SSN: "Downing won't commit to Villa"

[KevinGage]

Loyalty is a two way street though, isn't it?

There were were some (admittedly a minority) who were advocating getting rid of Downing as early as last summer -after just over half a season post injury.

If Ireland does well this season and gets a big move next summer (big if, granted) I'm sure the L word will be repeated and there will be plenty of outrage. Despite plenty hoping Newcastle had taken him off our hands for good this year.

I never thought Downing was going to be here for the bulk of his career. To be honest, if he was, I'd take that to mean that our progress had stalled. Good player, but far from irreplaceable. It's a pretty big leap from being barely good enough to be in the Villa starting XI last season to expecting/ almost demanding CL football little over 12 months later.

It's just the thought of 3 of our better players departing in less than a year. It could affect us both in terms of the players we can attract and the motivation of some of our better players left behind.  Did Ash think the writing was on the wall when we sold Milner last year (after selling Barry the year previous)?  Will Bent think the same?

[Concrete John]

It would be nice to think he read the Paul Scholes article yesterday and felt an uncomfortable rush of blood to his face doing so.

The sad truth of modern football is that even if he did he'd then have got into his Ferrari and forgot all about it.

I've now come to the conclusion that I want him gone.  Disloyal and trying to engineer a move, after we let him get over his injury, plus we're likely to get more than he's really worth.  And we've got Albrighton who seems to be shaping up to be a better player.

Fuck him.

[Merv]

I'll actually be disappointed if he stays. Not a player I rated at all pre-Villa - just don't think he's that special.

[JUAN PABLO]

Not quite the Judas Barry was. I can understand Downing leaving because of his International prospects and also mostly because of how poor we were last season, and maybe he sees the signing of McCleish as a lack of ambition. Barry had none of those factors, as we'd had a decent few seasons and he'd already secured a place in the England team.

Still, it's a shame - but I think "traitor" is a bit of a strong word.

Playing for Aston Villa has never stopped players playing for england , in fact capello was always down VP . it seems to be our downfall when these players get picked , i think we have lost all our players since they have been picked for England , other than Bent ...  If you play well for VILLA , you actually get noticed by England , probbaly because you are playing week in , week out , instead of sitting on somebodys bench ........

p.s    Havent we got rid of the tosser yet

[Concrete John]

I'll actually be disappointed if he stays. Not a player I rated at all pre-Villa - just don't think he's that special.

Me neither.  I do think he's shown to be better than I thought last season, but still far from irreplacable.

[Chris Smith]

It would be nice to think he read the Paul Scholes article yesterday and felt an uncomfortable rush of blood to his face doing so.

The sad truth of modern football is that even if he did he'd then have got into his Ferrari and forgot all about it.

I've now come to the conclusion that I want him gone.  Disloyal and trying to engineer a move, after we let him get over his injury, plus we're likely to get more than he's really worth.  And we've got Albrighton who seems to be shaping up to be a better player.

Fuck him.

That's just the reaction his agent wants.

He's had his head turned by thought of more money and a better chance of winning things at a bigger club. It would have been nice if he'd have been strong enough to resist it but it's the norm for the world we live in. It's not just a football thing.

[JUAN PABLO]

LIVERPOOL FC face competition from Arsenal to secure the capture of Stewart Downing from Aston Villa – but remain favourites to land the England winger.
 
Kenny Dalglish has identified the 26-year-old as one of his top summer targets, and last week had a formal £15m bid rejected by the Midlands club, as he looked to follow up the signings of midfielders Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam.
 
But with Arsenal likely to lose at least one of creative duo Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri in the coming weeks, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is also keen to bring the former Middlesbrough man to the Emirates.
 



They are, however, yet to submit an official offer, despite reports to the contrary.
 
New Villa boss Alex McLeish insisted on Friday that he has no plans to sell Downing in this transfer window.
 
The Scot has already seen key figures Brad Friedel and Ashley Young depart this summer, and would be loath to part company with the club’s current player of the season


Read More http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2011/07/11/liverpool-fc-lead-chase-with-arsenal-to-secure-stewart-downing-from-aston-villa-100252-29030289/#sitelife-commentsWidget-bottom#ixzz1RmqTrmgg







I posted this , as I like the commenets at the bottom .

[JUAN PABLO]

heres one

Please don't sign this fella,going to be a big mistake.Done nothing for Boro or Villa,had 27 caps and looked useless.
20 million and a sell on value of what for a 31 year old? Not alot.

Got to be better out there,just got to be.Don't ruin our summer buying this guy.

[pauliewalnuts]

Isn't Downing's agent that oil slick on legs Willie Mckay?

[Rip Van We Go Again]

Isn't Downing's agent that oil slick on legs Willie Mckay?

Not sure, but whoever it is, he'll be minted if he keeps getting itchy feet like this.

[kippaxvilla2]

If the little scrote wants to go why doesn't he have the balls to stick a transfer request in?  Worst of the worst regarding today's footballer, wants his Victoria Sponge and wants to eat it.

[Chris Smith]

Isn't Downing's agent that oil slick on legs Willie Mckay?

Not sure of the name but I have read that he has the same agent as Gerrard and Carragher.

[Concrete John]

Isn't Downing's agent that oil slick on legs Willie Mckay?

Not sure of the name but I have read that he has the same agent as Gerrard and Carragher.

Well, isn't that surprising!

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Isn't Downing's agent that oil slick on legs Willie Mckay?

Not sure of the name but I have read that he has the same agent as Gerrard and Carragher.

Well, isn't that surprising!

It all makes sense now. It was comments from Carragher that first started the rumour that Downing had been tapped up..

[Chris Smith]

Just checked, Struan Marshall is his name.