The Transfer Window - The Verdict.

[fredm]

Wonder what difference getting rid of PL's two mates and bringing in RK has made to the mindset in relation to incoming players?  RK almost certainly will not have had any qualms about bringing in experienced international players but I wonder if those two were against the idea?

[dcdavecollett]

Delighted with the window -strengthened our team & squad in all areas, apart from keeper and strikers (where returnees may make additions superfluous).

Kept Concrete and Fab Cruyff.

Sent Gardner & Donacien on loan and they're getting some games.

Job's a good 'un!

[JD]

A month ago I was worried and looked at the squad, thinking Vlaar would go and we were dead certs for relegation. Now I'm quite optimistic and even slightly excited about how the squad will perform this season. I'm even looking forward to see how we will perform over the next month (previously I was just scared).

[fbriai]

I'm pleased with the way it all worked out.

In particular, I'm happy that Grealish has the chance to develop properly, without having to be thrown in at the deep end and sink or swim, while around him the team is getting a thumping and being dragged all over the park. We haven't been in this situation regarding promising youngsters for some time now.

[tomd2103]

A month ago I was worried and looked at the squad, thinking Vlaar would go and we were dead certs for relegation. Now I'm quite optimistic and even slightly excited about how the squad will perform this season. I'm even looking forward to see how we will perform over the next month (previously I was just scared).

Also happy with the players coming in during the window and the decision to reintroduce certain members of the squad.  Early days yet, but:

Hutton looks a different player and is more solid than Lowton and Bacuna at RB

Senderos is a huge improvement on Baker and Clark

Cissokho looks an inspired signing so far and is way better than Bennett and Luna

Sanchez will challenge Westwood and give us a more physical presence in midfield

Richardson and Cleverley are clear upgrades on Sylla and KEA

Cole and N'Zogbia haven't started too well, but will hopefully add some creativity
 
Bent is a better bench option than Bowery

All in all, some clear improvements made to the squad, which will hopefully result in an upturn in our fortunes.  I still think we could have done with adding a wide option, but with Benteke and Kozak hopefully coming back soon then things look OK.

[Holte L2]

We don't do transfer windows, linked with Gaetano D'Agostini, free agent

[Gregorys Boy]

Not sure you can put a rating on the transfer window until we have had enough games to really see what the signings have added.  Maybe a six from me for now.

[Toronto Villa]

The one thing I love about all three "new" defenders (yes including Hutton in that group) is that they are all big, none of them are mugs. They won't be intimidated or pushed around and more than capable of sticking a player into the front row if needed. Or more importantly just have a presence about them. Now, we'll see over the next few weeks how they are against the best the league has to offer. If we can come through this test relatively unscathed, maintain our overall discipline and composure, then we can look back at this window and consider it a very good one. So far so good, but a long way to go and so many things can change. On the other end getting Gabby scoring again could is big piece of the puzzle if only to bridge the gap before the Return of the King.

[jeowje]

Combination of the football we played first half on Sunday,  the league position and the new aquisitions over the summer- especially the high-profile capture of Cleverley, have left me feeling more positive and optimistic than i have for ages... Notwithstanding the upcoming fixtures.

For such a modest outlay, the on-paper improvement appears stark. As others rightly point out, the proof of the pudding and all that...

[ozzjim]

The one thing I love about all three "new" defenders (yes including Hutton in that group) is that they are all big, none of them are mugs. They won't be intimidated or pushed around and more than capable of sticking a player into the front row if needed. Or more importantly just have a presence about them. Now, we'll see over the next few weeks how they are against the best the league has to offer. If we can come through this test relatively unscathed, maintain our overall discipline and composure, then we can look back at this window and consider it a very good one. So far so good, but a long way to go and so many things can change. On the other end getting Gabby scoring again could is big piece of the puzzle if only to bridge the gap before the Return of the King.

I have long argued unless you have really silly money, signing big, rugged defenders that are positionally sound works. I like the fact we have no weeds back there now, we won't be pushed around and we look a bit more organised back there.

[old man villa fan]

Not sure you can put a rating on the transfer window until we have had enough games to really see what the signings have added.  Maybe a six from me for now.

I bet the manager wished he had that luxury when looking to see who to buy.

[Lastfootstamper]

I have long argued unless you have really silly money, signing big, rugged defenders that are positionally sound works. I like the fact we have no weeds back there now, we won't be pushed around and we look a bit more organised back there.

A bit????

[WALTERS WARRIORS]

Think a lot of praise should be given to PL - RK. I think the introduction of RK has consciously upped PL`s game and judgement. Having at last recognised our need for a number "10" i am a bit worried about Cole as the main man. Otherwise a very good window ......

[Steve kirk]

I am also quite excited about how the squad looks and how it might perform this season, it doesn't take much to make us all a bit happier 

[Chipsticks]

It’s clear Lambert had identified the same weaknesses in the side that we had in the stands, with 2 creative midfielders, a holding anchor-man, another option at centre half and 2 players able to play at left back being brought in.

All seem capable of being first teamers for top 10 teams, and all have played for their respective countries. For a spend kept to seven digits, that’s far more than I’d hoped for, and to me at least – a good indicator of the progression the club is trying to make.

Wrote a transfer window verdict on my Villa blog here: http://chipsticksvilla.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/summer-2014-transfer-roundup.html