Summer 2013: Villa Transfers, Speculation, Suggestions and Rumours

[Richard E]

There is some truth in what you say but I'm not sure someone who now has the turning circle of an oil tanker is the sort of experienced head we need.

[TheSandman]

I agree that we need some more experience but Barry, or for that matter Milner, are not the players that we need. A centre half or skillful attacking midfielder/No10 is the need we have.

[nick harper]

There is some truth in what you say but I'm not sure someone who now has the turning circle of an oil tanker is the sort of experienced head we need.

I think you do him a disservice. There were many games last season where I was watching the game through my fingers as a result of our inability to keep the ball and defend with any composure. He would be ideal to help us do that - well respected and only ever gave 100% for us.

He may not play every game but he would be a very useful part of what remains a very inexperienced squad.

[KevinGage]

I agree that we need some more experience but Barry, or for that matter Milner, are not the players that we need. A centre half or skillful attacking midfielder/No10 is the need we have.

I'd say an experienced CB, a left back (yes, still) and an experienced central midfielder would improve us immeasurably.  I'd take a number 10 too, but I think Tonev could grow into that role.

[VinnieChase84]

Collymore reporting that bent to palace is a done deal

[ozzjim]

With his links you would think Collymore should be quite close to that deal. Hope Bent does well and keeps them up so we get the fee next summer if it is indeed a loan.

[Percy McCarthy]

Is Collymore saying loan or pemanent?

[VinnieChase84]

Is Collymore saying loan or pemanent?

Not stated but just said its a done deal. I'm guessing a loan. At least it means we don't have the inevitable DB scoring against us this year!

[SoccerHQ]

Didn't think Palace would be an option as apparently they've taken over the final year of Chamakh's contract and he must've been on a bit at Arsenal.

Amazed we can't sell him outright. Did I imagine someone like Zamora going for 6m last year?!

[ozzjim]

You forget Mark Hughes had money to burn and did at QPR. Harsh for Bent, but glad he is not playing against us for certain! Risky for us to not just sell him outright, but then even if he scores 12-15 goals and they go down, he will be bought by someone next summer on the back of it for 4-5 million still with 12 months less.

[john e]

Any remote wish to have Barry back disappeared after his "running through treacle" attempt at tracking back for one of the Germany goals at the last World Cup...

Barry has never relied on pace, he probably hasnt lost any of his speed he has always been as slow as fuck
thats why he will play on for longer than those that do,
 
skill,awareness and reading of the game, making time and space is what he's good at, Sheringham played untill he was 40 beacause he never relied on pace, unlike Owen, as soon a the speed went so did Owen, i know they were strikers but the same applies

he could do a great job with younger legs around him, i'm probably a bit bias as he is probably my favourite Villa player over the last 10-15 years
however i am fully on board the new regime, and we wont be signing the likes of Barry, although i would love to see him back, he is probably the most underated midfielder we have had since Gary Parker
Milner has a lot more energy and workrate, and does a fine job but as a footballer he's not fit to lace Barry's boots

i also agree with SH, no more loans, we need to be laying the foundation for something that will last

[Summers]

I understand us saying no, and I respect Lambo's decision and trust it. Part of me is indeed disappointed though. Bringing Barry back would have been nice.

[Monty]

Barry is still a good player with a lot to offer (if not at the top level), but his qualities would probably not make up for the disruption to our style caused by his presence. For our hectic, non-stop pressing game to work we need everyone to do it, but the most important area for it is the middle of the park. Not having this pressure in the centre of the pitch could have knock-on effects like not playing with as high a defensive line and having less possession. I like him, and he's a good player, but he's the wrong player.

[tomd2103]

Any remote wish to have Barry back disappeared after his "running through treacle" attempt at tracking back for one of the Germany goals at the last World Cup...

Was that when he had just returned to action from an injury and was clearly exhausted?  Can understand why we have said no to the deal, but can't agree with some of the comments on here.  Still looked a class act in the games I saw him playing last season. 

[WALTERS WARRIORS]

I agree that we need some more experience but Barry, or for that matter Milner, are not the players that we need. A centre half or skillful attacking midfielder/No10 is the need we have.

I'd say an experienced CB, a left back (yes, still) and an experienced central midfielder would improve us immeasurably.  I'd take a number 10 too, but I think Tonev could grow into that role.

PL has done brill with his signings but I am disappointed he has not recognised we need a dominating CB. Vlaar will not get better at his age. And after last season we are crying out for a CB who is positive and wins most balls in the air. Okore will pick up anything what gets behind the defence but from corners and set pieces we still look vulenerable ....