Summer 2013: Villa Transfers, Speculation, Suggestions and Rumours

[KevinGage]

The one thing that bugs me about Bent is that given how he’s not kicked-up the slightest fuss about being exiled from the first-team squad, surely we could have used to him to more effect from the bench last season?  I’m sure he would have been more use in that role than Bowery, as his goal at home against WBA showed.

It doesn't add up. Lambert makes him captain, drops him, hardly plays him and then he is told he's not needed.
Whatever is said to the media, I imagine there has been a disagreement.

Just wanting him out of the club doesn't make sense, I'm sure he would have had more game time otherwise.

Shame, I like Bent. But can't complain what we have up front, can we?

Purely from a footballing/ ability point of view, Bent would still have plenty to offer us. 

If he was one of the many players we've signed over the past 12 months for nominal fees, I'm pretty certain he'd have featured more regularly.

What complicates matters in his case is the wage he commands and the conditions of his transfer from Sunderland to us.  It was £18 million rising to £24 million, and it's quite possible another instalment was just about due, based on appearances. 

I can well believe that Lambert and Bent never fell out, Bent doesn't have a reputation as a troublemaker. But it makes little sense that a player who was captain of the team and a big player for us at the start of the last campaign couldn't even make the squad by the second half of the season. It might not have suited the way we play to have Bent and Benteke in the same starting line up, and he wasn't going to keep the latter out of the team.  But -based on ability alone- he was plenty good enough for our bench.   

But having to stump up an extra £4-6 million for a bit part player when funds were already tight wouldn't appeal to most managers.  Particularly if it was in relation to a player they inherited, rather than bought themselves.  And particularly if that ate into next seasons budget.  Captain Darren Bent who was bagging 20 goals per season and was a crucial part of the side might be worth that.  Bit part Bent wouldn't be.

[RussellC]

I get the feeling he does want to give Albrighton a shot - the big clue is not being in the bomb squad - so I think we are covered in these positions. It's the number 10 we lack going forward, and there is an argument for getting another centre back (though I think Lambert's likely to go with the four of Vlaar, Baker, Clark and Okore going for two spaces).

I think, if nothing else, Albrighton's attitude sets him apart from those in the bomb-squad. Every time he puts the shirt on he looks like he'll run himself into the ground for the cause.

[Mister E]

Benteke, Gabby, Weimann and Helenius is surely enough strikers to get by with? I don't see Bowery getting game time so to bring him into the discussion is irrelevant. Bent doesn't fit into how we play and Delfouneso isn't good enough from Premier League level so both are better off playing elsewhere.

I think this is right - add Tonev, Bacuna, Bowery and Albrighton as players who can play behind the strikers or wide (and Robinson, Carruthers, Grealish and Burke as long-stops) and I think it is all covered.

Bowery may not have made it last season in terms of hitting the back of the net but PL obviously sees something and he is a big, quick front-runner; he may actually improve!

[paul_e]

I get the feeling he does want to give Albrighton a shot - the big clue is not being in the bomb squad - so I think we are covered in these positions. It's the number 10 we lack going forward, and there is an argument for getting another centre back (though I think Lambert's likely to go with the four of Vlaar, Baker, Clark and Okore going for two spaces).

I started posting this in the Bent thread where the subject is starting to appear but I didn't want to derail it further so I refrained...

The issue with our central defenders (and full backs really as well) is that, at the start of last season the bulk of our defence had a total of 47 games as premier league players (35 for Clark and 12 for Baker - neither regularly in the centre of defence though).  As a group they now have over 200 games at this level, we need to give them a chance to show that as an experienced group with a summer together behind them, they are capable of cutting down the errors.  I think we'll concede a number regardless because our fullbacks get forward and we will be countered, but the 20-30goals last season from poor marking at set pieces and individual errors should be the target to improve, got those down to 10-15 and we'll be much better off, start keeping the ball better and we'll concede less as well.  If we can get the goals against below 50 I'm happy this year, 69 was far too many last season.

[SashasGrandad]

The one thing that bugs me about Bent is that given how he’s not kicked-up the slightest fuss about being exiled from the first-team squad, surely we could have used to him to more effect from the bench last season?  I’m sure he would have been more use in that role than Bowery, as his goal at home against WBA showed.

It doesn't add up. Lambert makes him captain, drops him, hardly plays him and then he is told he's not needed.
Whatever is said to the media, I imagine there has been a disagreement.

Just wanting him out of the club doesn't make sense, I'm sure he would have had more game time otherwise.

Shame, I like Bent. But can't complain what we have up front, can we?

Purely from a footballing/ ability point of view, Bent would still have plenty to offer us. 

If he was one of the many players we've signed over the past 12 months for nominal fees, I'm pretty certain he'd have featured more regularly.

What complicates matters in his case is the wage he commands and the conditions of his transfer from Sunderland to us.  It was £18 million rising to £24 million, and it's quite possible another instalment was just about due, based on appearances. 

I can well believe that Lambert and Bent never fell out, Bent doesn't have a reputation as a troublemaker. But it makes little sense that a player who was captain of the team and a big player for us at the start of the last campaign couldn't even make the squad by the second half of the season. It might not have suited the way we play to have Bent and Benteke in the same starting line up, and he wasn't going to keep the latter out of the team.  But -based on ability alone- he was plenty good enough for our bench.   

But having to stump up an extra £4-6 million for a bit part player when funds were already tight wouldn't appeal to most managers.  Particularly if it was in relation to a player they inherited, rather than bought themselves.  And particularly if that ate into next seasons budget.  Captain Darren Bent who was bagging 20 goals per season and was a crucial part of the side might be worth that.  Bit part Bent wouldn't be.

In today's press it quotes Jol as saying he thinks "Bent will give them pace up front and he is able to hold the ball up and supports the play" - if he can get Bent to do that good luck to him - but he didn't do much of that playing for us!

[Dante Lavelli]

I agree strongly with all that Paul. I think they need to be given the opportunity to fail. At the moment they might be below the level we'd hope but they're improving reasonably rapidly.

If they don't get games now then they'll never improve or the rate of improvement will quickly slow.

[JUAN PABLO]

Still need another CB and a No.10 type would be a bonus.  But please another good defender .

[eamonn]

Benteke, Gabby, Weimann and Helenius is surely enough strikers to get by with? I don't see Bowery getting game time so to bring him into the discussion is irrelevant. Bent doesn't fit into how we play and Delfouneso isn't good enough from Premier League level so both are better off playing elsewhere.

It depends, if Tonev is going to play wide left and Albrighton is considered worth a go wide right then yes we're ok, if not then we've effectively got 4 senior players to cover 3 spots in the squad.  I wouldn't be surprised to see someone who is happy to play attacking mid and wide right being considered, them him and Tonev offer cover for a couple of positions.

Don't forget the Zog. He'll back to his moody best by the time the clocks go back.

[tomd2103]

Still need another CB and a No.10 type would be a bonus.  But please another good defender .

Not the greatest defender around, but Russell Martin from Norwich would be a decent signing especially as he could provide cover both RB and CB.  We have been linked with him in the past, but he's captain of Norwich this season so I can't see it happening.     

[Salsa Party Animal]

don't need another striker as we got 3/4 players playing main target man role if needed and 4 players can play in wide role. We just need to tightened up the defence.

[Mister E]

Don't forget the Zog ...

I'm trying hard to, eamonn.
Not quite as much a waster as young Stephen "punchable face" Ireland, but not far off. IMHO.

[Ron Manager]

Wrong thread....sorry.

[Malandro]

guy from Sochaux that we have been linked with scored after 4 min v lyon tonight

[paul_e]

Benteke, Gabby, Weimann and Helenius is surely enough strikers to get by with? I don't see Bowery getting game time so to bring him into the discussion is irrelevant. Bent doesn't fit into how we play and Delfouneso isn't good enough from Premier League level so both are better off playing elsewhere.

It depends, if Tonev is going to play wide left and Albrighton is considered worth a go wide right then yes we're ok, if not then we've effectively got 4 senior players to cover 3 spots in the squad.  I wouldn't be surprised to see someone who is happy to play attacking mid and wide right being considered, them him and Tonev offer cover for a couple of positions.

Don't forget the Zog. He'll back to his moody best by the time the clocks go back.

Not forgetting him  but his squad number suggests we may as well, I doubt he'll ever play for us again.

[villa kicks]

what Bale money ?

he still hasnt gone anywhere yet

He has. They just haggling over the fine details thats all. He's been there since May to all intent.

Benteke needs at least another great season to be classed in the same category as the likes of Lewandoswki. And an exceptional WC. Thats not to denigrate the guy - he could certainly be in the top 5 strikers in the continent by the time he's 25 at this rate. But not just yet.

Altidore up there too?

LOL - what are you implying Eric?

Hat trick yesterday for Jozy !!

I have put Altidore in my  sky fantasy team on the recomendation of VK,
you knockers will not be smiling when I've collected the 30k prize money come the end of the season

Good Job !! I have a front 3 of Bent Benteke and Altidore that is a goal scoring dream!!
Players i have taken and recommend
John Stones attacking defender up coming signed from barnsley to everton - hidden gem
david marshall- cardiff 1st choice my back up gk to cech.. cardiff strong defensively
Downing of now west ham will be playing lots and assisting . Jedinak palace cheap option as good as delph.