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

[tomd2103]

I would probably go for Figueroa as well, as he's way better than any of our current LB options.  Hangeland and Frimpong would be good signings as well, but I doubt either of those would happen. 

[nigel]

So, let's say we sign Sissoko and Coutinho, and Vlaar and Dunne return to fitness. We might end up with a team that looks a little like this:

-------------Guzan-------------
Lowton-Vlaar-Dunne-Baker
----Sissoko-Westwood------
Bannan-Weimann-Coutinho
-----------Benteke-------------

Everybody happier?

Edit: just seen Eastie's post. Damnation!

We've tried him there before but Baker is simply not a Left Back. Put Clark there if you must but I'd probably happier with Stephens or Bennett.

Agree, neither Baker or Clark are Left backs.
I'd have Baker alongside Vlaar 

[Concrete John]

As an aside, has Stuart Taylor ever had a run as first choice keeper? I've only ever seen him as backup, surely he hasn't wasted his whole career that way??

If various companies we're willing to pay you thousands of pounds a week for doing absolutely rock all, would you consider it a waste of a career?

Isn't it about 70 first team games he's played? Not much of a career for a 32 year old. Then again, does he care as he's probably made a good wedge for doing little?

Personally if I was a footballer i'd prefer a bit less money in the bank but to have some decent footballing memories, even if it was in the lower leagues.

It's hardly doing 'very little' as I'm sure he's been a good professional and trained every day as hard as the first choice keeper.  Some players could learn a lot from his example.

Agree with your 2nd point though!

[ozzjim]

With our position I am amazed we are 15 days into the window without any new bodies in.

[Yossarian]

Every day I come here. Every day I am disappointed. Why do I feel like I am in a Smiths song?

[john e]

MANCHESTER UNITED: Rio Ferdinand, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs.

sign them plenty of experience, come on villa fucking sign some one!

also Scholes loves playing at Villa Park

[Jarpie]

With our position I am amazed we are 15 days into the window without any new bodies in.

They should've had at least one deal sealed in the first week alone to address the weakness in the midfield. I'd love to know why it always seemingly takes ages to sign players for us even when there's real urgency to buy them.

[walsall villain]

With our position I am amazed we are 15 days into the window without any new bodies in.

I foolishly thought discussions would have long since taken place regarding budget and wish list drawn up so we could have got one or two in for last Saturday. Sounds like only just decided to release some funds a day or so back. Another wasted opportunity to save ourselves

[Ross]

It's rare for deals to be done early in the window. Selling clubs want top dollar, and realism only comes into it when the deadline approaches. It would be nice to sign them early but we aren't alone and I'm not unduly worried that it means nothing will be happening.

[Jarpie]

Mat Kendrick ‏@MatKendrick

Been told there's nothing imminent transfer wise at #avfc (But I have got the day off tomorrow, so that's when these things usually happen!)

How I am not surprised...

[ozzjim]

Mat Kendrick ‏@MatKendrick

Been told there's nothing imminent transfer wise at #avfc (But I have got the day off tomorrow, so that's when these things usually happen!)

How I am not surprised...

... Let's hope for a flurry rather than a single flake when they eventually come.

[VillaAlways]

Doesn't look like we'll have any new players in for Saturday then

Great

[pauliewalnuts]

Mat Kendrick ‏@MatKendrick

Been told there's nothing imminent transfer wise at #avfc (But I have got the day off tomorrow, so that's when these things usually happen!)

How I am not surprised...

I know these things take time, but fucking hell, I am starting to get worried now.

[john2710]

With our position I am amazed we are 15 days into the window without any new bodies in.

They should've had at least one deal sealed in the first week alone to address the weakness in the midfield. I'd love to know why it always seemingly takes ages to sign players for us even when there's real urgency to buy them.

Probably because of the following;

Clubs don't want to sell, are waiting for replacements or are waiting for us to get desperate & pay over the odds.
Players want to wait to see who else comes in for them
We may have several options ie. 1st / 2nd / 3rd choices. Do we buy the 3rd option because we can get him now or wait 2 weeks for option 1.

The only way to get players in quickly is to pay stupid fees & wages or offers too good to refuse.

I'm amazed that at every transfer window people think we should be able to sign all the players we need in the first few days. It doesn't work like that & never will.

[Jarpie]

Gotta say though that in the case of Villa, "imminent" might mean anything from "No signings tonight, wait for tomorrow" to "nothing until the last day of the transfer window".