Tom Heaton: gone

[themossman]

I’m happy with this. On the age thing, I’d love to see some stats. I guess friedel / Buffon are still relatively extreme cases but I wonder where the averages are for peak stats, playing at highest level and retirement - and how different it is from outfield players. There must be some statto on here who has that at their fingertips ;-)

[KRS]

I don’t know much about Heaton but he seems to be highly rated and respected. Hope his injury issues are fully resolved and his experience could be vital at the back. I’d expect one of Nyland or Kalanic to be sold now rather than loaned.

[Risso]

Kalinic can go, he was awful.

[Villa Lew]

Yeah very happy with this, although it is going be a bit tough on Jed Steer.

[Bad English]

Is he related to Paul Heaton?

[Damo70]

Is he related to Paul Heaton?

Yes, his nickname is 'Happy Hour' Heaton and his signing is something we can 'Build' on.

[darren woolley]

I'm happy with signing him good keeper.

[JUAN PABLO]

I bet  Heaton is well chuffed . Joining Aston Villa in our new exciting era from Burnley at 33.

Solid sensible signing this.

bet Butland is gutted.

[olaftab]

Only 33 so that's 5 good years in him yet. Current England international. What's not to like.

Well may be two good years and final year after that if he is still fit and agile.

[olaftab]

Is he related to Paul Heaton?

Yes Paul's his alleged dad and they share the caravan of love

[Damo70]

I bet  Heaton is well chuffed . Joining Aston Villa in our new exciting era from Burnley at 33.

Solid sensible signing this.

bet Butland is gutted.

I was just about to post the same thing about Butland. I reckon Stoke will have a very unhappy goalkeeper on their hands.

[Toronto Villa]

I’d have preferred Butland but Stoke as is their right held out. I just liked the idea of that position being cemented for the next 10 years. That said Heaton isn’t exactly a poor consolation. Big and solid and with the players we now have in front of him we potentially have the makings of a very sound defence. As much as Dean wants to attack and win every game it all starts at the back with discipline and a secure foundation. 

[Reuben]

Is he related to Paul Heaton?

Yes Paul's his alleged dad and they share the caravan of love

The announcement of a new keeper has taken A Little Time but with all the good options I'm sure we'd have found a Song For Whoever we had signed.

[Chris Smith]

Is he related to Paul Heaton?

Yes Paul's his alleged dad and they share the caravan of love

Apparently Paul disowned him when he became a goalkeeper as he thought he would make a perfect 10.

[Chipsticks]

Yeah very happy with this, although it is going be a bit tough on Jed Steer.

I'm hoping that Steer is given the chance to start, with Heaton ready to step in as necessary.