Tom Carroll - confirmed

[john e]

I don't know anything about Carroll but if some posters are correct in comparing him to Conor Hourihane, I look forward to his goals and assists. As Fer swans fans laughing at us getting Carroll they can't be laughing louder than me at the thought of bacuna, cardiff and premier league in the same sentence. Good luck Tom. UTV

if he can control the ball and pass it to another Villa player in a forward motion whilst under moderate pressure he will be an instant upgrade on Hourihane

[Damo70]

I have always quite liked Carroll. Even in the rare opportunities he got at Spurs before they allowed him to leave for Swansea. I was a bit surprised Spurs let him go back then. I'm pretty certain he can do a job at Championship level.

[VinnieChase84]

The Swansea message board reactions to this transfer is a bit worrying.

I must admit, my initial optimism was based on how he looked when he broke through at Tottenham.

I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt. He’s been playing in front of the back four for Swansea, which is what we need.
He’s also been injured for most of the championship season, so most of the bad feeling, I imagine, comes from their relegation year.

I’d certainly rather have him than Whelan.

Think they feel similar to how we felt about some of the players post relegation. He played 45 games for them last season so has pedigree. If he’s going to get his career back on track then it will be playing for someone like Deano

[mallo]

I suspect one of the reasons going for him will be fitness - he can run all game so is an upgrade on Whelan. He might only start at home where we need a bit of creativity. If he at least pulls the opposition out of shape due to movement he'll do ok. Can't say I'm overly impressed but it is January.

[john e]

Well Swansea are in the same league as us and just one point below so the fact that they are allowing him to move to a close rival shows they don’t think much of him

as for the Swansea fans reaction
I always take more note of fans than other players or managers fans know more
They were spot on about Taylor

looking for positives though he might just be a Smith type of player who he can get a bit out of

[mallo]

If you want to put the blinkers on and feel good this might help :

Tom Carroll Plays Football

[Risso]

looking for positives though he might just be a Smith type of player who he can get a bit out of

Like he did with Hogan...

[john e]

looking for positives though he might just be a Smith type of player who he can get a bit out of

Like he did with Hogan...

he got 12 million for Hogan the mans a genius

[LeeB]

looking for positives though he might just be a Smith type of player who he can get a bit out of

Like he did with Hogan...

he got 12 million for Hogan the mans a genius

He's got shot of him twice now, which can only be a plus mark in terms of judgement.

[footyskillz]

So Tom Carroll in and what about Gary Gardener ?he could have been recalled and Smith have a look at him instead ?!

[RussellC]

I'm not sure if others have already said this but I think Smith will see Carroll playing in a similar role that the Ryan Woods did at Brentford - a deep lying playmaker. Smith also got a tune out of Josh Mceachran in that position too, so maybe there is some logic to it. Bizarre how 'out of the blue' it was though!

[SheffieldVillain]

So Tom Carroll in and what about Gary Gardener ?he could have been recalled and Smith have a look at him instead ?!

I'd imagine he's looked at Gardner and that's why he hasn't been recalled.

[Malandro]

So Tom Carroll in and what about Gary Gardener ?he could have been recalled and Smith have a look at him instead ?!

No recall option.

[Villan For Life]

Well Swansea are in the same league as us and just one point below so the fact that they are allowing him to move to a close rival shows they don’t think much of him

I think it's about Swansea reducing their wage bill after relegation. They let a few leave and a couple were due to leave but fell through.

[footyskillz]

So Tom Carroll in and what about Gary Gardener ?he could have been recalled and Smith have a look at him instead ?!

I'd imagine he's looked at Gardner and that's why he hasn't been recalled.

Ah ok.
Just felt GG should get a fair go and he could be playing middle field and deep lying for villa but maybe his moment has passed.