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The Bearded One To Leave?

According to Tuttosport, a regular read in the Fear household (!!), Olof Mellberg who is currently playing as stand in right-back, will be leaving Villa Park in the summer on a Bosman.

The Sweden international central defender can start talks with other clubs in January and sign a pre-contract as his contract with Villa runs out in the summer.

Not quite sure why we've got ourselves in the position where yet another player can leave for free.

The latest report claims that Juventus are interested in signing the Bearded Wonder.

The link makes sense, with Olof being played out of position where he doesn't seem to enjoy being, why would he want to stay around, especially as Martin O'Neill now also has Curtis Davies, Zat Knight and on-loan (at Sheffield United) Gary Cahill to partner Martin Laursen.

Surely the central partnership between Olof Mellberg and Martin Laursen is still the best partnership we've had at Villa Park since Ugo Can't-Spell-His-Surname and Gareth Southgate?

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Writer: J P Fear

Date:Tuesday October 30 2007

Time: 12:18PM

Your Comments

Noooooooooooooo!!!

olafthegreat

Ehiogu was't it?

Adam Deuce

I never understand why we allow ourselves to get into these type of situations with some of our better players. Maybe talks have been held and MON knew Ollof was on his way - hence the reason for the splurge on Curtis??

YatesyVillain

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The Fear

yes, think that looks like right Adam, I never could spell it just go blank!

The Fear

The thing is, if players want to go then that's entirely up to them. Maybe Olof wants a new challenge. Maybe it's family reasons. There's very little the club can do if he decides to move on. I remember him saying in the summer about moving to America, maybe that's in his thoughts.

weller77

Riise in at LB in January and Bouma switching back to the Centre? What do you think of that? I'd be pretty happy with that myself. Then Boswinga to follow at RB. Wouldn't ask for much else.....erm except maybe if we got shot of Knight, recalled Cahill and kept Davies as back-up CB or RB. Don't ask for much eh?

YatesyVillain

He was talking about America in the future though weller, not now. He is only 30 and going to America is all but retiring! Is that an application for the job then Yatesy?!?! Bouma used to be central didn't he? Can't see that though, he's doing well on the left and we have a few centre backs.

The Fear

We'd have to cancel the Vital Beard of the season award I fear, the young pretender to the throne Ridgewell has also gone + Angel and his token gesture has left. All very worrying!!!!

The Fear

I thought there had been mention of contract talks during the summer, maybe they did not progress in the direction expected thus paving the wat for the bearded one to move on. He is being played out of position we all know that and I guess that maybe a factor as well. In all honesty we never really know who says what, who wants what etc so we just have guess.

fatloser

You never know about America, if they throw silly money his way he may be tempted. He'd have it easy as well. If Juve come calling though i suppose it's a no brainer really. We're well stocked in that region now, maybe he feels it's time to move on. I'd be sad to see him go,his hearts always been in it.

weller77

I think it is Olaf's call and as he hasn't got too long left in the game he is saying if we get into Europe I'll stay - if not, then I'm off to somewhere where I can play in Europe. He has been a good loyal player and deserve that chance.

pongo wearing

If I'm being honest I could see Olof leaving this summer, especially with the influx of new defenders. Even when he's [layed CB, his form has been inconsistent of late, though he hasn't been partnered with Laursen for a while now, and that would be a solid backline. However, if you were 30 and an offer came in from Juventus, would you turn it down, thinking of the money they will offer plus Champions League football? Shame it would be for nothing.

Tierney

he has been our best defender for years. He deserves a new contract and a place in the back two. Knight or davies have not shown they are worthy replacements. Keep him as ug-ug we need the caveman!

tylervilla

Don't want Melly to leave as I love the guy and I'm sure he loves Villa but I'm thinking it might be his time to leave and hes only going to slip down the pecking order here at Villa with transfers coming in all over the back four and Melly probaly realises that.

villabikes29

He's no doubt keeping his options open, and I certainly dont blame him. Probably wants a long overdue shot at competitive european club football. If we cant provide him with that, then he's fully entitled to move elsewhere. He's served us well, and owes us nothing.

glensider

It will be a very sad day though if he does up and off. He's certainly provided full value for money, and his dislike of the small heathens will ensure he receives legendary status.

glensider

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