Sam Johnstone - now retired

[UK Redsox]

Manchester United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone has joined Championship play-off hopefuls Aston Villa on loan for the rest of the season.

It is the 23-year-old's eighth loan move away from Old Trafford.

He has previously been at Scunthorpe United, Walsall, Yeovil, Doncaster Rovers (twice) and his home town club Preston (twice).

Johnstone was part of Preston 's promotion-winning team to the Championship in 2014-15.

He is the first signing made by Villa boss Steve Bruce.

[UK Redsox]

annnnnnnddddddd strettttttttttttch

[Meanwood Villa]

Is he going to be first choice then?

[UK Redsox]

https://www.avfc.co.uk/News/2017/01/05/breaking-news-villa-sign-johnstone

[Lobsterboy]

Is he going to be first choice then?

I am guessing so as no point in United loaning him out for him to warm the bench - surely has to be better than Bunn?

[Gerrin]

I think he was guaranteed game time as part of the deal, makes you wonder if that's Gollini off now.

[cdbearsfan]

Welcome to Villa, St Johnstone.

[Malandro]

I think he was guaranteed game time as part of the deal, makes you wonder if that's Gollini off now.

I think that will be best for all concerned, I like Gollini, but if Bruce doesn't have faith in him now he probably will be of the same mind in the summer.
I think we'll hear more from him in the future - we just don't have the time to carry him now.

[Axl Rose]

Welcome, Sam. Man Utd supporting mates only have good things to say about him. Was part of the FA youth cup winning side, along with Pogba.

A shame about Gollini. I think he's a really good keeper, and despite a few errors, I hope he stays.

[kippaxvilla2]

I think he was guaranteed game time as part of the deal, makes you wonder if that's Gollini off now.

Gollini has by all accounts been told he has to fight for his place unless a big money offer comes in.

[Clark W Griswold]

At this moment in time, this one seems completely pointless to me, but there you go.

At least we're looking at other deals which make a lot more sense as well.

[dave shelley]

Welcome Sam.   I was having a quick think and I can't recall another goalie playing first team football for us   by the name of Sam since Sam Hardy. *

* Prepares to be shot  down.

[Toronto Villa]

At this moment in time, this one seems completely pointless to me, but there you go.

At least we're looking at other deals which make a lot more sense as well.

Why? I don't trust Mark Bunn in the slightest and Gollini has a long way to go. If this kid is better than why not bring him in?

[Clark W Griswold]

At this moment in time, this one seems completely pointless to me, but there you go.

At least we're looking at other deals which make a lot more sense as well.

Why? I don't trust Mark Bunn in the slightest and Gollini has a long way to go. If this kid is better than why not bring him in?

Is he better ? Is he going to stay after this season if he's any good? Will Gollini get better with game time? Is Gollini off himself? Answers to these questions would determine whether it's a sensible one or not, but at this point my feeling is that I'd sooner stick with Gollini or buy experience.

[Mark H]

Does anybody know if we have an option to buy if this works out for him and us ?