Emi Martinez

[PaulWinch again]

Like God

They didn't get rid of God for footballing reasons though, just he rubbed Fergie up the wrong way. And tbf, if we didn't have Jim Walker, Macca wouldn't have been anymore then a good player who occasionally played a match.

I dont disagree with any of that - but I guess what I mean is class is permenent, form is temporary.  There some big gloves to fill and I just dont want us to underestimate that.

He could easily be a world class GK for the next 4 years, and if all goes well they could be 4 of the best years in the club history. 

I agree with the sentiment entirely but class isn’t permanent in terms of performance levels. It goes at some point and if we are looking to sell it’s because presumably we think it might the the crossover point - he definitely was patchy last year, his highs were tremendous but his general level was down. It’s a gamble, if it is the case, because he has been unbelievable and as you say it could be he returns to his best and is top class for another few years. But with wages, last season, and crucially if he’s open/pushing to move then I do understand it. Lot of pressure on the next guy though if this is the way it goes.

[dave.woodhall]

The more I think about this the more I agree with whoever said that Unai doesn't wholly trust Martinez - he's too much of a free spirit. If we do in effect swap him for Chevallier and a few million it'll be symptomatic of the only way we'll be successful under the current rules. We're going to have to learn to live with selling our stars at the top of their value and scouting for replacements.   

[Toronto Villa]

Speaking of Man U under Ferguson, or any top side for that matter, they all sold top players which I am sure caused angst. I imagine them selling Ronaldo or Beckham wasn’t well received but they carried on being successful. If Unai thinks we need to move on, as shit as it would be in the moment, it’s probably for the best given his age and cost.

[cdbearsfan]

They sold Ronaldo because he wanted to leave, not because they wanted rid. I remember Booby complaining, with a straight face, how unfair it was that one of their players had been tapped up. The hypocritical ticket tout twat.

[Toronto Villa]

They sold Ronaldo because he wanted to leave, not because they wanted rid. I remember Booby complaining, with a straight face, how unfair it was that one of their players had been tapped up. The hypocritical ticket tout twat.

Doesn’t matter. In the end a star player left. And they rebuilt after and won more titles.

[Somniloquism]

They sold Ronaldo because he wanted to leave, not because they wanted rid. I remember Booby complaining, with a straight face, how unfair it was that one of their players had been tapped up. The hypocritical ticket tout twat.

The funniest ex Manure player defence was "Cantona shouldn't have been given a 6 month ban. The FA only banned him for that long because it was supposedly a bad influence to the kids. But look at what the politicians are doing and they are an influence of kids". Paddy Crerand on Radio 5 comparing a footballer at a top club with fucking John Major. Apart from Ads, I don't think many had posters of him or a shirt with Major on the back.

[Crown Hill]

We're going to have to learn to live with selling our stars at the top of their value and scouting for replacements.   

Sounds like my entire Villa supporting life!

[Beard82]

OK - I get the argument of selling top players at the end of there peak and replacing them. 

Just - I cant think of a time when we have sold a top player and it didnt make us worse - until that happens - it going to be difficult to believe.

[brontebilly]

Speaking of Man U under Ferguson, or any top side for that matter, they all sold top players which I am sure caused angst. I imagine them selling Ronaldo or Beckham wasn’t well received but they carried on being successful. If Unai thinks we need to move on, as shit as it would be in the moment, it’s probably for the best given his age and cost.

They were selling them from a position of strength. Same for Real selling Casemiro & Varane, they knew they were on the slide and had replacements lined up (or maybe already at the club) and a willing mug able to pay way over the odds. This isn't the case with Martinez.

Sure we replaced Luiz with Tielemans but this is a lot different. Replacing any of Martinez, Kamara, Watkins will be very difficult.

[Beard82]

Speaking of Man U under Ferguson, or any top side for that matter, they all sold top players which I am sure caused angst. I imagine them selling Ronaldo or Beckham wasn’t well received but they carried on being successful. If Unai thinks we need to move on, as shit as it would be in the moment, it’s probably for the best given his age and cost.

They were selling them from a position of strength. Same for Real selling Casemiro & Varane, they knew they were on the slide and had replacements lined up (or maybe already at the club) and a willing mug able to pay way over the odds. This isn't the case with Martinez.

Sure we replaced Luiz with Tielemans but this is a lot different. Replacing any of Martinez, Kamara, Watkins will be very difficult.

Thats the point I was trying to make. 

[Beard82]

All of the above is correct. I think most could stomach Emi leaving for a new challenge to a top club so he can win things we can’t quite offer him immediately. And certainly with respect to needing to address our financial challenges domestically and with UEFA. But it’s going to those ****** that makes it hard. If indeed it’s true. Go to Spain, France, Germany, Italy etc. Just not to them.

Your right - its like your wife leaving you to hook up with your brother But your borther has STIS, is bankrupt and was regularly hit in the face with a spade.

Feels like its just to spite you.

[cdbearsfan]

To be fair to Eric Cantona, at least he wasn't shagging Edwina Currie.

As far as we know.

[Rory]

To be fair to Eric Cantona, at least he wasn't shagging Edwina Currie.

As far as we know.

That's a child I would not want to see.

[ChicagoLion]

OK - I get the argument of selling top players at the end of there peak and replacing them. 

Just - I cant think of a time when we have sold a top player and it didnt make us worse - until that happens - it going to be difficult to believe.

Andy Gray to Wolves?

[Steve67]

OK - I get the argument of selling top players at the end of there peak and replacing them. 

Just - I cant think of a time when we have sold a top player and it didnt make us worse - until that happens - it going to be difficult to believe.

Andy Gray to Wolves?

David Platt to Bari.  Big Ron used the money really well.  I'd hope Unia and Monchi can do achieve the same.