Jores Okore

[tomd2103]

If we sold every player good and bad that a Lambert has bought in,
He would show a healthy profit I think, and not just because of Benteke

I bet there's not to many managers that could show that

I still contend that if he commits to keeping possession and passing the ball, the opinion of this team by a lot of people will start to change. I just think as they get more used to playing this way they'll become more confident at it. We still probably need 3 or 4 players in of the Okore talent level that can really embrace this new approach but for the most I believe most of this squad can play this way, and play it very well.

To be honest, I'm not sure how much of the coaching PL actually does.  With that in mind, the appointment of a top coach to work alongside him could be a good addition. 

[Toronto Villa]

It is only Clarke Carlisle, but he was only facing 3rd or 4th division attackers not Rooney, RVP, Bony etc, and had still been a pro for 15 years. The point is more confidence in playing the position, we can be flakey enough as it is in defence without potentially adding another issue. I'd stick with Clark and Okore for 2 reasons, 1) I don't like dropping players who are playing well and 2) I doubt many of us expect to see Vlaar in a Villa shirt after the summer, so let's build a partnership with players who will be here (hopefully) and are playing well together.

Speaking of Clarke Carlisle - sad news about him today

Clarke Carlisle is fighting for his life after being hit by a lorry. Carlisle, the former Leeds, Burnley and QPR defender who went on to be chairman of the PFA and also achieved acclaim for his appearance on TV's Countdown, was airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary with life threatening injuries. The incident took place near Bishopthorpe in North Yorkshire at 7.30am on Monday, with the road closed to allow the air ambulance to arrive at the scene. The reason for the accident remains unclear, however a police spokeswoman said they were 'pursuing all avenues'.

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Crikey, hope he pulls through.

[supertom]

There's a story in The Sun today saying Inter Milan are eyeing up Jores. Vlaar had previously been linked but their scouts felt Okore caught the eye more (when have they played together this season???). Apparently we'd expect 8 million, which would more than double our money but given his age, and the fact that he could get even better (and of course this is in The Sun and Inter don't have a pot to piss in right now) this is probably a non-starter.

This summer will be very interesting. If Jores ends the season strongly, there might be a few predators lurking. I wonder if we might offer him an improved deal.

[Walmley_Villa]

He's injured his knee so will most likely be out at the weekend at least....Still rubber band Ron is fully fit..

[Brend'Watkins]

If Vlaar is fully fit then that is very good news.  Clark in the form that he is alongside Vlaar is our strongest pairing.

[ADVILLAFAN]

If Vlaar is fully fit then that is very good news.  Clark in the form that he is alongside Vlaar is our strongest pairing.

Clark and Baker both seem to struggle alongside Vlaar. I wonder if it helps them having Okore beside them, as he's pacier.

Not too worried about Inter being linked with Okore, they're crap nowadays.

[dave.woodhall]

If Vlaar is fully fit then that is very good news.  Clark in the form that he is alongside Vlaar is our strongest pairing.

I'd go for most reliable rather than best. I think Okore is going to be another in our long line of top-quality central defenders but he's still error-prone whereas Vlaar (Stoke apart) is a good bog standard stopper in the Shaun Teale mould.

[berneboy]

It is only Clarke Carlisle,

Speaking of Clarke Carlisle - sad news about him today

Clarke Carlisle is fighting for his life after being hit by a lorry. Carlisle, the former Leeds, Burnley and QPR defender who went on to be chairman of the PFA and also achieved acclaim for his appearance on TV's Countdown, was airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary with life threatening injuries. The incident took place near Bishopthorpe in North Yorkshire at 7.30am on Monday, with the road closed to allow the air ambulance to arrive at the scene. The reason for the accident remains unclear, however a police spokeswoman said they were 'pursuing all avenues'.

That happened last December.

[saunders_heroes]

You're quoting him from last December.

[peter w]

If Vlaar is fully fit then that is very good news.  Clark in the form that he is alongside Vlaar is our strongest pairing.

I'd go for most reliable rather than best. I think Okore is going to be another in our long line of top-quality central defenders but he's still error-prone whereas Vlaar (Stoke apart) is a good bog standard stopper in the Shaun Teale mould.

I don't think Vlaar is anyway similar to teale. Vlaar is better on the ball, likes to drive forward with it more, and can use both feet.

As for Vlaar, interesting that he's made a recovery - if indeed he has - for his audition, sorry, the game, against Man U.

[Toronto Villa]

If Vlaar is fully fit then that is very good news.  Clark in the form that he is alongside Vlaar is our strongest pairing.

I'd go for most reliable rather than best. I think Okore is going to be another in our long line of top-quality central defenders but he's still error-prone whereas Vlaar (Stoke apart) is a good bog standard stopper in the Shaun Teale mould.

I don't think Vlaar is anyway similar to teale. Vlaar is better on the ball, likes to drive forward with it more, and can use both feet.

As for Vlaar, interesting that he's made a recovery - if indeed he has - for his audition, sorry, the game, against Man U.

I don't see any link whatsoever between his recovery and the game against Man U. I'm sure Man U if they wanted to sign him could have done so already and have scouts that will base their opinion on more than a game against them. Plus Vlaar I imagine will have many options in Europe at the end of his contract.

[Brend'Watkins]

If Vlaar is fully fit then that is very good news.  Clark in the form that he is alongside Vlaar is our strongest pairing.

I'd go for most reliable rather than best. I think Okore is going to be another in our long line of top-quality central defenders but he's still error-prone whereas Vlaar (Stoke apart) is a good bog standard stopper in the Shaun Teale mould.

I don't think Vlaar is anyway similar to teale. Vlaar is better on the ball, likes to drive forward with it more, and can use both feet.

As for Vlaar, interesting that he's made a recovery - if indeed he has - for his audition, sorry, the game, against Man U.

I don't see any link whatsoever between his recovery and the game against Man U. I'm sure Man U if they wanted to sign him could have done so already and have scouts that will base their opinion on more than a game against them. Plus Vlaar I imagine will have many options in Europe at the end of his contract.

To exercise those options to the full he needs to be outstanding till the end of the season.  Balancing a big silver pot on his head might help too.

[peter w]

If Vlaar is fully fit then that is very good news.  Clark in the form that he is alongside Vlaar is our strongest pairing.

I'd go for most reliable rather than best. I think Okore is going to be another in our long line of top-quality central defenders but he's still error-prone whereas Vlaar (Stoke apart) is a good bog standard stopper in the Shaun Teale mould.

I don't think Vlaar is anyway similar to teale. Vlaar is better on the ball, likes to drive forward with it more, and can use both feet.

As for Vlaar, interesting that he's made a recovery - if indeed he has - for his audition, sorry, the game, against Man U.

I don't see any link whatsoever between his recovery and the game against Man U. I'm sure Man U if they wanted to sign him could have done so already and have scouts that will base their opinion on more than a game against them. Plus Vlaar I imagine will have many options in Europe at the end of his contract.

Neither do I and i wasn't being altogether serious.

[Toronto Villa]

If Vlaar is fully fit then that is very good news.  Clark in the form that he is alongside Vlaar is our strongest pairing.

I'd go for most reliable rather than best. I think Okore is going to be another in our long line of top-quality central defenders but he's still error-prone whereas Vlaar (Stoke apart) is a good bog standard stopper in the Shaun Teale mould.

I don't think Vlaar is anyway similar to teale. Vlaar is better on the ball, likes to drive forward with it more, and can use both feet.

As for Vlaar, interesting that he's made a recovery - if indeed he has - for his audition, sorry, the game, against Man U.

I don't see any link whatsoever between his recovery and the game against Man U. I'm sure Man U if they wanted to sign him could have done so already and have scouts that will base their opinion on more than a game against them. Plus Vlaar I imagine will have many options in Europe at the end of his contract.

To exercise those options to the full he needs to be outstanding till the end of the season.  Balancing a big silver pot on his head might help too.

A wonderful dream for us and if achieved he could join whoever he wanted with my best wishes. God I want to us lift the FA Cup so badly!!!