Mateu Alemany (with added Alberto Benito and Pablo Rodriguez)

[Nelly]

I don't think we were better placed in the 90s - we just had the semblance of looking decent. We were closer to the top yes, but the other clubs were accelerating away from us, while we did nothing. From the sound of it Villa are finally, finally modernising and looking like we're serious again.

[CT Villan]

It really does feel as though a few, very large pieces of the jigsaw puzzle are being put in place to lift us into the upper echelons of the EPL. Of course we need to see the reality of the actual signings over the summer, but something is very different and I love it.

[eamonn]

I don't think we were better placed in the 90s - we just had the semblance of looking decent. We were closer to the top yes, but the other clubs were accelerating away from us, while we did nothing. From the sound of it Villa are finally, finally modernising and looking like we're serious again.

Nah, the gap was much smaller compared to now. Ellis wrecked it.

[Bad English]

Nah...Ellis wrecked it.

46 pages.

[ASHTONVILLA]

Not seen it mentioned elsewhere, but seeing us also linked with Chris Heck from New York Red Bulls as a new commercial manager. Never heard of him before, (or Alemany before he was linked either) but seems well respected.

[Brazilian Villain]

Not seen it mentioned elsewhere, but seeing us also linked with Chris Heck from New York Red Bulls as a new commercial manager. Never heard of him before, (or Alemany before he was linked either) but seems well respected.

There's been some discussion about it in the Purslow thread (along with useful tips on which underwhelming tourist attractions to avoid).

[Toronto Villa]

Barcelona chief Eduard Romeu admits it's "very bad news" that Mateu Alemany is leaving the club, and claims he couldn't refuse Aston Villa’s exciting project.

"They give you a blank cheque book regarding transfers and it's very hard to say no. Mateu is a phenomenon, he has done a great job."

[SamTheMouse]

"They give you a blank cheque book regarding transfers and it's very hard to say no. Mateu is a phenomenon, he has done a great job."

*rubs hands together*

[eamonn]

Jesus... We're in the big time!

[Brazilian Villain]

Barcelona chief Eduard Romeu admits it's "very bad news" that Mateu Alemany is leaving the club, and claims he couldn't refuse Aston Villa’s exciting project.

"They give you a blank cheque book regarding transfers and it's very hard to say no. Mateu is a phenomenon, he has done a great job."

That's the problem with modern football, it's all about money and the big teams buying their way to success.

[Dave P]

I’m convincing myself that Alemany got the job on the back of having 2 or 3 top drawer players he could attract. I doubt we appoint him then say “right, who can you get?” 

Buckle up everybody!

[nigel]

Just read this. Apologies if posted on here earlier

So Spanish press are suggesting that Alemany is already working for us unofficially...and his role at Barce atm and until he officially leaves is not as a football director...

'AS has learned, Mateu Alemany will no longer have the last word in making those decisions, nor will he be the person who chooses which players will reinforce Barcelona next season. These functions will fall on the tandem formed by Deco and Jordi Cruyff. The role of Mateu Alemany until his final departure is closer to that of an adviser than that of a football director. This allows him to begin shaping his landing at Aston Villa, his destination from July 1. In fact, although his signing by the English club is not yet official, Mateu Alemany has begun to mark the roadmap for the Birmingham team in the next summer market. Three of the proper names that he has on his agenda are those of Álex Baena, Marco Asensio and Ferran Torres.'

[OCD]

Does anyone know much about Baena?

I think Alemany's role at Barcelona until the end of his contract will be for his relationships with the Spanish league authorities and helping them to stay on the right side of their FFP rules. It doesn't surprise me that he's already working on our 'project'. Other than his relationships/contacts with the authorities, he's effectively on gardening leave for them.

[algy]

Does anyone know much about Baena?

I think Alemany's role at Barcelona until the end of his contract will be for his relationships with the Spanish league authorities and helping them to stay on the right side of their FFP rules. It doesn't surprise me that he's already working on our 'project'. Other than his relationships/contacts with the authorities, he's effectively on gardening leave for them.

Just based on a look on his Wikipedia entry, 21yo Spanish left winger currently at Villarreal. Looks like he's progressing quickly there, has gone from Villarreal B (Spanish 3rd tier) 2 years ago, to being a regular in the Girona side (Spanish div 2) last season, through to becoming a regular in the Villarreal first team this season.

[pauliewalnuts]

Was Alemany at the game today?

Rumours this week he was over here.