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

[nick harper]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/14399073.stm

Shows what a tough market it is and how little cash seems to be about. I didn't realise James McFadden had been released by Bham, always thought he was half decent - anyway, makes interesting reading.

[Jockey Randall]

why would he change from his long term approach?
probably has something to do with the fact that the financial crisis has reaped havoc in the last 2 years or so and randys finances have probably taken a battering -far different times now than when randy took over.

Five years ago the top 4 was achievable but now it is out of reach without enormous cash investment, i suppose randy thinks why spend £40m or so to try and finish 6th rather than 8th and get an extre £2m in prize money.

Spot on. We could run ourselves into the ground and possibly achieve 6th, or we can sit tight and wait for something to give above us whilst still finishing 7th-8th. It's a no brainer for me.

[Percy McCarthy]

Doesn't the "why hasn't anyone else signed him?" argument also apply to pretty much every player we've ever signed?

It's a bit of a non argument. You could use it to say "why didn't anyone else sign N'Zogbia?" which would be similarly meaningless.

Agreed, very annoying argument. As if there are only fifty good footballers in the world and they all play for Man Utd or Chelsea. Mind you paulie, if you and I had a clue what we're on about we'd be posting for a bigger club.

[Mister E]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/14399073.stm

Shows what a tough market it is and how little cash seems to be about. I didn't realise James McFadden had been released by Bham, always thought he was half decent - anyway, makes interesting reading.

True, Nick, but you talk a look at all of the players listed - high wage expectations and may (only may, mind) add something to the squad ... at the expense of perhaps halting the development of an academy graduate.

[Bent Neilsens Screamer]

Forrester turns down Ajax for The Bees

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/brentford/9556292.stm

[ROBBO]

Only City, United and Chelsea will be prepared to pay big wages from now on, there are quite a few clubs like ourselves who are carrying players they can't move on, Tottenham for one. It will be interesting to see how low these players are prepared to go when the period is coming to an end.

[PaulWinch again]

Only City, United and Chelsea will be prepared to pay big wages from now on, there are quite a few clubs like ourselves who are carrying players they can't move on, Tottenham for one. It will be interesting to see how low these players are prepared to go when the period is coming to an end.

I think you can add Liverpool to that list.

[pauliewalnuts]

Doesn't the "why hasn't anyone else signed him?" argument also apply to pretty much every player we've ever signed?

It's a bit of a non argument. You could use it to say "why didn't anyone else sign N'Zogbia?" which would be similarly meaningless.

Agreed, very annoying argument. As if there are only fifty good footballers in the world and they all play for Man Utd or Chelsea. Mind you paulie, if you and I had a clue what we're on about we'd be posting for a bigger club.

My agent has already put feelers out to Villa Talk.

They might not have the history we do, but they've got the fanbase to move on to the next level.

[Merv]

When Sky reported Eck saying we needed to strengthen yesterday both local reporters spoke to the club who said that it was a quote taken out of context and related to first teamers coming back against Braga, NOT buying people. If the party AVFC line is that we are done, and again both local reporters are saying that is what they are being told, then unless someone leaves, I think we are done.

Me too. I accepted this a couple of weeks ago. Although, I'm not buying that McLeish was discussing the need to strengthen for another friendly in a couple of days time. I think he meant for the season, but the club have moved quickly to set the record straight.

[pauliewalnuts]

When Sky reported Eck saying we needed to strengthen yesterday both local reporters spoke to the club who said that it was a quote taken out of context and related to first teamers coming back against Braga, NOT buying people. If the party AVFC line is that we are done, and again both local reporters are saying that is what they are being told, then unless someone leaves, I think we are done.

Me too. I accepted this a couple of weeks ago. Although, I'm not buying that McLeish was discussing the need to strengthen for another friendly in a couple of days time. I think he meant for the season, but the club have moved quickly to set the record straight.

Unfortunately, I think you're correct.

"He didn't mean strengthen as in new players, he meant get players back in the first team". Right.

[Percy McCarthy]

Doesn't the "why hasn't anyone else signed him?" argument also apply to pretty much every player we've ever signed?

It's a bit of a non argument. You could use it to say "why didn't anyone else sign N'Zogbia?" which would be similarly meaningless.

Agreed, very annoying argument. As if there are only fifty good footballers in the world and they all play for Man Utd or Chelsea. Mind you paulie, if you and I had a clue what we're on about we'd be posting for a bigger club.

My agent has already put feelers out to Villa Talk.

They might not have the history we do, but they've got the fanbase to move on to the next level.

Lucky you. I'm out of contract, and the only offer I've had is from Vital Villa. I think I'd rather retire.

[pauliewalnuts]

Lucky you. I'm out of contract, and the only offer I've had is from Vital Villa. I think I'd rather retire.

Very good!

[Merv]

When Sky reported Eck saying we needed to strengthen yesterday both local reporters spoke to the club who said that it was a quote taken out of context and related to first teamers coming back against Braga, NOT buying people. If the party AVFC line is that we are done, and again both local reporters are saying that is what they are being told, then unless someone leaves, I think we are done.

Me too. I accepted this a couple of weeks ago. Although, I'm not buying that McLeish was discussing the need to strengthen for another friendly in a couple of days time. I think he meant for the season, but the club have moved quickly to set the record straight.

Unfortunately, I think you're correct.

"He didn't mean strengthen as in new players, he meant get players back in the first team". Right.

Of course he did. Because the burning question with ten days before the season kicks off isn't whether Villa are in the best possible shape for the new PL season, but how strong we'll be for the crucial friendly against Braga...

I can't help thinking the club are making a few assumptions on the general IQ level of the fans at the moment.

But you know what? I'm thinking I'd better log off for a few hours. It's 9.45am and I'm already starting to get wound up! Deep breaths, deep breaths...

[James]

This, from The Sun via SportingLife.com:

"Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish admits his club cannot afford Joey Barton's £70,000-a-week wages."

With all the players already gone this summer, surely there's room for at least one more? If not, forget that new DM we desperately need!

[N'ZMAV]

I bet similar wages would be made available for someone else?...