The Milner Novela... Final episode page 296

[peter w]

If he wants to go, go. If man City want to give us enough money, and/or a player plus cash in exchange and the deal is acceptable to us, then good.

Although the money is enticing I really don't think that is the be all and end all for most players in this instance. The lure of playing for a club that are trying to get the best players, trying to win the league, and trying to win the CL thereafter is very appealing. Careers are short and medals hard to come by.

Where Milner is making a mistake in my opinion is that to Man City he is just another player. They want the players they want. Silva is already in his position, and then there's de Jong, Barry, Kompany, SWP, Bellamy, Vieira and whoever else they will sign.

Yes it means he'll have to fight to get in to the team, and to keep his place, but it also means that they are buying players that are for the position they are in now. If they get close to a title and in the CL then expect money to be thrown at the team and the likes of Kaka, Messi to be lured or at least attempted to be lured.

Players going there are a short means to an end. Is Milner going to play in a championship winning team? Man City are trying to build a Real madridesque team of sorts and I'm not sure where he will fit into that. If he does then fair enough and I can see the attraction. I don't believe its all about the money.

[richard moore]

A very fair assessment Peter and spot on I think....

[JUAN PABLO]

Milner wanted to go weeks ago.  I cant blame MON on any of this, I heard
it from more or less from Milners mouth.

[Merv]

I've not read the most recent posts on here - all last night's - but have read the Guardian story.

What I find a bit rich are these supposed protestations from the Milner camp. His agent will have known about City's interest since May, even earlier. He and Milner have had ample time to be pro-active and make positive statements about staying at Villa, but they've declined every opportunity. Even now, it's all rumour and hearsay.

I think we have a player - and an agent - here who want the move AND to come out of it all looking the good guys.

[Walmley_Villa]

Milner wanted to go weeks ago.  I cant blame MON on any of this, I heard
it from more or less from Milners mouth.

Which makes a mockery of the Daily Mails story that he never said he wanted to go or turned down a contract etc.....

I had hoped for better from somebody like Milner that seemed in a bit more in the old fashioned ilk. Sadly he is no different to the rest. Milner could easily have commented to the press himself but declined too, as such I have to believe MoN's version of the truth. Compare this to AY wanting to stay - let's hope people get off his back and that he returns to his form of 2 seasons ago. I am really hoping that we see the real Downing this season and he could be the key creative player we all crave. At least we will no longer have 3 wingers in the midlfield!!

[sfx412]

strange that after the pre World Cup talks the offical view from Mon and Villa was a positive one. Seems those comments alone back Milner and his agents view. Plus most aware fans appreciate new contracts are rarely offered until the last minute and although I've not spoken to Milner yet, I'm tending towards the view Mon is desperate to unload the one asset he has and as with Barry, try and maintain some face.
His statement that we are a selling club plus this latest PR disaster could bloom into an uncomfortable time for him.

[Pete3206]

Personally, I think we should conclude the deal as soon as possible.

Anything approaching £20 million is daylight robbery. Milner is a tough, hard working player, great engine and all that stuff.

He also went missing at the back end of last season, especially in the games that really mattered.

Bye bye.

[mrfuse]

I've not read the most recent posts on here - all last night's - but have read the Guardian story.

What I find a bit rich are these supposed protestations from the Milner camp. His agent will have known about City's interest since May, even earlier. He and Milner have had ample time to be pro-active and make positive statements about staying at Villa, but they've declined every opportunity. Even now, it's all rumour and hearsay.

I think we have a player - and an agent - here who want the move AND to come out of it all looking the good guys.

Yeah i agree with this They want it both ways.

Whatever Milner says about MON he still wanted to leave, I would prefer for him to say he enjoyed his time with Villa but feels he can become part of a Title winning team and hopes his transfer fee can in some way appease his decision.

I still wouldn't like it but would have a bit more respect for him.

Ive kind of decided that currently I dislike any player that signs for City and hope they cant get all of these players to gel for at least a few seasons putting of the inevitable.

 Although Ive renewed my season ticket football is leaving a bad taste in my mouth

[LeeS]

Although Ive renewed my season ticket football is leaving a bad taste in my mouth

Same here. I've also just moved to London so will be faced with long commutes to VP. I think the mid week games will be a real test of my enduring love of the game.

[Chris Smith]

I've not read the most recent posts on here - all last night's - but have read the Guardian story.

What I find a bit rich are these supposed protestations from the Milner camp. His agent will have known about City's interest since May, even earlier. He and Milner have had ample time to be pro-active and make positive statements about staying at Villa, but they've declined every opportunity. Even now, it's all rumour and hearsay.

I think we have a player - and an agent - here who want the move AND to come out of it all looking the good guys.

Spot on, Merv. Just had a conversation along those lines at work.

[JerryD]

I'm guessing this rebuff from Milner's camp is because O'Neill's told him he's got to play Tuesday night against Wasull

And he knows he's going to get pelters of a Hodge-esque level

[Dr Butler]

Although Ive renewed my season ticket football is leaving a bad taste in my mouth

Same here. I've also just moved to London so will be faced with long commutes to VP. I think the mid week games will be a real test of my enduring love of the game.[/quote]

Believe me LeeS they are......

[Olneythelonely]

I've not read the most recent posts on here - all last night's - but have read the Guardian story.

What I find a bit rich are these supposed protestations from the Milner camp. His agent will have known about City's interest since May, even earlier. He and Milner have had ample time to be pro-active and make positive statements about staying at Villa, but they've declined every opportunity. Even now, it's all rumour and hearsay.

I think we have a player - and an agent - here who want the move AND to come out of it all looking the good guys.

Absolutely agree with this.

[Lucky Eddie]

Although Ive renewed my season ticket football is leaving a bad taste in my mouth

Football's 'tasted' vile for about fifteen years.

It's like a cheap chocolate Easter egg; 95% of the product is packaging and the part that matters is hollow and empty.

[Karl Bridges]

I know someone who has contact with the players and he told me James was an arrogant twat. I didn't believe him because his outward image seems so squeaky clean. Starting to think he is correct now.