Odoi instead of Rashica then Brewster to replace Samatta. Either way we’re talking about a net +1 on the numbers as JJ does not need to be declared.

The money spent here would be a net increase of around £20m (or £39m if Rashica bought not Hudson-Odoi on loan) taking our net spend to around £90m (around £109m if Rashica purchased).

Sale or loan out options to get to 25;  would need 4 from the list below and about £9m revenue (if Rashica).

Kalinic £3m, Nyland £4m, Engels £7m, Guilbert £8/9m? Jota £2m, Lansbury.

Those first 2 must be the priority as we now have plenty of cover.  Which leaves the next 4 as sale or loan-out options. It was rumoured that Jota was wanted in Spain, if that’s true it helps. But that realistically leaves either Engels or Fred being sold or loaned to get to the 25 maximum squad to be declared.

Leaving us with; Keepers; 3  Defenders; 8  Midfielders; 6  Wingers; 4  Forwards; 4

Total; 25 (and Ramsay to be used not needing to be declared as U21)

Attack/wingers; Completely revamped and now no problem with rushing Wes back before Christmas; we have Watkins backed-up by Davis, with Traore and either Rashica or Hudson-Odoi on either side with Brewster as a second striking option (direct replacement for some games or 2 striker formation, for example). Fantastic. Plus it frees Jack up to go wherever needed most as well as Trez and El Ghazi as options and cover. This is what we wanted at the start of the window; to achieve it after swapping Recruitment Director half-way through is astounding work.

Defense; I hope we keep Guilbert and work out whatever beef is between him and Dean; I like him as a player and he can play in the centre IF Engels goes. Happy to move Engels on provided we cover him.

Midfield; Equally happy to move Jota on if they have a buyer as Jacob Ramsey will need more game time to develop and can confidently be on our bench when needed.

Keepers; Should have enough cover until Heaton comes back and don’t need to buy in the next year with Martinez/Heaton and Steer as backup.

Summary;

Money spent; NET only £69m so far but likely around £90m net of final sales and loans (initial cost is used here as the additions are only triggered over the succeeding years depending on certain conditions).

Attack strengthened significantly and invested in for the future.
GK position sorted for the next 5 years.
Manager backed on defensive call and investment on the right side.
Not strengthened in midfield apart from keeping Jack and Meatball and Luiz for another year but now have space for Ramsay to come through.
Need options at Left back, might need Centre back replacement for Engels departure in the next window unless someone from the U23 comes through. Need to settle Guilbert or replace him.

8 out of 10 going to 9 out of 10 if we get Brewster.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villafirst on September 25, 2020, 10:39:19 AM

Only 2 strikers now with Samatta sold. Surely we won't make the same mistake as last year with the forwards? Only Wesley signed  and look what happened on New Years Day. Why do we sell a player before bringing a replacement in? Brentford made sure Toney was signed before selling Watkins to Villa.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Marlon From Bearwood on September 25, 2020, 11:08:24 AM

Assuming Tammy has always been our number one target I can see us getting a striker in on loan for this season to provide the necessary cover until we can buy Tammy next summer when he’ll inevitably become available after a season sitting on Chelsea’s bench.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 25, 2020, 11:11:31 AM

This is where Lange needs to earn his money now. We ideally need a backup striker that's a bit different to KD and OW, and a back up winger that can push Jack and Traore. And a number 8 that will push Hourihane. And a left back. And a centre back. Any more??

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: darren woolley on September 25, 2020, 11:25:22 AM

I hope we get another striker in before the window shuts.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: tomd2103 on September 25, 2020, 11:46:00 AM

Quote from: FatSam on September 25, 2020, 12:09:21 AM

Engels is currently injured. I don’t know for how long that has been the case, but it is perhaps too early to rule him out as a second choice CB. He had some good games last season, but he also made some ricks, and he certainly started to look less of a long term solution than Konsa. I can believe the reports that he is available if a suitable offer comes in, but perhaps only in the sense that it would make funds available for us to strengthen either at CB or another position.

Agree with that.  One of the strangest seasons I can remember a Villa player having for some time.  Looked solid and a really good signing right up until that ball went over his head against Southampton and the wheels came off massively.  Then came back in for the League Cup final and had a solid enough game and then hardly seen again.

Agree that if things are all OK with him behind the scenes then him and Konsa are decent enough options for the time being, but if they are not and he isn't going to feature then we do need reinforcement in that area.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 25, 2020, 11:51:37 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 25, 2020, 11:11:31 AM

This is where Lange needs to earn his money now. We ideally need a backup striker that's a bit different to KD and OW, and a back up winger that can push Jack and Traore. And a number 8 that will push Hourihane. And a left back. And a centre back. Any more??

Lange could earn more money be selling some of the useless players :)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 25, 2020, 11:52:47 AM

Last summer we signed too many players at once because we had no choice. This summer we've been much more sensible and only got 4 in but have people wanting 4-5 more which will mean once again too many new players and another season of transition.

A centre mid and attacking player is all we need from here. Attacking player is covered by Rashica/Sarr, they're not centre forwards but Watkins and Davis with Traore as a fall back is fine until Christmas when Wesley is back where we need better cover is that the only alternative to Grealish can't be AEG.

In midfield Luiz and McGinn are good options, Hourihane and Nakamba are decent squad cover and Ramsey is a good prospect but that's not enough depth. If we get a decent winger then Jack can play there sometimes but he's still not filling the big gap which is the lack of physicality in there. Loftus-Cheek (to buy or loan with a fixed fee to make it perm) would fit perfectly.

Another striker coming in would be, in my opinion, a sign that they're writing off Wesley but would also put Davis in position of needing to go out on loan for game time and put us back to the same depth we have, so I don't see the point.

Left back can wait until next summer and centre back cover is fine unless Engels is sold which I think would be a mistake.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on September 25, 2020, 12:00:10 PM

a forward to replace Samatta is essential as is a CB and CM. Loans for some perfectly acceptable.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on September 25, 2020, 12:07:46 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 24, 2020, 12:06:24 PM

They have David Moyes as manager. The most grim, grey, never won anything boring as fuck manager from a period long gone you can ever imagine. And they brought him back after firing him. The porn twats deserve all of the failure coming their way.

Succinct. Accurate. The last sentence however, deserves some additional points I think.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 25, 2020, 12:10:45 PM

I could understand the appeal of a short term loan up front whilst we wait for Wesley but who are we going to get that's worth bringing in and doesn't mind fighting with Davis for a place on the bench? Watkins will start most games for the next 3-4 months and Davis has shown enough for me to be happy with him on the bench. If Watkins gets injured then I'd be ok with Davis and Traore alternating and bringing Archer into the squad as cover. If 2-3 of them are injured at the same time then we'd be in trouble but that's the case in every position at every club and you can't just keep bringing players in 'just in case'.


I suspect most of the people who want another striker are the same that think Davis isn't good enough because he doesn't score enough goals though so what they're actually wanting is to replace him, not samatta.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on September 25, 2020, 12:18:46 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 25, 2020, 12:10:45 PM

I could understand the appeal of a short term loan up front whilst we wait for Wesley but who are we going to get that's worth bringing in and doesn't mind fighting with Davis for a place on the bench? Watkins will start most games for the next 3-4 months and Davis has shown enough for me to be happy with him on the bench. If Watkins gets injured then I'd be ok with Davis and Traore alternating and bringing Archer into the squad as cover. If 2-3 of them are injured at the same time then we'd be in trouble but that's the case in every position at every club and you can't just keep bringing players in 'just in case'.


I suspect most of the people who want another striker are the same that think Davis isn't good enough because he doesn't score enough goals though so what they're actually wanting is to replace him, not samatta.

With Wesley back we'll be fine. However, until he's back, and that's likely to be New Year I'd think, then we're light up front. If you put Traore up front then the wings are weak again.

Rashica or similar would give us better balance. Maybe Archer needs promoting eh Leeg?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 25, 2020, 12:22:06 PM

Quote from: Drummond on September 25, 2020, 12:18:46 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 25, 2020, 12:10:45 PM

I could understand the appeal of a short term loan up front whilst we wait for Wesley but who are we going to get that's worth bringing in and doesn't mind fighting with Davis for a place on the bench? Watkins will start most games for the next 3-4 months and Davis has shown enough for me to be happy with him on the bench. If Watkins gets injured then I'd be ok with Davis and Traore alternating and bringing Archer into the squad as cover. If 2-3 of them are injured at the same time then we'd be in trouble but that's the case in every position at every club and you can't just keep bringing players in 'just in case'.


I suspect most of the people who want another striker are the same that think Davis isn't good enough because he doesn't score enough goals though so what they're actually wanting is to replace him, not samatta.

With Wesley back we'll be fine. However, until he's back, and that's likely to be New Year I'd think, then we're light up front. If you put Traore up front then the wings are weak again.

Rashica or similar would give us better balance. Maybe Archer needs promoting eh Leeg?

Yeah that's my point, I'd rather we added another winger than another striker because longer term that's a weaker area.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 25, 2020, 12:32:56 PM

What about someone who could play up front or wide? We've been linked with Brewster - could he do that?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on September 25, 2020, 12:34:30 PM

The weak links are midfield and left back and the priority has to be midfield or we are starting with Hourihane or Nakamba.
SJM is still not there yet that leaves Luiz, if he gets injured we are in deep shit.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 25, 2020, 12:36:41 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 25, 2020, 12:22:06 PM

Quote from: Drummond on September 25, 2020, 12:18:46 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 25, 2020, 12:10:45 PM

I could understand the appeal of a short term loan up front whilst we wait for Wesley but who are we going to get that's worth bringing in and doesn't mind fighting with Davis for a place on the bench? Watkins will start most games for the next 3-4 months and Davis has shown enough for me to be happy with him on the bench. If Watkins gets injured then I'd be ok with Davis and Traore alternating and bringing Archer into the squad as cover. If 2-3 of them are injured at the same time then we'd be in trouble but that's the case in every position at every club and you can't just keep bringing players in 'just in case'.


I suspect most of the people who want another striker are the same that think Davis isn't good enough because he doesn't score enough goals though so what they're actually wanting is to replace him, not samatta.

With Wesley back we'll be fine. However, until he's back, and that's likely to be New Year I'd think, then we're light up front. If you put Traore up front then the wings are weak again.

Rashica or similar would give us better balance. Maybe Archer needs promoting eh Leeg?

Yeah that's my point, I'd rather we added another winger than another striker because longer term that's a weaker area.

I'm erring more toward a bit of a compromise on the winger-striker. If we could get Sessegnon in, we'd have a young player with good experience and the ability to play wing and cover for LB.
Bring in L-Cheek as well and it's job done.
If Watkins gets injured we play Traore through the middle, or bring in Davis. Wes coming back in December January then provides other options.

My only other concern is CB, and the status of Engels, Guilbert and Elmo; which is - frankly - vague right now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: JJ-AV on September 25, 2020, 12:39:59 PM

The problem with Wesley is that he looked absolutely shit for long periods of last season. I'm sure he can improve and there is a player there, but maybe Smith just doesn't rate him. If so then Brewster is worth pursuing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 25, 2020, 12:42:35 PM

Quote from: JJ-AV on September 25, 2020, 12:39:59 PM

The problem with Wesley is that he looked absolutely shit for long periods of last season. I'm sure he can improve and there is a player there, but maybe Smith just doesn't rate him. If so then Brewster is worth pursuing.

His shitness was as much to do with the poor service and lack of runners around him. Watkins and Traore will make him much more effective.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 25, 2020, 12:44:44 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on September 25, 2020, 12:34:30 PM

The weak links are midfield and left back and the priority has to be midfield or we are starting with Hourihane or Nakamba.
SJM is still not there yet that leaves Luiz, if he gets injured we are in deep shit.

I've been saying CM was a priority since the end of last season, we just haven't got any depth in there which means any drop in form from Luiz or, more appropriately, McGinn means we're scraping the barrel. I just find it strange that we're 1 injury away from Lansbury playing and people appear to be more concerned with getting a 4th striker.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Nii Lamptey on September 25, 2020, 12:45:05 PM

Striker and LB for me.

RB is sorted now (a little too much imo as I saw nothing wrong with Guilbert/Elmo), but LB is a disaster. We have Taylor who can't attack, and Targett who is nowhere near a Premier League defender, but covetted as a good attacking LB, even though he can't clear the first man with crosses?!

Personally, with what we have - Taylor would be first choice over Targett, but ideally we need fresh blood. How about raiding Brentford again for Rico Henry? We were linked with the double swoop for Watkins/Benhrama... lets just switch it for Watkins/Henry. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on September 25, 2020, 12:45:34 PM

Quote from: Mister E on September 25, 2020, 12:42:35 PM

Quote from: JJ-AV on September 25, 2020, 12:39:59 PM

The problem with Wesley is that he looked absolutely shit for long periods of last season. I'm sure he can improve and there is a player there, but maybe Smith just doesn't rate him. If so then Brewster is worth pursuing.

His shitness was as much to do with the poor service and lack of runners around him. Watkins and Traore will make him much more effective.

Hope so, but he scored very few goals in the Belgium league despite playing in a team that made the Champions League. That's like playing up front for Celtic and only scraping 9-10 goals a season as the main striker. I just don't think he is very good.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on September 25, 2020, 12:47:18 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 25, 2020, 12:44:44 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on September 25, 2020, 12:34:30 PM

The weak links are midfield and left back and the priority has to be midfield or we are starting with Hourihane or Nakamba.
SJM is still not there yet that leaves Luiz, if he gets injured we are in deep shit.

I've been saying CM was a priority since the end of last season, we just haven't got any depth in there which means any drop in form from Luiz or, more appropriately, McGinn means we're scraping the barrel. I just find it strange that we're 1 injury away from Lansbury playing and people appear to be more concerned with getting a 4th striker.

I know that this will be unpopular, but Angela played very well last night.

Of course, it was versus Bristol City reserves.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Nii Lamptey on September 25, 2020, 12:48:15 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on September 25, 2020, 12:45:34 PM

Quote from: Mister E on September 25, 2020, 12:42:35 PM

Quote from: JJ-AV on September 25, 2020, 12:39:59 PM

The problem with Wesley is that he looked absolutely shit for long periods of last season. I'm sure he can improve and there is a player there, but maybe Smith just doesn't rate him. If so then Brewster is worth pursuing.

His shitness was as much to do with the poor service and lack of runners around him. Watkins and Traore will make him much more effective.

Hope so, but he scored very few goals in the Belgium league despite playing in a team that made the Champions League. That's like playing up front for Celtic and only scraping 9-10 goals a season as the main striker. I just don't think he is very good.

I'm holding out hope we go for the kid from Celtic. Big, powerful and scores goals. Very much in the Benteke mould (when he was good!).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on September 25, 2020, 12:53:50 PM

Supposedly Olympiacos are after El Ghazi ...

https://twitter.com/geramanolidis/status/1309418201365852160

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 25, 2020, 12:55:45 PM

Quote from: Big Ming on September 25, 2020, 12:47:18 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 25, 2020, 12:44:44 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on September 25, 2020, 12:34:30 PM

The weak links are midfield and left back and the priority has to be midfield or we are starting with Hourihane or Nakamba.
SJM is still not there yet that leaves Luiz, if he gets injured we are in deep shit.

I've been saying CM was a priority since the end of last season, we just haven't got any depth in there which means any drop in form from Luiz or, more appropriately, McGinn means we're scraping the barrel. I just find it strange that we're 1 injury away from Lansbury playing and people appear to be more concerned with getting a 4th striker.

I know that this will be unpopular, but Angela played very well last night.

Of course, it was versus Bristol City reserves.

He played ok, Ramsey was the pick of the midfield though and more importantly Lansbury is just never fit enough to play against premier league midfields. I just don't trust him enough to not get another player in there.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Marlon From Bearwood on September 25, 2020, 12:55:48 PM

Sarr
Barkley (on loan)
Sessignon (on loan)
Back up striker (on loan)

Good to go.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 25, 2020, 12:56:56 PM

Quote from: Marlon From Bearwood on September 25, 2020, 12:55:48 PM

Sarr
Barkley (on loan)
Sessignon (on loan)
Back up striker (on loan)

Good to go.

Also impossible, can only have 2 loans - https://www.premierleague.com/news/464747

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Marlon From Bearwood on September 25, 2020, 01:07:17 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 25, 2020, 12:56:56 PM

Quote from: Marlon From Bearwood on September 25, 2020, 12:55:48 PM

Sarr
Barkley (on loan)
Sessignon (on loan)
Back up striker (on loan)

Good to go.

Also impossible, can only have 2 loans - https://www.premierleague.com/news/464747

Ok. We’ll sign a striker permanently then.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 25, 2020, 01:13:14 PM

Not sure how realistic Sarr is. I thought Liverpool was his likely destination. Hopefully Rashica still happens though I wonder whether we're starting to look at other things.

Reading about Traore, it seems like his transition to winger is still relatively recent and he was a striker before so he may well tick both boxes and support the argument that we don't need another striker.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 25, 2020, 01:15:31 PM

Loftus-Cheek or equivalent big but mobile unit from abroad
Rashica or Sessegnon - Sessegnon also has the benefit of covering LB too so beginning to lean towards him
Eduoard or Brewster - Brewster probably more realistic in accepting first back-up role for Watkins

Get three signings like that done, say tara to Nyland, Kalinic, Jota and Lansbury, and it really will have been a very impressive summer's work.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on September 25, 2020, 01:21:48 PM

Is Sessegnon even an option?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 25, 2020, 01:24:02 PM

Quote from: Monty on September 25, 2020, 01:21:48 PM

Is Sessegnon even an option?

Not seen him linked. But Bale coming in has pushed him even further down the pecking order so would be worth asking the question.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on September 25, 2020, 01:32:21 PM

Quote from: Mister E on September 25, 2020, 12:42:35 PM

Quote from: JJ-AV on September 25, 2020, 12:39:59 PM

The problem with Wesley is that he looked absolutely shit for long periods of last season. I'm sure he can improve and there is a player there, but maybe Smith just doesn't rate him. If so then Brewster is worth pursuing.

His shitness was as much to do with the poor service and lack of runners around him. Watkins and Traore will make him much more effective.

I totally agree he will look a lot better alongside Watkins and/or Traore.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on September 25, 2020, 01:33:11 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 25, 2020, 12:44:44 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on September 25, 2020, 12:34:30 PM

The weak links are midfield and left back and the priority has to be midfield or we are starting with Hourihane or Nakamba.
SJM is still not there yet that leaves Luiz, if he gets injured we are in deep shit.

I've been saying CM was a priority since the end of last season, we just haven't got any depth in there which means any drop in form from Luiz or, more appropriately, McGinn means we're scraping the barrel. I just find it strange that we're 1 injury away from Lansbury playing and people appear to be more concerned with getting a 4th striker.

Yes it’s a bit odd

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 25, 2020, 01:34:19 PM

How much would you sell El Ghazi for? We seem to over-pay a lot more than selling high, ourselves.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: itbrvilla on September 25, 2020, 01:48:35 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 25, 2020, 01:34:19 PM

How much would you sell El Ghazi for? We seem to over-pay a lot more than selling high, ourselves.

It's the Villa way.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on September 25, 2020, 02:01:09 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 25, 2020, 01:24:02 PM

Quote from: Monty on September 25, 2020, 01:21:48 PM

Is Sessegnon even an option?

Not seen him linked. But Bale coming in has pushed him even further down the pecking order so would be worth asking the question.

Sessegnon is a very talented player as he demonstrated in the championship. Hasn't happened for him at Spurs but is more than good enough to get back on track. Would cover LB/LM. Kind of player we should be looking to loan with an option to buy or buy outright.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on September 25, 2020, 02:04:11 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 25, 2020, 01:34:19 PM

How much would you sell El Ghazi for? We seem to over-pay a lot more than selling high, ourselves.

I think we agreed £8m if we went up. So we probably thought that if we went up it probably wouldn't matter all that much.

In the current climate, you'd think around £5m.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: DB on September 25, 2020, 02:19:21 PM

Quote from: Mister E on September 25, 2020, 12:42:35 PM

Quote from: JJ-AV on September 25, 2020, 12:39:59 PM

The problem with Wesley is that he looked absolutely shit for long periods of last season. I'm sure he can improve and there is a player there, but maybe Smith just doesn't rate him. If so then Brewster is worth pursuing.

His shitness was as much to do with the poor service and lack of runners around him. Watkins and Traore will make him much more effective.

Not sure about that, his positioning and movement was poor and control worse.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 25, 2020, 02:23:42 PM

Quote from: Dave on September 25, 2020, 02:04:11 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 25, 2020, 01:34:19 PM

How much would you sell El Ghazi for? We seem to over-pay a lot more than selling high, ourselves.

I think we agreed £8m if we went up. So we probably thought that if we went up it probably wouldn't matter all that much.

In the current climate, you'd think around £5m.

Sounds cheap to me. For all his faults he got 6 goals and 7 assists in 40 games so he was involved in a goal roughly 1 game in 3. In the current market, and at his age, selling for less than we paid would mean someone getting a bargain. £8-10m would be more reasonable in my opinion.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 25, 2020, 02:26:28 PM

Maybe a lower base fee with a sell-on. There's something in him that suggests he could go on to have a very good career at a decent level, just not sure we can be too patient with his inconsistency.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on September 25, 2020, 02:33:08 PM

Ndidi is going to be a big miss for Leicester.

Hopefully out when we get to play them.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on September 25, 2020, 02:38:04 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 25, 2020, 02:26:28 PM

Maybe a lower base fee with a sell-on. There's something in him that suggests he could go on to have a very good career at a decent level, just not sure we can be too patient with his inconsistency.

Not sure if he has the physical or mental toughness you need to make it at the top level. That farce at Southampton unfortunately exposed a very soft centre. It's a pity as talent wise he has a lot going for him but I guess Smith has ran out of patience. Did it for us at Wembley which shouldn't be forgotten when the likes of Grealish misfired. I really thought he would kick on at a higher level but didn't happen. That missed chance at Everton seemed to crucify a lot of whatever confidence was left.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 25, 2020, 02:42:11 PM

I mentioned Sessegnon a few weeks back. I think he'd be perfect.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Marlon From Bearwood on September 25, 2020, 03:23:23 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 25, 2020, 01:24:02 PM

Quote from: Monty on September 25, 2020, 01:21:48 PM

Is Sessegnon even an option?

Not seen him linked. But Bale coming in has pushed him even further down the pecking order so would be worth asking the question.

Sky sports (I know) reported a few days ago that Spurs were willing to let him leave. I’ve not seen him linked with any clubs yet but think he’d be perfect for us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on September 25, 2020, 03:31:57 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 25, 2020, 03:27:25 PM

Quote from: Big Ming on September 25, 2020, 02:33:08 PM

Ndidi is going to be a big miss for Leicester.

Hopefully out when we get to play them.

Yes although this is not transfer to help ease your concerns he's out for 2 to 3 months so he will be way out of it !

I think we could do with someone like that 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on September 25, 2020, 03:42:06 PM

Quote from: Marlon From Bearwood on September 25, 2020, 03:23:23 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 25, 2020, 01:24:02 PM

Quote from: Monty on September 25, 2020, 01:21:48 PM

Is Sessegnon even an option?

Not seen him linked. But Bale coming in has pushed him even further down the pecking order so would be worth asking the question.

Sky sports (I know) reported a few days ago that Spurs were willing to let him leave. I’ve not seen him linked with any clubs yet but think he’d be perfect for us.

They also bought that “Bergwein” - no idea how it is spelt - who is a AML so they’re well stocked.

He covers two positions but it’d mean dealing with Levy... mind you they’re not getting any income from crowds (NFL etc) in their stadium so might be desperate.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on September 25, 2020, 03:45:19 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 25, 2020, 03:40:00 PM

Now we are all on the understanding that Milo Rashica will be signed once we put up the reguired amount. So that one looks a matter of time .

We are?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on September 25, 2020, 04:06:14 PM

Well if we are , we are dragging it out

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 25, 2020, 04:14:12 PM

Trust in Footy-Vill!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: tomd2103 on September 25, 2020, 04:14:57 PM

Quote from: DB on September 25, 2020, 02:19:21 PM

Quote from: Mister E on September 25, 2020, 12:42:35 PM

Quote from: JJ-AV on September 25, 2020, 12:39:59 PM

The problem with Wesley is that he looked absolutely shit for long periods of last season. I'm sure he can improve and there is a player there, but maybe Smith just doesn't rate him. If so then Brewster is worth pursuing.

His shitness was as much to do with the poor service and lack of runners around him. Watkins and Traore will make him much more effective.

Not sure about that, his positioning and movement was poor and control worse.

Think it is definitely worth having another look at him when he returns from injury and hopefully we'll have the luxury of being able to ease him back in.  Would be interested to see him in a pairing with Watkins or Davis, as he looked a bit lost up front on his own.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on September 25, 2020, 04:23:56 PM

We are not going to sign Rashica -I don't think he was ever on our radar. Nor was Benrahma.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 25, 2020, 04:24:28 PM

Quote from: tomd2103 on September 25, 2020, 04:14:57 PM

Quote from: DB on September 25, 2020, 02:19:21 PM

Quote from: Mister E on September 25, 2020, 12:42:35 PM

Quote from: JJ-AV on September 25, 2020, 12:39:59 PM

The problem with Wesley is that he looked absolutely shit for long periods of last season. I'm sure he can improve and there is a player there, but maybe Smith just doesn't rate him. If so then Brewster is worth pursuing.

His shitness was as much to do with the poor service and lack of runners around him. Watkins and Traore will make him much more effective.

Not sure about that, his positioning and movement was poor and control worse.

Think it is definitely worth having another look at him when he returns from injury and hopefully we'll have the luxury of being able to ease him back in.  Would be interested to see him in a pairing with Watkins or Davis, as he looked a bit lost up front on his own.

I watched the highlights of the Everton home game from last season last week, his run and finish for the first goal were superb, as was his control and flick over the defenders head in the build up to the second.

He can play, lets see how he gets on with quality around him before writing him off.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: CT Villan on September 25, 2020, 04:32:20 PM

Just a thought, but what if Villa are the ones delaying the Rashica transfer because conversations are ongoing with Sarr and he would be our preferred choice ?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 25, 2020, 04:39:18 PM

I don't know how true this is but someone mentioned that a lot of clubs may want to put some expenditure into the last quarter of the year, i.e. October, so may be delaying deals. Probably best to ask an accountant about that

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 25, 2020, 04:42:13 PM

I don't see what the benefit of doing that from an accounting point of view would be. It's still the same financial year.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 25, 2020, 04:43:38 PM

Quote from: mr underhill on September 25, 2020, 04:23:56 PM

We are not going to sign Rashica -I don't think he was ever on our radar. Nor was Benrahma.

Their Chief Executive said we were after him. It may have been an elaborate lie, I suppose, but given that and all the press speculation, the idea that he was never "on our radar" seems very unlikely to me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 25, 2020, 04:43:46 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 25, 2020, 04:39:18 PM

I don't know how true this is but someone mentioned that a lot of clubs may want to put some expenditure into the last quarter of the year, i.e. October, so may be delaying deals. Probably best to ask an accountant about that

Back before the great fug of furlough I used to delay sending new contracts into the following month if I'd already hit my targets for that month. That's almost certainly irrelevant for football transfers, however.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 25, 2020, 04:44:57 PM

yeah, i don't see the significance but because we've now got a transfer deadline into October for the first time I've seen it mentioned.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 25, 2020, 04:48:01 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on September 25, 2020, 04:43:38 PM

Quote from: mr underhill on September 25, 2020, 04:23:56 PM

We are not going to sign Rashica -I don't think he was ever on our radar. Nor was Benrahma.

Their Chief Executive said we were after him. It may have been an elaborate lie, I suppose, but given that and all the press speculation, the idea that he was never "on our radar" seems very unlikely to me.

There has been way too much comment from a number of sources to suggest we have a firm interest. But he has every right to understand all of his options. He looks a super talent doing it in one of Europe's top leagues. So there is no doubt other clubs showing an interest. The question for him may just be money, which I have to believe we will be at or near the top, or does he go for less but playing in European competition. Something we are likely 2 years away from. At 25 he might want that now. This will go to the deadline whether or not he ends up with us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 25, 2020, 05:01:06 PM

Maybe if your year-end was September and your budget was already allocated for (besides, transfer fees would be spread out over a player's contract presumably) but ours is May and we've got Richie Riches in charge so let's pony-up for Rashica and get him integrated for a warm, friendly locked-in Brum Christmas.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 25, 2020, 05:08:02 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 25, 2020, 04:48:01 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on September 25, 2020, 04:43:38 PM

Quote from: mr underhill on September 25, 2020, 04:23:56 PM

We are not going to sign Rashica -I don't think he was ever on our radar. Nor was Benrahma.

Their Chief Executive said we were after him. It may have been an elaborate lie, I suppose, but given that and all the press speculation, the idea that he was never "on our radar" seems very unlikely to me.

There has been way too much comment from a number of sources to suggest we have a firm interest. But he has every right to understand all of his options. He looks a super talent doing it in one of Europe's top leagues. So there is no doubt other clubs showing an interest. The question for him may just be money, which I have to believe we will be at or near the top, or does he go for less but playing in European competition. Something we are likely 2 years away from. At 25 he might want that now. This will go to the deadline whether or not he ends up with us.

I' m with you on this, I suspect he's holding off to see if a club challenging for Europe in one of the big leagues comes in, there's already been interest from RB Leipzig so it's not impossible. I suspect by late next week he'll be forced to make a decision either way but we're not so desperate as to push him on it just yet.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Hookeysmith on September 25, 2020, 05:10:23 PM

These pair of absolute cock ends on sky transfer centre (although should be called man u centre)
Talking absolute shit about absolutely no news

And solskjar is a clown

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on September 25, 2020, 05:20:13 PM

I really dislike Solskaer. He seems to be viewed quite favourably but I see him as this prickly, weird, very passive aggressive bloke. So added on to the want of usual Man Utd downfall then I really will find their season this year amusing as I don't see top 4 for them at all.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: itbrvilla on September 25, 2020, 05:36:56 PM

Quote from: itbrvilla on September 25, 2020, 01:48:35 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 25, 2020, 01:34:19 PM

How much would you sell El Ghazi for? We seem to over-pay a lot more than selling high, ourselves.

It's the Villa way.

Quote from: eamonn on September 25, 2020, 01:34:19 PM

How much would you sell El Ghazi for? We seem to over-pay a lot more than selling high, ourselves.

I'd want at least £15m and don't think it's unreasonable

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on September 25, 2020, 05:40:29 PM

Quote from: edgysatsuma89 on September 25, 2020, 05:20:13 PM

I really dislike Solskaer. He seems to be viewed quite favourably but I see him as this prickly, weird, very passive aggressive bloke. So added on to the want of usual Man Utd downfall then I really will find their season this year amusing as I don't see top 4 for them at all.

How on earth he got that job 🤔😳

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Richard E on September 25, 2020, 05:57:33 PM

I’m not completely convinced that Milot Rashica even actually exists.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on September 25, 2020, 05:58:06 PM

Quote from: VILLA MOLE on September 25, 2020, 05:40:29 PM

Quote from: edgysatsuma89 on September 25, 2020, 05:20:13 PM

I really dislike Solskaer. He seems to be viewed quite favourably but I see him as this prickly, weird, very passive aggressive bloke. So added on to the want of usual Man Utd downfall then I really will find their season this year amusing as I don't see top 4 for them at all.

How on earth he got that job 🤔😳

Sentiment. Under normal circumstances they'd have packed his bags and put him on a North Sea ferry whilst at the same time sending a limo to Wolverhampton to pick up Nuno Espirito Santo.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 25, 2020, 06:11:11 PM

Nuno's waiting for Lampard to get the chop.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on September 25, 2020, 06:20:54 PM

The Plastics had their chance this summer but now he's signed a new contract so it'll be expensive though Mendes won't mind.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 25, 2020, 06:22:06 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 25, 2020, 03:24:19 PM

Has failed miserably Premier league so what's all the noise!
Also left back is not a priority so it's all a waste of suggesting.

You say that with great certainty, but Sessegnon may be a perfect 'compromise' opportunity - we'd have a young player with good experience and the ability to play wing and cover for LB. In fact, he's a mirror of M Cash, I'd say.
This would enable us then to concentrate on another CMF, knowing that wing and striker is covered.
Just because he has bombed at Spurrrrrrrsssss doesn't make him a bad player.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on September 25, 2020, 06:25:18 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 25, 2020, 11:52:47 AM

Last summer we signed too many players at once because we had no choice. This summer we've been much more sensible and only got 4 in but have people wanting 4-5 more which will mean once again too many new players and another season of transition.

A centre mid and attacking player is all we need from here. Attacking player is covered by Rashica/Sarr, they're not centre forwards but Watkins and Davis with Traore as a fall back is fine until Christmas when Wesley is back where we need better cover is that the only alternative to Grealish can't be AEG.

In midfield Luiz and McGinn are good options, Hourihane and Nakamba are decent squad cover and Ramsey is a good prospect but that's not enough depth. If we get a decent winger then Jack can play there sometimes but he's still not filling the big gap which is the lack of physicality in there. Loftus-Cheek (to buy or loan with a fixed fee to make it perm) would fit perfectly.

Another striker coming in would be, in my opinion, a sign that they're writing off Wesley but would also put Davis in position of needing to go out on loan for game time and put us back to the same depth we have, so I don't see the point.

Left back can wait until next summer and centre back cover is fine unless Engels is sold which I think would be a mistake.

Summed up really well.

IMO were either getting a relative marquee forward like Edouard because it becomes clear we can. Or more likely we’ll go for a winger and g tv hen interchangeable wide and forward players in Watkins, Traore and another (would think Sarr more realistic than Rashica now).
CM is important for competition for McGinn/Connor. I would love loftus cheek. As you say the rest can wait for another day.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 25, 2020, 06:27:25 PM

Sessegnon would be a fantastic signing to replace Taylor, loan for a year with a fixed fee option at the end. I wouldn't take him as an alternative to Rashica though, totally different players.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: oldtimernow on September 25, 2020, 06:52:13 PM

Would love to get hold of Sessegnon if only to piss off Levy but would the London umbilical be too much of a stretch?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on September 25, 2020, 07:53:34 PM

I get the impression with Rashica that we made an enquiry over the summer, but for whatever reason it's not progressed. Werder Bremen and/or Rashica's agent have then been publicising it, presumably in an attempt to get some interest from bigger clubs. However, so far none have bitten.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 25, 2020, 08:03:16 PM

What are these "bigger clubs" of which you speak?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on September 25, 2020, 08:23:57 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on September 25, 2020, 08:03:16 PM

What are these "bigger clubs" of which you speak?

Ones with longer names.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on September 25, 2020, 08:32:11 PM

Wylan Cyprien linked according to Sky. French attacking midfielder, aged 25.   No, nor me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 25, 2020, 08:33:32 PM

Quote from: Newby on September 25, 2020, 08:32:11 PM

Wylan Cyprien linked according to Sky. French attacking midfielder, aged 25.   No, nor me.

whoooo?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on September 25, 2020, 08:33:38 PM

Quote from: Richard E on September 25, 2020, 05:57:33 PM

I’m not completely convinced that Milot Rashica even actually exists.

I can honestly say that until a few weeks ago, I'd never heard of her.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Richard E on September 25, 2020, 08:48:01 PM

Quote from: Newby on September 25, 2020, 08:32:11 PM

Wylan Cyprien linked according to Sky. French attacking midfielder, aged 25.   No, nor me.

Apparently he’s nice.

Sorry, let me read that again. Apparently he plays for Nice.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on September 25, 2020, 08:51:40 PM

According to Sportslens the Brum Mail say we've met Rashica's release clause, but there's a hold-up about wages? Is this/can this be true?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on September 25, 2020, 08:55:59 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 25, 2020, 03:24:19 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 25, 2020, 02:01:09 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 25, 2020, 01:24:02 PM

Quote from: Monty on September 25, 2020, 01:21:48 PM

Is Sessegnon even an option?

Not seen him linked. But Bale coming in has pushed him even further down the pecking order so would be worth asking the question.

Sessegnon is a very talented player as he demonstrated in the championship. Hasn't happened for him at Spurs but is more than good enough to get back on track. Would cover LB/LM. Kind of player we should be looking to loan with an option to buy or buy outright.

Yes quite.
Demonstrated as talent in the championship.
Has shown nothing whatsoever at Premier league level to suggest he's cut above anything .

Has failed miserably Premier league so what's all the noise!
Also left back is not a priority so it's all a waste of suggesting.

Because it's midfield and attack that's clearly the upgrade and reported links.

Sessegnon isn't sure what position to be played.
Granted he's fly's forward but did nothing with Fulham and can't get near spurs team.

Maybe in January but no not now.
Let him develop in championship loan then swoop in January.
Far too risky to be taking up a loan on him when plenty of cover on left back.
Hause Taylor and Target

Can agree he has potential to be a good left wing back but that's all it is right now for me.

Neither of the three you mentioned are remotely good enough. I can't recall Hause ever playing left back for us, certainly not in the prem.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 25, 2020, 09:00:46 PM

Quote from: Monty on September 25, 2020, 08:51:40 PM

According to Sportslens the Brum Mail say we've met Rashica's release clause, but there's a hold-up about wages? Is this/can this be true?

In the current climate it could be something like we've agreed the wage in principle, but he doesn't want to take a hit on that with a deferred/ reduced payment if the season is curtailed etc.

Bremen have asked their players to take a pay cut and that could be one of the reasons he's keen to bail in the first place.

All speculation on my part.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: darren woolley on September 25, 2020, 09:04:27 PM

I hope we get Rashica.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Chris_Jephcott on September 25, 2020, 09:12:38 PM

I reckon that the fact we’ve walked away is all smoke and mirrors. And that he’ll be announced on Tuesday... or something like that.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 25, 2020, 09:17:38 PM

Quote from: Monty on September 25, 2020, 08:51:40 PM

According to Sportslens the Brum Mail say we've met Rashica's release clause, but there's a hold-up about wages? Is this/can this be true?

The Martinez deal got held up because of a loyalty payment he was owed from Arsenal and I've known this to happen before. Maybe something like that?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Londonvilla on September 25, 2020, 09:24:53 PM

Aston Villa starlet Viljami Sinisalo becomes Ayr United's latest signing as Finnish goalkeeper joins on loan

https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/ayrshire/aston-villa-starlet-viljami-sinisalo-22744757

Nice to see more of our young players going out on loan......but not sure Jacob Ramsey or Keinan Davis should go.

The question is will there development be better on our bench or in a championship team?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on September 25, 2020, 10:10:27 PM

Quote from: Chris_Jephcott on September 25, 2020, 09:12:38 PM

I reckon that the fact we’ve walked away is all smoke and mirrors. And that he’ll be announced on Tuesday... or something like that.

I honestly think we are one decent winger and one solid midfielder away from being a really progressive side.  If we get those players in, I reckon we will be very nice to watch, especially as Dean prefers to attack rather than defend.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 25, 2020, 10:14:35 PM

Quote from: Newby on September 25, 2020, 08:32:11 PM

Wylan Cyprien linked according to Sky. French attacking midfielder, aged 25.   No, nor me.

He's pretty decent. Similar stats to Traore in France with 1 in 4 goal return. Get the feeling he's a plan B option for the long running Rashica saga.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 25, 2020, 10:27:21 PM

Isn't he more of a central midfielder. Looks a decent player.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 25, 2020, 10:40:10 PM

I like the look of Cyprien, supposedly £10m-ish which looks very good value.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 25, 2020, 11:21:48 PM

GFFN saying it is around £16m. Even at that price, looking at the way he plays, he is a midfielder that likes to get you on the front foot and up the pitch. Might mean a winger/ striker would be a loan from somewhere, and you would think he would be instead of Rashica.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 25, 2020, 11:22:08 PM

Decent stats. Tranfermarkt says he's contract expires in 2021 so maybe able to get him for less too.

Article about him here - https://footballwhispers.com/blog/wylan-cyprien-premier-league-scout-report/.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on September 25, 2020, 11:33:18 PM

Leave it until the last minute of the window to bring the price down.  Looks a decent player on the clips, strong and powerful.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 26, 2020, 01:01:25 AM

Fair play to the guy on Twitter that has put up the Barkley photo, I assuming it is photoshop, but you have to wonder why you would go to those lengths.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Londonvilla on September 26, 2020, 01:33:30 AM

Still think we will get John Swift at the end of the window for a few million as he ticks all the boxes and smith has worked with him before.

https://footballwhispers.com/blog/john-swift-the-midfield-maestro-who-can-unleash-sheffield-uniteds-creative-potential/

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Londonvilla on September 26, 2020, 01:52:03 AM

Get French Football News
@GFFN
Aston Villa have made a €17.5m offer to OGC Nice for French midfielder Wylan Cyprien, according to
@DahbiaHattabi
Awaiting a response from Les Aiglons.

https://twitter.com/GFFN/status/1309611548986544128

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on September 26, 2020, 06:50:44 AM

Quote from: Londonvilla on September 26, 2020, 01:52:03 AM

Get French Football News
@GFFN
Aston Villa have made a €17.5m offer to OGC Nice for French midfielder Wylan Cyprien, according to
@DahbiaHattabi
Awaiting a response from Les Aiglons.

https://twitter.com/GFFN/status/1309611548986544128

Dunno that I want us to be buying from clubs with such shit nicknames, if I'm honest.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 26, 2020, 07:22:26 AM

It's going to be Dele Alli.

Just got a feeling.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 26, 2020, 07:50:41 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 25, 2020, 11:21:48 PM

GFFN saying it is around £16m. Even at that price, looking at the way he plays, he is a midfielder that likes to get you on the front foot and up the pitch. Might mean a winger/ striker would be a loan from somewhere, and you would think he would be instead of Rashica.

Barcodes also apparently linked with him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 26, 2020, 07:54:28 AM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 25, 2020, 09:43:58 PM

... Smith could maybe develop him as something seems to be there but it's no priority right now.

You say that of Sessegnon, and you may be right.
However, once Targett gets injured - as he will do ; this season just as last - we're down to Hause and Taylor.
Whilst Targett remains fit, Sessegnon would do a good job in LMF.

Probably not priority ... but will we get caught short on our left this season?!!


And many of us would not have said the right fullback position was necessarily a priority, and yet it has been strengthened; and with a player similar to Sessegnon.


Anyway, enough already.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on September 26, 2020, 08:01:12 AM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 25, 2020, 10:14:35 PM

Quote from: Newby on September 25, 2020, 08:32:11 PM

Wylan Cyprien linked according to Sky. French attacking midfielder, aged 25.   No, nor me.

He's pretty decent. Similar stats to Traore in France with 1 in 4 goal return. Get the feeling he's a plan B option for the long running Rashica saga.

He's more of a box-to-box, central type.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 26, 2020, 08:06:34 AM

I saw a tentative link to Skov because Lange bought him before, can't he play left back if needed? Not Milner esque. Might cost a bit mind.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on September 26, 2020, 08:52:51 AM

now he is a bit handy

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on September 26, 2020, 08:53:47 AM

Deli Ali is an interesting one, it Demonstrates that rated players will be made available by clubs as they try to balance the books. 

I personally don’t think he is what we need (unless he wants to reinvent himself as an eight) but hope that we would be a club ready to exploit these fire sales. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on September 26, 2020, 09:06:09 AM

i thought hey were talking about a loan only?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Baldy on September 26, 2020, 09:12:23 AM

I can't get out of my head about what must of been said to Jack to make him sign that extended contract. Yes, our signings to date seem impressive but are they really enough to make Jack stay.

I don't think so. That 'big ticket' signing is still out there and my money is on Deli Alli. That would make him stay.

Feel it in my water.  :)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on September 26, 2020, 09:16:11 AM

Quote from: Baldy on September 26, 2020, 09:12:23 AM

I can't get out of my head about what must of been said to Jack to make him sign that extended contract. Yes, our signings to date seem impressive but are they really enough to make Jack stay.

I don't think so. That 'big ticket' signing is still out there and my money is on Deli Alli. That would make him stay.

Feel it in my water.  :)

If we don't start the bidding at £3m plus Henri Lansbury I'll be disappointed

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 26, 2020, 09:34:26 AM

Dele Alli - strikes me as the next Steven Ireland.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 26, 2020, 09:47:48 AM

Deli Alli is a quality player, but he is above our level (at least for now)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: fredm on September 26, 2020, 09:52:24 AM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on September 26, 2020, 09:47:48 AM

Deli Alli is a quality player, but he is above our level (at least for now)

It depends on which Deli Alli you get.  The one from a couple of years ago who looked as if he could become a top class player with all the potential in the world or the more recent one who looks as if he has got his million quid and now couldn't care less.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brian green on September 26, 2020, 10:03:05 AM

My ex Camp Hill mate who owns the bar in the colonnade facing Nice harbour says Cyprien is very good.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brend'Watkins on September 26, 2020, 10:11:32 AM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on September 26, 2020, 09:47:48 AM

Deli Alli is a quality player, but he is above our level (at least for now)

Jack’s above our level and Deli Ali’s but he’s playing for us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 26, 2020, 10:16:02 AM

If you get the Dele Alli that's going to work hard and has something to prove then there's a good player in there

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Baldy on September 26, 2020, 10:19:49 AM

Deli Alli is out of favour with the special one, will not get game time to try and impress for next Euros. His career is at a standstill.

He needs a club like Villa. Deano/Terry etc would knock him into shape.

Give him a one year loan with option to buy. Would suit Spurs as well with Bale situation.

Just a thought!!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 26, 2020, 10:27:29 AM

Cyprien looks a decent punt. 5 seasons in lique 1 aint bad, and at 25 its 5 years before he has to perform the rite of Carrousel or have the Sandmen come after him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Jimsta on September 26, 2020, 10:39:55 AM

Alli to me a bit of a luxury player, Doesn't work hard for the team so where would he fit in the system, A no from me

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: GordonCowansisthegreatest on September 26, 2020, 10:52:49 AM

Quote from: brian green on September 26, 2020, 10:03:05 AM

My ex Camp Hill mate who owns the bar in the colonnade facing Nice harbour says Cyprien is very good.

As in the former HMP Camp Hill?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 26, 2020, 10:56:12 AM

There’s no truth in the Cyprien link. We haven’t made a bid but are looking at new players in midfield and up front.

https://twitter.com/preeceobserver/status/1309786205593260032?s=21

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 26, 2020, 10:58:09 AM

ah well.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 26, 2020, 10:59:26 AM

Quote from: Jimsta on September 26, 2020, 10:39:55 AM

Alli to me a bit of a luxury player, Doesn't work hard for the team so where would he fit in the system, A no from me

people from the outside say the same about Grealish....

Alli would need to work hard in what is a struggling team compared to what he's used to in the top 6.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 26, 2020, 11:06:01 AM

Alli strikes me as a Lennon type character. Exploded on the scene and then rapidly declined once he hit his mid-20's That's a no from me..

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on September 26, 2020, 11:13:06 AM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 26, 2020, 11:06:01 AM

Alli strikes me as a Lennon type character. Exploded on the scene and then rapidly declined once he hit his mid-20's That's a no from me..

Harsh
He still managed to write Imagine in the days after the Beatles broke up

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 26, 2020, 11:13:48 AM

My first thought when linked to a player... is he better than what we already have?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on September 26, 2020, 11:15:29 AM

Quote from: brian green on September 26, 2020, 10:03:05 AM

My ex Camp Hill mate who owns the bar in the colonnade facing Nice harbour says Cyprien is very good.

If we're talking the school, my brother went there.

However, the useless git doesn't own a bar in Nice.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 26, 2020, 11:23:36 AM

Quote from: john e on September 26, 2020, 11:13:06 AM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 26, 2020, 11:06:01 AM

Alli strikes me as a Lennon type character. Exploded on the scene and then rapidly declined once he hit his mid-20's That's a no from me..

Harsh
He still managed to write Imagine in the days after the Beatles broke up

heh. All the whining about yoko and his mum. No wonder Poch got rid.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on September 26, 2020, 11:24:11 AM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 26, 2020, 11:06:01 AM

Alli strikes me as a Lennon type character. Exploded on the scene and then rapidly declined once he hit his mid-20's That's a no from me..

I'm not against Alli, although his wages - which i imagine are pretty high - and motivation for coming to Villa would need to looked at carefully.

Bit of a pipe dream, but I'm kind of hoping for more of a statement signing. Our Ruud Guillit. Alli strikes me as the sort of player Newcastle or West Ham would buy, if you know what I mean.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 26, 2020, 11:26:24 AM

Quote from: algy on September 26, 2020, 11:24:11 AM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 26, 2020, 11:06:01 AM

Alli strikes me as a Lennon type character. Exploded on the scene and then rapidly declined once he hit his mid-20's That's a no from me..

I'm not against Alli, although his wages - which i imagine are pretty high - and motivation for coming to Villa would need to looked at carefully.

Bit of a pipe dream, but I'm kind of hoping for more of a statement signing. Our Ruud Guillit. Alli strikes me as the sort of player Newcastle or West Ham would buy, if you know what I mean.

yeah whatever you think about Maureen, he seems to weed out the players he doesn't think have the right attitude.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on September 26, 2020, 11:31:28 AM

From Dean's interview today, makes it sound like we might be close to a winger signing.  "Things change quickly in football and our Sporting Director has his finger on the pulse!" One in, a couple out and then we might look at central midfield afterwards.   

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 26, 2020, 11:34:21 AM

heh. I'm imagining someone surrounded with a bank of old style trimphones, a telex machine and a combined fax/copier

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 26, 2020, 11:36:21 AM

Quote from: john e on September 26, 2020, 11:13:06 AM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 26, 2020, 11:06:01 AM

Alli strikes me as a Lennon type character. Exploded on the scene and then rapidly declined once he hit his mid-20's That's a no from me..

Harsh
He still managed to write Imagine in the days after the Beatles broke up

I bow to nobody in my love and admiration for each and every Beatle, but Imagine is the most terrible pile of shit.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brian green on September 26, 2020, 11:54:14 AM

KEGS Camp Hill now Kings Heath.  Several alumni on these threads.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 26, 2020, 11:58:07 AM

👋

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mike on September 26, 2020, 11:58:54 AM

Quote from: brian green on September 26, 2020, 11:54:14 AM

KEGS Camp Hill now Kings Heath.  Several alumni on these threads.

Yep. Were you in the old building, Brian? My head was Alan Cholmondoly, I think he might have been at the old place when it closed.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on September 26, 2020, 12:03:27 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 26, 2020, 11:36:21 AM

Quote from: john e on September 26, 2020, 11:13:06 AM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 26, 2020, 11:06:01 AM

Alli strikes me as a Lennon type character. Exploded on the scene and then rapidly declined once he hit his mid-20's That's a no from me..

Harsh
He still managed to write Imagine in the days after the Beatles broke up

I bow to nobody in my love and admiration for each and every Beatle, but Imagine is the most terrible pile of shit.

Yep, the most sententious, preening, manipulative, simplistic, faux-naive fucking bollocks ever shat onto a record.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: maidstonevillain on September 26, 2020, 12:08:00 PM

Quote from: Monty on September 26, 2020, 12:03:27 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 26, 2020, 11:36:21 AM

Quote from: john e on September 26, 2020, 11:13:06 AM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 26, 2020, 11:06:01 AM

Alli strikes me as a Lennon type character. Exploded on the scene and then rapidly declined once he hit his mid-20's That's a no from me..

Harsh
He still managed to write Imagine in the days after the Beatles broke up

I bow to nobody in my love and admiration for each and every Beatle, but Imagine is the most terrible pile of shit.

Yep, the most sententious, preening, manipulative, simplistic, faux-naive fucking bollocks ever shat onto a record.

Whoever wrote it should have been shot.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 26, 2020, 12:08:18 PM

Ha!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 26, 2020, 12:10:02 PM

heheheh. oof!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on September 26, 2020, 12:15:25 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 26, 2020, 11:26:24 AM

Quote from: algy on September 26, 2020, 11:24:11 AM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 26, 2020, 11:06:01 AM

Alli strikes me as a Lennon type character. Exploded on the scene and then rapidly declined once he hit his mid-20's That's a no from me..

I'm not against Alli, although his wages - which i imagine are pretty high - and motivation for coming to Villa would need to looked at carefully.

Bit of a pipe dream, but I'm kind of hoping for more of a statement signing. Our Ruud Guillit. Alli strikes me as the sort of player Newcastle or West Ham would buy, if you know what I mean.

yeah whatever you think about Maureen, he seems to weed out the players he doesn't think have the right attitude.

Yup, binning out Salah and De Bruyne from Chelsea suggests his judgement is spot on.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brian green on September 26, 2020, 12:19:32 PM

I never made the new place Mike though the present Mrs Green did.  We only made it to use the sea of wet clay they called the new rugby pitches.  Tom Rogers, a cane happy Quaker whom I hated and feared in equal measure was the Beak until I left.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 26, 2020, 12:24:55 PM

Quote from: Dave on September 26, 2020, 12:15:25 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 26, 2020, 11:26:24 AM

Quote from: algy on September 26, 2020, 11:24:11 AM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 26, 2020, 11:06:01 AM

Alli strikes me as a Lennon type character. Exploded on the scene and then rapidly declined once he hit his mid-20's That's a no from me..

I'm not against Alli, although his wages - which i imagine are pretty high - and motivation for coming to Villa would need to looked at carefully.

Bit of a pipe dream, but I'm kind of hoping for more of a statement signing. Our Ruud Guillit. Alli strikes me as the sort of player Newcastle or West Ham would buy, if you know what I mean.

yeah whatever you think about Maureen, he seems to weed out the players he doesn't think have the right attitude.

Yup, binning out Salah and De Bruyne from Chelsea suggests his judgement is spot on.

Salah was awful for chelsea, you'd have to be a football genius to predict him coming good. De Bruyne, a mistake but at the time would you have binned their first team for him. They have so many players they buy, then loan out that the managers never see properly

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Scott Nielsen on September 26, 2020, 12:56:28 PM

Nah, c'mon, that is just not true regarding Salah. Certainly Chelsea fans will disagree with you. And M knows this and has since studiously laid the blame for the selling of Salah elsewhere - it was "the club", not him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 26, 2020, 01:02:26 PM

Quote from: Scott Nielsen on September 26, 2020, 12:56:28 PM

Nah, c'mon, that is just not true regarding Salah. Certainly Chelsea fans will disagree with you. And M knows this and has since studiously laid the blame for the selling of Salah elsewhere - it was "the club", not him.

Don't agree really. Family member is a chelsea fan and its meh as far as he was concerned. He wasn't a cahill where everyone could see he was ace. He's more a Samatta if he went on to win the CL for barcelona. Yeah its a pisser but no-one was shedding tears when they got a decent fee for him

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 26, 2020, 01:03:06 PM

Quote from: Monty on September 26, 2020, 12:03:27 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 26, 2020, 11:36:21 AM

I bow to nobody in my love and admiration for each and every Beatle, but Imagine is the most terrible pile of shit.

Yep, the most sententious, preening, manipulative, simplistic, faux-naive fucking bollocks ever shat onto a record.

Couldn't agree more! It's in my list of top 5 annoying "rated" songs along with Satisfaction, Three Little Birds, Walk of Life and Should I Stay or Should I Go.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 26, 2020, 01:04:19 PM

Quote from: brian green on September 26, 2020, 11:54:14 AM

KEGS Camp Hill now Kings Heath.  Several alumni on these threads.

KEGS Aston me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on September 26, 2020, 01:08:03 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 26, 2020, 01:04:19 PM

Quote from: brian green on September 26, 2020, 11:54:14 AM

KEGS Camp Hill now Kings Heath.  Several alumni on these threads.

KEGS Aston me.

KES Edgbaston me.

King of KE schools.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 26, 2020, 01:08:46 PM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on September 26, 2020, 11:15:29 AM

Quote from: brian green on September 26, 2020, 10:03:05 AM

My ex Camp Hill mate who owns the bar in the colonnade facing Nice harbour says Cyprien is very good.

If we're talking the school, my brother went there.

I'm familiar with Camp Hill only because a very good friend of mine has a very natty claret and blue Camp Hill blazer. Is that the school or rugby club or are they connected?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: oldtimernow on September 26, 2020, 01:10:31 PM

 

Quote from: brian green on September 26, 2020, 11:54:14 AM

KEGS Camp Hill now Kings Heath.  Several alumni on these threads.

A few from Aston too....

always liked playing cricket against Camp Hill always ended up winning ;D

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 26, 2020, 01:14:57 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on September 26, 2020, 01:03:06 PM

Quote from: Monty on September 26, 2020, 12:03:27 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 26, 2020, 11:36:21 AM

I bow to nobody in my love and admiration for each and every Beatle, but Imagine is the most terrible pile of shit.

Yep, the most sententious, preening, manipulative, simplistic, faux-naive fucking bollocks ever shat onto a record.

Couldn't agree more! It's in my list of top 5 annoying "rated" songs along with Satisfaction, Three Little Birds, Walk of Life and Should I Stay or Should I Go.

Totally agree with Imagine and Should I Stay or Should I Go.  Utter shite.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on September 26, 2020, 01:16:29 PM

Imagine no possessions. It isn't hard to do with an estate worth £600 million.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on September 26, 2020, 01:16:35 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 26, 2020, 01:02:26 PM

Quote from: Scott Nielsen on September 26, 2020, 12:56:28 PM

Nah, c'mon, that is just not true regarding Salah. Certainly Chelsea fans will disagree with you. And M knows this and has since studiously laid the blame for the selling of Salah elsewhere - it was "the club", not him.

Don't agree really. Family member is a chelsea fan and its meh as far as he was concerned.

Oh, case closed then.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 26, 2020, 01:20:12 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 26, 2020, 01:08:03 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 26, 2020, 01:04:19 PM

Quote from: brian green on September 26, 2020, 11:54:14 AM

KEGS Camp Hill now Kings Heath.  Several alumni on these threads.

KEGS Aston me.

KES Edgbaston me.

King of KE schools.

All the soft, rich, mommy’s boys went there. The hard lads went to Aston and Camp Hill. Nobody gave a fuck about anyone who went to Five Ways.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 26, 2020, 01:20:48 PM

Quote from: Dave on September 26, 2020, 01:16:35 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 26, 2020, 01:02:26 PM

Quote from: Scott Nielsen on September 26, 2020, 12:56:28 PM

Nah, c'mon, that is just not true regarding Salah. Certainly Chelsea fans will disagree with you. And M knows this and has since studiously laid the blame for the selling of Salah elsewhere - it was "the club", not him.

Don't agree really. Family member is a chelsea fan and its meh as far as he was concerned.

Oh, case closed then.

Suit yourself. Albrighton going looks a mistake with hindsight, but i certainly don't beat up the manager at the time about it, because he'd been largely shit for ages and that's all you can go on.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: nigel on September 26, 2020, 01:22:22 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 26, 2020, 09:34:26 AM

Dele Alli - strikes me as the next Steven Ireland.

I think, anything but, NZ.

He’s good mates with Jack and he’d be joining a team on the up. He’s also still got aspirations of playing for England.

Ireland, to my knowledge, had none of that.
He knew people, but weren’t really mates, we were on the rapid decline and, let’s face it, it doesn’t take much to be selected for Ireland

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 26, 2020, 01:26:58 PM

Dele Alli is a super footballer and one whose talent has been blunted by Mourinho. He’s out of our league right now and he will command a move to a CL club.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 26, 2020, 03:03:12 PM

The only way Ali could work is if Tottingham won't sell or loan to a direct rival. 

For the player himself, he might look at a move to a club like us (or Crystal Palace, for example) for a season.

 Banking on the notion that Mourinho doesn't usually hang around. If he's managed to nause out the support base with 30 per cent possession as per usual they could have a new manager in place by next summer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: darren woolley on September 26, 2020, 03:08:47 PM

I would love us the sign Dele Alli.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on September 26, 2020, 03:10:38 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 26, 2020, 01:20:48 PM

Quote from: Dave on September 26, 2020, 01:16:35 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 26, 2020, 01:02:26 PM

Quote from: Scott Nielsen on September 26, 2020, 12:56:28 PM

Nah, c'mon, that is just not true regarding Salah. Certainly Chelsea fans will disagree with you. And M knows this and has since studiously laid the blame for the selling of Salah elsewhere - it was "the club", not him.

Don't agree really. Family member is a chelsea fan and its meh as far as he was concerned.

Oh, case closed then.

Suit yourself. Albrighton going looks a mistake with hindsight, but i certainly don't beat up the manager at the time about it, because he'd been largely shit for ages and that's all you can go on.

Bit of a blind spot when you're talking about two of the best players in Europe and probably one of the very best in the world in De Bruyne. Piss poor management to let them go.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Baldy on September 26, 2020, 03:10:49 PM

If Brighton can attract Adam Llalana (llallanallanalla) we can attract Dele Alli.  :)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: old man villa fan on September 26, 2020, 03:21:13 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 26, 2020, 01:20:12 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 26, 2020, 01:08:03 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 26, 2020, 01:04:19 PM

Quote from: brian green on September 26, 2020, 11:54:14 AM

KEGS Camp Hill now Kings Heath.  Several alumni on these threads.

KEGS Aston me.

KES Edgbaston me.

King of KE schools.

All the soft, rich, mommy’s boys went there. The hard lads went to Aston and Camp Hill. Nobody gave a fuck about anyone who went to Five Ways.

Camp Hill, hard, right, if you say so but agree with your comment about KESE.  Ex-Kings Norton GS and at least we played with right-shaped balls!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on September 26, 2020, 03:26:01 PM

Sadly Ross the Dross is on the way - apparently.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on September 26, 2020, 03:26:24 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 26, 2020, 01:20:12 PM

All the soft, rich, mommy’s boys went there. The hard lads went to Aston and Camp Hill. Nobody gave a fuck about anyone who went to Five Ways.

I still don't even know where Five Ways is and I played cricket there. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sunny Villa on September 26, 2020, 03:31:11 PM

All the KEGs hated playing Rugby against the STAGs. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Baldy on September 26, 2020, 03:33:11 PM

I left STAGS in 1977 before going on my travels. Is STAGS still standing?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Chap on September 26, 2020, 03:54:39 PM

Aston from 76 to 83. Used to spend many a lunchtime walking round inside the stadium. Few autographs too, Andy Gray, John Gidman to name a few😁

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brian green on September 26, 2020, 04:01:31 PM

Camp Hill 50 -55. Spent our lunchtimes fighting.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 26, 2020, 04:03:44 PM

Quote from: old man villa fan on September 26, 2020, 03:21:13 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 26, 2020, 01:20:12 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 26, 2020, 01:08:03 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 26, 2020, 01:04:19 PM

Quote from: brian green on September 26, 2020, 11:54:14 AM

KEGS Camp Hill now Kings Heath.  Several alumni on these threads.

KEGS Aston me.

KES Edgbaston me.

King of KE schools.

All the soft, rich, mommy’s boys went there. The hard lads went to Aston and Camp Hill. Nobody gave a fuck about anyone who went to Five Ways.

Camp Hill, hard, right, if you say so but agree with your comment about KESE.  Ex-Kings Norton GS and at least we played with right-shaped balls!

If you’re ranking Aston vs Camp Hill, I mean it’s Aston every time. And yes I had to find my real football elsewhere although I did play rugby for all my years there. With my good mate, staunch nose Mark Harrison. Our Academy Manager.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 26, 2020, 04:04:43 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 26, 2020, 03:26:24 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 26, 2020, 01:20:12 PM

All the soft, rich, mommy’s boys went there. The hard lads went to Aston and Camp Hill. Nobody gave a fuck about anyone who went to Five Ways.

I still don't even know where Five Ways is and I played cricket there. 

LOL that’s what I’m saying. Nobody knew or cared who, what, where they were and nobody tried to find out.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Chap on September 26, 2020, 04:05:04 PM

Quote from: brian green on September 26, 2020, 04:01:31 PM

Camp Hill 50 -55. Spent our lunchtimes fighting.

Also did a bit of that in Aston Park against Aston Manor and The Holte schools!😁😁

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lsvilla on September 26, 2020, 04:45:47 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on September 26, 2020, 03:26:01 PM

Sadly Ross the Dross is on the way - apparently.

Is that right ? On the bench at the Albion whilst RLC not in the 18.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 26, 2020, 05:00:42 PM

Smith was talking about an attacking player coming in. It sounded like a wide player who could play up front rather than a midfielder like Barkley.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: DeeBoy1 on September 26, 2020, 05:28:11 PM

Quote from: old man villa fan on September 26, 2020, 03:21:13 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 26, 2020, 01:20:12 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 26, 2020, 01:08:03 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 26, 2020, 01:04:19 PM

Quote from: brian green on September 26, 2020, 11:54:14 AM

KEGS Camp Hill now Kings Heath.  Several alumni on these threads.

KEGS Aston me.

KES Edgbaston me.

King of KE schools.

All the soft, rich, mommy’s boys went there. The hard lads went to Aston and Camp Hill. Nobody gave a fuck about anyone who went to Five Ways.

Camp Hill, hard, right, if you say so but agree with your comment about KESE.  Ex-Kings Norton GS and at least we played with right-shaped balls!

Ha! Camp Hill till I die!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on September 26, 2020, 05:30:16 PM

meanwhile, outside the world of nostalgic academia...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 26, 2020, 05:39:10 PM

Quote from: Ads on September 26, 2020, 03:10:38 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 26, 2020, 01:20:48 PM

Quote from: Dave on September 26, 2020, 01:16:35 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 26, 2020, 01:02:26 PM

Quote from: Scott Nielsen on September 26, 2020, 12:56:28 PM

Nah, c'mon, that is just not true regarding Salah. Certainly Chelsea fans will disagree with you. And M knows this and has since studiously laid the blame for the selling of Salah elsewhere - it was "the club", not him.

Don't agree really. Family member is a chelsea fan and its meh as far as he was concerned.

Oh, case closed then.

Suit yourself. Albrighton going looks a mistake with hindsight, but i certainly don't beat up the manager at the time about it, because he'd been largely shit for ages and that's all you can go on.

Bit of a blind spot when you're talking about two of the best players in Europe and probably one of the very best in the world in De Bruyne. Piss poor management to let them go.

Like I said if you can find any articles written at the time about how ace Salah was at Chelsea, or what a mistake Mourinho was making letting him go to Roma then by all means post them. He made little impression at Chelsea and I doubt most people had realised he'd left.  All a massive case of hindsight because of his success at Liverpool rather than Mourinho dumping an acclaimed future star.  De Bruyne, granted a lot of people did rate him when he was at Chelsea and a very poor decision.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 26, 2020, 05:50:00 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on September 26, 2020, 03:26:01 PM

Sadly Ross the Dross is on the way - apparently.

Do we think this means we're going to 4-4-2? Or JG continues to play on the leftside?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: The Edge on September 26, 2020, 06:08:01 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on September 26, 2020, 03:26:01 PM

Sadly Ross the Dross is on the way - apparently.

Huh? Having a dig at him before he even signs. (if it even happens) how very Villa.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on September 26, 2020, 06:17:10 PM

Quote from: The Edge on September 26, 2020, 06:08:01 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on September 26, 2020, 03:26:01 PM

Sadly Ross the Dross is on the way - apparently.

Huh? Having a dig at him before he even signs. (if it even happens) how very Villa.

No need to get on your high horse mate

he hasn’t signed yet

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 26, 2020, 06:18:51 PM

Quote from: The Edge on September 26, 2020, 06:08:01 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on September 26, 2020, 03:26:01 PM

Sadly Ross the Dross is on the way - apparently.

Huh? Having a dig at him before he even signs. (if it even happens) how very Villa.

There's nothing wrong with not wanting a player we're linked with, it happens all the time. The time to give them a chance even if you're not happy is when the transfer is definitely happening.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villafirst on September 26, 2020, 06:20:04 PM

Mason Mount a shoe-in for Gareth's next squad. Fantastic, dominant performance so far from midfield...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: nigel on September 26, 2020, 06:42:59 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 26, 2020, 03:26:24 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 26, 2020, 01:20:12 PM

All the soft, rich, mommy’s boys went there. The hard lads went to Aston and Camp Hill. Nobody gave a fuck about anyone who went to Five Ways.

I still don't even know where Five Ways is and I played cricket there.

Not far from Newman Uni.
On the edge of Kitwell estate

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: enigma on September 26, 2020, 07:10:43 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 26, 2020, 01:26:58 PM

Dele Alli is a super footballer and one whose talent has been blunted by Mourinho. He’s out of our league right now and he will command a move to a CL club.

Mourinho can be blamed for so many things but not that. Alli has been poor for 18 months now. In fact his form improved immediately after Mourinho took over. Didn't last though so something else is going on there that's affecting his form.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 26, 2020, 07:19:22 PM

Quote from: enigma on September 26, 2020, 07:10:43 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 26, 2020, 01:26:58 PM

Dele Alli is a super footballer and one whose talent has been blunted by Mourinho. He’s out of our league right now and he will command a move to a CL club.

Mourinho can be blamed for so many things but not that. Alli has been poor for 18 months now. In fact his form improved immediately after Mourinho took over. Didn't last though so something else is going on there that's affecting his form.

It's a no to Dele Alli for me, never warmed to him. Isn't there a school thought that he hasn't been the same player since Eriksen was left?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 26, 2020, 07:30:08 PM

Eriksen hasn't been the same player since he left.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on September 26, 2020, 07:40:00 PM

Alli has lost his way, no doubt, but I'd have him here like a shot.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on September 26, 2020, 07:41:27 PM

I like the look of that Cyprien fellow. Strong and quick feet. I'd have him or Rashica or both. I know different positions but they both look like quality to me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: The Edge on September 26, 2020, 07:43:23 PM

Quote from: john e on September 26, 2020, 06:17:10 PM

Quote from: The Edge on September 26, 2020, 06:08:01 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on September 26, 2020, 03:26:01 PM

Sadly Ross the Dross is on the way - apparently.

Huh? Having a dig at him before he even signs. (if it even happens) how very Villa.

No need to get on your high horse mate

he hasn’t signed yet

High horse? Lol.
I hope he signs as I rate him but hey each to his own. But Ross the dross? No need really.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 26, 2020, 07:44:16 PM

Quote from: aj2k77 on September 26, 2020, 07:41:27 PM

I like the look of that Cyprien fellow. Strong and quick feet. I'd have him or Rashica or both. I know different positions but they both look like quality to me.

both and I'd be happy with the squad for the season, they're the 2 obvious gaps. AEG (if there's interest I'd let him go because he'll be 4th or 5th choice here), Jota, Lansbury, Kalinic and Nyland can all go out if we get them as well.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on September 26, 2020, 07:48:21 PM

Quote from: The Edge on September 26, 2020, 06:08:01 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on September 26, 2020, 03:26:01 PM

Sadly Ross the Dross is on the way - apparently.

Huh? Having a dig at him before he even signs. (if it even happens) how very Villa.

Everyone's entitled to have an opinion on a player, whether he's signing for Villa or not.  I've never been that impressed and I'm not going to change my mind purely because he's linked with us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy65 on September 26, 2020, 07:48:46 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 26, 2020, 01:26:58 PM

Dele Alli is a super footballer and one whose talent has been blunted by Mourinho. He’s out of our league right now and he will command a move to a CL club.

Disagree with that. Mourinho has been there just under 12 months. Ali has been bang average for at least 12 to 18 months before that

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: The Edge on September 26, 2020, 07:50:18 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 26, 2020, 07:48:21 PM

Quote from: The Edge on September 26, 2020, 06:08:01 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on September 26, 2020, 03:26:01 PM

Sadly Ross the Dross is on the way - apparently.

Huh? Having a dig at him before he even signs. (if it even happens) how very Villa.

Everyone's entitled to have an opinion on a player, whether he's signing for Villa or not.  I've never been that impressed and I'm not going to change my mind purely because he's linked with us.

No one's asking you to.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 26, 2020, 07:50:39 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 26, 2020, 07:40:00 PM

Alli has lost his way, no doubt, but I'd have him here like a shot.

Yeah I mean blimey I’m not sure we’re at a place where we can turn our noses up at the thought of Alli joining. He won’t anyway, but again blimey.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on September 26, 2020, 07:52:43 PM

Quote from: The Edge on September 26, 2020, 07:50:18 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 26, 2020, 07:48:21 PM

Quote from: The Edge on September 26, 2020, 06:08:01 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on September 26, 2020, 03:26:01 PM

Sadly Ross the Dross is on the way - apparently.

Huh? Having a dig at him before he even signs. (if it even happens) how very Villa.

Everyone's entitled to have an opinion on a player, whether he's signing for Villa or not.  I've never been that impressed and I'm not going to change my mind purely because he's linked with us.

No one's asking you to.

So why are you picking Chicago up on his opinion then?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: The Edge on September 26, 2020, 08:05:46 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 26, 2020, 07:52:43 PM

Quote from: The Edge on September 26, 2020, 07:50:18 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 26, 2020, 07:48:21 PM

Quote from: The Edge on September 26, 2020, 06:08:01 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on September 26, 2020, 03:26:01 PM

Sadly Ross the Dross is on the way - apparently.

Huh? Having a dig at him before he even signs. (if it even happens) how very Villa.

Everyone's entitled to have an opinion on a player, whether he's signing for Villa or not.  I've never been that impressed and I'm not going to change my mind purely because he's linked with us.

No one's asking you to.

So why are you picking Chicago up on his opinion then?

I've said several times on this thread that we're all equally entitled to our opinion. I thought calling him names was a bit ott that's all. Why are you getting offended on his behalf?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on September 26, 2020, 08:10:01 PM

Quote from: The Edge on September 26, 2020, 08:05:46 PM

I've said several times on this thread that we're all equally entitled to our opinion. I thought calling him names was a bit ott that's all. Why are you getting offended on his behalf?

Why are you getting offended on Ross Barkley's behalf?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: The Edge on September 26, 2020, 08:12:52 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 26, 2020, 08:10:01 PM

Quote from: The Edge on September 26, 2020, 08:05:46 PM

I've said several times on this thread that we're all equally entitled to our opinion. I thought calling him names was a bit ott that's all. Why are you getting offended on his behalf?

Why are you getting offended on Ross Barkley's behalf?

I'm not. I rate Ross Barkley. You don't. That's fine. Let's move on eh?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 26, 2020, 08:18:49 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 26, 2020, 08:10:01 PM

Quote from: The Edge on September 26, 2020, 08:05:46 PM

I've said several times on this thread that we're all equally entitled to our opinion. I thought calling him names was a bit ott that's all. Why are you getting offended on his behalf?

Why are you getting offended on Ross Barkley's behalf?

It's just a bit odd that people are giving him negative nicknames etc before he's even joined.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on September 26, 2020, 08:19:10 PM

Quote from: The Edge on September 26, 2020, 07:43:23 PM

Quote from: john e on September 26, 2020, 06:17:10 PM

Quote from: The Edge on September 26, 2020, 06:08:01 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on September 26, 2020, 03:26:01 PM

Sadly Ross the Dross is on the way - apparently.

Huh? Having a dig at him before he even signs. (if it even happens) how very Villa.

No need to get on your high horse mate

he hasn’t signed yet

High horse? Lol.
I hope he signs as I rate him but hey each to his own. But Ross the dross? No need really.

I hope he does to

a midfield of McGinn - Luiz -Grealish - Barkley is a damn fine show

probably the strongest we’ve put out for many a year if it comes off

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: The Edge on September 26, 2020, 08:20:19 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 26, 2020, 08:18:49 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 26, 2020, 08:10:01 PM

Quote from: The Edge on September 26, 2020, 08:05:46 PM

I've said several times on this thread that we're all equally entitled to our opinion. I thought calling him names was a bit ott that's all. Why are you getting offended on his behalf?

Why are you getting offended on Ross Barkley's behalf?

It's just a bit odd that people are giving him negative nicknames etc before he's even joined.

Which is exactly my point. Thank you.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: The Edge on September 26, 2020, 08:23:31 PM

Quote from: john e on September 26, 2020, 08:19:10 PM

Quote from: The Edge on September 26, 2020, 07:43:23 PM

Quote from: john e on September 26, 2020, 06:17:10 PM

Quote from: The Edge on September 26, 2020, 06:08:01 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on September 26, 2020, 03:26:01 PM

Sadly Ross the Dross is on the way - apparently.

Huh? Having a dig at him before he even signs. (if it even happens) how very Villa.

No need to get on your high horse mate

he hasn’t signed yet

High horse? Lol.
I hope he signs as I rate him but hey each to his own. But Ross the dross? No need really.

I hope he does to

a midfield of McGinn - Luiz -Grealish - Barkley is a damn fine show

probably the strongest we’ve put out for many a year if it comes off

Agreed. That would be a quality line up.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 26, 2020, 08:25:40 PM

I'd have him. Right age, plenty of ability, played lots of games for chelsea, just needs to be a bit more clinical. He's hardly Drinkwater.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: charleeco7 on September 26, 2020, 08:31:08 PM

Bit of rumour that it’s Loftus-Cheek rather than Barkley, which for me would be the better option out of the two.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 26, 2020, 08:33:41 PM

Quote from: charleeco7 on September 26, 2020, 08:31:08 PM

Bit of rumour that it’s Loftus-Cheek rather than Barkley, which for me would be the better option out of the two.

Agree.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 26, 2020, 08:33:44 PM

I also think he could be an excellent signing.  I wanted someone a bit more defensive and dominant who could cover Luiz, but if there's an opportunity to get someone of his quality and experience on loan I really think we should take it.  The huge caveat being that he is up for it and wants the move.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 26, 2020, 08:39:03 PM

RLC could be good too. My only problem with him is he was out for a long time and hasn't been much cop since he returned. I'm not really up for getting him back upto speed for chelsea.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john2710 on September 26, 2020, 08:42:54 PM

Quote from: Baldy on September 26, 2020, 03:33:11 PM

I left STAGS in 1977 before going on my travels. Is STAGS still standing?

I left STAGs in 1979 & it’s still standing but is nothing in comparison to the school it was.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on September 26, 2020, 08:45:17 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 26, 2020, 08:18:49 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 26, 2020, 08:10:01 PM

Quote from: The Edge on September 26, 2020, 08:05:46 PM

I've said several times on this thread that we're all equally entitled to our opinion. I thought calling him names was a bit ott that's all. Why are you getting offended on his behalf?

Why are you getting offended on Ross Barkley's behalf?

It's just a bit odd that people are giving him negative nicknames etc before he's even joined.

Why is it odd that people slag off other clubs' players?  It happens on here every day, if not every minute.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 26, 2020, 09:02:23 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 26, 2020, 08:39:03 PM

RLC could be good too. My only problem with him is he was out for a long time and hasn't been much cop since he returned. I'm not really up for getting him back upto speed for chelsea.

It would have to be either a permanent or a loan with the option to buy.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 26, 2020, 09:09:28 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 26, 2020, 08:45:17 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 26, 2020, 08:18:49 PM

Quote from: hilts_coolerking on September 26, 2020, 08:10:01 PM

Quote from: The Edge on September 26, 2020, 08:05:46 PM

I've said several times on this thread that we're all equally entitled to our opinion. I thought calling him names was a bit ott that's all. Why are you getting offended on his behalf?

Why are you getting offended on Ross Barkley's behalf?

It's just a bit odd that people are giving him negative nicknames etc before he's even joined.

Why is it odd that people slag off other clubs' players?  It happens on here every day, if not every minute.

The important factor is the people who think it's wrong also think he'd be a good signing and the people who don't see the problem don't want him. Which negates the entire argument.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 26, 2020, 09:10:41 PM

Quote from: OCD on September 26, 2020, 09:02:23 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 26, 2020, 08:39:03 PM

RLC could be good too. My only problem with him is he was out for a long time and hasn't been much cop since he returned. I'm not really up for getting him back upto speed for chelsea.

It would have to be either a permanent or a loan with the option to buy.

yeah that's it really. he signed a 5 year contract last year. I don't think they'd be looking to sell yet at his age unless we're going to really push the boat out. Barkley on the other hand at 26, and only cost them 15m. Much more likely to be able to do a deal if he works out

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: charleeco7 on September 26, 2020, 09:43:46 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 26, 2020, 08:39:03 PM

RLC could be good too. My only problem with him is he was out for a long time and hasn't been much cop since he returned. I'm not really up for getting him back upto speed for chelsea.

That would be my only reservation and if true wouldn’t fit the model we have at the moment  (getting players in then improving them for other teams??). I’d hope we’d have learnt from our past experiences and put in a clause to buy.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 26, 2020, 09:57:23 PM

yeah, thing is what is the clause to buy? Is it an agreed fee you're willing to pay at the end of the season? what's RLC worth?  Luiz cost 15m and a buyback clause.  if your chelsea wouldn't you put if horribly high just in case RLC was a revelation and suddenly you wanted to keep him or sell him to another club? Would RLC move if a big club was interested or chelsea wanted him back? What's in it for chelsea if they haven't got that insurance policy?  Barkley on the other hand, they'd probably take what they paid for him or a bit more, or a bit less. he's 27 after 3 years on 7m before tax. A 4 year contract on 80k a week would beat what he could earn sitting out his contract at chelsea. I just can't see chelsea offering us the option with RLC unless it was silly money.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Colhint on September 26, 2020, 10:00:15 PM

Whilst not against RLC I think RB would be better, If only for the experience. At the minute, after Elmo, Jack is our most experienced player I think.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: charleeco7 on September 26, 2020, 10:06:56 PM

Neither can I but I’d still rather RLC than Barkley even if it was £30 million with first refusal for instance. If we were willing to pay it then it’d mean he’d been a success. It’s all probably BS anyway

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on September 26, 2020, 10:30:21 PM

I would rather have Barkley personally, as I feel he adds a bit of physicality in the middle, that we are lacking.

Think we're more likely to get Loftus-Cheek though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 26, 2020, 10:56:19 PM

RLC is 25 in January.  He’s clocked up approx 80 appearances in 5 years.  It seems he’s made of glass to me, not some wonder kid about to explode on the scene.

If we sign him and he can stay fit he could be a valuable member of the team, but it looks like a big if and I’m not sure I’d be wanting to gamble big sums on it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Colhint on September 26, 2020, 11:03:34 PM

Apart from Hazard and Kante, I would think that figure applies to the rest of the Chelsea Midfielders over the last few years, I might be wrong though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 26, 2020, 11:09:12 PM

dunno. Barkley joined chelsea injured so missed  most of the first season. after that he's played 79 games in 2 seasons not including this one. Seems good to me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: tomd2103 on September 26, 2020, 11:10:48 PM

Still think we need another centre forward, unless Traore can cover there.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on September 26, 2020, 11:16:27 PM

Quote from: tomd2103 on September 26, 2020, 11:10:48 PM

Still think we need another centre forward, unless Traore can cover there.

We do but realistically, who's going to want to join us knowing that come January he'll be third choice at best?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on September 26, 2020, 11:27:06 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 26, 2020, 11:09:12 PM

dunno. Barkley joined chelsea injured so missed  most of the first season. after that he's played 79 games in 2 seasons not including this one. Seems good to me.

Being arguably overrated at Chelsea is quite different to being seemingly too overrated for us in our current position. He'd improve us. But he'd have to be happy to come, there's always that worry that a player poached from currently more salubrious football environs will be pissed off about their decision by the time they first set foot in the North Stand car park. If a deal can be struck that satisfies all parties, I say get him in.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 26, 2020, 11:51:21 PM

Quote from: Lastfootstamper on September 26, 2020, 11:27:06 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 26, 2020, 11:09:12 PM

dunno. Barkley joined chelsea injured so missed  most of the first season. after that he's played 79 games in 2 seasons not including this one. Seems good to me.

Being arguably overrated at Chelsea is quite different to being seemingly too overrated for us in our current position. He'd improve us. But he'd have to be happy to come, there's always that worry that a player poached from currently more salubrious football environs will be pissed off about their decision by the time they first set foot in the North Stand car park. If a deal can be struck that satisfies all parties, I say get him in.

Well its 2020. He can live an hour from the training ground if he loves london that much. On the other hand its much nearer to scouse land than london. Its all about ambition at the end of the day. Bit part player at chelsea, or main man at villa with a potential productive partnership with an England midfield colleague. He's 26, nothing stopping him have 2 amazing seasons at Villa and getting a move to supposedly greener pastures or us making a hefty profit on him for that matter.. I've said it before but he strikes me as ambitious and  with a high opinion of his self-worth. Doesn't seem the type who'd sit in the Chelsea reserves for 2 years.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 27, 2020, 12:25:37 AM

Quote from: tomd2103 on September 26, 2020, 11:10:48 PM

Still think we need another centre forward, unless Traore can cover there.

Troare spent much of his early days as a centre forward. It's only in the last couple of years he's been moved out wide.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on September 27, 2020, 12:34:32 AM

Berts can definitely cover up top.

Watkins, Wes and Berts is ample cover for that one up top.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Matt C on September 27, 2020, 03:08:49 AM

We'll sign another forward who could play centrally or wide I’d guess - Brewster, King, someone like that.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on September 27, 2020, 06:19:51 AM

Quote from: Matt C on September 27, 2020, 03:08:49 AM

We'll sign another forward who could play centrally or wide I’d guess - Brewster, King, someone like that.

Isn’t Brewster almost exclusively a striker?  I read it is a reason that Klop is happy to sell as he cannot fit their system.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Jimsta on September 27, 2020, 08:21:50 AM

I cannot see another Striker coming in, With Watkins, Davis and Wes , With Wes being back in 3 months.
So if another Striker comes in that be 4 players fighting for one spot and Dean cannot keep all them happy, Davis will not be going on loan as looks like he be getting game time this season which i have to say i have been impressed by his start.
We need wingers and love to see 2 more coming in, Not want AEG or Trez no where near the squad no more as clearly not good enough.
Not understand why so many negative thoughts about Barkley as he would improve our midfield ten times over, So much better than Hourihane.
RLC i only worry about his injury can he be the player he was before if yes then get him in, Barkley or RLC would be massive upgrades don't mind which one or can get both would be just a dream.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brian green on September 27, 2020, 08:35:37 AM

We need somebody reasonably priced like Davis, Brewsters millions.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 27, 2020, 08:42:24 AM

Brewster would be a good signing, almost an investment.
I can see us signing another forward - you need 3, so with Was out of action for a while.... and it'll take him ages to get up to speed.

And on Ross Barkley - is he an improvement on the choices after Luiz and McGinn - yes he is.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: The Edge on September 27, 2020, 08:45:56 AM

I think RB can be a class act on his day and would love to see him in a Villa shirt. RLC is also a class act in my view but his injury record concerns me. Either would be a step in the right direction but getting neither wouldn't upset me too much as it makes room for Jacob Ramsey to get game time. I'd like to see a left back and a naturally gifted left sided striker. Centre back cover is also high on the list for me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on September 27, 2020, 08:50:19 AM

No idea how reliable, but linked with a €10M move for FC Kobenhavn CB Victor Nelsson. Apparently have liked him since before Lange arrived, but now we have Lange it would put us in prime position to get him.

Only joined Kobenhavn last year, but they need the money.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brian green on September 27, 2020, 09:07:59 AM

Neat serendipty about a player called Nelsson from Copenhagen.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Richard E on September 27, 2020, 10:14:58 AM

Rashica had a mare yesterday on FIFA for Werder, missed two sitters and conceded a penalty converted by man of the match Benhrama for Brentford.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on September 27, 2020, 10:32:24 AM

Seems like Brentford and Celtic are almost begging teams to sign Benrahma and Edouard off them now, after saying they would not sell for about 30M and 40M respectively earlier in the transfer window.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on September 27, 2020, 10:39:59 AM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on September 27, 2020, 08:50:19 AM

No idea how reliable, but linked with a €10M move for FC Kobenhavn CB Victor Nelsson. Apparently have liked him since before Lange arrived, but now we have Lange it would put us in prime position to get him.

Only joined Kobenhavn last year, but they need the money.

Highly rated 21 year old Danish centre-back, who previously played for Nordsjælland.

(https://secure.i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02592/Jores_Okore_2592936b.jpg)

Just a little bit of history repeating.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 27, 2020, 10:41:37 AM

By christ he was crap.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 27, 2020, 10:43:25 AM

Not at the beginning, there was potential there.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on September 27, 2020, 10:49:20 AM

Quote from: eamonn on September 27, 2020, 10:43:25 AM

Not at the beginning, there was potential there.

Yeah, and good old Lambert coached it out of him. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on September 27, 2020, 10:52:45 AM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on September 27, 2020, 10:32:24 AM

Seems like Brentford and Celtic are almost begging teams to sign Benrahma and Edouard off them now, after saying they would not sell for about 30M and 40M respectively earlier in the transfer window.

I reckon you're right.  I think some very, very late business will be done.  Buendia, Eduoard, Benrahma, Rashica, Sarr, all to find new clubs.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: jwarry on September 27, 2020, 10:57:47 AM

Could be the new Martin Larson. Only 21, worth a pop if true

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 27, 2020, 11:02:04 AM

Victor Enok Nelsson (born 14 October 1998) is a Danish footballer who plays as a centre back and is the fifth captain for FC Copenhagen.  Fifth captain. Yikes. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victor_Nelsson)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SaddVillan on September 27, 2020, 11:04:15 AM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on September 27, 2020, 08:50:19 AM

No idea how reliable, but linked with a €10M move for FC Kobenhavn CB Victor Nelsson. Apparently have liked him since before Lange arrived, but now we have Lange it would put us in prime position to get him.

Only joined Kobenhavn last year, but they need the money.

Lange signed him for FCK, so must be fully aware of his character and ability

At €10m and aged 21 he fits the profile of our target player in terms of price, age and potential.

Started out as a midfielder, but moved to centre back so he should be comfortable on the ball. He's 22 in October and has already made 150+ appearances, so quite experienced.

If we do sign him, then that would probably propel Engels nearer to the exit door.

Ask yourselves - how good was our last blond Danish centre half?

Could Nelsson be another?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 27, 2020, 11:05:54 AM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 27, 2020, 11:02:04 AM

Victor Enok Nelsson (born 14 October 1998) is a Danish footballer who plays as a centre back and is the fifth captain for FC Copenhagen.  Fifth captain. Yikes. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victor_Nelsson)

I don't think having a player called Enok would go down well with some sections of our support.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: maidstonevillain on September 27, 2020, 11:06:12 AM

Quote from: Colhint on September 26, 2020, 10:00:15 PM

Whilst not against RLC I think RB would be better, If only for the experience. At the minute, after Elmo, Jack is our most experienced player I think.

Taylor has had 7 seasons playing in the Premier League.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rougegorge on September 27, 2020, 11:09:33 AM

Nelsson is at the backbone of their team and Copenhagen did well last season in the Europa League.

A decent profile and he could be useful as a first team squad addition.

Hopefully just because he's a Danish defender doesn't mean we would be comparing him with either Laursen or Okore.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SaddVillan on September 27, 2020, 11:19:28 AM

Re the fact that Nelsson's middle name is Enok.

One of Okore's is Charlemagne.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 27, 2020, 11:34:34 AM

Quote from: SaddVillan on September 27, 2020, 11:19:28 AM

Re the fact that Nelsson's middle name is Enok.

One of Okore's is Charlemagne.

Bertie's is Isidore, maybe he thought he was joining Sevilla instead.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on September 27, 2020, 12:07:31 PM

We need a 4th centre half if assume Engels may well be sold if Smith doesn’t rate him before the deadline....one that is highly rated been scouted/monitored is good.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Border villan on September 27, 2020, 12:16:17 PM

Quote from: brian green on September 27, 2020, 08:35:37 AM

Brewsters millions.

Well disguised reference to 1980’s film.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on September 27, 2020, 12:28:06 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 27, 2020, 10:43:25 AM

Not at the beginning, there was potential there.

He got crocked early doors with us didn't he? The fact that at the age of 28 he is playing in the Danish league with Aalborg suggests he was never destined to be a world beater.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Percy McCarthy on September 27, 2020, 12:43:23 PM

Some bloke called AVFC employee on twitter reckons we’ve agreed a loan deal for Loftus-Cheek.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on September 27, 2020, 12:45:41 PM

Quote from: Damo70 on September 27, 2020, 12:28:06 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 27, 2020, 10:43:25 AM

Not at the beginning, there was potential there.

He got crocked early doors with us didn't he? The fact that at the age of 28 he is playing in the Danish league with Aalborg suggests he was never destined to be a world beater.

To be fair i was quite excited when we signed him, looked really good when he was playing against Chelsea the season before we signed him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 27, 2020, 12:51:56 PM

Okore looked like he would become very good before his cruciate injury.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 27, 2020, 01:09:30 PM

I don't think Okore ever fully recovered from that, he looked like he'd lost half a yard of pace and he'd relied on it to cover for some positioning problems which is why his career has gone the way it has.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 27, 2020, 01:19:01 PM

Whilst I agree we could do with some more depth at centre back I don't see how we can keep signing players and stay within FFP limits?  I know it's been suspended, but we will still have to account for this spending at some point.  I still feel midfielder and wing should be a higher priority than centre back and left back.

Also, the general opinion was we signed too many players last season.  How many is too many this window?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 27, 2020, 01:28:44 PM

Quote from: Percy McCarthy on September 27, 2020, 12:43:23 PM

Some bloke called AVFC employee on twitter reckons we’ve agreed a loan deal for Loftus-Cheek.

That'd be a useful signing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Percy McCarthy on September 27, 2020, 01:31:15 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on September 27, 2020, 01:19:01 PM

Whilst I agree we could do with some more depth at centre back I don't see how we can keep signing players and stay within FFP limits?  I know it's been suspended, but we will still have to account for this spending at some point.  I still feel midfielder and wing should be a higher priority than centre back and left back.

Also, the general opinion was we signed too many players last season.  How many is too many this window?

I’d say any who don’t go straight into the team from here might be seen as an extravagance. Improvements on Targett and McGinn would do me for now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mike on September 27, 2020, 01:57:41 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 27, 2020, 01:28:44 PM

Quote from: Percy McCarthy on September 27, 2020, 12:43:23 PM

Some bloke called AVFC employee on twitter reckons we’ve agreed a loan deal for Loftus-Cheek.

That'd be a useful signing.

He previously said we were definitely not signing Traore.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: andyh on September 27, 2020, 02:00:29 PM

RLC ?
I’m really not sure. 78 games in 6 years.
Seems to be a player whose reputation is built in who he plays for rather than anything he has done.

I don’t know if he’s any better than what we already have, but if he is hungry to prove himself then maybe we’ll benefit from that.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 27, 2020, 02:09:35 PM

Quote from: andyh on September 27, 2020, 02:00:29 PM

RLC ?
I’m really not sure. 78 games in 6 years.
Seems to be a player whose reputation is built in who he plays for rather than anything he has done.

I don’t know if he’s any better than what we already have, but if he is hungry to prove himself then maybe we’ll benefit from that.

he's probably better than Lansbury... as if Nakamba, Luiz, McGinn or Hourihane aren't playing then Lansbury is probably next in the pecking order - although, I'd rather play Ramsey.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 27, 2020, 02:18:09 PM

If he can stay fit I think he'd be a very good signing.  It just feels like a big if though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on September 27, 2020, 03:00:08 PM

We are in for RLC. Along with about another 7 teams. Hopefully JT can be a swing

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 27, 2020, 03:05:52 PM

'Spose we're have to wait and see but if its just a loan, then we're gonna be faced with looking again next summer. Not ideal.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on September 27, 2020, 03:34:39 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 27, 2020, 03:16:01 PM

Quote from: Drummond on September 09, 2020, 03:18:04 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 09, 2020, 02:18:44 PM

Quote from: Drummond on September 09, 2020, 02:05:48 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 09, 2020, 01:50:15 PM

Good stuff that is, especially about Cantwell as I can now indulge the primal urge I have to dislike him for being a poncey little twat.

Halfway through TCR by Sleaford Mods there's a line 'pointy little tit' that's delivered in precisely the way I hear you saying that...

I haven't noticed and I love that track.

In reference to someone liking Garage Punk...

How do you feel about Cantwell being left out of the squad for Norwich today and that Leeds interested for 15 million ?

Wasn't he holding out for Real Madrid ?
Villa should come back and get him

Another man bun will fit in perfectly up there

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Border villan on September 27, 2020, 04:02:50 PM

Quote from: VILLA MOLE on September 27, 2020, 03:34:39 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 27, 2020, 03:16:01 PM

Quote from: Drummond on September 09, 2020, 03:18:04 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 09, 2020, 02:18:44 PM

Quote from: Drummond on September 09, 2020, 02:05:48 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 09, 2020, 01:50:15 PM

Good stuff that is, especially about Cantwell as I can now indulge the primal urge I have to dislike him for being a poncey little twat.

Halfway through TCR by Sleaford Mods there's a line 'pointy little tit' that's delivered in precisely the way I hear you saying that...

I haven't noticed and I love that track.

In reference to someone liking Garage Punk...

How do you feel about Cantwell being left out of the squad for Norwich today and that Leeds interested for 15 million ?

Wasn't he holding out for Real Madrid ?
Villa should come back and get him

Another man bun will fit in perfectly up there

In that case flog them Landsbury for £20m.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on September 27, 2020, 04:57:28 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 27, 2020, 03:16:01 PM

How do you feel about Cantwell being left out of the squad for Norwich today and that Leeds interested for 15 million ?

Wasn't he holding out for Real Madrid ?
Villa should come back and get him

£15m would be a snip, also like Buendia at Norwich.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on September 27, 2020, 04:58:47 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on September 27, 2020, 04:57:28 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 27, 2020, 03:16:01 PM

How do you feel about Cantwell being left out of the squad for Norwich today and that Leeds interested for 15 million ?

Wasn't he holding out for Real Madrid ?
Villa should come back and get him

£15m would be a snip, also like Buendia at Norwich.

The latter certainly

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on September 27, 2020, 07:20:53 PM

With the international window closing before the domestic window, we will know shortly whether there are any legs in the ongoing Rashica saga.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on September 27, 2020, 07:41:46 PM

Ruben Loftus-Cheek would be the ideal signing, if he can stay fit.  Ticks a lot of boxes for us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 27, 2020, 10:53:57 PM

Judging by Smiths comments on Samatta going, I think a winger is much more likely than a striker to come in.

Loftus Cheek would be an excellent addition, might take a few weeks to get fully fit and flying, but he's quality.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: jwarry on September 28, 2020, 04:30:49 AM

RLC, Rashica and Nelsson and we are set until Jan

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on September 28, 2020, 07:07:10 AM

Rashica's going to Leeds because they are massive and will pay him 100k a week, don't you know.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sid1964 on September 28, 2020, 08:28:44 AM

Rashica this must be the longest drawn out transfer in the history of football - I don’t even think we want him?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulTheVillan on September 28, 2020, 08:44:32 AM

Still think we need a number 8, another forward and a back up centre half.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mike on September 28, 2020, 09:02:03 AM

Quote from: sid1964 on September 28, 2020, 08:28:44 AM

Rashica this must be the longest drawn out transfer in the history of football - I don’t even think we want him?

I think it might have a bit of a way to go before it’s the full Benni McCarthy.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on September 28, 2020, 09:15:11 AM

Quote from: PaulTheVillan on September 28, 2020, 08:44:32 AM

Still think we need a number 8, another forward and a back up centre half.

Think we are trying to sign a CB and No. 8 type. Can't see us getting another forward, although we do have Watkins, Davis, Traore and Wesley there.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Smithy on September 28, 2020, 10:16:57 AM

Assuming our first-choice front three is now [ Grealish - Watkins - Traore ], you've got to think any move for Rashica is related to Jack moving more central, or that AEG or Trez is definitely on the way out.

I'd much rather a bit more competition in the middle now, than up front.  The fact that Hourihane still gets into our first-choice 11 is a concern for me.  I like him, he's done well for us, and I want him in the squad as an option, but if we're going to move up the league we need a better player in the middle of the park with Luiz and McGinn in our first choice 11.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: villabear on September 28, 2020, 10:17:25 AM

Quote from: mike on September 28, 2020, 09:02:03 AM

Quote from: sid1964 on September 28, 2020, 08:28:44 AM

Rashica this must be the longest drawn out transfer in the history of football - I don’t even think we want him?

I think it might have a bit of a way to go before it’s the full Benni McCarthy.

File under Steve Bull and Carlton Palmer

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on September 28, 2020, 11:32:13 AM

Quote from: villabear on September 28, 2020, 10:17:25 AM

Quote from: mike on September 28, 2020, 09:02:03 AM

Quote from: sid1964 on September 28, 2020, 08:28:44 AM

Rashica this must be the longest drawn out transfer in the history of football - I don’t even think we want him?

I think it might have a bit of a way to go before it’s the full Benni McCarthy.

File under Steve Bull and Carlton Palmer

Bull would have great for us, superb player.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: bob rowe on September 28, 2020, 11:40:21 AM

BBC saying we've bid 9M for FC Copenhagen 21 yr old defender Victor Nelsson.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 28, 2020, 11:43:11 AM

British press rubbished it yesterday.

Loftus Cheek and Sarr to finish the window would be nice.

Rashica clearly isn't that interested. The whole things needs to be left alone. It is almost the Kiyotake or Belahnda of its day. It needs about 3 more summers to reach Benni McCarthy.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on September 28, 2020, 11:49:34 AM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on September 28, 2020, 11:32:13 AM

Quote from: villabear on September 28, 2020, 10:17:25 AM

Quote from: mike on September 28, 2020, 09:02:03 AM

Quote from: sid1964 on September 28, 2020, 08:28:44 AM

Rashica this must be the longest drawn out transfer in the history of football - I don’t even think we want him?

I think it might have a bit of a way to go before it’s the full Benni McCarthy.

File under Steve Bull and Carlton Palmer

Bull would have great for us, superb player.

I reckon Steve Bull is the player most linked with us in my lifetime as a fan. Which is pretty amazing when you consider it was in pr web / social media / constant football news times.

I absolutely guarantee that if we'd signed him, he'd have done a Guy Whittingham.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: tomd2103 on September 28, 2020, 12:03:05 PM

We're obviously not going to solve all our problems in one transfer window, so it is difficult to judge who we are going to need without really knowing who is still in the plans.

For example, if El Ghazi and Trezeguet are still very much in the plans then I'm not sure we need another wide player at this time with Grealish, Traore and Watkins also options. If, however, one of El Ghazi or Trezeguet is going, or the plan is to play Jack in a more central role, then we might be short out wide.

Similarly with Engels at centre half.  We should be OK if he is still part of the plans, but if he isn't then we need strengthening there.

I still think we look a bit light at centre forward unless Traore can do a job there and in central midfield, as I wouldn't want to be reliant on Hourihane and Lansbury featuring too much. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: oldtimernow on September 28, 2020, 12:04:02 PM

Quote from: Smithy on September 28, 2020, 10:16:57 AM

Assuming our first-choice front three is now [ Grealish - Watkins - Traore ], you've got to think any move for Rashica is related to Jack moving more central, or that AEG or Trez is definitely on the way out.

I'd much rather a bit more competition in the middle now, than up front.  The fact that Hourihane still gets into our first-choice 11 is a concern for me.  I like him, he's done well for us, and I want him in the squad as an option, but if we're going to move up the league we need a better player in the middle of the park with Luiz and McGinn in our first choice 11.

I think we should let go of AEG rather than Trez who gives more in terms of cover and full back support. Cash was an effective player in midfield who turned full back last season and could fit in well with Guilbert and Elmo

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 28, 2020, 12:19:12 PM

Quote from: tomd2103 on September 28, 2020, 12:03:05 PM

We're obviously not going to solve all our problems in one transfer window, so it is difficult to judge who we are going to need without really knowing who is still in the plans.

For example, if El Ghazi and Trezeguet are still very much in the plans then I'm not sure we need another wide player at this time with Grealish, Traore and Watkins also options. If, however, one of El Ghazi or Trezeguet is going, or the plan is to play Jack in a more central role, then we might be short out wide.

Similarly with Engels at centre half.  We should be OK if he is still part of the plans, but if he isn't then we need strengthening there.

I still think we look a bit light at centre forward unless Traore can do a job there and in central midfield, as I wouldn't want to be reliant on Hourihane and Lansbury featuring too much. 

That's why Smith's comments are useful. He spoke the other day about bringing in an 'attacking player', which sounded like someone who could play wide or up front.

He then said about a couple going.

Others have said he then talked about turning his attentions to a midfielder but I didn't see those comments.

He also said about watching developments in the market for any unexpected opportunities and the Martinez deal showed that we wouldn't be afraid to act if something came up that we hadn't necessarily planned on.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 28, 2020, 12:35:13 PM

Quote from: tomd2103 on September 28, 2020, 12:03:05 PM

We're obviously not going to solve all our problems in one transfer window, so it is difficult to judge who we are going to need without really knowing who is still in the plans.

For example, if El Ghazi and Trezeguet are still very much in the plans then I'm not sure we need another wide player at this time with Grealish, Traore and Watkins also options. If, however, one of El Ghazi or Trezeguet is going, or the plan is to play Jack in a more central role, then we might be short out wide.

Similarly with Engels at centre half.  We should be OK if he is still part of the plans, but if he isn't then we need strengthening there.

I still think we look a bit light at centre forward unless Traore can do a job there and in central midfield, as I wouldn't want to be reliant on Hourihane and Lansbury featuring too much. 

I agree with most of this except looking light at centre forward. We only play 1 up front have 2 fit centre forwards, another coming back from injury and a winger who has played centrally a fair amount of times (about a quarter of his appearances for Lyon from what I saw last week).

Centre mid is definitely priority for me, our 2nd choice midfield, right now, is Nakamba, Lansbury and Ramsey and Hourihane is a regular starter. That can't be the case at the end of the window if we want to push into comfortable midtable, especially given McGinn is still struggling to get back to his best after his injuries. I'd like another wide player to give us the option to play Jack as a 10 sometimes, particularly at home.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: tomd2103 on September 28, 2020, 01:01:03 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 28, 2020, 12:35:13 PM

Quote from: tomd2103 on September 28, 2020, 12:03:05 PM

We're obviously not going to solve all our problems in one transfer window, so it is difficult to judge who we are going to need without really knowing who is still in the plans.

For example, if El Ghazi and Trezeguet are still very much in the plans then I'm not sure we need another wide player at this time with Grealish, Traore and Watkins also options. If, however, one of El Ghazi or Trezeguet is going, or the plan is to play Jack in a more central role, then we might be short out wide.

Similarly with Engels at centre half.  We should be OK if he is still part of the plans, but if he isn't then we need strengthening there.

I still think we look a bit light at centre forward unless Traore can do a job there and in central midfield, as I wouldn't want to be reliant on Hourihane and Lansbury featuring too much. 

I agree with most of this except looking light at centre forward. We only play 1 up front have 2 fit centre forwards, another coming back from injury and a winger who has played centrally a fair amount of times (about a quarter of his appearances for Lyon from what I saw last week).

Centre mid is definitely priority for me, our 2nd choice midfield, right now, is Nakamba, Lansbury and Ramsey and Hourihane is a regular starter. That can't be the case at the end of the window if we want to push into comfortable midtable, especially given McGinn is still struggling to get back to his best after his injuries. I'd like another wide player to give us the option to play Jack as a 10 sometimes, particularly at home.

I'd go along with that Paul and I suppose my wider point was that it was difficult to gague exactly what we need if we don't really know who is in the plans going forward.

I agree about central midfield Paul, definitely need an addition in there.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Walmley_Villa on September 28, 2020, 01:05:06 PM

I reckon Steve Bull is the player most linked with us in my lifetime as a fan. Which is pretty amazing when you consider it was in pr web / social media / constant football news times.

I absolutely guarantee that if we'd signed him, he'd have done a Guy Whittingham.
[/quote]

Benni McCarthy

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on September 28, 2020, 01:40:48 PM

Quote from: Walmley_Villa on September 28, 2020, 01:05:06 PM

Quote

I reckon Steve Bull is the player most linked with us in my lifetime as a fan. Which is pretty amazing when you consider it was in pr web / social media / constant football news times.

I absolutely guarantee that if we'd signed him, he'd have done a Guy Whittingham.

Benni McCarthy

Given the frequency and the huge time period involved, surely the correct answer is Milner.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 28, 2020, 01:42:10 PM

Quote from: Dave on September 28, 2020, 01:40:48 PM

Quote from: Walmley_Villa on September 28, 2020, 01:05:06 PM

Quote

I reckon Steve Bull is the player most linked with us in my lifetime as a fan. Which is pretty amazing when you consider it was in pr web / social media / constant football news times.

I absolutely guarantee that if we'd signed him, he'd have done a Guy Whittingham.

Benni McCarthy

Given the frequency and the huge time period involved, surely the correct answer is Milner.

At least we have actually signed him, twice.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on September 28, 2020, 01:42:32 PM

Bull seemed to crop up every summer for about five years, but John Gregory chased McCarthy like a lovesick teenager for about six months and it got embarassing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on September 28, 2020, 01:49:19 PM

Carlton Palmer nearly signed for us hundreds of times.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 28, 2020, 02:07:12 PM

There are 3 categories - 1. The one the manager wanted and never got (Muzzy Izzet, McCarthy, Juninho!) 2. The one the press are convinced you are going to sign every window for eternity (Defoe, Robbie Keane, Sturridge) and 3. The one tentatively linked once, and then speculated by fans forever more (Belhanda, Kiyotake, Rashica, Benrahma)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Proposition Joe on September 28, 2020, 02:08:51 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on September 28, 2020, 01:42:32 PM

Bull seemed to crop up every summer for about five years, but John Gregpry chased McCarthy like a lovesick teenage for about six months and it got embarassing.

And then chose to die on the Muzzy Izzet hill?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brian green on September 28, 2020, 02:15:53 PM

Chased him in disguise riding a motorbike IIRC.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 28, 2020, 02:18:16 PM

Gregory was as bad as O'Neill for constraining his transfer selections largely to the UK. Stone, Watson and Thompson (we certainly did our bit for the Geordie economy), all decent outlays at the time at an average of £5m but with little impact.

Unsworth wasn't any loss (who did we sign instead of him in the end? Little Al Wright was perfectly fine at LB/LWB for the following few years. Actually, maybe Gareth Barry's emergence and rapid rise meant we didn't need another left-sided defender like Unsworth).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 28, 2020, 02:25:42 PM

Lambert went a bit nuts - tried all the younger players from the lower league - Lowton, Bennett etc...
then when that didn't work he went for Senderos, J Cole, Richardson etc

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: JJ-AV on September 28, 2020, 02:26:12 PM

Rashica isn't a tentative link is it? We've been after him since January. If he decides to sign, he will.

My impression is we've not moved on as nothing better has materialised

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 28, 2020, 02:28:04 PM

almost 9 months on, dragging on a bit :D

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 28, 2020, 02:29:48 PM

We're still being linked with a move for Brewster with other teams also being in for him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 28, 2020, 02:35:18 PM

be nice to get something wrapped up soon.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on September 28, 2020, 02:36:25 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 28, 2020, 02:18:16 PM

Gregory was as bad as O'Neill for constraining his transfer selections largely to the UK. Stone, Watson and Thompson (we certainly did our bit for the Geordie economy), all decent outlays at the time at an average of £5m but with little impact.

Unsworth wasn't any loss (who did we sign instead of him in the end? Little Al Wright was perfectly fine at LB/LWB for the following few years. Actually, maybe Gareth Barry's emergence and rapid rise meant we didn't need another left-sided defender like Unsworth).

Didn't Gregory sign almost exclusively English players for the first couple of years, then exclusively overseas? I do know that a few days before Mark Ansell asked for his transfers to be investigated, I heard a well-known former player from another local club made a rather disparaging remark about the transparency of his signings.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 28, 2020, 02:47:26 PM

Gregory's signings in order (excluding non-entities like Ferraresi and Tarrant):

Thompson
Unsworth
Merson
Watson
Dublin
Enckelman
Delaney
Stone
Calderwood
James
Boateng
Ghrayib
Carbone
Nilis
Alpay
Ginola
Hitz
Staunton
JPA
Kachloul
Hadji
Schmeichel
Mellberg
Balaban

I think the last two perfectly encapsulate what a hit and miss sort of a bloke he was.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on September 28, 2020, 02:57:24 PM

As I've said many times, it's ironic that the two managers who had, comparativerly speaking, the most to spend also had the most myopic transfer polciy.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 28, 2020, 02:58:22 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 28, 2020, 02:35:18 PM

be nice to get something wrapped up soon.

There's a week left before the international window closes so there's a good chance things will start to pick up again.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: maidstonevillain on September 28, 2020, 02:59:10 PM

I would say about a 50% success. Not too bad. And we generally got rid of the flops fairly painlessly.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 28, 2020, 03:00:09 PM

Most of Gregory's signings were decent but the problem was no re-sale value. He'll always be remembered for missing out on Robbie Keane who we could have made a 100% return on within a year.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 28, 2020, 03:07:09 PM

eh Junhinio (sp) surely? My mind's eye has Gregory giving the news camera the thumbs up through a villa park window before Doug offered him 2k a week.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on September 28, 2020, 03:13:56 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 28, 2020, 03:07:09 PM

eh Junhinio (sp) surely? My mind's eye has Gregory giving the news camera the thumbs up through a villa park window before Doug offered him 2k a week.

Juninho's career petered out a bit...had some injuries I think. We dodged an expensive bullet there... Robbie Keane was a daft one, a player we should have signed from Wolves

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on September 28, 2020, 03:19:02 PM

Quote from: Risso on September 28, 2020, 02:47:26 PM

Gregory's signings in order (excluding non-entities like Ferraresi and Tarrant):

Thompson
Unsworth
Merson
Watson
Dublin
Enckelman
Delaney
Stone
Calderwood
James
Boateng
Ghrayib
Carbone
Nilis
Alpay
Ginola
Hitz
Staunton
JPA
Kachloul
Hadji
Schmeichel
Mellberg
Balaban

I think the last two perfectly encapsulate what a hit and miss sort of a bloke he was.

Merson, Dublin and Mellberg were his best signings for me. I thought Steve Stone was a disappointment . I was a big fan of his at Forest and pleased when we signed him but he didn't do the business in a Villa shirt.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 28, 2020, 03:20:13 PM

Aye. We'll never know for certain. 

Getting that move done could have lifted everyone around VP and the psychological boost (we actually mean business this time) might have carried us to top 2 or 3 - whatever was needed back then for Champions League football.

Juninho's career after that broken leg at Atletico was patchy at best. We weren't getting the Juninho of 1995-97.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on September 28, 2020, 03:27:15 PM

Quote from: maidstonevillain on September 28, 2020, 02:59:10 PM

I would say about a 50% success. Not too bad. And we generally got rid of the flops fairly painlessly.

We most certainly did not get rid of them painlessly. When Sir Graham came back we had about £100k a week sitting in the stand virtually on strike.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 28, 2020, 03:32:14 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 28, 2020, 02:07:12 PM

There are 3 categories - 1. The one the manager wanted and never got (Muzzy Izzet, McCarthy, Juninho!) 2. The one the press are convinced you are going to sign every window for eternity (Defoe, Robbie Keane, Sturridge) and 3. The one tentatively linked once, and then speculated by fans forever more (Belhanda, Kiyotake, Rashica, Benrahma)

Blimey Muzzy Izzet. I remember  Gregory desperate to sign him for about 12m and he left two months later. Izzet was a decent player but he moved to SHA on a free a year later and got injured on his debut and had to retire so bullet dodged there.

Benni McCarthy did well for Blackburn for 18 months and then lost interest. Pretty sure West Ham signed him and his BMI was higher than mine at the time!

Edit:

https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2010/08/13/2069451/west-ham-united-order-benni-mccarthy-to-lose-weight-or-face

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 28, 2020, 03:37:43 PM

Imagine if all employers took that stance :(

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 28, 2020, 03:39:58 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on September 28, 2020, 03:27:15 PM

Quote from: maidstonevillain on September 28, 2020, 02:59:10 PM

I would say about a 50% success. Not too bad. And we generally got rid of the flops fairly painlessly.

We most certainly did not get rid of them painlessly. When Sir Graham came back we had about £100k a week sitting in the stand virtually on strike.

Hadji and Kachoul wasn't it? Kachoul started off o.k with nice assist for Vassell v Man. United but then quickly fell out of favour. Surprised how little impact Hadji made as he was a good player for Coventry and was pretty excited when we swopped Joachim for him but bar a header v Southampton can't remember him playing or doing anything else. Was still here in early part of O'Leary era but again barely used.

And Bosko of course.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on September 28, 2020, 03:43:42 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 28, 2020, 03:39:58 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on September 28, 2020, 03:27:15 PM

Quote from: maidstonevillain on September 28, 2020, 02:59:10 PM

I would say about a 50% success. Not too bad. And we generally got rid of the flops fairly painlessly.

We most certainly did not get rid of them painlessly. When Sir Graham came back we had about £100k a week sitting in the stand virtually on strike.

Hadji and Kachoul wasn't it? Kachoul started off o.k with nice assist for Vassell v Man. United but then quickly fell out of favour. Surprised how little impact Hadji made as he was a good player for Coventry and was pretty excited when we swopped Joachim for him but bar a header v Southampton can't remember him playing or doing anything else. Was still here in early part of O'Leary era but again barely used.

And Bosko of course.

Plus Alpay, Ginola and Schmeichel.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 28, 2020, 03:49:31 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on September 28, 2020, 03:43:42 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 28, 2020, 03:39:58 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on September 28, 2020, 03:27:15 PM

Quote from: maidstonevillain on September 28, 2020, 02:59:10 PM

I would say about a 50% success. Not too bad. And we generally got rid of the flops fairly painlessly.

We most certainly did not get rid of them painlessly. When Sir Graham came back we had about £100k a week sitting in the stand virtually on strike.

Hadji and Kachoul wasn't it? Kachoul started off o.k with nice assist for Vassell v Man. United but then quickly fell out of favour. Surprised how little impact Hadji made as he was a good player for Coventry and was pretty excited when we swopped Joachim for him but bar a header v Southampton can't remember him playing or doing anything else. Was still here in early part of O'Leary era but again barely used.

And Bosko of course.

Plus Alpay, Ginola and Schmeichel.

Schmeichel was still number one at that point. Didn't he have some clause in his deal he always had to play when fit and SGT wanted to have a look at Enckleman once we were just playing out the season so he just walked out. Did fine for Man. City in his final season.

Yeah Ginola and Gregory fell out pretty much from the off so surprised he was still here 18 months on. Alpay was one of best defenders at 2002 world cup and came back and wanted a move and then sulked when he didn't get it and we were playing Staunton ahead of him. Ronny Johnsen was a good pick up on a free in fairness, good when fit.

Just come to mind but didn't we play the first SHA game with about 7 defenders in the team?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on September 28, 2020, 03:49:55 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 28, 2020, 03:39:58 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on September 28, 2020, 03:27:15 PM

Quote from: maidstonevillain on September 28, 2020, 02:59:10 PM

I would say about a 50% success. Not too bad. And we generally got rid of the flops fairly painlessly.

We most certainly did not get rid of them painlessly. When Sir Graham came back we had about £100k a week sitting in the stand virtually on strike.

Hadji and Kachoul wasn't it? Kachoul started off o.k with nice assist for Vassell v Man. United but then quickly fell out of favour. Surprised how little impact Hadji made as he was a good player for Coventry and was pretty excited when we swopped Joachim for him but bar a header v Southampton can't remember him playing or doing anything else. Was still here in early part of O'Leary era but again barely used.

And Bosko of course.

Ginola is the biggest disappointment of the lot. He was absolutely superb for both Newcastle and Spurs but a complete flop for us.

Was excited about Hadji too, who looked areal player for Coventry. Didn't we 'gazump' Ipswich for Kachloul?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 28, 2020, 03:52:39 PM

Ginola was past his best - as (clearly) was Schmichael

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 28, 2020, 03:57:12 PM

We did gazump Ipswich for Kachloul. My favourite bit of H&V trivia is that former (?) poster Paul The Weatherman sold Hassan a piano (or maybe it was a joke).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 28, 2020, 04:04:57 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 28, 2020, 03:57:12 PM

We did gazump Ipswich for Kachloul. My favourite bit of H&V trivia is that former (?) poster Paul The Weatherman sold Hassan a piano (or maybe it was a joke).

*rushes off to the "whatever happened to..." thread in a distant and forbidden land....

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on September 28, 2020, 04:09:01 PM

Alpay had a good first season, was injured for most of 2001-02 then had a miraculous recovery in time for the World Cup. He did well there, then when he came back decided he was too good for us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eric woolban woolban on September 28, 2020, 04:15:55 PM

Just got to remember any signing is a risk.
Just cannot guarantee a player at one club would be better at their next club.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: jwarry on September 28, 2020, 04:19:45 PM

Reading Chelski forums they seem to agree RLC is not the player he was since his injury and that he shouldn’t be anywhere near their team at the moment.  They clearly think he has talent but they are now losing faith so a Bid to take him off their hands might just work 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 28, 2020, 04:24:02 PM

Quote from: jwarry on September 28, 2020, 04:19:45 PM

Reading Chelski forums they seem to agree RLC is not the player he was since his injury and that he shouldn’t be anywhere near their team at the moment.  They clearly think he has talent but they are now losing faith so a Bid to take him off their hands might just work

His injury is a bit of a rabbit hole in itself. I've seen it mentioned that he has a pre-existing back problem that needs careful managing and means he has to be rested. If that's the case (and I can't see it confirmed officially anywhere) then steer well clear. #RichardsMK11

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 28, 2020, 04:25:41 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on September 28, 2020, 04:09:01 PM

Alpay had a good first season, was injured for most of 2001-02 then had a miraculous recovery in time for the World Cup. He did well there, then when he came back decided he was too good for us.

Yeah pretty much. He stayed around for start of O'Leary season, scored and shushed the fans, got booed for it then had a scrap against Beckham playing for Turkey and we cancelled his contract.

One thing I would say is him and Mellberg were like rocks for first 3 months of 01/02 season when we were top going into November so that's a what if for me given he got injured a few weeks later and Staunton playing weekly was a clear downgrade from then on.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 28, 2020, 04:27:00 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 28, 2020, 04:24:02 PM

Quote from: jwarry on September 28, 2020, 04:19:45 PM

Reading Chelski forums they seem to agree RLC is not the player he was since his injury and that he shouldn’t be anywhere near their team at the moment.  They clearly think he has talent but they are now losing faith so a Bid to take him off their hands might just work

His injury is a bit of a rabbit hole in itself. I've seen it mentioned that he has a pre-existing back problem that needs careful managing and means he has to be rested. If that's the case (and I can't see it confirmed officially anywhere) then steer well clear. #RichardsMK11

We just want to take him on loan don't we? Just make sure Chelsea don't screw us over with the terms like Spurs did with the jenas deal. Got season ending injury in the November of that season and we still had to pay all his wages for rest of the season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: jwarry on September 28, 2020, 04:34:45 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 28, 2020, 04:27:00 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 28, 2020, 04:24:02 PM

Quote from: jwarry on September 28, 2020, 04:19:45 PM

Reading Chelski forums they seem to agree RLC is not the player he was since his injury and that he shouldn’t be anywhere near their team at the moment.  They clearly think he has talent but they are now losing faith so a Bid to take him off their hands might just work

His injury is a bit of a rabbit hole in itself. I've seen it mentioned that he has a pre-existing back problem that needs careful managing and means he has to be rested. If that's the case (and I can't see it confirmed officially anywhere) then steer well clear. #RichardsMK11

We just want to take him on loan don't we? Just make sure Chelsea don't screw us over with the terms like Spurs did with the jenas deal. Got season ending injury in the November of that season and we still had to pay all his wages for rest of the season.

Or it could be a McGrath like gamble

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 28, 2020, 04:35:29 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 28, 2020, 04:27:00 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 28, 2020, 04:24:02 PM

Quote from: jwarry on September 28, 2020, 04:19:45 PM

Reading Chelski forums they seem to agree RLC is not the player he was since his injury and that he shouldn’t be anywhere near their team at the moment.  They clearly think he has talent but they are now losing faith so a Bid to take him off their hands might just work

His injury is a bit of a rabbit hole in itself. I've seen it mentioned that he has a pre-existing back problem that needs careful managing and means he has to be rested. If that's the case (and I can't see it confirmed officially anywhere) then steer well clear. #RichardsMK11

We just want to take him on loan don't we? Just make sure Chelsea don't screw us over with the terms like Spurs did with the jenas deal. Got season ending injury in the November of that season and we still had to pay all his wages for rest of the season.

Well if its just a loan then yes less of a problem, but i'm not sure I'm happy with us trying to get a player upto speed who has to have miss a game every now and then because his back condition flares up. Anyway, I've not seen anything official about this, just mentioned in a few forums

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: curiousorange on September 28, 2020, 04:35:38 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 28, 2020, 03:32:14 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 28, 2020, 02:07:12 PM

There are 3 categories - 1. The one the manager wanted and never got (Muzzy Izzet, McCarthy, Juninho!) 2. The one the press are convinced you are going to sign every window for eternity (Defoe, Robbie Keane, Sturridge) and 3. The one tentatively linked once, and then speculated by fans forever more (Belhanda, Kiyotake, Rashica, Benrahma)

Blimey Muzzy Izzet. I remember  Gregory desperate to sign him for about 12m and he left two months later. Izzet was a decent player but he moved to SHA on a free a year later and got injured on his debut and had to retire so bullet dodged there.

Benni McCarthy did well for Blackburn for 18 months and then lost interest. Pretty sure West Ham signed him and his BMI was higher than mine at the time!

Edit:

https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2010/08/13/2069451/west-ham-united-order-benni-mccarthy-to-lose-weight-or-face

I remember McCarthy scoring a tap-in for Blackburn after a defensive calamity, and he said on MOTD something like, "those kinds of things don't happen often, but if you put a sweetie in my mouth, I'm gonna bite." West Ham can't say they weren't warned.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: frank black on September 28, 2020, 04:46:07 PM

RLC loan to buy I guess?. If he’s not injured it’ll be an excellent signing

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 28, 2020, 05:43:43 PM

Quote from: jwarry on September 28, 2020, 04:34:45 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 28, 2020, 04:27:00 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 28, 2020, 04:24:02 PM

Quote from: jwarry on September 28, 2020, 04:19:45 PM

Reading Chelski forums they seem to agree RLC is not the player he was since his injury and that he shouldn’t be anywhere near their team at the moment.  They clearly think he has talent but they are now losing faith so a Bid to take him off their hands might just work

His injury is a bit of a rabbit hole in itself. I've seen it mentioned that he has a pre-existing back problem that needs careful managing and means he has to be rested. If that's the case (and I can't see it confirmed officially anywhere) then steer well clear. #RichardsMK11

We just want to take him on loan don't we? Just make sure Chelsea don't screw us over with the terms like Spurs did with the jenas deal. Got season ending injury in the November of that season and we still had to pay all his wages for rest of the season.

Or it could be a McGrath like gamble

How many injury gambles of that nature have worked for us or any other club.

God is the exception that proves the rule.

Hence why he is God.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on September 28, 2020, 05:45:56 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on September 28, 2020, 04:09:01 PM

Alpay had a good first season, was injured for most of 2001-02 then had a miraculous recovery in time for the World Cup. He did well there, then when he came back decided he was too good for us.

We still (stupidly) let him go for free after he had a row with Beckham during an international game. He was a very good player for us when committed. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Skerra on September 28, 2020, 07:07:45 PM

Need to make a couple of changes to freshen things up. Looking a bit sloppy just now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: nigel on September 28, 2020, 07:44:50 PM

Well, we’re in the Champions league places, at the moment!
Wonder if that will make Rashica hurry up? 😀

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Richard E on September 28, 2020, 08:36:17 PM

Rashica will be crawling all the way from Bremen over broken glass to join us after seeing that performance, begging us to let him pay us to sign.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mike on September 28, 2020, 08:46:16 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 28, 2020, 04:25:41 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on September 28, 2020, 04:09:01 PM

Alpay had a good first season, was injured for most of 2001-02 then had a miraculous recovery in time for the World Cup. He did well there, then when he came back decided he was too good for us.

Yeah pretty much. He stayed around for start of O'Leary season, scored and shushed the fans, got booed for it then had a scrap against Beckham playing for Turkey and we cancelled his contract.

One thing I would say is him and Mellberg were like rocks for first 3 months of 01/02 season when we were top going into November so that's a what if for me given he got injured a few weeks later and Staunton playing weekly was a clear downgrade from then on.

He really was hero to zero.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: richtheholtender on September 28, 2020, 08:55:10 PM

Now is the time to strengthen again

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Holy Trinity on September 28, 2020, 08:58:04 PM

Something special this way comes.

I said it last week and I'll say it again! I'm convinced something big is happening.

I predict at least one sit up and take notice signing in the next 5 days.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: themossman on September 28, 2020, 09:03:33 PM

I saw RLC play for palace against Leicester the other year, playing very deep, and he was incredible. I hadn’t realised how good he was until I saw him in the flesh. Best player on the pitch by miles.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: frank black on September 28, 2020, 10:37:04 PM

We require a left back IMO

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Holy Trinity on September 28, 2020, 10:40:30 PM

Quote from: frank black on September 28, 2020, 10:37:04 PM

We require a left back IMO

I fully agree with you. I like Matts attacking runs and involvement but and starting to see him as a liability in defence.
We can't buy everything this window and let be honest I dont think he will cost us that many points between now and Jan.

If he's still not working by then get someone in off the continent as a punt

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 28, 2020, 10:56:41 PM

We are actually in a position where we can't buy the finished article with the potential of a player like RLC, so taking a risk and getting him fully fit might be a big step to move us forward. We have a decent 3 in the ones that played tonight, Hourihane is the weak link in general play, but his goals and assists are invaluable and we are a much more threatening side with him playing, so right now you can bring a player in that needs a bit of time and get them up to speed.

We still need to get better at doubling up and stopping crosses late in games when Jack and Trez tire, but a more solid left back at some point has to happen. Especially with Jack in front of them.

Also struck me tonight that when he starts scoring, any striker coming in is going to be sitting on the bench for a long time. Watkins is a menace, and going to be very, very good. Still think another wide player that can play across the front is needed, we are finally at the point where we need to add options to the side.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 28, 2020, 11:13:44 PM

I feel that it's a bit harsh on Hourihane to say that all he does is score goals and gain assists - what else is there?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 28, 2020, 11:17:48 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 28, 2020, 11:13:44 PM

I feel that it's a bit harsh on Hourihane to say that all he does is score goals and gain assists - what else is there?

I was making the case that he should stay in the team! He goes missing for periods, whereas even when hes having a bad day such is the way McGinn plays he is always in the thick of it, but his attacking element is far, far too important to drop until there is a noticeably better upgrade. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: tomd2103 on September 28, 2020, 11:31:12 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 28, 2020, 11:13:44 PM

I feel that it's a bit harsh on Hourihane to say that all he does is score goals and gain assists - what else is there?

If he is going to play, I think he needs to play in the more advanced role where he has a certain amount of freedom and not so much defensive responsibility.  I think his best performance for us was in that position when he scored a hat-trick against Norwich a few seasons ago.

Still think he is one to come off the bench in the closing stages when we are after a goal.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 28, 2020, 11:33:33 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 28, 2020, 11:17:48 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 28, 2020, 11:13:44 PM

I feel that it's a bit harsh on Hourihane to say that all he does is score goals and gain assists - what else is there?

I was making the case that he should stay in the team! He goes missing for periods, whereas even when hes having a bad day such is the way McGinn plays he is always in the thick of it, but his attacking element is far, far too important to drop until there is a noticeably better upgrade. 

Ah, fair enough!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on September 29, 2020, 05:27:15 AM

I was thinking about the long list of English midfield players that are hyped as the next big thing only to turm out as mediocre. We have Ross Berkeley who kicked up a fuss to leave Everton, got injured bulked up and slowed down. Rice is a decent water carrier but not much more, Foden is another tidy footballer but not a world beater. RLC looked promising but his body is not up to it. I think Mount and Madison have something to offer and are good PL players but not world class.
The list goes on.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sid1964 on September 29, 2020, 06:13:46 AM

If we sign a Barkley -  then Hourihane will be out of the team (lets hope that we do sign Barkley)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on September 29, 2020, 06:18:45 AM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 28, 2020, 11:13:44 PM

I feel that it's a bit harsh on Hourihane to say that all he does is score goals and gain assists - what else is there?

tackling, intercepting,covering,  liking up play, closing space Running off the ball.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OzVilla on September 29, 2020, 06:41:01 AM

I appreciate Hourihane is a bit marmite for a few on here but you cannot underestimate his go forward threat, for all the plaudits Trez ot at the end of last season, Hourihane's assists were pivotal to our survival.

I also think his 'link up play' is far better than he gets credit for too, see AEG's goal in the play off final. He'll never be a put the foot in type but he's more than good enough in other areas for us for where we are at the moment.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rob_bridge on September 29, 2020, 07:00:48 AM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on September 29, 2020, 05:27:15 AM

I was thinking about the long list of English midfield players that are hyped as the next big thing only to turm out as mediocre. We have Ross Berkeley who kicked up a fuss to leave Everton, got injured bulked up and slowed down. Rice is a decent water carrier but not much more, Foden is another tidy footballer but not a world beater. RLC looked promising but his body is not up to it. I think Mount and Madison have something to offer and are good PL players but not world class.
The list goes on.

Foden or Sancho to be the next Joe Cole. Andros Townsend was once.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: curiousorange on September 29, 2020, 07:36:20 AM

I've never seen the fuss about Sancho. Obviously he's playing at a very high level, but it seems to me like somebody's decided because he's playing in a foreign league he must be far better than he is.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on September 29, 2020, 07:38:46 AM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 28, 2020, 11:13:44 PM

I feel that it's a bit harsh on Hourihane to say that all he does is score goals and gain assists - what else is there?

He's not got a single wicket since he joined, and his batting average is shocking.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 29, 2020, 07:46:11 AM

Quote from: sid1964 on September 29, 2020, 06:13:46 AM

If we sign a Barkley -  then Hourihane will be out of the team (lets hope that we do sign Barkley)

Really?? I have no issue with signing Barkley, but Hourihane has scored or assisted continuously through our run in, and at the start of this season. Why would we want him out the team.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on September 29, 2020, 08:06:34 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 29, 2020, 07:46:11 AM

Quote from: sid1964 on September 29, 2020, 06:13:46 AM

If we sign a Barkley -  then Hourihane will be out of the team (lets hope that we do sign Barkley)

Really?? I have no issue with signing Barkley, but Hourihane has scored or assisted continuously through our run in, and at the start of this season. Why would we want him out the team.

Hourihane has scored the same number of Premier League goals for us as Barkely has for Chelsea.

Hourihane's just taken one and a bit fewer seasons of football to do it in though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 29, 2020, 08:17:32 AM

Hourihane is a useful player to have around. Unless its set in stone that we're buying a long term experienced replacement(s) for him now or next summer i'd offer him a new contract for 2 years.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sid1964 on September 29, 2020, 08:21:53 AM

Sign Barkley who is dropped? He won’t sign for us unless he is guaranteed to start.

So if Hourihane is better than McGinn or luiz then one of them must go out of the side

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 29, 2020, 08:22:25 AM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 28, 2020, 11:13:44 PM

I feel that it's a bit harsh on Hourihane to say that all he does is score goals and gain assists - what else is there?

Well, as a MF, he needs to give cover for the left side: his defending is pretty woeful and Targett looks the worse for it.
I say that not because Hourihane is a target for my criticism, but because he could be so much better. I like a lot of what he does in the oppo's half of the pitch.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on September 29, 2020, 08:26:31 AM

Hourihane isn’t always consistent, but What he also brings as well as assists, is leadership. I think he was instrumental is us staying up, when he came back into the team from the second of Man U onwards, he was really vocal, trying to drive the team on. This kind of thing is often over egged, but he actually does seem to care about playing for Villa and I really like the fact that he has worked his up through the divisions.
Saying all that a trio of Connor, McGinn and Luiz seems a bit light and we could do with another in their imo.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 29, 2020, 08:27:27 AM

Quote from: sid1964 on September 29, 2020, 08:21:53 AM

Sign Barkley who is dropped? He won’t sign for us unless he is guaranteed to start.

So if Hourihane is better than McGinn or luiz then one of them must go out of the side

Don't sign him then. He's wank anyway.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on September 29, 2020, 08:37:36 AM

I understand the concerns about Hourihane, but for his weaknesses, there is also a fair amount he offers (reminder last night).

Strikes me if we're talking poor performers of the last few years, there are plenty ahead of him.

What I do get, though, is the concern about relying on him. We should have options in that role (and in every role, really).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dicedlam on September 29, 2020, 09:10:47 AM

I think we should also take into consideration how much of a role Jacob Ramsey will play this season before we look to replace Hourihane. This lad is an excellent player, comfortable on the ball and plays with maturity beyond his age.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on September 29, 2020, 09:14:56 AM

Having Hourihane in the squad or team is not the problem, the problem is that we have very poor options on the bench. We need competition, and if we bring someone in then they should be better or different to what we have already. We have three good midfielders in McGinn, Hourihane and Luiz but play them all together and we look lightweight.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 29, 2020, 09:16:54 AM

See Lampard has confirmed RLC could be moving on loan this week. Also claims he's "fit as a fiddle" :o

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on September 29, 2020, 09:18:27 AM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on September 29, 2020, 09:14:56 AM

Having Hourihane in the squad or team is not the problem, the problem is that we have very poor options on the bench. We need competition, and if we bring someone in then they should be better or different to what we have already. We have three good midfielders in McGinn, Hourihane and Luiz but play them all together and we look lightweight.

And if one or two of them get a knock, we're down to a talented but raw kid in Ramsey plus Nakamba and Lansbury as options. We absolutely need to bring another first team standard midfielder in as competition.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aev on September 29, 2020, 09:21:20 AM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 29, 2020, 08:37:36 AM

I understand the concerns about Hourihane, but for his weaknesses, there is also a fair amount he offers (reminder last night).

Strikes me if we're talking poor performers of the last few years, there are plenty ahead of him.

What I do get, though, is the concern about relying on him. We should have options in that role (and in every role, really).

I like him, but worry that in a 3 of McGinn, Luiz and Hourihane we are maybe a bit lightweight. Even dropping Grealish back into midfield I think still leaves us that way. So in a 3 or a 4 I think he would be the one that could be improved upon.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave shelley on September 29, 2020, 09:29:34 AM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on September 29, 2020, 09:14:56 AM

Having Hourihane in the squad or team is not the problem, the problem is that we have very poor options on the bench. We need competition, and if we bring someone in then they should be better or different to what we have already. We have three good midfielders in McGinn, Hourihane and Luiz but play them all together and we look lightweight.

I think it was DW who said, either on here or in his Birmingham Press piece, I can't remember, that our bench is now beginning to look that little bit stronger.  The likes of Ramsey will prove invaluable there as he gains experience when injuries and suspensions rear their ugly heads.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: maidstonevillain on September 29, 2020, 09:33:53 AM

Quote from: dave shelley on September 29, 2020, 09:29:34 AM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on September 29, 2020, 09:14:56 AM

Having Hourihane in the squad or team is not the problem, the problem is that we have very poor options on the bench. We need competition, and if we bring someone in then they should be better or different to what we have already. We have three good midfielders in McGinn, Hourihane and Luiz but play them all together and we look lightweight.

I think it was DW who said, either on here or in his Birmingham Press piece, I can't remember, that our bench is now beginning to look that little bit stronger.  The likes of Ramsey will prove invaluable there as he gains experience when injuries and suspensions rear their ugly heads.

Edit. Quote fail.

And he is additional to the named 25.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on September 29, 2020, 09:36:50 AM

Connors main issue is consistency. He NEEDS someone pushing for his place in the squad. Bringing in another high quality CM will make all 3 of the midfield to up their games. As it stands were one injury away from Nakamba being a starter so a quality addition this week will be superb.
RLC or Barkley would really add someone we lack. Proper box to box, strength.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on September 29, 2020, 09:53:17 AM

I suspect Rashica will come if Sarr doesn't.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: itbrvilla on September 29, 2020, 09:59:45 AM

Quote from: aev on September 29, 2020, 09:21:20 AM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on September 29, 2020, 08:37:36 AM

I understand the concerns about Hourihane, but for his weaknesses, there is also a fair amount he offers (reminder last night).

Strikes me if we're talking poor performers of the last few years, there are plenty ahead of him.

What I do get, though, is the concern about relying on him. We should have options in that role (and in every role, really).

I like him, but worry that in a 3 of McGinn, Luiz and Hourihane we are maybe a bit lightweight. Even dropping Grealish back into midfield I think still leaves us that way. So in a 3 or a 4 I think he would be the one that could be improved upon.

Its a significant concern given the perceived calibre of players we have in the middle of the park that we have often looked like we've no midfield at all over the last 12 months.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on September 29, 2020, 10:03:12 AM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on September 29, 2020, 09:36:50 AM

Connors main issue is consistency. He NEEDS someone pushing for his place in the squad. Bringing in another high quality CM will make all 3 of the midfield to up their games. As it stands were one injury away from Nakamba being a starter so a quality addition this week will be superb.
RLC or Barkley would really add someone we lack. Proper box to box, strength.

Hourihane doesn't add much without the ball. One paced, completely one sided and not the strongest. Any kind of decent midfield that presses us high up to pitch and he will struggle. Unfortunately I expect we will get a reminder of that on Sunday.

But you cant knock what he does give us. Tidy in possession with his left foot when given space. Superb at set pieces and knows where the goal is. Combines well with the likes of Grealish and McGinn. Whenever he gets dropped he tends to find a way back into the team. Very good professional and one of our best signings in recent years.

I'm not sure what more Barkley would give us that Hourihane doesn't. Barkley is also a passenger without the ball and holds onto the ball too long. It's an upgrade on Nakamba we really need.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 29, 2020, 10:05:04 AM

Has Conor scored/assisted much against teams that aren't bottom-feeders (i.e Norwich/Newcastle/Fulham)?

Playing him at home and perhaps away against these teams he'll make an impact. Against top half teams he's too invisible  a lot of the time.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 29, 2020, 10:08:10 AM

Quote from: eamonn on September 29, 2020, 10:05:04 AM

Has Conor scored/assisted much against teams that aren't bottom-feeders (i.e Norwich/Newcastle/Fulham)?

Playing him at home and perhaps away against these teams he'll make an impact. Against top half teams he's too invisible  a lot of the time.

That's a good point eamonn. He does well against teams where we're not under constant pressure.  That said, his all round game is noticeably better of late.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rigadon on September 29, 2020, 10:17:50 AM

Hourihane's career 'trajectory' (through each of the professional leagues) has been all about learning and improving, so we shouldn't be surprised that he is doing the same.  I like him, but I can see how we need players in who are consistently better than the ones we have already.   

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on September 29, 2020, 10:20:11 AM

Currently odds-on for both Sarr and Barkley...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy65 on September 29, 2020, 10:21:19 AM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 29, 2020, 10:07:42 AM

Quote from: Drummond on September 29, 2020, 09:53:17 AM

I suspect Rashica will come if Sarr doesn't.

I not sure on those Sarr rumours but there are 2 Norwich players I think a deal for one if not both could be made.

Done be surprised if we sign one of Cantwell and Buendia. Both are looking likely to be leaving Norwich. And want Premier league football
Farke basically had enough of them from what hearing and Cantwell is being left out of  squads just like Buendia has as they want premier league football.
There have been strong links for both and the Buendia  link has been around for a while in previous window as well as Villa enquiries into Cantwell.

Leeds were supposedly interested for Todd over the weekend  but they are instead signing a young midfield player from Bayern Munich. Because of the better value price and fees.

I think either Norwich  player is happy to come here and if Villa were the unnamed premier league club that bid for Cantwell back in August I can see another move coming about for him. Certainly fits the profile for Dean Smith md would provide energy and creativity as attacking midfielder

Remember  we've seem these moves take time for Watkins and Martinez  with all the fees and money to be agreed. A suitable deal needs to be offered that fits.

It would also make sense to swap out Jota as exchange for one of them.

As both will be leaving you have to figure which Premier  league sides want them , can afford them and how they would fit.
To me Villa would be a good match all round for Cantwell  and Buendia. 

Lets hope we get a deal to sign one if not both.

I like the sound of the Bayern youngster. Let’s sign him instead

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy65 on September 29, 2020, 10:26:40 AM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 29, 2020, 10:22:07 AM

Quote from: eamonn on September 29, 2020, 10:05:04 AM

Has Conor scored/assisted much against teams that aren't bottom-feeders (i.e Norwich/Newcastle/Fulham)?

Playing him at home and perhaps away against these teams he'll make an impact. Against top half teams he's too invisible  a lot of the time.

Well spotted . Though we all know he's limited but exactly that's just how limited he is.
The stats back this up. He has no impact whatsoever against any real quality instead his main strength of goal scoring and assists only come into play against lesser opposition.
Basically Hourihane has reached his ceiling he'll never be any better.

Goals last season came against Norwich , Newcastle and then against weakened cup team opposition Brighton and Liverpool.

Similarly his assists 5 came against
Norwich
Newcastle twice
And upon resumption of league:
2 very poor and uncompetitive teams Palace and Everton

So it's very clear like you say his impact is only against lowly opposition. And should be nothing more than a squad player. Because of his endeavour , professionalism and decent attitude he could stay on and a squad member for the right occasion. But to push on he would need upgrading.

I think ‘not performing against the top teams’ could be levelled against most of our team last season

Conor just never looks mobile enough for the premier league

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: supertom on September 29, 2020, 10:29:17 AM

I like Conor, I don't think he's done a lot wrong since restart to be honest. He's a goal threat. He gets in great positions in and around the box, and when you have Grealish and McGinn, someone will pick him out. He also, more often than not, will tuck a chance away. He is still a squad player, and I expect he'll be the type who starts 20-25 games and comes off the bench in others.
Like others have said, in theory it's the games against top 6 sides where you maybe wouldn't play him (particularly away) and that's where I think we need an upgrade is on Nakamba. Nakamba, for his position is a bit too lightweight.

I'd be looking at a DMF and left back at this stage. If we can get another winger over the line and get a bit of cash back on AEG, then great. If we can't, then having AEG in the squad isn't the worst thing in the world. In theory too, if we're in a bit less of a full on relegation scrap this season, a player like AEG will look better in a team that wins more games. He doesn't do scrapping, but can produce great moments. Winning makes a team enjoy the football a bit more, and that tends to suit mercurial players. When the team played well JPA played well for example.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 29, 2020, 10:31:40 AM

I said a while ago that I thought Conor would get better as the team got better because he plays well when we're on the front foot, collectively.
However, he is a squad player and we need more in MF.
L-Cheek and Buendia would be my wishlist; with Sessegnon on loan too.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: onje_villa on September 29, 2020, 10:36:18 AM

Quote from: supertom on September 29, 2020, 10:29:17 AM

I like Conor, I don't think he's done a lot wrong since restart to be honest. He's a goal threat. He gets in great positions in and around the box, and when you have Grealish and McGinn, someone will pick him out. He also, more often than not, will tuck a chance away. He is still a squad player, and I expect he'll be the type who starts 20-25 games and comes off the bench in others.
Like others have said, in theory it's the games against top 6 sides where you maybe wouldn't play him (particularly away) and that's where I think we need an upgrade is on Nakamba. Nakamba, for his position is a bit too lightweight.

I'd be looking at a DMF and left back at this stage. If we can get another winger over the line and get a bit of cash back on AEG, then great. If we can't, then having AEG in the squad isn't the worst thing in the world. In theory too, if we're in a bit less of a full on relegation scrap this season, a player like AEG will look better in a team that wins more games. He doesn't do scrapping, but can produce great moments. Winning makes a team enjoy the football a bit more, and that tends to suit mercurial players. When the team played well JPA played well for example.

Completely agree. DM and left back are two areas that badly need strengthening if we are to try and be a top 10 team. It's noticeable that as clinical as we were last night that we still tend to have much less of the ball than our opponents, we let far too much come through our middle and left flank. That will be punished against better sides but you'd hope with the new players, work rate and confidence that we will be well clear of the drop this year

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 29, 2020, 10:42:30 AM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 29, 2020, 10:37:04 AM

Quote from: Rudy65 on September 29, 2020, 10:26:40 AM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 29, 2020, 10:22:07 AM

Quote from: eamonn on September 29, 2020, 10:05:04 AM

Has Conor scored/assisted much against teams that aren't bottom-feeders (i.e Norwich/Newcastle/Fulham)?

Playing him at home and perhaps away against these teams he'll make an impact. Against top half teams he's too invisible  a lot of the time.

Well spotted . Though we all know he's limited but exactly that's just how limited he is.
The stats back this up. He has no impact whatsoever against any real quality instead his main strength of goal scoring and assists only come into play against lesser opposition.
Basically Hourihane has reached his ceiling he'll never be any better.

Goals last season came against Norwich , Newcastle and then against weakened cup team opposition Brighton and Liverpool.

Similarly his assists 5 came against
Norwich
Newcastle twice
And upon resumption of league:
2 very poor and uncompetitive teams Palace and Everton

So it's very clear like you say his impact is only against lowly opposition. And should be nothing more than a squad player. Because of his endeavour , professionalism and decent attitude he could stay on and a squad member for the right occasion. But to push on he would need upgrading.

I think ‘not performing against the top teams’ could be levelled against most of our team last season

Conor just never looks mobile enough for the premier league

Yes granted.
But specific on Hourihane can't deny the bare facts his set piece threat is only of any impact against lesser teams as his goalscoring.
He hasn't proved anything against top opposition.

Now for example Trezeguet maybe a contrast or maybe a big game performer ?
He performed with a goal against many a top team. With goals against Liverpool , Wolves, Chelsea, won a penalty at man city.

And came up with goals in must wins v Arsenal and  2 Vs Palace.
And of course Leicester in the cup semi last minute he scored.
So can say Trez has shown he has nerve for the occasion and finds a but extra. And could progress.

We can't say the same for Hourihane based on what he did last season.

He did score in the playoff semi-final.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 29, 2020, 11:03:46 AM

There's no beef, footy. I just think he deserves more respect than he gets. And every team he plays while he's wearing our shirt is a lesser team.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 29, 2020, 11:21:26 AM

Buendia. I'm not having Todd.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on September 29, 2020, 11:22:14 AM

Rashica!!!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on September 29, 2020, 11:24:58 AM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 29, 2020, 11:21:26 AM

Buendia. I'm not having Todd.

Yep, it's a choice between a character from One Hundred Years of Solitude and a character from Neighbours.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 29, 2020, 11:30:09 AM

Quote from: Monty on September 29, 2020, 11:24:58 AM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 29, 2020, 11:21:26 AM

Buendia. I'm not having Todd.

Yep, it's a choice between a character from One Hundred Years of Solitude and a character from Neighbours.

Always taking the magical realism perspective rather supporting our brave lads in the colonies. Sad, more than anything.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on September 29, 2020, 11:36:34 AM

What we really need is someone better and more consistent than Targett as a first choice left back.

I get the willies every time the opposition move the ball into that area.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on September 29, 2020, 11:45:27 AM

Quote from: Risso on September 29, 2020, 10:08:10 AM

Quote from: eamonn on September 29, 2020, 10:05:04 AM

Has Conor scored/assisted much against teams that aren't bottom-feeders (i.e Norwich/Newcastle/Fulham)?

Playing him at home and perhaps away against these teams he'll make an impact. Against top half teams he's too invisible  a lot of the time.

That's a good point eamonn. He does well against teams where we're not under constant pressure.  That said, his all round game is noticeably better of late.

My thoughts on him are similar.  He's a good player to have in the squad - probably better for specific games rather than every match, but to me that's absolutely fine ... players need a rest from time to time, so there's comfortably room to fit a player like him in.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 29, 2020, 12:03:11 PM

Quote from: mr underhill on September 29, 2020, 11:22:14 AM

Rashica!!!

Bless you!!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Fred Crump on September 29, 2020, 12:03:23 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 29, 2020, 11:21:26 AM

Buendia. I'm not having Todd.

In squeaky nonsense potter voice “ And quite right too , Todd is a complete and utter F**king Tod warrior. I’m Neil Hunt and I’m f*cking loving my life”
Apologies to the majority who don’t follow Athletico Mince, to whom the above will make about as much sense as most of the rest of my posts.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rooboy316 on September 29, 2020, 12:10:52 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 29, 2020, 10:03:12 AM

Hourihane doesn't add much without the ball. One paced, completely one sided and not the strongest. Any kind of decent midfield that presses us high up to pitch and he will struggle. Unfortunately I expect we will get a reminder of that on Sunday.

But you cant knock what he does give us. Tidy in possession with his left foot when given space. Superb at set pieces and knows where the goal is. Combines well with the likes of Grealish and McGinn. Whenever he gets dropped he tends to find a way back into the team. Very good professional and one of our best signings in recent years.

I'm not sure what more Barkley would give us that Hourihane doesn't. Barkley is also a passenger without the ball and holds onto the ball too long. It's an upgrade on Nakamba we really need.

Agree with all of this. We really struggled last season against high pressing teams. Our midfield gets overrun and it ends up being Mings and the full backs belting out long balls, giving away possession and having to deal with sustained pressure. Against sides like that, we need someone next to Luiz who can help retain possession, and to pass the ball out of the high press.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 29, 2020, 12:13:11 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 29, 2020, 11:46:11 AM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 29, 2020, 11:30:09 AM

Quote from: Monty on September 29, 2020, 11:24:58 AM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 29, 2020, 11:21:26 AM

Buendia. I'm not having Todd.

Yep, it's a choice between a character from One Hundred Years of Solitude and a character from Neighbours.

Always taking the magical realism perspective rather supporting our brave lads in the colonies. Sad, more than anything.

Well I heard transfer news from the  Simpsons. Not sure how reliable.  But its about their Neighbours moving .  Todd's agent is his father Ned. And the transfer negotiation for  his son being recruited is taking place at some farmland in Norwich which Ned owns.

Yes thats right its in flanders fields.

Thats almost as good/bad as my Shakespeare's Sister pun.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 29, 2020, 12:13:52 PM

Just to balance the "Hourihane only delivers against rubbish teams" argument out, his assists were against Newcastle, Palace, Everton and Norwich last season. Palace and Newcastle have pretty well drilled sides and are generally good against set plays, so I think the argument is pretty flawed for picking holes in his delivery, His free kicks and set piece delivery are excellent, and our goal vs Sheffield was all to do with substitutions just before it and Utd not picking up properly, not the brilliance of the ball in.

I agree we need better in open play to move forward, but Hourihane for a team 10-17th in the Prem is good enough, and brings plenty to the table and invariably is involved in good things that we do.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on September 29, 2020, 12:17:59 PM

Don't think there's anything wrong with getting goals and assists against sides around us in the table. If that is the case then far from arguing that he's terrible, you could actually even argue he kept us up.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 29, 2020, 12:28:36 PM

You could but maybe an upgrade in his position would have got us more points against the top 12.

He is a useful player to have but after Targett and Trezeguet (who will lose his place to Traoré soon) he is the next player that needs to be upgraded as a regular starter.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rooboy316 on September 29, 2020, 12:31:48 PM

It’s not about rubbish teams, it’s about the opposition style of play. I think Hourihane offers a lot, but is better suited against teams who don’t press high. He’s good for 15-20 starts a season, but we also need an alternative when we come up against high pressure sides, and Nakamba isn’t the solution. We also need more depth there to cover for injuries. Ramsey has shown some real promise, but mightn’t be ready for that level of involvement yet.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: JJ-AV on September 29, 2020, 12:51:09 PM

I'd prefer RLC as I think he's more suited to playing deeper (and that's what we need), but if we got Barkley we'd be a pretty exciting team. Another maverick and someone who can carry the ball alongside Jack and Traore

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: gpbarr on September 29, 2020, 01:02:05 PM

LB is a huge problem that needs to be addressed. I think Grealish needs to move into the centre which means left side is further depleted (Trez isn't the long term answer).

A strong "Cash" like LB, and forthright DM (who can get hold of a game and dictate the tempo alongside Luiz - Nakamba isnt the answer) are the two positions I think are critical to continued progression up the table   

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on September 29, 2020, 01:10:04 PM

Quote from: algy on September 29, 2020, 11:45:27 AM

Quote from: Risso on September 29, 2020, 10:08:10 AM

Quote from: eamonn on September 29, 2020, 10:05:04 AM

Has Conor scored/assisted much against teams that aren't bottom-feeders (i.e Norwich/Newcastle/Fulham)?

Playing him at home and perhaps away against these teams he'll make an impact. Against top half teams he's too invisible  a lot of the time.

That's a good point eamonn. He does well against teams where we're not under constant pressure.  That said, his all round game is noticeably better of late.

My thoughts on him are similar.  He's a good player to have in the squad - probably better for specific games rather than every match, but to me that's absolutely fine ... players need a rest from time to time, so there's comfortably room to fit a player like him in.

i agree, he brings something to the squad but i dont think he is good enough to be a regular starter at this level.
He is dreadfull defensivly but usefull offensivly. sometimes

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: robleflaneur on September 29, 2020, 01:21:01 PM

Quote from: JJ-AV on September 29, 2020, 12:51:09 PM

I'd prefer RLC as I think he's more suited to playing deeper (and that's what we need), but if we got Barkley we'd be a pretty exciting team. Another maverick and someone who can carry the ball alongside Jack and Traore

Former Chelsea manager,Antonio Conte,reckoned that RLC could become a good striker.His injury problems are a concern but either him or Barkley would be a massive upgrade on Conor.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on September 29, 2020, 01:25:12 PM

I prefer Conor (who has limitations) to Barkley, no idea why people think he is still a good player. Spent force.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: johnc on September 29, 2020, 02:24:29 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on September 29, 2020, 01:25:12 PM

I prefer Conor (who has limitations) to Barkley, no idea why people think he is still a good player. Spent force.

I think Conor has got a bit of bad press but there is no comparison between him and Barkley. Barkley is a top quality player. Hourihane has a good left peg

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 29, 2020, 02:41:35 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 29, 2020, 09:18:27 AM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on September 29, 2020, 09:14:56 AM

Having Hourihane in the squad or team is not the problem, the problem is that we have very poor options on the bench. We need competition, and if we bring someone in then they should be better or different to what we have already. We have three good midfielders in McGinn, Hourihane and Luiz but play them all together and we look lightweight.

And if one or two of them get a knock, we're down to a talented but raw kid in Ramsey plus Nakamba and Lansbury as options. We absolutely need to bring another first team standard midfielder in as competition.

I actually think we're fine in numbers in central midfield considering January is only three months away. If we beat Stoke then the next league cup game isn't until middle of December so we're pretty much playing once a week for next two months so our fixture list will go back to a normal season.

That said now is the time to strengthen given how well we've started the season. We have the feel now of the club on the up so you'd think sensible players would see that rather than having issues with living in Birmingham as Rashica was rumoured a few weeks back.

Leicester and Wolves have been on the up last few years and continued signing players even when their first 11s have been decent so we should to.

I'm pretty curious about our lack of links to a CB. We were linked to a Danish one the other day and seems that link was quickly dismissed by DS.

Seems odd to say that about a defence that's barely conceded a goal so far but we saw last year injury to Mings mid season and we went into complete panic stations for a few weeks. Konsa has improved massively over last 3 months so credit to him but not sure he's ready to be the lead CB just yet if he had Hause or the lesser spotted Engels alongside him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 29, 2020, 02:45:03 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on September 29, 2020, 12:13:52 PM

Just to balance the "Hourihane only delivers against rubbish teams" argument out, his assists were against Newcastle, Palace, Everton and Norwich last season. Palace and Newcastle have pretty well drilled sides and are generally good against set plays, so I think the argument is pretty flawed for picking holes in his delivery, His free kicks and set piece delivery are excellent, and our goal vs Sheffield was all to do with substitutions just before it and Utd not picking up properly, not the brilliance of the ball in.

I agree we need better in open play to move forward, but Hourihane for a team 10-17th in the Prem is good enough, and brings plenty to the table and invariably is involved in good things that we do.

It's more the press really e.g. the top 6/7 who all have fluid and mobile CMs and he just gets bypassed constantly and we're on the backfoot e.g. Leicester before lockdown.

That said he is excellent in games v teams who'll finish below us and you'd like to think they'll be a decent number of those this season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 29, 2020, 02:54:17 PM

Quote from: johnc on September 29, 2020, 02:24:29 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on September 29, 2020, 01:25:12 PM

I prefer Conor (who has limitations) to Barkley, no idea why people think he is still a good player. Spent force.

I think Conor has got a bit of bad press but there is no comparison between him and Barkley. Barkley is a top quality player. Hourihane has a good left peg

I disagree, what does Barkley offer that Hourihane doesn't? Neither of them are much use in defence, neither will play defence splitting passes in open play all that often, both of them have a good shot from the edge of the box. Barkley is a bit bigger and stronger but Hourihane has better delivery from set pieces. I don't understand what people think Barkley would bring to improve us, for me he's one of the most overrated players in the league.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 29, 2020, 03:47:23 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 29, 2020, 02:54:17 PM

Quote from: johnc on September 29, 2020, 02:24:29 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on September 29, 2020, 01:25:12 PM

I prefer Conor (who has limitations) to Barkley, no idea why people think he is still a good player. Spent force.

I think Conor has got a bit of bad press but there is no comparison between him and Barkley. Barkley is a top quality player. Hourihane has a good left peg

I disagree, what does Barkley offer that Hourihane doesn't? Neither of them are much use in defence, neither will play defence splitting passes in open play all that often, both of them have a good shot from the edge of the box. Barkley is a bit bigger and stronger but Hourihane has better delivery from set pieces. I don't understand what people think Barkley would bring to improve us, for me he's one of the most overrated players in the league.

Amen.

Barkley ‘looks’ like a good player, there’s a grace in how he moves and takes the ball, which is why he gets rated higher than players who are simply more effective.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villafirst on September 29, 2020, 04:01:43 PM

Brewster close to joining Sheffield United for around £17m according to the Daily Mail? I'd like Villa to sign him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: luke:lamf on September 29, 2020, 04:14:53 PM

Quote from: Villafirst on September 29, 2020, 04:01:43 PM

Brewster close to joining Sheffield United for around £17m according to the Daily Mail? I'd like Villa to sign him.

The next Dominic Solanke / Jordan Ibe ? Stellar youth international career at at 'Top 6' club, but what did they really bring to the lower-half club that bought them ? Certainly didn't stop Bournemouth from going down. Of course he's young, so I could well be proven wrong, but this will be £17m poorly spent I'd wager. Would be better off shopping around Europe for a more experienced player, even just a few years older.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on September 29, 2020, 04:18:29 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 29, 2020, 02:41:35 PM

Quote from: SheffieldVillain on September 29, 2020, 09:18:27 AM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on September 29, 2020, 09:14:56 AM

Having Hourihane in the squad or team is not the problem, the problem is that we have very poor options on the bench. We need competition, and if we bring someone in then they should be better or different to what we have already. We have three good midfielders in McGinn, Hourihane and Luiz but play them all together and we look lightweight.

And if one or two of them get a knock, we're down to a talented but raw kid in Ramsey plus Nakamba and Lansbury as options. We absolutely need to bring another first team standard midfielder in as competition.

I actually think we're fine in numbers in central midfield considering January is only three months away. If we beat Stoke then the next league cup game isn't until middle of December so we're pretty much playing once a week for next two months so our fixture list will go back to a normal season.

That said now is the time to strengthen given how well we've started the season. We have the feel now of the club on the up so you'd think sensible players would see that rather than having issues with living in Birmingham as Rashica was rumoured a few weeks back.

Leicester and Wolves have been on the up last few years and continued signing players even when their first 11s have been decent so we should to.

I'm pretty curious about our lack of links to a CB. We were linked to a Danish one the other day and seems that link was quickly dismissed by DS.

Seems odd to say that about a defence that's barely conceded a goal so far but we saw last year injury to Mings mid season and we went into complete panic stations for a few weeks. Konsa has improved massively over last 3 months so credit to him but not sure he's ready to be the lead CB just yet if he had Hause or the lesser spotted Engels alongside him.

It's a fair point about the January window being so close. Good to see McGinn put in a reminder of how good a player he can be yesterday too. Hourihane and Luiz are on good form. But any injury and we are looking at Lansbury starting, although in fairness he was excellent in the cup last week.

As for the defence, I rate Engels (even if Smith doesn't), and Hause played well post lockdown when called upon. It's left back we look desperately weak at.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 29, 2020, 04:20:34 PM

Brewster looks a decent prospect but £17m for a kid with 10 goals in championship is insane, especially if Liverpool do force a buy back clause in there. I think Sheff U are getting a bit desperate over the lack of any attacking threat in the squad.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: curiousorange on September 29, 2020, 04:34:20 PM

Missing out on Brewster doesn't bother me. We've signed a forward who has the potential to make the step up in Watkins, now I'd be looking at a finisher.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: themossman on September 29, 2020, 04:56:34 PM

Regarding Barkley, I’m struggling to think of an example of a player like that (promising, went for big bucks before they were fully developed, stagnated since) who then became good again later down the line.

I think the SWP effect is one football cliche that holds true most of the time.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on September 29, 2020, 05:04:34 PM

Quote from: themossman on September 29, 2020, 04:56:34 PM

Regarding Barkley, I’m struggling to think of an example of a player like that (promising, went for big bucks before they were fully developed, stagnated since) who then became good again later down the line.

I think the SWP effect is one football cliche that holds true most of the time.

Chris Sutton? Great at Norwich, great at Blackburn, stuttered at Chelsea, and then very good at Celtic albeit at a lower standard league.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 29, 2020, 05:17:04 PM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on September 29, 2020, 05:04:34 PM

Quote from: themossman on September 29, 2020, 04:56:34 PM

Regarding Barkley, I’m struggling to think of an example of a player like that (promising, went for big bucks before they were fully developed, stagnated since) who then became good again later down the line.

I think the SWP effect is one football cliche that holds true most of the time.

Chris Sutton? Great at Norwich, great at Blackburn, stuttered at Chelsea, and then very good at Celtic albeit at a lower standard league.

Kevin DeBruyne, Mo Salah both went to Chelsea and are much better players now. Zaha is probably the same level as the player who went to Man U.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on September 29, 2020, 05:30:35 PM

Quote from: luke:lamf on September 29, 2020, 04:14:53 PM

Quote from: Villafirst on September 29, 2020, 04:01:43 PM

Brewster close to joining Sheffield United for around £17m according to the Daily Mail? I'd like Villa to sign him.

The next Dominic Solanke / Jordan Ibe ? Stellar youth international career at at 'Top 6' club, but what did they really bring to the lower-half club that bought them ? Certainly didn't stop Bournemouth from going down. Of course he's young, so I could well be proven wrong, but this will be £17m poorly spent I'd wager. Would be better off shopping around Europe for a more experienced player, even just a few years older.

The alternative reality could be the next Robbie Fowler or Michael Owen....wouldn’t mind seeing him in our squad but for any Prem side to expect him to make an immediate starter is unfair on the lad.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 29, 2020, 05:37:11 PM

I think Brewster is going to be very good. That's a coup for Sheffield United if there is no buy-back nonsense.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: manic-road on September 29, 2020, 05:38:31 PM

Quote from: Villafirst on September 29, 2020, 04:01:43 PM

Brewster close to joining Sheffield United for around £17m according to the Daily Mail? I'd like Villa to sign him.

I read that Liverpool have insisted that they have a buy back clause, if true I wouldn't want that. I'm nervous enough about Douglas being bought by City.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villafirst on September 29, 2020, 05:38:35 PM

All this speculation over Jadon Sancho to Manure. Is he actually any good? Would you swap Jack for him? A Transfer fee of around £108m being mentioned.....Crazy!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: maidstonevillain on September 29, 2020, 05:40:05 PM

Quote from: Villafirst on September 29, 2020, 04:01:43 PM

Brewster close to joining Sheffield United for around £17m according to the Daily Mail? I'd like Villa to sign him.

From something I saw elsewhere, they are willing to incorporate a buy-back clause.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 29, 2020, 05:47:14 PM

Liverpool are wary of signing players younger than 23 because they can easily go one way or the other. Their transfer policy is based on largely signing players in the 23-26 age bracket so that by then, they know which way they're going to go but are still able to get better and increase their value.

If they're able to sell Brewster for best part of £20m with a buy-back clause, it's smart business. If he becomes another Solanke, they've taken a good amount of cash but if he goes on to make something of himself, they can buy him back at a set price and bring him back into the fold.

Much better if, in future, we can be Liverpool in this situation rather than Sheffield United.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on September 29, 2020, 05:54:32 PM

To be fair the Brewster, he will want to be playing and we obviously wouldn't be able to guarantee first team football.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Vegas on September 29, 2020, 05:55:44 PM

I hate buy back clauses, and not just because of Luiz. It’s another relatively new invention that skews the playing field in favour of the big clubs, and makes it much harder for other clubs to challenge.

One way a club like Sheff Utd could previously have improved their lot in life would be to take a risk on someone like Brewster. But with a buyback clause even if it spectacularly works out they’ll just lose him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 29, 2020, 06:16:33 PM

Every time I read RLC I keep getting confused and Villa legends Ulises De La Cruz and Richie De Laet enter my head.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 29, 2020, 06:20:57 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 29, 2020, 06:16:33 PM

Every time I read RLC I keep getting confused and Villa legends Ulises De La Cruz and Richie De Laet enter my head.

Had completely forgotten about him, was he ever found? Did we even sign him? I think I saw more of Unsworth.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: JJ-AV on September 29, 2020, 06:37:29 PM

Quote from: themossman on September 29, 2020, 04:56:34 PM

Regarding Barkley, I’m struggling to think of an example of a player like that (promising, went for big bucks before they were fully developed, stagnated since) who then became good again later down the line.

Mings?

Zaha and Ings jump to mind too.

From Chelsea alone Lukaku, De Bruyne, Salah, Ake, Bertrand Traore and Cuadrado aren't doing too bad either.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on September 29, 2020, 06:56:19 PM

Quote from: johnc on September 29, 2020, 02:24:29 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on September 29, 2020, 01:25:12 PM

I prefer Conor (who has limitations) to Barkley, no idea why people think he is still a good player. Spent force.

I think Conor has got a bit of bad press but there is no comparison between him and Barkley. Barkley is a top quality player. Hourihane has a good left peg

Really a top quality player? find a Chelsea fan that watches them and agrees with you.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: exigo on September 29, 2020, 07:11:00 PM

Quote from: JJ-AV on September 29, 2020, 06:37:29 PM

Quote from: themossman on September 29, 2020, 04:56:34 PM

Regarding Barkley, I’m struggling to think of an example of a player like that (promising, went for big bucks before they were fully developed, stagnated since) who then became good again later down the line.

Mings?

Zaha and Ings jump to mind too.

From Chelsea alone Lukaku, De Bruyne, Salah, Ake, Bertrand Traore and Cuadrado aren't doing too bad either.

I'd chuck James Rodriguez into the mix as well.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brian green on September 29, 2020, 07:15:01 PM

Shearer?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: olaftab on September 29, 2020, 07:15:45 PM

Is Barkley going to be another Wilshere?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on September 29, 2020, 07:25:27 PM

Quote from: olaftab on September 29, 2020, 07:15:45 PM

Is Barkley going to be another Wilshere?

All hype since he was a teenager with precious little to back it up, sounds about right. I'm far from convinced about RLC either but at least he has some experience in the holding midfielder/playmaking role.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on September 29, 2020, 07:27:38 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 29, 2020, 07:25:27 PM

Quote from: olaftab on September 29, 2020, 07:15:45 PM

Is Barkley going to be another Wilshere?

All hype since he was a teenager with precious little to back it up, sounds about right. I'm far from convinced about RLC either but at least he has some experience in the holding midfielder/playmaking role.

exactly,

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on September 29, 2020, 07:50:27 PM

I'd like us to get RLC, certainly in preference to Barkley, but for him to be a success here he'd have to impact on games far more than he has done in his career to date.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Richard E on September 29, 2020, 07:52:23 PM

Quote from: olaftab on September 29, 2020, 07:15:45 PM

Is Barkley going to be another Wilshere?

They’re gonna build Stonehenge on him?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: themossman on September 29, 2020, 08:01:26 PM

Yes but I meant apart from those numerous examples!

Rodriguez and Traore are pushing it a bit!

The thing about a lot of those is that they went to other clubs challenging for things, that weren’t a step down.

I think it takes a lot of character for a player that has ‘failed’ at a bigger club in their mid-20s to get back to firing on all cylinders when they think they are slumming it at a lower level.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 29, 2020, 08:23:30 PM

Doesn't Barkley just have to better than Nakamba and Lansbury (until January) to make it even semi worthwhile?  Seems a fairly low and achievable threshold tbh.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mike on September 29, 2020, 09:11:14 PM

Quote from: themossman on September 29, 2020, 08:01:26 PM

Yes but I meant apart from those numerous examples!

Rodriguez and Traore are pushing it a bit!

The thing about a lot of those is that they went to other clubs challenging for things, that weren’t a step down.

I think it takes a lot of character for a player that has ‘failed’ at a bigger club in their mid-20s to get back to firing on all cylinders when they think they are slumming it at a lower level.

I think you’re right in general (see Stephen Ireland). Gary Neville was an exception. I think he did a job for Everton.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 29, 2020, 09:11:38 PM

Quote from: mike on September 29, 2020, 09:11:14 PM

Quote from: themossman on September 29, 2020, 08:01:26 PM

Yes but I meant apart from those numerous examples!

Rodriguez and Traore are pushing it a bit!

The thing about a lot of those is that they went to other clubs challenging for things, that weren’t a step down.

I think it takes a lot of character for a player that has ‘failed’ at a bigger club in their mid-20s to get back to firing on all cylinders when they think they are slumming it at a lower level.

I think you’re right in general (see Stephen Ireland). Gary Neville was an exception. I think he did a job for Everton.

Phil

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on September 29, 2020, 09:13:43 PM

Staying on the ex-Man United example, you could add Jonny Evans and Ben Foster.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Legion on September 29, 2020, 09:14:00 PM

Quote

Transfer deadline day is on Monday October 5. However, to give clubs more time in the age of coronavirus, they will be able to do domestic transfers up until October 16. This will be for loans or permanent transfers between Premier League and EFL clubs.

Can't bloody wait.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: robleflaneur on September 29, 2020, 09:25:13 PM

Quote from: danno on September 29, 2020, 08:23:30 PM

Doesn't Barkley just have to better than Nakamba and Lansbury (until January) to make it even semi worthwhile?  Seems a fairly low and achievable threshold tbh.

This is the most important point.Does a signing improve a team ?Barkley or RLC would and a loan,though not cost free, would free up funds to make a signing in another position.Ramsey could go on loan for a year and could be a future replacement for the loanee.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mike on September 29, 2020, 09:28:21 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 29, 2020, 09:11:38 PM

Quote from: mike on September 29, 2020, 09:11:14 PM

Quote from: themossman on September 29, 2020, 08:01:26 PM

Yes but I meant apart from those numerous examples!

Rodriguez and Traore are pushing it a bit!

The thing about a lot of those is that they went to other clubs challenging for things, that weren’t a step down.

I think it takes a lot of character for a player that has ‘failed’ at a bigger club in their mid-20s to get back to firing on all cylinders when they think they are slumming it at a lower level.

I think you’re right in general (see Stephen Ireland). Gary Neville was an exception. I think he did a job for Everton.

Phil

I'm pissed!!!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 29, 2020, 09:31:18 PM

I'd rather watch Ramsey develop within our team than watch Barkley chuntering around making wrong decision after wrong decision, for the best part of £100k a week.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on September 29, 2020, 09:40:37 PM

Quote from: danno on September 29, 2020, 08:23:30 PM

Doesn't Barkley just have to better than Nakamba and Lansbury (until January) to make it even semi worthwhile?  Seems a fairly low and achievable threshold tbh.

That was the rationale that saw us get Drinkwater in last January! Barkley isn't the type of player to sit in next to Luiz and get the ball to the likes of Grealish and McGinn quickly. That's what we need.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: olaftab on September 29, 2020, 09:42:04 PM

Barkley will see us as step down and sit on his arse, contribute nothing whilst taking the money home every week.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Colhint on September 29, 2020, 09:51:40 PM

And then not be called up for the Euro's next year.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 29, 2020, 10:08:48 PM

Quote from: mike on September 29, 2020, 09:28:21 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 29, 2020, 09:11:38 PM

Quote from: mike on September 29, 2020, 09:11:14 PM

Quote from: themossman on September 29, 2020, 08:01:26 PM

Yes but I meant apart from those numerous examples!

Rodriguez and Traore are pushing it a bit!

The thing about a lot of those is that they went to other clubs challenging for things, that weren’t a step down.

I think it takes a lot of character for a player that has ‘failed’ at a bigger club in their mid-20s to get back to firing on all cylinders when they think they are slumming it at a lower level.

I think you’re right in general (see Stephen Ireland). Gary Neville was an exception. I think he did a job for Everton.

Phil

I'm pissed!!!

Not as pissed as Phil and Gary's grandparents when they named Phil and Gary's Dad.

Neville Neville ! Your face is a mess!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mike on September 29, 2020, 11:13:37 PM

Quote from: eamonn on September 29, 2020, 10:08:48 PM

Quote from: mike on September 29, 2020, 09:28:21 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on September 29, 2020, 09:11:38 PM

Quote from: mike on September 29, 2020, 09:11:14 PM

Quote from: themossman on September 29, 2020, 08:01:26 PM

Yes but I meant apart from those numerous examples!

Rodriguez and Traore are pushing it a bit!

The thing about a lot of those is that they went to other clubs challenging for things, that weren’t a step down.

I think it takes a lot of character for a player that has ‘failed’ at a bigger club in their mid-20s to get back to firing on all cylinders when they think they are slumming it at a lower level.

I think you’re right in general (see Stephen Ireland). Gary Neville was an exception. I think he did a job for Everton.

Phil

I'm pissed!!!

Not as pissed as Phil and Gary's grandparents when they named Phil and Gary's Dad.

Neville Neville ! Your face is a mess!

Good point. I wonder if Mr and Mrs Djemba Djemba ever considered calling their son Djemba.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: tomd2103 on September 29, 2020, 11:27:05 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 29, 2020, 09:40:37 PM

Quote from: danno on September 29, 2020, 08:23:30 PM

Doesn't Barkley just have to better than Nakamba and Lansbury (until January) to make it even semi worthwhile?  Seems a fairly low and achievable threshold tbh.

That was the rationale that saw us get Drinkwater in last January! Barkley isn't the type of player to sit in next to Luiz and get the ball to the likes of Grealish and McGinn quickly. That's what we need.

Barkley would probably play ahead of McGinn and Luiz in an attacking midfield role.  I might be totally wrong, but I just can't see him being particularly interested in a move to us and we'd likely end up with someone just going through the motions again.

If we are to bring a midfielder in, I would prefer someone who is going to fit in alongside Luiz and make us really solid in there.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: nigel on September 30, 2020, 07:21:59 AM

Both Barkley and RLC are on the fringes of the England squad, so there’s no way they’d come to us and just go through the motions if they have hopes for the Euros

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on September 30, 2020, 07:30:23 AM

So sad to see the wheels coming off for Frank at Chelsea, after all the money they have spent.

They sold Lampety (best right back this season so far) to Brighton for £3 million and now Bayern want him.

Priceless.

ps: Wish we had looked at him although I'm sure Matty will be fine.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on September 30, 2020, 08:48:53 AM

early doors but Lampety does look very accomplished.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on September 30, 2020, 08:52:15 AM

Quote from: olaftab on September 29, 2020, 09:42:04 PM

Barkley will see us as step down and sit on his arse, contribute nothing whilst taking the money home every week.

Will he?
Or
He’d see it as a chance to play & actually start games to remind his parent club of how good he can be?

Its no more of a risk than signing Rashica would be

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 30, 2020, 09:01:23 AM

Quote from: Gareth on September 30, 2020, 08:52:15 AM

Quote from: olaftab on September 29, 2020, 09:42:04 PM

Barkley will see us as step down and sit on his arse, contribute nothing whilst taking the money home every week.

Will he?
Or
He’d see it as a chance to play & actually start games to remind his parent club of how good he can be?

Its no more of a risk than signing Rashica would be

Barkley feels like the kind of signing we would have made in years gone by when we had some cash, and the kind that rarely, if ever worked out. At Everton, he should have been to them what Jack is to us, but he left almost out the back door with not many sorry to see him go, and now he's at Chelsea, and again it doesn't seem he'll be missed. Also, given his age he'll want top dollar and he's not worth it.

Steer clear for me. We're not going to catch the likes of those teams if we do them a favour by taking their rejects off their hands.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: nigel on September 30, 2020, 09:07:20 AM

Quote from: LeeB on September 30, 2020, 09:01:23 AM

Quote from: Gareth on September 30, 2020, 08:52:15 AM

Quote from: olaftab on September 29, 2020, 09:42:04 PM

Barkley will see us as step down and sit on his arse, contribute nothing whilst taking the money home every week.

Will he?
Or
He’d see it as a chance to play & actually start games to remind his parent club of how good he can be?

Its no more of a risk than signing Rashica would be

Barkley feels like the kind of signing we would have made in years gone by when we had some cash, and the kind that rarely, if ever worked out. At Everton, he should have been to them what Jack is to us, but he left almost out the back door with not many sorry to see him go, and now he's at Chelsea, and again it doesn't seem he'll be missed. Also, given his age he'll want top dollar and he's not worth it.

Steer clear for me. We're not going to catch the likes of those teams if we do them a favour by taking their rejects off their hands.

Didn’t realise that, I thought Everton fans were gutted?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: The Edge on September 30, 2020, 09:10:37 AM

Quote from: paul_e on September 29, 2020, 02:54:17 PM

Quote from: johnc on September 29, 2020, 02:24:29 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on September 29, 2020, 01:25:12 PM

I prefer Conor (who has limitations) to Barkley, no idea why people think he is still a good player. Spent force.

I think Conor has got a bit of bad press but there is no comparison between him and Barkley. Barkley is a top quality player. Hourihane has a good left peg

I disagree, what does Barkley offer that Hourihane doesn't? Neither of them are much use in defence, neither will play defence splitting passes in open play all that often, both of them have a good shot from the edge of the box. Barkley is a bit bigger and stronger but Hourihane has better delivery from set pieces. I don't understand what people think Barkley would bring to improve us, for me he's one of the most overrated players in the league.

It would seem Barkley is the new Marmite. I like him. I think the major difference he would make to our squad is that he likes carry the ball into dangerous areas and is very comfortable on the ball. He's happy to drive straight at a defence form midfield rather than constantly taking the safe option of a sideward pass just to make his passing stats look better. For me it's like comparing Westwood to Mortimer and Mortimer must be one of the most underrated players we've ever had.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on September 30, 2020, 10:05:42 AM

'please be more informed when making statements'? are you on crack - i thought that was your signature dish.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: maidstonevillain on September 30, 2020, 10:10:25 AM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 30, 2020, 09:47:24 AM

Quote from: Big Ming on September 30, 2020, 07:30:23 AM

They sold Lampety (best right back this season so far) to Brighton for £3 million and now Bayern want him.

Priceless.

ps: Wish we had looked at him although I'm sure Matty will be fine.

Wrong!!
Timothy Castagne of leicester is the best right back so far actually .
1 goal  3 assists
Looked brilliant and Leicester  City won 3 out of 3 100% record and sit top of the league.

Please be more informed when making statements!!

and I think you'll find Bayern don't actually  want him its made up transfer rumour. Come on big ming!

Actually I'm sure Big Ming is entitled to express his opinion on who he considers is  the best right back this season. By the way do your stats say, for example, how many crosses into the box they prevented.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Breezeblock on September 30, 2020, 10:18:32 AM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 30, 2020, 09:47:24 AM

Quote from: Big Ming on September 30, 2020, 07:30:23 AM

They sold Lampety (best right back this season so far) to Brighton for £3 million and now Bayern want him.

Priceless.

ps: Wish we had looked at him although I'm sure Matty will be fine.

Wrong!!
Timothy Castagne of leicester is the best right back so far actually .
1 goal  3 assists
Looked brilliant and Leicester  City won 3 out of 3 100% record and sit top of the league.

Please be more informed when making statements!!

and I think you'll find Bayern don't actually  want him its made up transfer rumour. Come on big ming!

Fuck me Skillz, i'm pretty easy-going but that little condescending statement has really boiled my piss! This is a football forum not an office meeting discussing departmental fucking budgetary requirements! As such we do not have to add "in my opinion" after everything we post - it is intrinsically implied. How about you wind your fucking neck in a bit and ease up on the condescending bollocks eh? And on top of that dry stats do not tell the whole story. Ever. You cannot use them as a metric for work rate and descision making etc.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 30, 2020, 10:24:18 AM

That's just Footy Vill's writing tone, I don't think any offense is meant.

As for Lamptey, he's flavour of the month now with his eye-catching runs forward but I'd like to see more of his defending before touting him as a worthy successor to Nii.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on September 30, 2020, 10:25:25 AM

Anyone know what happened to Mitch Clark?

Lost track after he went to Port Vale on loan.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on September 30, 2020, 10:26:24 AM

Quote from: Breezeblock on September 30, 2020, 10:18:32 AM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 30, 2020, 09:47:24 AM

Quote from: Big Ming on September 30, 2020, 07:30:23 AM

They sold Lampety (best right back this season so far) to Brighton for £3 million and now Bayern want him.

Priceless.

ps: Wish we had looked at him although I'm sure Matty will be fine.

Wrong!!
Timothy Castagne of leicester is the best right back so far actually .
1 goal  3 assists
Looked brilliant and Leicester  City won 3 out of 3 100% record and sit top of the league.

Please be more informed when making statements!!

and I think you'll find Bayern don't actually  want him its made up transfer rumour. Come on big ming!

Fuck me Skillz, i'm pretty easy-going but that little condescending statement has really boiled my piss! This is a football forum not an office meeting discussing departmental fucking budgetary requirements! As such we do not have to add "in my opinion" after everything we post - it is intrinsically implied. How about you wind your fucking neck in a bit and ease up on the condescending bollocks eh? And on top of that dry stats do not tell the whole story. Ever. You cannot use them as a metric for work rate and descision making etc.

How about being a bit less abusive?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: frank black on September 30, 2020, 10:29:30 AM

Welcome Ross

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LukeJames on September 30, 2020, 10:29:36 AM

Barkleys done

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lsvilla on September 30, 2020, 10:29:44 AM

Ross Barkley confirmed

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Matt C on September 30, 2020, 10:30:41 AM

Got that one done quietly, very impressive.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: jwarry on September 30, 2020, 10:30:55 AM

Well I think that is a real statement of intent. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: frank black on September 30, 2020, 10:31:06 AM

Please be loan to buy

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brend'Watkins on September 30, 2020, 10:32:37 AM

All this talk about Ross Barkley, when was the last time you sat up and thought wow, this player is good?  Now that might be because he doesn't get much of a consistent run in the team or it might be because he's actually not that good or not as good as he once was when at Everton. I'd much rather we stick with Ramsey and develop him.

edit: so we've signed him I see.  He will be brilliant for us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: JUAN PABLO on September 30, 2020, 10:35:51 AM

we got barkley on loan?  in the car just been texted

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: fbriai on September 30, 2020, 10:37:03 AM

Quote from: JUAN PABLO on September 30, 2020, 10:35:51 AM

we got barkley on loan?  in the car just been texted

Yep.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on September 30, 2020, 10:37:43 AM

so do we think that is it now ?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: saunders_heroes on September 30, 2020, 10:39:39 AM

Thought it was gonna be Loftus-Cheek, so this is surprising. Great get from Villa!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Baldy on September 30, 2020, 10:44:19 AM

P*iss off Rashica. You missed the boat. I am confident Villa can get the best out of Barclay.  :)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on September 30, 2020, 10:47:06 AM

Quote from: Baldy on September 30, 2020, 10:44:19 AM

P*iss off Rashica. You missed the boat. I am confident Villa can get the best out of Barclay.  :)

I wouldn't bank on it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on September 30, 2020, 10:49:06 AM

Terry in the ear of agent Lampard?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LukeJames on September 30, 2020, 10:50:44 AM

Quote from: Clampy on September 30, 2020, 10:47:06 AM

Quote from: Baldy on September 30, 2020, 10:44:19 AM

P*iss off Rashica. You missed the boat. I am confident Villa can get the best out of Barclay.  :)

I wouldn't bank on it.

Is it on loan?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brend'Watkins on September 30, 2020, 10:53:12 AM

Quote from: LukeJames on September 30, 2020, 10:50:44 AM

Quote from: Clampy on September 30, 2020, 10:47:06 AM

Quote from: Baldy on September 30, 2020, 10:44:19 AM

P*iss off Rashica. You missed the boat. I am confident Villa can get the best out of Barclay.  :)

I wouldn't bank on it.

Is it on loan?

Yes. Can't believe there wasn't much interest in him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on September 30, 2020, 11:10:52 AM

So if it is a loan deal, does that leave money for another signing?

Think we need a bit more cover at GK personally.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on September 30, 2020, 11:13:55 AM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on September 30, 2020, 11:10:52 AM

So if it is a loan deal, does that leave money for another signing?

Think we need a bit more cover at GK personally.

yes I want a 5 aside team of keepers !

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: tomd2103 on September 30, 2020, 11:15:06 AM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on September 30, 2020, 11:10:52 AM

So if it is a loan deal, does that leave money for another signing?

Think we need a bit more cover at GK personally.

Think there could be at least one more, but guess it might be heavily dependant on others leaving first.  If Engels or El Ghazi go as rumoured then I think we will probably see replacements brought in..

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sid1964 on September 30, 2020, 11:16:42 AM

If Engels goes another centre half, but we do need to get rid of quite a few

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: GordonCowansisthegreatest on September 30, 2020, 11:29:13 AM

Quote from: Breezeblock on September 30, 2020, 10:18:32 AM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 30, 2020, 09:47:24 AM

Quote from: Big Ming on September 30, 2020, 07:30:23 AM

They sold Lampety (best right back this season so far) to Brighton for £3 million and now Bayern want him.

Priceless.

ps: Wish we had looked at him although I'm sure Matty will be fine.

Wrong!!
Timothy Castagne of leicester is the best right back so far actually .
1 goal  3 assists
Looked brilliant and Leicester  City won 3 out of 3 100% record and sit top of the league.

Please be more informed when making statements!!

and I think you'll find Bayern don't actually  want him its made up transfer rumour. Come on big ming!

Fuck me Skillz, i'm pretty easy-going but that little condescending statement has really boiled my piss! This is a football forum not an office meeting discussing departmental fucking budgetary requirements! As such we do not have to add "in my opinion" after everything we post - it is intrinsically implied. How about you wind your fucking neck in a bit and ease up on the condescending bollocks eh? And on top of that dry stats do not tell the whole story. Ever. You cannot use them as a metric for work rate and descision making etc.

Just add him to your blocked list.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: JUAN PABLO on September 30, 2020, 11:29:59 AM

Happy with this signing. Looked good for Everton and scored goals, Prem experience , will want to get into that England team , he is fit , its a loan so another player to come and hes better than Lansbury :)   

Id still keep Ramsey here and give him match time .

Can we get rid of El Ghazi and Jota now ..   

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: oldtimernow on September 30, 2020, 11:32:48 AM

Rico Henry injury not as bad as first thought....

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on September 30, 2020, 11:34:58 AM

glad its a loan, lets see if he can take the opportunity.
not convinced but hope he works out.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dick Edwards on September 30, 2020, 11:39:39 AM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 30, 2020, 11:38:22 AM

Villa now have the best 2 English midfielders in the league

Lol

Hyperbole at it's very best

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 30, 2020, 11:39:45 AM

Quote from: VILLA MOLE on September 30, 2020, 10:37:43 AM

so do we think that is it now ?

I'd like some defensive cover, still.

We also need to offload some of the deadwood - Jota, Lansbury, Kalinic and Nyland need to go.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Footy-Vill on September 30, 2020, 11:51:13 AM

Quote from: Dick Edwards on September 30, 2020, 11:39:39 AM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 30, 2020, 11:38:22 AM

Villa now have the best 2 English midfielders in the league

Lol

Hyperbole at it's very best

We do pretty much.
And the best Scottish  and Irish midfielders
Have to be buzzing !

As much as we tolerated loans of Tom Cheveley and Dany Drinkwater and having such midfield talents as Westwood, Ireland never delivering then  bringing in Barkely is a whole nother level higher something we havent seen for premier league years for longggg time since the great Stan Petrov.

We can but gush.And excuse me if I get excited as its been long time coming to sign player of that ilk

Up the Villa

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 30, 2020, 11:52:32 AM

Wouldn't be surprised if Chelsea don't use RLC + cash for Rice  after all this. Would make sense if they're skint

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 30, 2020, 11:52:37 AM

Quote from: Dick Edwards on September 30, 2020, 11:39:39 AM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 30, 2020, 11:38:22 AM

Villa now have the best 2 English midfielders in the league

Lol

Hyperbole at it's very best

Well, we've certainly got the best, so whether Barkley is number 2 is open to debate, but he's got to be up there.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on September 30, 2020, 11:57:42 AM

Quote from: Dick Edwards on September 30, 2020, 11:39:39 AM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 30, 2020, 11:38:22 AM

Villa now have the best 2 English midfielders in the league

Lol
Hyperbole at it's very best

Some balance is required here: there's a reason Chelsea have loaned him out - he is inconsistent ("when he's good he's very, very good ..."), not perhaps as a good a team player as he should be and doesn't appear to do the unglamorous things very well (like tracking back).
However, he is definitely an upgrade on Hourihane and could be coached into being more consistently better.

I think the observation about him being a 60-minute player is a good one - and many of his England appearances have been as a sub, haven't they?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 30, 2020, 12:38:25 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 29, 2020, 09:40:37 PM

Quote from: danno on September 29, 2020, 08:23:30 PM

Doesn't Barkley just have to better than Nakamba and Lansbury (until January) to make it even semi worthwhile?  Seems a fairly low and achievable threshold tbh.

That was the rationale that saw us get Drinkwater in last January! Barkley isn't the type of player to sit in next to Luiz and get the ball to the likes of Grealish and McGinn quickly. That's what we need.

The rationale was sound, the subject (Drinkwater) was suspect. Not taking a completely different player out on loan because one was a loaf of bread is crazy. Based on that logic we'd never had signed Luiz from Man City because previously Ireland and Lescott were such disasters.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on September 30, 2020, 12:42:58 PM

Quote from: danno on September 30, 2020, 12:38:25 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 29, 2020, 09:40:37 PM

Quote from: danno on September 29, 2020, 08:23:30 PM

Doesn't Barkley just have to better than Nakamba and Lansbury (until January) to make it even semi worthwhile?  Seems a fairly low and achievable threshold tbh.

That was the rationale that saw us get Drinkwater in last January! Barkley isn't the type of player to sit in next to Luiz and get the ball to the likes of Grealish and McGinn quickly. That's what we need.

The rationale was sound, the subject (Drinkwater) was suspect. Not taking a completely different player out on loan because one was a loaf of bread is crazy. Based on that logic we'd never had signed Luiz from Man City because previously Ireland and Lescott were such disasters.

Very well put, there's not really any come back from that.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: The Edge on September 30, 2020, 12:43:48 PM

I'm chuffed with this as I do rate Barkley. It's true to say that this is a statement of intent.Can't wait to see two of England's best midfielders linking up together in claret and blue. Could be one of the deciding factors in Jack committing to the club?If you can't get a little bit excited by what's happening at Villa Park right now you're never going to. Welcome Ross. Go for it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: maidstonevillain on September 30, 2020, 12:44:46 PM

Quote from: danno on September 30, 2020, 12:38:25 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 29, 2020, 09:40:37 PM

Quote from: danno on September 29, 2020, 08:23:30 PM

Doesn't Barkley just have to better than Nakamba and Lansbury (until January) to make it even semi worthwhile?  Seems a fairly low and achievable threshold tbh.

That was the rationale that saw us get Drinkwater in last January! Barkley isn't the type of player to sit in next to Luiz and get the ball to the likes of Grealish and McGinn quickly. That's what we need.

The rationale was sound, the subject (Drinkwater) was suspect. Not taking a completely different player out on loan because one was a loaf of bread is crazy. Based on that logic we'd never had signed Luiz from Man City because previously Ireland and Lescott were such disasters.

Quite clearly you have been fortunate enough to have been able to totally erase Micah Richards from your memory.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Pat Mustard on September 30, 2020, 12:49:24 PM

We have got to be happy with the way the window has gone this summer, I'm just wondering if we might have one more marquee signing to make?  The type of player who maybe wouldn't have signed for us a couple of months back, but could have been convinced now by the intent we have shown to no longer be also-rans.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on September 30, 2020, 12:50:20 PM

Quote from: maidstonevillain on September 30, 2020, 12:44:46 PM

Quote from: danno on September 30, 2020, 12:38:25 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 29, 2020, 09:40:37 PM

Quote from: danno on September 29, 2020, 08:23:30 PM

Doesn't Barkley just have to better than Nakamba and Lansbury (until January) to make it even semi worthwhile?  Seems a fairly low and achievable threshold tbh.

That was the rationale that saw us get Drinkwater in last January! Barkley isn't the type of player to sit in next to Luiz and get the ball to the likes of Grealish and McGinn quickly. That's what we need.

The rationale was sound, the subject (Drinkwater) was suspect. Not taking a completely different player out on loan because one was a loaf of bread is crazy. Based on that logic we'd never had signed Luiz from Man City because previously Ireland and Lescott were such disasters.

Quite clearly you have been fortunate enough to have been able to totally erase Micah Richards from your memory.

For some reason i thought we signed him from Fiorentina, he probably should have been the example I gave considering Lescott was from the stripeys!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: in exile on September 30, 2020, 12:56:41 PM

I'm very happy with what we have done so far but my feeling is we need a left back and a centre forward.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on September 30, 2020, 01:01:47 PM

Still expect us to get one more in

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: maidstonevillain on September 30, 2020, 01:07:59 PM

Quote from: danno on September 30, 2020, 12:50:20 PM

Quote from: maidstonevillain on September 30, 2020, 12:44:46 PM

Quote from: danno on September 30, 2020, 12:38:25 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on September 29, 2020, 09:40:37 PM

Quote from: danno on September 29, 2020, 08:23:30 PM

Doesn't Barkley just have to better than Nakamba and Lansbury (until January) to make it even semi worthwhile?  Seems a fairly low and achievable threshold tbh.

That was the rationale that saw us get Drinkwater in last January! Barkley isn't the type of player to sit in next to Luiz and get the ball to the likes of Grealish and McGinn quickly. That's what we need.

The rationale was sound, the subject (Drinkwater) was suspect. Not taking a completely different player out on loan because one was a loaf of bread is crazy. Based on that logic we'd never had signed Luiz from Man City because previously Ireland and Lescott were such disasters.

Quite clearly you have been fortunate enough to have been able to totally erase Micah Richards from your memory.

For some reason i thought we signed him from Fiorentina, he probably should have been the example I gave considering Lescott was from the stripeys!

I think he had been on loan there.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on September 30, 2020, 01:08:16 PM

Quote from: in exile on September 30, 2020, 12:56:41 PM

I'm very happy with what we have done so far but my feeling is we need a left back and a centre forward.

I think we're going with what we've got at left back, we can't change the whole squad this window.

As for a forward, I imagine it will be someone who can play wide and upfront as opposed to a straight up centre forward to compete with Watkins.  Someone like King.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on September 30, 2020, 01:08:37 PM

Just can't see us getting the players we need. It's probably not realistic to expect us to have decent cover in all areas yet finance wise, but you can all pick players in the team where if you take them out injured and we're in big trouble because the reserves are a massive step down. I think with the centre forward, Smith is going to risk it. It was Wilson or Watkins and not both.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Holy Trinity on September 30, 2020, 01:10:45 PM

If you told me we would be signing a chelsea player who played 31 times for them last season I would have laughed at you.

This is a big signing for us and I hope it has an option so if it works we can keep him.

2 more through the door and I'm ecstatic with this window and smiths turn around in ability. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: richtheholtender on September 30, 2020, 01:12:16 PM

I can’t think of us having a better window. Maybe the one where we signed Carlos cuellar

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on September 30, 2020, 01:12:45 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on September 26, 2020, 03:26:01 PM

Ross  *is on the way - apparently.

Seems my ITK was right.

*Changed

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WarszaVillan on September 30, 2020, 01:38:03 PM

I think that is probably it for this window. In his last press-conference Smith said that he was hoping for one more, who could help with the midfield and forward areas, which is Barkley. I'm happy with what we've done - a nice addition of quality into the squad.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Hookeysmith on September 30, 2020, 01:53:40 PM

Quote

Some balance is required here: there's a reason Chelsea have loaned him out -

I would imagine the same reason as they let William go - Lampard has spunked a lot of money on his own players and they need to be playing

When RB was first muted i was non plussed but the stats and games played and Chelsea fan comments do it for me

He i going to be eager to perform and he must have been the name quoted to Jack when the clubs ambitions  were mentioned


I keep having a reoccuring vision that we will sign Ali also - although i hope not

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on September 30, 2020, 01:56:13 PM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on September 30, 2020, 01:01:47 PM

Still expect us to get one more in

Hope you're right, Vinnie. As I just mentioned on the Barkley thread, another winger would be ideal. I've given up hoping we get a half decent left back to replace Targett.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 30, 2020, 02:03:41 PM

I think the offer is probably still on the table for Rashica and if that doesn't happen in the next couple of days we'll move on. Getting a bit tight for signings from abroad now though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on September 30, 2020, 02:10:19 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on September 30, 2020, 01:56:13 PM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on September 30, 2020, 01:01:47 PM

Still expect us to get one more in

Hope you're right, Vinnie. As I just mentioned on the Barkley thread, another winger would be ideal. I've given up hoping we get a half decent left back to replace Targett.

Id love a LB upgrade but just cant see it happening in this window. Another forward player for sure. I dont think (guess) it will be an out and out striker. More likely someone who can play across front 3

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rob_bridge on September 30, 2020, 02:12:07 PM

Quote from: richtheholtender on September 30, 2020, 01:12:16 PM

I can’t think of us having a better window. Maybe the one where we signed Carlos cuellar

2008 summer window was probably the best on paper

Friedel Guzan
Shorey
Sidwell
Luke Young
Milner
Cuellar

Not all worked out

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: jwarry on September 30, 2020, 02:12:31 PM

Another one for the academy https://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/fp/exclusive-highly-rated-young-dundee-united-defender-kerr-smith-to-join-aston-villa/

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 30, 2020, 02:15:28 PM

My mate,who works in football media (so just an opinion rather than any insider knowledge) messaged me to say that he thought only Chelsea have done better business than us this window. I think I agree. And there's also the delicious possibility that Chelsea could have fucked themselves with £200m worth of flops, which I guess is unlikely.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 30, 2020, 02:16:23 PM

Quote from: jwarry on September 30, 2020, 02:12:31 PM

Another one for the academy https://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/fp/exclusive-highly-rated-young-dundee-united-defender-kerr-smith-to-join-aston-villa/

great stuff, I'm glad the focus in the academy seems to be on defensive players because the current U18 and U23 sides look very top heavy in terms of quality.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Havencheese on September 30, 2020, 02:21:43 PM

Gutted with this. Saying goodbye is always the hardest part Henri.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rob_bridge on September 30, 2020, 02:24:35 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 30, 2020, 02:15:28 PM

My mate,who works in football media (so just an opinion rather than any insider knowledge) messaged me to say that he thought only Chelsea have done better business than us this window. I think I agree. And there's also the delicious possibility that Chelsea could have fucked themselves with £200m worth of flops, which I guess is unlikely.

Is he a Chelsea fan?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: itbrvilla on September 30, 2020, 02:25:03 PM

(https://i.redd.it/rv6x6cgy1aq51.jpg)

Nice Lange wallpaper that I spotted on Reddit

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: themossman on September 30, 2020, 02:26:29 PM

Quote from: rob_bridge on September 30, 2020, 02:12:07 PM

Quote from: richtheholtender on September 30, 2020, 01:12:16 PM

I can’t think of us having a better window. Maybe the one where we signed Carlos cuellar

2008 summer window was probably the best on paper

Friedel Guzan
Shorey
Sidwell
Luke Young
Milner
Cuellar

Not all worked out

2005 felt like a good one - Baros, Bouma, super kev, Berger, Milner on loan. Then we went and got destoyed by a Harewood masterclass.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 30, 2020, 02:34:43 PM

Quote from: themossman on September 30, 2020, 02:26:29 PM

Quote from: rob_bridge on September 30, 2020, 02:12:07 PM

Quote from: richtheholtender on September 30, 2020, 01:12:16 PM

I can’t think of us having a better window. Maybe the one where we signed Carlos cuellar

2008 summer window was probably the best on paper

Friedel Guzan
Shorey
Sidwell
Luke Young
Milner
Cuellar

Not all worked out

2005 felt like a good one - Baros, Bouma, super kev, Berger, Milner on loan. Then we went and got destoyed by a Harewood masterclass.

1991 where we signed Staunton, Atkinson, Teale, Ugo and Richardson would be pretty hard to top. Regis did well for us that first season as well and Sealey had just won the Cup Winners Cup with Yanited.

Even with selling Platt, it felt like we were on the move.

People were saying 'best business ever' after the summer of 2015, so let's not go overboard.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: FatSam on September 30, 2020, 02:41:27 PM

Quote from: Big Ming on September 30, 2020, 10:25:25 AM

Anyone know what happened to Mitch Clark?

Lost track after he went to Port Vale on loan.

He went to Leicester I think

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 30, 2020, 02:43:07 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on September 30, 2020, 01:08:37 PM

Just can't see us getting the players we need. It's probably not realistic to expect us to have decent cover in all areas yet finance wise, but you can all pick players in the team where if you take them out injured and we're in big trouble because the reserves are a massive step down. I think with the centre forward, Smith is going to risk it. It was Wilson or Watkins and not both.

Need for what? What we have now is good enough to finish mid table as long as we're not cursed by long term injuries like last season.

Unless the demand has suddenly gone to imitation of Leicester 15/16 overnight because we've won two games against likely bottom 8 teams.

January 1st is only three months away so we've got enough in squad to get us through the next 3 months even if every position dosen't have huge quality. The schedule isn't even that bad given the league cup QFs are on December 22-23rd so it's basically just one league game a week for next 10 weeks.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 30, 2020, 02:45:20 PM

Quote from: rob_bridge on September 30, 2020, 02:24:35 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on September 30, 2020, 02:15:28 PM

My mate,who works in football media (so just an opinion rather than any insider knowledge) messaged me to say that he thought only Chelsea have done better business than us this window. I think I agree. And there's also the delicious possibility that Chelsea could have fucked themselves with £200m worth of flops, which I guess is unlikely.

Is he a Chelsea fan?

Arsenal.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 30, 2020, 02:46:38 PM

January 2007 was best window in recent times, remember that excitement when we signed Carew and Young on same day? Oh and Phil Bardsley aswell......!

I also liked what we did in Jan 2011 signing Bent, Makoun, Bradley and Kyle Walker on loan but for one reason or another none of them gave us long term benefit but they were the right sort of players for what we needed at the time.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rougegorge on September 30, 2020, 03:04:06 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on September 30, 2020, 02:46:38 PM

January 2007 was best window in recent times, remember that excitement when we signed Carew and Young on same day? Oh and Phil Bardsley aswell......!

I also liked what we did in Jan 2011 signing Bent, Makoun, Bradley and Kyle Walker on loan but for one reason or another none of them gave us long term benefit but they were the right sort of players for what we needed at the time.

That was shortly after Houllier also brought in Robert Pires  :(

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 30, 2020, 03:05:24 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on September 30, 2020, 02:34:43 PM

Quote from: themossman on September 30, 2020, 02:26:29 PM

Quote from: rob_bridge on September 30, 2020, 02:12:07 PM

Quote from: richtheholtender on September 30, 2020, 01:12:16 PM

I can’t think of us having a better window. Maybe the one where we signed Carlos cuellar

2008 summer window was probably the best on paper

Friedel Guzan
Shorey
Sidwell
Luke Young
Milner
Cuellar

Not all worked out

2005 felt like a good one - Baros, Bouma, super kev, Berger, Milner on loan. Then we went and got destoyed by a Harewood masterclass.

1991 where we signed Staunton, Atkinson, Teale, Ugo and Richardson would be pretty hard to top. Regis did well for us that first season as well and Sealey had just won the Cup Winners Cup with Yanited.

Even with selling Platt, it felt like we were on the move.

People were saying 'best business ever' after the summer of 2015, so let's not go overboard.

I remember thinking we'd had brilliant signings for 2-3 years in a row in the mid 90s. 94/95 I seem to remember us picking up a new player every month or so after Little came in and all the older players being moved on.Then we added Savo, Draper and Southgate in the space of about a week the next summer and finally Curcic, a portuguese full back who sounded ace (Nelson) the following summer and Collymore at the end of that season (I think). for teenage me it felt like we were building towards challenging right at the top and those last 3 were going to tip us over into challenging for the title. Sadly Collymore never turned up, Curcic was a fucking mentalist and Nelson was shit and we were on course for a relelgation battle until Gregory came in and had a decent end to the season. I think that was the period where I truly realised what being a Villa fan was going to mean.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on September 30, 2020, 03:33:06 PM

Quote from: paul_e on September 30, 2020, 03:05:24 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on September 30, 2020, 02:34:43 PM

Quote from: themossman on September 30, 2020, 02:26:29 PM

Quote from: rob_bridge on September 30, 2020, 02:12:07 PM

Quote from: richtheholtender on September 30, 2020, 01:12:16 PM

I can’t think of us having a better window. Maybe the one where we signed Carlos cuellar

2008 summer window was probably the best on paper

Friedel Guzan
Shorey
Sidwell
Luke Young
Milner
Cuellar

Not all worked out

2005 felt like a good one - Baros, Bouma, super kev, Berger, Milner on loan. Then we went and got destoyed by a Harewood masterclass.

1991 where we signed Staunton, Atkinson, Teale, Ugo and Richardson would be pretty hard to top. Regis did well for us that first season as well and Sealey had just won the Cup Winners Cup with Yanited.

Even with selling Platt, it felt like we were on the move.

People were saying 'best business ever' after the summer of 2015, so let's not go overboard.

I remember thinking we'd had brilliant signings for 2-3 years in a row in the mid 90s. 94/95 I seem to remember us picking up a new player every month or so after Little came in and all the older players being moved on.Then we added Savo, Draper and Southgate in the space of about a week the next summer and finally Curcic, a portuguese full back who sounded ace (Nelson) the following summer and Collymore at the end of that season (I think). for teenage me it felt like we were building towards challenging right at the top and those last 3 were going to tip us over into challenging for the title. Sadly Collymore never turned up, Curcic was a fucking mentalist and Nelson was shit and we were on course for a relelgation battle until Gregory came in and had a decent end to the season. I think that was the period where I truly realised what being a Villa fan was going to mean.

Really similar for me.  For that BFR-Little-Gregory period it felt like Villa were always in a position where winning the league was within touching distance (most of the time).  And yeah, loads of seemingly really good transfers pre-season.  Then, I don't know why, I've not felt the same after that FA Cup Final defeat in 2000.  Even with the relative good years with MON.

Have to say, though, that this season ... I am really optimistic about the future.  Love Dean Smith, love the players at the club, love the atmosphere around the dressing room.  I'm more optimistic than I've been for many, many years.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Matt C on September 30, 2020, 03:39:09 PM

Presume we need to shift a few but have to think we’re not finished yet, one more to come I reckon.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: themossman on September 30, 2020, 03:39:09 PM

I remember cutting the picture of Savo doing the shirt stretch out of the newspaper.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kipeye on September 30, 2020, 03:41:28 PM

2020: 'For Auld Lange sign...'

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Pat Mustard on September 30, 2020, 03:41:56 PM

[/quote]
Really similar for me.  For that BFR-Little-Gregory period it felt like Villa were always in a position where winning the league was within touching distance (most of the time).  And yeah, loads of seemingly really good transfers pre-season.  Then, I don't know why, I've not felt the same after that FA Cup Final defeat in 2000.  Even with the relative good years with MON.

Have to say, though, that this season ... I am really optimistic about the future.  Love Dean Smith, love the players at the club, love the atmosphere around the dressing room.  I'm more optimistic than I've been for many, many years.
[/quote]

This is exactly how I feel.  Even last season when we were in trouble I always felt optimistic about this group of players and staff - it just feels like for the first time in 20 years we have people at the club who don't just see us as an easy route to a big paycheque.  There have been individuals over the last 20 years who we could get behind (Mellberg, Laursen, Milner etc), but never a team where I've felt there isn't at least a handful who weren't arsed about us as a club.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on September 30, 2020, 03:46:11 PM

The Little era in particular was so ultimately frustrating. We had big names players who could perform when the occasion demanded, we were turning up at big matches like we belonged. We were one transfer masterstroke away from winning the title, Ferguson said we were the team he was most worried about, but as somebody who played in defence alongside Ugo said, "Every time we took that final step we ended up further away".

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Deano's Mullet on September 30, 2020, 03:51:39 PM

I wonder how it would have turned out had we not signed Collymore that summer of 97. Don’t get me wrong, I was absolutely buzzing at the time but as we found out he was a costly disaster.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on September 30, 2020, 03:55:24 PM

Quote from: Deano's Mullet on September 30, 2020, 03:51:39 PM

I wonder how it would have turned out had we not signed Collymore that summer of 97. Don’t get me wrong, I was absolutely buzzing at the time but as we found out he was a costly disaster.

I was never that arsed with Collymore, I wanted us to sign Andy Cole, who we had been linked with but was probably realistically never available. But had we done that, we'd have had him and Yorke and we'd have been in the title race.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 30, 2020, 04:14:49 PM

I liked the summer of Southgate, Draper and Milosevic.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rob_bridge on September 30, 2020, 04:15:07 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 30, 2020, 03:55:24 PM

Quote from: Deano's Mullet on September 30, 2020, 03:51:39 PM

I wonder how it would have turned out had we not signed Collymore that summer of 97. Don’t get me wrong, I was absolutely buzzing at the time but as we found out he was a costly disaster.

I was never that arsed with Collymore, I wanted us to sign Andy Cole, who we had been linked with but was probably realistically never available. But had we done that, we'd have had him and Yorke and we'd have been in the title race.

We could have signed him but at the expense of Yorkie going t'other way.

Collymore was the ultimate damp squib but it was a Statement Signing at the time

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rob_bridge on September 30, 2020, 04:17:04 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 30, 2020, 04:14:49 PM

I liked the summer of Southgate, Draper and Milosevic.

Was very happy with Draper, Southgate meh and Savo was total unknown.

I was underwelmed with Charles and Johnson prior winter but very happy with Taylor

The formation and putting Yorkie up front got the best out of all of them.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: supertom on September 30, 2020, 04:32:55 PM

Quote from: rob_bridge on September 30, 2020, 04:15:07 PM

Quote from: LeeB on September 30, 2020, 03:55:24 PM

Quote from: Deano's Mullet on September 30, 2020, 03:51:39 PM

I wonder how it would have turned out had we not signed Collymore that summer of 97. Don’t get me wrong, I was absolutely buzzing at the time but as we found out he was a costly disaster.

I was never that arsed with Collymore, I wanted us to sign Andy Cole, who we had been linked with but was probably realistically never available. But had we done that, we'd have had him and Yorke and we'd have been in the title race.

We could have signed him but at the expense of Yorkie going t'other way.

Collymore was the ultimate damp squib but it was a Statement Signing at the time

We'd have probably been better off going back for Les Ferdinand. Might have been hard tempting ahead of his boyhood club but I reckon we were probably paying Collymore more than what Spurs were paying Les.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: tomd2103 on September 30, 2020, 04:34:10 PM

Quote from: Deano's Mullet on September 30, 2020, 03:51:39 PM

I wonder how it would have turned out had we not signed Collymore that summer of 97. Don’t get me wrong, I was absolutely buzzing at the time but as we found out he was a costly disaster.

I have always wondered what we would have been like if we had signed Dion Dublin a few years earlier, probably around the time we signed Savo.  He scored a lot of goals for an often struggling Coventry side and think he would have done the same for us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 30, 2020, 04:37:02 PM

If we'd have signed someone other than Heskey it may have turned out differently too then

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 30, 2020, 04:37:55 PM

Didn't we play Yorke in midfield for the first part of that season? Then Savo got dropped but Yorke and Collymore never really clicked as a combination compared to him and Savo.

SBL said in his book he looks back now and couldn't understand why he switched from 3-5-2 for start of that year which had served us very well for the previous two years.

The euro run was still fun though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 30, 2020, 04:52:37 PM

Soz.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: manic-road on September 30, 2020, 04:52:39 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 30, 2020, 04:37:02 PM

If we'd have signed someone other than Heskey it may have turned out differently too then

That's how I felt about Cascarino.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on September 30, 2020, 04:54:03 PM

Quote from: manic-road on September 30, 2020, 04:52:39 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 30, 2020, 04:37:02 PM

If we'd have signed someone other than Heskey it may have turned out differently too then

That's how I felt about Cascarino.

And Fashanu.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: oldtimernow on September 30, 2020, 04:55:14 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 30, 2020, 04:48:39 PM

This is a transfer thread for summer 2020 . Excuse me for suggesting a discussion on current transfer policy and strategy.
I give up I'm not going to bother.
My discussion for this transfer window is finished and will leave to it

OMG , part of being a Villa fan is the ability to reminisce, we don't have a lot more


at the moment

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on September 30, 2020, 04:56:24 PM

Yes love a good reminisce!

Anyway maybe one more in if we can get a couple out 🤔

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 30, 2020, 05:07:24 PM

Striker and a centre back ideally.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Bryan on September 30, 2020, 05:15:35 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on September 30, 2020, 04:44:48 PM

Ademola Lookman signs for Fulham on loan for the rest of the season from RB Leipzig he would have been a decent addition to the wide forward role
Good player .

Bullet dodged, one goals in 2 seasons and a million miles away from the Leipzig first team. We can do far, far better

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: enigma on September 30, 2020, 05:22:18 PM

Are we still in for Victor Nelsson or was that bollocks?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: tomd2103 on September 30, 2020, 05:55:05 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 30, 2020, 05:07:24 PM

Striker and a centre back ideally.

Yeah a versatile striker like King would be a decent addition, but think we will only be looking at a CB if Engels leaves.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 30, 2020, 06:11:23 PM

Quote from: Pat Mustard on September 30, 2020, 03:41:56 PM

Really similar for me.  For that BFR-Little-Gregory period it felt like Villa were always in a position where winning the league was within touching distance (most of the time).  And yeah, loads of seemingly really good transfers pre-season.  Then, I don't know why, I've not felt the same after that FA Cup Final defeat in 2000.  Even with the relative good years with MON.

Have to say, though, that this season ... I am really optimistic about the future.  Love Dean Smith, love the players at the club, love the atmosphere around the dressing room.  I'm more optimistic than I've been for many, many years.
[/quote]

This is exactly how I feel.  Even last season when we were in trouble I always felt optimistic about this group of players and staff - it just feels like for the first time in 20 years we have people at the club who don't just see us as an easy route to a big paycheque.  There have been individuals over the last 20 years who we could get behind (Mellberg, Laursen, Milner etc), but never a team where I've felt there isn't at least a handful who weren't arsed about us as a club.
[/quote]

Agreed, I thought last summer was as good as could be expected and assumed we'd need to be patient with some of the players that came in. One of the most frustrating things about last season was the amount of players being written off as shit after 10-15 games. Most people realised that signing a squad full of experienced 28-30 year olds was the wrong approach but seemed to expect the players we did get to not need any time to settle in. From the team now there were plenty of people slagging off Luiz and Konsa around the turn of the year and yet they're 2 of the most consistently good players in the team now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Fred Crump on September 30, 2020, 06:30:54 PM

I think we are done now other than exits, but it’s still been a great window.

Title: Re: Summer transfer gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AGRIPPA on September 30, 2020, 06:34:34 PM

Apparently Dundee Utd defender Kerr Smith is about to sign.... only saying what Twitter is....”Villareport”

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: manic-road on September 30, 2020, 06:37:56 PM

Quote from: AGRIPPA on September 30, 2020, 06:34:34 PM

Apparently Dundee Utd defender Kerr Smith is about to sign.... only saying what Twitter is....”Villareport”

One for the future if true, he's only 15.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AGRIPPA on September 30, 2020, 06:39:15 PM

Quote from: manic-road on September 30, 2020, 06:37:56 PM

Quote from: AGRIPPA on September 30, 2020, 06:34:34 PM

Apparently Dundee Utd defender Kerr Smith is about to sign.... only saying what Twitter is....”Villareport”

One for the future if true, he's only 15.

Good.... we seem to be buying up
Lots of young talent

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: JJ-AV on September 30, 2020, 06:47:19 PM

Tuanzebe on loan would do me

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 30, 2020, 06:55:04 PM

Quote from: JJ-AV on September 30, 2020, 06:47:19 PM

Tuanzebe on loan would do me

He's injured - probably won't be fit until after the deadline passes.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on September 30, 2020, 07:06:08 PM

The powers that be probably think they have enough left back and centre half cover as it is.  Targett, Taylor and Hause can all play LB and Hause and Engels (numberwise, at least) provide centre back cover.

There aren't even rumours of a left back coming in, so it looks like they are happy with what they have there.

Maybe that'll change if any couple from Angela, El Ghazi, Engels or Guilbert depart before Monday. 

Rose even on a short term deal looks like an obvious one if that happens.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: villa `cross the mersey on September 30, 2020, 07:08:31 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 30, 2020, 06:55:04 PM

Quote from: JJ-AV on September 30, 2020, 06:47:19 PM

Tuanzebe on loan would do me

He's injured - probably won't be fit until after the deadline passes.

seems injury prone .....too risky

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on September 30, 2020, 07:10:04 PM

Quote from: villa `cross the mersey on September 30, 2020, 07:08:31 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on September 30, 2020, 06:55:04 PM

Quote from: JJ-AV on September 30, 2020, 06:47:19 PM

Tuanzebe on loan would do me

He's injured - probably won't be fit until after the deadline passes.

seems injury prone .....too risky

More importantly Konsa is a better player.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Percy McCarthy on September 30, 2020, 07:38:45 PM

Quote from: Deano's Mullet on September 30, 2020, 03:51:39 PM

I wonder how it would have turned out had we not signed Collymore that summer of 97. Don’t get me wrong, I was absolutely buzzing at the time but as we found out he was a costly disaster.

A couple, maybe a few, days before we signed Collymore, Sir Brian told us at the shareholders association ‘do’ that we were trying to sign a centre-forward and he’d been to watch Liverpool, Everton and Newcastle. So the alternatives were Ferguson or Cole. Who knows what would have happened, but they couldn't have been much worse.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ger Regan on September 30, 2020, 07:45:06 PM

Quote from: Percy McCarthy on September 30, 2020, 07:38:45 PM

Quote from: Deano's Mullet on September 30, 2020, 03:51:39 PM

I wonder how it would have turned out had we not signed Collymore that summer of 97. Don’t get me wrong, I was absolutely buzzing at the time but as we found out he was a costly disaster.

A couple, maybe a few, days before we signed Collymore, Sir Brian told us at the shareholders association ‘do’ that we were trying to sign a centre-forward and he’d been to watch Liverpool, Everton and Newcastle. So the alternatives were Ferguson or Cole. Who knows what would have happened, but they couldn't have been much worse.

I presume you mean Ferdinand? Cole was long gone from them at that stage. Ferdinand would have been a much better signing I'd imagine, although easy in hindsight.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 30, 2020, 07:46:59 PM

Quote from: Ger Regan on September 30, 2020, 07:45:06 PM

I presume you mean Ferdinand? Cole was long gone from them at that stage. Ferdinand would have been a much better signing I'd imagine, although easy in hindsight.

I think he meant Big Dunc.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Percy McCarthy on September 30, 2020, 07:50:12 PM

Quote from: Ger Regan on September 30, 2020, 07:45:06 PM

Quote from: Percy McCarthy on September 30, 2020, 07:38:45 PM

Quote from: Deano's Mullet on September 30, 2020, 03:51:39 PM

I wonder how it would have turned out had we not signed Collymore that summer of 97. Don’t get me wrong, I was absolutely buzzing at the time but as we found out he was a costly disaster.

A couple, maybe a few, days before we signed Collymore, Sir Brian told us at the shareholders association ‘do’ that we were trying to sign a centre-forward and he’d been to watch Liverpool, Everton and Newcastle. So the alternatives were Ferguson or Cole. Who knows what would have happened, but they couldn't have been much worse.

I presume you mean Ferdinand? Cole was long gone from them at that stage. Ferdinand would have been a much better signing I'd imagine, although easy in hindsight.

Yeah, must have been then.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: richtheholtender on September 30, 2020, 09:36:52 PM

I don’t know if it’s been mentioned but I really like the fact that a lot of our starting line up are now 24,25,26. Not many 18-21 year olds not many 31-34. All in their prime.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on September 30, 2020, 09:38:50 PM

Quote from: Ger Regan on September 30, 2020, 07:45:06 PM

Quote from: Percy McCarthy on September 30, 2020, 07:38:45 PM

Quote from: Deano's Mullet on September 30, 2020, 03:51:39 PM

I wonder how it would have turned out had we not signed Collymore that summer of 97. Don’t get me wrong, I was absolutely buzzing at the time but as we found out he was a costly disaster.

A couple, maybe a few, days before we signed Collymore, Sir Brian told us at the shareholders association ‘do’ that we were trying to sign a centre-forward and he’d been to watch Liverpool, Everton and Newcastle. So the alternatives were Ferguson or Cole. Who knows what would have happened, but they couldn't have been much worse.

I presume you mean Ferdinand? Cole was long gone from them at that stage. Ferdinand would have been a much better signing I'd imagine, although easy in hindsight.

Les Ferdinand went to Spurs that summer and was ravaged by injured for much of his time there. Was also about 30 at that point so Newcastle had the best of him. Andy Cole would've been the best option of the three given of course he linked up superbly with Dwight York when they played in Stretford.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: berneboy on September 30, 2020, 09:48:22 PM

Quote from: richtheholtender on September 30, 2020, 09:36:52 PM

I don’t know if it’s been mentioned but I really like the fact that a lot of our starting line up are now 24,25,26. Not many 18-21 year olds not many 31-34. All in their prime.

I'm in my prime. I'm  66.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WarszaVillan on September 30, 2020, 09:58:05 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on September 30, 2020, 07:46:59 PM

Quote from: Ger Regan on September 30, 2020, 07:45:06 PM

I presume you mean Ferdinand? Cole was long gone from them at that stage. Ferdinand would have been a much better signing I'd imagine, although easy in hindsight.

I think he meant Big Dunc.

I think it was Ferguson. We almost signed Ferdinand earlier in the previous season, but he changed his mind and joined Newcastle. Collymore and Curcic were exactly the kind of players we needed that preseason - a creative spark and goals. But mentally they were completely unsuited and moved us backwards.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on September 30, 2020, 10:03:00 PM

Quote from: richtheholtender on September 30, 2020, 09:36:52 PM

I don’t know if it’s been mentioned but I really like the fact that a lot of our starting line up are now 24,25,26. Not many 18-21 year olds not many 31-34. All in their prime.

Ageist.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 30, 2020, 10:05:29 PM

Quote from: berneboy on September 30, 2020, 09:48:22 PM

I'm in my prime. I'm  66.

It's not even a prime number, sorry!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on September 30, 2020, 10:07:20 PM

Another good signing from Dean. Low risk and the onus is on Barkley to perform. One more in I reckon.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on September 30, 2020, 11:10:57 PM

Delighted to get a number 8 with the talent of Barkley. If his application is right, he will be a really influential player for us. Another player that can hit a decent pass between the lines, and won't take the time to settle that Loftus Cheek might fitness wise.

I read that Josh King might be down to £10 million in a cut price deal due to his contract and Bournemouth knowing he wants out. At that price he wouldn't be a bad shout to round off the forward options, although I still reckon we are playing time with Benrahma to get the price down.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on October 01, 2020, 04:51:28 AM

I agree Jim.  There is still some movement to be done with King, Sarr, Buendia, Benrahma and maybe, Rashica.  I can certainly see one of them coming to Villa. Would top off what has been a very good window for us. I feel we are now so much more competitive.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on October 01, 2020, 06:30:48 AM

Quote from: berneboy on September 30, 2020, 09:48:22 PM

Quote from: richtheholtender on September 30, 2020, 09:36:52 PM

I don’t know if it’s been mentioned but I really like the fact that a lot of our starting line up are now 24,25,26. Not many 18-21 year olds not many 31-34. All in their prime.

I'm in my prime. I'm  66.

I get stuff from Amazon Prime, it that counts.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: frank black on October 01, 2020, 07:43:06 AM

This transfer window has peaked, no further signings surely 👀

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on October 01, 2020, 08:08:32 AM

Quote from: frank black on October 01, 2020, 07:43:06 AM

This transfer window has peaked, no further signings surely 👀

always makes me laugh on this thread no matter how many signings we make people still post stuff like

'another CDM a right back & Central defender and a winger for cover and i'll be happy'

and you think we've just signed 10 players and you still looking to bring in another half a team

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: berneboy on October 01, 2020, 08:09:04 AM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on September 30, 2020, 10:05:29 PM

Quote from: berneboy on September 30, 2020, 09:48:22 PM

I'm in my prime. I'm  66.

It's not even a prime number, sorry!

Well, next May I'll be 67. I can celebrate Villa's wonderful journey towards primacy AND be a prime age.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on October 01, 2020, 08:21:11 AM

Quote from: Newby on October 01, 2020, 04:51:28 AM

I agree Jim.  There is still some movement to be done with King, Sarr, Buendia, Benrahma and maybe, Rashica.  I can certainly see one of them coming to Villa. Would top off what has been a very good window for us. I feel we are now so much more competitive.

Can't see us spending another 40M on Sarr. The others are all possible, think we are after another Winger still

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on October 01, 2020, 08:30:04 AM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on October 01, 2020, 08:21:11 AM

Quote from: Newby on October 01, 2020, 04:51:28 AM

I agree Jim.  There is still some movement to be done with King, Sarr, Buendia, Benrahma and maybe, Rashica.  I can certainly see one of them coming to Villa. Would top off what has been a very good window for us. I feel we are now so much more competitive.

Can't see us spending another 40M on Sarr. The others are all possible, think we are after another Winger still

I'm not so sure now we've signed Barkley, I'd thought they may move Jack back into the middle but that's not likely now. Can't see us splashing out on another wide player, would potentially leave 2 new signings plus Trez scrapping for one shirt.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on October 01, 2020, 08:34:12 AM

Cantwell linked with Leeds for £15m, that would be a good signing for that price. I would have been all over that but we’ve got Barkley now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 01, 2020, 08:41:30 AM

Cantwell sounds like a twat and he has really shit hair. He can go to the salon with Ayling and Phillips.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on October 01, 2020, 08:53:32 AM

#don'tannounceanyalicebandtwatfromnorwich

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: onje_villa on October 01, 2020, 09:16:54 AM

Quote from: WarszaVillan82 on September 30, 2020, 09:58:05 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on September 30, 2020, 07:46:59 PM

Quote from: Ger Regan on September 30, 2020, 07:45:06 PM

I presume you mean Ferdinand? Cole was long gone from them at that stage. Ferdinand would have been a much better signing I'd imagine, although easy in hindsight.

I think he meant Big Dunc.

I think it was Ferguson. We almost signed Ferdinand earlier in the previous season, but he changed his mind and joined Newcastle. Collymore and Curcic were exactly the kind of players we needed that preseason - a creative spark and goals. But mentally they were completely unsuited and moved us backwards.

Us missing out on Ferdinand that year was one of my biggest disappointments as a Villa fan. Felt like a massive blow.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on October 01, 2020, 09:28:51 AM

Quote from: Bent Neilsens Screamer on October 01, 2020, 08:34:12 AM

Cantwell linked with Leeds for £15m, that would be a good signing for that price. I would have been all over that but we’ve got Barkley now.

Yup, that would be great business for Leeds. I hope he chooses to move to Barcelona instead. Anywhere except Leeds.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on October 01, 2020, 09:30:40 AM

Quote from: onje_villa on October 01, 2020, 09:16:54 AM

Quote from: WarszaVillan82 on September 30, 2020, 09:58:05 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on September 30, 2020, 07:46:59 PM

Quote from: Ger Regan on September 30, 2020, 07:45:06 PM

I presume you mean Ferdinand? Cole was long gone from them at that stage. Ferdinand would have been a much better signing I'd imagine, although easy in hindsight.

I think he meant Big Dunc.

I think it was Ferguson. We almost signed Ferdinand earlier in the previous season, but he changed his mind and joined Newcastle. Collymore and Curcic were exactly the kind of players we needed that preseason - a creative spark and goals. But mentally they were completely unsuited and moved us backwards.

Us missing out on Ferdinand that year was one of my biggest disappointments as a Villa fan. Felt like a massive blow.

Quote from: onje_villa on October 01, 2020, 09:16:54 AM

Quote from: WarszaVillan82 on September 30, 2020, 09:58:05 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on September 30, 2020, 07:46:59 PM

Quote from: Ger Regan on September 30, 2020, 07:45:06 PM

I presume you mean Ferdinand? Cole was long gone from them at that stage. Ferdinand would have been a much better signing I'd imagine, although easy in hindsight.

I think he meant Big Dunc.

I think it was Ferguson. We almost signed Ferdinand earlier in the previous season, but he changed his mind and joined Newcastle. Collymore and Curcic were exactly the kind of players we needed that preseason - a creative spark and goals. But mentally they were completely unsuited and moved us backwards.

Us missing out on Ferdinand that year was one of my biggest disappointments as a Villa fan. Felt like a massive blow.

Brian tried to sign him from QPR, when he went to Newcastle, but said it might have been a mistake had he done that as it would've blown the transfer budget that we ended up buying Savo, Draper and Southgate with.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Marlon From Bearwood on October 01, 2020, 10:00:28 AM

Quote from: onje_villa on October 01, 2020, 09:16:54 AM

Quote from: WarszaVillan82 on September 30, 2020, 09:58:05 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on September 30, 2020, 07:46:59 PM

Quote from: Ger Regan on September 30, 2020, 07:45:06 PM

I presume you mean Ferdinand? Cole was long gone from them at that stage. Ferdinand would have been a much better signing I'd imagine, although easy in hindsight.

I think he meant Big Dunc.

I think it was Ferguson. We almost signed Ferdinand earlier in the previous season, but he changed his mind and joined Newcastle. Collymore and Curcic were exactly the kind of players we needed that preseason - a creative spark and goals. But mentally they were completely unsuited and moved us backwards.

Us missing out on Ferdinand that year was one of my biggest disappointments as a Villa fan. Felt like a massive blow.

I actually saw Ian Taylor in a bar in Tenerife the night that Les Ferdinand joined Newcastle instead of us. Would’ve been June 1995. I remember we discussed being disappointed but not that surprised. Little did we know about the season we were about to have though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: The Edge on October 01, 2020, 10:00:52 AM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on October 01, 2020, 09:28:51 AM

Quote from: Bent Neilsens Screamer on October 01, 2020, 08:34:12 AM

Cantwell linked with Leeds for £15m, that would be a good signing for that price. I would have been all over that but we’ve got Barkley now.

Yup, that would be great business for Leeds. I hope he chooses to move to Barcelona instead. Anywhere except Leeds.

Does he have the choice? Barcelona or Leeds? Hmmm that's a tough one.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on October 01, 2020, 11:06:08 AM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on October 01, 2020, 09:28:51 AM

Quote from: Bent Neilsens Screamer on October 01, 2020, 08:34:12 AM

Cantwell linked with Leeds for £15m, that would be a good signing for that price. I would have been all over that but we’ve got Barkley now.

Yup, that would be great business for Leeds. I hope he chooses to move to Barcelona instead. Anywhere except Leeds.

I think he's a really good player and if he goes for £15m it will be a steal for whoever gets him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on October 01, 2020, 11:13:38 AM

New signings and the players who've left recently that they've replaced.

Martinez > Reina, Sarkic
Cash > Bree,
Watkins > Baston, Hogan
Traore > Samatta, RHM, Green
Barkley > Drinkwater

We've definitely strengthened.

The only player to leave recently (permanently) that hasn't been replaced directly is James Cjhester, and you'd argue we'd replaced him already.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 01, 2020, 11:21:44 AM

Looks good when you see it like that.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on October 01, 2020, 11:22:58 AM

Quote from: Drummond on October 01, 2020, 11:13:38 AM

New signings and the players who've left recently that they've replaced.

Martinez > Reina, Sarkic
Cash > Bree,
Watkins > Baston, Hogan
Traore > Samatta, RHM, Green
Barkley > Drinkwater

We've definitely strengthened.

The only player to leave recently (permanently) that hasn't been replaced directly is James Cjhester, and you'd argue we'd replaced him already.

That's great, though I must say I'd feel a lot better with Chester on the bench.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on October 01, 2020, 11:29:01 AM

Still think we are a forward player getting injured from having an average forward line. More competition there that can play across the front would be it for me. Especially with pace.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on October 01, 2020, 11:31:35 AM

Quote from: Monty on October 01, 2020, 11:22:58 AM

Quote from: Drummond on October 01, 2020, 11:13:38 AM

New signings and the players who've left recently that they've replaced.

Martinez > Reina, Sarkic
Cash > Bree,
Watkins > Baston, Hogan
Traore > Samatta, RHM, Green
Barkley > Drinkwater

We've definitely strengthened.

The only player to leave recently (permanently) that hasn't been replaced directly is James Cjhester, and you'd argue we'd replaced him already.

That's great, though I must say I'd feel a lot better with Chester on the bench.

Chester from 2-3 years ago I'd agree, Chester now is a shadow of that player, he's never going to properly recover from that injury.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 01, 2020, 11:35:15 AM

Mate, just wait one day ffs.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on October 01, 2020, 11:46:55 AM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on October 01, 2020, 11:35:15 AM

Mate, just wait one day ffs.

For??

Jim White has just said on TS that Purslow told him last night we are done this window now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on October 01, 2020, 11:49:02 AM

Quote from: paul_e on October 01, 2020, 11:31:35 AM

Quote from: Monty on October 01, 2020, 11:22:58 AM

Quote from: Drummond on October 01, 2020, 11:13:38 AM

New signings and the players who've left recently that they've replaced.

Martinez > Reina, Sarkic
Cash > Bree,
Watkins > Baston, Hogan
Traore > Samatta, RHM, Green
Barkley > Drinkwater

We've definitely strengthened.

The only player to leave recently (permanently) that hasn't been replaced directly is James Cjhester, and you'd argue we'd replaced him already.

That's great, though I must say I'd feel a lot better with Chester on the bench.

Chester from 2-3 years ago I'd agree, Chester now is a shadow of that player, he's never going to properly recover from that injury.

Yeah that's probably fair. Still, never mind our attack - I look at our backline and think, Christ, what if Mings or Konsa gets injured? We've only just learned how to defend recently.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on October 01, 2020, 11:50:48 AM

The big problem there is how many decent players would be willing to be third or fourth choice for a team whose ambition is still only mid-table safety?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on October 01, 2020, 12:00:34 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on October 01, 2020, 11:50:48 AM

The big problem there is how many decent players would be willing to be third or fourth choice for a team whose ambition is still only mid-table safety?

Hopefully ones that are ambitious and confident enough to come in and think that they are good enough to push the current first-teamers into being third or fourth choice.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on October 01, 2020, 12:03:30 PM

Quote from: Monty on October 01, 2020, 11:49:02 AM

Quote from: paul_e on October 01, 2020, 11:31:35 AM

Quote from: Monty on October 01, 2020, 11:22:58 AM

Quote from: Drummond on October 01, 2020, 11:13:38 AM

New signings and the players who've left recently that they've replaced.

Martinez > Reina, Sarkic
Cash > Bree,
Watkins > Baston, Hogan
Traore > Samatta, RHM, Green
Barkley > Drinkwater

We've definitely strengthened.

The only player to leave recently (permanently) that hasn't been replaced directly is James Cjhester, and you'd argue we'd replaced him already.

That's great, though I must say I'd feel a lot better with Chester on the bench.

Chester from 2-3 years ago I'd agree, Chester now is a shadow of that player, he's never going to properly recover from that injury.

Yeah that's probably fair. Still, never mind our attack - I look at our backline and think, Christ, what if Mings or Konsa gets injured? We've only just learned how to defend recently.

Cash - Guilbert, Elmo
Konsa - Engels, Elmo
Mings - Hause,
Targett - Taylor, Hause

We're going to struggle to get better reserves in I'd have thought.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on October 01, 2020, 12:05:30 PM

I suppose everyone trusts Engels and Elmo more than I do. Still, hope I'm wrong, which tbf recently is quite the habit of mine.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on October 01, 2020, 12:20:08 PM

Quote from: Monty on October 01, 2020, 12:05:30 PM

I suppose everyone trusts Engels and Elmo more than I do. Still, hope I'm wrong, which tbf recently is quite the habit of mine.

I wouldn't say that, just that where we are, the likelihood of getting someone better in is relatively slim. Engels and Elmo aren't world-beaters but they have both done ok.

Don't get me wrong, if someone were available I'd not say no, but we have to be right.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on October 01, 2020, 12:29:23 PM

Engels looked good until he got injured and then he had a couple of shocking performances where I don't think he was fully fit. If he's recovered and we don't have to rush him back then I think he'll be fine as cover.

Aside from the individual players I think our tactical approach to defending is so much better than this time last year that all of them deserve a chance to show they can fit into the new way of playing. Hause, for example, did a good job against Bristol last week to show he has the ability to be cover.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on October 01, 2020, 12:29:28 PM

Quote from: Dave on October 01, 2020, 12:00:34 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on October 01, 2020, 11:50:48 AM

The big problem there is how many decent players would be willing to be third or fourth choice for a team whose ambition is still only mid-table safety?

Hopefully ones that are ambitious and confident enough to come in and think that they are good enough to push the current first-teamers into being third or fourth choice.

And how realistic is that given that we've got two £25 million + strikers?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on October 01, 2020, 12:32:08 PM

Quote from: Monty on October 01, 2020, 12:05:30 PM

I suppose everyone trusts Engels and Elmo more than I do. Still, hope I'm wrong, which tbf recently is quite the habit of mine.

I don't know them well enough, but I'd put my kitbag in the car during the game just in case.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on October 01, 2020, 12:53:52 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on October 01, 2020, 12:29:28 PM

Quote from: Dave on October 01, 2020, 12:00:34 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on October 01, 2020, 11:50:48 AM

The big problem there is how many decent players would be willing to be third or fourth choice for a team whose ambition is still only mid-table safety?

Hopefully ones that are ambitious and confident enough to come in and think that they are good enough to push the current first-teamers into being third or fourth choice.

And how realistic is that given that we've got two £25 million + strikers?

One of them is Wesley, who may have cost that much but certainly is not worth it. They would be competing for a place with Watkins, who can also play as a wide forward and both would get plenty of games. I am not convinced we will buy another, Dean has said he is happy as Traore can play there and he rates Davis (as do I). But if we did go for someone like Josh King (well priced at £10m) I think he would be up for it.

I do think we have enough now though, and the January window is only a few weeks off anyways.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on October 01, 2020, 12:54:14 PM

Quote from: Monty on October 01, 2020, 12:05:30 PM

I suppose everyone trusts Engels and Elmo more than I do. Still, hope I'm wrong, which tbf recently is quite the habit of mine.

Almost every side in the division is going to struggle with the extended loss of one of their first choice xi, and it's magnified for those who'll probably spend more time looking over their shoulders than not.
By the cosmic law of swings and roundabouts, after losing Heaton, Wes, McGinn and Mings for swathes of last season, we're due a quiet treatment room this time around. We've got cover, though it's still going to be a while before we're nearer a level of parity between our first and second strings when a lot of our matchday squad could be bettered before we even try to improve the quality of their understudy.

That said, I've liked our policy this time around of getting players that will go straight into the first team, nudging the previous incumbent down to 'squad' level or out the door. That's how we'll improve. I don't think there's been too many defenders available that we realistically could've got who'd do the same.

I'm going to balance you out in the universe by going with an optimistic, "I think we'll be okay".

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on October 01, 2020, 12:54:36 PM

Diego Costa on loan anyone? Sounds a bit far fetched but that would a cherry on top of a very good transfer window cake.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on October 01, 2020, 01:00:12 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on October 01, 2020, 12:54:36 PM

Diego Costa on loan anyone? Sounds a bit far fetched but that would a cherry on top of a very good transfer window cake.

I'd love the crazy bastard, he'd drive many of those already obsessed with us over the edge.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on October 01, 2020, 01:01:25 PM

Guardian seem to think our transfer business has been pretty good:

https://www.theguardian.com/football/who-scored-blog/2020/oct/01/aston-villa-winning-transfer-window-premier-league

Quote

Aston Villa are winning the transfer window in the Premier League

A few clubs have invested heavily this summer but none have improved their first XI as much as Villa

By Martin Laurence for WhoScored

Thu 1 Oct 2020 11.04 BST

Chelsea have spent more money than any other Premier League club in the transfer window this summer, signing Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner, Ben Chilwell, Kai Havertz and Édouard Mendy among others at a cost of £225m, but they are not the only side who have done exceptional business. Tottenham, who knocked them out of the League Cup on Tuesday night, have made some smart additions, upgrading their full-backs while also bringing Gareth Bale back for the season. Everton have improved their midfield dramatically with the acquisitions of Abdoulaye Doucouré, Allan and James Rodríguez.

Nevertheless, Chelsea continue to look unconvincing defensively and we will have to wait and see how well Mendy settles; Tottenham look short in the centre of defence and up front; and Everton would probably like to add a goalkeeper, a right-back and a centre-back in an ideal world.

Aston Villa, however, have made remarkable strides in this transfer window, signing Matty Cash (£16m), Ollie Watkins (£28m), Emiliano Martínez (£20m) and Bertrand Traoré (£17m). The club also agreed new long-term contracts with Tyrone Mings and Jack Grealish, who will delighted to see their fellow England international Ross Barkley join for the season.

Signing a Chelsea squad player may not be the coup of the century but, for a club that only returned to the Premier League last season and stayed up by the skin of their teeth, it’s a big signing, even if only on loan. Barkley has 33 caps for England and he remains in Gareth Southgate’s thinking for the Euros next summer for a reason.

He did not cement a place at Stamford Bridge, but he has impressed in the chances that have come his way. Over the last two seasons only one current Chelsea player has set up more goals in the Premier League than Barkley (Cesar Azpilicueta, who has 12 assists to Barkley’s nine) – despite the fact that Barkley only started 26 of the club’s 78 league matches in that time. Over that spell, Barkley is one of only 12 players in the entire league with a pass accuracy in excess of 90%, and he is comfortably the most attack-minded of that group of players.

Barkley is the statement No 8 that Villa needed and he joins the club alongside a new goalkeeper, right-back, right winger and striker. Martínez has already made his mark between the posts, saving a penalty on his debut and going on to become the first Villa keeper to record back-to-back clean sheets in the Premier League since Brad Guzan in 2014.

Cash has put in two assured displays. He made seven tackles in Villa’s 1-0 win over Sheffield United on Monday – more than any other player in the league over the weekend. Bertrand Traoré enjoyed an impressive debut in the Carabao Cup against Bristol City, even getting on the scoresheet. Watkins has done even better, scoring in both rounds of the cup. He will be desperate to get off the mark in the league, but his movement and tireless work ethic have already helped Villa play 10 yards higher up the pitch and alleviate pressure on the defence. It’s very early days but the signs are hugely encouraging for Villa, who may yet try to add one more player before window closes.

As it stands, however, the club’s new first XI is a massive improvement on a side that was just about good enough to stay up last season. Martínez has replaced Pepe Reina in goal; Cash is now first choice over Frédéric Guilbert; Barkley will likely come in for Conor Hourihane; Traoré will compete and should displace Trézéguet in time; and Watkins comes in for Ally Samatta, who has joined Fenerbahce. No other club in the league has improved in as many areas of the pitch.

After four wins from four to start the season – albeit against modest opposition – the club have gone from third favourites for the drop before the season to seventh favourites to be relegated now. The bookies are now offering the same price for Villa to finish in the top half as in the relegation zone.

Time will tell, but Villa seem to be heading in the right direction and the owners have made their intentions clear. The club has statured and now it has renewed financial backing. Having watched on as Burnley, Leicester, Wolves and Sheffield United finished in the top half of the table last season, Aston Villa have serious ambition once again.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 01, 2020, 01:06:59 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on October 01, 2020, 11:46:55 AM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on October 01, 2020, 11:35:15 AM

Mate, just wait one day ffs.

For??

Jim White has just said on TS that Purslow told him last night we are done this window now.

I was replying to paul e. I'm not keen on discussing the demise of players the day they might be playing against us. Bad juju.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on October 01, 2020, 01:10:16 PM

The point about Watkins' movement allowing us to play ten yards up the pitch is a really good one.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 01, 2020, 01:12:29 PM

Quote from: Monty on October 01, 2020, 01:10:16 PM

The point about Watkins' movement allowing us to play ten yards up the pitch is a really good one.

Agreed. His work ethic is such that defenders are going to be much more tired after playing against him, too. So young Keinan may find more joy coming off the bench to play against defenders that are knackered.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on October 01, 2020, 01:13:46 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on October 01, 2020, 01:06:59 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on October 01, 2020, 11:46:55 AM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on October 01, 2020, 11:35:15 AM

Mate, just wait one day ffs.

For??

Jim White has just said on TS that Purslow told him last night we are done this window now.

I was replying to paul e. I'm not keen on discussing the demise of players the day they might be playing against us. Bad juju.

I thought it was aimed at me. I'm just pointing out that what I've seen of Chester at Stoke isn't the same player we had in that league and it was the sort of nasty injury that is hard to shake off. but yes, if he plays a blinder tonight I will take full responsibility.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on October 01, 2020, 01:14:00 PM

I think we are at 8/10 at the moment. I'm massively impressed with the work rate of Watkins so far, Cash looks potentially good and Traore interesting. Barkley and Martinez are clearly a step up in quality and the both let us play in a different way, so the first 11 is much better. Get Luiz back into form and Konsa keeps progressing we have a mid table starting line up now. And that's without mentioning Jack.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on October 01, 2020, 01:19:07 PM

Quote from: LeeB on October 01, 2020, 08:30:04 AM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on October 01, 2020, 08:21:11 AM

Quote from: Newby on October 01, 2020, 04:51:28 AM

I agree Jim.  There is still some movement to be done with King, Sarr, Buendia, Benrahma and maybe, Rashica.  I can certainly see one of them coming to Villa. Would top off what has been a very good window for us. I feel we are now so much more competitive.

Can't see us spending another 40M on Sarr. The others are all possible, think we are after another Winger still

I'm not so sure now we've signed Barkley, I'd thought they may move Jack back into the middle but that's not likely now. Can't see us splashing out on another wide player, would potentially leave 2 new signings plus Trez scrapping for one shirt.

I still think there's space even if Jack dosen't move back as looks like a short term plan will be to move Traore up there if Watkins and Davis are unavailable at the same which after last season's events isn't some impossible situation.

So in that situation Trez or El Ghazi would be starting again or whoever else we can get in.

Edit: Looks like the short term plan is just to hold onto everyone bar two of the keepers until January and then I think we'll see 6-7 leave due to a few of them having 6 months left on their contract at that point.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithe on October 01, 2020, 01:35:38 PM

I think we are still a bit light in attack but that would be enough incomings now for me, it will be difficult to bring more into the squad now.

Some good business from us, I also hope to see a few of the kids come through as well

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Marlon From Bearwood on October 01, 2020, 01:40:14 PM

Daniel Sturridge is available for free. Would he be worth considering as a back up striker option if the contract was heavily weighted towards appearances?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 01, 2020, 01:41:28 PM

Hell, no.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on October 01, 2020, 01:42:48 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on October 01, 2020, 01:12:29 PM

Quote from: Monty on October 01, 2020, 01:10:16 PM

The point about Watkins' movement allowing us to play ten yards up the pitch is a really good one.

Agreed. His work ethic is such that defenders are going to be much more tired after playing against him, too. So young Keinan may find more joy coming off the bench to play against defenders that are knackered.

And his movement is really clever as well. Almost Vardy-esque at times, and frankly I have no higher praise.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on October 01, 2020, 01:43:06 PM

I think there is a danger trying to change things too quickly. Happy with what we have done. The team and squad is getting stronger.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on October 01, 2020, 01:47:14 PM

We need another forward. It’s not enough with Wes likely out until the new year and losing Samatta that we only have Watkins as our recognized forward. I would like to see us add an experienced striker or we will be exactly where we were last season with too much pressure on Wes. Ollie is going to experience frustration at PL level and he needs to pushed and helped as he adjusts.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: tomd2103 on October 01, 2020, 01:50:13 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on October 01, 2020, 01:43:06 PM

I think there is a danger trying to change things too quickly. Happy with what we have done. The team and squad is getting stronger.

Not sure if Traore is a genuine option as a central striker, but if not, I would be tempted to go for another striker even if it is only a loan until Wesley comes back.  Should El Ghazi or Engels go though, I think they would need replacing.

Think we are in pretty decent shape now though and the next few transfer windows should only require the odd addition here and there.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on October 01, 2020, 01:53:52 PM

well if we are done, I think we have bought extremely well - we are a striker and a defender light but can't have everything.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on October 01, 2020, 01:55:26 PM

i can see King coming in for the reported £10m if we shift a few.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on October 01, 2020, 01:56:56 PM

With the squad we have now, King for £10m would be a very decent bit of business.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on October 01, 2020, 02:06:58 PM

The domestic window will remain open until the 16th so there will likely be a few deals done yet. There are some very good players in the Championship that will look to move. Limited commercial revenues will mean clubs will look to cash in on some assets by the end of the window.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on October 01, 2020, 02:28:33 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on October 01, 2020, 01:56:56 PM

With the squad we have now, King for £10m would be a very decent bit of business.

Absolutely.  The good thing is it looks like we're ok as we are, but if clubs get desperate and there's bargains to be had then hopefully we'd be in a position to take advantage.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on October 01, 2020, 02:35:51 PM

Quote from: mr underhill on October 01, 2020, 01:55:26 PM

i can see King coming in for the reported £10m if we shift a few.

That wouldn’t surprise me in the slightest....also doesn’t have to be done by Monday can be done over the international break.

Their might be a few championship players who get transfers to Prem sides during the break as squad fillers....

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Hockley Lion on October 01, 2020, 02:39:52 PM

Anybody know anything about young Kerr Smith ( 15 ) Dundee Utd who we're favourites to sign? Apparently he's spending time with Villa this week.

Edit. Article from Courier.

"The 15-year-old centre-back has been attracting interest from a host of big English Premiership clubs in recent weeks – Manchester United and Everton among them.

But Villa are at the front of the queue and Smith is currently in Birmingham. He turns 16 in a couple of months, at which point he can sign his first professional contract.

Previously a central midfielder, he was converted into a central defender by United’s senior academy head coach Adam Asghar.

It turned out to be a wise move, with first team manager Micky Mellon quickly identifying his talent in the summer and giving him a game in the August friendly against Sheffield United, when Smith was up against veteran striker Billy Sharp."

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: themossman on October 01, 2020, 02:52:02 PM

Cantwell is absolutely perfect for Leeds, the bunch of niggly, think they’re it, man bun wankers.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sid1964 on October 01, 2020, 02:59:12 PM

Man city have there 2 main strikers injured, they are not splashing money buying a reserve striker just to fill the gap

Every club gets injuries, we will have to use players in different positions when this happens to us - what we need is a John Gregory type of player

You cannot keep buying just to cover every eventuality

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rob_bridge on October 01, 2020, 03:15:45 PM

Quote from: Marlon From Bearwood on October 01, 2020, 01:40:14 PM

Daniel Sturridge is available for free. Would he be worth considering as a back up striker option if the contract was heavily weighted towards appearances?

No No No No No No and No Again.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Axl Rose on October 01, 2020, 03:15:55 PM

Diego Costa to Villa? Maybe the mate that texted me this is taking the piss.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on October 01, 2020, 03:17:00 PM

Quote from: rob_bridge on October 01, 2020, 03:15:45 PM

Quote from: Marlon From Bearwood on October 01, 2020, 01:40:14 PM

Daniel Sturridge is available for free. Would he be worth considering as a back up striker option if the contract was heavily weighted towards appearances?

No No No No No No and No Again.

You've missed a 'no' out.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: The Edge on October 01, 2020, 03:22:47 PM

Quote from: PeterWithe on October 01, 2020, 01:35:38 PM

I think we are still a bit light in attack but that would be enough incomings now for me, it will be difficult to bring more into the squad now.

Some good business from us, I also hope to see a few of the kids come through as well

This makes total sense. We could go on and calling for lb,rb,cm,strikers etc but you have to draw the line. I'm more than happy with our signings and a period of reflection and team bonding is essential.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rob_bridge on October 01, 2020, 03:34:31 PM

Quote from: LeeB on October 01, 2020, 03:17:00 PM

Quote from: rob_bridge on October 01, 2020, 03:15:45 PM

Quote from: Marlon From Bearwood on October 01, 2020, 01:40:14 PM

Daniel Sturridge is available for free. Would he be worth considering as a back up striker option if the contract was heavily weighted towards appearances?

No No No No No No and No Again.

You've missed a 'no' out.

Hundreds of them. And fair few accompanying 'Way'

Bad enough someone suggested him last year - he has been a busted flush since 2015/6 ish

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on October 01, 2020, 03:37:17 PM

Quote from: Monty on October 01, 2020, 01:10:16 PM

The point about Watkins' movement allowing us to play ten yards up the pitch is a really good one.

Davis does as well, which is why the whole team always looked better with him playing than with Wesley or Samatta up front. Only issue was he didn't score any goals! Watkins does both and is looking to be a great signing on the evidence so far.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on October 01, 2020, 03:39:05 PM

Quote from: rob_bridge on October 01, 2020, 03:15:45 PM

Quote from: Marlon From Bearwood on October 01, 2020, 01:40:14 PM

Daniel Sturridge is available for free. Would he be worth considering as a back up striker option if the contract was heavily weighted towards appearances?

No No No No No No and No Again.

2 Unlimited in da house.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on October 01, 2020, 03:44:53 PM

Wonder if the delay in supporters coming back and the potential for the season to be scrapped has caused a rethink.

Based on their behaviour to date, of the owners could invest more they would have. But FFP and all that magic still rules the roost.

The suggesting when we were bidding for Wilson at the time was it would be him plus one other striker and at least a winger. I was nonplussed about the deal at the time. I would def have been against it if it was him instead of Watkins.

Talk was that Rashica was keen but the deal with Bremen would go to the wire. So it's a bit of a pisser if that doesn't happen at all.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Marlon From Bearwood on October 01, 2020, 03:58:41 PM

Quote from: rob_bridge on October 01, 2020, 03:15:45 PM

Quote from: Marlon From Bearwood on October 01, 2020, 01:40:14 PM

Daniel Sturridge is available for free. Would he be worth considering as a back up striker option if the contract was heavily weighted towards appearances?

No No No No No No and No Again.

I’ll put you down as undecided.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 01, 2020, 04:18:01 PM

Quote from: Axl Rose on October 01, 2020, 03:15:55 PM

Diego Costa to Villa? Maybe the mate that texted me this is taking the piss.

This would be good, on a year contract. On a five year deal, less so.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on October 01, 2020, 04:29:26 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on October 01, 2020, 04:18:01 PM

Quote from: Axl Rose on October 01, 2020, 03:15:55 PM

Diego Costa to Villa? Maybe the mate that texted me this is taking the piss.

This would be good, on a year contract. On a five year deal, less so.

He could train Wesley up in the art of shithousery!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on October 01, 2020, 04:40:25 PM

He'll have retired before five years.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: richtheholtender on October 01, 2020, 04:50:39 PM

Just remember we have our very own Louie Barry as well

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on October 01, 2020, 04:58:22 PM

Diego Costa would be a pretty huge signing. He might not be what he was, but he'd still be incredibly good and a huge statement. Never happening though lol

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on October 01, 2020, 05:04:05 PM

Quote from: Axl Rose on October 01, 2020, 03:15:55 PM

Diego Costa to Villa? Maybe the mate that texted me this is taking the piss.

https://www.web24.news/u/2020/09/diego-costa-asks-john-terry-to-take-him-with-him-to-aston-villa.html  Doubt there's much in it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Axl Rose on October 01, 2020, 05:06:53 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on October 01, 2020, 05:04:05 PM

Quote from: Axl Rose on October 01, 2020, 03:15:55 PM

Diego Costa to Villa? Maybe the mate that texted me this is taking the piss.

https://www.web24.news/u/2020/09/diego-costa-asks-john-terry-to-take-him-with-him-to-aston-villa.html  Doubt there's much in it.

Thanks for the link, mate. Would be a great signing. Can't see it happening, but it'd be great.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: luke:lamf on October 01, 2020, 05:15:00 PM

Wow, the language of the back pages makes it into real life as "Costa issues and come and get me plea".

Would be a very good "statement-of-intent" signing, analagous to Arsenal signing Bergkamp, or Chelsea signing Gullit / Zola (OK, I have a better memory for 90s football).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 01, 2020, 05:17:16 PM

He could be the signing we should have had when we got Nilis.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on October 01, 2020, 05:18:17 PM

Quote from: luke:lamf on October 01, 2020, 05:15:00 PM

Wow, the language of the back pages makes it into real life as "Costa issues and come and get me plea".

Would be a very good "statement-of-intent" signing, analagous to Arsenal signing Bergkamp, or Chelsea signing Gullit / Zola (OK, I have a better memory for 90s football).

Diego Costa is named after Maradona just like Bergkamp is named after Denis Law so there's another similarity. :)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Three Spires Villa on October 01, 2020, 05:26:33 PM

Stranger things have happened, but no it wont

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hilts_coolerking on October 01, 2020, 05:26:54 PM

Costa would be a fun signing but the bloke is a total arsehole.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on October 01, 2020, 05:27:44 PM

chance hell balls a snow in

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on October 01, 2020, 05:31:22 PM

Only played 50 odd games in his second spell at Atletico since 2017.  And has a one in five goalscoring record in that time.

It would need to be some weird deal where Madrid were paying 80 per cent of his salary.  Even then, I'd be wary.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: enigma on October 01, 2020, 05:33:10 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on October 01, 2020, 12:54:36 PM

Diego Costa on loan anyone? Sounds a bit far fetched but that would a cherry on top of a very good transfer window cake.

Nah. He's a shadow of what he once was. He'd be a hugely expensive bench warmer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: enigma on October 01, 2020, 05:35:57 PM

Quote from: Marlon From Bearwood on October 01, 2020, 01:40:14 PM

Daniel Sturridge is available for free. Would he be worth considering as a back up striker option if the contract was heavily weighted towards appearances?

On a pay as you play deal I wouldn't say no.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Nev on October 01, 2020, 05:42:49 PM

Pay as you fight deal maybe.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: CT on October 01, 2020, 05:51:13 PM

Quote from: Marlon From Bearwood on October 01, 2020, 01:40:14 PM

Daniel Sturridge is available for free. Would he be worth considering as a back up striker option if the contract was heavily weighted towards appearances?

Our physios are probably in a cold sweat at even the thought of that happening.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on October 01, 2020, 05:57:04 PM

I'd take Sturridge on that kind of deal until Jan, it's very low risk, he's hardly going to be asking for huge money and he'd got well with this group.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on October 01, 2020, 06:08:46 PM

Costa would bully Targett in training so much that Matt would pretend he was ill/had high gates and would never come in for training.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on October 01, 2020, 06:09:31 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on October 01, 2020, 05:57:04 PM

I'd take Sturridge on that kind of deal until Jan, it's very low risk, he's hardly going to be asking for huge money and he'd got well with this group.

and keep the medical team busy.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: tomd2103 on October 01, 2020, 06:48:57 PM

Watkins is clearly our first choice striker, but we could do with a more experienced option who can step in if Watkins needs a break or starts to struggle for a bit.  I'm not sure KD would be able to provide that option really and I see him more of a bits and pieces striker at the moment, as opposed to a genuine replacement option.


Think therefore that we do need one more until Wesley comes back.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on October 01, 2020, 08:27:57 PM

after watching Davis tonight, we definitely do.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on October 01, 2020, 09:05:54 PM

We actually are short of another centre back, left back, defensive midfielder, winger and striker, really. I hope it acts as a wakeup call and we sign one of them.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on October 01, 2020, 09:09:34 PM

Think Smith is gonna wing it. Upto him at the end of the day as he'll be the one who will get the boot if it goes pear-shaped.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on October 01, 2020, 09:13:26 PM

GET A FUCKING GOOD LB IN. FFS

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on October 01, 2020, 11:26:32 PM

Still think we should have got Benrahma. Scored a stunning goal tonight.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on October 01, 2020, 11:39:25 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on October 01, 2020, 11:26:32 PM

Still think we should have got Benrahma. Scored a stunning goal tonight.

If it was the first it was more or less a tap in. Ah, he scored a second. I'll look out for it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: itbrvilla on October 01, 2020, 11:44:32 PM

We really appear to lack depth of quality in the squad. Let see what happens...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on October 01, 2020, 11:47:06 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on October 01, 2020, 11:39:25 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on October 01, 2020, 11:26:32 PM

Still think we should have got Benrahma. Scored a stunning goal tonight.

If it was the first it was more or less a tap in. Ah, he scored a second. I'll look out for it.

Its the bit of skill to kill the guy rushing out at him more than the finish, although both are pretty neat.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on October 02, 2020, 12:05:40 AM

Quote from: itbrvilla on October 01, 2020, 11:44:32 PM

We really appear to lack depth of quality in the squad. Let see what happens...

We finished 17th for a reason last year even with Jack in amazing form for three thirds of it.

To me this window was all about strengthening the first 11 considerably and I believe we've done that. Some of the regular starters will be moving down to the bench now.

Yes we're still short in depth but that will only be corrected over another 2-3 transfer windows. Sooner or later we will get rid of Jota, Lansbury, Taylor, Nakamba, AEG, Trez and they will need to be replaced.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on October 02, 2020, 12:20:23 AM

Well we're only playing a game a week now til Christmas (less actually with two more International breaks). I can't see us bringing in another two or three in this window. We need to ship some out (as tonight made clear) and the Jan window is only 3 months away.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on October 02, 2020, 12:37:43 AM

Hause getting a knock tonight if it’s a few weeks out could perversely turn out to be the only positive from tonight if it pushes any recruitment towards another centre half.

Four centre halves would be enough if you had a youngster in the u23’s who you would be happy to promote to the bench, it seems we don’t have that player in u23’s at the moment?

With Hause & Engels as only back up to Konsa/Mings we are a red card/medium term injury from a crisis.

I knows it’s Bruce’s negligence in leaving us woefully short at CB before he got fired that is making me nervous but I think we desperately need one in, preferably one who you would think of as 3rd choice CB....maybe someone like Cathcart from Watford or Worrall from Forest...an upgrade on Hause without breaking the bank.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on October 02, 2020, 12:41:28 AM

Engels hasn't played since Leicester in early March so he's effectively been out of the picture for whatever reason for 7 months now, that's longer than players who break their legs nowadays who get back in six months.

Point is he'll be way off match pace and surely if he was actually fit he'd have played in the league cup ties just to get him sharp. It all feels one big Bermuda triangle mystery about what's happened to him but I really don't see him as a credible prem option.

So yes if Hause is out for Sunday then AEM is backup CB so that needs addressing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on October 02, 2020, 02:38:20 AM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on October 01, 2020, 11:39:25 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on October 01, 2020, 11:26:32 PM

Still think we should have got Benrahma. Scored a stunning goal tonight.

If it was the first it was more or less a tap in. Ah, he scored a second. I'll look out for it.

The nutmeg is outrageous

https://twitter.com/arab_ballers/status/1311730326507528194?s=21

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Axl Rose on October 02, 2020, 04:54:00 AM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on October 02, 2020, 02:38:20 AM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on October 01, 2020, 11:39:25 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on October 01, 2020, 11:26:32 PM

Still think we should have got Benrahma. Scored a stunning goal tonight.

If it was the first it was more or less a tap in. Ah, he scored a second. I'll look out for it.

The nutmeg is outrageous

https://twitter.com/arab_ballers/status/1311730326507528194?s=21

I love that, and think he's a fantastic player. Sign him up, Villa!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: villabear on October 02, 2020, 06:50:49 AM

Quote from: eamonn on October 02, 2020, 12:20:23 AM

Well we're only playing a game a week now til Christmas (less actually with two more International breaks). I can't see us bringing in another two or three in this window. We need to ship some out (as tonight made clear) and the Jan window is only 3 months away.

Who’s going to pay good money and want to take any of those on show last night?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: DB on October 02, 2020, 08:33:20 AM

Taking a step back, the window so far has been ok with that we have bought. I am only really pleased with the goalie and Barkley. Watkins, has to step up to a higher level, can he do it? Traore, need to be convinced esp after y-day.

We need another striker in case Watkins doesn't work out or he gets injured, more pace in MF and a LB....being greedy.

Oops, forgot Cash....Good buy.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Three Spires Villa on October 02, 2020, 08:33:59 AM

Lots of work still to do. Our first XI looks so much better. The rest though are weak, and shows just how bad our recruitment has been for some time. This has been a good window, if no one else comes in.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Baldy on October 02, 2020, 08:40:51 AM

Take the nastiness out of Diego Costa's game and he is very ineffective. VAR 'has and will' see to that. With suspensions, he couldn't even sit on the bench. A big 'no' from me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on October 02, 2020, 08:45:04 AM

Quote from: CT on October 01, 2020, 05:51:13 PM

Quote from: Marlon From Bearwood on October 01, 2020, 01:40:14 PM

Daniel Sturridge is available for free. Would he be worth considering as a back up striker option if the contract was heavily weighted towards appearances?

Our physios are probably in a cold sweat at even the thought of that happening.

Every time a team takes Sturridge on fans look and say, wow could be great if he stays fit.  Then ineveitably a few games later he's injured again and the club are waiting for the next desperate mugs to repeat the same gamble.   

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on October 02, 2020, 08:46:25 AM

I get the point about not stockpiling players, but the point is that outside of what we'd recognise as the first 11, we've very little quality and so an injury or suspension in key areas is going to hit us very hard.  Hause is absolute shite, but even he would appear to be injured now, so we don't have anybody else who can fill in it at centre back.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on October 02, 2020, 08:55:23 AM

yes, we are one injury away from a Bruce circa 2018  crisis at the back, very little cover on the left side or centrally. I can only imagine that Dean has zero faith in Engles and too much in Targett and Davis.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on October 02, 2020, 09:04:13 AM

a few reports about us making a loan to buy bid for PSV's Donyell Malen

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on October 02, 2020, 09:06:51 AM

Trouble is our youth team seems to have fallen into the Bermuda triangle. I get we have to play our reserves if only for match fitness in case of injuries, but people like Lansbury? He's just taking up room and will only get a game if we come down with a COVID epidemic anyway. If you have a really weak 2nd string then you should at least be selecting the youth players in the squad for games like these - you never know who will emerge - a decent young centre half for instance. We stuck the first team and Jota on the bench which strikes me as Smith not being able to make up his mind if he was taking it seriously or not. End of the day, if we'd  have gone out playing 4/5 kids people would have been less upset i think rather than watching players who we all know aren't good enough just bow out.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rob_bridge on October 02, 2020, 09:11:00 AM

We need a left back and have done so for a long time

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on October 02, 2020, 09:13:48 AM

Last night totally reinforced the need to have better CB and Forward cover. I wouldnt be surprised (my own thoughts) if we did a double deal with Bournemouth and took King and Mepham

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on October 02, 2020, 09:14:35 AM

Quote from: rob_bridge on October 02, 2020, 09:11:00 AM

We need a left back and have done so for a long time

100% - unfortunately until Taylors wages are off the books in the summer, then this wont be addressed

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on October 02, 2020, 09:35:53 AM

COVID has done for us as far as moving out the deadwood. A championship or lower club is not gonna make the sort of commitment to the likes of Lansbury when they don't know their income, and to be fair to Lansbury, if you're on 30-40k a week for 12 months, you're not going to move unless someone if offering you a  much longer contract albeit on less money.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on October 02, 2020, 09:40:13 AM

He could go on loan and we pick up a good percentage of his wages.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on October 02, 2020, 09:46:56 AM

Depends how much he's on. I would imagine the sort of clubs who would be interested won't be the more financially secure clubs. Could they pay 10k a week if they're struggling to survive?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithe on October 02, 2020, 09:52:40 AM

I read something recently where someone from the PFA had been quoted saying that players were simply more reluctant to move house at the moment as well. Not sure the evidence backs that up mind.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on October 02, 2020, 09:53:16 AM

I think he'll try and move Lansbury on now if possible. Smith's already said that he want's to keep Ramsey around the squad, so we're ok in that department. I think it's been a decent window overall. Another striker and a pacey left back would be would top it off though but if we have to stick with Targett and Taylor, I don't think that would harm us too much.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on October 02, 2020, 09:56:52 AM

Quote from: mr underhill on October 02, 2020, 09:04:13 AM

a few reports about us making a loan to buy bid for PSV's Donyell Malen

Fuck yes.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdward on October 02, 2020, 10:06:56 AM

Quote from: Baldy on October 02, 2020, 08:40:51 AM

Take the nastiness out of Diego Costa's game and he is very ineffective. VAR 'has and will' see to that. With suspensions, he couldn't even sit on the bench. A big 'no' from me.

He takes shithousery to the next level. He is a great player, that can't control himself, like Luis Suarez. 
But i agree, if he came back to the PL now with VAR, he would spend more time suspended.
That could be why nobody has moved for Morales from Rangers either, his temperament lets him down.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on October 02, 2020, 10:17:17 AM

Quote from: LeeB on October 02, 2020, 09:56:52 AM

Quote from: mr underhill on October 02, 2020, 09:04:13 AM

a few reports about us making a loan to buy bid for PSV's Donyell Malen

Fuck yes.

Yeah, bollocks to Rashica, let's do this instead.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: saunders_heroes on October 02, 2020, 10:34:40 AM

Quote from: Lastfootstamper on October 02, 2020, 10:17:17 AM

Quote from: LeeB on October 02, 2020, 09:56:52 AM

Quote from: mr underhill on October 02, 2020, 09:04:13 AM

a few reports about us making a loan to buy bid for PSV's Donyell Malen

Fuck yes.

Yeah, bollocks to Rashica, let's do this instead.

Where’s this link from??

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on October 02, 2020, 10:36:30 AM

Quote from: saunders_heroes on October 02, 2020, 10:34:40 AM

Quote from: Lastfootstamper on October 02, 2020, 10:17:17 AM

Quote from: LeeB on October 02, 2020, 09:56:52 AM

Quote from: mr underhill on October 02, 2020, 09:04:13 AM

a few reports about us making a loan to buy bid for PSV's Donyell Malen

Fuck yes.

Yeah, bollocks to Rashica, let's do this instead.

Where’s this link from??

Dunno, a bandwagon went by and I jumped on.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on October 02, 2020, 10:43:58 AM

One mention on twitter. https://twitter.com/MikeCGallo/status/1311814129104097281?s=09
A quick glance at his feed revealed a gem of an opinion of our stripey friends!

EDIT: although it seems he made a similar claim nearly six months ago https://twitter.com/MikeCGallo/status/1252581233588088833?s=09

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on October 02, 2020, 11:03:11 AM

Today...
I'm hearing from one of my sources in Eindhoven that Aston Villa have made a loan bid, with an option to buy for €23 million for PSV forward Donyell Malen. #AVFC

In April...
Exclusive: Aston Villa will make a  bid in the region of £21 million for PSV forward Donyell Malen. Providing they secure Premier League safety. #AVFC

So even with fluctuations in the exchange rate since then, his price has come down.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on October 02, 2020, 11:34:03 AM

Malen looks pacy, strong and a good finisher. Right footed so looks a good alternative to Rashica. Ajax and then Arsenal youth product. Just read an article saying that Arteta was looking to bring him back if Auba had left. Arsenal fans apparently outraged when they moved him out of their youth academy after he had been banging goals in for fun. Could really see him interchanging in our front 3. Would be good if there's any truth to the story.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on October 02, 2020, 11:36:40 AM

Quote from: Lastfootstamper on October 02, 2020, 11:03:11 AM

Today...
I'm hearing from one of my sources in Eindhoven that Aston Villa have made a loan bid, with an option to buy for €23 million for PSV forward Donyell Malen. #AVFC

In April...
Exclusive: Aston Villa will make a  bid in the region of £21 million for PSV forward Donyell Malen. Providing they secure Premier League safety. #AVFC

So even with fluctuations in the exchange rate since then, his price has come down.

There'd be a loan fee too, which may account for the difference.
If there is any credibility in it at all.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on October 02, 2020, 11:48:08 AM

Quote from: mr underhill on October 02, 2020, 09:04:13 AM

a few reports about us making a loan to buy bid for PSV's Donyell Malen

Wilfred Bouma Mk II? Looks a bit like him too.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on October 02, 2020, 01:50:07 PM

Supposedly interested in Marc Roca from Espanyol:
https://www.givemesport.com/1604061-aston-villa-eye-swoop-for-highlevel-warrior

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on October 02, 2020, 02:05:56 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on October 02, 2020, 11:48:08 AM

Quote from: mr underhill on October 02, 2020, 09:04:13 AM

a few reports about us making a loan to buy bid for PSV's Donyell Malen

Wilfred Bouma Mk II? Looks a bit like him too.

I'd really like us to get a LB that is Bouma MKII

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on October 02, 2020, 02:53:02 PM

Quote from: algy on October 02, 2020, 01:50:07 PM

Supposedly interested in Marc Roca from Espanyol:
https://www.givemesport.com/1604061-aston-villa-eye-swoop-for-highlevel-warrior

Maybe if Nakamba goes to Galatassary before the deadline.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: villabear on October 02, 2020, 03:21:42 PM

Madness if we go into the season with just Watkins and only Davis as back up. Hope it all smoke from Smith in his presser when he said we’d have to see if anyone goes out before looking for any more incoming players.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on October 02, 2020, 03:29:25 PM

Remember there are two windows. Next week international and then the domestic on the 16th. I think a lot will happen in those 11 days and I fully expect us to be involved in and out.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on October 02, 2020, 03:55:56 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on October 02, 2020, 03:29:25 PM

Remember there are two windows. Next week international and then the domestic on the 16th. I think a lot will happen in those 11 days and I fully expect us to be involved in and out.

Yep, of the players we want to move I can see 2-3 that would be more likely to go abroad so they're the ones to look out for over the weekend. Kalinic and Nyland are top of that list and I think AEG would be more likely to go abroad as well.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on October 02, 2020, 04:21:53 PM

Nyland might have interest at the lower end of the Championship.

I don't see many top flight sides across Europe beating a path to our door for him TBH.

We signed him on a cheap deal from German second division when he was 27, and for most of his time with us, he's looked that standard.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on October 02, 2020, 04:43:26 PM

Nyland would be a good signing for Kidderminster Harriers

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on October 02, 2020, 04:52:01 PM

I don't think AEG will go, unless we get another winger/striker type in.

I'd think one of the keepers will want to move on, especially as we're out of the cup. We may only let one go until Heaton is back anyway, we'd be daft to only have 2 on the books in case of injury..

Good to see Archer get a loan.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: leylandalbion on October 02, 2020, 04:56:44 PM

Quote from: villabear on October 02, 2020, 03:21:42 PM

Madness if we go into the season with just Watkins and only Davis as back up. Hope it all smoke from Smith in his presser when he said we’d have to see if anyone goes out before looking for any more incoming players.

I think there is some truth in it, as ambitious as the owners are, it would make no sense to have 1st team players that they couldn't have in the squad due to numbers allowed especially when those players could be carrying salaries of 2m per annum

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on October 02, 2020, 05:01:56 PM

Quote from: Drummond on October 02, 2020, 04:52:01 PM

I don't think AEG will go, unless we get another winger/striker type in.

I'd think one of the keepers will want to move on, especially as we're out of the cup. We may only let one go until Heaton is back anyway, we'd be daft to only have 2 on the books in case of injury..

Good to see Archer get a loan.

It may be difficult to sell AEG.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on October 02, 2020, 05:03:40 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on October 02, 2020, 05:01:56 PM

Quote from: Drummond on October 02, 2020, 04:52:01 PM

I don't think AEG will go, unless we get another winger/striker type in.

I'd think one of the keepers will want to move on, especially as we're out of the cup. We may only let one go until Heaton is back anyway, we'd be daft to only have 2 on the books in case of injury..

Good to see Archer get a loan.

It may be difficult to sell AEG.

Maybe dress him up as a washing machine and put him on Ebay?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on October 02, 2020, 05:03:50 PM

It was a colossal mistake last season to not have quality in that area. We then made ultimately what turned out to be a poor signing in Samatta who in just a few months we have moved on. I would be very disappointed if we went and did it again. There are some glaring areas to improve, and while we likely cannot address all of them, up front is a spot we need help. KD doesn't score goals, and Wes when fit was hardly prolific. We need a striker to challenge Ollie because he's young and will have a dry spell where his confidence will be affected. We can't let that happen two seasons in a row.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on October 02, 2020, 05:14:12 PM

Quote from: LeeB on October 02, 2020, 05:03:40 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on October 02, 2020, 05:01:56 PM

Quote from: Drummond on October 02, 2020, 04:52:01 PM

I don't think AEG will go, unless we get another winger/striker type in.

I'd think one of the keepers will want to move on, especially as we're out of the cup. We may only let one go until Heaton is back anyway, we'd be daft to only have 2 on the books in case of injury..

Good to see Archer get a loan.

It may be difficult to sell AEG.

Maybe dress him up as a washing machine and put him on Ebay?

what's the scrap value for a washing machine these days?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on October 02, 2020, 05:15:49 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on October 02, 2020, 05:03:50 PM

It was a colossal mistake last season to not have quality in that area. We then made ultimately what turned out to be a poor signing in Samatta who in just a few months we have moved on. I would be very disappointed if we went and did it again. There are some glaring areas to improve, and while we likely cannot address all of them, up front is a spot we need help. KD doesn't score goals, and Wes when fit was hardly prolific. We need a striker to challenge Ollie because he's young and will have a dry spell where his confidence will be affected. We can't let that happen two seasons in a row.

if we have only Watkins and Davis as the striker options after deadline day then it's a bit of a shambles; you'd expect Smith to have learnt his lesson from having a limited group of strikers to choose from last season. Yes, Watkins is an improvement. But, we need someone else.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on October 02, 2020, 05:30:29 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on October 02, 2020, 02:05:56 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on October 02, 2020, 11:48:08 AM

Quote from: mr underhill on October 02, 2020, 09:04:13 AM

a few reports about us making a loan to buy bid for PSV's Donyell Malen

Wilfred Bouma Mk II? Looks a bit like him too.

I'd really like us to get a LB that is Bouma MKII

Not for me. Great physicality but not much pace and very little attacking ability. Full back is the main position that's moved on in football since MON's time when he viewed them as an inconvenience.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on October 02, 2020, 05:33:19 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on October 02, 2020, 05:01:56 PM

Quote from: Drummond on October 02, 2020, 04:52:01 PM

I don't think AEG will go, unless we get another winger/striker type in.

I'd think one of the keepers will want to move on, especially as we're out of the cup. We may only let one go until Heaton is back anyway, we'd be daft to only have 2 on the books in case of injury..

Good to see Archer get a loan.

It may be difficult to sell AEG.

The trick will be finding someone who wants to buy a below average winger with absolutely no end product who occasionally flukes a mishit goal off different parts of the body not usually associated with football.

And who's crosses rarely end up on the dangerous side of the dead ball line.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on October 02, 2020, 05:36:25 PM

Quote from: Big Ming on October 02, 2020, 05:33:19 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on October 02, 2020, 05:01:56 PM

Quote from: Drummond on October 02, 2020, 04:52:01 PM

I don't think AEG will go, unless we get another winger/striker type in.

I'd think one of the keepers will want to move on, especially as we're out of the cup. We may only let one go until Heaton is back anyway, we'd be daft to only have 2 on the books in case of injury..

Good to see Archer get a loan.

It may be difficult to sell AEG.

The trick will be finding someone who wants to buy a below average winger with absolutely no end produce who occasionally flukes a mishit goal off different parts of the body not usually associated with football.

And who's crosses rarely stay the dangerous side of the dead ball line.

there’s only one I can think of and he’s already spent up
In geordie land

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: DB on October 02, 2020, 05:58:10 PM

Maybe we can do a couple of swap deals for our dead wood e.g. swap a few to Celtic

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on October 02, 2020, 06:13:17 PM

We need to ditch 2 keepers as we've currently got 5 first team keepers. We've 27 senior pros (including Heaton and Wez), 28 if KD is too old to be classed as a youth player. We need to shift players before binging more in otherwise we'll be paying players that aren't even in the squad.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on October 02, 2020, 07:28:35 PM

Would be good to offload some of the players who played last night that have no chance of starting Premier League games.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on October 02, 2020, 07:36:26 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on October 02, 2020, 07:28:35 PM

Would be good to offload some of the players who played last night that have no chance of starting Premier League games.

Ha! Water traverse for sale: enquire within.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Richard E on October 02, 2020, 07:41:03 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on October 02, 2020, 07:36:26 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on October 02, 2020, 07:28:35 PM

Would be good to offload some of the players who played last night that have no chance of starting Premier League games.

Ha! Water traverse for sale: enquire within.

Or if there are any Premier League owners reading:

I really hope that we can hold onto all the players who played last night but I can understand if they feel they need to move on to Champions League clubs and if someone offers us £50m for any of them then reluctantly we should sell.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on October 02, 2020, 07:52:14 PM

Well, of course!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: richtheholtender on October 02, 2020, 08:13:22 PM

Be good to know how long some of them have on their contracts. Kalinić, Taylor and Lansbury for example can’t have long left surely?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on October 02, 2020, 08:19:40 PM

Quote from: richtheholtender on October 02, 2020, 08:13:22 PM

Be good to know how long some of them have on their contracts. Kalinić, Taylor and Lansbury for example can’t have long left surely?

https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/aston-villa/vertragsende/verein/405

Kalinic must be one of the worst flops in the history of the club.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on October 02, 2020, 08:26:59 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on October 02, 2020, 05:03:50 PM

It was a colossal mistake last season to not have quality in that area. We then made ultimately what turned out to be a poor signing in Samatta who in just a few months we have moved on. I would be very disappointed if we went and did it again. There are some glaring areas to improve, and while we likely cannot address all of them, up front is a spot we need help. KD doesn't score goals, and Wes when fit was hardly prolific. We need a striker to challenge Ollie because he's young and will have a dry spell where his confidence will be affected. We can't let that happen two seasons in a row.

It was a mistake and we definitely could do with one more striker until Jan so there is time for Wesley to recuperate fully but we can sign strikers till they come out of our ears and it’ll be no good if Mings &/or Konsa get a long injury....centre half is the necessity by end of domestic window for me.

King would be good for striker, season long loan would be even better than buying him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on October 02, 2020, 08:40:21 PM

Think this is Lansbury's last season at least

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on October 02, 2020, 08:59:21 PM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on October 02, 2020, 08:40:21 PM

Think this is Lansbury's last season at least

Thanks goodness for that.  Absolute rubbish. Cheers Bruce.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on October 02, 2020, 09:04:58 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on October 02, 2020, 08:19:40 PM

Quote from: richtheholtender on October 02, 2020, 08:13:22 PM

Be good to know how long some of them have on their contracts. Kalinić, Taylor and Lansbury for example can’t have long left surely?

https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/aston-villa/vertragsende/verein/405

Kalinic must be one of the worst flops in the history of the club.

It's a very competitive field though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Richard E on October 02, 2020, 09:09:39 PM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on October 02, 2020, 08:40:21 PM

Think this is Lansbury's last season at least

By which hopefully you mean autumn, rather than 2020/21

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on October 02, 2020, 09:24:08 PM

Quote from: Richard E on October 02, 2020, 09:09:39 PM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on October 02, 2020, 08:40:21 PM

Think this is Lansbury's last season at least

By which hopefully you mean autumn, rather than 2020/21

 ;D

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on October 02, 2020, 09:57:16 PM

2 years ago tonight, Glenn Whelan was missing a 97th minute penalty at home to Preston in a 3-3 draw in a poor Steve Bruce team. We've come a long way in a relatively short amount of time. Of course the depth of squad needs working on but Rome wasn't built in a day.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on October 02, 2020, 10:10:46 PM

Quote from: OCD on October 02, 2020, 09:57:16 PM

2 years ago tonight, Glenn Whelan was missing a 97th minute penalty at home to Preston in a 3-3 draw in a poor Steve Bruce team. We've come a long way in a relatively short amount of time. Of course the depth of squad needs working on but Rome wasn't built in a day.

That game, cabbage-gate was surreal. We should have been 4 or 5 up. Then Chester got sent off and we completely fell apart without any centre backs. Until a late comeback and impossibly a peno at the death to win it. Somehow Whelo had to take it and of course missed. Mark Bunn in goal was horrendous, Bruce had dropped Nyland for it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on October 02, 2020, 11:11:20 PM

£23m for someone that's played 26 first team games, I assume Liverpool will be retiring his shirt.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on October 02, 2020, 11:29:38 PM

I can't believe Yannick Bolasie is still at Everton. He's probably on twice as much as Lansbury which makes me feel better about our 'H'.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy65 on October 02, 2020, 11:30:16 PM

Quote from: PeterWithesShin on October 02, 2020, 11:11:20 PM

£23m for someone that's played 26 first team games, I assume Liverpool will be retiring his shirt.

And I bet he hasn’t started many of those 26

Watkins looks an amazing deal in comparison

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on October 02, 2020, 11:34:43 PM

I still can't get over that the fitter Bolasie got with us, the worse he played.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Alex77 on October 03, 2020, 12:01:52 AM

Quote from: brontebilly on October 02, 2020, 10:10:46 PM

Quote from: OCD on October 02, 2020, 09:57:16 PM

2 years ago tonight, Glenn Whelan was missing a 97th minute penalty at home to Preston in a 3-3 draw in a poor Steve Bruce team. We've come a long way in a relatively short amount of time. Of course the depth of squad needs working on but Rome wasn't built in a day.

That game, cabbage-gate was surreal. We should have been 4 or 5 up. Then Chester got sent off and we completely fell apart without any centre backs. Until a late comeback and impossibly a peno at the death to win it. Somehow Whelo had to take it and of course missed. Mark Bunn in goal was horrendous, Bruce had dropped Nyland for it.

Was it ever established who the main protagonist was in the cabbage throwing?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on October 03, 2020, 12:04:52 AM

Just some fella that had it in his bag having got a few bits before the game I read, then when he saw Bruce he couldn't stop himself. Apparently more of a roll than a hurl.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on October 03, 2020, 12:26:08 AM

Quote from: PeterWithesShin on October 02, 2020, 11:11:20 PM

£23m for someone that's played 26 first team games, I assume Liverpool will be retiring his shirt.

Or Arsenal with Martinez!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: The Edge on October 03, 2020, 07:37:57 AM

Quote from: Alex77 on October 03, 2020, 12:01:52 AM

Quote from: brontebilly on October 02, 2020, 10:10:46 PM

Quote from: OCD on October 02, 2020, 09:57:16 PM

2 years ago tonight, Glenn Whelan was missing a 97th minute penalty at home to Preston in a 3-3 draw in a poor Steve Bruce team. We've come a long way in a relatively short amount of time. Of course the depth of squad needs working on but Rome wasn't built in a day.

That game, cabbage-gate was surreal. We should have been 4 or 5 up. Then Chester got sent off and we completely fell apart without any centre backs. Until a late comeback and impossibly a peno at the death to win it. Somehow Whelo had to take it and of course missed. Mark Bunn in goal was horrendous, Bruce had dropped Nyland for it.

Was it ever established who the main protagonist was in the cabbage throwing?

I think it's safe to talk about this now.
I know the cabbage chucker. He didn't take it in he got it from someone on the catering staff. He asked him for spuds but for reasons unknown he brought him a cabbage. He intended to throw the spuds in front of the dugout but because a cabbage could cause some damage he just rolled it. I don't know what point he was trying to make but the guys a bit barmy so we'll never know.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on October 03, 2020, 07:43:14 AM

Quote from: The Edge on October 03, 2020, 07:37:57 AM

Quote from: Alex77 on October 03, 2020, 12:01:52 AM

Quote from: brontebilly on October 02, 2020, 10:10:46 PM

Quote from: OCD on October 02, 2020, 09:57:16 PM

2 years ago tonight, Glenn Whelan was missing a 97th minute penalty at home to Preston in a 3-3 draw in a poor Steve Bruce team. We've come a long way in a relatively short amount of time. Of course the depth of squad needs working on but Rome wasn't built in a day.

That game, cabbage-gate was surreal. We should have been 4 or 5 up. Then Chester got sent off and we completely fell apart without any centre backs. Until a late comeback and impossibly a peno at the death to win it. Somehow Whelo had to take it and of course missed. Mark Bunn in goal was horrendous, Bruce had dropped Nyland for it.

Was it ever established who the main protagonist was in the cabbage throwing?

I think it's safe to talk about this now.
I know the cabbage chucker. He didn't take it in he got it from someone on the catering staff. He asked him for spuds but for reasons unknown he brought him a cabbage. He intended to throw the spuds in front of the dugout but because a cabbage could cause some damage he just rolled it. I don't know what point he was trying to makime but the guys a bit barmy so we'll never know.

Ha, that's ace. Somehow it creates more questions than it answers ...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on October 03, 2020, 09:06:00 AM

I'd like to think it was a metaphor for us, and Bruce, being in a vegetative state at the time.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AV82EC on October 03, 2020, 09:12:23 AM

I’ll always be grateful to Bruce for Stabilising and turning around the club and pointing it In the right direction. In hindsight it would have been better for all concerned if he’d been let go when NSWE arrived but it wasn’t to be and he had to carry the can for his own Inadequate squad building.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on October 03, 2020, 09:20:05 AM

Quote from: PeterWithesShin on October 02, 2020, 11:34:43 PM

I still can't get over that the fitter Bolasie got with us, the worse he played.

He really was just a complete show pony, with amazing skill but no end product.  At the Leeds game at home, he beat two defenders with an amazing couple of drag backs and flicks, but then crossed to nobody.  Summed him up perfectly.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: AV82EC on October 03, 2020, 09:22:04 AM

Quote from: Risso on October 03, 2020, 09:20:05 AM

Quote from: PeterWithesShin on October 02, 2020, 11:34:43 PM

I still can't get over that the fitter Bolasie got with us, the worse he played.

He really was just a complete show pony, with amazing skill but no end product.  At the Leeds game at home, he beat two defenders with an amazing couple of drag backs and flicks, but then crossed to nobody.  Summed him up perfectly.

That was right in front of me, sublime to the ridiculous in the space of 2 seconds.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: themossman on October 03, 2020, 09:43:22 AM

My abiding memory of bolasie, and it’s probably that one but he did it a few times, is getting into acres of space behind the fullback then looking like he didn’t have the faintest idea what to do next.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on October 03, 2020, 09:54:39 AM

Quote from: themossman on October 03, 2020, 09:43:22 AM

My abiding memory of bolasie, and it’s probably that one but he did it a few times, is getting into acres of space behind the fullback then looking like he didn’t have the faintest idea what to do next.

Replace Bolasie with El Ghazi

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on October 03, 2020, 09:56:21 AM

Bolasie was nearly as bad as Tonev

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on October 03, 2020, 09:58:45 AM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on October 03, 2020, 09:56:21 AM

Bolasie was nearly as bad as Tonev

I wouldn't go that far, Bolasie did at least look like he was a footballer. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on October 03, 2020, 09:59:45 AM

Quote from: PeterWithesShin on October 02, 2020, 11:34:43 PM

I still can't get over that the fitter Bolasie got with us, the worse he played.

At least it was only a loan; unlike the other ultimate showpony, C NZog.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: andyh on October 03, 2020, 10:25:00 AM

Not alota of jota left.

https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2020/october/Villa-announce-Jota-departure/

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on October 03, 2020, 10:26:09 AM

Quote from: andyh on October 03, 2020, 10:25:00 AM

Not alota of jota left.

https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2020/october/Villa-announce-Jota-departure/

Strange, but good luck to him

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: manic-road on October 03, 2020, 10:31:53 AM

I suppose his wages were why nobody came in for him, all the best to him anyway.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Three Spires Villa on October 03, 2020, 10:33:34 AM

Frees up a place and wages? He did very little,  assist v Everton, goal at Brighton. Not good enough

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 03, 2020, 10:36:42 AM

You can only name 25 players so we would have been paying a player to not play. If we have got him off the wage bill and he finds another club then win win for both parties and good luck to him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on October 03, 2020, 11:40:45 AM

Fun watching Manure getting gouged by anyone and everyone in the market.

Desperation must be setting in at the World's biggest football club.

Still, they did manage a Grealish/Sancho consolation prize in Beeky.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Border villan on October 03, 2020, 11:57:10 AM

With Jota gone hopefully we can move on AEG, Landsbury and a couple of goalkeepers to make room for a couple of last minute surprises to our 25.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on October 03, 2020, 11:57:36 AM

Quote from: Big Ming on October 03, 2020, 11:40:45 AM

Fun watching Manure getting gouged by anyone and everyone in the market.

Desperation must be setting in at the World's biggest football club.

Still, they did manage a Grealish/Sancho consolation prize in Beeky.

Who have they not signed now?

Re Jota, I imagine a Lansbury one of these might be on the way.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on October 03, 2020, 01:20:11 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on October 03, 2020, 10:26:09 AM

Quote from: andyh on October 03, 2020, 10:25:00 AM

Not alota of jota left.

https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2020/october/Villa-announce-Jota-departure/

Strange, but good luck to him

Alan Curbishley, Chris Sutton, Jota. That is what you get when you buy a player from Small Heath  ;)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on October 03, 2020, 01:36:17 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on October 03, 2020, 11:57:36 AM

Quote from: Big Ming on October 03, 2020, 11:40:45 AM

Fun watching Manure getting gouged by anyone and everyone in the market.

Desperation must be setting in at the World's biggest football club.

Still, they did manage a Grealish/Sancho consolation prize in Beeky.

Who have they not signed now?

Re Jota, I imagine a Lansbury one of these might be on the way.

Some Portuguese I never heard of. Club holding out for £20M. Sky Sports News this am.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on October 03, 2020, 03:32:18 PM

Surprised we couldn't get some kind of nominal fee for Jota from a championship club. Not a prem player by any stretch of the imagination but thought his couple of cameos in the cup this season were decent. Strange signing from Smith really, never gave the slightest impression he was capable of making the step up. We would be better off doing likewise with Lansbury as there isn't a hope anyone will come in for him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on October 03, 2020, 03:38:11 PM

Quote from: Big Ming on October 03, 2020, 01:36:17 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on October 03, 2020, 11:57:36 AM

Quote from: Big Ming on October 03, 2020, 11:40:45 AM

Fun watching Manure getting gouged by anyone and everyone in the market.

Desperation must be setting in at the World's biggest football club.

Still, they did manage a Grealish/Sancho consolation prize in Beeky.

Who have they not signed now?

Re Jota, I imagine a Lansbury one of these might be on the way.

Some Portuguese I never heard of. Club holding out for £20M. Sky Sports News this am.

You can imagine them ringing up club after club ...

"Can we have Harry Kane?"
"If you give us £150m"
"Er, we've got 50p and a Steve Guppy sticker from 1998?"
"No, you're alright"

"Hello, is that PSG?"
"Oui, who is it?"
"It's Man Utd. Can we have Neymar please?"
"For £300m, yes"
"Well, we've got 50p and a 1998 Steve Guppy sticker..."
"No thanks"

"Hello, is that Benfica?"
"Yes, who is it?"
...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Tayls_7 on October 03, 2020, 03:51:01 PM

Quote from: algy on October 03, 2020, 03:38:11 PM

Quote from: Big Ming on October 03, 2020, 01:36:17 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on October 03, 2020, 11:57:36 AM

Quote from: Big Ming on October 03, 2020, 11:40:45 AM

Fun watching Manure getting gouged by anyone and everyone in the market.

Desperation must be setting in at the World's biggest football club.

Still, they did manage a Grealish/Sancho consolation prize in Beeky.

Who have they not signed now?

Re Jota, I imagine a Lansbury one of these might be on the way.

Some Portuguese I never heard of. Club holding out for £20M. Sky Sports News this am.

You can imagine them ringing up club after club ...

"Can we have Harry Kane?"
"If you give us £150m"
"Er, we've got 50p and a Steve Guppy sticker from 1998?"
"No, you're alright"

"Hello, is that PSG?"
"Oui, who is it?"
"It's Man Utd. Can we have Neymar please?"
"For £300m, yes"
"Well, we've got 50p and a 1998 Steve Guppy sticker..."
"No thanks"

"Hello, is that Benfica?"
"Yes, who is it?"
...

I'd swap 50p and the Steve Guppy sticker (why do they have a Steve Guppy sticker?) for an Eusebio autograph.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: jwarry on October 03, 2020, 03:56:46 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on October 03, 2020, 12:21:21 PM

I never believed we were going to be in for him and get him when linked yesterday  but Marc Roca from Espanyol is going to Byaern Munich.

I see Buendia is starting v Derby for Norwich with Cantwell left out.

Unfortunate hearing about AEG and Lansbury having to leave social media due to all the reckless and ugly comments being thrown at them

I do feel AEG is on his way out this window

I do also feel Villa will be in for a striker too

Dean has already said there is no truth in the Roca rumour

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on October 03, 2020, 04:23:09 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on October 03, 2020, 04:17:30 PM

Quote from: jwarry on October 03, 2020, 03:56:46 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on October 03, 2020, 12:21:21 PM

I never believed we were going to be in for him and get him when linked yesterday  but Marc Roca from Espanyol is going to Byaern Munich.

I see Buendia is starting v Derby for Norwich with Cantwell left out.

Unfortunate hearing about AEG and Lansbury having to leave social media due to all the reckless and ugly comments being thrown at them

I do feel AEG is on his way out this window

I do also feel Villa will be in for a striker too

Dean has already said there is no truth in the Roca rumour

Dean and I speak the same language

I doubt it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on October 03, 2020, 04:36:31 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on October 03, 2020, 04:23:09 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on October 03, 2020, 04:17:30 PM

Quote from: jwarry on October 03, 2020, 03:56:46 PM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on October 03, 2020, 12:21:21 PM

I never believed we were going to be in for him and get him when linked yesterday  but Marc Roca from Espanyol is going to Byaern Munich.

I see Buendia is starting v Derby for Norwich with Cantwell left out.

Unfortunate hearing about AEG and Lansbury having to leave social media due to all the reckless and ugly comments being thrown at them

I do feel AEG is on his way out this window

I do also feel Villa will be in for a striker too

Dean has already said there is no truth in the Roca rumour

Dean and I speak the same language

I doubt it.

I hope not.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on October 03, 2020, 04:49:17 PM

El Ghazi and Lansbury been hounded off Twitter by Villa people apparently.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on October 03, 2020, 05:06:05 PM

That's idiotic if true.

Lansbury has done next to nothing in a Villa shirt, admittedly. And on big wages that sticks in the craw.

But El Ghazi played a big part in us coming up.  And even if he was underwhelming for most of last season, his second goal sealed our first home win last year when we were on the defensive and he still chipped in with crucial goals and assists at various stages. In a season where we stayed up by one point I wouldn't be minimising his contribution.

He shouldn't be a guaranteed starter but he hasn't reached his ceiling as a player and additional competition might push him on.  I don't see how clogging up his social media feed with insults is going to help.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 03, 2020, 05:14:26 PM

Sadly Twitter predominantly seems to be a place where morons can express their views, on a variety of subjects, with impunity.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: oldtimernow on October 03, 2020, 05:18:38 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on October 03, 2020, 05:14:26 PM

Sadly Twitter predominantly seems to be a place where morons can express their views, on a variety of subjects, with impunity.

depends which side of the fence is occupied

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on October 03, 2020, 05:18:56 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on October 03, 2020, 05:14:26 PM

Sadly Twitter predominantly seems to be a place where morons can express their views, on a variety of subjects, with impunity.

You're referring to the President of the US and leader of the free world, I presume.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on October 03, 2020, 05:24:17 PM

I saw the Lansbury abuse and it was the usual "not fit to wear the shirt" stuff. End of the day it's simple to block other users, and failing that he could have asked his friends and family to cut it out.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on October 03, 2020, 05:37:47 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on October 03, 2020, 05:14:26 PM

Sadly Twitter predominantly seems to be a place where morons can express their views, on a variety of subjects, with impunity.

you get that sort of thing on every sort of web site.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on October 03, 2020, 05:42:22 PM

Would love to know how having a pop at current players helps us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on October 03, 2020, 05:55:38 PM

Quote from: OCD on October 03, 2020, 05:42:22 PM

Would love to know how having a pop at current players helps us.

Agreed, just like I've never booed the Villa team.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 03, 2020, 06:04:43 PM

Quote from: N'ZMAV on October 03, 2020, 05:37:47 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on October 03, 2020, 05:14:26 PM

Sadly Twitter predominantly seems to be a place where morons can express their views, on a variety of subjects, with impunity.

you get that sort of thing on every sort of web site.

You do - but Twitter is disproportionately bad and also often involves direct abuse.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on October 03, 2020, 06:12:26 PM

Rashica deadline.... 11:00pm Monday.  8)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on October 03, 2020, 06:26:21 PM

Quote from: Big Ming on October 03, 2020, 06:12:26 PM

Rashica deadline.... 11:00pm Monday.  8)

Still not in the Werder squad this weekend....

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on October 03, 2020, 06:32:23 PM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on October 03, 2020, 06:26:21 PM

Quote from: Big Ming on October 03, 2020, 06:12:26 PM

Rashica deadline.... 11:00pm Monday.  8)

Still not in the Werder squad this weekend....

He's going somewhere.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on October 03, 2020, 07:53:09 PM

Cavani on his way to Man U, 2 year deal. Another one we've "missed" out on. :(

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on October 03, 2020, 07:58:27 PM

heh, that means they've given up on Sancho. Consolation prize to buy off the angry armchair reds

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on October 03, 2020, 08:23:46 PM

A superb striker though, would think he'll improve them, even at his age.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on October 03, 2020, 08:28:43 PM

yeah i suggested him for us when leeds were supposed to be interested. I just think ManU obviously don't really need him with Martial, Rashford and Co. Its a "bling" signing to my mind because they couldn't risk getting to the end of the transfer window with no Sancho. and only VDB signed.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: saunders_heroes on October 03, 2020, 08:29:25 PM

Quote from: Big Ming on October 03, 2020, 06:32:23 PM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on October 03, 2020, 06:26:21 PM

Quote from: Big Ming on October 03, 2020, 06:12:26 PM

Rashica deadline.... 11:00pm Monday.  8)

Still not in the Werder squad this weekend....

He's going somewhere.

I’d love him at the Villa.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on October 03, 2020, 08:38:15 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on October 03, 2020, 07:53:09 PM

Cavani on his way to Man U, 2 year deal. Another one we've "missed" out on. :(

If Cavani goes to them it’s a hugely desperate move on their part to appease their fans with a name. They have literally failed to land any of the top signings they have been linked with. I’m scared to even imagine what Cavani will be asking for in wages and bonus. Unless you’re playing Football Manager from 2012 then it’s a great signing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on October 03, 2020, 08:46:06 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on October 03, 2020, 08:38:15 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on October 03, 2020, 07:53:09 PM

Cavani on his way to Man U, 2 year deal. Another one we've "missed" out on. :(

If Cavani goes to them it’s a hugely desperate move on their part to appease their fans with a name. They have literally failed to land any of the top signings they have been linked with. I’m scared to even imagine what Cavani will be asking for in wages and bonus. Unless you’re playing Football Manager from 2012 then it’s a great signing.

Precisely. Is OGS gonna drop one of 2 strikers who got 17 goals each last time for a 33 year old? Change the formation to accommodate him? Looks  like a signing from the Marketing Department to me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on October 03, 2020, 08:52:46 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on October 03, 2020, 08:46:06 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on October 03, 2020, 08:38:15 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on October 03, 2020, 07:53:09 PM

Cavani on his way to Man U, 2 year deal. Another one we've "missed" out on. :(

If Cavani goes to them it’s a hugely desperate move on their part to appease their fans with a name. They have literally failed to land any of the top signings they have been linked with. I’m scared to even imagine what Cavani will be asking for in wages and bonus. Unless you’re playing Football Manager from 2012 then it’s a great signing.

Precisely. Is OGS gonna drop one of 2 strikers who got 17 goals each last time for a 33 year old? Change the formation to accommodate him? Looks  like a signing from the Marketing Department to me.

That's my take on it as well. Supposedly on at least 200k a week and they don't have a great track record with South Americans so hopefully Sánchez Mk II

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on October 03, 2020, 08:56:43 PM

yeah, don't get me wrong, if we'd signed him i'd have been over the moon, but id say the strike force is one of the few places ManU look to have more than enough quality.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Des Little on October 03, 2020, 09:16:44 PM

Are they going to play him at centre half?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Hairbandinho on October 03, 2020, 09:41:15 PM

Some kosovan journalist has said Rashica isnt coming and will go to Leeds or Southampton

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on October 03, 2020, 10:53:56 PM

Quote from: Hairbandinho on October 03, 2020, 09:41:15 PM

Some kosovan journalist has said Rashica isnt coming and will go to Leeds or Southampton

He's shit anyway then.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on October 03, 2020, 11:17:16 PM

I don’t think having come this far in our recruitment and having what has been a very encouraging start to the league campaign we are just about to mail in the rest of the transfer window. I’m convinced two players will still come in by the domestic deadline and another 2 or 3 out. We are close to having a very good first team squad.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on October 03, 2020, 11:29:48 PM

Still can't help feeling having Wilson in our squad would've completed a fantastic transfer window. People can go on about his age, injuries but he's hit the ground running up there and him in addition to Watkins and Traore coming in would've been excellent depth.

However our current CF back up last scored a league goal when dinosaurs roamed the earth so we're not quite there yet and not sure what's happened given we were bidding for Wilson and Watkins at same time so clearly another CF was a priority a few weeks back.

Still think we could loan one in on last day of the window as it will take one injury and we'll be at panic stations again.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on October 03, 2020, 11:30:33 PM

That Kosovan journalist has been full of shite since the whole thing began. Don't get me wrong, I don't think we will sign him still, but I don't believe anything from that account.

Think or most likely is a loan to buy for Benrahma or a cut price for King.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on October 03, 2020, 11:32:33 PM

Quote from: Risso on October 03, 2020, 08:23:46 PM

A superb striker though, would think he'll improve them, even at his age.

Did they really need him? Got Martial, Rashford can play through middle although better cutting in from left and Greenwood has been described as generational talent and scored nearly 20 goals last season.

Cavani of course been excellent but feels a bit to me like when they signed Falcao.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on October 03, 2020, 11:32:35 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on October 03, 2020, 11:29:48 PM

Still can't help feeling having Wilson in our squad would've completed a fantastic transfer window. People can go on about his age, injuries but he's hit the ground running up there and him in addition to Watkins and Traore coming in would've been excellent depth.

However our current CF back up last scored a league goal when dinosaurs roamed the earth so we're not quite there yet and not sure what's happened given we were bidding for Wilson and Watkins at same time so clearly another CF was a priority a few weeks back.

Still think we could loan one in on last day of the window as it will take one injury and we'll be at panic stations again.

Couldn't agree more. Wilson showing already how useful a guy who knows what to do in this league up top. It's why I think King might still happen. Good as Watkins looks, having an experienced alternative to relieve the pressure would be very very useful.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on October 03, 2020, 11:38:26 PM

Having another forward would just give us so many options in games. As it is, we're an injury to Watkins away from having nobody up front again.  If we have to rely on Davis we'll sink down the table like a stone, and I just don't think that Traore looks like a centre forward at all, despite the rumours that he can play there if needed.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 03, 2020, 11:46:58 PM

Anyone remember a few weeks ago when Grealish was gonna sign for Man U cos Villa wouldn't be able to turn them down?

Roflfuckingcopter.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on October 04, 2020, 12:21:25 AM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on October 03, 2020, 11:32:33 PM

Quote from: Risso on October 03, 2020, 08:23:46 PM

A superb striker though, would think he'll improve them, even at his age.

Did they really need him? Got Martial, Rashford can play through middle although better cutting in from left and Greenwood has been described as generational talent and scored nearly 20 goals last season.

Cavani of course been excellent but feels a bit to me like when they signed Falcao.

https://www.football365.com/news/man-utd-opinion-early-winner-edinson-cavani-agent

Sums up the mood on the Man U forums, they're not happy. :)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on October 04, 2020, 12:26:29 AM

I popped over to a Werder Bremen forum for a look see if they had insight on any Rashica developments. He doesn't seem imminently off anywhere judging by it, no mention of Leeds or Southampton whatsoever, and we got a mention about a week ago where they brought up a story apparently in the Birmingham Mail about how we'd have to double our wage offer. They seem to think he'd currently be on a fraction of what we've offered anyway.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on October 04, 2020, 12:36:05 AM

Quote from: Risso on October 03, 2020, 11:38:26 PM

Having another forward would just give us so many options in games. As it is, we're an injury to Watkins away from having nobody up front again.  If we have to rely on Davis we'll sink down the table like a stone, and I just don't think that Traore looks like a centre forward at all, despite the rumours that he can play there if needed.

Who was it that said you can never have enough forwards? Clough? Ferguson? Well whoever it was, I agree with them. Get King and Benrahma and Rashica now, and that should see us through til January.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on October 04, 2020, 12:49:00 AM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on October 04, 2020, 12:21:25 AM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on October 03, 2020, 11:32:33 PM

Quote from: Risso on October 03, 2020, 08:23:46 PM

A superb striker though, would think he'll improve them, even at his age.

Did they really need him? Got Martial, Rashford can play through middle although better cutting in from left and Greenwood has been described as generational talent and scored nearly 20 goals last season.

Cavani of course been excellent but feels a bit to me like when they signed Falcao.

https://www.football365.com/news/man-utd-opinion-early-winner-edinson-cavani-agent

Sums up the mood on the Man U forums, they're not happy. :)

There does seem to be an awful lot of clubs in the market for a left-back. Little wonder we can't get one.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rooboy316 on October 04, 2020, 07:11:31 AM

I know Wesley coming back is a few of months away, but I don't see us landing a forward of any significant quality, who'd be happy to be third in line behind a 30 million pound and a 25 million pound striker, when he does come back. On the same vein, I don't see us in a position where we can buy someone and make Wes third in line either.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on October 04, 2020, 07:32:39 AM

We really need another forward and there is no guarantee Wes will be coming back.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Marlon From Bearwood on October 04, 2020, 07:56:50 AM

There’s certainly no guarantee Wesley will ever be anything like the same player again.

Josh King makes sense however I can see this one dragging on a while longer as due to the extended domestic window we could do that deal (and also the required outgoings) up until 16th October.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on October 04, 2020, 09:10:57 AM

Cavani? - really?? Smacks of desperation.
By the same token, Chelsea apparently have turned down an offer from Bayern for H-O on loan with a view to making it permanent .... for £70m??!!!! according to the Grauniad.

The world's gone mad, I tells ye.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on October 04, 2020, 09:12:22 AM

Quote from: Marlon From Bearwood on October 04, 2020, 07:56:50 AM

There’s certainly no guarantee Wesley will ever be anything like the same player again

Certainly hope not, he needs to be a lot less rubbish than before. But yes it's a worry as players are usually worse coming back from injuries like this, and he wasn't good enough to begin with.

King would be ideal.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on October 04, 2020, 09:13:05 AM

Good shout Marlon.  I guess it means we can take a bit more time getting some more out and/or paying off the likes of Kalinic and get others out on loan and then go for King or Benrahma really late in the domestic window.  Probably won't do anything tomorrow in that case then.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on October 04, 2020, 09:19:16 AM

Quote from: Newby on October 04, 2020, 09:13:05 AM

Good shout Marlon.  I guess it means we can take a bit more time getting some more out and/or paying off the likes of Kalinic and get others out on loan and then go for King or Benrahma really late in the domestic window.  Probably won't do anything tomorrow in that case then.

Tomorrow hopefully will focus on the exit door for the likes of Kalinic, Nyland. Lansbury will be a pay-off or a domestic offload.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on October 04, 2020, 09:24:58 AM

A winger that can do what Saint-Maximan does for Newcastle would be nice.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on October 04, 2020, 09:43:36 AM

Looks like Manure's Marketing Dept are about to spend a fortune on a player that's going over the hill in a position they do not need to re-inforce just to smooth over some disgruntled fans.

Good plan.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on October 04, 2020, 09:44:11 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on October 04, 2020, 09:24:58 AM

A winger that can do what Saint-Maximan does for Newcastle would be nice.

This.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on October 04, 2020, 10:11:21 AM

Quote from: Big Ming on October 04, 2020, 09:43:36 AM

Looks like Manure's Marketing Dept are about to spend a fortune on a player that's going over the hill in a position they do not need to re-inforce just to smooth over some disgruntled fans.

Good plan.

Over the hill but I think we'd accommodate Edison somehow given the chance.
I'd back him to beat Zlatan in a wresting match.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on October 04, 2020, 10:52:44 AM

Cavani has the whiff more of the Falcaos than the Zlatans in my view, albeit without the obvious and crippling injuries. I think he's useful, but possibly less useful than letting Rashford, Greenwood and Martial develop an understanding in the manner of Liverpool's front three, but I guess without a Klopp (and with a Solskjaer) that's never going to happen anyway.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rooboy316 on October 04, 2020, 11:03:17 AM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on October 04, 2020, 09:12:22 AM

Quote from: Marlon From Bearwood on October 04, 2020, 07:56:50 AM

There’s certainly no guarantee Wesley will ever be anything like the same player again

Certainly hope not, he needs to be a lot less rubbish than before. But yes it's a worry as players are usually worse coming back from injuries like this, and he wasn't good enough to begin with.

King would be ideal.

Agree, but having spent 55 million on two strikers, I feel it’ll be a case of waiting and seeing how Wes comes back, before we act, as opposed to spending preemptively.

A utility forward who adds depth to the wingers might be a good compromise.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on October 04, 2020, 11:05:50 AM

Quote from: rooboy316 on October 04, 2020, 11:03:17 AM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on October 04, 2020, 09:12:22 AM

Quote from: Marlon From Bearwood on October 04, 2020, 07:56:50 AM

There’s certainly no guarantee Wesley will ever be anything like the same player again

Certainly hope not, he needs to be a lot less rubbish than before. But yes it's a worry as players are usually worse coming back from injuries like this, and he wasn't good enough to begin with.

King would be ideal.

Agree, but having spent 55 million on two strikers, I feel it’ll be a case of waiting and seeing how Wes comes back, before we act, as opposed to spending preemptively.
A utility forward who adds depth to the wingers might be a good compromise.

What? like King, you mean?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ian. on October 04, 2020, 11:25:29 AM

Quote from: Mister E on October 04, 2020, 11:05:50 AM

Quote from: rooboy316 on October 04, 2020, 11:03:17 AM

Quote from: ASHTONVILLA on October 04, 2020, 09:12:22 AM

Quote from: Marlon From Bearwood on October 04, 2020, 07:56:50 AM

There’s certainly no guarantee Wesley will ever be anything like the same player again

Certainly hope not, he needs to be a lot less rubbish than before. But yes it's a worry as players are usually worse coming back from injuries like this, and he wasn't good enough to begin with.

King would be ideal.

Agree, but having spent 55 million on two strikers, I feel it’ll be a case of waiting and seeing how Wes comes back, before we act, as opposed to spending preemptively.
A utility forward who adds depth to the wingers might be a good compromise.

What? like King, you mean?

That’s an idea! 😉

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on October 04, 2020, 11:26:11 AM

I know people think that the back up squad players are a bit thin but 'quality' players don't sign up to be mostly bench warmers barring drastic loss of form or injury.

If they're any good, they want to be first choice.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on October 04, 2020, 11:26:30 AM

Quote from: Footy-Vill on October 04, 2020, 10:48:41 AM

Prediction
Will score over 20 goals this season no problems could be 30+!
I always acknowledge world class players

Clearly some ITK there, must be going to be their designated penalty taker.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: maidstonevillain on October 04, 2020, 11:26:55 AM

Quote from: Marlon From Bearwood on October 04, 2020, 07:56:50 AM

There’s certainly no guarantee Wesley will ever be anything like the same player again.

So there is some cause for optimism then.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on October 04, 2020, 11:35:06 AM

Quote from: maidstonevillain on October 04, 2020, 11:26:55 AM

Quote from: Marlon From Bearwood on October 04, 2020, 07:56:50 AM

There’s certainly no guarantee Wesley will ever be anything like the same player again.

So there is some cause for optimism then.

Excellent!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on October 04, 2020, 11:48:05 AM

VT (they that shall not be mentioned) have got Rashica 'on' again.

Zzzz!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on October 04, 2020, 12:02:54 PM

Rashica would be nice, but get the impression that we moved on several weeks ago. Might be being naive, but can't see him coming now since any further additions up front are not going to be first choice (or displace a new signing/Jack). On the same basis, struggling to think who we might sign who's sufficiently good to be worthwhile, but is going to happily sit and wait for their chance.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LukeJames on October 04, 2020, 12:05:57 PM

I cant see Rashica coming in unless El Ghazi goes

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on October 04, 2020, 12:13:50 PM

Wesley looked like what he was - a striker who was suddenly asked to adapt to having half the time and space on the ball that he was used to. I still think he can make that jump injury permitting as he did score and he did get on the end of chances but with the best will in the world he's not gonna be back till after Christmas and then its going to be starting from scratch again. There was funny meme doing the rounds when ManU bought VDB which had his (good) stats in Holland  last season compared with Mason Mount in Holland when he was 18 on loan and Mount blew him away. Such is the gap nowadays and Belgium is even worse.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on October 04, 2020, 12:40:31 PM

As we know though, Mason Mount blows everybody away. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on October 04, 2020, 12:50:11 PM

heh, still when Smith decided to bet the farm on a 23 year old striker with an average goalscoring record from Belgium, i thought it was a......erm bold move.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on October 04, 2020, 01:23:08 PM

Justin Kluivert going to RB Leipzig. Maybe we will go back for Rashica?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: johnny from donny on October 04, 2020, 01:39:33 PM

I think Rashica will be moving, just not to us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve kirk on October 04, 2020, 01:42:53 PM

Quote from: maidstonevillain on October 04, 2020, 11:26:55 AM

Quote from: Marlon From Bearwood on October 04, 2020, 07:56:50 AM

There’s certainly no guarantee Wesley will ever be anything like the same player again.

So there is some cause for optimism then.

That gave me smile

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve kirk on October 04, 2020, 01:43:48 PM

Quote from: Steve kirk on October 04, 2020, 01:42:53 PM

Quote from: maidstonevillain on October 04, 2020, 11:26:55 AM

Quote from: Marlon From Bearwood on October 04, 2020, 07:56:50 AM

There’s certainly no guarantee Wesley will ever be anything like the same player again.

So there is some cause for optimism then.

That gave me smile

Made me smile doh

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on October 04, 2020, 01:47:45 PM

Wes , like most players will be better in a better team 🤔

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: richtheholtender on October 04, 2020, 01:54:58 PM

Quote from: LeeB on October 03, 2020, 10:53:56 PM

Quote from: Hairbandinho on October 03, 2020, 09:41:15 PM

Some kosovan journalist has said Rashica isnt coming and will go to Leeds or Southampton

He's shit anyway then.

Said like a true Villa fan

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rooboy316 on October 04, 2020, 02:58:16 PM

Quote from: Mister E on October 04, 2020, 11:05:50 AM

Quote from: rooboy316 on October 04, 2020, 11:03:17 AM

Agree, but having spent 55 million on two strikers, I feel it’ll be a case of waiting and seeing how Wes comes back, before we act, as opposed to spending preemptively.
A utility forward who adds depth to the wingers might be a good compromise.

What? like King, you mean?

Not seen much of King to be honest, but my impression was that he’s primarily a striker who occasionally drifts wider. Would he start ahead of Trez on the wing, and then fill in for Ollie when required?

We potentially already have that player in Traore, mind.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on October 04, 2020, 03:08:21 PM

Quote from: Big Ming on October 04, 2020, 11:48:05 AM

VT (they that shall not be mentioned) have got Rashica 'on' again.

Zzzz!

I can't stand to read that site for more than 30 seconds these days.  Every other post is either a 'hilarious' gif, or a link to a tweet.  Terrible, it's worse to read than the Brum Clickbait site.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithe on October 04, 2020, 03:16:39 PM

Read a rumour that Spurs Sessignon maybe heading for Hoffenheim on loan. Always felt that would be a good player for us

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on October 04, 2020, 03:18:13 PM

Quote from: rooboy316 on October 04, 2020, 02:58:16 PM

Quote from: Mister E on October 04, 2020, 11:05:50 AM

Quote from: rooboy316 on October 04, 2020, 11:03:17 AM

Agree, but having spent 55 million on two strikers, I feel it’ll be a case of waiting and seeing how Wes comes back, before we act, as opposed to spending preemptively.
A utility forward who adds depth to the wingers might be a good compromise.

What? like King, you mean?

Not seen much of King to be honest, but my impression was that he’s primarily a striker who occasionally drifts wider. Would he start ahead of Trez on the wing, and then fill in for Ollie when required?

We potentially already have that player in Traore, mind.

King is capable of playing across the front three. Decent player but the fact Man United made a bid for him last Jan says more about their decline than how good he is. Traore is meant to be capable of playing centrally so I expect he is plan b if Watkins isn't firing.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: jwarry on October 04, 2020, 04:05:22 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on October 04, 2020, 03:18:13 PM

Quote from: rooboy316 on October 04, 2020, 02:58:16 PM

Quote from: Mister E on October 04, 2020, 11:05:50 AM

Quote from: rooboy316 on October 04, 2020, 11:03:17 AM

Agree, but having spent 55 million on two strikers, I feel it’ll be a case of waiting and seeing how Wes comes back, before we act, as opposed to spending preemptively.
A utility forward who adds depth to the wingers might be a good compromise.

What? like King, you mean?

Not seen much of King to be honest, but my impression was that he’s primarily a striker who occasionally drifts wider. Would he start ahead of Trez on the wing, and then fill in for Ollie when required?

We potentially already have that player in Traore, mind.

King is capable of playing across the front three. Decent player but the fact Man United made a bid for him last Jan says more about their decline than how good he is. Traore is meant to be capable of playing centrally so I expect he is plan b if Watkins isn't firing.

Especially as he came through their ranks!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Tebepaul on October 04, 2020, 04:36:24 PM

Sky Sports Germany is saying that Villa's discussions with Milot Rashica are in an advanced state.

There are still a few details to be sorted, they claim, but a deal is 'very likely' to be done before the deadline.

https://twitter.com/Sky_MaxB/status/1312773973000806401 (https://twitter.com/Sky_MaxB/status/1312773973000806401)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LukeJames on October 04, 2020, 04:39:33 PM

Fuck me, we've been in advanced talks for around a month now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on October 04, 2020, 04:41:30 PM

Quote from: Tebepaul on October 04, 2020, 04:36:24 PM

Sky Sports Germany is saying that Villa's discussions with Milot Rashica are in an advanced state.

There are still a few details to be sorted, they claim, but a deal is 'very likely' to be done before the deadline.

https://twitter.com/Sky_MaxB/status/1312773973000806401 (https://twitter.com/Sky_MaxB/status/1312773973000806401)

Is Sky Sports Germany any more reliable that Sky Sports here?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on October 04, 2020, 04:51:05 PM

Someone's buying Deano another present.

Something he's wanted for ages.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: jwarry on October 04, 2020, 04:59:06 PM

Bonus if they can pull this one off!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on October 04, 2020, 05:03:10 PM

Quote from: Big Ming on October 04, 2020, 04:41:30 PM

Quote from: Tebepaul on October 04, 2020, 04:36:24 PM

Sky Sports Germany is saying that Villa's discussions with Milot Rashica are in an advanced state.

There are still a few details to be sorted, they claim, but a deal is 'very likely' to be done before the deadline.

https://twitter.com/Sky_MaxB/status/1312773973000806401 (https://twitter.com/Sky_MaxB/status/1312773973000806401)

Is Sky Sports Germany any more reliable that Sky Sports here?

To be fair if Sky were reporting something with that tone here, I'd take it pretty much at face value. They stir up a lot of bollocks with the rumours stuff, but actually happening transfers aren't something the really fuck around on. No idea if the German edition is similar or better or worse, but lets hope for the best.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: richtheholtender on October 04, 2020, 05:10:38 PM

Could Luke Shaw be the answer to our left back problems?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on October 04, 2020, 05:10:57 PM

If we get this done it will some fucking boost. Tomorrow might be a bit fun

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dazvillain on October 04, 2020, 05:11:43 PM

Still not sure why we are trying to sign an attacking midfielder / winger .... it’s like last year , surely we need a quality no9 back up ? Tomorrow we’ll panic and buy this years equivalent of Borja bastion

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on October 04, 2020, 05:11:44 PM

Quote from: richtheholtender on October 04, 2020, 05:10:38 PM

Could Luke Shaw be the answer to our left back problems?

There aren't any problems.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: saunders_heroes on October 04, 2020, 05:13:24 PM

Quote from: Dazvillain on October 04, 2020, 05:11:43 PM

Still not sure why we are trying to sign an attacking midfielder / winger .... it’s like last year , surely we need a quality no9 back up ? Tomorrow we’ll panic and buy this years equivalent of Borja bastion

Hes wanted him right from the off, and who knows, we may have cover up top to come in as well.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on October 04, 2020, 05:16:16 PM

Rashica won’t happen tomorrow, another addition will plus one out.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: themossman on October 04, 2020, 05:18:05 PM

Do we need another 9? Davis, traore, wes to come back. And unlikely to play more than 1 striker.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 04, 2020, 05:18:42 PM

Yes. I like exciting players. Make it happen.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on October 04, 2020, 05:37:20 PM

Quote from: WilliamStanding on October 04, 2020, 05:16:16 PM

Rashica won’t happen tomorrow, another addition will plus one out.

Any evidence for this? Because my tea leaves beg to differ.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: exigo on October 04, 2020, 05:40:16 PM

Quote from: richtheholtender on October 04, 2020, 05:10:38 PM

Could Luke Shaw be the answer to our left back problems?

In that he'll make Targett and Taylor look a thousand times better. Yes.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: richtheholtender on October 04, 2020, 05:42:00 PM

Quote from: exigo on October 04, 2020, 05:40:16 PM

Quote from: richtheholtender on October 04, 2020, 05:10:38 PM

Could Luke Shaw be the answer to our left back problems?

In that he'll make Targett and Taylor look a thousand times better. Yes.

😂

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ads on October 04, 2020, 05:42:18 PM

Rashica deal close. - Nicolò Schira.

Now Sky Germany saying it too.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: themossman on October 04, 2020, 05:53:14 PM

If we get him, while there are still gaps and issues at squad level, that is a bloody good window. Especially when you factor in the players we’ve kept hold of.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on October 04, 2020, 05:56:31 PM

Multiple reports/multiple sources on Rashica......

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: richtheholtender on October 04, 2020, 05:58:37 PM

I think it’s our best ever transfer window if we get him. Our squad is also up to a point where it can be one in one out in future windows, which is always a good place to be.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Richard E on October 04, 2020, 06:05:06 PM

Most importantly, is it ‘Rasheeca’ or ‘Rashitska’?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on October 04, 2020, 06:06:08 PM

Quote from: Richard E on October 04, 2020, 06:05:06 PM

Most importantly, is it ‘Rasheeca’ or ‘Rashitska’?

Possibly Rashitsa?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Richard E on October 04, 2020, 06:07:44 PM

Quote from: Monty on October 04, 2020, 06:06:08 PM

Quote from: Richard E on October 04, 2020, 06:05:06 PM

Most importantly, is it ‘Rasheeca’ or ‘Rashitska’?

Possibly Rashitsa?

Yes, that makes more sense actually.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Tebepaul on October 04, 2020, 06:14:51 PM

Quote

Most importantly, is it ‘Rasheeca’ or ‘Rashitska’?

It's 'Mee-lot Ra-sheet-za', with the stress on the second syllable in both words. As always, Forvo is your friend.

https://forvo.com/word/milot_rashica/ (https://forvo.com/word/milot_rashica/) 

Use the Albanian pronunciation by envy06 at the bottom of the page, not the French one.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dazvillain on October 04, 2020, 06:24:10 PM

Quote from: saunders_heroes on October 04, 2020, 05:13:24 PM

Quote from: Dazvillain on October 04, 2020, 05:11:43 PM

Still not sure why we are trying to sign an attacking midfielder / winger .... it’s like last year , surely we need a quality no9 back up ? Tomorrow we’ll panic and buy this years equivalent of Borja bastion

Hes wanted him right from the off, and who knows, we may have cover up top to come in as well.

It’s been decent window anyway, but if ur right as we get rashica plus a9 backup   It’ll be the best window I can ever remember

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on October 04, 2020, 06:26:42 PM

Quote from: Big Ming on October 04, 2020, 11:48:05 AM

VT (they that shall not be mentioned) have got Rashica 'on' again.

Zzzz!

That thread is possibly the weirdest thing on the internet.

Middle aged men continuously posting memes with Kenneth Williams and the lad from South Park blowing his load. Bremen fans perusing that site must think Villa fans are, eh, special.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Chris_Jephcott on October 04, 2020, 06:35:18 PM

I’ve tried to remain balanced and reasonable...

But if we get Rashica, this is one hell of a summer of building. It could well be that we push into the top 10. How much was Jota on incidentally? By terminating his contract, we could probably afford Rashica’s wages without buffering our wage bill.

Barkley should provide some cover for the beleaguered Targett, but that’s now our weakest position.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on October 04, 2020, 07:02:13 PM

Quote from: Chris_Jephcott on October 04, 2020, 06:35:18 PM

I’ve tried to remain balanced and reasonable...

But if we get Rashica, this is one hell of a summer of building. It could well be that we push into the top 10. How much was Jota on incidentally? By terminating his contract, we could probably afford Rashica’s wages without buffering our wage bill.

Barkley should provide some cover for the beleaguered Targett, but that’s now our weakest position.

Whisper it, but we're starting to look like a club with some serious ambition.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on October 04, 2020, 07:03:42 PM

Rashica and Traore can both play as a central striker, so with Watkins and Davis, we probably are covered at 9.

But I refuse to believe Rashica is happening - he is the latest in a line of white whales for Villa.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Richard E on October 04, 2020, 08:04:01 PM

Rashica is currently crawling from Bremen on his hands and knees begging us to let him pay us to join after this first half performance.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Fred Crump on October 04, 2020, 08:09:40 PM

If we can keep a clean sheet for the second half and score 2 I will retire from watching football and die a happy man remembering the day Salford got toned by the same score as we beat the scousers. But as it’s Villa we will probably lose 4-5 and I will be condemned to watching us for another 30 years.
But seriously, that’s one of the best halves I’ve seen us play in the last two decades.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: nigel on October 04, 2020, 08:20:57 PM

Quote from: Monty on October 04, 2020, 06:06:08 PM

Quote from: Richard E on October 04, 2020, 06:05:06 PM

Most importantly, is it ‘Rasheeca’ or ‘Rashitska’?

Possibly Rashitsa?

Watching a tv clip it sounded like it was pronounced Rass-ee-cha

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on October 04, 2020, 09:21:02 PM

Quote from: Richard E on October 04, 2020, 08:04:01 PM

Rashica is currently crawling from Bremen on his hands and knees begging us to let him pay us to join after this first half performance.

"The Full Odemwingie"

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Tebepaul on October 04, 2020, 09:30:11 PM

The Kosovan journalist who has claimed to be in the know about the transfer isn't so sure about him joining us:

"It's still quite situation for Milot Rashica. There are no 'advanced negotiations' with Aston Villa. The deal can be done only if Villa agrees to pay the salary that Rashica is asking. Nothing new on that. It's more likely he'll stay Werder."

https://twitter.com/arlindsadiku89/status/1312833085617172483 (https://twitter.com/arlindsadiku89/status/1312833085617172483)

There's not been anything on the transfer from the usual Werder Bremen sources, but that may not mean anything.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Tebepaul on October 04, 2020, 09:44:25 PM

Heh!

"Dean Smith confirms Villa aren't in for Milot Rashica. Happy with squad and having Bertrand Traore as option. Says Villa are done, possible outgoings, though."

https://twitter.com/PreeceObserver/status/1312855237103886338 (https://twitter.com/PreeceObserver/status/1312855237103886338)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on October 04, 2020, 10:03:29 PM

That's too bad, but I wouldn't believe we are done. The window doesn't close for over two weeks and players will leave. There is still some serious talent out there domestically and I still think we will look to invest from a position of strength. It would be an opportunity missed if we didn't.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on October 04, 2020, 10:04:37 PM

Watching how important Watkins is to how we function now, not signing a good quality back up concerns me. He was bloody brilliant tonight.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: UK Redsox on October 04, 2020, 10:15:15 PM

Quote from: Richard E on October 04, 2020, 06:05:06 PM

Most importantly, is it ‘Rasheeca’ or ‘Rashitska’?

Clark

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Border villan on October 04, 2020, 10:20:28 PM

If only we could sign Mason Mount we might give someone a thrashing. Oh ......

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on October 05, 2020, 12:06:39 AM

Sir Dean mentioning Traore again gives a pretty good indication we're done upfront for now. Would still like a CB in if possible.

Have to say though after last season we're due some luck with no major injuries for next 3 months so we'll be alright if it's just niggles.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on October 05, 2020, 12:09:25 AM

Wesley might be closer than we all think too I guess. He is clearly in and around the squad now, and back in some form of training. If he is back late November for example, then we have 6-8 weeks to get through.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: tomd2103 on October 05, 2020, 12:21:01 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on October 05, 2020, 12:09:25 AM

Wesley might be closer than we all think too I guess. He is clearly in and around the squad now, and back in some form of training. If he is back late November for example, then we have 6-8 weeks to get through.

Saw some updates on the Birmingham Mail site the other day and it said that Heaton and Engels should be back after this international break, but Wesley hadn't started any kind of training yet and would more likely be out until Christmas or the New Year.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Havencheese on October 05, 2020, 05:00:11 AM

Must admit, I’m a little uneasy about the depth behind Mings and Konsa. Not sure how well Engels fits in even as backup after those injuries. Would’ve been relieved seeing a promising CB brought in but if Engles can come back into the fold, I’m okay with it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on October 05, 2020, 07:46:25 AM

Quote from: tomd2103 on October 05, 2020, 12:21:01 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on October 05, 2020, 12:09:25 AM

Wesley might be closer than we all think too I guess. He is clearly in and around the squad now, and back in some form of training. If he is back late November for example, then we have 6-8 weeks to get through.

Saw some updates on the Birmingham Mail site the other day and it said that Heaton and Engels should be back after this international break, but Wesley hadn't started any kind of training yet and would more likely be out until Christmas or the New Year.

In that case, we should be looking to get a forward in. We are actually in a position of strength, have come so far since lockdown started as a team, we need to ensure we don't let it slip away.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on October 05, 2020, 08:59:10 AM

One more in, one more in, one more in, one more in, one more in, please!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: frank black on October 05, 2020, 09:12:33 AM

This Rashica thing really never looked like happening did it. I think we signed Traore instead. I expect a quiet day today

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on October 05, 2020, 09:29:04 AM

Slightly worried that Liverpool will try to replace Gomez with Konsa at the end of this season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: frank black on October 05, 2020, 09:35:49 AM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on October 05, 2020, 09:29:04 AM

Slightly worried that Liverpool will try to replace Gomez with Konsa at the end of this season.

Nice worry to have

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on October 05, 2020, 09:37:16 AM

Quote from: frank black on October 05, 2020, 09:35:49 AM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on October 05, 2020, 09:29:04 AM

Slightly worried that Liverpool will try to replace Gomez with Konsa at the end of this season.

Nice worry to have

We will take 80 million of your English pounds for that please Liverpool.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WRVilla on October 05, 2020, 09:38:28 AM

That’s a reasonable worry to have, but we’ll just tell them to get stuffed so it’s fine!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Border villan on October 05, 2020, 09:39:54 AM

Quote from: Newby on October 05, 2020, 09:37:16 AM

Quote from: frank black on October 05, 2020, 09:35:49 AM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on October 05, 2020, 09:29:04 AM

Slightly worried that Liverpool will try to replace Gomez with Konsa at the end of this season.

Nice worry to have

We will take 80 million of your English pounds for that please Liverpool.

Only as good as McGuire? Don’t think so.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on October 05, 2020, 09:44:07 AM

Quote from: Border villan on October 05, 2020, 09:39:54 AM

Quote from: Newby on October 05, 2020, 09:37:16 AM

Quote from: frank black on October 05, 2020, 09:35:49 AM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on October 05, 2020, 09:29:04 AM

Slightly worried that Liverpool will try to replace Gomez with Konsa at the end of this season.

Nice worry to have

We will take 80 million of your English pounds for that please Liverpool.

Only as good as McGuire? Don’t think so.

Quite amusing after yesterday that Maguire and Gomez will probably both start for England against Belgium next week.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on October 05, 2020, 09:48:31 AM

Quote from: Dave on October 05, 2020, 09:44:07 AM

Quite amusing after yesterday that Maguire and Gomez will probably both start for England against Belgium next week.

Yes, that occurred to me.
Shockingly likely. southgate (always spelt with lower-case 's' because if he wants to be childish about Grealish we can be childish too!) claims to select on form but clearly doesn't.
Mings and Konsa would be a good selection!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: UK Redsox on October 05, 2020, 10:22:33 AM

Quote from: Dave on October 05, 2020, 09:44:07 AM

Quite amusing after yesterday that Maguire and Gomez will probably both start for England against Belgium next week.

Good...and hopefully they'll play just as badly :)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 05, 2020, 10:26:01 AM

Happy that Scotland kick off 15 minutes before England so should be able to see McGinn's full game and still turn over on time to the see the ten minutes or so that Southgate gives Grealish.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on October 05, 2020, 10:34:08 AM

Everton signing Godfrey from Norwich shows that the best time to strengthen is from a position at the top.  Really hope we do similar as we haven't got much strength in depth in important positions.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 05, 2020, 10:42:00 AM

Yeah I agree. The defence needs depth, but I fear we won’t do anything.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rob_bridge on October 05, 2020, 10:50:24 AM

We need a Left Back. Defo

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on October 05, 2020, 10:53:50 AM

Watching the game with no crowd noise yesterday really highlighted how vocal Mings is. If we lost him for a spell, we would lose his organisation too. We're still very vulnerable to injuries but then if we weren't, we would be in a position to challenge for Champions League.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Duncan Shaw on October 05, 2020, 10:59:45 AM

Quote from: rob_bridge on October 05, 2020, 10:50:24 AM

We need a Left Back. Defo

Sessignon gone to Hoffenheim on loan - strange one that!  Nowt wrong with how Targett played yesterday mind!!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: UK Redsox on October 05, 2020, 11:08:50 AM

Another centre half or a resolution to whatever's going on with Engels is needed

An experienced centre forward, who's prepared to be a backup would be nice, but I've no ideas.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on October 05, 2020, 11:12:30 AM

I can't see us bringing anyone in unless we shift a few more as the squad is still too big.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: UK Redsox on October 05, 2020, 11:15:03 AM

I wonder if any consideration has been given to converting Kalinic or Nyland to play centre back ? ;)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on October 05, 2020, 11:16:52 AM

Quote from: Risso on October 05, 2020, 10:34:08 AM

Everton signing Godfrey from Norwich shows that the best time to strengthen is from a position at the top.  Really hope we do similar as we haven't got much strength in depth in important positions.

£10m* for a CB with EPL experience - not a bad deal for the bluescouse.




*EDIT: Hmmm - £10m reported in the gRauniad; £25m on the Beeb !!!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on October 05, 2020, 11:20:18 AM

I have a feeling Smith will surprise and delight us with a deal at the last minute. But if he can't arrange a loan for Davis, I'll settle for a striker or centre half in.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on October 05, 2020, 11:34:28 AM

Quote from: UK Redsox on October 05, 2020, 11:08:50 AM

Another centre half or a resolution to whatever's going on with Engels is needed

An experienced centre forward, who's prepared to be a backup would be nice, but I've no ideas.

Smith has said all along that Engels is injured and the latest is that he's expected to return after the break, I see no reason to not believe that.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on October 05, 2020, 11:42:57 AM

Quote from: paul_e on October 05, 2020, 11:34:28 AM

Quote from: UK Redsox on October 05, 2020, 11:08:50 AM

Another centre half or a resolution to whatever's going on with Engels is needed

An experienced centre forward, who's prepared to be a backup would be nice, but I've no ideas.

Smith has said all along that Engels is injured and the latest is that he's expected to return after the break, I see no reason to not believe that.

God knows what's happened with Engels - he seems to have been out forever and nobody can ever remember him getting injured. It looks like Deano has decided that he can busk it with Hause & Elmo in emergencies until January. Up front is similar; Watkins, Traore and Davis until the Return of the Wes.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: tomd2103 on October 05, 2020, 11:49:20 AM

I think a centre forward is the priority if we can bring another one in and King from Bournemouth would be ideal really. There are obviously other areas that need strengthening, but we can only do so much in one window.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Marlon From Bearwood on October 05, 2020, 12:10:20 PM

Sevilla and Fiorentina are in for Josh King.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: JJ-AV on October 05, 2020, 12:15:48 PM

Tuanzebe on loan seems logical

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulTheVillan on October 05, 2020, 12:17:00 PM

Balotelli could be heading to Watford. Unreal.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on October 05, 2020, 12:18:18 PM

Quote from: Duncan Shaw on October 05, 2020, 10:59:45 AM

Quote from: rob_bridge on October 05, 2020, 10:50:24 AM

We need a Left Back. Defo

Sessignon gone to Hoffenheim on loan - strange one that!  Nowt wrong with how Targett played yesterday mind!!

Seems poor taste to criticise any player after last night but Targett was ball watching (and missed a challenge) when Salah stole in at the back post for their first goal.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: London Villan on October 05, 2020, 12:18:52 PM

Tuanzebe would cover 3 positions

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on October 05, 2020, 12:20:10 PM

Quote from: London Villan on October 05, 2020, 12:18:52 PM

Tuanzebe would cover 3 positions

if fit.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on October 05, 2020, 12:58:48 PM

Quote from: eamonn on October 05, 2020, 12:18:18 PM

Quote from: Duncan Shaw on October 05, 2020, 10:59:45 AM

Quote from: rob_bridge on October 05, 2020, 10:50:24 AM

We need a Left Back. Defo

Sessignon gone to Hoffenheim on loan - strange one that!  Nowt wrong with how Targett played yesterday mind!!

Seems poor taste to criticise any player after last night but Targett was ball watching (and missed a challenge) when Salah stole in at the back post for their first goal.

And Mings should have done much better for their second.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Hairbandinho on October 05, 2020, 12:58:57 PM

Quote from: London Villan on October 05, 2020, 12:18:52 PM

Tuanzebe would cover 3 positions

The problem is one of those would be the treatment table

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithe on October 05, 2020, 01:00:22 PM

Quote from: Risso on October 05, 2020, 12:58:48 PM

Quote from: eamonn on October 05, 2020, 12:18:18 PM

Quote from: Duncan Shaw on October 05, 2020, 10:59:45 AM

Quote from: rob_bridge on October 05, 2020, 10:50:24 AM

We need a Left Back. Defo

Sessignon gone to Hoffenheim on loan - strange one that!  Nowt wrong with how Targett played yesterday mind!!

Seems poor taste to criticise any player after last night but Targett was ball watching (and missed a challenge) when Salah stole in at the back post for their first goal.

And Mings should have done much better for their second.

A little harsh, that was exceptional movement from Salah and the weight of the pass into his stride to find him was top drawer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on October 05, 2020, 01:01:02 PM

Quote from: Risso on October 05, 2020, 12:58:48 PM

And Mings should have done much better for their second.

I thought that, seemed he should have been tighter to Salah.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: UK Redsox on October 05, 2020, 01:03:59 PM

Salah is in the top half dozen players in the world. He's going to get away from far better players than Mings and Targett

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on October 05, 2020, 01:05:10 PM

Their first goal started with Cash losing it on the right, when you watch it back.  Still, these are only minor criticisms.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on October 05, 2020, 01:06:16 PM

Quote from: OCD on October 05, 2020, 10:53:50 AM

Watching the game with no crowd noise yesterday really highlighted how vocal Mings is. If we lost him for a spell, we would lose his organisation too. We're still very vulnerable to injuries but then if we weren't, we would be in a position to challenge for Champions League.

Yeah that's the thing for me although Martinez is very vocal aswell although only so much a keeper can do when the defence is 40 yards infront of him.

Last season is still a warning. We weren't amazing defensively up to December but weren't letting in a huge amount. Then he got injured v Leicester, they rattled in 4 and we looked a mess at the back against Southampton and Watford over xmas. Even the Norwich clean sheet we could've easily conceded 2-3. Then Mings came back at Burnley and we instantly looked more solid.

As brilliant as Konsa has been last 4 months I think it's too early to expect him to be the lead CB, directing and telling Hause/Engels when to push up or drop deep. We've got the balance spot on now.

The fact that our actual back up CBs are both injured currently should mean we dip into market last minute.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on October 05, 2020, 01:06:28 PM

Quote from: UK Redsox on October 05, 2020, 01:03:59 PM

Salah is in the top half dozen players in the world. He's going to get away from far better players than Mings and Targett

12th best player on the pitch last night.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Baldy on October 05, 2020, 01:08:54 PM

We might want to keep some money in the Bank for now. Barkley is only on loan and if he keeps up this form a massive offer will be required to get him from Chelski. Also, with the progress he has made, Luiz might need a lucrative offer to keep City's maulers off him.

For now, Lansbury and one goalie out and possibly one loan in if Dean deems it necessary.

I really rate Elmohamady. If need be and as a last resort think he could do a job for us anywhere along the back line on a temporary basis. Hopefully, wont be needed but re-assuring to know he is there.  :)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on October 05, 2020, 01:09:20 PM

Mane is a better player all round player than Salah imo. As soon as I saw he was injured instantly became more confident about getting a result and so did the team by what we saw.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on October 05, 2020, 01:09:50 PM

Targett is unlucky with the ricochet for the first. Mings is trying to cover the way Salah bends the ball to the left from that position, but goes too far and shows him the channel to the near post.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on October 05, 2020, 01:10:25 PM

Actually, I wonder if it's worth putting in a bid for Salah or Mane, i'm sure they could do a job as cover for our first team.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on October 05, 2020, 01:10:45 PM

Today’s window won’t be the issue. But I hope we get rid of a few and bring in at least one more by the 16th. Reinforce from a position of strength.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on October 05, 2020, 01:14:03 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on October 05, 2020, 01:10:45 PM

Today’s window won’t be the issue. But I hope we get rid of a few and bring in at least one more by the 16th. Reinforce from a position of strength.

That's a good point actually. Weren't we linked with Mepham from Bournemouth a few weeks back? DS managed him at Brentford and he's a Welsh international. Was injured a fair bit last season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: saunders_heroes on October 05, 2020, 01:15:00 PM

Isn’t the 16th the deadline for lower league clubs?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 05, 2020, 01:16:14 PM

Quote from: PeterWithesShin on October 05, 2020, 01:06:28 PM

Quote from: UK Redsox on October 05, 2020, 01:03:59 PM

Salah is in the top half dozen players in the world. He's going to get away from far better players than Mings and Targett

12th best player on the pitch last night.

15th behind Elmo, Plastic and Marvelous, for me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on October 05, 2020, 01:16:22 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on October 05, 2020, 11:42:57 AM

Quote from: paul_e on October 05, 2020, 11:34:28 AM

Quote from: UK Redsox on October 05, 2020, 11:08:50 AM

Another centre half or a resolution to whatever's going on with Engels is needed

An experienced centre forward, who's prepared to be a backup would be nice, but I've no ideas.

Smith has said all along that Engels is injured and the latest is that he's expected to return after the break, I see no reason to not believe that.

God knows what's happened with Engels - he seems to have been out forever and nobody can ever remember him getting injured. It looks like Deano has decided that he can busk it with Hause & Elmo in emergencies until January. Up front is similar; Watkins, Traore and Davis until the Return of the Wes.

Did we ever find out which 2 players it was that Smith said might have to isolate? Could it be that Engels was one of them? Smith never said a word about him during the restart but this season he's mentioned a thigh injury a few times.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on October 05, 2020, 01:16:37 PM

Quote from: saunders_heroes on October 05, 2020, 01:15:00 PM

Isn’t the 16th the deadline for lower league clubs?

Domestic, so we can still buy from the Championship.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on October 05, 2020, 01:17:05 PM

Quote from: PeterWithesShin on October 05, 2020, 01:06:28 PM

Quote from: UK Redsox on October 05, 2020, 01:03:59 PM

Salah is in the top half dozen players in the world. He's going to get away from far better players than Mings and Targett

12th best player on the pitch last night.

Not even the best Egyptian.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on October 05, 2020, 01:18:11 PM

Not even the second-best Egyptian.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on October 05, 2020, 01:19:56 PM

Depending of fitness of Wesley and Engels - we may need cover in attack and defence

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VinnieChase84 on October 05, 2020, 01:23:01 PM

I don’t think we will do anything today

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on October 05, 2020, 01:23:30 PM

Quote from: VinnieChase84 on October 05, 2020, 01:23:01 PM

I don’t think we will do anything today

nah neither do I.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on October 05, 2020, 01:25:44 PM

Neither do I. They made a point about the wages thing before we made the signings we have. You'd think Barkley's wages would have removed any remaining room. And I can't see us offloading the likes of Lansbury - just not worth their while to move.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on October 05, 2020, 01:25:52 PM

I think it's harsh to put any blame on Targett for the first, he did the right thing in putting in a challenge on Kaita and he just got really unlucky with the way the ball squirmed through to Salah and then it was a brilliant finish. My bigger concern was that Cash let himself get drawn a long way out of position, even if he hadn't slipped/fallen there was a lot of space in behind him.

I can understand the criticism of Mings more but I think that's pretty harsh as well.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Hairbandinho on October 05, 2020, 01:27:56 PM

No incomings today probably. Maybe some outgoings. Would be nice to get some keepers gone permanently but may be difficult?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on October 05, 2020, 01:31:45 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on October 05, 2020, 01:01:02 PM

Quote from: Risso on October 05, 2020, 12:58:48 PM

And Mings should have done much better for their second.

I thought that, seemed he should have been tighter to Salah.

I disagree with both of you.  He received the ball in-between Targett and Mings.  Liverpool do this deliberately, playing between the lines.  Very clever forward play.  Mings goes further left, we leave a hug gap down the centre and Liverpool are good enough to exploit it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on October 05, 2020, 01:32:33 PM

There was also a momentary lapse in discipline from Luiz, he let himself get drawn towards the breakdown when Cash slipped even though there was nothing he could do and he was instantly out of the game.

Remember the days when a list of dropped bollocks in a game would be as long as your arm!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on October 05, 2020, 01:39:52 PM

Rashica signed yet ?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rob_bridge on October 05, 2020, 01:46:17 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on October 05, 2020, 01:09:20 PM

Mane is a better player all round player than Salah imo. As soon as I saw he was injured instantly became more confident about getting a result and so did the team by what we saw.

Agree - overall Mane is better. Salah is brilliant at leading the line but Mane better overall game.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on October 05, 2020, 02:42:37 PM

Quote from: Risso on October 05, 2020, 01:05:10 PM

Their first goal started with Cash losing it on the right, when you watch it back.  Still, these are only minor criticisms.

Thought Cash was very poor in the first half, was his poor pass that caused the second too. Think both of our full backs are struggling to make decisions to stay closer to the centre backs or go to the attacker. Second half Trez worked a lot harder to help Cash out.

Luiz is struggling in the holding role too, if we do anything today an upgrade on Nakamba would be great.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: tomd2103 on October 05, 2020, 02:45:19 PM

Quote from: paul_e on October 05, 2020, 01:25:52 PM

I think it's harsh to put any blame on Targett for the first, he did the right thing in putting in a challenge on Kaita and he just got really unlucky with the way the ball squirmed through to Salah and then it was a brilliant finish. My bigger concern was that Cash let himself get drawn a long way out of position, even if he hadn't slipped/fallen there was a lot of space in behind him.

I can understand the criticism of Mings more but I think that's pretty harsh as well.

Agree Paul, don't think there was too much Targett could have done about the first goal really.  Just before that though, he got caught out with someone getting in behind him like he did for the penalty he gave away against Sheff Utd. 

Overall though, thought he had a decent enough game last night.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on October 05, 2020, 02:46:32 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on October 05, 2020, 02:42:37 PM

Luiz is struggling in the holding role too

Yeah, our midfield is being overrun.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: tomd2103 on October 05, 2020, 02:48:31 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on October 05, 2020, 02:42:37 PM

Quote from: Risso on October 05, 2020, 01:05:10 PM

Their first goal started with Cash losing it on the right, when you watch it back.  Still, these are only minor criticisms.

Thought Cash was very poor in the first half, was his poor pass that caused the second too. Think both of our full backs are struggling to make decisions to stay closer to the centre backs or go to the attacker. Second half Trez worked a lot harder to help Cash out.

Luiz is struggling in the holding role too, if we do anything today an upgrade on Nakamba would be great.

Very poor is a bit harsh as he really had his work cut out in that first half.  Jota was tucking inside and Robertson was pushed right on so he was often left with a dilemma of who to mark, as Trezeguet wasn't getting back every time. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: leylandalbion on October 05, 2020, 02:51:10 PM

Quote from: Dave on October 05, 2020, 02:46:32 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on October 05, 2020, 02:42:37 PM

Luiz is struggling in the holding role too

Yeah, our midfield is being overrun.

And while we're at it surely we need a striker who's capable of getting more an a paltry 3 against the world champions...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on October 05, 2020, 03:42:14 PM

Heh. Poor ManU. Like they've just remembered its the wedding anniversary tomorrow, can't get the big gift the wife wants, so are now buying loads of little gifts to soften the blow.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on October 05, 2020, 03:47:44 PM

Has anyone checked on Small Heath Alliance to see how they are doing?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave P on October 05, 2020, 03:48:51 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on October 05, 2020, 01:18:11 PM

Not even the second-best Egyptian.

Has anyone checked on Egypitian twitter?  Bet that is quite fun.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: robleflaneur on October 05, 2020, 03:54:54 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on October 05, 2020, 02:42:37 PM

Quote from: Risso on October 05, 2020, 01:05:10 PM

Their first goal started with Cash losing it on the right, when you watch it back.  Still, these are only minor criticisms.

Thought Cash was very poor in the first half, was his poor pass that caused the second too. Think both of our full backs are struggling to make decisions to stay closer to the centre backs or go to the attacker. Second half Trez worked a lot harder to help Cash out.

Luiz is struggling in the holding role too, if we do anything today an upgrade on Nakamba would be great.

Very harsh.Luiz and Cash put in better performances than Fabinho and Alexander-Arnold.Upgrade on Taylor please.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on October 05, 2020, 04:17:49 PM

Bronte, are you ever fully satisfied with a Villa win/performance?! Last night's game was a Halley's Comet moment.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ian. on October 05, 2020, 04:35:08 PM

Crikey. I know at times Liverpool passed it around very very well, at times they looked liked scoring and did grab a couple. Not really surprising though, they are quite a good team (;)) and I never felt we were safe until the sixth goal.


As for Cash, considering who he was up against I thought he fought so hard and handled it very well. They did get the better of him a few times, but again quite understandable.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on October 05, 2020, 04:39:40 PM

Apparently Rashica has signed for Leverkusen for 18m.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on October 05, 2020, 04:41:33 PM

Quote from: eamonn on October 05, 2020, 04:17:49 PM

Bronte, are you ever fully satisfied with a Villa win/performance?! Last night's game was a Halley's Comet moment.

I'm a contrary sort, mate. It still hasn't really sunk in what we did to Liverpool's defence last night. But I do think once the dust has settled, there are valid question marks over our defence.

The only one of our back 5 or 6 (including Luiz as holding midfielder), that truly impressed me last night was Konsa to be honest. Our keeper nearly did an Adrian at one stage. Cash couldn't cope with Jota first half and was arguably at fault for two goals with unforced errors. Mings inability to clear the ball with his right foot was maddening and was piss poor for their second. Targett was better for sure but let Salah in behind him far too easily in the first half that they really should have scored from.

Then at the far end, well the far end was good 😄

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on October 05, 2020, 04:41:55 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on October 05, 2020, 04:39:40 PM

Apparently Rashica has signed for Leverkusen for 18m.

He's shit anyway.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on October 05, 2020, 04:43:00 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on October 05, 2020, 04:39:40 PM

Apparently Rashica has signed for Leverkusen for 18m.

Fuck him, only a squad player anyway at our level.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: richtheholtender on October 05, 2020, 04:47:53 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on October 05, 2020, 04:41:33 PM

Quote from: eamonn on October 05, 2020, 04:17:49 PM

Bronte, are you ever fully satisfied with a Villa win/performance?! Last night's game was a Halley's Comet moment.

I'm a contrary sort, mate. It still hasn't really sunk in what we did to Liverpool's defence last night. But I do think once the dust has settled, there are valid question marks over our defence.

The only one of our back 5 or 6 (including Luiz as holding midfielder), that truly impressed me last night was Konsa to be honest. Our keeper nearly did an Adrian at one stage. Cash couldn't cope with Jota first half and was arguably at fault for two goals with unforced errors. Mings inability to clear the ball with his right foot was maddening and was piss poor for their second. Targett was better for sure but let Salah in behind him far too easily in the first half that they really should have scored from.

Then at the far end, well the far end was good 😄

I am with you on the Cash opinion. I think cash is better going forward, I think in general he is a better overall player but when it comes to defending I think Gilbert pips him for me. On the limited time I have see. I hasten to add.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on October 05, 2020, 04:50:41 PM

meh. We have our quota of players with punchable faces.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithe on October 05, 2020, 05:13:14 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on October 05, 2020, 04:39:40 PM

Apparently Rashica has signed for Leverkusen for 18m.

That was a strange one, seemed to be news on us being interested for most of the window but whether there was anything in it, who knows? I'd never heard of him or seen him play but I was thoroughly fed up with him by the end of it all.

We could have done with another winger though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Chris_Jephcott on October 05, 2020, 05:50:15 PM

Say what you want to but at least Rashica is comedy gold.

This is all here say but his move to Leverkusen has fallen through as the documents (including the signed contract!) didn’t arrive before the 6pm German deadline.

I reckon he needs a comedy show. And better advisors. And a better agent.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on October 05, 2020, 05:53:36 PM

What time does the window "slam shut" here?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on October 05, 2020, 05:54:17 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on October 05, 2020, 04:41:33 PM

Quote from: eamonn on October 05, 2020, 04:17:49 PM

Bronte, are you ever fully satisfied with a Villa win/performance?! Last night's game was a Halley's Comet moment.

I'm a contrary sort, mate. It still hasn't really sunk in what we did to Liverpool's defence last night. But I do think once the dust has settled, there are valid question marks over our defence.

The only one of our back 5 or 6 (including Luiz as holding midfielder), that truly impressed me last night was Konsa to be honest. Our keeper nearly did an Adrian at one stage. Cash couldn't cope with Jota first half and was arguably at fault for two goals with unforced errors. Mings inability to clear the ball with his right foot was maddening and was piss poor for their second. Targett was better for sure but let Salah in behind him far too easily in the first half that they really should have scored from.

Then at the far end, well the far end was good 😄

I usually agree with most of the stuff you write, but that is an unbelievably harsh assessment. Even without Mane, their frontline is world class, not just good but world class, their full backs too are world class. Other than Salah, Robertson was probably their best player last night and cash limited his contribution significantly, on only his 3rd game as a premier league player. I thought Mings should of done better with Salahs 2nd, give your that. But this is not one of the best English champions in recent memory on a downwards slide pre game, we demolished a side who started the season as they ended the last one. And in the second half apart from their second goal, I cannot remember chance for them, that doesn’t happen by accident.
Simply apart from the odd blip, the most complete performance I have probably ever witnessed from the villa, given who the opposition were.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Richard E on October 05, 2020, 06:18:54 PM

As Jack lays on the winner for Ollie in the 2022 Champions League Final, Milot will be sat in his flat in Bremen watching on telly, and thinking ruefully to himself ‘I could have been part of that.’

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LukeJames on October 05, 2020, 06:21:45 PM

Loan Rashica in, give him a 7 month trial in order to impress us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Small Rodent on October 05, 2020, 06:22:12 PM

I’m still annoyed we never signed Haim Revivo all those years ago.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brian green on October 05, 2020, 06:49:22 PM

Revivo was shoe polish wasn't it?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Border villan on October 05, 2020, 07:01:55 PM

Just reading the label on an old tin and it specifically says not to use on your Haim.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on October 05, 2020, 07:27:23 PM

Quote from: LukeJames on October 05, 2020, 06:21:45 PM

Loan Rashica in, give him a 7 month trial in order to impress us.

that’s a great idea, I hope our recruitment team are as savvy and not too hungover from yesterday.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on October 05, 2020, 07:31:14 PM

Quote from: Monty on October 04, 2020, 05:37:20 PM

Quote from: WilliamStanding on October 04, 2020, 05:16:16 PM

Rashica won’t happen tomorrow

Any evidence for this? Because my tea leaves beg to differ.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on October 05, 2020, 07:59:55 PM

Quote from: Small Rodent on October 05, 2020, 06:22:12 PM

I’m still annoyed we never signed Haim Revivo all those years ago.

Tell me about it. I still follow Celta because of him and what he did to us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SaddVillan on October 05, 2020, 08:17:49 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on October 05, 2020, 04:39:40 PM

Apparently Rashica has signed for Leverkusen for 18m.

The deal's apparently fallen through - ran out of time - German efficiency eh!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Tebepaul on October 05, 2020, 08:28:48 PM

Rashica's move to Leverkusen failed because Bayer and Werder had different views on the option to buy clause in the deal. Leverkusen only expressed an interest in the player today, and despite robust negotiations this afternoon there wasn't enough time for the two clubs to reach an agreement.

Nothing to do with a lack of German efficiency.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on October 05, 2020, 08:30:00 PM

looks like Fred might be on the move - he's in London, apparently.. Fulham?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on October 05, 2020, 08:31:07 PM

Quote from: mr underhill on October 05, 2020, 08:30:00 PM

looks like Fred might be on the move - he's in London, apparently.. Fulham?

Quick hop on the eurostar to Lens or wherever.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithe on October 05, 2020, 08:46:18 PM

Watching a German game and there is forward called Dursun at Dalmstadt who looks handy, leads the line well and gets plenty of shots away.

I'm marking him down for the man-bun mind. And it might be tricky to get him in this window as he'll be playing for the next half hour.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithe on October 05, 2020, 08:51:09 PM

There isn't a lot for Sky Sports News to get excited about today is there?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on October 05, 2020, 08:51:40 PM

Dead as a dodo init. Only plausible rumour I've heard today is we've turned down an approach for Davis from Arsenal to replace Gunnersaurus.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithe on October 05, 2020, 08:53:11 PM

They should get Ozil to do it, he's at a bit of a loose end on a Saturday afternoon at present.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on October 05, 2020, 08:57:05 PM

Quote from: PeterWithe on October 05, 2020, 08:51:09 PM

There isn't a lot for Sky Sports News to get excited about today is there?

Imagine they'll spend 5 hours talking about how Manure never wanted Sancho in the first place

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on October 05, 2020, 08:57:34 PM

Heard they're going with Wiltshire now west ham have binned him. All I wanted was a back-up striker  :'(

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 05, 2020, 08:58:40 PM

Wesley was in the dressing room last night, assume he is nowhere near recovery?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on October 05, 2020, 09:02:11 PM

Someone said on here he hadn't started any training at all yet, so probably not.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Border villan on October 05, 2020, 09:02:20 PM

Wiltshire has left Wet Spam by “mutual agreement”.
Don’t let anyone even consider him for a moment.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on October 05, 2020, 09:06:38 PM

Quote from: Border villan on October 05, 2020, 09:02:20 PM

Wiltshire has left Wet Spam by “mutual agreement”.
Don’t let anyone even consider him for a moment.

I can see somebody like West Ham going in for him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 05, 2020, 09:06:39 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on October 05, 2020, 09:02:11 PM

Someone said on here he hadn't started any training at all yet, so probably not.

Ah, thanks. Never mind.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on October 05, 2020, 09:07:41 PM

Quote from: Border villan on October 05, 2020, 09:02:20 PM

Wiltshire has left Wet Spam by “mutual agreement”.
Don’t let anyone even consider him for a moment.

I do feel for the lad, he looked a serious player but he's made of glass. He's never going to hungry but still it must be horrible for him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 05, 2020, 09:10:52 PM

Should sign for Swindon. They've basically named the county after him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Border villan on October 05, 2020, 09:15:47 PM

He won’t leave the grim south.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Duncan Shaw on October 05, 2020, 09:19:11 PM

Quote from: SoccerHQ on October 05, 2020, 08:31:07 PM

Quote from: mr underhill on October 05, 2020, 08:30:00 PM

looks like Fred might be on the move - he's in London, apparently.. Fulham?

Quick hop on the eurostar to Lens or wherever.

This I don't wanna see.....

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on October 05, 2020, 09:28:06 PM

Quote from: LeeB on October 05, 2020, 09:07:41 PM

Quote from: Border villan on October 05, 2020, 09:02:20 PM

Wiltshire has left Wet Spam by “mutual agreement”.
Don’t let anyone even consider him for a moment.

I do feel for the lad, he looked a serious player but he's made of glass. He's never going to hungry but still it must be horrible for him.

I've never seen it, he's a tidy enough player but he never looked to have anything to set him apart and physically he was a long way from suitable to play in the premier league.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Border villan on October 05, 2020, 09:31:23 PM

Quote from: paul_e on October 05, 2020, 09:28:06 PM

Quote from: LeeB on October 05, 2020, 09:07:41 PM

Quote from: Border villan on October 05, 2020, 09:02:20 PM

Wiltshire has left Wet Spam by “mutual agreement”.
Don’t let anyone even consider him for a moment.

I do feel for the lad, he looked a serious player but he's made of glass. He's never going to hungry but still it must be horrible for him.

I've never seen it, he's a tidy enough player but he never looked to have anything to set him apart and physically he was a long way from suitable to play in the premier league.

Another one who was a favourite with a England managers. He only had to hint he was fit and he was in the squad.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Matt C on October 05, 2020, 09:31:57 PM

Nyland contract terminated

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithe on October 05, 2020, 09:34:47 PM

Quote from: Matt C on October 05, 2020, 09:31:57 PM

Nyland contract terminated

Blimey. Didn't see that coming, I suppose circumstances dicate that the clubs for whom he's most suited just cant afford a transfer fee.

Strange period for him here, went from abysmal to decent and back to questionable.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on October 05, 2020, 09:35:20 PM

Quote from: Border villan on October 05, 2020, 09:31:23 PM

Quote from: paul_e on October 05, 2020, 09:28:06 PM

Quote from: LeeB on October 05, 2020, 09:07:41 PM

Quote from: Border villan on October 05, 2020, 09:02:20 PM

Wiltshire has left Wet Spam by “mutual agreement”.
Don’t let anyone even consider him for a moment.

I do feel for the lad, he looked a serious player but he's made of glass. He's never going to hungry but still it must be horrible for him.

I've never seen it, he's a tidy enough player but he never looked to have anything to set him apart and physically he was a long way from suitable to play in the premier league.

Another one who was a favourite with a England managers. He only had to hint he was fit and he was in the squad.

Euro 2016 being a perfect example. It shows how entitled he was that two years later he had a good moan on twitter when Southgate didn't pick him for the World Cup.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: London Villan on October 05, 2020, 09:37:22 PM

Remember wilshire squaring up to petrov during houliers last game. Stan just laughed at him as we bossed the midfield and won.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on October 05, 2020, 09:40:43 PM

Another baffling Bruce buy. oh well.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on October 05, 2020, 09:42:52 PM

Quote from: danno on October 05, 2020, 09:35:20 PM

Quote from: Border villan on October 05, 2020, 09:31:23 PM

Quote from: paul_e on October 05, 2020, 09:28:06 PM

Quote from: LeeB on October 05, 2020, 09:07:41 PM

Quote from: Border villan on October 05, 2020, 09:02:20 PM

Wiltshire has left Wet Spam by “mutual agreement”.
Don’t let anyone even consider him for a moment.

I do feel for the lad, he looked a serious player but he's made of glass. He's never going to hungry but still it must be horrible for him.

I've never seen it, he's a tidy enough player but he never looked to have anything to set him apart and physically he was a long way from suitable to play in the premier league.

Another one who was a favourite with a England managers. He only had to hint he was fit and he was in the squad.

Euro 2016 being a perfect example. It shows how entitled he was that two years later he had a good moan on twitter when Southgate didn't pick him for the World Cup.

Hodgson brought him on at half time v Iceland to turn things around. He hardly got a kick and any remaining hype about him was firmly extinguished that day.

Wilshere certainly had ability but never backed it up with consistently performances. Injuries of course played a huge role but don't think his off field antics helped.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on October 05, 2020, 09:45:50 PM

I never had any faith in Nyland, ever.  Feels completely different with Martinez in goal. Good luck though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on October 05, 2020, 09:46:40 PM

Under Steve Round, we were very interested in Jack Wilshere had we stayed up.  Him an Fellaini apparently.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on October 05, 2020, 09:50:02 PM

Quote from: Newby on October 05, 2020, 09:46:40 PM

Under Steve Round, we were very interested in Jack Wilshere had we stayed up.  Him an Fellaini apparently.

Blimey that's a scary parallel universe.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on October 05, 2020, 09:52:10 PM

I can almost ( if I squint a bit ) see him going to Newcastle.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: enigma on October 05, 2020, 10:07:47 PM

Someone like QPR will take him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 05, 2020, 10:18:37 PM

Fulham, I reckon. Presumably he can sign for anyone when he likes as he is a free agent? Although they would have to have a spare squad space for him. Same with Nyland.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on October 05, 2020, 10:20:49 PM

I think that as they left during the window Wilshere and Nyland can sign for anyone at any time as they are now free agents, like when we signed Pires.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on October 05, 2020, 10:27:02 PM

Wilshere saying he's fit and could have been playing, but West Ham just haven't been picking him.  Good player when he feels like it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on October 05, 2020, 10:33:32 PM

Jack Wheelchair, as USSoccerGuy calls him.

Ha ha.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on October 05, 2020, 10:34:05 PM

There was a funny quote from Richards talking about wiltshire on the BBC site where he said there was times under Dean where he was fit to play, but not fit to the level Dean wanted.

No micah I think he was just letting you down gently...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on October 05, 2020, 10:36:31 PM

Was watching stuff on youtube and 'up next' was Sky Sports live. Very funny watching them try and make 3 transfers sound exciting "it's hotting up, it's all happening now". No it isn't, there's been a loan, a free transfer and Leeds have signed someone nobody has ever heard of. Sky wankers.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rory on October 05, 2020, 10:36:44 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on October 05, 2020, 09:50:02 PM

Quote from: Newby on October 05, 2020, 09:46:40 PM

Under Steve Round, we were very interested in Jack Wilshere had we stayed up.  Him an Fellaini apparently.

Blimey that's a scary parallel universe.

Christ almighty, scary indeed!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rory on October 05, 2020, 10:37:59 PM

Quote from: PeterWithesShin on October 05, 2020, 10:36:31 PM

Was watching stuff on youtube and 'up next' was Sky Sports live. Very funny watching them try and make 3 transfers sound exciting "it's hotting up, it's all happening now". No it isn't, there's been a loan, a free transfer and Leeds have signed someone nobody has ever heard of. Sky wankers.

When was the last genuinely big transfer deadline day? The last I remember was when Carrol went to Liverpool. Admittedly I haven't followed any for years.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: enigma on October 05, 2020, 10:42:03 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on October 05, 2020, 10:18:37 PM

Fulham, I reckon. Presumably he can sign for anyone when he likes as he is a free agent? Although they would have to have a spare squad space for him. Same with Nyland.

looks like They're getting Loftus Cheek. One injury prone midfielder is enough surely?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on October 05, 2020, 10:42:46 PM

Quote from: Rory Christopher on October 05, 2020, 10:37:59 PM

Quote from: PeterWithesShin on October 05, 2020, 10:36:31 PM

Was watching stuff on youtube and 'up next' was Sky Sports live. Very funny watching them try and make 3 transfers sound exciting "it's hotting up, it's all happening now". No it isn't, there's been a loan, a free transfer and Leeds have signed someone nobody has ever heard of. Sky wankers.

When was the last genuinely big transfer deadline day? The last I remember was when Carrol went to Liverpool. Admittedly I haven't followed any for years.

You're right mate.  The biggest deal today is some washed up 33 year old guy who needs a hair cut.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on October 05, 2020, 10:43:42 PM

There is another option available if Sky sports news deadline day is offering elaborate news feeds and not to ones liking.

I think it’s brought some  decent viewing on what would normally be a mundane international break Monday.

This or re-runs of yesterday.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on October 05, 2020, 10:48:08 PM

Each to their own.

Breaking news from Fulham.  Let's go across to our reporter, who just happens to be in her living room. Cutting edge news!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rory on October 05, 2020, 10:50:11 PM

Quote from: WilliamStanding on October 05, 2020, 10:43:42 PM

There is another option available if Sky sports news deadline day is offering elaborate news feeds and not to ones liking.

I think it’s brought some  decent viewing on what would normally be a mundane international break Monday.

This or re-runs of yesterday.

Typical that my TV broke at about 4pm yesterday. Ordered a new one but isn't due to be delivered until tomorrow. Do Samsung invest in Liverpool FC?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rory on October 05, 2020, 10:53:17 PM

Quote from: Newby on October 05, 2020, 10:42:46 PM

Quote from: Rory Christopher on October 05, 2020, 10:37:59 PM

Quote from: PeterWithesShin on October 05, 2020, 10:36:31 PM

Was watching stuff on youtube and 'up next' was Sky Sports live. Very funny watching them try and make 3 transfers sound exciting "it's hotting up, it's all happening now". No it isn't, there's been a loan, a free transfer and Leeds have signed someone nobody has ever heard of. Sky wankers.

When was the last genuinely big transfer deadline day? The last I remember was when Carrol went to Liverpool. Admittedly I haven't followed any for years.

You're right mate.  The biggest deal today is some washed up 33 year old guy who needs a hair cut.

Sounds like me in two years' time  ;)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on October 05, 2020, 11:00:30 PM

Quote from: Newby on October 05, 2020, 10:48:08 PM

Each to their own.

Breaking news from Fulham.  Let's go across to our reporter, who just happens to be in her living room. Cutting edge news!

It's just not the same without someone waving a sex toy in the background.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on October 05, 2020, 11:04:21 PM

Well how exciting was that.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: richtheholtender on October 05, 2020, 11:05:18 PM

With Jota and Nyland leaving does that free up a spot? Or are we still full?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rory on October 05, 2020, 11:07:32 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on October 05, 2020, 11:00:30 PM

Quote from: Newby on October 05, 2020, 10:48:08 PM

Each to their own.

Breaking news from Fulham.  Let's go across to our reporter, who just happens to be in her living room. Cutting edge news!

It's just not the same without someone waving a sex toy in the background.

Absolutely. Or seeing the collection of mutants gathered outside the Stoke ground. Something very sinister in the water up there.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on October 05, 2020, 11:08:12 PM

Joachim Andersen joined Fulham on season long loan, Danish CB from Lyon.

Can't grumble at all about this window but think that would've been a really good pick up for us.

Interested how he'll do there as he'll certainly be tested. Was good in Serie A for Sampdoria.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 05, 2020, 11:08:57 PM

I make it we still have 26 players, excluding Ramsey and any other under-21s. That does include Heaton and Wesley and not sure if they will be back before we can change our registered players again in January.

Would expect someone like Lansbury to go out on loan or even have his contract terminated.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on October 05, 2020, 11:32:57 PM

Really entertaining.

If you don’t like it don’t watch it. Simples.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rory on October 05, 2020, 11:34:05 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on October 05, 2020, 11:08:57 PM

Would expect someone like Lansbury to go out on loan or even have his contract terminated.

Hopefully. I have nothing against the guy, but he hasn't been of much use to us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 05, 2020, 11:41:37 PM

11pm, transfer window closes.

11.30pm, Arsenal sign someone.

Nice to see traditions being maintained.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on October 05, 2020, 11:46:10 PM

Arse shavings.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on October 06, 2020, 12:23:58 AM

Attention turns to the Championship window.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 06, 2020, 12:41:28 AM

So... we can't sign players from abroad, but we can sign them from the Championship?

What if we give Brentford the money to sign Rashica... then sign him from Brentford?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: tomd2103 on October 06, 2020, 01:19:39 AM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on October 05, 2020, 11:08:57 PM

I make it we still have 26 players, excluding Ramsey and any other under-21s. That does include Heaton and Wesley and not sure if they will be back before we can change our registered players again in January.

Would expect someone like Lansbury to go out on loan or even have his contract terminated.

Read something on the Birmingham Mail site the other day saying Heaton should be back after this international window. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 06, 2020, 01:23:07 AM

If that's the case maybe we won't name Kalinic in our squad. Lansbury is still more likely to be needed than a fourth choice goalkeeper.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on October 06, 2020, 08:00:27 AM

This next week could be more interesting than the last one in terms of transfers all round.

We’ll get to see if Norwich, Brentford, Watford & Bournemouth keeping Buendia, Cantwell, Benrahma, Sarr, Mepham & King at their respective clubs was a gamble worth playing - you’d certainly expect the clubs that have had dire windows West Ham & maybe Fulham to be sniffing round some of those & maybe in case of Sarr & King a Man Utd.

In terms of Villa unless Dean has been chasing one of those or even Grant at Huddersfield if he wants a young forward I’d imagine we’d be in pole position now after our start to season.

Personally the main positions I’d still like to see filled ‘if’ they exist in EFL are a young centre back with genuine potential to start as 5th choice but immediately put pressure in Hause / Engels to be the 3rd choice & also a young left back with proper pace who can bed in betw now and Christmas ready for Taylor to depart in next window.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on October 06, 2020, 08:02:44 AM

Arsenal had all window knowing the price for that guy. I guess the good news is that we still have King, Benrahma, Mepham and Henry that could all be potential targets. Backup to the quality we now have going forward would be my priority still.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Richie on October 06, 2020, 09:02:02 AM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on October 06, 2020, 12:41:28 AM

So... we can't sign players from abroad, but we can sign them from the Championship?

What if we give Brentford the money to sign Rashica... then sign him from Brentford?

That’s bloody genius ! 😂

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rob_bridge on October 06, 2020, 09:03:22 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on October 06, 2020, 08:02:44 AM

Arsenal had all window knowing the price for that guy. I guess the good news is that we still have King, Benrahma, Mepham and Henry that could all be potential targets. Backup to the quality we now have going forward would be my priority still.

Depends - Arsenal may want to pay the 45m (say) over 5 years instead of 3 yesrs due to them losing up to 100m gate revenue this year

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rob_bridge on October 06, 2020, 09:09:59 AM

We definitely need a left back and we could also do with a back up striker

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on October 06, 2020, 09:18:39 AM

Quote from: Richie on October 06, 2020, 09:02:02 AM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on October 06, 2020, 12:41:28 AM

So... we can't sign players from abroad, but we can sign them from the Championship?

What if we give Brentford the money to sign Rashica... then sign him from Brentford?

That’s bloody genius ! 😂

Brentford would charge us 60M for him

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: olaftab on October 06, 2020, 09:41:37 AM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on October 06, 2020, 12:41:28 AM

So... we can't sign players from abroad, but we can sign them from the Championship?

What if we give Brentford the money to sign Rashica... then sign him from Brentford?

Come on even Arsenal have not done that before....unless you count the Kenny Samson/Clive Allen transfer episode.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rob_bridge on October 06, 2020, 09:47:10 AM

Quote from: olaftab on October 06, 2020, 09:41:37 AM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on October 06, 2020, 12:41:28 AM

So... we can't sign players from abroad, but we can sign them from the Championship?

What if we give Brentford the money to sign Rashica... then sign him from Brentford?

Come on even Arsenal have not done that before....unless you count the Kenny Samson/Clive Allen transfer episode.

Arsenal under Neil and Howe they were a bloody hard watch especially when Brady move on.

Only they could swap probably the 2nd most exciting striker prospect (after Shaw) in the country for a very capable left back.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: stubbsyandy on October 06, 2020, 10:09:06 AM

Quote from: ADVILLAFAN on October 06, 2020, 09:18:39 AM

Quote from: Richie on October 06, 2020, 09:02:02 AM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on October 06, 2020, 12:41:28 AM

So... we can't sign players from abroad, but we can sign them from the Championship?

What if we give Brentford the money to sign Rashica... then sign him from Brentford?

That’s bloody genius ! 😂

Brentford would charge us 60M for him

And then we’d offer £80m..

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on October 06, 2020, 10:17:54 AM

I see Fulham have done - well - a Fulham: 11 new players in!!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Duncan Shaw on October 06, 2020, 10:23:00 AM

And Leeds - 13!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Chris Smith on October 06, 2020, 10:25:37 AM

Quote from: Mister E on October 06, 2020, 10:17:54 AM

I see Fulham have done - well - a Fulham: 11 new players in!!

Similar to us last season then.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Bryan on October 06, 2020, 10:32:00 AM

So players at the Championship in positions we would like to have an extra body:

Left back: Dasilva at Bristol City, Henry at Brentford
Centre Half: Mepham at Bournemouth, Rodon at Swansea? (Mepham could probably cover left back like Hause)
Wing/Striker: Saar at Watford, Benrahma at Brentford, King at Bournemouth

Could someone like Billing (Def Mid not sure if he's ever covered centre half) be an option?

Anyone else? Brooks is a fine player but I think he'll be priced out. Not sure where we'd play Swift, Buendia or Cantwell as we seem stocked in central midfield

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mellin on October 06, 2020, 10:56:36 AM

Saar would be a brilliant way to sign off an excellent window.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 06, 2020, 10:59:26 AM

I don't see us signing anyone else. Not a major deal anyway, maybe another youngster signed for the future.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on October 06, 2020, 11:01:54 AM

Offer Bournemouth a loan for King till Jan. Don't think he's worth buying, but will cover us till Wesley comes back or we can sort out a better option next summer. Loan fee and Davis on loan for 12 months.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on October 06, 2020, 11:07:08 AM

Can we now slam this thread shut and let Jim White roar out in climax one last time til January ?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on October 06, 2020, 11:08:03 AM

Oh, I forgot the domestic Velux. Carry on then...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Bryan on October 06, 2020, 11:10:14 AM

I have to admit to not remembering much from Saar at Watford, but happy to be wrong.

King would be a good addition and a more senior head around

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on October 06, 2020, 11:22:26 AM

I think where we are now, it's pointless bringing in permanent signings not aimed for the 1st team unless you're looking to develop a player in the 18-22 age bracket. Best way to improve our feeble reserves and cover now is to bring in players who have half a chance of making the current first choice a reserve. And obviously blood the kids too

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on October 06, 2020, 11:32:57 AM

King, Benrahma, these are excellent options but I agree with sickbeggar, anyone who wouldn't be coming to improve the first team now would be pretty pointless.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on October 06, 2020, 11:56:46 AM

Quote from: sickbeggar on October 06, 2020, 11:01:54 AM

Offer Bournemouth a loan for King till Jan.

He's out of contract next summer. Why would Bournemouth loan him out?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: olaftab on October 06, 2020, 11:59:08 AM

Quote from: Dave on October 06, 2020, 11:56:46 AM

Quote from: sickbeggar on October 06, 2020, 11:01:54 AM

Offer Bournemouth a loan for King till Jan.

He's out of contract next summer. Why would Bournemouth loan him out?

Stab and foot come to mind.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mcgrath_85 on October 06, 2020, 12:08:10 PM

Quote from: Monty on October 06, 2020, 11:32:57 AM

King, Benrahma, these are excellent options but I agree with sickbeggar, anyone who wouldn't be coming to improve the first team now would be pretty pointless.

Improving our backup options in the likely event we pick up key injuries wouldn’t be pretty pointless.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on October 06, 2020, 12:08:35 PM

Quote from: Dave on October 06, 2020, 11:56:46 AM

Quote from: sickbeggar on October 06, 2020, 11:01:54 AM

Offer Bournemouth a loan for King till Jan.

He's out of contract next summer. Why would Bournemouth loan him out?

 

well they want to come back up i'm guessing. they've pocketed 80+m so far so don't need the money.  He's not gonna sign again if the chance of a premiership club is there next summer. This way they have the option to bring him back in Jan if they need him, or sell him in Jan. He may even sign a new contact if they're odds on for promotion.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on October 06, 2020, 12:09:55 PM

Quote from: Dave on October 06, 2020, 11:56:46 AM

Quote from: sickbeggar on October 06, 2020, 11:01:54 AM

Offer Bournemouth a loan for King till Jan.

He's out of contract next summer. Why would Bournemouth loan him out?

Wage bill?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulTheVillan on October 06, 2020, 12:17:27 PM

Quote from: mcgrath_85 on October 06, 2020, 12:08:10 PM

Quote from: Monty on October 06, 2020, 11:32:57 AM

King, Benrahma, these are excellent options but I agree with sickbeggar, anyone who wouldn't be coming to improve the first team now would be pretty pointless.

Improving our backup options in the likely event we pick up key injuries wouldn’t be pretty pointless.

I'd like us to bring these pair in. Would certainly be an upgrade on AEG and Davis.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on October 06, 2020, 12:18:47 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on October 06, 2020, 12:08:35 PM

Quote from: Dave on October 06, 2020, 11:56:46 AM

Quote from: sickbeggar on October 06, 2020, 11:01:54 AM

Offer Bournemouth a loan for King till Jan.

He's out of contract next summer. Why would Bournemouth loan him out?

 

well they want to come back up i'm guessing. they've pocketed 80+m so far so don't need the money. 

So...they play him then?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on October 06, 2020, 12:26:02 PM

I logged in and couldn't understand why people were still speculating on transfers. I forgot there was still time for domestic transfers.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: supertom on October 06, 2020, 12:32:13 PM

At this point, if we have to focus in on certain positions, I'd like LB and CH cover. I'd be satisfied to have AEG around on the basis that as a side who've improved in the final third, he'll have a little more natural freedom to express himself. He's a talented player. Plus to get in a Benarahma, we're gonna need to sell someone (likely AEG). Not sure domestically who would go for him. I do worry about the backups for CH and LB more than a lack of attacking mid options though.

If we're all done, I'm fairly satisfied. I know we say strength in depth, which would be ideal, but as we saw with Liverpool, even they can't hold like for like quality in their squad in places. Most clubs have to settle for a solid 18 and hope they don't get injured, and that's most certainly the case for anyone outside of last seasons top 6.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on October 06, 2020, 12:41:28 PM

Quote from: Dave on October 06, 2020, 12:18:47 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on October 06, 2020, 12:08:35 PM

Quote from: Dave on October 06, 2020, 11:56:46 AM

Quote from: sickbeggar on October 06, 2020, 11:01:54 AM

Offer Bournemouth a loan for King till Jan.

He's out of contract next summer. Why would Bournemouth loan him out?

 

well they want to come back up i'm guessing. they've pocketed 80+m so far so don't need the money. 

So...they play him then?

He doesn't want to be there. He's not gonna sign for a championship club with 12months left so unless a premiership club pay the fee they're asking which seems northwards of 20m both parties are stuck. This way they get a loan fee, him off the wages till jan, hopefully he does well for us, possible sale in Jan albeit for a cut price amount. Or  maybe some premiership club may be desperate...… Worse case scenario he goes back and see's out the last 6 months of his contract with possibly Bournemouth in contention to come back up. Obviously if a premiership club will pay what they're asking then all's well but if I was King i'd think twice about signing up to join the likes of WBA or Fulham unless its silly money they're offering.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: tomd2103 on October 06, 2020, 12:45:11 PM

Quote from: Monty on October 06, 2020, 11:32:57 AM

King, Benrahma, these are excellent options but I agree with sickbeggar, anyone who wouldn't be coming to improve the first team now would be pretty pointless.

Have to disagree slightly in regards to a forward Monty.  KD isn't going to get goals and Traore looks off the pace at the moment, so I think we definitely need a back up striker to Watkins. 

King fits the bill nicely for me, especially as he is pretty versatile and is reportedly available for around £10m.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulTheVillan on October 06, 2020, 12:46:02 PM

Danny Welbeck has been released by Watford.

If he wasn’t so injury prone he would be a half decent back up.

Too many injuries for my liking.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on October 06, 2020, 12:47:52 PM

I sense true team spirit at VP among the current crop.

Imagine being a key player like Pogba at Manure and finding out just how much more the ageing Cavani is being paid for a two year retirement jolly.

Desperate stuff.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on October 06, 2020, 01:00:23 PM

Quote from: tomd2103 on October 06, 2020, 12:45:11 PM

Quote from: Monty on October 06, 2020, 11:32:57 AM

King, Benrahma, these are excellent options but I agree with sickbeggar, anyone who wouldn't be coming to improve the first team now would be pretty pointless.

Have to disagree slightly in regards to a forward Monty.  KD isn't going to get goals and Traore looks off the pace at the moment, so I think we definitely need a back up striker to Watkins. 

King fits the bill nicely for me, especially as he is pretty versatile and is reportedly available for around £10m.

I don't see King as back-up though, more competition, as well as someone who could play with Watkins either in a two or (more likely) with Watkins wide.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on October 06, 2020, 01:07:14 PM

King is a good footballer, and would potentially be a rotated starter. Certainly takes the pressure off a little if Watkins were to get injured.

And while I agree re injuries, Shakespeare rated Wellbeck at Watford so I would not be shocked to see us take him on a 12 month deal as cheap capable backup.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rob_bridge on October 06, 2020, 01:09:09 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on October 06, 2020, 01:07:14 PM

King is a good footballer, and would potentially be a rotated starter. Certainly takes the pressure off a little if Watkins were to get injured.

And while I agree re injuries, Shakespeare rated Wellbeck at Watford so I would not be shocked to see us take him on a 12 month deal as cheap capable backup.

Wellbeck always had a much better attitude than Sturridge but he has been knackered for 3 or 4 years. Pay as you play with small basic would be a decent shout

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on October 06, 2020, 01:11:27 PM

Welbeck came back in for Watford towards the end of last season and did ok. He scored a lovely overhead kick in one game. Not sure if he has featured much this season though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: olaftab on October 06, 2020, 01:14:12 PM

Quote from: Big Ming on October 06, 2020, 12:47:52 PM

I sense true team spirit at VP among the current crop.

Imagine being a key player like Pogba at Manure and finding out just how much more the ageing Cavani is being paid for a two year retirement jolly.

Desperate stuff.

Yes desperate and even more happier that Jack didn't end up there.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: tomd2103 on October 06, 2020, 01:23:20 PM

Quote from: Monty on October 06, 2020, 01:00:23 PM

Quote from: tomd2103 on October 06, 2020, 12:45:11 PM

Quote from: Monty on October 06, 2020, 11:32:57 AM

King, Benrahma, these are excellent options but I agree with sickbeggar, anyone who wouldn't be coming to improve the first team now would be pretty pointless.

Have to disagree slightly in regards to a forward Monty.  KD isn't going to get goals and Traore looks off the pace at the moment, so I think we definitely need a back up striker to Watkins. 

King fits the bill nicely for me, especially as he is pretty versatile and is reportedly available for around £10m.

I don't see King as back-up though, more competition, as well as someone who could play with Watkins either in a two or (more likely) with Watkins wide.

Which is probably what we need to be honest.  I like KD, but as he proved last season, he is not going to be an adequate replacement over a run of games.

I do think there are other areas in the squad that need strengthening, but do think they can wait, whereas I don't think we can repeat the mistake we made last season with the striker situation.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on October 06, 2020, 01:24:42 PM

Quote from: rob_bridge on October 06, 2020, 01:09:09 PM

Quote from: ozzjim on October 06, 2020, 01:07:14 PM

King is a good footballer, and would potentially be a rotated starter. Certainly takes the pressure off a little if Watkins were to get injured.

And while I agree re injuries, Shakespeare rated Wellbeck at Watford so I would not be shocked to see us take him on a 12 month deal as cheap capable backup.

Wellbeck always had a much better attitude than Sturridge but he has been knackered for 3 or 4 years. Pay as you play with small basic would be a decent shout

I'd take that.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: andyh on October 06, 2020, 01:29:14 PM

Wellbeck ? Sturbridge?
C’mon, please.

I sincerely hope we have moved a long, long way from considering players like this or even talking about considering them.

Are transfers from Scotland classed as international? Or have we missed the boat for Edouard ?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on October 06, 2020, 01:33:37 PM

Quote from: tomd2103 on October 06, 2020, 01:23:20 PM

Quote from: Monty on October 06, 2020, 01:00:23 PM

Quote from: tomd2103 on October 06, 2020, 12:45:11 PM

Quote from: Monty on October 06, 2020, 11:32:57 AM

King, Benrahma, these are excellent options but I agree with sickbeggar, anyone who wouldn't be coming to improve the first team now would be pretty pointless.

Have to disagree slightly in regards to a forward Monty.  KD isn't going to get goals and Traore looks off the pace at the moment, so I think we definitely need a back up striker to Watkins. 

King fits the bill nicely for me, especially as he is pretty versatile and is reportedly available for around £10m.

I don't see King as back-up though, more competition, as well as someone who could play with Watkins either in a two or (more likely) with Watkins wide.

Which is probably what we need to be honest.  I like KD, but as he proved last season, he is not going to be an adequate replacement over a run of games.

I do think there are other areas in the squad that need strengthening, but do think they can wait, whereas I don't think we can repeat the mistake we made last season with the striker situation.

We have shown already how good we can be going forward, lose Watkins half of that goes away just through his all round game.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on October 06, 2020, 01:42:54 PM

Welbeck was never that good even before the injuries, his scoring record was pretty crap considering the teams he was playing in, it's a no from me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on October 06, 2020, 01:48:12 PM

Quote from: PeterWithesShin on October 06, 2020, 01:42:54 PM

Welbeck was never that good even before the injuries, his scoring record was pretty crap considering the teams he was playing in, it's a no from me.

Yep, was gonna say the same. I don't think he's rubbish, but the point is to have someone in back-up who can score, otherwise you might as well stick with Davis.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on October 06, 2020, 01:56:51 PM

Quote from: PaulTheVillan on October 06, 2020, 12:17:27 PM

Quote from: mcgrath_85 on October 06, 2020, 12:08:10 PM

Quote from: Monty on October 06, 2020, 11:32:57 AM

King, Benrahma, these are excellent options but I agree with sickbeggar, anyone who wouldn't be coming to improve the first team now would be pretty pointless.

Improving our backup options in the likely event we pick up key injuries wouldn’t be pretty pointless.

I'd like us to bring these pair in. Would certainly be an upgrade on AEG and Davis.

I've wanted Benrahma for a couple of years now, but as he plays mainly on the left it was with a view to moving Jack inside either to 10 or 8.  Now we have Barkley I don't see how Benrahma would get much game time.  Yes a brilliant squad / back-up option, but I couldn't see him coming to be back up for Jack.  King would also know he's unlikely to be first choice, but at least he covers a couple of positions so would be more likely to get gametime.

I think they'd both add something to the squad, but feel unliklely to me now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulTheVillan on October 06, 2020, 02:03:34 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on October 06, 2020, 01:48:12 PM

Quote from: PeterWithesShin on October 06, 2020, 01:42:54 PM

Welbeck was never that good even before the injuries, his scoring record was pretty crap considering the teams he was playing in, it's a no from me.

Yep, was gonna say the same. I don't think he's rubbish, but the point is to have someone in back-up who can score, otherwise you might as well stick with Davis.

I reckon he'll go to Fulham or WBA

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Richard E on October 06, 2020, 02:12:45 PM

Great! Who is your ‘friend’ signing for in this transfer window?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rob_bridge on October 06, 2020, 02:16:52 PM

Quote from: iamfootball2020 on October 06, 2020, 02:09:06 PM

A friend has a new website.

Thanks - any news on the transfers???

Any?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on October 06, 2020, 03:03:00 PM

Quote from: andyh on October 06, 2020, 01:29:14 PM

Wellbeck ? Sturbridge?
C’mon, please.

I sincerely hope we have moved a long, long way from considering players like this or even talking about considering them.

Are transfers from Scotland classed as international? Or have we missed the boat for Edouard ?

The only places we can sign players from now are the EFL leagues.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: maidstonevillain on October 06, 2020, 03:14:44 PM

Quote from: paul_e on October 06, 2020, 03:03:00 PM

Quote from: andyh on October 06, 2020, 01:29:14 PM

Wellbeck ? Sturbridge?
C’mon, please.

I sincerely hope we have moved a long, long way from considering players like this or even talking about considering them.

Are transfers from Scotland classed as international? Or have we missed the boat for Edouard ?

The only places we can sign players from now are the EFL leagues.

Or released/free agents.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: UK Redsox on October 06, 2020, 03:20:44 PM

Transfermarkt's list of Free Agents

https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/statistik/vertragslosespieler

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on October 06, 2020, 03:50:49 PM

A few big names on there.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: itbrvilla on October 06, 2020, 03:59:57 PM

Andre Green still without a club.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: UK Redsox on October 06, 2020, 04:08:41 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on October 06, 2020, 03:50:49 PM

A few big names on there.

Yep, but with Mario Götze probably going to Hertha, the three biggest name strikers are Mandzukic, Sturridge and Welbeck.

Not exactly an inspiring choice

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithe on October 06, 2020, 04:11:47 PM

Gael Clichy on there as well, I've lost track of time mind and he may be about 45 now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: maidstonevillain on October 06, 2020, 04:37:59 PM

Shame Clyne is not a left back.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 06, 2020, 04:56:02 PM

Every time I hear the name Götze, internal jukebox is on Chas 'N' Dave for the next hour.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Richie on October 06, 2020, 06:34:27 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on October 06, 2020, 01:56:51 PM

Quote from: PaulTheVillan on October 06, 2020, 12:17:27 PM

Quote from: mcgrath_85 on October 06, 2020, 12:08:10 PM

Quote from: Monty on October 06, 2020, 11:32:57 AM

King, Benrahma, these are excellent options but I agree with sickbeggar, anyone who wouldn't be coming to improve the first team now would be pretty pointless.

Improving our backup options in the likely event we pick up key injuries wouldn’t be pretty pointless.

I'd like us to bring these pair in. Would certainly be an upgrade on AEG and Davis.

I've wanted Benrahma for a couple of years now, but as he plays mainly on the left it was with a view to moving Jack inside either to 10 or 8.  Now we have Barkley I don't see how Benrahma would get much game time.  Yes a brilliant squad / back-up option, but I couldn't see him coming to be back up for Jack.  King would also know he's unlikely to be first choice, but at least he covers a couple of positions so would be more likely to get gametime.

I think they'd both add something to the squad, but feel unliklely to me now.

I think this shows how far we’ve come when players like King and Benrahma wouldn’t be guaranteed starting places in the team. The Villa revolution is underway ladies and gents. Let’s enjoy the ride.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on October 06, 2020, 07:45:35 PM

Too fuckin' right. The 2010's were anni horribili.Time for a long over-due decade of decadence down the Villa.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on October 06, 2020, 08:03:27 PM

Quote from: Richie on October 06, 2020, 06:34:27 PM

I think this shows how far we’ve come when players like King and Benrahma wouldn’t be guaranteed starting places in the team. The Villa revolution is underway ladies and gents. Let’s enjoy the ride.

Indeed, the play-off defeat to Fulham may turn out to be one of our best results.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Big Ming on October 06, 2020, 08:46:01 PM

I'm thinking that some teams ( including Villa) have been or are benefiting from the absence of crowds.

In the last few years you could feel the fans anxiety and nerves transmitting to the players when we were under pressure.

If they are going to start playing with the swagger we saw on Sunday it really shouldn't be a problem going forward.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on October 06, 2020, 08:47:36 PM

Quote from: Big Ming on October 06, 2020, 08:46:01 PM

I'm thinking that some teams ( including Villa) have been or are benefiting from the absence of crowds.

In the last few years you could feel the fans anxiety and nerves transmitting to the players when we were under pressure.

If they are going to start playing with the swagger we saw on Sunday it really shouldn't be a problem going forward.

Lack of crowds aren’t affecting any professional football, it’s all a
Coincidence.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on October 06, 2020, 08:55:11 PM

I think it's a case at Villa that away teams love playing here, their supporters love the day out and consequently we struggle.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on October 06, 2020, 09:15:00 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on October 06, 2020, 08:55:11 PM

I think it's a case at Villa that away teams love playing here, their supporters love the day out and consequently we struggle.

One thing MON got right was moving the away fans from behind the goal.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on October 06, 2020, 09:35:00 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on October 06, 2020, 08:55:11 PM

I think it's a case at Villa that away teams love playing here, their supporters love the day out and consequently we struggle.

I think the fact that Neville, Carragher et al cite VP as a favourite venue proves that. It's big enough to be an occasion*, difficult enough that it's not a walkover, but they'd normally have enough to edge it in the end. A bit like we found the Championship.

Hopefully Sunday marks the beginning of a change to all that.

Edit: *apart from that bit!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on October 06, 2020, 09:46:30 PM

For some reason the majority of defenders have forgotten how to do their jobs. I can't remember defences being this consistently bad from most sides at this level.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 06, 2020, 09:50:16 PM

I can't be arsed to check the statistics but I don't feel like there were an exorbitant number of goals from the end of lockdown to the finish of last season? It is just this season, isn't it? Which would suggest statistical anomaly or other factor rather than being able to say for certain that it is because there are no crowds.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on October 06, 2020, 09:54:22 PM

It's just weird, you can't blame lack of crowds on Klopp, VVD or anyone realising as the goals and shots rained in that maybe a change of tactics would help. They just carried on doing what was obviously not working. Players/manager/coaches would get slaughtered for doing that at Bromsgrove's level, and yet here were some of the best in the world doing it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on October 06, 2020, 09:55:07 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on October 06, 2020, 09:15:00 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on October 06, 2020, 08:55:11 PM

I think it's a case at Villa that away teams love playing here, their supporters love the day out and consequently we struggle.

One thing MON got right was moving the away fans from behind the goal.

I'd move them to Witton roundabout personally. Or Smolensk.

Especially the Yanited lot.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on October 06, 2020, 10:02:23 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on October 06, 2020, 09:50:16 PM

I can't be arsed to check the statistics but I don't feel like there were an exorbitant number of goals from the end of lockdown to the finish of last season? It is just this season, isn't it? Which would suggest statistical anomaly or other factor rather than being able to say for certain that it is because there are no crowds.

The 10 game lockdown was effectively a mini season, with plenty riding on it for the top 9 clubs and the bottom 5/6.  The pressure was on from the outset and there weren't many high scoring games, with most teams playing conservatively (or trying to).

Now, it's a case of new players either finding their way (the majority) or hitting the ground running instantly (us, Everton). Players know there is plenty of time left in the campaign even if they slip up initially. For the better players, there's also the element that they are pacing themselves - with a long season being topped off by the delayed Euros next year.

On top of that, even it does start going pairshaped in matches at the moment, there must be a bit of a feeling that it's a glorified training routine or behind closed doors friendly.  They can hear the manager and coaching staff bellowing on the touchline, but there's no atmosphere from the crowd to tap in to.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on October 06, 2020, 10:03:05 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on October 06, 2020, 09:50:16 PM

I can't be arsed to check the statistics but I don't feel like there were an exorbitant number of goals from the end of lockdown to the finish of last season? It is just this season, isn't it? Which would suggest statistical anomaly or other factor rather than being able to say for certain that it is because there are no crowds.

Maybe it took them a novelty few weeks before becoming emboldened to attack at will.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: nigel on October 06, 2020, 10:08:56 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on October 06, 2020, 08:03:27 PM

Quote from: Richie on October 06, 2020, 06:34:27 PM

I think this shows how far we’ve come when players like King and Benrahma wouldn’t be guaranteed starting places in the team. The Villa revolution is underway ladies and gents. Let’s enjoy the ride.

Indeed, the play-off defeat to Fulham may turn out to be one of our best results.

When we were walking out of Wembley after the game my lad was upset, I said to him ‘Losing that game will be a blessing in disguise’

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sickbeggar on October 06, 2020, 10:11:06 PM

I think the lack of crowds has played a part. Who its benefited i couldn't tell you. Maybe introverts have benefited, or young players? I know a groan from 30 thousand if you lost the ball obviously had some effect normally.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on October 06, 2020, 10:23:13 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on October 06, 2020, 09:50:16 PM

I can't be arsed to check the statistics but I don't feel like there were an exorbitant number of goals from the end of lockdown to the finish of last season? It is just this season, isn't it? Which would suggest statistical anomaly or other factor rather than being able to say for certain that it is because there are no crowds.

I was thinking the same thing today. When the games restarted in June I seem to recall the BBC Live text complaining about the lack of goals.

Listening to a podcast earlier one of the pundits ascribed it to the shortened pre-season and condensed schedule thus far meaning players haven't been doing their defensive drills in training to the same extent. Seemed plausible seeing some of the 'big guns' have had even shorter pre-seasons.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on October 06, 2020, 10:33:41 PM

It’s got nothing to do with drills, it’s purely psychological, the ambience is training ground, some players are excelling at not having any exterior influences.

It’s not rocket science.

With regards the games post lockdown end of season-a large proportion of games had much riding on it and hence close games - start of 2020-21 no risk games = goals galore.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on October 06, 2020, 11:04:44 PM

Quote from: sickbeggar on October 06, 2020, 10:11:06 PM

I think the lack of crowds has played a part. Who its benefited i couldn't tell you. Maybe introverts have benefited, or young players? I know a groan from 30 thousand if you lost the ball obviously had some effect normally.

We're less nervous.

Imagine 40k in for the Arsenal game end of last season. In the end we held out reasonably comfortably. Would've been a tension shredder with everyone nervous from second half onwards.

Even first half of the Liverpool game them getting it back to 2-1 and I'm not sure we'd have just poured forward and got goals 3 and 4 infront of fans. But less external pressure and you can play more freely.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on October 06, 2020, 11:35:24 PM

So what are we saying...that the Villa fans, the one constant of the club, are not really required by the team to encourage and cheer them on anymore ?

Imagine no crowds for two years during which time Ollie becomes a superstar and is sold to Man Citeh. On his last day he thanks us for our virtual support...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on October 06, 2020, 11:38:46 PM

I always knew deep down it would turn out to be our fault.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: robleflaneur on October 06, 2020, 11:40:22 PM

Fewer fans must help the forwards to be more relaxed in front of goal.However,what would have been the VP atmosphere been like at 2-0 ? Just as possible that we might have increased our lead with the noise levels threatening to destabilise even further Adrian,Gomez and Alexander-Arnold who were having shockers.
The VP atmosphere in the Benteke inspired demolition of Sunderland was  electric,this could have been a notch or two higher.Would Liverpool have lost their composure earlier ?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on October 07, 2020, 04:40:10 AM

I think teams that had longer seasons maybe being impacted more and are less prepared physically.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on October 07, 2020, 07:09:51 AM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on October 07, 2020, 04:40:10 AM

I think teams that had longer seasons maybe being impacted more and are less prepared physically.

This seems the most likely thing to me. I'd be inclined to say that fatigue seems more plausible than lack of crowds.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on October 07, 2020, 08:11:40 AM

I think the no crowds probably saved us a hefty fine as I think there would have been another pitch invasion after that demolition job

we are the Kings if the pitch invasion and I don’t think fans would have been able to control themselves after thrashing the reigning league champions and putting 7 past them

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: sid1964 on October 07, 2020, 09:57:00 AM

I think no crowds is making it easier for referees- if there would have been 70,000 at Utd on Sunday, there is no way the ref would have sent off that Utd player

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on October 07, 2020, 10:02:48 AM

Quote from: sid1964 on October 07, 2020, 09:57:00 AM

I think no crowds is making it easier for referees- if there would have been 70,000 at Utd on Sunday, there is no way the ref would have sent off that Utd player

It was a VAR decision wasn't it?  He'd have had no choice.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: The Edge on October 07, 2020, 10:15:07 AM

After having 2 days to ponder on sundays match I've come to this conclusion. 1) Liverpool's exertions in the Champions league have drained them physically and mentally 2) Having no fans in the stadium has benefited clubs like us but not the Sky favourites.3) Liverpool had their best players missing.4) We were lucky. 5) The grass was too long.
Normal service can now be resumed and we can get back in our box.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dr Butler on October 07, 2020, 10:19:04 AM

myself and my line manager are still beaming like idiots about Sunday....lots and lots of  liverpool fans to goad/take the piss and wind up... :)

UTV
The Doc

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: hipkiss92 on October 07, 2020, 10:33:22 AM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on October 07, 2020, 04:40:10 AM

I think teams that had longer seasons maybe being impacted more and are less prepared physically.

Unfortunately for Liverpool, they didn't have a longer season than anyone else.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: GordonCowansisthegreatest on October 07, 2020, 10:37:08 AM

Quote from: The Edge on October 07, 2020, 10:15:07 AM

After having 2 days to ponder on sundays match I've come to this conclusion. 1) Liverpool's exertions in the Champions league have drained them physically and mentally 2) Having no fans in the stadium has benefited clubs like us but not the Sky favourites.3) Liverpool had their best players missing.4) We were lucky. 5) The grass was too long.
Normal service can now be resumed and we can get back in our box.

What about excuses for 6 and 7 (Seven).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Marlon From Bearwood on October 07, 2020, 06:54:35 PM

For what it’s worth, whilst In Sainsbury’s I noticed the Birmingham Mail (I know) on display with a headline of “Villa and Baggies battling for King”.

Not sure how true it is but thought I’d mention it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: tomd2103 on October 07, 2020, 07:54:57 PM

Quote from: Marlon From Bearwood on October 07, 2020, 06:54:35 PM

For what it’s worth, whilst In Sainsbury’s I noticed the Birmingham Mail (I know) on display with a headline of “Villa and Baggies battling for King”.

Not sure how true it is but thought I’d mention it.

That headline has been on the Birmingham Mail site for a couple of days now.  I hope we can get it done, as I think we will be in a good place if we can.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Richard E on October 07, 2020, 08:32:34 PM

We’re battling with them over a signed 12 inch of ‘Love and Pride’, not the Bournemouth player Josh King.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: olaftab on October 07, 2020, 09:04:36 PM

Quote from: hipkiss92 on October 07, 2020, 10:33:22 AM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on October 07, 2020, 04:40:10 AM

I think teams that had longer seasons maybe being impacted more and are less prepared physically.

Unfortunately for Liverpool, they didn't have a longer season than anyone else.

And more or less played under zero level of stress since mid March.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: oldtimernow on October 07, 2020, 09:42:09 PM

Quote from: Marlon From Bearwood on October 07, 2020, 06:54:35 PM

For what it’s worth, whilst In Sainsbury’s I noticed the Birmingham Mail (I know) on display with a headline of “Villa and Baggies battling for King”.

Not sure how true it is but thought I’d mention it.

Pretty sure William is never going to give up on the Villa

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on October 07, 2020, 11:35:55 PM

I thought that was Rick Astley?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on October 08, 2020, 08:38:26 AM

I think there is definitely an element of crowds not being there. Players can just shoot Nd not be criticised if it misses, which means they are more likely to be on target as there is less pressure. That also means that as players are more relaxed they may make more defensive errors too.

I get that it shouldn't make that much of a difference and they are athletes etc. However, I think it's just human nature.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Richard E on October 08, 2020, 08:51:22 AM

Quote from: olaftab on October 07, 2020, 09:04:36 PM

Quote from: hipkiss92 on October 07, 2020, 10:33:22 AM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on October 07, 2020, 04:40:10 AM

I think teams that had longer seasons maybe being impacted more and are less prepared physically.

Unfortunately for Liverpool, they didn't have a longer season than anyone else.

And more or less played under zero level of stress since mid March.

But but but they had The Weight Of History pressing down on them!!!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on October 08, 2020, 09:14:01 AM

Here's someone we should buy into our Academy - 17

Quote

Ever since he burst on the scene at the esteemed Pony Fútbol junior tournament aged 12, there’s been bubbling interest in the budding career of Tomás Ángel. A reputation undoubtedly enhanced by the fact his dad is none other than the ex-Aston Villa striker Juan Pablo, Tomás has nonetheless generated significant intrigue on his own merit by regularly topping the goal-scoring charts for his U15s side, CD Estudiantil, and through the many viral videos that have swept Twitter in recent years. At the start of 2020 he followed in the footsteps of his father by joining the Under-17s at mighty Atlético Nacional, quickly earning an invite from first-team manager Juan Carlos Osorio to train with the seniors. Mature beyond his tender years and boasting exquisite technique and a sweet left foot, Tommy is more than a chip off the old block. “Tomás Ángel has generated logical expectations and not only because of his surname,” says Medellín-based journalist Santiago Aristizábal, who has followed his career for several years. “He has demonstrated his talent playing in official tournaments and this has confirmed he’s a footballer with a bright future.”

From today Grauniad article on 60 next gen youngsters.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on October 08, 2020, 09:57:38 AM

Quote from: Mister E on October 08, 2020, 09:14:01 AM

Here's someone we should buy into our Academy

Deffo, sign him up. It might even prompt the return of Ryu.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brend'Watkins on October 08, 2020, 10:19:08 AM

I thought JPA’s older son Geronimo looked a really decent player too. Wonder where his career went.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on October 08, 2020, 10:42:36 AM

Quote from: GordonCowansisthegreatest on October 07, 2020, 10:37:08 AM

Quote from: The Edge on October 07, 2020, 10:15:07 AM

After having 2 days to ponder on sundays match I've come to this conclusion. 1) Liverpool's exertions in the Champions league have drained them physically and mentally 2) Having no fans in the stadium has benefited clubs like us but not the Sky favourites.3) Liverpool had their best players missing.4) We were lucky. 5) The grass was too long.
Normal service can now be resumed and we can get back in our box.

What about excuses for 6 and 7 (Seven).

We won on Sunday because of spawny deflections and a stand in goalkeeper making errors according to the wise men of SmallTimeAlliance  ;D

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on October 08, 2020, 10:43:14 AM

Quote from: Brend'Watkins on October 08, 2020, 10:19:08 AM

I thought JPA’s older son Geronimo looked a really decent player too. Wonder where his career went.

It fell off a cliff.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on October 08, 2020, 10:47:46 AM

Quote from: Brend'Watkins on October 08, 2020, 10:19:08 AM

I thought JPA’s older son Geronimo looked a really decent player too. Wonder where his career went.

He got the chop.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: enigma on October 08, 2020, 12:11:41 PM

Quote from: Mister E on October 08, 2020, 09:14:01 AM

Here's someone we should buy into our Academy - 17

Quote

Ever since he burst on the scene at the esteemed Pony Fútbol junior tournament aged 12, there’s been bubbling interest in the budding career of Tomás Ángel. A reputation undoubtedly enhanced by the fact his dad is none other than the ex-Aston Villa striker Juan Pablo, Tomás has nonetheless generated significant intrigue on his own merit by regularly topping the goal-scoring charts for his U15s side, CD Estudiantil, and through the many viral videos that have swept Twitter in recent years. At the start of 2020 he followed in the footsteps of his father by joining the Under-17s at mighty Atlético Nacional, quickly earning an invite from first-team manager Juan Carlos Osorio to train with the seniors. Mature beyond his tender years and boasting exquisite technique and a sweet left foot, Tommy is more than a chip off the old block. “Tomás Ángel has generated logical expectations and not only because of his surname,” says Medellín-based journalist Santiago Aristizábal, who has followed his career for several years. “He has demonstrated his talent playing in official tournaments and this has confirmed he’s a footballer with a bright future.”

From today Grauniad article on 60 next gen youngsters.

Joey Gudjónsson's (remember him?) son is in there too.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: enigma on October 08, 2020, 12:15:13 PM

And there's this about Kelvin John dubbed the Tanzanian Mbappe:

John left Tanzania last year and moved to England, where he is attending Brooke House College in Leicestershire and where he is expected to remain until he turns 18 years of age and is legally able to sign for a European club. Due to his close ties with Mbwana Samatta and a series of successful trials at Genk, many believe the Belgian club, where Samatta started his own European journey, will be his next home.

We might well have missed out on that one but you never know!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 08, 2020, 12:17:34 PM

Quote from: enigma on October 08, 2020, 12:11:41 PM

Quote from: Mister E on October 08, 2020, 09:14:01 AM

Here's someone we should buy into our Academy - 17

Quote

Ever since he burst on the scene at the esteemed Pony Fútbol junior tournament aged 12, there’s been bubbling interest in the budding career of Tomás Ángel. A reputation undoubtedly enhanced by the fact his dad is none other than the ex-Aston Villa striker Juan Pablo, Tomás has nonetheless generated significant intrigue on his own merit by regularly topping the goal-scoring charts for his U15s side, CD Estudiantil, and through the many viral videos that have swept Twitter in recent years. At the start of 2020 he followed in the footsteps of his father by joining the Under-17s at mighty Atlético Nacional, quickly earning an invite from first-team manager Juan Carlos Osorio to train with the seniors. Mature beyond his tender years and boasting exquisite technique and a sweet left foot, Tommy is more than a chip off the old block. “Tomás Ángel has generated logical expectations and not only because of his surname,” says Medellín-based journalist Santiago Aristizábal, who has followed his career for several years. “He has demonstrated his talent playing in official tournaments and this has confirmed he’s a footballer with a bright future.”

From today Grauniad article on 60 next gen youngsters.

Joey Gudjónsson's (remember him?) son is in there too.

Without checking, I'm assuming he is a Johansson rather than a Gudjonsson?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: enigma on October 08, 2020, 12:20:05 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on October 08, 2020, 12:17:34 PM

Quote from: enigma on October 08, 2020, 12:11:41 PM

Quote from: Mister E on October 08, 2020, 09:14:01 AM

Here's someone we should buy into our Academy - 17

Quote

Ever since he burst on the scene at the esteemed Pony Fútbol junior tournament aged 12, there’s been bubbling interest in the budding career of Tomás Ángel. A reputation undoubtedly enhanced by the fact his dad is none other than the ex-Aston Villa striker Juan Pablo, Tomás has nonetheless generated significant intrigue on his own merit by regularly topping the goal-scoring charts for his U15s side, CD Estudiantil, and through the many viral videos that have swept Twitter in recent years. At the start of 2020 he followed in the footsteps of his father by joining the Under-17s at mighty Atlético Nacional, quickly earning an invite from first-team manager Juan Carlos Osorio to train with the seniors. Mature beyond his tender years and boasting exquisite technique and a sweet left foot, Tommy is more than a chip off the old block. “Tomás Ángel has generated logical expectations and not only because of his surname,” says Medellín-based journalist Santiago Aristizábal, who has followed his career for several years. “He has demonstrated his talent playing in official tournaments and this has confirmed he’s a footballer with a bright future.”

From today Grauniad article on 60 next gen youngsters.

Joey Gudjónsson's (remember him?) son is in there too.

Without checking, I'm assuming he is a Johansson rather than a Gudjonsson?

Yes, Isak Bergmann Jóhannesson

From the Graun: His grandfather, Gudjon Thordarson, is one of the most famous coaches in Iceland history, who worked at Stoke and Barnsley among others. His father, Joey Gudjónsson, represented his country 34 times and had a good spell at Leicester. His uncles are famous too, especially Thordur Gudjonsson, who was one of the best Icelandic players of his generation. It is hardly surprising, therefore, that Ísak Bergmann Jóhannesson is showing immense potential. In fact, he could become the brightest star of his legendary family. The versatile midfielder, who is usually used on the right flank but can easily play on the left or centrally, has become absolutely integral at Norrköping, providing three goals and six assists in just 21 Allsvenskan matches. His left foot is phenomenal, and Juventus are reportedly following his progress closely

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on October 08, 2020, 02:19:46 PM

It is being reported (Grauniad) that Wet Spam and the Bitters are considering a bid for Josh King, but that Boremouth are seekig £17.5m - for a player who will become a free agent in January!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on October 08, 2020, 03:07:16 PM

Free agent mid-season? Odd...surely it's more that he can speak to other parties in January about a move next summer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on October 08, 2020, 04:30:53 PM

Quote from: Mister E on October 08, 2020, 02:19:46 PM

It is being reported (Grauniad) that Wet Spam and the Bitters are considering a bid for Josh King, but that Boremouth are seekig £17.5m - for a player who will become a free agent in January!

I am expecting a 'Supermarket Sweep' trolley dash by the West Ham owners to try to quell the current rebellion of their fans. I also expect it to be doomed to failure. Maybe they could actually sign Rylan himself as he comes from that part of the world.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on October 08, 2020, 05:14:34 PM

Quote from: eamonn on October 08, 2020, 03:07:16 PM

Free agent mid-season? Odd...surely it's more that he can speak to other parties in January about a move next summer.

true

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 08, 2020, 05:15:39 PM

Yeah, and he could only speak to parties outside England while still in contract.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on October 08, 2020, 07:16:55 PM

If we thought he was really that good, Dean would have got him already.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: nigel on October 09, 2020, 08:42:10 AM

Quote from: Damo70 on October 08, 2020, 10:42:36 AM

Quote from: GordonCowansisthegreatest on October 07, 2020, 10:37:08 AM

Quote from: The Edge on October 07, 2020, 10:15:07 AM

After having 2 days to ponder on sundays match I've come to this conclusion. 1) Liverpool's exertions in the Champions league have drained them physically and mentally 2) Having no fans in the stadium has benefited clubs like us but not the Sky favourites.3) Liverpool had their best players missing.4) We were lucky. 5) The grass was too long.
Normal service can now be resumed and we can get back in our box.

What about excuses for 6 and 7 (Seven).

We won on Sunday because of spawny deflections and a stand in goalkeeper making errors according to the wise men of SmallTimeAlliance  ;D

Adrienne only really made one mistake, though. He couldn’t do much about the other six

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: UK Redsox on October 09, 2020, 09:02:18 AM

Per Beeb gossip page today. King doesn't want to go to WBA and Bournemouth may be willing to sell for £10m

If all that's true and it's specifically WBA he doesn't want to go to, rather than the West Midlands in general, there's a deal to be done.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on October 09, 2020, 09:43:57 AM

Hardly surprising. Why would a King want to go to Sandwell?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Matt C on October 09, 2020, 11:33:46 AM

Why would anyone.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on October 09, 2020, 11:35:32 AM

Quote from: eamonn on October 09, 2020, 09:43:57 AM

Hardly surprising. Why would a King want to go to Sandwell?

castings?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rob_bridge on October 09, 2020, 12:15:41 PM

Quote from: Matt C on October 09, 2020, 11:33:46 AM

Why would anyone.

I had to go to the eye hospital (City) with the Missus. It wasn't quite Sandwell but very close

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: JJ-AV on October 09, 2020, 01:19:11 PM

We do need a striker, so I wouldn't moan if King came in, but I'd prefer a short-term deal as we could be in a position to get someone much better soon. I'd take a look at Welbeck for 12 months to be honest.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on October 09, 2020, 02:38:25 PM

Quote from: JJ-AV on October 09, 2020, 01:19:11 PM

We do need a striker, so I wouldn't moan if King came in, but I'd prefer a short-term deal as we could be in a position to get someone much better soon. I'd take a look at Welbeck for 12 months to be honest.

He's a busted flush and precisely the sort of player we've stopped looking at now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on October 09, 2020, 02:42:51 PM

You could dunk him and Davis in a barrel of boobs and they'd emerge sucking their thumbs. Could be worse, thinking about it...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on October 09, 2020, 04:11:50 PM

Quote from: Drummond on October 09, 2020, 02:38:25 PM

Quote from: JJ-AV on October 09, 2020, 01:19:11 PM

We do need a striker, so I wouldn't moan if King came in, but I'd prefer a short-term deal as we could be in a position to get someone much better soon. I'd take a look at Welbeck for 12 months to be honest.

He's a busted flush and precisely the sort of player we've stopped looking at now.

He thinks way too much of himself. He's always been an average striker who has the occasional hot streak that doesn't last long. And then he gets injured. He was on a stupid amount of money. So no ta from the Canadian jury. Ditto Sturridge

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Hookeysmith on October 09, 2020, 04:17:50 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on October 09, 2020, 04:11:50 PM

Quote from: Drummond on October 09, 2020, 02:38:25 PM

Quote from: JJ-AV on October 09, 2020, 01:19:11 PM

We do need a striker, so I wouldn't moan if King came in, but I'd prefer a short-term deal as we could be in a position to get someone much better soon. I'd take a look at Welbeck for 12 months to be honest.

He's a busted flush and precisely the sort of player we've stopped looking at now.

He thinks way too much of himself. He's always been an average striker who has the occasional hot streak that doesn't last long. And then he gets injured. He was on a stupid amount of money. So no ta from the Canadian jury. Ditto Sturridge

Agree 100%

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on October 09, 2020, 04:28:15 PM

Danny Welbeck

Manchester United
Arsenal
Watford
Free Agent

It is always better to sign players on the way up rather than on the way down.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on October 09, 2020, 07:19:07 PM

Quote from: Damo70 on October 09, 2020, 04:28:15 PM

Danny Welbeck

Manchester United
Arsenal
Watford
Free Agent

It is always better to sign players on the way up rather than on the way down.

Looking at that list I'd say he's on the way up.

Any news on Troy Deeney? I'm sure he'd crawl over broken glass to come here.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Ian. on October 09, 2020, 07:49:54 PM

I’d hope we file Welbeck under the Drinkwater experiment. I’d rather go for King.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Percy McCarthy on October 10, 2020, 05:07:17 AM

Quote from: rob_bridge on October 09, 2020, 12:15:41 PM

Quote from: Matt C on October 09, 2020, 11:33:46 AM

Why would anyone.

I had to go to the eye hospital (City) with the Missus. It wasn't quite Sandwell but very close

If I posted a pic of my ex who lives in Sandwell, you’d be beating a path there, including Josh King. Be careful though - she could have your eye out.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on October 10, 2020, 05:50:07 AM

Seen Dawson (the current Watford, ex WBA centre half) linked with Burnleh for less than £5 million this week.

Must admit I haven’t followed his career all that closely at Watford and maybe his game has fallen off the edge of a cliff.

But at that price I’d bite.

Experienced centre half cover but still illustrates we have faith in the current CB pairing.

A player in his prime coming in for £10 million plus will be expecting first team football.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on October 10, 2020, 09:16:11 AM

I expect I'll be completely on my own with this one, but for someone to add cover up front - Andre Ayew.

Wouldn't be demanding to start every game, can play central or out wide, scored 18 for Swansea last season and (as far as I can tell) got on with Championship life without complaining while every other asset that Swansea had was being flogged off.

Still only 31 despite having seemingly been around for two decades but would add some useful experience to a pretty youthful squad.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on October 10, 2020, 09:29:34 AM

I know what you mean Dave but I don't see Villa breaking from their transfer policy of getting players at the right age.  Unless they are on a free of course and low risk.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: The Edge on October 10, 2020, 09:38:34 AM

Quote from: Dave on October 10, 2020, 09:16:11 AM

I expect I'll be completely on my own with this one, but for someone to add cover up front - Andre Ayew.

Wouldn't be demanding to start every game, can play central or out wide, scored 18 for Swansea last season and (as far as I can tell) got on with Championship life without complaining while every other asset that Swansea had was being flogged off.

Still only 31 despite having seemingly been around for two decades but would add some useful experience to a pretty youthful squad.

You're correct sir.
You are on your own with that one 😉
Seriously though it appears that the club have a strategy of acquiring young promising players nowadays. Barkley could be said to break that mould but he's only 26 and has still got great potential to play at the highest level in my view. If he does that he would cost a kings ransom which I'd be happy to see the club pay to get him on a permanent deal. If he doesn't make it he goes back to Chelsea so win win for us really.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on October 10, 2020, 10:06:51 AM

Quote from: KevinGage on October 10, 2020, 05:50:07 AM

Seen Dawson (the current Watford, ex WBA centre half) linked with Burnleh for less than £5 million this week.

Must admit I haven’t followed his career all that closely at Watford and maybe his game has fallen off the edge of a cliff.

But at that price I’d bite.

Experienced centre half cover but still illustrates we have faith in the current CB pairing.

A player in his prime coming in for £10 million plus will be expecting first team football.

Possible but been relegated with Albion and Watford in 2 out of the last 3 seasons. Obviously not all his fault but lower end prem, top half championship player, not sure he’s any better than hause or Engels.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 10, 2020, 10:10:38 AM

Quote from: The Edge on October 10, 2020, 09:38:34 AM

Quote from: Dave on October 10, 2020, 09:16:11 AM

I expect I'll be completely on my own with this one, but for someone to add cover up front - Andre Ayew.

Wouldn't be demanding to start every game, can play central or out wide, scored 18 for Swansea last season and (as far as I can tell) got on with Championship life without complaining while every other asset that Swansea had was being flogged off.

Still only 31 despite having seemingly been around for two decades but would add some useful experience to a pretty youthful squad.

You're correct sir.
You are on your own with that one 😉
Seriously though it appears that the club have a strategy of acquiring young promising players nowadays. Barkley could be said to break that mould but he's only 26 and has still got great potential to play at the highest level in my view. If he does that he would cost a kings ransom which I'd be happy to see the club pay to get him on a permanent deal. If he doesn't make it he goes back to Chelsea so win win for us really.

Nothing wrong with bringing in a player like that for a year. It is giving them three or four year deals as we have tended to do that's the problem.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on October 10, 2020, 10:13:33 AM

Quote from: Dave on October 10, 2020, 09:16:11 AM

I expect I'll be completely on my own with this one, but for someone to add cover up front - Andre Ayew.

Wouldn't be demanding to start every game, can play central or out wide, scored 18 for Swansea last season and (as far as I can tell) got on with Championship life without complaining while every other asset that Swansea had was being flogged off.

Still only 31 despite having seemingly been around for two decades but would add some useful experience to a pretty youthful squad.

That's not the worst idea i've heard to be honest.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on October 10, 2020, 11:59:21 AM

I've always thought the non-Jordan brother flatters to deceive - even more than the frowny one although he has become a useful player to Palace. Are a lot Andre's goals penalties/consolations (surprised there isn't some xG-like stat yet that denotes the 'pure value of a goal)?

Is Benteke involved at Palace at all yet this season? Think he got a 3 match ban for his sending-off at Villa Park in July.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 10, 2020, 12:02:53 PM

He was injured for the start of the season. Has played eight minutes since returning.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: CT on October 10, 2020, 12:12:55 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on October 10, 2020, 10:10:38 AM

Quote from: The Edge on October 10, 2020, 09:38:34 AM

Quote from: Dave on October 10, 2020, 09:16:11 AM

I expect I'll be completely on my own with this one, but for someone to add cover up front - Andre Ayew.

Wouldn't be demanding to start every game, can play central or out wide, scored 18 for Swansea last season and (as far as I can tell) got on with Championship life without complaining while every other asset that Swansea had was being flogged off.

Still only 31 despite having seemingly been around for two decades but would add some useful experience to a pretty youthful squad.

You're correct sir.
You are on your own with that one 😉
Seriously though it appears that the club have a strategy of acquiring young promising players nowadays. Barkley could be said to break that mould but he's only 26 and has still got great potential to play at the highest level in my view. If he does that he would cost a kings ransom which I'd be happy to see the club pay to get him on a permanent deal. If he doesn't make it he goes back to Chelsea so win win for us really.

Nothing wrong with bringing in a player like that for a year. It is giving them three or four year deals as we have tended to do that's the problem.

Exactly. Having an experienced head there for a year is fine. Signing a 29yr old McCormack on a four year deal are the things of the past, hopefully.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on October 10, 2020, 12:32:55 PM

Dawson has struggled in the last couple of seasons (obviously Watford's struggles haven't helped). My heart always says yes to a Benteke return but his form his been pretty ropey for the majority of his time at Palace. As for Ayew I think he could give us a decent year or two. As Dave posted Ayew has got his head down and done a good job for Swansea in the Championship.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: tomd2103 on October 10, 2020, 12:39:39 PM

Quote from: Newby on October 10, 2020, 09:29:34 AM

I know what you mean Dave but I don't see Villa breaking from their transfer policy of getting players at the right age.  Unless they are on a free of course and low risk.

Might be a coincidence, but thought it was quite noticeable on that the team on Sunday had a distinctly domestic make up about it, with seven English players and one from north of the border. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on October 10, 2020, 12:51:17 PM

Yeah, getting more than a whiff of Gregory's Graduate autumn 1998 from it. For Konsa, Mings, Grealish, Barkley, Watkins read Barry, Southgate, Hendrie...erm Alan Thompson and Jules Joachim.

12 game unbeaten start? Why not?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on October 10, 2020, 01:45:52 PM

Think Joachim is still playing

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on October 10, 2020, 01:50:41 PM

Darlington or Boston last I heard but must have been a decade ago.

Edit: Blimey, he is! On the books at Bourne Town in Lincolnshire. He must be as ripped as his Villa forebear Tony Daley.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rotterdam on October 10, 2020, 04:19:43 PM

Josh King for me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on October 10, 2020, 08:38:43 PM

Quote from: RamboandBruno on October 10, 2020, 10:06:51 AM

Quote from: KevinGage on October 10, 2020, 05:50:07 AM

Seen Dawson (the current Watford, ex WBA centre half) linked with Burnleh for less than £5 million this week.

Must admit I haven’t followed his career all that closely at Watford and maybe his game has fallen off the edge of a cliff.

But at that price I’d bite.

Experienced centre half cover but still illustrates we have faith in the current CB pairing.

A player in his prime coming in for £10 million plus will be expecting first team football.

Possible but been relegated with Albion and Watford in 2 out of the last 3 seasons. Obviously not all his fault but lower end prem, top half championship player, not sure he’s any better than hause or Engels.

Cathcart is by far the best centre half at Watford, way better than Dawson but not sure he’d fancy the gig of 3rd/4th or 5th choice

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Villafirst on October 10, 2020, 09:35:10 PM

Benrahma close to Wet Spam move according to Sky Sports? Should Villa move for him? Surely an upgrade on AEG?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: darren woolley on October 10, 2020, 10:04:35 PM

Quote from: Rotterdam on October 10, 2020, 04:19:43 PM

Josh King for me.

Me too.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rougegorge on October 10, 2020, 10:07:03 PM

Quote from: Villafirst on October 10, 2020, 09:35:10 PM

Benrahma close to Wet Spam move according to Sky Sports? Should Villa move for him? Surely an upgrade on AEG?

He would certainly be an upgrade and I would have preferred him to Traore, but I think that ship has sailed.

We do need decent backup though, as if we lose our top players for any length of time, there is a significant gap to some of the reserves. Go for Josh King.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LukeJames on October 10, 2020, 10:30:13 PM

I just dont see much in Benrahma except neat flicks and tricks, I feel he will score the odd occasional wonder goal but get dominated most weeks in the Prem.

King would be sensible as he can cover all across the front line.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on October 10, 2020, 10:43:47 PM

King over Benrahma for me too.  I don't doubt that Dean Smith would get a tune out of him but King has already proven himself capable at this level.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on October 10, 2020, 10:47:14 PM

Quote from: LukeJames on October 10, 2020, 10:30:13 PM

I just dont see much in Benrahma except neat flicks and tricks, I feel he will score the odd occasional wonder goal but get dominated most weeks in the Prem.

King would be sensible as he can cover all across the front line.

Me too, I see a Knockeart type of player, definitely got those neat flicks & tricks when you’re on the front foot but a complete luxury when defending - be interesting to see if he can step up from being a star in the Championship to being useful in Prem

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on October 10, 2020, 11:46:08 PM

I'd have Bowen and Benrahma over Trez and Traore to be honest but think we have a better goalie, defence, central midfield and striker than West Ham.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aj2k77 on October 11, 2020, 12:05:32 AM

King for possibly under £10m or Benrahma for closer to £30m.... I know what I'd prefer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: villa for life on October 11, 2020, 08:36:39 AM

But most are reporting the fee will be closer to half of that for Benrahma..

Got the feeling Smith and the owners would have had no problem paying the 17/18million if that had been the amount quoted a month or so ago, but at that point Brentford wanted much more....

Just unlucky with the timing, I think..

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on October 11, 2020, 09:04:47 AM

I think we're probably done for transfers this window. Think we've had a really good window, and strengthened in the areas that we needed to. For me, the focus now would be to sort out whatever arrangement with had over Douglas Luiz and getting Lansbury & Kalinic off the books.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 11, 2020, 10:17:48 AM

Quote from: eamonn on October 10, 2020, 11:46:08 PM

I'd have Bowen and Benrahma over Trez and Traore to be honest but think we have a better goalie, defence, central midfield and striker than West Ham.

I think Trez is bedding in really nicely now and I’d say it’s way too early to decide on Traore.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on October 11, 2020, 10:37:31 AM

I'd definitely go for King as well.  We're an injury to Watkins away from having the second season in a row with no proper striker up front, and that would be unforgivable if it happened.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: exigo on October 11, 2020, 10:46:02 AM

Daniel Levy's legendary negotiating skills set to secure Ollie Watkins. Oh, wait...
Football Insider linky (https://www.footballinsider247.com/watkins-wanted-to-join-tottenham-but-levy-scuppered-deal/)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: fredm on October 11, 2020, 10:57:20 AM

Quote from: LukeJames on October 10, 2020, 10:30:13 PM

I just dont see much in Benrahma except neat flicks and tricks, I feel he will score the odd occasional wonder goal but get dominated most weeks in the Prem.

King would be sensible as he can cover all across the front line.

Watching the play off final last season and said then that if it was a choice between Watkins and Benrahma then it was Watkins every time for me.  Thought Benrahma was a "luxury" player who looked good when every thing was going for him but not as effective when the chips were down.  Think he will get worked out in the PL.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Nastylee on October 11, 2020, 11:15:28 AM

Benrahma is not getting into the left wing position so we're not going to spend 25m+ for a sub. Traore didn't cost 20m to be sat on the bench either so Benrahma would be a pointless signing.

If we need a player then it's some depth up top.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on October 11, 2020, 11:47:49 AM

Quote from: exigo on October 11, 2020, 10:46:02 AM

Daniel Levy's legendary negotiating skills set to secure Ollie Watkins. Oh, wait...
Football Insider linky (https://www.footballinsider247.com/watkins-wanted-to-join-tottenham-but-levy-scuppered-deal/)

Ollie wanted to play for Spudzzz and not us? Fuck him off  hat-trick or not. There must be a Villa fan playing up-front somewhere that we can replace him with.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: nigel on October 11, 2020, 01:05:53 PM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on October 11, 2020, 10:17:48 AM

Quote from: eamonn on October 10, 2020, 11:46:08 PM

I'd have Bowen and Benrahma over Trez and Traore to be honest but think we have a better goalie, defence, central midfield and striker than West Ham.

I think Trez is bedding in really nicely now and I’d say it’s way too early to decide on Traore.

Agree, Paul.
I think Trez is proving to be a great team player. I don’t think you’d get that from either Bowen or Benrahma.
Traore has played at the top level, so has quality. Whether he can turn it on every week is another thing. I’m going to guess he’ll be a bit of a mixed bag this season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on October 11, 2020, 01:30:53 PM

Quote from: eamonn on October 11, 2020, 11:47:49 AM

Quote from: exigo on October 11, 2020, 10:46:02 AM

Daniel Levy's legendary negotiating skills set to secure Ollie Watkins. Oh, wait...
Football Insider linky (https://www.footballinsider247.com/watkins-wanted-to-join-tottenham-but-levy-scuppered-deal/)

Ollie wanted to play for Spudzzz and not us? Fuck him off  hat-trick or not. There must be a Villa fan playing up-front somewhere that we can replace him with.

Of course the London meeja would say that. The truth is probably more along of the lines that there were upsides to both us and Tottenham, he would have happily moved to either and it was just down to who could get a deal done with Brentford.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on October 11, 2020, 02:11:40 PM

To be fair 'Spurs didn't meet Ollie Watkins' asking price and in any case he wanted to play for the Villa' is a far weaker headline.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on October 11, 2020, 02:33:56 PM

Isn’t every player is desperate to play for Spurs? And every fan gutted they are not a fan of Spurs?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on October 11, 2020, 03:03:36 PM

Quote from: OCD on October 11, 2020, 01:30:53 PM

Quote from: eamonn on October 11, 2020, 11:47:49 AM

Quote from: exigo on October 11, 2020, 10:46:02 AM

Daniel Levy's legendary negotiating skills set to secure Ollie Watkins. Oh, wait...
Football Insider linky (https://www.footballinsider247.com/watkins-wanted-to-join-tottenham-but-levy-scuppered-deal/)

Ollie wanted to play for Spudzzz and not us? Fuck him off  hat-trick or not. There must be a Villa fan playing up-front somewhere that we can replace him with.

Of course the London meeja would say that. The truth is probably more along of the lines that there were upsides to both us and Tottenham, he would have happily moved to either and it was just down to who could get a deal done with Brentford.

clickbait, by thre look of it. No attributed quotes just journalistic b.s.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on October 11, 2020, 03:03:43 PM

The Benrhma fee is looking like £20 rising to £30 by reports I read, I think West Ham have played the long game with it to get Brentford down a bit. Think I would have prefered him to Traore. West Ham have some decent players there now.

We need King much, much more though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on October 11, 2020, 03:06:25 PM

The way it’s gone so far I’m inclined to trust the process we have employed for recruitment. I’m sure if we really wanted to sign Benrahma and he really wanted to come a deal could have been struck. My guess is we couldn’t wait and we with Traore instead who I think will work out just fine. There is no doubt Benrahma is a very good player though and if West Ham get him he’ll do well.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on October 11, 2020, 03:34:20 PM

Bit harsh on Traore, he's not had chance to settle and show us what he can do yet.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on October 11, 2020, 08:35:23 PM

Any sign of our deadwood getting a move to a championship club on loan or permanently? King Henri for example. Engels, AEG, Taylor surely had a few interested parties. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on October 11, 2020, 10:01:27 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on October 11, 2020, 08:35:23 PM

Any sign of our deadwood getting a move to a championship club on loan or permanently? King Henri for example. Engels, AEG, Taylor surely had a few interested parties. 

How many championships clubs can afford their wages?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on October 11, 2020, 10:09:20 PM

West Ham agree the fee for Benrahma.  Sounds like pure desperation from West Ham to sign a player.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on October 11, 2020, 10:38:45 PM

The Athletic saying its closer to £30 million straight up which is a big old chunk. Fair play to Brentford, they have an amazing model, not sure how many more they can strike hold with though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on October 11, 2020, 10:54:00 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on October 11, 2020, 10:01:27 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on October 11, 2020, 08:35:23 PM

Any sign of our deadwood getting a move to a championship club on loan or permanently? King Henri for example. Engels, AEG, Taylor surely had a few interested parties. 

How many championships clubs can afford their wages?

None outright but surely we/they could come to some kind of arrangement. Better off having them play some level of football.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on October 11, 2020, 11:15:28 PM

After this summer, I imagine Brentford probably can!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on October 12, 2020, 08:16:43 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on October 11, 2020, 10:38:45 PM

The Athletic saying its closer to £30 million straight up which is a big old chunk. Fair play to Brentford, they have an amazing model, not sure how many more they can strike hold with though.

So, Wet Spam sell their man to the Bitters for £17m and bring in Benrahma for £30m? A bit strange given how highly rated Diangana supposedly is.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on October 12, 2020, 08:41:55 AM

Quote from: Mister E on October 12, 2020, 08:16:43 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on October 11, 2020, 10:38:45 PM

The Athletic saying its closer to £30 million straight up which is a big old chunk. Fair play to Brentford, they have an amazing model, not sure how many more they can strike hold with though.

So, Wet Spam sell their man to the Bitters for £17m and bring in Benrahma for £30m? A bit strange given how highly rated Diangana supposedly is.

That's a good point. Diangana has looked handy for West Brom too. Very odd decision making. But then they are part of the big 9 so can do what they like.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on October 12, 2020, 09:07:36 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on October 12, 2020, 08:41:55 AM

Quote from: Mister E on October 12, 2020, 08:16:43 AM

Quote from: ozzjim on October 11, 2020, 10:38:45 PM

The Athletic saying its closer to £30 million straight up which is a big old chunk. Fair play to Brentford, they have an amazing model, not sure how many more they can strike hold with though.

So, Wet Spam sell their man to the Bitters for £17m and bring in Benrahma for £30m? A bit strange given how highly rated Diangana supposedly is.

That's a good point. Diangana has looked handy for West Brom too. Very odd decision making. But then they are part of the big 9 so can do what they like.

probably based on amortisation

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on October 12, 2020, 09:54:35 AM

Quote from: OCD on October 11, 2020, 03:34:20 PM

Bit harsh on Traore, he's not had chance to settle and show us what he can do yet.

I'd have definitely preferred him to Traore.  But I saw Benrahma as a signing to play on the left to alow Jack to move more central.  Now we have Barkley, Benrahma would look like a bit of a luxury and would probably get limited minutes.  He has rarely played on the right so is not really direct competition with Traore.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on October 12, 2020, 11:23:23 AM

Smith seems to see Grealish's position as being on the left but with the license to roam and for the front 3/4 to be able to interchange between themselves.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: olaftab on October 12, 2020, 11:54:26 AM

Benrahma medical scheduled for Thursday..... unfortunately by West Ham. £18M rising to possible £30M.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on October 12, 2020, 11:56:44 AM

if we'd really wanted him, he'd have been wearing the right claret and blue long before now

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: olaftab on October 12, 2020, 11:57:09 AM

West Ham have also agreed personal terms with Josh King without Bmouth’s knowledge.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on October 12, 2020, 01:01:54 PM

Quote from: eamonn on October 10, 2020, 11:46:08 PM

I'd have Bowen and Benrahma over Trez and Traore to be honest but think we have a better goalie, defence, central midfield and striker than West Ham.

I like Bowen and Benrahma but I reckon Traore will turn out to be better than both of them.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on October 12, 2020, 01:40:02 PM

Quote from: Damo70 on October 12, 2020, 01:01:54 PM

Quote from: eamonn on October 10, 2020, 11:46:08 PM

I'd have Bowen and Benrahma over Trez and Traore to be honest but think we have a better goalie, defence, central midfield and striker than West Ham.

I like Bowen and Benrahma but I reckon Traore will turn out to be better than both of them.

I wish I could be so confident.  I watched the West Ham game last week, and Bowen was very good indeed.  Not based on anything other than a gut feeling and the less than stellar reviews from France, but I think Traore might take a while to settle.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on October 12, 2020, 02:06:11 PM

I wouldn’t use the game vs Stoke to judge Traore as everyone was useless that evening. As the manager said it was played at walking pace and that’s a million miles from what we saw the first XI do a few nights later. Traore with our best players around him will elevate to perform at that level. I’d have loved Benrahma but something stopped us from doing the deal and it’s likely that we didn’t want to part with the fat end of £30-40m when you’re toss in signing bonuses and agent fees.

I still think we need cover up front although I know Traore can play up there. I’d like to shift a few more of the dead bodies we are carrying at the club. And as much as Targett is decent an upgrade there wouldn’t go amiss. We are close to having a solid squad that can compete with any team. Invest from a position of strength. But if not, so be it. The next window is less than 3 months away.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on October 12, 2020, 02:24:54 PM

Benrahma for a total of £15-16m I'd be willing to take a look, at closer to £30m it's too big a risk because I'm far from convinced he'll be able to make the step up and there'd be no chance of moving him on after that fee and wages that come with it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on October 12, 2020, 02:49:59 PM

Quote from: brontebilly on October 11, 2020, 08:35:23 PM

Any sign of our deadwood getting a move to a championship club on loan or permanently? King Henri for example. Engels, AEG, Taylor surely had a few interested parties. 

Think some of those will be far more likely in January when Taylor and Lansbury have just 6 months left on their deals so easier to unload.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on October 12, 2020, 03:21:20 PM

Quote from: Risso on October 12, 2020, 01:40:02 PM

Quote from: Damo70 on October 12, 2020, 01:01:54 PM

Quote from: eamonn on October 10, 2020, 11:46:08 PM

I'd have Bowen and Benrahma over Trez and Traore to be honest but think we have a better goalie, defence, central midfield and striker than West Ham.

I like Bowen and Benrahma but I reckon Traore will turn out to be better than both of them.

I wish I could be so confident.  I watched the West Ham game last week, and Bowen was very good indeed.  Not based on anything other than a gut feeling and the less than stellar reviews from France, but I think Traore might take a while to settle.

Me too, but hopefully not.

Benrahma I think will be brilliant wherever he goes I really do.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on October 12, 2020, 03:36:41 PM

I agree, I think he'll be as good for them as Ollie is for us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Axl Rose on October 12, 2020, 04:26:23 PM

Benrahma is better than Traore, but we got one of them, so it's ok.

Is Rashica coming or not?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on October 12, 2020, 04:29:38 PM

Think he's stuck at Bremen after a move to another German team broke down in the final minutes of the window.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on October 12, 2020, 04:38:03 PM

I've seen two things already I've really liked by Traore. His goal, obviously, and the deftest of headers to beat a defender in our most recent win.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Axl Rose on October 12, 2020, 04:50:13 PM

Quote from: eamonn on October 12, 2020, 04:29:38 PM

Think he's stuck at Bremen after a move to another German team broke down in the final minutes of the window.

Oh right. Thank you for letting me know. Was really hoping for him to come in as he looked exciting. Traore will be great, I'm sure!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on October 12, 2020, 06:11:42 PM

Quote from: Lastfootstamper on October 12, 2020, 04:38:03 PM

I've seen two things already I've really liked by Traore. His goal, obviously, and the deftest of headers to beat a defender in our most recent win.

I liked his cameo against Liverpool, he seemed to have a swagger of confidence and quality about him. He might be one of those wingers who go missing and be inconsistent but there's raw materials there to work with and you'd have confidence that Terry and Shakespeare can keep him on his toes.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Marlon From Bearwood on October 12, 2020, 06:22:22 PM

Sounds like Benrahma to Wham is off. There’s also talk that we’ve bid again.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on October 12, 2020, 06:27:25 PM

I think West Ham are having the same problems us and everyone else has had in trying to sign him. Brentford has a number or type of deal they want and won’t budge and it’s probably pissing Benrahma off. I would love it if we actually did sign him but I don’t see it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on October 12, 2020, 07:03:32 PM

After hearing Dean say Ollie has doubled his value after the Liverpool game, Brentford will probably hike-up our Benrahma fee to £40m. We'll be paying for that club's future forever.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on October 12, 2020, 07:10:44 PM

Can we just adopt Brentford? Might be cheaper in the long run.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: CT on October 12, 2020, 08:05:53 PM

Quote from: OCD on October 12, 2020, 07:10:44 PM

Can we just adopt Brentford? Might be cheaper in the long run.

Like in the adverts where we give them £3 a month and they send us some photos?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: luke:lamf on October 12, 2020, 08:38:30 PM

Quote from: CT on October 12, 2020, 08:05:53 PM

Quote from: OCD on October 12, 2020, 07:10:44 PM

Can we just adopt Brentford? Might be cheaper in the long run.

Like in the adverts where we give them £3 a month and they send us some photos?

"This is Saïd [sad face]. Every week he plays football in a ramshackle stadium [I know it's new] in a gritty London suburb, or in some dreary Northern hell-hole [cut to Rotherham / Barnsley / Sheffield / Doncaster / all the other Yorkshire Championship clubs]. For just £40 million, give him the gift of playing in front of the Holte End [cut to happy face]."

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on October 12, 2020, 09:55:10 PM

Quote from: CT on October 12, 2020, 08:05:53 PM

Quote from: OCD on October 12, 2020, 07:10:44 PM

Can we just adopt Brentford? Might be cheaper in the long run.

Like in the adverts where we give them £3 a month and they send us some photos?

More like we give them £30m a year and they send us their latest talent off their conveyor belt :)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: The Edge on October 13, 2020, 08:31:58 AM

Quote from: OCD on October 12, 2020, 09:55:10 PM

Quote from: CT on October 12, 2020, 08:05:53 PM

Quote from: OCD on October 12, 2020, 07:10:44 PM

Can we just adopt Brentford? Might be cheaper in the long run.

Like in the adverts where we give them £3 a month and they send us some photos?

More like we give them £30m a year and they send us their latest talent off their conveyor belt :)

No thanks. We're building our own conveyor belt at BH.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on October 13, 2020, 09:01:08 AM

have the porno people actually pulled the plug on Bernrahma?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Small Rodent on October 13, 2020, 09:54:15 AM

Quote from: mr underhill on October 13, 2020, 09:01:08 AM

have the porno people actually pulled the buttplug on Bernrahma?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on October 13, 2020, 10:24:29 AM

Quote from: mr underhill on October 13, 2020, 09:01:08 AM

have the porno people actually pulled the plug on Bernrahma?

Karen’s insistence that the clause to provide back up services should Peskydildo not fulfil his contractual obligations has become a sticking point in negotiations.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on October 13, 2020, 11:02:56 AM

Quote from: Risso on October 12, 2020, 01:40:02 PM

Quote from: Damo70 on October 12, 2020, 01:01:54 PM

Quote from: eamonn on October 10, 2020, 11:46:08 PM

I'd have Bowen and Benrahma over Trez and Traore to be honest but think we have a better goalie, defence, central midfield and striker than West Ham.

I like Bowen and Benrahma but I reckon Traore will turn out to be better than both of them.

I wish I could be so confident.  I watched the West Ham game last week, and Bowen was very good indeed.  Not based on anything other than a gut feeling and the less than stellar reviews from France, but I think Traore might take a while to settle.

Bowen looked a great prospect and I was dissapointed we didn't go for him.  I reckon both Bowen & Benrahma will do well and will feel like the ones that got away.

As for Traore, hopefully he'll come good but he's the signing I have most doubts about.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brian green on October 13, 2020, 11:06:58 AM

Does Brady actually know that about Peskydildo or is it just the vibes?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on October 13, 2020, 11:15:04 AM

she looks like she could be quite handy with a plug, or was in the past.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: pauliewalnuts on October 13, 2020, 12:14:02 PM

I don't like Karren Brady at all, but I can't help but shudder at some of this misogynistic stuff.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on October 13, 2020, 12:16:43 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on October 13, 2020, 12:14:02 PM

I don't like Karren Brady at all, but I can't help but shudder at some of this misogynistic stuff.

Was going to say, can we not do this?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave shelley on October 13, 2020, 12:42:39 PM

Quote from: Monty on October 13, 2020, 12:16:43 PM

Quote from: pauliewalnuts on October 13, 2020, 12:14:02 PM

I don't like Karren Brady at all, but I can't help but shudder at some of this misogynistic stuff.

Was going to say, can we not do this?

Agreed.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave P on October 13, 2020, 12:55:17 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on October 13, 2020, 11:02:56 AM

As for Traore, hopefully he'll come good but he's the signing I have most doubts about.

He looked great at Bristol City and looked good when he came on against Fulham and Liverpool.  An abject performance v Stoke (along with the whole team may I add) aside, I'm pleased with him.  A wingers inconsistencies are highlighter more than anywhere else on the pitch I think but I think he'll be just fine.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on October 13, 2020, 01:12:23 PM

There are many valid reasons to dislike Karren Brady. None of them are based on her gender or appearance. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on October 13, 2020, 01:21:07 PM

Quote from: Dave P on October 13, 2020, 12:55:17 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on October 13, 2020, 11:02:56 AM

As for Traore, hopefully he'll come good but he's the signing I have most doubts about.

He looked great at Bristol City and looked good when he came on against Fulham and Liverpool.  An abject performance v Stoke (along with the whole team may I add) aside, I'm pleased with him.  A wingers inconsistencies are highlighter more than anywhere else on the pitch I think but I think he'll be just fine.

It's not really his performances to date that worry me, I just think he looks like a very inconsistent player.  It feels like a gamble to me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on October 13, 2020, 01:34:20 PM

I worked in a well know record shop in brum city centre in the early 90s and served Karen Brady once, from memory she was really obnoxious and rude, like I was something she’d stepped in. And yet I’m still a bit embarrassed by some of the early comments.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on October 13, 2020, 02:24:22 PM

Because she is a woman we are not allowed to Take the piss, if she was a man he would be fair game.
Double standards or PC gone nuts?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 13, 2020, 02:31:31 PM

You're allowed to take the piss without being misogynous. We don't regularly get jokes about the alleged sex life of the current Birmingham City owner... and his name is Dong!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on October 13, 2020, 02:33:56 PM

Quote from: RamboandBruno on October 13, 2020, 01:34:20 PM

I worked in a well know record shop in brum city centre in the early 90s and served Karen Brady once, from memory she was really obnoxious and rude, like I was something she’d stepped in. And yet I’m still a bit embarrassed by some of the early comments.

I'm guessing Phil Collins or Dire Straits?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on October 13, 2020, 02:40:52 PM

Quote from: RamboandBruno on October 13, 2020, 01:34:20 PM

I worked in a well know record shop in brum city centre in the early 90s and served Karen Brady once, from memory she was really obnoxious and rude, like I was something she’d stepped in. And yet I’m still a bit embarrassed by some of the early comments.

My mate interviewed her back then for the Birmingham Uni magazine, and said she was an utter twat.  And he wasn't a Villa fan, so wasn't even anti-Blues.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on October 13, 2020, 03:07:08 PM

Quote from: RamboandBruno on October 13, 2020, 01:34:20 PM

I worked in a well know record shop in brum city centre in the early 90s and served Karen Brady once, from memory she was really obnoxious and rude, like I was something she’d stepped in. And yet I’m still a bit embarrassed by some of the early comments.

Was it Reddingtons rare Records - might have been looking for rare records of Blues wins.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on October 13, 2020, 03:12:37 PM

An old neighbour of mine bought a guest house in Acocks Green and one of his first lodgers was Paul Peschisolido. He was chuffed as he was a big blue nose and ended up mixing with the Small Heath players in Rosies in Solihull and getting free tickets for games. Most new signings stayed at my old neighbours Dave's place when they first signed. When the London porn mob took over they put the new signings into hotels and just sent the new apprentices to Dave. Dave was not happy. He went from mixing with the first team players in night clubs to having to babysit the Small Heath kids and chasing off the young girls that hung around the place.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ktvillan on October 13, 2020, 04:04:47 PM

I recently had dealings with the London Legacy Development Corporation which owns the Olympic/London stadium.  I asked what it was like dealing with Brady and Gollivan.  The look on their faces was utter contempt and they also said they were a bunch of arrogant obnoxious twats, and particularly Brady. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on October 13, 2020, 04:12:42 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on October 13, 2020, 01:12:23 PM

There are many valid reasons to dislike Karren Brady. None of them are based on her gender or appearance.

I agree re Gender absolutely, and looks too. Appearance though.......

(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn%3AANd9GcR2W0pa4kABr-uINC5KdfmsZNhj9sz9ZeHtxQ&usqp=CAU)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on October 13, 2020, 04:18:18 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on October 13, 2020, 01:12:23 PM

There are many valid reasons to dislike Karren Brady. None of them are based on her gender or appearance. 

I quite like her gender and appearance.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: N'ZMAV on October 13, 2020, 04:18:39 PM

Quote from: Drummond on October 13, 2020, 04:12:42 PM

Quote from: dave.woodhall on October 13, 2020, 01:12:23 PM

There are many valid reasons to dislike Karren Brady. None of them are based on her gender or appearance.

I agree re Gender absolutely, and looks too. Appearance though.......

(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn%3AANd9GcR2W0pa4kABr-uINC5KdfmsZNhj9sz9ZeHtxQ&usqp=CAU)

she'd look better without that top on.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: maidstonevillain on October 13, 2020, 05:20:20 PM

Get the impression she is a bit of a nasty piece of work. But I do have a begrudging admiration (respect is perhaps going too far) for her.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on October 13, 2020, 05:29:38 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on October 13, 2020, 02:33:56 PM

Quote from: RamboandBruno on October 13, 2020, 01:34:20 PM

I worked in a well know record shop in brum city centre in the early 90s and served Karen Brady once, from memory she was really obnoxious and rude, like I was something she’d stepped in. And yet I’m still a bit embarrassed by some of the early comments.

I'm guessing Phil Collins or Dire Straits?

I think the contempt clouded my vision! It was 27 years ago....😊

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on October 13, 2020, 05:48:03 PM

Quote from: RamboandBruno on October 13, 2020, 05:29:38 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on October 13, 2020, 02:33:56 PM

Quote from: RamboandBruno on October 13, 2020, 01:34:20 PM

I worked in a well know record shop in brum city centre in the early 90s and served Karen Brady once, from memory she was really obnoxious and rude, like I was something she’d stepped in. And yet I’m still a bit embarrassed by some of the early comments.

I'm guessing Phil Collins or Dire Straits?

I think the contempt clouded my vision! It was 27 years ago....😊

Skee-Lo's 'I wish" for her husband perhaps?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on October 13, 2020, 05:48:44 PM

Quote from: maidstonevillain on October 13, 2020, 05:20:20 PM

Get the impression she is a bit of a nasty piece of work. But I do have a begrudging admiration (respect is perhaps going too far) for her.

She had a national newspaper column at one time and it was more of a gossip column. She would drip feed/tease bits of gossip like the extra marital affairs of Premier League executives and club owners without naming any names. She also used it to have a pop at anyone in the game who she felt had wronged or slighted her. However I would have loved to be a fly on the wall for any meetings/conversations she had with Doug.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on October 13, 2020, 06:53:14 PM

Quote from: RamboandBruno on October 13, 2020, 05:29:38 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on October 13, 2020, 02:33:56 PM

Quote from: RamboandBruno on October 13, 2020, 01:34:20 PM

I worked in a well know record shop in brum city centre in the early 90s and served Karen Brady once, from memory she was really obnoxious and rude, like I was something she’d stepped in. And yet I’m still a bit embarrassed by some of the early comments.

I'm guessing Phil Collins or Dire Straits?

I think the contempt clouded my vision! It was 27 years ago....😊

I have a feeling it was Sade. Could you check somehow pls ?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Hookeysmith on October 13, 2020, 06:54:39 PM

I wrote a piece to the mail many moons ago pointing out that the sactimonius shit she wrote in her regular column was beneath contempt.
She was moralizing on the sexualisation of young girls through fashion advertising whilst working for a scumbag porn baron whose daily rag offered gems such as sex chat lines with girls that were "barely legal"

Oh and she regularly had a suite at the Hyatt and was " visited" by several players. Bet old peskidildo was not aware.

I hate the ****** woman or not

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on October 13, 2020, 07:18:47 PM

Quote from: eamonn on October 13, 2020, 06:53:14 PM

Quote from: RamboandBruno on October 13, 2020, 05:29:38 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on October 13, 2020, 02:33:56 PM

Quote from: RamboandBruno on October 13, 2020, 01:34:20 PM

I worked in a well know record shop in brum city centre in the early 90s and served Karen Brady once, from memory she was really obnoxious and rude, like I was something she’d stepped in. And yet I’m still a bit embarrassed by some of the early comments.

I'm guessing Phil Collins or Dire Straits?

I think the contempt clouded my vision! It was 27 years ago....😊

I have a feeling it was Sade. Could you check somehow pls ?

I have no memory of what she bought, however Meat Loafs ‘I would do anything for love but I won’t do that’ was no 1 for weeks and weeks at the time and used to be played about 10 times a day every day in the shop.
Let’s just presume she bought that for the fellow Canadian Pesch and my dislike for that song and her are entwined For ever more.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Percy McCarthy on October 13, 2020, 07:45:07 PM

I always had her down as a Crass fan.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on October 13, 2020, 08:09:51 PM

Quote from: Drummond on October 13, 2020, 04:12:42 PM

(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn%3AANd9GcR2W0pa4kABr-uINC5KdfmsZNhj9sz9ZeHtxQ&usqp=CAU)

Was the record Phwaaah Non blondes?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 13, 2020, 08:16:32 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on October 13, 2020, 02:24:22 PM

Because she is a woman we are not allowed to Take the piss, if she was a man he would be fair game.
Double standards or PC gone nuts?

Neither - can take the piss just avoid the misogyny.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: DB on October 13, 2020, 08:25:26 PM

Soooo.....all quite on the transfer front I take it?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: bones. on October 13, 2020, 08:34:35 PM

Quote from: Percy McCarthy on October 13, 2020, 07:45:07 PM

I always had her down as a Crass fan.

So what ?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: brontebilly on October 13, 2020, 08:54:20 PM

Quote from: Damo70 on October 13, 2020, 05:48:44 PM

Quote from: maidstonevillain on October 13, 2020, 05:20:20 PM

Get the impression she is a bit of a nasty piece of work. But I do have a begrudging admiration (respect is perhaps going too far) for her.

She had a national newspaper column at one time and it was more of a gossip column. She would drip feed/tease bits of gossip like the extra marital affairs of Premier League executives and club owners without naming any names. She also used it to have a pop at anyone in the game who she felt had wronged or slighted her. However I would have loved to be a fly on the wall for any meetings/conversations she had with Doug.

Something about tarmac and Richard Keys for one?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: KevinGage on October 13, 2020, 11:15:38 PM

There's a fairly famous one early on in her stint with the tramps down the road where she said to BFR he must be proud to have his son (Dalian) in the first team.

No one would accuse her of a sense of humour in any dealings over the last 25+years, so she either meant it or was given a bum steer by Terry Cooper or some of the other lot there.

Take the point about the misogyny and the current Bluenose head honcho not having his sex life discussed.

But if you will sleep with the players in your own team.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on October 14, 2020, 12:07:25 AM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on October 13, 2020, 08:16:32 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on October 13, 2020, 02:24:22 PM

Because she is a woman we are not allowed to Take the piss, if she was a man he would be fair game.
Double standards or PC gone nuts?

Neither - can take the piss just avoid the misogyny.

Exactly. And by 'misogyny' we mean 'thinking being a woman is something to be made fun of.'

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: villabear on October 14, 2020, 06:54:16 AM

Quote from: KevinGage on October 13, 2020, 11:15:38 PM

There's a fairly famous one early on in her stint with the tramps down the road where she said to BFR he must be proud to have his son (Dalian) in the first team.

No one would accuse her of a sense of humour in any dealings over the last 25+years, so she either meant it or was given a bum steer by Terry Cooper or some of the other lot there.

Take the point about the misogyny and the current Bluenose head honcho not having his sex life discussed.

But if you will sleep with the players in your own team.

I refer to them lot as tramps as well. Had the unfortunate happen to me the other week when the sat nav sent me right past their place. It’s more of a shithole than I remember. They do know it’s 2020 don't they?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on October 14, 2020, 09:41:42 AM

I think the issue for her is that early on she allowed herself, or far more likely, was forced/cajoled/encouraged, to be portrayed as a young female model type, hence all the poses and suggestive comments and articles. How often do you see senior execs of any team wearing the kits? It was purely because she was female and seen as a commodity for only that reason. It means she's taken less seriously business-wise as a result.

Much like Johnson courting a status as a friendly buffoon whereas he's a calculating malevolent. The difference being he didn't have to use his gender, or wasn't exploited for his gender to get where he is.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on October 14, 2020, 09:43:19 AM

If there was any exploiting going on, she was the one doing it.  She only got the job at Blues because her dad was a major advertiser with the Dildo Twins.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on October 14, 2020, 09:52:05 AM

Quote from: Risso on October 14, 2020, 09:43:19 AM

If there was any exploiting going on, she was the one doing it.  She only got the job at Blues because her dad was a major advertiser with the Dildo Twins.

she fell out with him big time , would not let him see the grandkids , we dealt with him on his commercial print company at the time and he asked us to try and find out what school they went to .  We were like sorry we cant do that ! 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on October 14, 2020, 01:10:28 PM

Quote from: bones. on October 13, 2020, 08:34:35 PM

Quote from: Percy McCarthy on October 13, 2020, 07:45:07 PM

I always had her down as a Crass fan.

So what ?

So What was the Anti-Nowhere League not Crass.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Chris Smith on October 14, 2020, 01:31:42 PM

Quote from: Jon Crofts on October 14, 2020, 01:10:28 PM

Quote from: bones. on October 13, 2020, 08:34:35 PM

Quote from: Percy McCarthy on October 13, 2020, 07:45:07 PM

I always had her down as a Crass fan.

So what ?

So What was the Anti-Nowhere League not Crass.

https://g.co/kgs/V1LL8p

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Damo70 on October 14, 2020, 01:33:05 PM

She was young and naive when she posed in the kit and I think she got labelled as some kind of  novelty act/bimbo on the back of that. I think quite a few owners and directors of clubs soon found out she was a tough negotiator. Plus the fact she was always quick to remind people how tough she believed she was. I suspect she is a bit of a ballbuster.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WarszaVillan on October 14, 2020, 01:41:46 PM

One of the most embarassing chants at Villa is the part about Karen Brady in the 'there's a circus in the town...' chant. Quite an achievement as the previous version used to contain the line 'Ronnie Saunders is a clown..'

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on October 14, 2020, 01:44:03 PM

Quote from: VILLA MOLE on October 14, 2020, 09:52:05 AM

Quote from: Risso on October 14, 2020, 09:43:19 AM

If there was any exploiting going on, she was the one doing it.  She only got the job at Blues because her dad was a major advertiser with the Dildo Twins.

she fell out with him big time , would not let him see the grandkids , we dealt with him on his commercial print company at the time and he asked us to try and find out what school they went to .  We were like sorry we cant do that ! 

That's quite sad.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on October 14, 2020, 01:53:44 PM

Quote from: Chris Smith on October 14, 2020, 01:31:42 PM

Quote from: Jon Crofts on October 14, 2020, 01:10:28 PM

Quote from: bones. on October 13, 2020, 08:34:35 PM

Quote from: Percy McCarthy on October 13, 2020, 07:45:07 PM

I always had her down as a Crass fan.

So what ?

So What was the Anti-Nowhere League not Crass.

https://g.co/kgs/V1LL8p

You're all wrong, So What was written and first recorded by Miles Davis.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on October 14, 2020, 01:53:55 PM

Quote from: Monty on October 14, 2020, 12:07:25 AM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on October 13, 2020, 08:16:32 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on October 13, 2020, 02:24:22 PM

Because she is a woman we are not allowed to Take the piss, if she was a man he would be fair game.
Double standards or PC gone nuts?

Neither - can take the piss just avoid the misogyny.

Exactly. And by 'misogyny' we mean 'thinking being a woman is something to be made fun of.'

It seems to mean you can not make fun of a woman.
If you enjoy taking offence then carry on.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on October 14, 2020, 01:55:19 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on October 14, 2020, 01:53:55 PM

Quote from: Monty on October 14, 2020, 12:07:25 AM

Quote from: PaulWinch again on October 13, 2020, 08:16:32 PM

Quote from: ChicagoLion on October 13, 2020, 02:24:22 PM

Because she is a woman we are not allowed to Take the piss, if she was a man he would be fair game.
Double standards or PC gone nuts?

Neither - can take the piss just avoid the misogyny.

Exactly. And by 'misogyny' we mean 'thinking being a woman is something to be made fun of.'

It seems to mean you can not make fun of a woman.
If you enjoy taking offence then carry on.

Congratulations on missing the point by as much as it's ever possible for a point to be missed.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on October 14, 2020, 01:58:56 PM

Quote from: Chris Smith on October 14, 2020, 01:31:42 PM

Quote from: Jon Crofts on October 14, 2020, 01:10:28 PM

Quote from: bones. on October 13, 2020, 08:34:35 PM

Quote from: Percy McCarthy on October 13, 2020, 07:45:07 PM

I always had her down as a Crass fan.

So what ?

So What was the Anti-Nowhere League not Crass.

https://g.co/kgs/V1LL8p

Well obviously I was talking about the CD compilation by ANWL ;)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on October 14, 2020, 02:14:56 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on October 13, 2020, 11:15:38 PM

But if you will sleep with the players in your own team.

If true I'm sure she isn't the first woman to sleep with one of her employees. Just ask Arlene Foster.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: chrisw1 on October 14, 2020, 02:24:59 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on October 14, 2020, 02:14:56 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on October 13, 2020, 11:15:38 PM

But if you will sleep with the players in your own team.

If true I'm sure she isn't the first woman to sleep with one of her employees. Just ask Arlene Foster.

It is true, she ended up marrying him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Nev on October 14, 2020, 02:31:58 PM

She was cut a certain amount of slack because her presence was highly unusual in such a male dominated area of business but then it got into the realms of fantasy about how successful she was. But if you have to protect your own children from the abuse you're getting from the fans of the club you run and still be considered a success then she's an absolute fuckin' genius.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on October 14, 2020, 02:31:59 PM

Quote from: chrisw1 on October 14, 2020, 02:24:59 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on October 14, 2020, 02:14:56 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on October 13, 2020, 11:15:38 PM

But if you will sleep with the players in your own team.

If true I'm sure she isn't the first woman to sleep with one of her employees. Just ask Arlene Foster.

It is true, she ended up marrying him.

I'm guessing he means the other, more "alleged" one.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on October 14, 2020, 02:32:00 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on October 14, 2020, 02:14:56 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on October 13, 2020, 11:15:38 PM

But if you will sleep with the players in your own team.

If true I'm sure she isn't the first woman to sleep with one of her employees. Just ask Arlene Foster.

Please say it was Sammy Wilson.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on October 14, 2020, 02:40:51 PM

I was always of the view her appointment by the Dildo Twins at The Sty was some appallingly ill judged move to eventually see her appointed manager, a real world Cheri Lunghi if you will. Highlight of her time there has to be her arrest along with the Dildo Twins for tax fraud.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Tayls_7 on October 14, 2020, 03:13:29 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on October 14, 2020, 02:32:00 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on October 14, 2020, 02:14:56 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on October 13, 2020, 11:15:38 PM

But if you will sleep with the players in your own team.

If true I'm sure she isn't the first woman to sleep with one of her employees. Just ask Arlene Foster.

Please say it was Sammy Wilson.

Jesus. Lucky man  :o

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on October 14, 2020, 03:44:41 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on October 14, 2020, 02:14:56 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on October 13, 2020, 11:15:38 PM

But if you will sleep with the players in your own team.

Just ask Arlene Foster.

This has sent me down a particularly unpleasant rabbit hole.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: danno on October 14, 2020, 03:50:27 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on October 14, 2020, 03:44:41 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on October 14, 2020, 02:14:56 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on October 13, 2020, 11:15:38 PM

But if you will sleep with the players in your own team.

Just ask Arlene Foster.

This has sent me down a particularly unpleasant rabbit hole.

Never heard it called that. Although as euphemisms go I've heard worse.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Chris_Jephcott on October 14, 2020, 03:55:56 PM

It’s like I’ve slipped into a parallel universe. Talk of misogyny and Arlene Foster...

In the meantime, away from whatever the heck has been discussed for the last few pages, it sounds like Benrahma to West Ham is a done deal. I would have loved him but 2 things...

1/ if we wanted him, we’d have surely bidded for him.
2/ if it’s true he didn’t want to leave London, then I guess it was inevitable that we wouldn’t stand a chance. As a speculative bet to be a success, I hear his wage demands were very overstated anyway.

So... are we done for this window then? Can I stop scanning Twitter? Is Rashica locked in a cupboard with Lange’s smile being played through the door?

If so, it’s been a good window for us.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rory on October 14, 2020, 04:58:28 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on October 14, 2020, 02:32:00 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on October 14, 2020, 02:14:56 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on October 13, 2020, 11:15:38 PM

But if you will sleep with the players in your own team.

If true I'm sure she isn't the first woman to sleep with one of her employees. Just ask Arlene Foster.

Please say it was Sammy Wilson.

Oh my good god. Thanks, both, for that absolutely hideous thought.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on October 14, 2020, 05:08:30 PM

Quote from: Rory Christopher on October 14, 2020, 04:58:28 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on October 14, 2020, 02:32:00 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on October 14, 2020, 02:14:56 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on October 13, 2020, 11:15:38 PM

But if you will sleep with the players in your own team.

If true I'm sure she isn't the first woman to sleep with one of her employees. Just ask Arlene Foster.

Please say it was Sammy Wilson.

Oh my good god. Thanks, both, for that absolutely hideous thought.

AFAIK Sammy says No! However if she were to say 'Home, James' it may be taken literally. ;)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: FrankyH on October 14, 2020, 05:10:43 PM

Quote from: Rory Christopher on October 14, 2020, 04:58:28 PM

Quote from: Rudy Can't Fail on October 14, 2020, 02:32:00 PM

Quote from: Brazilian Villain on October 14, 2020, 02:14:56 PM

Quote from: KevinGage on October 13, 2020, 11:15:38 PM

But if you will sleep with the players in your own team.

If true I'm sure she isn't the first woman to sleep with one of her employees. Just ask Arlene Foster.

Please say it was Sammy Wilson.

Oh my good god. Thanks, both, for that absolutely hideous thought.

A bit like watching the child catcher and toy maker from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang getting it on !

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: TelfordVilla on October 15, 2020, 10:26:25 AM

have we signed anyone today ?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on October 15, 2020, 12:00:09 PM

Nathaniel Clyne on a free. You can never have too many right full backs.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on October 15, 2020, 12:02:26 PM

Quote from: eamonn on October 15, 2020, 12:00:09 PM

Nathaniel Clyne on a free. You can never have too many right full backs.

Is that you Gareth ?? :D

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on October 15, 2020, 02:55:54 PM

Quote from: VILLA MOLE on October 15, 2020, 12:02:26 PM

Quote from: eamonn on October 15, 2020, 12:00:09 PM

Nathaniel Clyne on a free. You can never have too many right full backs.

Is that you Gareth ?? :D

Nope

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ktvillan on October 16, 2020, 01:10:37 AM

Quote from: Risso on October 14, 2020, 09:43:19 AM

If there was any exploiting going on, she was the one doing it.  She only got the job at Blues because her dad was a major advertiser with the Dildo Twins.

Was he advertising dildos?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Shrek on October 16, 2020, 07:23:04 AM

Bournemouth asking for 15m for King is way too much imo.

Surely King holds the power, a figure of around 8m is fair for a player with a matter of months on contract left.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on October 16, 2020, 07:38:02 AM

King and Buendia both tenuously linked.

Probably sign neither of them.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brend'Watkins on October 16, 2020, 07:43:25 AM

Quote from: Shrek on October 16, 2020, 07:23:04 AM

Bournemouth asking for 15m for King is way too much imo.

Surely King holds the power, a figure of around 8m is fair for a player with a matter of months on contract left.

If it is only 2 months left on his contract he should see it out with Bournemouth and negotiate a lucrative wage deal with whoever in January. Thinking about it, he’s probably got that lined up already.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ozzjim on October 16, 2020, 08:12:07 AM

Quote from: Brend'Watkins on October 16, 2020, 07:43:25 AM

Quote from: Shrek on October 16, 2020, 07:23:04 AM

Bournemouth asking for 15m for King is way too much imo.

Surely King holds the power, a figure of around 8m is fair for a player with a matter of months on contract left.

If it is only 2 months left on his contract he should see it out with Bournemouth and negotiate a lucrative wage deal with whoever in January. Thinking about it, he’s probably got that lined up already.

Exactly. Motivation for King to move, unless someone pays him a fortune, is minimal.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: olaftab on October 16, 2020, 11:10:12 AM

Come on get King in for £10M today please Villa.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on October 16, 2020, 11:13:20 AM

Quote from: olaftab on October 16, 2020, 11:10:12 AM

Come on get King in for £10M today please Villa.

and then over 100k a week he wants ,  I think I heard we are done for this window

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on October 16, 2020, 11:28:37 AM

Still would not be surprised to see Buendia come in, who would be an excellent signing (more proven player than Benrahma). Think that may hinge of offloading one or more of Lansbury/ Guilbert/ excess GKs though.

Whatever happens we can have no complaints about the business done in this window.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: mr underhill on October 16, 2020, 12:01:38 PM

we won't be signing anyone today according to a few Villa watchers.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Yeltzer on October 16, 2020, 12:16:39 PM

Benrahma has failed his medical at Wet Spam, apparently

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on October 16, 2020, 12:34:08 PM

Buendia would be excellent but I suspect no incomings will happen today.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Jon Crofts on October 16, 2020, 12:44:18 PM

Quote from: Yeltzer on October 16, 2020, 12:16:39 PM

Benrahma has failed his medical at Wet Spam, apparently

I saw that, staggered if true.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rougegorge on October 16, 2020, 12:48:29 PM

I think we have done well with transfers so far, but I would have concerns about the disparity between first team and the B string, especially in the event of injuries. As we are in a much better place than last season, I was hoping we would get someone like Josh King, but that seems highly unlikely.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on October 16, 2020, 01:22:55 PM

Quote from: Jon Crofts on October 16, 2020, 12:44:18 PM

Quote from: Yeltzer on October 16, 2020, 12:16:39 PM

Benrahma has failed his medical at Wet Spam, apparently

I saw that, staggered if true.

You can imagine the porn dwarfs setting osme new criteria....

Was he born on Krypton? No? NO? Well the deal is off.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: villadelph on October 16, 2020, 01:51:14 PM

Quote from: Jon Crofts on October 16, 2020, 12:44:18 PM

Quote from: Yeltzer on October 16, 2020, 12:16:39 PM

Benrahma has failed his medical at Wet Spam, apparently

I saw that, staggered if true.

Apparently, it was the blood test?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: exigo on October 16, 2020, 01:56:20 PM

Probably some ruse to try and negotiate the price down.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on October 16, 2020, 02:05:41 PM

Or they're having second thoughts and are trying to back out of the deal. The lad that failed his medical at Leeds moved somewhere else and passed his medical there so it does happen.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: exigo on October 16, 2020, 02:16:44 PM

Lot of West Ham sites saying they're trying to turn it into a loan for the season, paying next season. Sounds likely with that lot.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on October 16, 2020, 02:21:07 PM

And they supposedly had a limited budget and then as soon as the first window closed, seemed to be in for several players.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on October 16, 2020, 02:50:05 PM

Quote from: rougegorge on October 16, 2020, 12:48:29 PM

I think we have done well with transfers so far, but I would have concerns about the disparity between first team and the B string, especially in the event of injuries. As we are in a much better place than last season, I was hoping we would get someone like Josh King, but that seems highly unlikely.

The gap between the first 11 and second 11 is too big but it's also not a meaningful measure in many ways. A direct comparison of the stoke and liverpool games looks stark but how often will we ever be looking at more than 2-3 players out at the same time? If we can make the understudies capable of filling in like-for-like for a couple of games then generally we'll be fine.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lastfootstamper on October 16, 2020, 03:03:10 PM

What's created such disparity is down to one thing, and that's the huge improvement in our first choice eleven. Here's hoping that chasm widens with each passing window!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on October 16, 2020, 03:07:27 PM

Quote from: paul_e on October 16, 2020, 02:50:05 PM

Quote from: rougegorge on October 16, 2020, 12:48:29 PM

I think we have done well with transfers so far, but I would have concerns about the disparity between first team and the B string, especially in the event of injuries. As we are in a much better place than last season, I was hoping we would get someone like Josh King, but that seems highly unlikely.

The gap between the first 11 and second 11 is too big but it's also not a meaningful measure in many ways. A direct comparison of the stoke and liverpool games looks stark but how often will we ever be looking at more than 2-3 players out at the same time? If we can make the understudies capable of filling in like-for-like for a couple of games then generally we'll be fine.

Yeah, agree totally. We're not in Europe, and are out of the league cup. I think we've got enough cover for where we're at. Realistically if we wanted a strong (er) second eleven it'd mean buying more gambles from Belgium* and doing without Martinez & Cash..

* Other countries beginning with 'B' are also available

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Percy McCarthy on October 16, 2020, 03:14:45 PM

Danny Murphy reckons King is on his way but I have no idea how the fuck he woukd know.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aev on October 16, 2020, 03:16:17 PM

Quote from: Percy McCarthy on October 16, 2020, 03:14:45 PM

Danny Murphy reckons King is on his way but I have no idea how the fuck he woukd know.

On his way where?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: rob_bridge on October 16, 2020, 03:21:16 PM

Quote from: rougegorge on October 16, 2020, 12:48:29 PM

I think we have done well with transfers so far, but I would have concerns about the disparity between first team and the B string, especially in the event of injuries. As we are in a much better place than last season, I was hoping we would get someone like Josh King, but that seems highly unlikely.

Not being funny but I think that is why the Big6 will probably finish 1-6, Everton, Leicester, Us and Wolves, possibly Leeds look like they have very good starting line ups but 2 or 3 omissions and the cupboard is reasonably bare.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dr Butler on October 16, 2020, 03:21:28 PM

Quote from: villadelph on October 16, 2020, 01:51:14 PM

Quote from: Jon Crofts on October 16, 2020, 12:44:18 PM

Quote from: Yeltzer on October 16, 2020, 12:16:39 PM

Benrahma has failed his medical at Wet Spam, apparently

I saw that, staggered if true.

Apparently, it was the blood test?

how do you "fail" a West Ham medical when those sicknotes Wilshere(now free) and Carroll can pass one ??

UTV
The Doc

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on October 16, 2020, 03:33:02 PM

Quote from: Dr Butler on October 16, 2020, 03:21:28 PM

Quote from: villadelph on October 16, 2020, 01:51:14 PM

Quote from: Jon Crofts on October 16, 2020, 12:44:18 PM

Quote from: Yeltzer on October 16, 2020, 12:16:39 PM

Benrahma has failed his medical at Wet Spam, apparently

I saw that, staggered if true.

Apparently, it was the blood test?

how do you "fail" a West Ham medical when those sicknotes Wilshere(now free) and Carroll can pass one ??

UTV
The Doc

lets not forget Kieran Dyer

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on October 16, 2020, 03:58:24 PM

Quote from: aev on October 16, 2020, 03:16:17 PM

Quote from: Percy McCarthy on October 16, 2020, 03:14:45 PM

Danny Murphy reckons King is on his way but I have no idea how the fuck he woukd know.

On his way where?

Everton apparently if you believe the latest rumours

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on October 16, 2020, 04:37:23 PM

so fucking bizarre. After all of the summer not going anywhere Benrahma has joined West Ham on loan. I imagine with an obligation to buy with a hefty price tag.

In other news: Villa legend Robbie Keane is manager of LA Galaxy

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on October 16, 2020, 05:30:03 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on October 16, 2020, 04:37:23 PM

so fucking bizarre. After all of the summer not going anywhere Benrahma has joined West Ham on loan. I imagine with an obligation to buy with a hefty price tag.

In other news: Villa legend Robbie Keane is manager of LA Galaxy

Yep, obliged to buy him for £25m rising to £30m come the end of the season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: aev on October 16, 2020, 05:56:14 PM

Quote from: algy on October 16, 2020, 05:30:03 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on October 16, 2020, 04:37:23 PM

so fucking bizarre. After all of the summer not going anywhere Benrahma has joined West Ham on loan. I imagine with an obligation to buy with a hefty price tag.

In other news: Villa legend Robbie Keane is manager of LA Galaxy

Yep, obliged to buy him for £25m rising to £30m come the end of the season.

Rumour is they are being taken over, hence their pretty paltry outlay over the summer.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on October 16, 2020, 05:58:10 PM

Well the Benrahma deal isn’t confirmed yet.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: oldtimernow on October 16, 2020, 06:19:13 PM

just imagine us signing him in January as we go on a run in to attempt to win the league?

Shades of Cascara ....NOOOOOOOO

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lsvilla on October 16, 2020, 06:48:35 PM

A little bit surprised Ramsey (J) didn’t get a loan out - anyone with more of an inside track got any thoughts ? I like him, but think he might have benefited from regular 90 minutes.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on October 16, 2020, 07:03:50 PM

Smith wants him around the first team squad.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: jwarry on October 16, 2020, 07:07:57 PM

Quote from: OCD on October 16, 2020, 07:03:50 PM

Smith wants him around the first team squad.

Quite right too, much rather bring him along than another signing

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on October 16, 2020, 07:16:31 PM

Jack Butland moving to Palace for an initial £1M. Wasn’t he commanding a £20M last summer?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: richtheholtender on October 16, 2020, 07:24:08 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on October 16, 2020, 07:16:31 PM

Jack Butland moving to Palace for an initial £1M. Wasn’t he commanding a £20M last summer?

Didn’t Small Heath insist on a sell on clause in case he got a big move?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on October 16, 2020, 07:32:47 PM

Benrahma signing confirmed by West Ham

https://twitter.com/WestHam/status/1317170949930639361

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on October 16, 2020, 07:37:12 PM

It’s a cracking signing for them. He’s a supremely talented player and we would have loved it if he was signing with us. They have two excellent wingers now along with Bowen. But I love the direction we are going. They’ve been spending heavily for a few years now and have fallen well short. We’ve only started at that level of investment. We need to keep going allow our path. It’s starting to show shoots of real progress and success.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: olaftab on October 16, 2020, 07:37:35 PM

Same old West Ham always cheating.....

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Louzie0 on October 16, 2020, 07:52:41 PM

I clicked on this to catch up, interested in why we were still posting about summer transfers and realised that the window hasn’t quite shut, yet!

However, I was surprised and sad at the number of posts (17) that were gratuitous and misogynistic about Karen Brady, married to a football player and a director of 2 clubs which may be not so dear to our hearts.

I was heartened by the posts that called them out as such. Thank you.

As for transfers, I’m still wondering whatever happened to Rashica.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on October 16, 2020, 07:57:11 PM

Ye

Quote from: Louzie0 on October 16, 2020, 07:52:41 PM

I clicked on this to catch up, interested in why we were still posting about summer transfers and realised that the window hasn’t quite shut, yet!

However, I was surprised and sad at the number of posts (17) that were gratuitous and misogynistic about Karen Brady, married to a football player and a director of 2 clubs which may be not so dear to our hearts.

I was heartened by the posts that called them out as such. Thank you.

As for transfers, I’m still wondering whatever happened to Rashica.

Yes well said ,!    As for Rashica I expect us to pick up the baton of speculation in January for him

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Louzie0 on October 16, 2020, 08:11:07 PM

Thanks, VILLA MOLE

And hopefully we get a second bite at Rashica!  👍

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Lsvilla on October 16, 2020, 08:27:00 PM

Quote from: jwarry on October 16, 2020, 07:07:57 PM

Quote from: OCD on October 16, 2020, 07:03:50 PM

Smith wants him around the first team squad.

Me 100%.

Quite right too, much rather bring him along than another signing

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on October 16, 2020, 10:38:34 PM

Talk that Rashica has agreed a move to Leverkusen on January

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Louzie0 on October 16, 2020, 10:43:10 PM

Win some, lose some
Still have to wait for ITSOTP

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Steve67 on October 16, 2020, 11:05:39 PM

Overall, a very good window.  We have some pace and class about us and will take some teams by surprise.  Really pleased will all the signings, although Traore may take a bit of time to settle in.  Hope we sign Barkley permanently.  Watkins looks a steal. Shame we couldn't get shot of a couple more but that how it goes.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dante Lavelli on October 16, 2020, 11:14:37 PM

I’ve not seen enough of Benrahma to say whether he is a good or bad signing for West Ham.  What strikes me is that there will be a lot of players sat on the bench. Off the top of my head they have

Bowen,
Yarmalenko
Lanzini
Antonio
Filipe Anderson
Fornals
And maybe Haller

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on October 16, 2020, 11:37:04 PM

Quote from: Dante Lavelli on October 16, 2020, 11:14:37 PM

I’ve not seen enough of Benrahma to say whether he is a good or bad signing for West Ham.  What strikes me is that there will be a lot of players sat on the bench. Off the top of my head they have

Bowen,
Yarmalenko
Lanzini
Antonio
Filipe Anderson
Fornals
And maybe Haller

I think Filipe Anderson has left (maybe just on loan)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SoccerHQ on October 16, 2020, 11:49:16 PM

Their front 3 will be Benrahma-Antonio-Bowen. Fornals has been played as number 10 I think.

West Ham to me have similar vibes to Newcastle last season. People had them relegated after 2 games but they're much better than that and will be comfortable mid table (no higher though due to conservative manager).

Not surprised we didn't sign anyone although King would've been a good fit given he can play out wide or centrally but think issue is motivation there as seems he was still waiting for Man. United or Spurs to come in for him which was a little optimistic.

We're light in areas but it is only two months and a bit to January so playing once a week we should manage and we're due some luck on injuries after last season.

Would be interesting to see what we do if we're still overachieving in league by Mid Jan. We saw in the MON era not adding much in that month and then wondering why our key players were all fatigued by mid March meant we didn't win anything or finish top 4.

Hopefully we can add in the 2-3 places we're still a bit light.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: tomd2103 on October 17, 2020, 12:22:54 AM

Pleasing transfer window overall, but only slight concern at this point for me is that we look a striker short.  That said, I guess we haven't really seen what Traore can do in a central role and whether the finances were really there at the moment to spend on a back up striker, given we still have some relatively big earners we need to shift.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: jwarry on October 17, 2020, 04:51:12 AM

So we didn’t manage to shift more deadwood then.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: algy on October 17, 2020, 08:35:12 AM

Quite happy with that transfer window. It's a sign of progress that we're now talking mostly about lack of depth rather than lack of quality.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on October 17, 2020, 09:05:39 AM

There was a picture of Wesley and Heaton together the other day, so maybe they're closer to training and coming back than we thought.

Would be nice to have them both back in the squad

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on October 17, 2020, 09:21:47 AM

Quote from: jwarry on October 17, 2020, 04:51:12 AM

So we didn’t manage to shift more deadwood then.

Yeah, that was my thought.
Also, Engels - is fit or injured? Is he up the role should we need cover for CB?
My assumption is that Smith will use Hause and Elmo is really short at CB, given the cover we have RB. All seems a little messy though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: GordonCowansisthegreatest on October 17, 2020, 09:32:23 AM

When do we have to nominate our 25?
Who do you think will be left out?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on October 17, 2020, 09:36:34 AM

We've bought much better players this window than we did last year, but we've still left ourselves in the position of not having an adequate back up if anything happens to Watkins.  A stupid position to leave ourselves in, given what happened last year.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: SheffieldVillain on October 17, 2020, 09:37:01 AM

Quote from: GordonCowansisthegreatest on October 17, 2020, 09:32:23 AM

When do we have to nominate our 25?
Who do you think will be left out?

Kalinic I'd think, if Heaton is near to being fit again.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Clampy on October 17, 2020, 09:42:58 AM

Quote from: Risso on October 17, 2020, 09:36:34 AM

We've bought much better players this window than we did last year, but we've still left ourselves in the position of not having an adequate back up if anything happens to Watkins.  A stupid position to leave ourselves in, given what happened last year.

It is a bit of a gamble again, unless they really know that Traore can play through the middle.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on October 17, 2020, 09:47:12 AM

Quote from: Clampy on October 17, 2020, 09:42:58 AM

Quote from: Risso on October 17, 2020, 09:36:34 AM

We've bought much better players this window than we did last year, but we've still left ourselves in the position of not having an adequate back up if anything happens to Watkins.  A stupid position to leave ourselves in, given what happened last year.

It is a bit of a gamble again, unless they really know that Traore can play through the middle.

Hopefully we'll never need to find out Clampy, as obviously he's got to get up to speed playing in his usual position first.  I just worry that if anything happens to Ollie we'd be relying on Davis who plays in a completely different way, and has the major disadvantage of almost never scoring any goals. 

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: olaftab on October 17, 2020, 10:13:40 AM

Quote from: Clampy on October 17, 2020, 09:42:58 AM

Quote from: Risso on October 17, 2020, 09:36:34 AM

We've bought much better players this window than we did last year, but we've still left ourselves in the position of not having an adequate back up if anything happens to Watkins.  A stupid position to leave ourselves in, given what happened last year.

It is a bit of a gamble again, unless they really know that Traore can play through the middle.

How far is Wesley from playing a match?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on October 17, 2020, 10:17:28 AM

Quote from: olaftab on October 17, 2020, 10:13:40 AM

Quote from: Clampy on October 17, 2020, 09:42:58 AM

Quote from: Risso on October 17, 2020, 09:36:34 AM

We've bought much better players this window than we did last year, but we've still left ourselves in the position of not having an adequate back up if anything happens to Watkins.  A stupid position to leave ourselves in, given what happened last year.

It is a bit of a gamble again, unless they really know that Traore can play through the middle.

How far is Wesley from playing a match?

Last I heard it was still several months off.  And then, you'd be replacing somebody with pace, but who can still hold the ball up, and is good in the air, with, well, Wesley. A plodder who can't head the ball who spends most of his time chesting the ball down 40 yards from goal.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: JUAN PABLO on October 17, 2020, 10:17:57 AM

crossing fingers and other parts it does look like Olli Watkins stays fit , he seemed to play plenty of games even in the lower divisons .
touch wood

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: olaftab on October 17, 2020, 10:29:26 AM

Quote from: Risso on October 17, 2020, 10:17:28 AM

Last I heard it was still several months off.  And then, you'd be replacing somebody with pace, but who can still hold the ball up, and is good in the air, with, well, Wesley. A plodder who can't head the ball who spends most of his time chesting the ball down 40 yards from goal.

Ummm..yes there is that I suppose  it's not like for like however if we keep getting results with Watkins opposition teams are successfully going to devise tactics to stop us and that's when we will need other options so a fit Wesley will add to our armoury.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: DB on October 17, 2020, 11:37:14 AM

Quote from: olaftab on October 17, 2020, 10:13:40 AM

Quote from: Clampy on October 17, 2020, 09:42:58 AM

Quote from: Risso on October 17, 2020, 09:36:34 AM

We've bought much better players this window than we did last year, but we've still left ourselves in the position of not having an adequate back up if anything happens to Watkins.  A stupid position to leave ourselves in, given what happened last year.

It is a bit of a gamble again, unless they really know that Traore can play through the middle.

How far is Wesley from playing a match?

There is playing and then playing and making a marked improvement form him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: GordonCowansisthegreatest on October 17, 2020, 11:50:28 AM

Quote from: DB on October 17, 2020, 11:37:14 AM

Quote from: olaftab on October 17, 2020, 10:13:40 AM

Quote from: Clampy on October 17, 2020, 09:42:58 AM

Quote from: Risso on October 17, 2020, 09:36:34 AM

We've bought much better players this window than we did last year, but we've still left ourselves in the position of not having an adequate back up if anything happens to Watkins.  A stupid position to leave ourselves in, given what happened last year.

It is a bit of a gamble again, unless they really know that Traore can play through the middle.

How far is Wesley from playing a match?

There is playing and then playing and making a marked improvement form him.

Maybe he will benefit from the improved service!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on October 17, 2020, 12:49:54 PM

I think we've missed out on bringing in a proper winger and a half decent left back to replace Targett. Other than that, it's been a very good window.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on October 17, 2020, 12:53:53 PM

Oops. Wrong thread.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on October 17, 2020, 12:58:50 PM

I’m glad we didn’t panic and methodically bought players. It would have been good to reinforce a couple of other areas. But bear in mind the window opens again in just over a couple of months so hopefully we can make it January and strengthen again if needed.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on October 17, 2020, 03:00:21 PM

I wouldn't expect too much from the winter window tbh. Clubs don't tend to want to sell their better players so you end up paying top dollar.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 17, 2020, 05:50:33 PM

Be great if we could tempt Borja Baston back.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on October 17, 2020, 05:58:11 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on October 17, 2020, 05:50:33 PM

Be great if we could tempt Borja Baston back.

... and give Ange a new 5-year contract as well, perhaps.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 17, 2020, 06:05:50 PM

The dream window.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Percy McCarthy on October 17, 2020, 08:20:33 PM

Quote from: Mister E on October 17, 2020, 05:58:11 PM

Quote from: cdbullyweefan on October 17, 2020, 05:50:33 PM

Be great if we could tempt Borja Baston back.

... and give Ange a new 5-year contract as well, perhaps.

Five years might be a bit optimistic. Just read on twitter it was his 95th birthday yesterday. Unless there’s another Angela Lansbury I’m not aware of.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Hockley Lion on October 17, 2020, 09:32:01 PM

Noticed Tammy only got on in the 90th minute today so I checked his game time in the 5 Prem games Chelski have played. He's missed 1, on the bench, started and played 2 ( 90 min ), and been subbed on at the very end of 2 including today's 90th min. Can't believe he can be happy being on the bench for virtually 3 Prem games out of 5. All that time to think about Villa and our prolific goalscoring. January beckons. And England.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Dave on October 17, 2020, 11:55:47 PM

Quote from: Hockley Lion on October 17, 2020, 09:32:01 PM

January beckons. And England.

Unless Watkins' form falls off a cliff or he gets injured, would he want to swap their bench for our bench?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on October 18, 2020, 01:21:26 AM

When he comes off their bench he might still find himself playing a CL game. We’re not offering that...this season.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave17 on October 18, 2020, 02:09:39 AM

Quote from: Hockley Lion on October 17, 2020, 09:32:01 PM

Noticed Tammy only got on in the 90th minute today so I checked his game time in the 5 Prem games Chelski have played. He's missed 1, on the bench, started and played 2 ( 90 min ), and been subbed on at the very end of 2 including today's 90th min. Can't believe he can be happy being on the bench for virtually 3 Prem games out of 5. All that time to think about Villa and our prolific goalscoring. January beckons. And England.

He was a less than 1 in 2 striker at Chelsea last season. For the money they and he would want I’d go elsewhere.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: RamboandBruno on October 18, 2020, 08:23:25 AM

Will always have a great memories of Tammy for being one of the most important parts of that team that got us up and went on that 10 game run, never to be forgotten for me. But to a lesser extent I have the same feelings of nostalgia about Tuanzebe (will still always be one of my favourite villa songs of recent times).

I think with Tuanzebe think Konsa and how class he has looked since football restarted. We wouldn’t necessarily need Tuanzebe back now. I think the ship has sailed with Tammy as well to be honest, Watkins looks the real deal.

I think there is understandable nostalgia surrounding Tammy, but I doubt we’ll ever see him in a villa shirt again.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on October 18, 2020, 11:26:13 AM

Tuanzebe was a footnote, I don't get the clamour for him since he left. He was fine but rarely excellent. Tammy was the real deal.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Monty on October 18, 2020, 11:41:54 AM

Edit: wrong thread.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on October 18, 2020, 11:58:57 AM

Yes and Tuanzebe was also made of glass

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on October 18, 2020, 01:15:44 PM

Never say never with Abraham. Tuanzebe isn't fit often enough.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on October 18, 2020, 02:55:37 PM

Quote from: eamonn on October 18, 2020, 11:26:13 AM

Tuanzebe was a footnote, I don't get the clamour for him since he left. He was fine but rarely excellent. Tammy was the real deal.

I’d say when they get to the other end of their careers that will be very much the other way round...Tuanzebe has every attribute to be an excellent defender, needs to stay fit which is the key blocker in his career so far....Tammy I’m not sure has taken the chances given to him at Chelsea since early last season hence them going for Werner & Havertz + keeping Giroud around.  Sure the jury is still out with Lampard on whether Tammy has enough at the level they want.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Brazilian Villain on October 18, 2020, 05:22:05 PM

Speaking of glass we've missed out on Welbeck. https://mobile.twitter.com/OfficialBHAFC/status/1317782480963792897

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on October 18, 2020, 06:41:53 PM

With Lallana and Welbeck signed I hope Brighton employ some good physios.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on October 18, 2020, 09:24:05 PM

Nice touch from Benrahma

Quote

"The ex-Bees winger is waiving part of a loyalty bonus he reportedly expected to receive, asking for it to be given to 100 club workers instead.

Brentford officials have praised the Algeria international for opting to reward staff who aided his two-year stint in the Championship.

Phil Giles, the Bees director of football said: "Saïd has been a brilliant player for Brentford over the past two-and a-bit seasons.

“Thomas and I told him exactly that when we met him on Wednesday morning.

“As part of that conversation, Saïd suggested, and we agreed, that some money should be used as a reward for club staff, many of whom have had a direct influence on Saïd's development during his time here and who have done a superb job in difficult circumstances in the last few months.

“We are happy with the agreement reached and this makes it a nice end to a good transfer window for the Club." "

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdbearsfan on October 18, 2020, 09:54:21 PM

Fair play.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on October 18, 2020, 10:02:46 PM

Sorry for being cynical but was it from the money Brentford received or out of own his signing bonus?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on October 18, 2020, 10:03:53 PM

Money Brentford would have paid him is how I read it.

Edit: It was a loyalty bonus so yes, money Brentford would have paid him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on October 18, 2020, 10:13:12 PM

Ok well that’s good if he asked for a portion of it given to staff.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on October 19, 2020, 08:16:15 AM

With Davis apparently injured (again) it was a bit of a worry that we couldn't then name another striker in the squad for the game last night.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on October 19, 2020, 08:27:37 AM

Quote from: PeterWithesShin on October 18, 2020, 10:03:53 PM

Money Brentford would have paid him is how I read it.

Edit: It was a loyalty bonus so yes, money Brentford would have paid him.

That's a nice touch.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: themossman on October 19, 2020, 08:42:15 AM

Yeah but what about Ozil donating a bit of his daily wages to fund Gunnersaurus’s salary *for as long as he’s an arsenal player.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: in exile on October 19, 2020, 10:51:59 AM

Quote from: Risso on October 19, 2020, 08:16:15 AM

With Davis apparently injured (again) it was a bit of a worry that we couldn't then name another striker in the squad for the game last night.

I was ranting about that yesterday.
Bloody foolish again.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on October 19, 2020, 10:56:19 AM

Quote from: in exile on October 19, 2020, 10:51:59 AM

Quote from: Risso on October 19, 2020, 08:16:15 AM

With Davis apparently injured (again) it was a bit of a worry that we couldn't then name another striker in the squad for the game last night.

I was ranting about that yesterday.
Bloody foolish again.

thought Traore could play up top ?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on October 19, 2020, 11:12:59 AM

Traore started as a striker. He's got the build of one too.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: in exile on October 19, 2020, 11:14:39 AM

I hope you're both right.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: GordonCowansisthegreatest on October 19, 2020, 01:14:55 PM

Maybe Dean wants to see how the team/squad looks before bringing anyone else in.
Or balancing the books!

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on October 19, 2020, 01:38:27 PM

From what I can make out Davis only just missed out and will probably be fit for Friday so for now it doesn't seem to be anything we need to worry about. Wesley is pretty much back training now so we're looking at 8-10 games where we need cover so, for me, it's not a topic worth getting too worked up over, I think we'll be fine.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on October 19, 2020, 01:43:52 PM

I thought Wesley was still months away. That's good news if he's already back training.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on October 19, 2020, 02:14:01 PM

Quote from: paul_e on October 19, 2020, 01:38:27 PM

From what I can make out Davis only just missed out and will probably be fit for Friday so for now it doesn't seem to be anything we need to worry about. Wesley is pretty much back training now so we're looking at 8-10 games where we need cover so, for me, it's not a topic worth getting too worked up over, I think we'll be fine.

It's only fine though, if you think that either Davis or Wesley could come in and do a job.  I don't think either of them are suited to the new look quick and expansive Aston Villa.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on October 19, 2020, 02:15:24 PM

Quote from: Risso on October 19, 2020, 02:14:01 PM

Quote from: paul_e on October 19, 2020, 01:38:27 PM

From what I can make out Davis only just missed out and will probably be fit for Friday so for now it doesn't seem to be anything we need to worry about. Wesley is pretty much back training now so we're looking at 8-10 games where we need cover so, for me, it's not a topic worth getting too worked up over, I think we'll be fine.

It's only fine though, if you think that either Davis or Wesley could come in and do a job.  I don't think either of them are suited to the new look quick and expansive Aston Villa.

ok but I would have been thinking the same about trez , but look at him

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on October 19, 2020, 02:29:20 PM

Quote from: Risso on October 19, 2020, 02:14:01 PM

Quote from: paul_e on October 19, 2020, 01:38:27 PM

From what I can make out Davis only just missed out and will probably be fit for Friday so for now it doesn't seem to be anything we need to worry about. Wesley is pretty much back training now so we're looking at 8-10 games where we need cover so, for me, it's not a topic worth getting too worked up over, I think we'll be fine.

It's only fine though, if you think that either Davis or Wesley could come in and do a job.  I don't think either of them are suited to the new look quick and expansive Aston Villa.

You've written off other players who are doing well now and wanted Smith sacked. I'm not having a dig with that, just pointing out that judging either of them on how they did when the squad looked a bit all over the palce and we were struggling isn't all that relevant because we're in a very different place now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on October 19, 2020, 02:44:41 PM

Quote from: paul_e on October 19, 2020, 02:29:20 PM

Quote from: Risso on October 19, 2020, 02:14:01 PM

Quote from: paul_e on October 19, 2020, 01:38:27 PM

From what I can make out Davis only just missed out and will probably be fit for Friday so for now it doesn't seem to be anything we need to worry about. Wesley is pretty much back training now so we're looking at 8-10 games where we need cover so, for me, it's not a topic worth getting too worked up over, I think we'll be fine.

It's only fine though, if you think that either Davis or Wesley could come in and do a job.  I don't think either of them are suited to the new look quick and expansive Aston Villa.

You've written off other players who are doing well now and wanted Smith sacked. I'm not having a dig with that, just pointing out that judging either of them on how they did when the squad looked a bit all over the palce and we were struggling isn't all that relevant because we're in a very different place now.

The enforced break might have saved Dean Smith's career. Fair play to him for taking a good long hard look in the mirror and changing things drastically. Doesn't mean that he shouldn't have deserved the criticism. It's all turned out great and we are all happy about it. Including everyone who was critical of him.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on October 19, 2020, 02:49:00 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on October 19, 2020, 02:44:41 PM

Quote from: paul_e on October 19, 2020, 02:29:20 PM

Quote from: Risso on October 19, 2020, 02:14:01 PM

Quote from: paul_e on October 19, 2020, 01:38:27 PM

From what I can make out Davis only just missed out and will probably be fit for Friday so for now it doesn't seem to be anything we need to worry about. Wesley is pretty much back training now so we're looking at 8-10 games where we need cover so, for me, it's not a topic worth getting too worked up over, I think we'll be fine.

It's only fine though, if you think that either Davis or Wesley could come in and do a job.  I don't think either of them are suited to the new look quick and expansive Aston Villa.

You've written off other players who are doing well now and wanted Smith sacked. I'm not having a dig with that, just pointing out that judging either of them on how they did when the squad looked a bit all over the palce and we were struggling isn't all that relevant because we're in a very different place now.

The enforced break might have saved Dean Smith's career. Fair play to him for taking a good long hard look in the mirror and changing things drastically. Doesn't mean that he shouldn't have deserved the criticism. It's all turned out great and we are all happy about it. Including everyone who was critical of him.

yep I think we were all worried in March I know i was and thinking how do we change this !!?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on October 19, 2020, 03:01:32 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on October 19, 2020, 02:44:41 PM

Quote from: paul_e on October 19, 2020, 02:29:20 PM

Quote from: Risso on October 19, 2020, 02:14:01 PM

Quote from: paul_e on October 19, 2020, 01:38:27 PM

From what I can make out Davis only just missed out and will probably be fit for Friday so for now it doesn't seem to be anything we need to worry about. Wesley is pretty much back training now so we're looking at 8-10 games where we need cover so, for me, it's not a topic worth getting too worked up over, I think we'll be fine.

It's only fine though, if you think that either Davis or Wesley could come in and do a job.  I don't think either of them are suited to the new look quick and expansive Aston Villa.

You've written off other players who are doing well now and wanted Smith sacked. I'm not having a dig with that, just pointing out that judging either of them on how they did when the squad looked a bit all over the palce and we were struggling isn't all that relevant because we're in a very different place now.

The enforced break might have saved Dean Smith's career. Fair play to him for taking a good long hard look in the mirror and changing things drastically. Doesn't mean that he shouldn't have deserved the criticism. It's all turned out great and we are all happy about it. Including everyone who was critical of him.

Yeah, you've completely missed my point, I even said it wasn't meant as a dig so that wouldn't happen. My point was players who have been fit all through that time, and who were seeing similar criticism to Wesley, (for example Trez, Luiz and Targett) are now showing they have learned and adapted to become much better players. The same goes for Smith and the coaching team who are setting us up much better now. I personally see no reason why we shouldn't give Wesley that same chance to show he can improve. We signed very young players last summer clearly hoping they'd improve, we shouldn't write them off without letting them have a chance to.

Davis, on the other hand, has never played for us in a team that's getting men forward like we have the last few games so I'd like to see what he can bring now before assuming he's rubbish. Smith clearly rates him and given he sees a lot more of him than we do I'm going to trust his judgement. If Davis comes in and proves that wrong by looking out of place then it's a handful of games before we can look at addressing that.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Toronto Villa on October 19, 2020, 03:27:42 PM

I haven't missed the point at all. If you're not having a dig then why point out he said it? It's like saying "no offence mate" when that's what it comes across as.

And my point was very specific to Dean Smith and not the players. I stand by that there is an element of good fortune (I'm not calling Covid itself good fortune) that we had the break and it allowed us to reassess things. As it was after Leicester we were headed towards relegation with little to stop it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: garyellis on October 19, 2020, 03:37:18 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on October 19, 2020, 03:27:42 PM

I haven't missed the point at all. If you're not having a dig then why point out he said it? It's like saying "no offence mate" when that's what it comes across as.

And my point was very specific to Dean Smith and not the players. I stand by that there is an element of good fortune (I'm not calling Covid itself good fortune) that we had the break and it allowed us to reassess things. As it was after Leicester we were headed towards relegation with little to stop it.

Come on lads lets enjoy this it's special. I was dreading relegation after Leicester in March and no doubt the break let us regroup. But with football like most things sometimes you just need a bit of good fortune and then make the most of it. (Totally agree about Covid it just happened to cut in when it did)

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: andyh on October 19, 2020, 03:41:32 PM

Deleted. Wrong thread

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: PeterWithesShin on October 19, 2020, 03:43:57 PM

Wez scored in 1 of his first 4 PL games, so has Ollie. 50m wasted right there.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on October 19, 2020, 03:59:39 PM

Quote from: paul_e on October 19, 2020, 02:29:20 PM

Quote from: Risso on October 19, 2020, 02:14:01 PM

Quote from: paul_e on October 19, 2020, 01:38:27 PM

From what I can make out Davis only just missed out and will probably be fit for Friday so for now it doesn't seem to be anything we need to worry about. Wesley is pretty much back training now so we're looking at 8-10 games where we need cover so, for me, it's not a topic worth getting too worked up over, I think we'll be fine.

It's only fine though, if you think that either Davis or Wesley could come in and do a job.  I don't think either of them are suited to the new look quick and expansive Aston Villa.

You've written off other players who are doing well now and wanted Smith sacked. I'm not having a dig with that, just pointing out that judging either of them on how they did when the squad looked a bit all over the palce and we were struggling isn't all that relevant because we're in a very different place now.

On the other hand, fancy saying this about Ross Barkley:

"I don't understand what people think Barkley would bring to improve us, for me he's one of the most overrated players in the league."  Not having a dig, no offence, etc.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on October 19, 2020, 04:03:47 PM

You win some, you lose .... oh hang on...

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on October 19, 2020, 04:04:20 PM

Quote from: Toronto Villa on October 19, 2020, 03:27:42 PM

I haven't missed the point at all. If you're not having a dig then why point out he said it? It's like saying "no offence mate" when that's what it comes across as.

And my point was very specific to Dean Smith and not the players. I stand by that there is an element of good fortune (I'm not calling Covid itself good fortune) that we had the break and it allowed us to reassess things. As it was after Leicester we were headed towards relegation with little to stop it.

BECAUSE IT WAS IMPORTANT TO THE COMMENT. Make sense? Lots of people wrote players off as not good enough, including the poster, when they're now playing well so writing off another player who hasn't had that chance seems a bit silly. Stop looking to shit stir.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: eamonn on October 19, 2020, 04:32:06 PM

Re Barkley, in fairness to Paul he did say in, I think the post-match thread, that so far he's been wrong about his opinion.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on October 19, 2020, 04:35:40 PM

Quote from: Risso on October 19, 2020, 03:59:39 PM

Quote from: paul_e on October 19, 2020, 02:29:20 PM

Quote from: Risso on October 19, 2020, 02:14:01 PM

Quote from: paul_e on October 19, 2020, 01:38:27 PM

From what I can make out Davis only just missed out and will probably be fit for Friday so for now it doesn't seem to be anything we need to worry about. Wesley is pretty much back training now so we're looking at 8-10 games where we need cover so, for me, it's not a topic worth getting too worked up over, I think we'll be fine.

It's only fine though, if you think that either Davis or Wesley could come in and do a job.  I don't think either of them are suited to the new look quick and expansive Aston Villa.

You've written off other players who are doing well now and wanted Smith sacked. I'm not having a dig with that, just pointing out that judging either of them on how they did when the squad looked a bit all over the palce and we were struggling isn't all that relevant because we're in a very different place now.

On the other hand, fancy saying this about Ross Barkley:

"I don't understand what people think Barkley would bring to improve us, for me he's one of the most overrated players in the league."  Not having a dig, no offence, etc.

and I immediately retracted that in the liverpool match thread. Glad to see you're as thin skinned as ever though.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: dave.woodhall on October 19, 2020, 04:43:33 PM

Pack it in both of you.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on October 19, 2020, 04:45:15 PM

Yes things are good enjoy 😉

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on October 19, 2020, 04:54:14 PM

Quote from: eamonn on October 19, 2020, 04:32:06 PM

Re Barkley, in fairness to Paul he did say in, I think the post-match thread, that so far he's been wrong about his opinion.

Guilty as charged myself on that front, he's made a mug of my opinion and I couldn't be happier.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on October 19, 2020, 05:00:52 PM

I was similar, although I had the good sense not to say so on here. Therefore I agreed, disagreed and now agree with LeeB.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on October 19, 2020, 05:04:24 PM

I was judging Barkley on the fact he'd gone backwards since leaving Everton, I thought it would take him ages to get up to speed with us and therefore wouldn't add much. I'm delighted to be proven wrong and I hope by the end of the season people still want to throw that quote at me.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: ChicagoLion on October 19, 2020, 05:07:49 PM

I was not happy with Barkley because of his record at Chelsea, I hope he continues his good start.
So far it looks like a very good signing, I hope he stays fit.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: john e on October 19, 2020, 05:16:50 PM

I was in favour of Barkley

but then again i know loads of stuff about football

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: themossman on October 19, 2020, 05:29:27 PM

Out of interest, do we really think people mind being proven wrong about players and managers they have criticised? It gets thrown around so much (see the Smith thread) but are there any real-life actual examples of this phenomenon anywhere?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Sexual Ealing on October 19, 2020, 05:31:32 PM

Quote from: themossman on October 19, 2020, 05:29:27 PM

Out of interest, do we really think people mind being proven wrong about players and managers they have criticised? It gets thrown around so much (see the Smith thread) but are there any real-life actual examples of this phenomenon anywhere?

I'm still waiting to be proved right about Mustapha Hadji being the signing of the decade (three decades ago).

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: VILLA MOLE on October 19, 2020, 05:32:12 PM

Quote from: john e on October 19, 2020, 05:16:50 PM

I was in favour of Barkley

but then again i know loads of stuff about football

I was more for loftus cheek so shows what I know

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: WilliamStanding on October 19, 2020, 05:57:08 PM

Quote from: themossman on October 19, 2020, 05:29:27 PM

Out of interest, do we really think people mind being proven wrong about players and managers they have criticised? It gets thrown around so much (see the Smith thread) but are there any real-life actual examples of this phenomenon anywhere?

Got slated for defending Smith when half wanted him gone, got pelters for alluding to Davis not quite being much cop, but then again I said Tony Moon was the new Cafu.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on October 19, 2020, 06:01:53 PM

Quote from: LeeB on October 19, 2020, 04:54:14 PM

Quote from: eamonn on October 19, 2020, 04:32:06 PM

Re Barkley, in fairness to Paul he did say in, I think the post-match thread, that so far he's been wrong about his opinion.

Guilty as charged myself on that front, he's made a mug of my opinion and I couldn't be happier.

I'm still not convinced but it's mainly due to him looking like Steve Sidwell who has the misfortune to look like Jon Crofts.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on October 19, 2020, 06:26:52 PM

Quote from: themossman on October 19, 2020, 05:29:27 PM

Out of interest, do we really think people mind being proven wrong about players and managers they have criticised? It gets thrown around so much (see the Smith thread) but are there any real-life actual examples of this phenomenon anywhere?

I agree with you, which is why I didn't think anyone would react to that comment, particularly when I said it I wasn't having a go. We all get things wrong about players and managers, and should all be big enough to hold a hand up and admit we were wrong.

I still think there's enough there with Davis and Wesley for them to deserve more time. Wesley has had half a season in a struggling team and new country and Davis has played the equivalent of just over 6matches in mostly sub appearances, having them as 2nd a 3rd choice up front for a season is not the huge risk some want to make it out to be. It might turn out that they don't do as well as we'd like but it's far too early to be writing them off as cover options.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: LeeB on October 19, 2020, 06:36:47 PM

To add to that, we're still a work in progress and it's unreasonable to think we can have proven quality in reserve for every position, right now.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: OCD on October 19, 2020, 06:40:13 PM

We'll only continue to evolve. After what we've had to witness for the past 10+ years, we finally have good times ahead.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: cdward on May 06, 2021, 01:41:37 PM

Quote from: Sexual Ealing on October 19, 2020, 05:31:32 PM

Quote from: themossman on October 19, 2020, 05:29:27 PM

Out of interest, do we really think people mind being proven wrong about players and managers they have criticised? It gets thrown around so much (see the Smith thread) but are there any real-life actual examples of this phenomenon anywhere?

I'm still waiting to be proved right about Mustapha Hadji being the signing of the decade (three decades ago).

I rang up BRMB to tell them Ian Olney was the real deal, and would be a top class striker.....

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Risso on May 06, 2021, 09:19:59 PM

Quote from: paul_e on October 19, 2020, 06:26:52 PM

I still think there's enough there with Davis and Wesley for them to deserve more time. Wesley has had half a season in a struggling team and new country and Davis has played the equivalent of just over 6matches in mostly sub appearances, having them as 2nd a 3rd choice up front for a season is not the huge risk some want to make it out to be. It might turn out that they don't do as well as we'd like but it's far too early to be writing them off as cover options.

The danger is that Watkins gets an injury and with those two as the only back ups, we'd be weakened massively. Wesley has still only had a half a season, and on top of that a horrendous injury and a year and a half out. Davis has hardly played, even when you think that Smith might give him a bit more of a run, and obviously goal scoring isn't really his thing. I think we'll be looking at spending decent money on a player who can play across the front three.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: paul_e on May 07, 2021, 12:03:56 AM

Quote from: Risso on May 06, 2021, 09:19:59 PM

Quote from: paul_e on October 19, 2020, 06:26:52 PM

I still think there's enough there with Davis and Wesley for them to deserve more time. Wesley has had half a season in a struggling team and new country and Davis has played the equivalent of just over 6matches in mostly sub appearances, having them as 2nd a 3rd choice up front for a season is not the huge risk some want to make it out to be. It might turn out that they don't do as well as we'd like but it's far too early to be writing them off as cover options.

The danger is that Watkins gets an injury and with those two as the only back ups, we'd be weakened massively. Wesley has still only had a half a season, and on top of that a horrendous injury and a year and a half out. Davis has hardly played, even when you think that Smith might give him a bit more of a run, and obviously goal scoring isn't really his thing. I think we'll be looking at spending decent money on a player who can play across the front three.

That's exactly what I want, someone who has played on a wing (preferably the right) as many times as up front and will be happy playing there as their main position. Of the front 3 the right has been weakest all season so I want us to invest in improving the team there first rather than signing competition in a position where our current first choice is very strong.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Mister E on May 07, 2021, 07:24:14 AM

Quote from: paul_e on May 07, 2021, 12:03:56 AM

Quote from: Risso on May 06, 2021, 09:19:59 PM

Quote from: paul_e on October 19, 2020, 06:26:52 PM

I still think there's enough there with Davis and Wesley for them to deserve more time. Wesley has had half a season in a struggling team and new country and Davis has played the equivalent of just over 6matches in mostly sub appearances, having them as 2nd a 3rd choice up front for a season is not the huge risk some want to make it out to be. It might turn out that they don't do as well as we'd like but it's far too early to be writing them off as cover options.

The danger is that Watkins gets an injury and with those two as the only back ups, we'd be weakened massively. Wesley has still only had a half a season, and on top of that a horrendous injury and a year and a half out. Davis has hardly played, even when you think that Smith might give him a bit more of a run, and obviously goal scoring isn't really his thing. I think we'll be looking at spending decent money on a player who can play across the front three.

That's exactly what I want, someone who has played on a wing (preferably the right) as many times as up front and will be happy playing there as their main position. Of the front 3 the right has been weakest all season so I want us to invest in improving the team there first rather than signing competition in a position where our current first choice is very strong.

And the management may see that role as being filled by Traore; or, certainly, after the summer break. Personally, I'd like to see Watkins and Abraham playing together, interchanging a front and wide role when the game demands it.

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Percy McCarthy on May 07, 2021, 09:17:46 AM

Are there two transfer threads or am I demented?

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Drummond on May 07, 2021, 09:23:09 AM

Quote from: Percy McCarthy on May 07, 2021, 09:17:46 AM

Are there two transfer threads or am I demented?

Are they mutually exclusive? 😉

Title: Re: Summer transfer, gossip, speculation and the usual butter ollocks thread
Post by: Gareth on May 07, 2021, 09:25:40 AM

Quote from: Percy McCarthy on May 07, 2021, 09:17:46 AM

Are there two transfer threads or am I demented?

No you’re right - though for this one you can say that you think we should sign Martinez from Arsenal, he’ll be a decent PL keeper, Watkins & Cash from the Championship is no risk & come January I’d look at that Morgan Sanson from Marseille

Hindsight is a wonderful thing :-)