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

[JJ-AV]

So, Lambert was watching Riise the other week?

He and Keane would be a start.

[Leighton]

I hate him with a passion, and it's a sign of the times of how bad things are- but I keep wondering if Joey Barton is worth a punt.

I feel like I need to go and shower with bleach just at the thought...

[pauliewalnuts]

I can't believe I am about to say this - and I am sure it won't happen - but I'd actually seriously think about bringing Warnock back in. Bennett is clearly not up to it.

[treeve1]

and to think we have warnock, hutton and makoun out on loan. Just terrible. They aren't the answer long term, but this is six steps back to try and take one forward and we need every single person available we possibly can. And to think Warnock got us back into the game against blackburn 3 years ago after we went two down.

[JJ-AV]

Definitely think Warnock is worth a look. He's on a free in the Summer so will need to find some form to secure his last big contract. Same goes for Dunne.

Also agree about Barton. Thought it recently. We could do a lot worse.

[ozzjim]

We need leaders. I know people hate the idea, but Reo Coker would be first on my list on a free. Battles and leads.

[treeve1]

I was talking to my dad about Martin Laursen earlier, and it nearly brings me to tears when I think how good and committed he was and how far away we are now. Where is the next Laursen, Mellberg or even Alpay, Calderwood or Ronny Johnsen!!

[neo_Villan]

I'd have Warnock back in midfield TBH. Lambert is probably too stubbon to do that though.

[curiousorange]

I would have gone for Barton at the end of the August window. I have very few scruples where Villa are concerned and midfield was an obvious problem even then.

I saw Warnock play pre-season at Forest and he was utter shite. However, I thought the brief experiement of him in midfield was a decent result. I'd have him back just because of his workrate and tenacity. Joe Bennett is fast approaching Hutton levels of being the worst Villa player I've ever seen pull on the shirt.

Not convinced by Reo-Coker at all. Even on Saturday he contributed nothing against the very same players that we're slating tonight. What would you use him for? Can't pass, can't tackle. He's like Holman but older.

As for Dunne and Vlaar, I can only think they've had limbs amputated, because I've never known 'knocks' to keep out players for such a length of time without a proper explanation.

[claretandbeer]

We need leaders. I know people hate the idea, but Reo Coker would be first on my list on a free. Battles and leads.

He didn't against us on Saturday,looked so slow. Warnock in midfield,however...

[pauliewalnuts]

We need leaders. I know people hate the idea, but Reo Coker would be first on my list on a free. Battles and leads.

Reo-Coker's idea of "leading" seems to consist of standing and pointing a lot, and organising the pre-match huddle.

Not good enough two years ago, not good enough now.

[Matt C]

While I don't exactly jump at the idea of bringing Warnock or Hutton back in, after a night like tonight it does heep the pressure on Lambert's decision to isolate them so ruthlessly.

[bertlambshank]

I hate him with a passion, and it's a sign of the times of how bad things are- but I keep wondering if Joey Barton is worth a punt.

I feel like I need to go and shower with bleach just at the thought...

Lee Bowyer and Lee Hughes are out of contract as well.

[Mazrim]

Now is not the time to run around like headless chickens signing shite players. More than ever we have to get it right.
We dont need players who simply "battle" or "get stuck in" we need proper footballers.

[curiousorange]

Now is not the time to run around like headless chickens signing shite players. More than ever we have to get it right.
We dont need players who simply "battle" or "get stuck in" we need proper footballers.

I agree, but chances are some of the ones we have could be 'proper footballers' if they had some grit around them. El-Ahmadi, for example. I have no idea what he's for - maybe he's useless after all - but he could be a different footballer in a midfield where he didn't have to worry too much about regaining the ball.