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

[Holte L2]

I'm all for the youth revolution but if you strategicially place a couple of older heads amongst this lot it will do us the world of good. Older heads that are good influences as opposed to some of the disruptive wankers we've had in recent memory. That's why losing Petrov has been such a blow. We need a couple opf players whether they are starters or those that come of the bench to add some stability and depth to the squad.

At this point, I would say that we need starters who can come straight into the side and hit the ground running.  We have enough squad players who can do a job for the odd game and now need quality players who will go straight into the side like the aforementioned Townsend and Merson did.   

I know it's going over old ground it's not going to happen, but after watching Man City play yesterday I was thinking how Gareth Barry would be the ideal fit in our midfield at the moment.   

Your right. And again it's never going to happen.  Barry and Westwood as the two in midfield would be perfect.

I really like the look of Ashley Westwood.  He looks like someone we've been waiting for for years.  Really hope he keeps his place in the side.

[Clampy]

I don't know why but Westwood has'nt really stood out for me yet. Whether that's because he's gone about his job quitely and is doing all the simple work in the middle i don't know. The midfield does look decent at the moment though.

[LeeB]

I don't know why but Westwood has'nt really stood out for me yet. Whether that's because he's gone about his job quitely and is doing all the simple work in the middle i don't know. The midfield does look decent at the moment though.

On Talkshite this morning they said that he'd covered more ground than anyone else on he pitch according to Opta.

Might explain the improvement in the last two performances. If he turns into a 21st century Kevin Richardson that would be lovely.

[WALTERS WARRIORS]

I don't know why but Westwood has'nt really stood out for me yet. Whether that's because he's gone about his job quitely and is doing all the simple work in the middle i don't know. The midfield does look decent at the moment though.

Glad you said that Clampy. Because i have not seen this revelation every body else seems to be watching. I believe he has potential, but we said that about Bannan a couple of years ago. KEA has more about his game and i cannot see Westwood score a goal like KEA`s against Everton anytime soon and we need our midfield to contribute to our overall goals tally .......

[PaulWinch again]

I think Westwood has been excellent and he is going about his business quietly but he's a huge reason why our midfield has improved so much. His retention of the ball is hugely helpful.

[pbavfckuwait]

I think Westwood will get a few goals, but I think his main contribution to us will be his ability to spot the easy pass ( a very difficult skill ) and move the ball on productively, he will become one of those players when we only appreciate his real worth when he is not there, a bit like Petrov, he was the flogging boy for how many years , until we realised what he brought to the side when he was missing.I dont know who, but we need a monster in midfield who can win the ball and pass with creativity  when required. Over to the people who get paid by AVFC to find that player.

[Ads]

He keeps the ball. For a little un' he wins the ball and stays on his feet. He also has a reasuring calmness about him. No panic.

Plus he has good vision and seems to be picking a pass in dangerous places.

[PaulWinch again]

Exactly as I say it's no coincidence that him coming into our team and the shift in formation have led to recent improved performances.

[mrastonvilla]

The most impressive part of westwoods game on Saturday was his direction and organisation of the other players. A leader type influence in midfield is something we have missed since stan became ill and is brilliant from such a young player.

[WALTERS WARRIORS]

Just hoping the new scouting team have identified players we need to move the team to the next level. The midfield did look better but we need a Malumbu (WBA) type player along with an attacking LB with pace also wide players who can create space and get balls into Benteke/Gabby/Bent ........

[eastie]

The most impressive part of westwoods game on Saturday was his direction and organisation of the other players. A leader type influence in midfield is something we have missed since stan became ill and is brilliant from such a young player.

He was made captain at Crewe which for someone his age is quite an achievement , I feel he will go on to become a really top player here at villa and everything I've read and heard about him at Crewe has been positive- a really excellent signing.

[Clampy]

I hope my original post did'nt come across that I don't rate the guy. I was just trying to say that so far I have'nt come away from the two games he's started and thought 'westwood had a great game today'. That's fine though because he's made an impression on a lot of others which is good and the midfield at the moment does look a lot more mobile and energetic. 

[eastie]

I hope my original post did'nt come across that I don't rate the guy. I was just trying to say that so far I have'nt come away from the two games he's started and thought 'westwood had a great game today'. That's fine though because he's made an impression on a lot of others which is good and the midfield at the moment does look a lot more mobile and energetic. 

I thought he was very good against Sunderland and I like the way he tries to move the ball forward which helps us build momentum, kea tends to go sideways or backwards and while they could probably play together I would prefer Westwood to kea - I think we have a future captain in him.

[LeeB]

KEA has took a bit of stick lately but he's still adjusting to new league, and I think he's got the tools to be a big player for us.

[Percy McCarthy]

The summariser was raving about Westwood at Sunderland on the stream I watched. Some old bluenose it was.