Emi Martinez

[aj2k77]

He's definitely tainted his reputation and standing as a Villa player in my eyes. I can accept players wanting to better themselves but pushing for a move to a club who haven't qualified for Europe, aren't likely to, have a manager massively under pressure and finished miles off the pace is just wrong. He's been a part of the unsettling atmosphere that has spilled over in to a disastrous start to the season. A great goalie, but no longer a great Villain for me.

[LeeB]

He's definitely tainted his reputation and standing as a Villa player in my eyes. I can accept players wanting to better themselves but pushing for a move to a club who haven't qualified for Europe, aren't likely to, have a manager massively under pressure and finished miles off the pace is just wrong. He's been a part of the unsettling atmosphere that has spilled over in to a disastrous start to the season. A great goalie, but no longer a great Villain for me.

The only caveat is that we may well have instructed him to do so as we needed the dosh.

[AV82EC]

He's definitely tainted his reputation and standing as a Villa player in my eyes. I can accept players wanting to better themselves but pushing for a move to a club who haven't qualified for Europe, aren't likely to, have a manager massively under pressure and finished miles off the pace is just wrong. He's been a part of the unsettling atmosphere that has spilled over in to a disastrous start to the season. A great goalie, but no longer a great Villain for me.

The only caveat is that we may well have instructed him to do so as we needed the dosh.

I think this is the proper explanation. We can argue til the cows come home about who instigated it but in the end all parties seemed to have agreed he’d go if someone stumped up the money. They didn’t so he’s still here. There really is no more to it than that. Unsettling? Probably for him and the wider squad but nothing that won’t be forgotten about in a month or so.

[Ian.]

He's definitely tainted his reputation and standing as a Villa player in my eyes. I can accept players wanting to better themselves but pushing for a move to a club who haven't qualified for Europe, aren't likely to, have a manager massively under pressure and finished miles off the pace is just wrong. He's been a part of the unsettling atmosphere that has spilled over in to a disastrous start to the season. A great goalie, but no longer a great Villain for me.

The only caveat is that we may well have instructed him to do so as we needed the dosh.

I'm willing to believe this or I wonder if we haven't directly said this to certain players, but something has been leaked or players have believed that they may be used as financial leverage.
We heard rumours early on so would they, but they also have agents whispering in their ears.

[SamTheMouse]

He's done nothing wrong that I can see. He hasn't gone whining to the media and he put in a fine performance against Everton.

[Ian.]

Yep, me neither.

[ChicagoLion]

He's definitely tainted his reputation and standing as a Villa player in my eyes. I can accept players wanting to better themselves but pushing for a move to a club who haven't qualified for Europe, aren't likely to, have a manager massively under pressure and finished miles off the pace is just wrong. He's been a part of the unsettling atmosphere that has spilled over in to a disastrous start to the season. A great goalie, but no longer a great Villain for me.

The only caveat is that we may well have instructed him to do so as we needed the dosh.

I'm willing to believe this or I wonder if we haven't directly said this to certain players, but something has been leaked or players have believed that they may be used as financial leverage.
We heard rumours early on so would they, but they also have agents whispering in their ears.

In about 10 years, hopefully someone involved will write their memoirs which include this summer.
The evidence against Martinez is that he changed his Agent shortly after signing a new contract.
Not conclusive but perhaps indicative.

[eamonn]

And was batting his eyelids at that failed institution near Stockport.

[RamboandBruno]

Think everyone needs to get over it now. He’s still here, he’s the best we have by miles, better than most teams have. We lose at Everton last week without him, given his record in penalty shootouts, we probably beat Brentford with him. Massive player for us.

[Clampy]

Think everyone needs to get over it now. He’s still here, he’s the best we have by miles, better than most teams have. We lose at Everton last week without him, given his record in penalty shootouts, we probably beat Brentford with him. Massive player for us.

Couldn't agree more.

[ChicagoLion]

Think everyone needs to get over it now. He’s still here, he’s the best we have by miles, better than most teams have. We lose at Everton last week without him, given his record in penalty shootouts, we probably beat Brentford with him. Massive player for us.

Couldn't agree more.

Yep, we need him.

[john e]

I was over it the minute the window closed

Although Man Utd are shit at the moment I think it would surprise people on here just how many of our players would have their heads turned still by Man United interest
Especially the ones from South America where MU would be seen as Real Madrid like

And no one hates Man United on here more than me, and I mean no one

[Jon Crofts]

And no one hates Man United on here more than me, and I mean no one

You've got to really hate them to join the PFJ.

[Toronto Villa]

Calf issue kept him out of the game tonight. We are very fortunate to have a highly competent back up.

[tomd2103]

Don't know what is going on with him tbh.  He played well, but seemed very offish with the fans in the Holte before the game and not his usual self. 

Overheard someone talking before the game and saying that they wondered if he pulled out on Thursday as he doesn't want to be cup tied in Europe.  Heading towards conspiracy theory territory I accept, but did make me think.