The Milner Novela... Final episode page 296

[Mazrim]

We have a good side that needs tweaking to improve and it will naturally improve when the younger players get better. So sell the players we dont use or need and keep the ones we do (Milner included, especially), then add a few players that will improve us.

There's no reason why we cant challenge for honours next season.

[pestria]

I think they want solid PL players that will get them into 4th. Once they get there they will go after Europe's elite to make of CL. No point bringing those players in for awway days at Stoke just yet.

'Solid' premiership players don't get you 4th.  Surely we of all teams should know that.

How many of "Europe's elite" did Spurs sign?
They got there with the likes of Dawson, Huddlestone, Lennon, Defoe.

Didn't say anything about Spurs or Europe's elite.  I said you don't ge t4th with 'solid' players.

I was alluding to the fact that our team has been built on solid players and has not achieved 4th.

[Greg N'Ash]

I can't understand why ManC want them.

Sure Milner, Young and Barry are all good players, but they're not going to guarantee you champions league football, let alone win the premiership.  they probably wouldn't even be automatic choices in the Spurs midfield that beat City a few weeks ago.

If money is no object to city why aren't they after 'elite' players?

because they can't attract them yet.

I know that's an issue, but look at the other way round.

Why would Milner et al want to go to City?  I'm sure they will get into the CL at some point in the not too distant future, but why not cut out the uncertainty and go somewhere where it's guaranteed this year?

Unless it's the money....... which means City could attract even better players by splashing yet more cash - something of a contradiction I think.

Same attraction for milner as there was for Barry i'd say. more money and better chance of CL.

If you're an elite player you've already got the money/cl football

[Chris Smith]

I think they want solid PL players that will get them into 4th. Once they get there they will go after Europe's elite to make of CL. No point bringing those players in for awway days at Stoke just yet.

'Solid' premiership players don't get you 4th.  Surely we of all teams should know that.

How many of "Europe's elite" did Spurs sign?
They got there with the likes of Dawson, Huddlestone, Lennon, Defoe.

Didn't say anything about Spurs or Europe's elite.  I said you don't ge t4th with 'solid' players.

I was alluding to the fact that our team has been built on solid players and has not achieved 4th.

You don't get into the top 4 without a solid foundation, as Man City have just found out.

[Concrete John]

I don't think lerner has a clue personally or a long term plan much more than "pray"

Even for you, that's just blatantly ridiculous!

[boboonthecorner]

I think 30m would be a good deal for us but it sends the wrong message out to our fans and any potential signings. It also let's team like City, Man U, Chelsea, Arsenal,Liverpool and Spurs that they can come and cherry pick from us any time they have the funds.

[boboonthecorner]

I think they want solid PL players that will get them into 4th. Once they get there they will go after Europe's elite to make of CL. No point bringing those players in for awway days at Stoke just yet.

'Solid' premiership players don't get you 4th.  Surely we of all teams should know that.

How many of "Europe's elite" did Spurs sign?
They got there with the likes of Dawson, Huddlestone, Lennon, Defoe.

Didn't say anything about Spurs or Europe's elite.  I said you don't ge t4th with 'solid' players.

I was alluding to the fact that our team has been built on solid players and has not achieved 4th.

You don't get into the top 4 without a solid foundation, as Man City have just found out.

I'd call 5th place and unlimited funds a pretty solid foundation for next season though.

[Walmley_Villa]

If he wants to go we will sell and just hope to get the best price possible and look to bring in a decent set of players. It does send the wrong signal out but we've been here before and will again. Milner is a good player but as good as everyone is making out.

[Chris Smith]

When the Negative Tendancy were on their MON out crusade a couple of months ago they were confident that we could attract a top class replacement. I take it that you all feel the same should Milner go.

[Concrete John]

When it comes to Milner leaving, the immediate reaction is to say 'he shouldn't go' as he's our player, and a very good one at that, and pretty much universally acknowledged to me a model pro.  But we need to ask what's best for Aston Villa, which should they offer well above his realistic value would be to sell.

Let me put it this way - which of the below is a better side:-
Freidle
Cuellar-Dunne-Collins-Warnock
Downing-Petrov-Milner-Ash
Gabby-Carew/Heskey
or
Freidle
Richards-Dunne-Collins/Cuellar-Warnock
Downing-Petrov-Ireland-Ash
Gabby-New £15m Striker

I'd say the 2nd and that's before we start buying from our own funds.

I'm not saying I want him to go or trying to talk down his ability or contribution to Villa, but taking a step back this could be a good thing for us.

[London Villan]

£20m with Ireland and Richards?

[Brend'Watkins]

£20m with Ireland and Richards?

£20M and just Ireland would be good enough for me.  In fact, I'd love this deal as that £20m could get us, or go towards the marquee striker we need.

[mcgrath_85]

JohnM, I agre. There is a lit of possibilities in the wayMON could handle this.  Ireland and Richards would be great. I wouldn't turn my nose up at SWP and Bellamy as well. Santa Cruz, whose been mentioned on here, I'd have a good think about. One season wonder and a lazy arse.
This could work out great for us if handled correctly but on the whole I want Jimmy to stay. Wages will always be an issue with these players though.

[JUAN PABLO]

£20m with Ireland and Richards?

£20M and just Ireland would be good enough for me.  In fact, I'd love this deal as that £20m could get us, or go towards the marquee striker we need.

still think they should throw in Hart too.

[BedsVillain]

£20m with Ireland and Richards?

£20M and just Ireland would be good enough for me.  In fact, I'd love this deal as that £20m could get us, or go towards the marquee striker we need.

I think £20m + Ireland would be a good deal in reality, but the fact that this is Citeh and owing to the way they have tried to throw their money around of late, we should be looking for an outrageous deal. For me that would be £20m + two players that would go straight into our first team.

Ireland I think would be a great addition, he's not the same type of player as Milner but he is plenty good enough for us and if it means we play more with 3 centre midfielders even better. The second player for me would be Onuoha or maybe even Richards, I feel Onuoha is the better defender and more versatile to boot. Richards is the type of player that MON loves to re-invigorate, so I'd be intrigued if he did come.
The bottom line is Milner is a good player and yes one we should try to keep, but if we are able to get a deal that good it makes perfect sense to me and life goes on.