Summer Transfer Thread: Speculation, Lies, Absolute Cr*p and Bosman Rumours

[Concrete John]

What the players looked like last season should (hopefully!) bear little resemblance to what they are capable of under a better manager.

However, we've got a new man in and need to back him - both the board with money and us without too much criticism early doors!

[ozzjim]

Is anyone a little concerned with him identifying players before he assess our squad up close?

OK, if they've said to him the left back is going he can say who he'd like to get in for that position, but I'd prefer him to fully understand our strengths and weaknesses before spending the club's money!

Not at all. We will have been scouted by him a few times, and he will know the squad well enough I am sure. There are not many shocks for him really are there. I would imagine his conversation with Martin would have been an interesting one, and one I would pay to listen too from start to finish in a phone hacking scandal!

But he will know what formation is going to be his preferred, and who is likely to fit that. He is not stupid, and will know what he needs to make it happen. Then he can assess through the season for next.

[Mazrim]

Is anyone a little concerned with him identifying players before he assess our squad up close?

Nope. From what I understand he was lined up after the Boltom match and would have been beavering away thinking of what he's going to do once installed as Villa manager.
I would imagine that would involve studying footage and getting info from all sorts of places on where our numerous troubles lie.

To be honest, I would be concerned if he didnt have a firm idea on what he wants to do at this stage.
I'm sure some players are in the balance as to whether they are staying or going and he'll want to meet them first but I dare say he's already given it serious thought.

Bring it on. The clocks already ticking and deals are being done. We need to get in there ourselves.

[Concrete John]

Well, I know what I'd do and one of the first things would be to buy a DCM.  But how does he know whether Makoun would suit the way he wants that player to play? 

If he wants to go 4-3-3 he may be thinking of Gabby wide, but I'd be unsure based on last season, so would like to see him train in a Lambert team before deciding if we need another winger ro not.

He may think Hutton is crap, but how much will he have seen of Lichaj?     

As I said, I'll back his judgement on it, but it strikes me as unusual that he wouldn't want a closer look at what he has before deciding where the priorities lie.

[fredm]

Have I read somewhere that Stan is a good mate of his from Celtic - or am I imagining it?  If it's true maybe he has spoken to Stan who might have marked a few cards!!

[Hoppo]

My first comment on him. fantastic!! My number one choice. He knows who he wants and he also know our weak links come on everyone in the premiership knows. Let him start spending money.. Picking up bargains like Holt and Pilkington. At last  a manager to enjoy.

[OCD]

He will probably have quite a comprehensive list of players for every position. There are some gaping holes in our squad where there wouldn't really be anything to assess before determining that we need someone in that position. Those will probably be the players he targets first. In positions where we do have players, he will have a good idea about the senior players but may decide to wait until pre-season training starts before he looks at some of the younger players to see what exactly they're capable of and then decide where else to strengthen.

[Matt Collins]

I think that's right. We forget that when stan arrived he had a rep as a dynamic goal scoring midfielder. But he was playing alongside lambert and Lennon!

[SteveN]

Have I read somewhere that Stan is a good mate of his from Celtic - or am I imagining it?  If it's true maybe he has spoken to Stan who might have marked a few cards!!

I have read somewhere that he and Stan are very good friends.  I'd also pay to listen in to any conversation they might have had.

[Matt C]

Before he's even seen any of the current crop first hand he knows we need a (lets hope) short-term fix to deputise for Stan and we've lost Cuellar, Guzan & Emile so there's some obvious gaps there. That's before he's even got his head around the issues we know.

[murgsy]

Zaha, Phillips, Ince, Rhodes, Rodriguez, Clyne...etc etc. Plenty of good players in the lower leagues.

I think we'll be after quality players full stop. Some will be bargains, some will cost a bit. Some might play in the championship and some in top leagues but I'm convinced he has a fair bit of money to spend and won't have to shop in the bargain bin exclusively.

I expect to see 2 or maybe even 3 of these signed. It would fit with PL's modus operandi so far.

[john e]

that list that Lamberts got probably reads-

1.  Grant Holt
2.  someone quite good to play midfield
3.  someone who can run around a lot and not get very tired
4.  G Holt

[ozzjim]

I think if he went and got Phillips and Ince off Blackpool, and Clyne off Palace we would be in for a really exciting time.

[VinnieChase84]

I think if he went and got Phillips and Ince off Blackpool, and Clyne off Palace we would be in for a really exciting time.

Totally agree.

[Mister E]

that list that Lamberts got probably reads-

1.  Grant Holt
2.  someone quite good to play midfield
3.  someone who can run around a lot and not get very tired
4.  G Holt

eh???
Why would a striker be his priority?