Karim El Ahmadi CONFIRMED (Reply #278)

[supertom]

We really need to get with the times with our centre-backs. Had Houllier stayed he would have addressed this and shipped off Collins and Dunne as soon as possible. We need defenders with a bit more mobility, fitness, and some more speed, alongside the required traits of strength, tackling and heading ability. Collins and Dunne are relics. They're defenders who should be in bottom half sides, or a club like Stoke.

Clark for me is a player potentially for the national side. He does need a decent defender by him,and yes someone with a decent turn of speed. Someone like a young Mellberg would be good. Baker I like too. He's not bad on the ball and is decent in the air as well as mobile. For me he's not a first choice but an excellent back up. We need one or ideally two more CB's in. It will before difficult to ship off Collins and Dunne in the summer. It may take another window or two beyond to really build Lambo's ideal backline.

It would seem from our links that Lambert has identified this and is trying to re-galvanise our backline. He's going for pace at fullback so we can breakaway quickly and we want defenders who can efficiently bring the ball out and play with it.

[Dave]

Clark for me is a player potentially for the national side.

He's already played for them.

[supertom]

Clark for me is a player potentially for the national side.

He's already played for them.

Didn't realise he'd opted to play for Ireland. Think he may have missed the boat to be honest. He's got the ability to step into the England set up in the near future. Then again, he's as much chance winning a major tournement for Ireland as he does for England!

[Dave]

Both his parents are Irish. He may see international football as something you do to help identify you as a person rather than picking to have a 3% chance of winning something rather than a 0.7% chance of winning something.

[supertom]

Both his parents are Irish. He may see international football as something you do to help identify you as a person rather than picking to have a 3% chance of winning something rather than a 0.7% chance of winning something.

Think you're being a bit generous with 3% there Dave.

[Mazrim]

I think Dave is allowing for a nuclear holocaust wiping out Spain, Germany, France, Italy... Lichtenstein, San Marino, Transylvania...

[not3bad]

It will before difficult to ship off Collins and Dunne in the summer.

There were rumours West Ham were in for Collins but they seem to have gone quiet.

[supertom]

It will before difficult to ship off Collins and Dunne in the summer.

There were rumours West Ham were in for Collins but they seem to have gone quiet.

I hope it happens. There's a few takers for Collins. With his height, Pulis might fancy him if he's in the market for another CB. I just want him out. Dunne is a more difficult sale because of his profile, wages and his age. I'm hoping Hughes will try and take him to QPR.

[Mazrim]

All done and dusted. He's signed.

[not3bad]

Got the text message!  Welcome to the Villa Karim El Ahmadi!

[JUAN PABLO]

I'm of the centre half opinion also. And a bloody good one at that.

The mention of Makoun... have i missed something somewhere? Has Lambert given him the chance to come and prove himself? Thought he was off the pace when he started which was understandable but was impressed with his one touch passing and link up play. Does the simple thing and no more but at a pace that doesn't kill the attack. Back to El Ahmadi, before anybody puts him in the team have anyone seen him play? £2.5m for a 27 year old don't particularly grab me as a class act that needs to play. I'm thinking squad player.

Bradley looked off the pace too but hes just had a really good season and looks a great player .

[JUAN PABLO]

El Signed . great news )

[Legion]

Ace!

[Mr Speedy H]

Hurrah!

First of many (I hope!).

[Toronto Villa]

Welcome to te greatest club on the planet Karim. Looking forward to seeing you in action in Philadelphia. Good luck and very well done to the club in getting this sorted.