Summer 2013: Villa Transfers, Speculation, Suggestions and Rumours

[Marlon's Hairy Wood]

As I was someone who believed he'd earned the right to ask for a move away and that he'd given his all for us, i'd certainly take him back if it was possible

He was certainly poorly advised with the NOTW stuff, but I can understand why he felt necessary to force a move. Footballers want to experience their trade at the very highest level, and that wasn't going to happen at Villa. I do think people can be a bit naive when stuff like this happens. Imagine if he stuck with the club despite seeing Young etc leave. He then went on to have a prolonged bad run of form, the fans would be calling for him to be dropped without a doubt, then where's the loyalty?

Yes he's on the wrong side of 30, but theres certainly nothing wrong with a few older heads in the squad, espescially when we all know that he's a good egg and not of the Ireland, Collins etc ilk

Another plus for him is that despite being older now, pace has never been something he relied on, so it's not something he'll suffer with compared to how Agbonlahor or Young will when they're 32

[LeeB]

He was still more dangerous in front of goal for us last season than that prick Ireland, I'll give him that.

[garyshawsknee]

I'm not against old players returning, but i'm thinking that his ship has sailed now. I can't see him being a good defensive midfielder anymore as he's far too slow now,not the most athletic. He's positive points are his touch and quick brain,so maybe he could be used in a role like Murphy had at Fulham, but i'd much rather us blood a youngster this season,which will have a far better effect on the team as a whole.

[Dante Lavelli]

I already think Westwood is a better player in that midfield anchor role anyway. Barry has not got the legs to play as a box to box midfielder anymore and I'd argue that Delph's form (Barry's other potential position CML) at the back end of the season was also beyond the old Barry.

[JUAN PABLO]

Can you imagine the press conference if Barry re-signed?  He'd obligated to spouting such crap as "coming home" and this is "my club" etc.  For that reason alone I think he should be avoided.

His comments at the petrov charity game would suggest he still has great feeling for villa and loved his time here - i understood his reasons for leaving and would welcome him back.

not sure I would want him back , but never had a problem with GB leaving. He was with us  a very long time , was a good pro with us and left to win something before it got to late . Shame it went a bit sour at the end thou in the press.

[TopDeck113]

I'd do a swap. We'll take one a past-his-best midfielder off their hands, so he can ply the rest of his Premier League career at the club that made him. In return Citeh get the same from us.

[ciggiesnbeer]

Assuming lower wages and he wanted to come and play for the the one true club after his years in the wilderness than yes. Hell yes actually.

[SoccerHQ]

I'd take Barry back aswell.

He'd do well in our present set up, calm old head next to Westwood, age isn't a problem with his lack of pace and he's certainly developed a winning mentality at City so that would be good for the young players in our squad.

Plus our midfield has been bobbins for ages so signing an excellent midfielder would be welcome.

Again a player over 30 on high wages, doubt it.

[oldtimernow]

Sky pushing the Belhanda link again...

No to Barry for me far too slow but at least he would be there for penalties or would he?

[damon loves JT]

Is this Barry talk anything other than hypothetical? Because I would really like Gordon Cowans in his Taylor days to play for us again.

Can I point you in direction of the thread title. But also a requirement for this transfer thread is a sense of humor and is not to take everything seriously

YES IT'S IMPORTANT TO BE ABLE TO TAKE A JOKE

[supertom]

Not sure I'd have Barry in our side over Westwood at the moment. The two together would cancel each other out I think. Though I do think with Barry, our set pieces would improve dramatically. We've got no one who can put a good corner or free kick in.
It aint gonna happen. Not in a million years. Even if he took a wage drop, a significant one, he'd still end up being one of our highest paid players. Lambert won't go for it. I think Barry could do an excellent job for us, don't get me wrong, but we have moved on now and we've got the makings of a very good midfield without him.

If there's one sort of experienced midfielder I'd want in the center, it'd be someone who might get us 5-10 goals. That is not Barry.

As for Belhanda. Yes please, but I'd guess we'd need to flog a few before he joins.

[garyshawsknee]

Is this Barry talk anything other than hypothetical? Because I would really like Gordon Cowans in his Taylor days to play for us again.

Can I point you in direction of the thread title. But also a requirement for this transfer thread is a sense of humor and is not to take everything seriously

YES IT'S IMPORTANT TO BE ABLE TO TAKE A JOKE

and to tell one...winky thingy.

[Klaus Katt]

Not sure I'd have Barry in our side over Westwood at the moment. The two together would cancel each other out I think. Though I do think with Barry, our set pieces would improve dramatically. We've got no one who can put a good corner or free kick in.
It aint gonna happen. Not in a million years. Even if he took a wage drop, a significant one, he'd still end up being one of our highest paid players. Lambert won't go for it. I think Barry could do an excellent job for us, don't get me wrong, but we have moved on now and we've got the makings of a very good midfield without him.

If there's one sort of experienced midfielder I'd want in the center, it'd be someone who might get us 5-10 goals. That is not Barry.

As for Belhanda. Yes please, but I'd guess we'd need to flog a few before he joins.

I think the main reason why we have scored so few from midfield is the lack of a good winger (or two).

[Steve67]

Adebayor, Barry?  Please don't make me laugh.  I can laugh at Tim Bresnan being in the England Cricket team without the newspapers putting together this sort of bullshit.  Absolute nonsense of the highest order.  Benteke for Adebayor?  Please, get real.

[paulcomben]

Barry? Unbelievable. Pre-empting those incredibly nominating him: January Transfer Window 2015- 'Who we need back is Brett Holman of Dubai Academicals, fiddling about cockily in midfield for massive weekly wages.'