The Transfer Window - The Verdict.

[old man villa fan]

Last night my verdict would have been in the words of Janice Nicholls (for those old enough to remember) "Oi'll give it foive".

On reflection, with the loan signing of Cleverley and the money available I would change it to 7/10.  Keeping hold of Vlaar (was there interest from other clubs or was it just the media?), bringing in experience in defence and strengthening the midfield has clearly been the plan.  Building from the back is not going to make us overly attractive but I would go with that if we do not have to go through what we have for the last three seasons.

[Steve67]

On holibobs in Crete. I didn't realise we had signed Cleverley until I checked the bbc website this evening. I spent all day sulking too. Much better window because Lambert now has added physical presence and experience. I am not a massive fan of Cleverley but the guy is an international so I can't moan too much.

[Dave]

I am not a massive fan of Cleverley but the guy is an international so I can't moan too much.

So was Salifou (winking emoticon)

[Steve67]

I am not a massive fan of Cleverley but the guy is an international so I can't moan too much.

So was Salifou (winking emoticon)

Very true Dave!! Hope this one has more influence!

[Ian.]

Ok, we're better off in experience and not numbers. We're missing that link from midfield to attack we desperately needed. That might not be so apparent when Benteke is fit and raring to go. When that will be I don't know. Jack might come in and be that link, again, who knows. I would have liked at least one more tonight.

Well that was last night, after that surprise today now I'm pretty happy with all the deals so far. Good business Lambert and Keane, well done.

[Tony Erdington]

ITS GETTING BETTER ALL THE TIME

BETTER BETTER BETTER

you got it.

Thank you

its getting better all the time

[ozzjim]

Just doing the best 11 on the other thread made me realise just how much of a blinder they have had for little more than 7 million quid. Overall I still give it a 6, but for the money they have really done exceptionally well to change a side that we could all pick, and pick with a heavy heart on the final day of last season, to a side we could now all pick differently, in different systems, and feel confident there was a solidity and some chance of nicking goals the other end.

Who do we reckon will be this year's Luna by May, and who do we reckon will be the ace in the pack?

I am going for Cole as Luna as I think we will hardly see him, and Richardson as the best value.

[ciggiesnbeer]

Who do we reckon will be this year's Luna by May, and who do we reckon will be the ace in the pack?

I am going for Cole as Luna as I think we will hardly see him, and Richardson as the best value.

Agree about Cole. Hope to be wrong. The best? Honestly I think Cissokho. Every game he has played so far he has been excellent. Does not seem to have a weak part of his game. I guess we will start to see the true level of the new signings this month as they come up against very hard opposition.

[Toronto Villa]

I reckon Cole will play a decent role in this side when called upon. More important than that he'll play a blinder behind the scenes offering his knowledge and experience to the young kids. Easy to forget but he was a really talented footballer. I wouldn't write him off just yet. I reckon Sanchez will be a star and I still think Okore will take over from Senderos by the end of the season. Benteke to be a monster from about late January onwards propelling us to around 8th by seasons end.

[ChicagoLion]

This is the best squad we have had for a few seasons. Even under MON we always had a weak area or 2  it now looks like we have a balanced team with some cover. I am not going to get carried away but I am more confident now than I have been for a few seasons.
The most important signing was probably Roy Keane.

[kippaxvilla2]

I know it isn't thread related but anyone seen this?!


http://m.bleacherreport.com/articles/2184170-radamel-falcao-was-offered-to-aston-villa-for-5m-but-boss-signed-emile-heskey

[Mister E]

Looking at this and the thread on the best starting 11, it makes me realise how much time and effort has been wasted over the last 2-3 seasons. For relatively little outlay and some imagination, Lambert and Keane have constructed an interesting squad.
If they can get through the next four games relatively unembarrassed, and get Benteke back playing again, we won't look too shabby, methinks.

[martyn ellis]

I know it isn't thread related but anyone seen this?!


http://m.bleacherreport.com/articles/2184170-radamel-falcao-was-offered-to-aston-villa-for-5m-but-boss-signed-emile-heskey

I definitely remember a link to this unknown Colombian guy who was a great prospect. Even checked him out and started hoping we'd land him. The rest is ... well you know how it finishes.

[LeeB]

I reckon Cole will play a decent role in this side when called upon. More important than that he'll play a blinder behind the scenes offering his knowledge and experience to the young kids. Easy to forget but he was a really talented footballer. I wouldn't write him off just yet. I reckon Sanchez will be a star and I still think Okore will take over from Senderos by the end of the season. Benteke to be a monster from about late January onwards propelling us to around 8th by seasons end.

I feel the same about Cole, especially as he'll have a super hard working midfield around him.

[PaulWinch again]

I think quite a lot of our signings have been really impressive, in particular Aly and Senderos. Although I think it's the overall experience that's been added to the squad which is the biggest factor.