SSN: "Downing won't commit to Villa"

[Redman]

Is it because Villa failed to crack the top 4 that you project that failure on to other clubs who aspire to do the same?

We don't wish failure on Liverpool, we just know that, whatever you think, you're with us now, the onlookers to the Money Cup. You can spend your money on your Hendersons and your Carrolls, but it will only get you fifth at best, and you know it. Rejoice, we're competing for the Europa League, hoorah.

You don't know any such thing.

I might be your belief but it sure isn't knowledge.

No, but deep down you know it.
You are clinging onto King Kenny and your owners spending daft cash on average players as proof that you are going to crack the CL places. You might be right, but there's only Arsenal's place up for grabs and you're not the only team fighting for it despite your arrogance.

With that opening line, you're on thin ice accusing anybody of arrogance.

[adrenachrome]

I have been back in Brum for the last month or so, and all the Villa fans I have spoken to could not give a flying fuck whether he goes or not.

[LeeB]

I have been back in Brum for the last month or so, and all the Villa fans I have spoken to could not give a flying fuck whether he goes or not.

I'm kind of hoping it does go through, at around £20m, if only to marvel at Liverpool spending the best part of £85m on Carroll, Henderson, Downing and Adam.

How much would that lot have cost 12 months ago? £20-25m?

King Kenny's spending like John Gregory on crack.

[richard moore]

I hope he goes now. If he stays, it will just feel like Barry's last season with us when I could never really get behind him knowing that he wanted away and was inevitably going to leave. I shall just feel the same way about Downing. In addition, I am not that fussed about him as a player. For me, he joins the pantheon of players we have had, or do have, that everyone else seems to rate highly bar me - Coker, Cuellar and Luke Young to name but three...

[frankmosswasmyuncle]

I hope he goes now. If he stays, it will just feel like Barry's last season with us when I could never really get behind him knowing that he wanted away and was inevitably going to leave. I shall just feel the same way about Downing. In addition, I am not that fussed about him as a player. For me, he joins the pantheon of players we have had, or do have, that everyone else seems to rate highly bar me - Coker, Cuellar and Luke Young to name but three...

Agree with you on the Downing front and the similarity to the Barry saga...he'll just leave next year instead! Problem is, Barry was pretty much a thorough professional and longstanding Villa player and continued to do his stuff on the pitch...I can't see Downing doing that. He has used England games to put himself in the shop window...the few games he's had for the national team he's been a revelation; all of a sudden he's brilliant...whereas his week by week contribution is way below what it should be for a senior professional. He's had one half decent season and suddenly he's off. Let him go and bring in a good pro, not a spineless wuss with great potential who goes hiding for 80% of the game.
Can't agree with you about the other 3 named...they'd be in my starting line-ups every time...in their proper positions. They're pro's who give their best, Downing simply doesn't.

[VillaAlways]

Breaking News SSN. Asrenal have made contact......Which is nice

[Holy Trinity]

Breaking News SSN. Asrenal have made contact......Which is nice

if downing has a brain he will go work with arse all day long, they will pay the right price aswel rather that piss around like the bin dippers do

[richard moore]

Breaking News SSN. Asrenal have made contact......Which is nice

He will fit in well there. All tippy tappy football, no tackling either, bags of promise but often no end product....it will jack the Arse fans off too

I would take a gamble on Bendtner. Think there is a player in there somewhere and he urgently needs a change of scene and club. Cash plus him would do nicely...

[Stu]

Breaking News SSN. Asrenal have made contact......Which is nice

if downing has a brain he will go work with arse all day long, they will pay the right price aswel rather that piss around like the bin dippers do

Will they? Liverpool have spent big money already this year, whereas Arsenal have always seemed to avoid paying massive fees for players.

[JUAN PABLO]

Breaking News SSN. Asrenal have made contact......Which is nice

can i really see Wenger spending £20 million on Downing , Wenger will be having Francis Jeffers nightmares right now ...

[Matt Collins]

I smells a bidding war!

[JUAN PABLO]

well If downing goes Arsenal  maybe Nzogbia will go Liverpool...

[Shrek]

But I don't understand the need for arrogance.

Neither do I. Nor do I understand the need to mistake self-belief for arrogance.

Is it because Villa failed to crack the top 4 that you project that failure on to other clubs who aspire to do the same?

No. Maybe arrogance isn't the right word, but you seem to believe that you'll get into the top four because of recent history. I don't think it works that way.

To the second question: No. It's because I believe the top four to be a self-preserving society. Man City managed to muscle in because of tremendous investment. Arsenal may be in danger of dropping out next season. In that case there is a spot that you or Spurs can grab. But honestly I believe Wenger is too experienced to let that happen. But good luck.

(To the mods: I'll stop posting about Liverpool now. Sorry for playing my part in the diversion.)

I'm not even sure there is an established top-4 any more.

I look at Liverpool and see a club on an upwards trajectory without the distraction of Europe.
I look at City and see a club also on-the-up but not as much as it should be. Plus first time in CL.
I look at Arsenal and see a team starting to fade, with want-away players and disillusioned fans.
I look at Spurs and see a club standing still (at least for now).
And I look at Chelsea and see a club under new management and a team with an aging spine.

It looks wide open from my vantage point.

To me Liverpool have paid over the odds for 2 English players which has hidden the fact they like us and spurs have lost one of there best players each year. (alonso,mascherano,torres)

Spurs are at a crossroads with Modric possibly leaving, Which could then result in Bale leaving.

Villa are in limbo at the moment, but with a more organised defence, could be very strong as long as we replace Downing eg Nzogbia.

I honestly think the top 4 will be the top 4 again and that Spurs, Villa, Liverpool, Everton and maybe Sunderland all battling for 5th onwards.

[Shrek]

well If downing goes Arsenal  maybe Nzogbia will go Liverpool...

If and I hope we are intereted in NZogbia we must be smart and not sell Downing until we have got him or a suitable replacement.

[frankmosswasmyuncle]

well If downing goes Arsenal  maybe Nzogbia will go Liverpool...

My thinking too Juan. Bugger!