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

[The Situation]

Don't let Reo Coker being a MON signing put you off from him being a good player to add to the squad and possibly the team if we don't improve the midfield.

We are still missing a midfield leader who can replace Petrov, I believe Coker has the capabilities to do that even if some don't consider him as technically good as Petrov. It also helps him being familiar with the club and some,of the players in the squad, its not like he'd come in as a stranger, he'd command respect of the locker room.

I know people want to look further a field especially after appointing Henke, but after last season we've got to be realistic. It's going to be a gradual process.

It's not that he's a MON-player. It's that he's not very good. The backward step would be football-wise because he is a more limited player than any others in our midfield.

Besides, if we need another midfielder, it's the opposite type to Reo-Coker. We don't need more drive (anyone notice Delph's surging run
s through midfield? I sure did), we might need more creativity, though I'd be willing to give these midfield options a run.

Yea we do need a creative midfielder I agree, I'm still not totally sold on Ireland. Coker would still be a good addition to the squad with our midfield still looking a bit thin, he's not the most skillful of midfielders but he can do those little important things in the middle that means players around can play their natural game. I like Delph and I think he could develop into a good player (and yes I did notice his surging runs with the ball) but sometimes he looks like he lacks the maturity at times to play that role but I think he would work better in a 3 man midfield.

I suggested Chung Yong Lee as a creative player we could use, what do you think of him and do you think he could do what we would need from him?

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Why bring back NRC when we have better already in our squad. Step forward Mr Herd. Rough, tough, committed and can bloody pass too. NRC had a very good final season with us but we should be looking forward not backwards.

[The Situation]

I only saw Herd play in midfield twice last season and I think he looked alright. Didn't see him enough to make a complete judgement (although I thought he's done well at fb too) so I will let others pass judgement. I like his attitude though. I want young, hungry players who want to play for the club.

[Holte L2]

Why bring back NRC when we have better already in our squad. Step forward Mr Herd. Rough, tough, committed and can bloody pass too. NRC had a very good final season with us but we should be looking forward not backwards.

Don't rate Herd in the slightest. We need experience adding to the squad.

[Dante Lavelli]

I’d say that Herd and NRC are comparable both in the type of player and also ability.  Based on that it makes little sense to sign NRC when Herd is already here.  If NRC came for one season then I can see the sense, but he’ll want a 3 or 4 year deal and 30k a week.  Herd on the other hand will want less and can only increase in value.

[Steve67]

With the money we are saving in salary for Heskey, Cuellar and Collins, plus the 2.5mill for Collins from Wet Spam, have Villa actually spent anything this summer?  So much for Lambert being backed in the transfer market!  There must be some seriously good transfers going to happen at VP over the next 10 days or so. I think the fans have done their bit so far with selling out at Upton Park and supporting the kit launch, spending loads.  Time for Randy to put his hand in his pocket.

[Dave]

We are still missing a midfield leader who can replace Petrov, I believe Coker has the capabilities to do that even if some don't consider him as technically good as Petrov.

"Some"?

Does that suggest that people exist who think that Reo-Coker is as technically good as Petrov?

[maidstonevillain]

Don't let Reo Coker being a MON signing put you off from him being a good player to add to the squad and possibly the team if we don't improve the midfield.

We are still missing a midfield leader who can replace Petrov, I believe Coker has the capabilities to do that even if some don't consider him as technically good as Petrov. It also helps him being familiar with the club and some,of the players in the squad, its not like he'd come in as a stranger, he'd command respect of the locker room.

I know people want to look further a field especially after appointing Henke, but after last season we've got to be realistic. It's going to be a gradual process.

Besides, if we need another midfielder, it's the opposite type to Reo-Coker. We don't need more drive (anyone notice Delph's surging runs through midfield? I sure did), we might need more creativity, though I'd be willing to give these midfield options a run.

It's the surging runs in the opposite direction that I am more worried about. And Delph's only contribution to countering those is to give away a free kick, pick up a yellow card, or get himself injured.

I wish we could take two steps back to where we were when NRC last played here.

[The Situation]

^^^ that's what I was talking about Delph's immaturity at times... Hence I think he works better in a 3 man midfield.

[hartman_1982]

With the money we are saving in salary for Heskey, Cuellar and Collins, plus the 2.5mill for Collins from Wet Spam, have Villa actually spent anything this summer?  So much for Lambert being backed in the transfer market!  There must be some seriously good transfers going to happen at VP over the next 10 days or so. I think the fans have done their bit so far with selling out at Upton Park and supporting the kit launch, spending loads.  Time for Randy to put his hand in his pocket.

It was generous of the new lads to come in and play for free.

[john2710]

NRC - no chance, can't trap or pass the ball, vastly overrated by many Villa fans and by NRC himself.

[Steve67]

It's been a long time since we had a central midfield we could be really proud of. I appreciate the likes of Barry, Milner and Petrov have had their uses but in my opinion, we haven't had a dominant midfield for numerous years. NRC isn't that man, never was.  He's another Gavin McCann.

[Steve67]

With the money we are saving in salary for Heskey, Cuellar and Collins, plus the 2.5mill for Collins from Wet Spam, have Villa actually spent anything this summer?  So much for Lambert being backed in the transfer market!  There must be some seriously good transfers going to happen at VP over the next 10 days or so. I think the fans have done their bit so far with selling out at Upton Park and supporting the kit launch, spending loads.  Time for Randy to put his hand in his pocket.

It was generous of the new lads to come in and play for free.

read between the lines mate.  Ok, apart from the salaries of the new players, we haven't really spent a great deal have we.I am sick of reading that the club WILL back the Manager, when it hasn't happened. Yet the club bang on about buying season tickets.

[pauliewalnuts]

I thought Delphi did well in Sarurday and in preseason.

I do agree, though, that he lacks a little maturity and this ends up with him giving away needless free kicks and going in two-footed a little too often.

I also understand what Reo Coker added to the team with his tenacity and work rate, but he's a very poor footballer beyond that. Herd will do that job better and is already here.

[Salsa Party Animal]

I see Manchester United on TV and noticed Javier Hernandez is not in the squad. Should we try to sign him for Villa ? as They got the showpony, shrek, wellbeck and robin