Fans Worried Over Villa Future

[ROBBO]

It's interesting here we are a big improvement on last season but still i'm waiting for it all to end, i don't think (hope)  it will but still the doubts are there. I see our position and think great then watch Arsenal glide the ball around and think shit.

[peter w]

I thought it poignant when somebody posted a reply from either a Chelsea fan, or a Chelsea board after the 4-4. Yes mostly sour grapes but the comment about our passing caught my eye. We do have players who can pass a ball, but throughout the better teams they all are comfortable with the ball at their feet. We are some way off that. When it gets to anyone in the back-four I just hope it finds a claret and blue shirt. Davies looks okay bringing the ball out of defence but then what. Even NRC is so-so on the ball. As is Gabby when looking to pass, and maloney at times.

We are second-rate in this area and until we can pass like the better teams we'll always be here. It is improving though as technique improves. But this is probably why there is an influx in foreigners. They are taught technique and being comfortable on the ball from a young age. We are not.

[VillaVA]

My worry is that I never feel comfortable with us playing anyone, not even when we played Derby at home, and especially not playing anyone at all in the League Cup.  We always look likely to give away possession at any moment, while for the first 45 (though Spudz was an honorable exception) we give opposition sides way way too much space.

[peter w]

And we still struggle to put teams away. We should be turning 2-0s into 3-0s.

[ROBBO]

I get an uneasy feeling about MONs transfer dealings, we want proven quality to underpin our excellent young brigade i can't help thinking MON is looking at underperforming english players that he can weave his magic on, and make Randy some money.

[peter w]

Thing is we're in that awkward position. Good players aren't going to come unless we have European football on the table as an incentive. So, we have to buy the next crop of players below that in the hope that they will get us into Europe. Then we can say thanks and replace them.

[JD]

Well it's now January 7th and we haven't signed anyone. Let's hope we get some players in this week.  [-o<

[garyfouroaks]

I get an uneasy feeling about MONs transfer dealings, we want proven quality to underpin our excellent young brigade i can't help thinking MON is looking at underperforming english players that he can weave his magic on, and make Randy some money.

I've got to disgree with you Robbo.Our previous tranfer "policy" has been an ad hoc mess depnding upon how much Doug wanted the heat taken off his backside.

Ours now is clear - we offer up and coming  YOUNG English talent the opportunity of first team football, if you are good enough, you are old enough. Around that needs must.

We cant afford to pay as much as Arsenal, Chelsea, Man u, Liverpool, Newcastle or Spurs (Ticket prices and commercial). Sensibly we will nornmally be on a par with Everton, Man City and West Ham. Thats for transfer fees and wages.

Newcastle have condemned themselves to overpay goodish players, who arent quite good enough for the top, who then say "thank you very much" and do sod all.

What strikes me is how FEW of our players have ben coveted by the top clubs in recent years. i have a friend who is a Norwich fan who says that he judges how well they are doing by the calibre of club who want to buy their players - a telling thought.

If the current policy means we have to trade on a few at a profit, thats fine by me. If weare ultimately seen as a feeder club to real Madrid, we wont have done so bad.

[ROBBO]

I suppose i dwelt on the rumour that we was after someone called stearman, spearman, spearmint something like that for a million dollars.
I think the players MON has bought has made us a solid midtable side.

[peter w]

I really don't pin much hopes on the January transfer window. Although we did get Young and Carew in the last one albeit that it has been this season when they are showing their worth. Has a January signing, save one or two, ever been one that has significantly improved a team for the rest of that season? Why would we expect this season to be the same? Clubs are loathe to sell their better players mid-season. Especially to rivals.

[BannedUserIAT]

...........i can't help thinking MON is looking at underperforming english players .

Which is the total opposite of what Roy Keane says he likes to do (he's openly stated that he doesn't want players from relegated teams as the 'loser' mentality rubs off).

Sounds good in theory but look what position they're in.

I do wish MoN would spend before the 20th. It'd make me feel better.




























Maybe.

[Legion]

That would depend on who he buys.

[peter w]

He'll probably look at the future. One experienced if we're lucky. I also doubt we'll see a right-back.

[Gregorys Boy]

I don't totally agree with Peter W as O'Neill's building for the future so I'm quite certain a player like Curtis Davies he wants at Villa for the long term and not just to help us get into Europe.  Clearly we might have trouble holding on to Gabby if one of the big four comes calling, that's a little way off I guess.  8 Days in No signings your right Bloody crisis mate :smt002

[VillaVA]

I am seriously worried that we are letting Laursen go.

I don't care if he's 30: he's sober, reliable, consistent, popular with the fans, reasonably priced, happy to live in Birmingham, scores goals, and his knees (touch wood) have not been an issue this season despite him playing just about every game.

Give him a three, or even four, year contract if that's what he wants.