Summer 2010 Transfer Thread: B*llsh*t, Rumours & Wishes

[murgsy]

I think Parker would just like RD's signing last season. People doubted him. Not 'fancy' enough. Turned out to be a great signing. Not just performance but his attitude. If the likes of Ash, Big John & Downing would have his attitude....

[Mazrim]

Bit harsh on Ashley Young. Sometimes it doesnt work out for him but he never lacks enthusiasm and energy.

[murgsy]

Probably - not so much bothered about enthusiasm. I guess if Ash would have been on showcase @ a WC 2 12-18 months ago we would have raved about him like we do about Ozil or Honda. Yet somehow he just never improved/progressed. Instead, falls about more and more. His potential is so great. I hope he doesn't turn out to be another SWP.

[eastie]

Don't think mon telling people he was world class did him any favours- if anything it put too much pressure on him , last year he and gabby missed out on the world cup after average seasons at best .

Next season they both need to get back to their best as there will be changes in the England team and it's down to them.

[Mazrim]

Dont agree Gabby had an average season at best. He was good or very good last season.
He didn't go to the world cup but had a much better season than Crouch and Heskey, who did.
Similarly Young was much better than SWP, Walcott and arguably Lennon, who all made the squad ahead of him.

Ashley improved throughout the season but hasnt hit the heights he rached a year and a half ago, when he was one of the best players in the league.
He can get there again, especially if we improve the service to him and thus whoever we buy for the middle of the park/up front.

[Concrete John]

I think Ash had a better season than SWP who went and Walcott who almost did.  I think Capello just doesn't rate him.

[pedro25]

Yer I think that's harsh on both players, Heskey was in the first 11 for England yet Gabby outscored him confotably and kept him out of the Villa team.  I would be surprised if Lennon, SWP or J Cole got anywhere near Ash in terms of assists and goals.  With the potential they undoubtedly have they could have produced even more, but regardless if the squad was picked on form they should have both been in there.

[murgsy]

In the league, Lennon looked better than Ash - when he played. I wonder what Ash'd assist count was last year. Had him in my FL the year before and he was getting loads of points.

[eastie]

I think both ash and gabby had a poorer season last year than the year before-consistency being the key.

Ash if at his best would get into the England team but when given a chance he seemed like a frightened rabbit and was afraid to take people on in an England shirt.

Gabby needs to Improve on his finishing- if he can convert more one on ones he will Enhance his prospects greatly at international level.

Both are still young players and can have great careers at villa , this is a big season for them.

I think the movement of someone like robbie keane would be great for their games.

[Mazrim]

Wouldnt argue with that.

[nick harper]

Dont agree Gabby had an average season at best. He was good or very good last season.
He didn't go to the world cup but had a much better season than Crouch and Heskey, who did.
Similarly Young was much better than SWP, Walcott and arguably Lennon, who all made the squad ahead of him.

Ashley improved throughout the season but hasnt hit the heights he rached a year and a half ago, when he was one of the best players in the league.
He can get there again, especially if we improve the service to him and thus whoever we buy for the middle of the park/up front.

Gabby had a reasonable season but didn't make a leap forward in terms of standing out as a player fulfilling known potential. He is a solid Prem player but like a lot of English players needs to improve his first touch and awareness which hasn't developed much since he came into the side (little in the way of coaching no doubt). I think that's why Capello ended up leaving him out - he is not really international standard - yet.

[shipscat]

Always remember Ash giving the ball away simply in one of Postman Pats early friendlies,resulting in Capello going apologetic on the touchline

Imagined his cards were marked then.Which is apt as Ashley would've been the sort of player whom might just have unlocked a few doors in the group stages

[pauliewalnuts]

Always remember Ash giving the ball away simply in one of Postman Pats early friendlies,resulting in Capello going apologetic on the touchline

I know his English is bad, but ....

[Mazrim]

No, I wouldn't agree with that, Nick.
I think he's improved a lot since he came into the side. He's changed his game too. Evolved.
He rarely gives the ball away, holds it up, improved his goal tally year on year, added strength to his game and manages his energy levels better.

He started the season finishing one on ones with some skill by lashing them in from 25 yards but as the season wore on he kept missing them.
He has plenty to work on but I think your assessment is a little harsh.

[VillaZogmariner]

Ashley played best when he was seen as the "big gun" in our side, and was double marked by opposition. However, since Milner and Downing have come in and taken that element away he seems to have dropped off a bit. It's almost as if he thrives on the attention.