Summer 2013: Villa Transfers, Speculation, Suggestions and Rumours

[supertom]

Alby deserves another crack. Was unlucky this year with injuries. I think as we got better from Jan onwards, he may have thrived. I think he lacks confidence in the last year of so. McLeish drained a lot out of the boy. I think Alby could have the ability to fill in if Gab or Wiemann are injured. He could potentially do well and score a few. He chipped in with a few the other year. Working particularly well with Downing. His movement drifting into the far post was good.
I'm not sure whether he'll make it, or whether he's destined for a drop down, but he deserves the chance to prove himself in pre-season and going into next.

[MoetVillan]

I love Albrightons pace and effort.  But his marking/tackling is appalling, and THE KEY element of a winger is ultimately his final ball, and he is way off

[olaftab]

Hi aftab, how was Shanghai?

Fantastic Paul. PM on the way as I don't want to bore the rest on here!

[supertom]

I love Albrightons pace and effort.  But his marking/tackling is appalling, and THE KEY element of a winger is ultimately his final ball, and he is way off

The annoying thing, in that first half season under GH, his crossing was excellent. It just seemed to go to shit last year. It may be a confidence thing. If he can get back to the level when he broke through he'd be useful. A big if though. At his age, it's his last shot I think.

[paul_e]

I love Albrightons pace and effort.  But his marking/tackling is appalling, and THE KEY element of a winger is ultimately his final ball, and he is way off

He has the ability to deliver quality into the box.  We saw a lot of it in the GH season.  Even under TSM he very rarely went a game without putting in 1-2 fantastic crosses.  Hard to judge him on this season as he's barely been fit to play but with a target like Benteke if we get him confident he can be a useful option.  He's definitely a winger though.

[neo_Villan]

Was anyone at the Hereford game last season? I thought Albrighton showed that game why he just isn't good enough. Had free reign of the right flank in the first half and either played the wrong ball, or delivered a poor ball every single time. Wasn't impressed with him either earlier this season when he provided no threat whatsoever.

[stubbsyandy]

Alby is a nice lad who had a good half season...sorry but he is not up to it

[curiousorange]

If we get rid of Albrighton, my sister will be devastated, and will probably never go to Villa Park again. So that's reason enough to keep him.

[Concrete John]

Alby is a nice lad who had a good half season...sorry but he is not up to it

Increasingly my opinion of him, too.

I think it was hard for him, as it was with all the attacking players, under TSM.  And then he's had Lambert, who seems to shy away from his traditional form of wing play.  I can see him being a bit like Whittingham and having a great career in the Championship.

[not3bad]

I would vote for giving Albrighton another go.

Last October hardly anybody on here thought Delph would make a go of it as he has.

[rob_bridge]

Alby is a nice lad who had a good half season...sorry but he is not up to it

Increasingly my opinion of him, too.

I think it was hard for him, as it was with all the attacking players, under TSM.  And then he's had Lambert, who seems to shy away from his traditional form of wing play.  I can see him being a bit like Whittingham and having a great career in the Championship.

Yep think he'd do well at somewhere like Derby or Wolves (oops no longer even good enough for the Chumpionship)

[Ger Regan]

Alby is a nice lad who had a good half season...sorry but he is not up to it

Increasingly my opinion of him, too.

I think it was hard for him, as it was with all the attacking players, under TSM.  And then he's had Lambert, who seems to shy away from his traditional form of wing play.  I can see him being a bit like Whittingham and having a great career in the Championship.

In fairness he hasn't been available for a lot of Lambert's time so far. I'm far from convinced that he's up to it, but I think he should be kept on for another (injury-free) year to see what he can do.

[Irish villain]

Alby, even in the Houllier season made some silly mistakes. I remember him giving away stupid frees. Fulham away springs to mind, a needless challenge resulting in a late goal that denied us three points.

I'd still like to see him get another go though.

[supertom]

Alby, even in the Houllier season made some silly mistakes. I remember him giving away stupid frees. Fulham away springs to mind, a needless challenge resulting in a late goal that denied us three points.

I'd still like to see him get another go though.

Almost our entire squad over the last two seasons particularly, are consistently guilty of giving away stupid free kicks.

[claretandbeer]

In fairness, for all the weaknesses Albrighton has going forward, they are nothing when compared to his defensive deficiencies.

Spot on. You can't fault his effort but is a liability near our penalty area.A more advanced role might help but I don't think he's good enough.Deserves a chance to prove us doubters wrong,however the longer he remains an unconvincing reserve,the more his value will fall.
A decision in Sept or,at the latest,January as no doubt some manager will be impressed by his early form under McDonald and Houllier.