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

[Can Gana Be Bettered!?!?]

It’s been mentioned a few times previously and I dismissed it thinking we’d sign more players/be better than our current form, but here goes:

Rather than spunk Xm on a not so great DCM why don’t we give Warnock a whirl there for the remainder of his contract.  He’s played there a lot for Bburn and looked okay at the end of last season.  Obviously he’s not the finished article but he has good energy and won’t cost anything.

By the end of the season lambert will have had a good look at the squad and Henke will have had time to identify and line up long term players.  I basically hate the thought of us signing “NRC” (example only) for three years on 40k-a-week knowing that he’s not the answer and it preventing us from signing players later (due to the wages).

I just can't see why so many people suggest this, he was just as much of a headless chicken in midfield as he has been at left back, he just isn't punished for it so often.  His positional sense is appalling.

I agree. His ability on the ball (or even controlling it) is also excruciatingly bad, even when compared to NRC.

[eastie]

It’s been mentioned a few times previously and I dismissed it thinking we’d sign more players/be better than our current form, but here goes:

Rather than spunk Xm on a not so great DCM why don’t we give Warnock a whirl there for the remainder of his contract.  He’s played there a lot for Bburn and looked okay at the end of last season.  Obviously he’s not the finished article but he has good energy and won’t cost anything.

By the end of the season lambert will have had a good look at the squad and Henke will have had time to identify and line up long term players.  I basically hate the thought of us signing “NRC” (example only) for three years on 40k-a-week knowing that he’s not the answer and it preventing us from signing players later (due to the wages).

I just can't see why so many people suggest this, he was just as much of a headless chicken in midfield as he has been at left back, he just isn't punished for it so often.  His positional sense is appalling.

Maybe ciaran Clark would do a job as defensive midfielder, I think baker will do a better job at centre half.

[nick harper]

Clark is just anonymous whenever I've seen him in midfield. In fact, I don't think he has a best position. Vastly overrated in my opinion and definitely not good enough to play centre half.

We seem to have an over inflated sense of the quality and value of these academy players.

Herd is another one. No-one wants NRC back as he can't pass the ball, but neither can Herd and yet he seems to be rated by many.

[Nastylee]

I don't get all this DCM bollocks. What happened to the all round midfielder? What we need is a box to box powerhouse who pops up all over the place like Viera did. No ideas who but DCM, ACM, etc is so Football Manager and in 'real life' just fills your team with one dimensional players.

[ozzjim]

Clark is just anonymous whenever I've seen him in midfield. In fact, I don't think he has a best position. Vastly overrated in my opinion and definitely not good enough to play centre half.

We seem to have an over inflated sense of the quality and value of these academy players.

Herd is another one. No-one wants NRC back as he can't pass the ball, but neither can Herd and yet he seems to be rated by many.

Herd is all action so fans love him, young players that fly into tackles are generally loved by the fans. I am not convinced at all.

Clark worries me at centre half, I think he will be a great one, but needs game time week in week out there, probably on loan at somewhere in the championship.

[PeterWithesShin]

I rate Herd above NRC for the simple facts that I don't think there's that much between them ability wise, Herd is 5 years younger so can still improve whereas I don't NRC will ever be much better than he is now and Herd costs a hell of a lot less in wages each week.

[nick harper]

I rate Herd above NRC for the simple facts that I don't think there's that much between them ability wise, Herd is 5 years younger so can still improve whereas I don't NRC will ever be much better than he is now and Herd costs a hell of a lot less in wages each week.

I just think, like NRC, he looks a very limited footballer. I appreciate he was out of position on Saturday but he did nothing to get into the game and influence matters. In fact, his job seemed to be to restrict Baines, but as a defensive player, he didn't even do that.

[Mazrim]

If I read about how much our kids are overrated again I'm going to fucking scream.
There is extraordinary pressure on them due to so many coming through because our senior players have been so disappointing.
Nobody said they were all stars but they're not getting the chance to progress naturally because our squad is largely shagged.

And Herd is a better player than NRC, easily. No, that doesn't mean he's going to be a top player. I actually think his best position is right back.
I'm not sure whether Clark is best at centre half or defensive midfield but I think he's worth sticking with.

On the subject of kids, it's time to blood Dan Johnson and Carruthers properly I think. And its heartbreaking that Gardner is out for another year. He may not ever be the player he could be now. One ACL injury is hard to get over but two... what a shame.

[nigel]

"Sky Sports understands Aston Villa have tabled a bid for young Middlesbrough LB defender Joe Bennett."
Sorry if posted elsewhere.

Read More http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/aston-villa-fc/aston-villa-news/2012/08/28/villa-view-mat-kendrick-reveals-aston-villa-s-attempts-to-sign-striker-benteke-97319-31713518/#ixzz24rlAHCwH

[PaulWinch again]

Left back is very much a priority, hopefully he can attack as well as defend we need an outlet.

[PaulWinch again]

I would like us to sign a couple of established quality players. I'm all for building with youth, but we need experienced quality as well.

[not3bad]

Is left-back a priority?

PL's game seems to be built on full backs that can get forward.  Villa's problems making chances in the first two games have been partly blamed on a lack of an attacking full back.  So yes.

[Malandro]

"Sky Sports understands Aston Villa have tabled a bid for young Middlesbrough LB defender Joe Bennett."
Sorry if posted elsewhere.

Read More http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/aston-villa-fc/aston-villa-news/2012/08/28/villa-view-mat-kendrick-reveals-aston-villa-s-attempts-to-sign-striker-benteke-97319-31713518/#ixzz24rlAHCwH

Wonder who the main target it is, it appears we are making clubs aware that we'll switch to other targets if the fee is too large.

[Ian.]

Is left-back a priority?

Left back seems to have been a problem for so long now, probably since we had Alan Wright. Bouma was good but we did not see a great deal of him. Right back has not been filled for probably as long too! What is is with us and full backs?

[john e]

Is left-back a priority?

Left back seems to have been a problem for so long now, probably since we had Alan Wright. Bouma was good but we did not see a great deal of him. Right back has not been filled for probably as long too! What is is with us and full backs?

yep, and when Alan Wright played there he was pilloried every week