Summer transfer rumours, speculation and out-and-out b*ll*cks.

[Rip Van We Go Again]

'“He’'s a man who is a bad loser, '



'he'’s a battler and he’s a bad loser.'

I get the distinct feeling that McLeish is a bad loser.

[Steve67]

I'm still not sure why we want another right back?  Luke Young, Carlos Cuellar, Habib Beye and Eric Lichaj can all play there.  Unless Warnock goes and we need to play Young on the left.

Because Cuellar, Beye and Lichaj are substandard there, Hutton wants to come and there are serious doubts about Warnock so LYoung may well play LB instead;

-----------------------------------Given-------------------------------
--Hutton----------------Cuellar-----------New CB-------------LYoung-

Yes, that's a fair point.  Bring in better than you have and you improve regardless.  I agree with that and perhaps McLeash will take the players he can get while he can get them.  I just think that if money is short, which it probably isn't, we should prioritise on creative midfielders.  In fairness, McLeish probably doesn't know that just yet as he's still learning about his squad. I'd be happy with Young and Warnock as our full backs, as long as Warnock wants to play for the club

[Eigentor]

'“He’'s a man who is a bad loser, '



'he'’s a battler and he’s a bad loser.'

I get the distinct feeling that McLeish is a bad loser.

No wonder last season was bad for him.

[Greg N'Ash]

I wouldn't say Hutton has particulary set the world alight since his move and how much do they want for him? I notice sunderland couldn't agree a fee for him and you'd think they have plenty of money sloshing around. Sounds like Levy wanted too much of the 9m they paid for him back

[eastie]

Clark could be a big player for us this season- I'm very impressed with his versatility and could be a future villa captain-am I right in thinking Hutton covered at centre half too during his rangers career, maybe alongside cuellar at times?

I think the fee being touted for hutton seems to be £3m to £4m Greg from most links I've seen.

[Mister E]

Regarding Hutton's mooted signing: at the Sty, McGinge used to effectively play three centre-backs and a flying right back (Carr). I can see him doing likewise with us, with Clark at LB and Hutton down the right side. That way, he can play one left sided winger and three central MF (using the RB as an addditional wide player) and still have two up front; playing wide in posession and tight when defending.

[citizenDJ]

I've only seen Hutton play on the TV, and not all that often to be honest, but I've always been impressed with him. He's no world beater, but he is a good defender and if I recall, good at getting forward, too.

[Steve67]

Cuellar and Clark in the centre of Villa's defence is not the answer.  No natural leader.  I think Clark will be brilliant but I'd prefer for him to play next to someone loud and proud to play for Villa.  We also need a quality defensive midfielder, a ball winner, to shield them.  Petrov, Delph are not the answer if we are to ove forward. In my opinion, of course.  Makoun is also a little lightweight for that role.

[Rip Van We Go Again]

'“He’'s a man who is a bad loser, '



'he'’s a battler and he’s a bad loser.'

I get the distinct feeling that McLeish is a bad loser.

No wonder last season was bad for him.

You think he'd be resistant to it now, he's had enough practice.

[Chris Smith]

Clearly we will not be the only team interested in N'zogbia. If he doesn't come it will not be down to timing but because he preferred what others had to offer.

Or because we dithered about over the fee or his terms and someone stepped in ahead of us?

I'm still not sure why we want another right back?  Luke Young, Carlos Cuellar, Habib Beye and Eric Lichaj can all play there.  Unless Warnock goes and we need to play Young on the left.

agreed, more important positions to sort out than right back, i like hutton but am concerned what people are saying on here about his off field activities.

I agree as well the full back positions are covered for the time being and Hutton is not in my opinion any better than Luke.The goalkeeping, winger positions should be priority and then adding some quality/class/creativity to the midfield

Hutton is at a similar level defensively that Young but much. Much more of a threat going forward. I don't particularly want him but he's got things to offer that Luke just doesn't give us.

[Clampy]

Sounds like Levy wanted too much of the 9m they paid for him back

That might make sense if it's true Redknapp has to sell before he buys anyone. He's not going to sell anyone on the cheap if he needs funds, but we'll see.

[Clark W Griswold]

Yes, that's a fair point.  Bring in better than you have and you improve regardless.  I agree with that and perhaps McLeash will take the players he can get while he can get them.  I just think that if money is short, which it probably isn't, we should prioritise on creative midfielders.  In fairness, McLeish probably doesn't know that just yet as he's still learning about his squad. I'd be happy with Young and Warnock as our full backs, as long as Warnock wants to play for the club

We need a new spine to the team most importantly, a new GK (Given), new leader at CB (No idea), new Defencive CM (Parker), and of course the CF (Bent) we signed in Jan. If Downing goes in addition to Young, i think really we could get away with signing just N Zogbia from an attacking point of view. If the spine of the team from last season improves dramatically, we will be a much better team. But a full back is a must as well, and should go for the best we can get regardless of which side as we can mix it up with the players we have.

[citizenDJ]

I think Clark would be fine at left back for the season, which I think would be fine if we sign Hutton on the other side (the same defensive set up as EffDee describes). I suppose you could do the opposite with Cuellar in at right back and a more attacking left-back (Warnock? Hmm...).

So much depends on the performance/attitude of Dunne. I know it shouldn't be like that, and last season I was railing against his inclusion on account of his antics...but then, when in shape and on form, he is very good indeed. I'm one who (just) prefers Cuellar at centre-back to Collins, so it would be good to see him stay and finally make the CB spot his own.

Gah! We're so close to a really good side! I'm quite excited at seeing how we look by the start of the season;

                  Given

Hutton Cuellar Dunne Clark

                  Parker
          Makoun    Delph

Albrighton                 N'Zogbia

                   Bent

I'd say that's a pretty good team, although i doubt Parker will be arriving! Downing instead of N'Zogbia would be alright, too.

[Clark W Griswold]

Regarding Hutton's mooted signing: at the Sty, McGinge used to effectively play three centre-backs and a flying right back (Carr). I can see him doing likewise with us, with Clark at LB and Hutton down the right side. That way, he can play one left sided winger and three central MF (using the RB as an addditional wide player) and still have two up front; playing wide in posession and tight when defending.

Would probably suit what we have and what we have been linked with...
Given, Hutton, Cuellar, New CB, Clark, Parker, Makoun, Delph, NZogbia, Gabby, Bent.......4-4-2

[frankmosswasmyuncle]

I'm still not sure why we want another right back?  Luke Young, Carlos Cuellar, Habib Beye and Eric Lichaj can all play there.  Unless Warnock goes and we need to play Young on the left.

Because Cuellar, Beye and Lichaj are substandard there, Hutton wants to come and there are serious doubts about Warnock so LYoung may well play LB instead;

-----------------------------------Given-------------------------------
--Hutton----------------Cuellar-----------New CB-------------LYoung-

Like your boldness Clark, but I can't see AM replacing Dunne and Collins - (I'd always put Cuellar before either of them too personally) - I think the new boss will get everything he can out of the pair of them for next season. Have said on here before that I would have gone for Dann to partner CC with Clarky as back up.  If Hutton does come then I reckon your full-back selection is what we will see. But Luke won't like it!