Deano’s wishlist - the Jan transfer speculation/guaranteed nonsense thread

[Villa in Denmark]

there isn't a single player I would keep other than SJM & Jack. The rest are jack shit.

Which is ironic as they’re the most likely to leave at seasons end as the only 2 we can get decent money for and will attract interest.

The loaners will go back and we’ll take a haircut on moving out the other dross.

Something like this I'd guess

[ROBBO]

Where does Dean Smith go from here/ he has watched a team playing great football over many weeks disintegrate in to a complete shambles, it can't just be that Grealish is missing good player that he is, the shape the desire the teamwork has vanished to be replaced by the worst of a Steve Bruce side. For me the worry was that Dean would like his predecessors find the job overpowering, just the name Aston Villa seems to turn decent managers to water, hope I'm wrong.

[mr underhill]

The gig's eating Dean and Terry alive at the moment. Will they survive? Only if we start winning, it's as simple as that.

[Toronto Villa]

Speaking of Terry that is some job he did as captain last season. We had one of the best defences in the league so to think he must have shown some serious leadership to keep us organized.

[mr underhill]

He and Chester were immense. The team was much much better - but even so , still not good enough

[Toronto Villa]

Chester was better because of Terry. Hutton at LB looked like fucking Maldini because when he did bomb forward we were organized enough to offer cover. Tuanzabee was a very decent RB even though he was a CB.

Now it’s a mess. Chester is no leader and Bruce knew that he had to bring in help which he failed to do. His punt being trying to get Terry to come back again. We have no genuine leaders or organizers at all in the squad.

[AlexAlexCropley]

Chester was better because of Terry. Hutton at LB looked like fucking Maldini because when he did bomb forward we were organized enough to offer cover. Tuanzabee was a very decent RB even though he was a CB.

Now it’s a mess. Chester is no leader and Bruce knew that he had to bring in help which he failed to do. His punt being trying to get Terry to come back again. We have no genuine leaders or organizers at all in the squad.

Don't remember Hutton as
Maldini. Mal Donaghy maybe.

[brontebilly]

Speaking of Terry that is some job he did as captain last season. We had one of the best defences in the league so to think he must have shown some serious leadership to keep us organized.

wasnt just the back four though

we had the best keeper in the division behind them

Jedinak usually but Whelan at times, also sitting in front of the back four helped, our widemen Adamoah and Snodgrass worked like troopers

our team was far better organised last season even with some average individuals in it (elmo, hutton, hourihane)

we have been a rabble all season under both Bruce and Smith, so easy to play against and no real coherent plan

[Des Little]

Get rid of Taylor, and take it from there.

[ozzjim]

I'm convinced that basically Jack and McGinn have papers over alot of issues. To play effectively at this level you need pace in your team. That's been obvious since we came down, all the better teams have had pace, or some outstanding midfield players. We are way too slow in the middle of the park and don't have anyone that can see a pass without Jack. Whelan needs to be let go ASAP, Hourihane play at the base of midfield or not at all, and McGinn needs help. We have to find another number 10 this window or we will keep struggling whenever Jack isn't here. Sawyers is ideal. We have to have faster wide players full stop, wingers and full backs. Bree needs a season out on loan playing, Taylor needs to be reserve to Henry if we can get him. Holding midfield is desperate. Our wife options, sell Adomah now, too slow, ageing and not going to take us forward. Bolasie, and back. El Ghazi is decent 1 in 5. Go and scout like buggery and find 4 young, cheap, pace to burn wingers to get into the squad that can be moulded. Pace is killing us. Slow and ponderous and without Jack making any inspiration. Good scouting and patience is needed from here. And guts to do this squad up and start fresh.

[curiousorange]

Snodgrass was a huge positive last season. He wasn't perfect but he ran his bollocks off and was a phenomenal presence off the pitch. That kind of attitude rubs off on a team.

[VinnieChase84]

New left back and fast!
A pacy, mobile DM
Wingers - unfortunately AEG and Bolasie are highlight reel players. They don’t graft enough and current leave our flanks totally exposed on the defensive.

[Toronto Villa]

We had numerous real leaders in the squad last season. Players who were a positive influence both in their play and how they would motivate. Now we don’t have any. It makes a massive difference.

[Fred Crump]

Snodgrass was a huge positive last season. He wasn't perfect but he ran his bollocks off and was a phenomenal presence off the pitch. That kind of attitude rubs off on a team.

I know he’s old but I’d take him back like a shot if the chance came up. If anyone ever epitomised “ never say die “ it was him. He worked his bollocks off and never, ever, was billy big time. Top bloke.

[Steve67]

We had numerous real leaders in the squad last season. Players who were a positive influence both in their play and how they would motivate. Now we don’t have any. It makes a massive difference.

Really good point.  If James Chester is the best leader we have, given he's a decent defender but a poor technical footballer and struggles when pressed, then we are really in need of a new captain. He was fantastic last season but has been found out.  I know that Whelan is apparently really good in training and in the changing rooms but he forgets to bring his ability out on to the pitch with him.  Might as well make SJM captain and let him lead by example if not by shouting and screaming and organising people like JT did last season.