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

[nick harper]

I hope McLeish will realise after two or three PL games that he's short in midfield which will hopefully give him enough time to do something about it before the window shuts, even on a loan basis.

As things stand I think we're pretty weak there, particularly physically.

[ROBBO]

What we have sadly lacked over the last couple of seasons is drive from midfield, how many times have you seen a midfielder up in support of the forwards? hardly ever. Petrov has been a useful player for us but his time has gone, if we don't strengthen in midfield we are in trouble.

[Concrete John]

For a large part of last season we were playing with three wingers, so the two remaining midfielders didn't have the freedom to get forward and support.  We saw it a little late last season when we dropped Albrighton and Delph came into the side.

[KRS]

I hope McLeish will realise after two or three PL games that he's short in midfield

Surely as an experienced manager he would know this already.

[Concrete John]

Maybe his agreement with Randy is to see what we can get out of what we have before spending more of the clubs money.  As in play the first 3 PL games and then see if strenghtening is needed by a late move in the market?

Not how I'd like to see things done, but somewhat understandable if it is the case.

[Holtenderinthesky]

If waiting to see if we lose the 1st 3 games before making a move is our strategy then it's a dangerous one.  The opening 6 or 7 games are all very winnable anyway so I'm not sure how much we'd learn from say, a few 2-1 wins, a couple of narrow losses and a couple of draws.  If we are going to strengthen then let's do it now.  However, I don't expect anyone else to be signed until January at the earliest.

[TheSandman]

I hope McLeish will realise after two or three PL games that he's short in midfield

Surely as an experienced manager he would know this already.

I think McLeish does see it I just don't think the owner does.

[nick harper]

I hope McLeish will realise after two or three PL games that he's short in midfield

Surely as an experienced manager he would know this already.

I think McLeish does see it I just don't think the owner does.

There's an element of McLeish giving every player an opportunity. He must still be assessing the squad. Not wishing to say that we know more than the manager, but us fans have seen these players a lot more than he has I would think.

It wouldn't surprise me if he did something late in the day on the evidence of the performances in the first few games, not necessarily the results.

[Concrete John]

If waiting to see if we lose the 1st 3 games before making a move is our strategy then it's a dangerous one.  The opening 6 or 7 games are all very winnable anyway so I'm not sure how much we'd learn from say, a few 2-1 wins, a couple of narrow losses and a couple of draws.  If we are going to strengthen then let's do it now.  However, I don't expect anyone else to be signed until January at the earliest.

I generally agree with you, but it's not a matter of waiting to lose any game - you can win and still see where the faults are.  And sometimes it takes a competitive game to truely see whats what, especially when it come to the tackling/tenacity/competitiveness of a midfield.

[KRS]

The next 2 friendlies will provide a better indication, but the issues are blatantly obvious for all to see...including AM and Randy. Even if we paper over the cracks in the first 5 or 6 games, we're only a couple of injuries away from a relegation scrap. Thats slightly negative I know, but I have absolutely no confidence in the depth of squad...yes they may try and may work hard, but trying and working hard doesnt give you points at the end of 90 minutes.

[LeeB]

The next 2 friendlies will provide a better indication, but the issues are blatantly obvious for all to see...including AM and Randy. Even if we paper over the cracks in the first 5 or 6 games, we're only a couple of injuries away from a relegation scrap. Thats slightly negative I know, but I have absolutely no confidence in the depth of squad...yes they may try and may work hard, but trying and working hard doesnt give you points at the end of 90 minutes.

You're right, to a degree, but then you could say the same about two thirds of the league.

[Merv]

I think McLeish does see it I just don't think the owner does.

I agree. I'm sure McLeish knows we're short of quality in a couple of areas, but I don't think he can do much about it. At this stage. I think the board take the view that we have 20-odd senior players (or 20-odd players on senior contracts) so numbers wise we're fine.

[Dante Lavelli]

The next 2 friendlies will provide a better indication, but the issues are blatantly obvious for all to see...including AM and Randy. Even if we paper over the cracks in the first 5 or 6 games, we're only a couple of injuries away from a relegation scrap. Thats slightly negative I know, but I have absolutely no confidence in the depth of squad...yes they may try and may work hard, but trying and working hard doesnt give you points at the end of 90 minutes.

What are your expectations for the season KRS?
I think there are a whole host of teams that are a few injuries away from a relegation scrap, us included, but that's kind of where I see Villa right now. I would be happy for us to go into the season a bit lacking in certain areas if it means we get to test some of our youngsters.

I'd prefer this because one or two might prove to be good enough saving us shed loads in the future. I'd hope there will be money available but I'd prefer more Bent type signings than spending a similar amount now on squad players to ensure we have a recognised, experienced (probably well paid) reserve for every position.

[Greg N'Ash]

think its essential we get off to a flyer given our easy start. Which is why Fulham worries me. They're probably a good 2 weeks ahead of us in fitness because of their early start which could tip it in their favour. A few rotten results early on and the vultures will start to circle.

[barrysleftfoot]

 Petrov is too ponderous and slows the game down too much, has had 1 good season in 4/5, and the quicker he goes the better.We are a better team without him, and i would rather play Hogg or Herd or Delph than him .Makoun and Ireland should play alongside another, would love Parker, but Diarra or Mariga, or Capoue would be ideal, and then let Bannan, Gardener, Delph , Hogg and Herd put them under pressure.

 Barton is not a defensive midfielder, Tiote is that player at Noooocastle, yes he can put a foot in, usually late and high, or in his case a punch as well, but Tiote is the DM, you buy /sign Barton, it means Bannan and Gardener could be pushed further down.Bannan has impressed me in these friendlies