Summer 2013: Villa Transfers, Speculation, Suggestions and Rumours

[Concrete John]

However, none of those 3/4 were PL experienced, which I think has hurt us this season.  That's not to say he was wrong in who he bought, as getting PL experience would have meant that 3/4 possibly becoming 1/2.

A player like Lescott would be exactly what I think we need this summer.  And that would be a departure from his approach in 2012. 

In fairness I'd say Vlaar's injuries were more problematic than his lack of PL experience. I'll grant you KEA, but neither Guzan nor Benteke's performances were particularly hindered by much PL playing time.

Not arguing on the likes of Lescott being a good signing btw. If some of the bigger earners move on it could well happen. I just get irked when people (not saying you) try and say that we only buy youngsters from the lower leagues, as it's untrue.

I agree.

We signed 9 players last summer and 4 of them were over 25 and full internationals.

The problem was really the '9' bit, as that spread what cash, and room of the wagebill, we had pretty thinly.  As such, I don't think he had the option to bring in established PL players.  With a smaller number needed now, plus a few like Bent going the other way to suppliment things, I think that option is now open to him.  So those expecting a repeat of summer 2012 might be surprised as the priorities and resources could be different now.     

[paul_e]

Strootman will be going to someone a bit higher up the food chain than us unfortunately.

for about £20 million

Hmm, I've not been paying enough attention then, was being linked with decent sides for about £10m last time I saw him mentioned anywhere.  I'm not surprised though, he looks an exceptional player already and is young enough to get a lot better.

[KevinGage]

 I know our defence is poor and needs experience but with the right attacking signings I can see us having 2-3 goals in us every game, which means just minor improvements in defence would be enough.  Given Lamberts attacking philosophy I'd be much happier to see us aiming to score 70+ in the league and just blitz teams.

I think so much of that is dependant on keeping Benteke - by no means a given.  He is the centerpoint to the whole attack and -as good as Andi and Gabby have been recently- I don't think we'd be anywhere near as potent without Big Ben. 

There is an argument that Lambert found Benteke, so he can find another gem, if needs be.  It's not as simple as that, unfortunately.

Firstly, I'm not sure how big on Lambert's list of priorities Benteke was at the start of last summer, or whether he'd even heard of him.  It seems a bit of a coincidence that four of our signings came from Belgium and Holland when we had Arthur Numan there -appointed by the last guy. 

He would still deserve credit for 'having a punt,' as it were, many more cautious managers would have stuck only to players they knew. 

Perhaps I'm doing him a disservice, it's not impossible that both McLeish and PL both knew about a promising young up and coming Belgian international CF.   But I'd say it's more than likely that the detailed dossiers from Lambert's backroom staff were on lower division players.  That's the market his last club operated in largely, and Westwood and Bowery were players he might have watched with  a view to signing for Naarwich. 

[hartman_1982]

 I know our defence is poor and needs experience but with the right attacking signings I can see us having 2-3 goals in us every game, which means just minor improvements in defence would be enough.  Given Lamberts attacking philosophy I'd be much happier to see us aiming to score 70+ in the league and just blitz teams.

I think so much of that is dependant on keeping Benteke - by no means a given.  He is the centerpoint to the whole attack and -as good as Andi and Gabby have been recently- I don't think we'd be anywhere near as potent without Big Ben. 

There is an argument that Lambert found Benteke, so he can find another gem, if needs be.  It's not as simple as that, unfortunately.

Firstly, I'm not sure how big on Lambert's list of priorities Benteke was at the start of last summer, or whether he'd even heard of him.  It seems a bit of a coincidence that four of our signings came from Belgium and Holland when we had Arthur Numan there -appointed by the last guy. 

He would still deserve credit for 'having a punt,' as it were, many more cautious managers would have stuck only to players they knew. 

Perhaps I'm doing him a disservice, it's not impossible that both McLeish and PL both knew about a promising young up and coming Belgian international CF.   But I'd say it's more than likely that the detailed dossiers from Lambert's backroom staff were on lower division players.  That's the market his last club operated in largely, and Westwood and Bowery were players he might have watched with  a view to signing for Naarwich. 

I remember seeing something about him talking to the Belgium National Coach about him and the wording he used then definitely made it seem like Benteke was his man.

[Salsa Party Animal]

If we sign another player from Dutch big 3, we can buy this player and send one of our midfield back in a package deal.

[john e]

I got Lambert all wrong before he came I thought he was just another mini me of MON, as its turned out he's the exact opposite
that's why I thought Holte was a nailed on signing, so I got that one spectaculary wrong

I think Lamberts hardened his views on what he wants, and will stick ridgily to the young/hungry profile,
 so i reckon that he wont sign any player, not one player who's best footballing days are considered to be behind him, i don't know where i would stand on someone like Lescot as that could be argued both ways, but you get my meaning

like i say i got it massively wrong last time so in time and trusted tradition i would add IMO

[eamonn]

 I know our defence is poor and needs experience but with the right attacking signings I can see us having 2-3 goals in us every game, which means just minor improvements in defence would be enough.  Given Lamberts attacking philosophy I'd be much happier to see us aiming to score 70+ in the league and just blitz teams.

I think so much of that is dependant on keeping Benteke - by no means a given.  He is the centerpoint to the whole attack and -as good as Andi and Gabby have been recently- I don't think we'd be anywhere near as potent without Big Ben. 

There is an argument that Lambert found Benteke, so he can find another gem, if needs be.  It's not as simple as that, unfortunately.

Firstly, I'm not sure how big on Lambert's list of priorities Benteke was at the start of last summer, or whether he'd even heard of him.  It seems a bit of a coincidence that four of our signings came from Belgium and Holland when we had Arthur Numan there -appointed by the last guy. 

He would still deserve credit for 'having a punt,' as it were, many more cautious managers would have stuck only to players they knew. 

Perhaps I'm doing him a disservice, it's not impossible that both McLeish and PL both knew about a promising young up and coming Belgian international CF.   But I'd say it's more than likely that the detailed dossiers from Lambert's backroom staff were on lower division players.  That's the market his last club operated in largely, and Westwood and Bowery were players he might have watched with  a view to signing for Naarwich. 

Up to the Dempsey bid and signing of Benteke I was worried that Lambert was still in the mind-frame of Norwich boss when seeking-out targets. I'm convinced there was scope to do a lot more than bring in Dawkins and Sylla in January and if we were to go down that would have to be investigated.

[ozzjim]

The thing is, the players he signed last summer now have premier league experience if we stay up, so that argument is then more redundant this summer. Guzan, Vlaar, Clark, Baker, Lowton, Bennett, Delph, Westwood, Weimann, Benteke and Bannan in fairness had not played consistent football as regular starters at this level. They have now, they have all played significant parts through the season, and all be much the wiser next season, and more so the season after. The whole point of this strategy is that they grow in experience together over time. Keeping Benteke and Weimann will be vital to that, but so will be adding fresh naivity behind them. The lack of fear young players play with is often a massive reason they are so dangerous and impressive. I would love us to get 3-4 more players of the quality of Westwood and Lowton to come up behind those guys. The odd bigger buy is great, but I want us to carry on down the route we are going down. A couple of flair players from over yonder sea would be good too.

I have a sneaky that if he is fit, Dunne will get another 12 months too.

[Dante Lavelli]

I have a sneaky that if he is fit, Dunne will get another 12 months too.

I struggle to see any club taking a punt on him based on his weird, largely unexplained injuries he's had this year.
This could help us as we could sign him for 12 months on a risk free/cheap pay as you play type deal to put him in the shop window for a move the following year.  However most likely I feel is a or move to the States to take over Beckham's non playing sex symbol role.

[Concrete John]

I have a sneaky that if he is fit, Dunne will get another 12 months too.

I struggle to see any club taking a punt on him based on his weird, largely unexplained injuries he's had this year.
This could help us as we could sign him for 12 months on a risk free/cheap pay as you play type deal to put him in the shop window for a move the following year.  However most likely I feel is a or move to the States to take over Beckham's non playing sex symbol role.

Only place Dunne is a sex symbol is at a weight watchers meeting.

[JUAN PABLO]

I have a sneaky that if he is fit, Dunne will get another 12 months too.

I struggle to see any club taking a punt on him based on his weird, largely unexplained injuries he's had this year.
This could help us as we could sign him for 12 months on a risk free/cheap pay as you play type deal to put him in the shop window for a move the following year.  However most likely I feel is a or move to the States to take over Beckham's non playing sex symbol role.

Only place Dunne is a sex symbol is at a weight watchers meeting.

Now would you like to come up to the front and tell us why you are the size of a house.

[Grande Pablo]

Will Grigg is only 6 months or so younger than Benteke, so not sure if he falls into the 'kid' bracket.  If Walsall go up (which'd be fantastic), I'd stay there another year & take my chance.

I read somewhere PL was looking at going back to Norwich for his old left back Russell Martin.  He scores plenty of goals, so would be a reasonable investment & an improvement on the current stock.

[ozzjim]

He has fallen out with them and is out on loan at Derby isn't he?

I think he is as nailed on as you can get with Lambert, and lets face it, none of his signings so far have been at all predicted or predictable.

[tomd2103]

The thing is, the players he signed last summer now have premier league experience if we stay up, so that argument is then more redundant this summer. Guzan, Vlaar, Clark, Baker, Lowton, Bennett, Delph, Westwood, Weimann, Benteke and Bannan in fairness had not played consistent football as regular starters at this level. They have now, they have all played significant parts through the season, and all be much the wiser next season, and more so the season after. The whole point of this strategy is that they grow in experience together over time. Keeping Benteke and Weimann will be vital to that, but so will be adding fresh naivity behind them. The lack of fear young players play with is often a massive reason they are so dangerous and impressive. I would love us to get 3-4 more players of the quality of Westwood and Lowton to come up behind those guys. The odd bigger buy is great, but I want us to carry on down the route we are going down. A couple of flair players from over yonder sea would be good too.

I have a sneaky that if he is fit, Dunne will get another 12 months too.

To be honest Ozz, I don't think we can rely on some of them next season.  Let's not forget that we have been pretty ordinary (at best) for a lot of this season and it could be argued that we are always going to struggle in the top flight if we are going to continually rely some of the players you mentioned.  I believe that in Guzan, Lowton, Vlaar, Westwood, Delph (at times), Weimann, Benteke and Gabby (again at times) we have the core of a good side, and what we need is to fill the gaps in that side with quality and add a couple of different options to the squad. 

[tomd2103]

He has fallen out with them and is out on loan at Derby isn't he?

I think he is as nailed on as you can get with Lambert, and lets face it, none of his signings so far have been at all predicted or predictable.

Got your Martins mixed up Ozz mate.  Chris Martin is on loan at Derby.