Tommy Elphick - signed for Huddersfield

[andyh]

It seems we have a player who genuinely cares about himself, his team and his profession.
After the last couple of years, we appear to have a player who 'gives a shit'

Welcome Tommy.

[mattjpa]

So do you reckon he'll get captaincy straight away?

I'm usually wary of new signings being given it, I think you have to earn it at a club but tbh given some of  the leeches in our dressing room and we'll hopefully have a clear out of 6-7 of them then I think why not as that will just leave us with youngsters and a few of the foreign players.

My concerns too.

If he were to remain, I'd be seriously tempted to give it to Ayew.  Actually played like he was bothered last year, with elevates him above 80% of the bilge who had the audacity to wear our colours straight away. 

Not afraid to give out the bollockings either when required -and boy, were they required in 15/16.

I think Ayew is more "lead by example" than captain material. I dont think we currently have anyone in the squad who ticks both boxes and we will probably need to give it to a new guy. The fact that Tommy is the first man through the door and also captained a championship winning team makes me think the position is his already.

[VicMackey]

Like most on here I don't know much about Tommy but based on the comments from Bournemouth fans he is held in high regard not just for his football skills but his personality too.  He sounds a good acquisition and the sort of player we need.  More please!

[Villan For Life]

A proper footballer's name that. He will do well.

[Witton Warrior]

Welcome to Aston Villa Football Club Tommy - I look forward to singing your name as you lead the team out for our last match in the Championship next May...

[villabear]

More praise for our new signing from local media in Bournemouth. Sounds like we've got a good one here. Hopefully (said with normal Brummie optimism/pessimism)

http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/14569139.Farewell_Tommy_Elphick__Cheers__skip____it_has_been_a_blast/

[Hookeysmith]

Good statement by the RDM
His focus on TE's ability as a leader, Captain and commitment to the cause I feel is a marker put down for the likes of Lescott and Richards to start looking elsewhere

And that cannot come soon enough

[not3bad]

First signing of the new era! Welcome Tommy!

[chrisw1]

He has tweeted "Now for the next one 👊"

You would have thought he'd had his fill on his honeymoon.  Good lad, plenty of stamina obviously.  Hope he doesn't dehydrate himself.

[DeKuip]

Welcome to Aston Villa Football Club Tommy - I look forward to singing your name as you lead the team out for our last match in the Championship next May...

"Tommy can you hear me? Can you feel me near you?"

or "What's it all about, Elphick?"

[mattjpa]

The only thing I dont get about this one is that their fans love and rate him, the local media love and rate him highly, hes their captain, former player of the season, manager seemingly rates him and hes just hitting his prime at 28. He also seems to only really have impact injuries such as a broken foot and a chipped bone and his attitude is second to none. Why would a) he want to leave a premier league club on the rise to join a championship club and b) Why on earth would they want to let him go c) for 3m? 

[GordonCowansisthegreatest]

The only thing I dont get about this one is that their fans love and rate him, the local media love and rate him highly, hes their captain, former player of the season, manager seemingly rates him and hes just hitting his prime at 28. He also seems to only really have impact injuries such as a broken foot and a chipped bone and his attitude is second to none. Why would a) he want to leave a premier league club on the rise to join a championship club and b) Why on earth would they want to let him go c) for 3m? 

Because we're Aston Villa!!

[Mister E]

The only thing I dont get about this one is that their fans love and rate him, the local media love and rate him highly, hes their captain, former player of the season, manager seemingly rates him and hes just hitting his prime at 28. He also seems to only really have impact injuries such as a broken foot and a chipped bone and his attitude is second to none. Why would a) he want to leave a premier league club on the rise to join a championship club and b) Why on earth would they want to let him go c) for 3m? 

What was his contract situation?
Perhaps, with the Premier League mega-dosh payment, AFC B are setting their sights much higher.

[Ger Regan]

The only thing I dont get about this one is that their fans love and rate him, the local media love and rate him highly, hes their captain, former player of the season, manager seemingly rates him and hes just hitting his prime at 28. He also seems to only really have impact injuries such as a broken foot and a chipped bone and his attitude is second to none. Why would a) he want to leave a premier league club on the rise to join a championship club and b) Why on earth would they want to let him go c) for 3m? 

Well with all due respect to bournemouth, they are punching well above their weight and are absolutely nowhere near the stature of villa, even now, never mind if we actually start to fulfil our potential. The second question could be asked about any player that's sold. We're not talking about the second coming of Cannovaro here, but he's potentially perfect for what we need. As for the fee, no idea, but could be for any number of reasons, maybe he only had a year left on his contract, perhaps he signalled his desire to move and Bournemouth decided not to play hardball due to his outstanding service to them over the past few years.

[robbo1874]

I've no idea about this player, either. But welcome aboard Tommy- hope you have a great 3 yrs with Villa.