New Back Room Staff

[Ron Manager]

Helenius, Bennett and maybe Sylla are all worth a good look, as is Gardner now that he's getting fitness (and confidence that he's not going to break again).  I'd hope at least some of those guys get a chance in training/friendlies before we move them on and/or replace them.

Ive said this before. Sylla has a little talent which maybe Sherwood team could improve.

[hilts_coolerking]

If we stay up and don't want to be in a relegation battle next season then we're going to need better players than Helenius, Sylla and Bennett.  I mean, we're going to need better players than a lot of the first team squad.  Get them off the books ASAP.

[not3bad]

We never really got to see what Helenius could do because he was ill most of the time he was at Villa, so you cannot say beyond doubt he isn't good enough.

[OCD]

If we stay up and don't want to be in a relegation battle next season then we're going to need better players than Helenius, Sylla and Bennett.  I mean, we're going to need better players than a lot of the first team squad.  Get them off the books ASAP.

Sylla looked good in his first half season.

Bennett looked very raw so with some added experience and some good coaching, he might be an option. From his background, I think Sherwood will be looking to give young, English players a chance so he fits that. Gary Gardner fits that too and has been playing well by all accounts.

Some money will need to be spent but it needs to be spent well and in the areas where we need it most, which is adding extra flair and creativity. 

[Villa in Denmark]

I'm afraid his time in B6 might have ruined Helenius. The times I've seen him this season he's looked way short of confidence and commentators have been saying that he looks a shadow of the player from 2 years ago.

[hilts_coolerking]

From his background, I think Sherwood will be looking to give young, English players a chance so he fits that.

We've been trying that for the past few years though and it's partly why we are where we are.  We need players who are already good enough to improve the first team.

[Hookeysmith]

Its nice to see both manager and coaches up and constantly shouting instructions and the players actually listening and doing as asked. All joking aside i was convinced that the players could not understand a work Lambert said to them. Tony Parkes was constantly geeing them up and shouting instructions. Sherwood may not be a tactical manager but just like Gregory i love the swagger and a touch of arrogance he has. The word is the players are loving it with him already

[OCD]

From his background, I think Sherwood will be looking to give young, English players a chance so he fits that.

We've been trying that for the past few years though and it's partly why we are where we are.  We need players who are already good enough to improve the first team.

In key areas, yes. In every position within the squad, no. So I don't see why Gardner and Bennett wouldn't be given a chance when they do their first pre-season under Sherwood. Unless a wealthy owner comes out of the woodwork in the summer, there will only be limited money to spend and it will need to go towards flair players and players that can score goals. That's paramount above everything else.

[hilts_coolerking]

In key areas, yes. In every position within the squad, no. So I don't see why Gardner and Bennett wouldn't be given a chance when they do their first pre-season under Sherwood. Unless a wealthy owner comes out of the woodwork in the summer, there will only be limited money to spend and it will need to go towards flair players and players that can score goals. That's paramount above everything else.

Our trouble was that we tried to introduce too many youngsters, too quickly and too many of them weren't good enough.  Whether that was because Lerner and co. thought it really would work, or because it was cheap to do so, who knows.  Probably both.   Anyway, I think it was Lee Dixon who said on commentary last night that it's a lot easier to integrate kids into the first team when the team is doing well.  When you're fannying around at the bottom of the table like we have been it's not a good idea and maybe even counter-productive.

You're right some of them may yet prove to be good enough and, as you say, not every position in the squad needs overhauling but a lot do so let's get some experienced, proven players in to get us into, say, mid-table and out of immediate danger and then let's see how good the youngsters are, one or two at a time. 

[paul_e]

In key areas, yes. In every position within the squad, no. So I don't see why Gardner and Bennett wouldn't be given a chance when they do their first pre-season under Sherwood. Unless a wealthy owner comes out of the woodwork in the summer, there will only be limited money to spend and it will need to go towards flair players and players that can score goals. That's paramount above everything else.

Our trouble was that we tried to introduce too many youngsters, too quickly and too many of them weren't good enough.  Whether that was because Lerner and co. thought it really would work, or because it was cheap to do so, who knows.  Probably both.   Anyway, I think it was Lee Dixon who said on commentary last night that it's a lot easier to integrate kids into the first team when the team is doing well.  When you're fannying around at the bottom of the table like we have been it's not a good idea and maybe even counter-productive.

You're right some of them may yet prove to be good enough and, as you say, not every position in the squad needs overhauling but a lot do so let's get some experienced, proven players in to get us into, say, mid-table and out of immediate danger and then let's see how good the youngsters are, one or two at a time. 

but if we do what you say and get rid of all the kids who haven't done it now we don't get much chance to see that.

In reality this summer should only see 3 players in and then maybe 4-5 out (including Sinclair and cleverley if they're not amongst the 'ins') another summer of 6-7 signings means more bedding in and more time with players getting used to each other which I don't think we really need.  I still firmly believe that the current squad can compete with the likes of Swansea, Newcastle and Stoke in the 8-12 spots which is where we should be aiming now.

[Damo70]

I would like to see Sylla given another chance. Not so sure about Bennett. Gardner and Helenius, especially the latter might be worth him looking at. Then there is Tonev (he is still ours isn't he)? Have I missed out any others apart from youngsters who are out on loan for experience? When is Bent's contract up? He might want to look at him in the summer pre season.

[OCD]

Bent's contract runs out in the summer. I think N'Zog's has another year but feel free to correct me.

[Dave]

Bent's contract runs out in the summer. I think N'Zog's has another year but feel free to correct me.

Right on both counts. Four and a half year deal for Bent in the January under Houllier, five years for N'Zogbia the summer after.

[The Left Side]

Bent's contract runs out in the summer. I think N'Zog's has another year but feel free to correct me.

Right on both counts. Four and a half year deal for Bent in the January under Houllier, five years for N'Zogbia the summer after.

5 year contract, bloody hell!

[OCD]

We've had very poor value for N'Zog (his free-kick against West Ham being his only significant contribution) and Bent (once Lambert took over). Easily spent £30m just on those 2 players' contracts.