Ashley Young - tell it how you see it

[Monty]

For the 3rd summer in a row we will lose our most gifted player

Speaks volumes about where we sit in the pecking order

That, for me, is the big problem. It's difficult to progress and build something worthwhile if you lose your best player every summer.

Alternatively, we'll possibly take some other team's best player, like we did with Downing, A. Young in the first place, Bent arguably. No, we're not one of the literally two clubs who don't have to worry about losing their best players (Real and Barca), but we hardly have low prestige.

[Bent Neilsens Screamer]

Even if we were more towards the top of the league I think he’ll be gone in the Summer. Although annoying that we will lose one of our better players again, I think it’s a fact of life that better players will go to bigger clubs and if someone wants to move there’s not that much that can be done. It’s a credit to Villa that we can nurture such players and I’m sure the blueprint is to get the club up to a stage where players will think twice about leaving, although that’s easier said than done.

As Monty said there’s not many clubs that can hold onto there better players, Man U lost Ronaldo, Arsenal may lose Fabregas. We just need to make sure we get the best possible deal when he does go and move forward as best we can. I thank him for his key contributions over the last few years it’s just a pity that he couldn’t maintain the high standards of a couple of seasons ago, if he does go to Man U it will be interesting to see if he can get back to that level and I for one would not begrudge him a move there.

[peter w]

Jaaskeleinen was standing in the centre of his goal well before the penalty was actually taken, he didn't place it softly, and as for the worst penalty you've ever seen; have you never seen a penalty go wide or over?

Not on my TV he wasn't, he was clearly to the right of centre from Ash's viewpoint.  I think the commentator even mentioned something about him being a long way off  centre.   Unless he centred himself at the last second.    Yes I've seen them miss the target, but for me that's a case of shit happens and nothing to do with the the player in question not using his brains. 

As Ash commenced his run up Jussi swiftly moved to the centre of the goal which also meant that his body momentum was going that way as he flung himself to his right to make the save.  If the shot had gone to his left he would not have had a cats chance in hell of saving it.

Thing is it didn't really matter what Jusskaleinen was doing or where he was standing Young was always going to hit the ball the same way and place it in the same place as he usually does. His technique means that when he's firing on all cylinders then the pace on the ball means its difficult to stop by the keeper. However, the longer he went on scoring but putting the ball in the same place the more it was going to play on his mind, too.

So, forget this psyching out of Young that didn't happen. What did was a 50/50 penalty taker finally missing . That's why I'd take Young off them, and not because of the miss in isolation.

[nadz3488]

I'm not really keeping up with the A.Young saga but from what I've read and heard, he's already made up his mind on leaving and we just need to accept it.

[villa for life]

Yeah. When Yorke left, for me it was obvious, he'd go on to do bigger and better things. Milner and Barry have also cemented their places in a top four team. I don't think Young will do that, he's not in the same league.
If we go down, I'd like to keep him and make him play in the championship for a season...see how he'd like that!!

[Mister E]

I think he will go; he'll think (and will be getting told) that he has to go play in the Chumps League to get the international experience to hold down a regular Ingerland slot. Furthermore, it was MON who brought him to VP; presumably a bit of a mentor.
For me the question is how we spend the £10-12m that accrues from the sale. I've said elsewhere that I think the money will be tight this summer, and the youngsters will increasingly be able to force themselves into the fiurst team; but I assume monies got from sales will be ploughed back into the team.
We will not miss AY as long as we buy wisely with what little we have and make best use of the talents already in the squad.

[The Left Side]

Indeed as most of you have said, he looks like he is on his way and let's just get top dollar for him and not take any manure rejects, we need to learn from the Stephen Ireland saga that they don't work.

[Phil from the upper holte]

Also if he does leave we'll be £75-£80k a week better off.

Every little helps

[Shrek]

Yeah. When Yorke left, for me it was obvious, he'd go on to do bigger and better things. Milner and Barry have also cemented their places in a top four team. I don't think Young will do that, he's not in the same league.
If we go down, I'd like to keep him and make him play in the championship for a season...see how he'd like that!!

So our best and most influential player isn't in the same league? What does that say about Aston Villa?

[TopDeck113]

Bye, Ashley.  I'll have fond memories of the player you were 2 or 3 years ago, but, frankly, based on the last two seasons you won't really be missed.

I don't know exactly what you'll do at Old Trafford.  You certainly won't be taking all the corners and free-kicks, especially once Fergie and the others realise how poor you've become at managing to beat the first man. And as for penalties...  I guess, your biggest asset will be your ability to tumble at the slightest contact and moan to the ref will reap far more rewards once you're clad in red.

The last two Villains who went to Man Utd: Yorke and Bosnich.  Success and Failure. I wonder which category you'll end up in?

As for the Villa. Please do the deal quickly. Don't take anyone they want to off-load in P-X: it's cash only. Invest the money wisely. 

[luke25]

Milner and Barry have also cemented their places in a top four team.

Eh? When?

[mozza]

THAT match at Goodison Park after which the Villa manager at the time reckoned our
Ashley was 'world class' was the defining moment in his career............he's gone backwards

Why is it that someone (either from the club or maybe a good mate) hasn't had a word in
his ear and given him some guidance - 'going to ground so easily' .......' wanting to take every set piece around
the opponents penalty area' ...........'constantly whining and questioning officials' decisions when
they go against him'...........'hopping around on one  leg at least once every match but then
having a miracle cure when the ball comes near'

Young7 could and should be a much better player then he is but I can't see it happening, not
at Villa in any event.

   

[Holtenderinthesky]

If Spurs were to offer a straight swap for Walker/Young I'd snap their hands off.

Now that, I'm afraid, is utter tosh.  Young for Walker!  Seriously?

Yes seriously - Young will have 1 season left at the end of the year, so as such I can't see us getting much more than £15m for him at best.

Harry will also know that we want a Right Back/Walker - so he will hold the cards in that regard.

So if the swap was offered I'd take it.

I understand the logic behind what you are saying but I don't rate Walker highly enough to swap him for a player that we could get 12 mil for.  Do I think Walker is a decent prospect?  Yes.  Do I think he is worth 12 mil?  Hell no.

[peter w]

The team is lacking shape by playing 3 wingers and one of them in the hole. Although I'd be disappointed to see him go it will give Houllier - or whoever - the chance to reinvest the money and strengthen in other areas.

[spangley1812]

If Spurs were to offer a straight swap for Walker/Young I'd snap their hands off.

Now that, I'm afraid, is utter tosh.  Young for Walker!  Seriously?

Yes seriously - Young will have 1 season left at the end of the year, so as such I can't see us getting much more than £15m for him at best.

Harry will also know that we want a Right Back/Walker - so he will hold the cards in that regard.

So if the swap was offered I'd take it.

I understand the logic behind what you are saying but I don't rate Walker highly enough to swap him for a player that we could get 12 mil for.  Do I think Walker is a decent prospect?  Yes.  Do I think he is worth 12 mil?  Hell no.

Walker is worth £5m max