Summer 2013: Villa Transfers, Speculation, Suggestions and Rumours

[tomd2103]

I think I'm probably in the minority but I don't think we need a new left-back.

Yes, Bennett had some shaky games last season, but I thought he finished it very well and was particularly good at home to Sunderland (although I realise they all were).
From the little we've all seen of him, Stevens is adequate cover (remember the ManUre home game?) and Baker and Clark can also play there if needed.

Above all else, I think that signing a new left-back would almost be like PL writing Bennett off (and therefore admitting he made a mistake) and I can't for the life of me see him doing that without giving him another season first.

But he then followed that up with a bit of a shocker against Norwich.  I agree that he definitely showed potential last season and his overall form improved towards the end of the season, but he was far from being a consistent performer.  I do think we need another option there though, but rather than bringing in another specialist LB, I would prefer someone that could cover both full-back positions.   

[danlanza]

It's the famous danlanza wink!!

I hope so matey. We will know very soon.

[Concrete John]

Apparently the bookies have stopped taking bets on Okore moving to Villa, looks like its a goer.

Probably the only real indicator something is happening before it's announced on either club's website.

[RussellC]

You're right about the Norwich game Tom, but all I'd say is that under Lambert I fully expect players to learn from mistakes like the one that Bennett made for their penalty.

It's not like he's Alan Hutton with a load of International caps under his belt, who should know better, and I fully believe he'll be given another season as our first-choice left-back.

[danlanza]

I took the day off work, so he better bloody sign. Get on with it ya big lump!! Sign.

[dave shelley]

Hey Dan, any chance of next week's lottery numbers?

[VILLA MOLE]

I took the day off work, so he better bloody sign. Get on with it ya big lump!! Sign.

that is dedication , i tip my hat sir

[eastie]

Kit launch at 2 could  be interesting regarding transfer news

[tomd2103]

You're right about the Norwich game Tom, but all I'd say is that under Lambert I fully expect players to learn from mistakes like the one that Bennett made for their penalty.

It's not like he's Alan Hutton with a load of International caps under his belt, who should know better, and I fully believe he'll be given another season as our first-choice left-back.

Which is fair enough Russell.  I expect a lot of the younger players will have benefited in many ways from what they went through last season and with a good pre-season under their belts, will hopefully kick on next season.  I am fine with Joe Bennett starting at LB for us, but I would like to see some decent cover for him in the squad in case he has a dip in form.   

[Mister E]

Kit launch at 2 could  be interesting regarding transfer news

Mark have you got Dan's approval to the use of that winky thing?

[danlanza]

Hey Dan, any chance of next week's lottery numbers?

I could not even get one bloody number on last nights Euro millions dave. Sorry.

[eastie]

Kit launch at 2 could  be interesting regarding transfer news

Mark have you got Dan's approval to the use of that winky thing?

Indeed I have sir!

[RussellC]

I am fine with Joe Bennett starting at LB for us, but I would like to see some decent cover for him in the squad in case he has a dip in form.   

Enda Stevens looked like adequate cover on the couple of occasions I saw him. I also remember Clark playing there a few times (most notably when we beat Man City on Bent's debut) and Baker, who also did ok.

Whilst on the topic, BBC Sport have just written;

"Aaron Cresswell would cost in excess of £4m should Southampton or any other side try to tempt Ipswich into selling one of their rising stars, reports the Southern Daily Echo.

Saints have been linked with a move for the 23-year-old left back, who is reported to have attracted interest from Aston Villa and Everton."

[Mister E]

You're right about the Norwich game Tom, but all I'd say is that under Lambert I fully expect players to learn from mistakes like the one that Bennett made for their penalty.

It's not like he's Alan Hutton with a load of International caps under his belt, who should know better, and I fully believe he'll be given another season as our first-choice left-back.

Which is fair enough Russell.  I expect a lot of the younger players will have benefited in many ways from what they went through last season and with a good pre-season under their belts, will hopefully kick on next season.  I am fine with Joe Bennett starting at LB for us, but I would like to see some decent cover for him in the squad in case he has a dip in form.   

I think Bennett's game will improve enormously with improvement at CB and stability in MF.
Cover / tactical alternative for Bennett is still an issue, tho'.

[eastie]

I am fine with Joe Bennett starting at LB for us, but I would like to see some decent cover for him in the squad in case he has a dip in form.   

Enda Stevens looked like adequate cover on the couple of occasions I saw him. I also remember Clark playing there a few times (most notably when we beat Man City on Bent's debut) and Baker, who also did ok.

Whilst on the topic, BBC Sport have just written;

"Aaron Cresswell would cost in excess of £4m should Southampton or any other side try to tempt Ipswich into selling one of their rising stars, reports the Southern Daily Echo.

Saints have been linked with a move for the 23-year-old left back, who is reported to have attracted interest from Aston Villa and Everton."

I saw the local Suffolk press quoting £6m for cresswell last week - I'm not sure we would be looking to go down that road - Clark, baker and Stevens can cover the position as russ says.

Cresswell is a decent player though and if we did get him he would be an asset - cant see it happening at £6m , we have other positions to strengthen.

If okore, helenius and tonev are confirmed then i think we would be halfway through what we need to do- another 3 in would be required though for me .

Maybe a creative midfielder , back up keeper, and possibly utility defender .