Aston Villa News 24/7Writer: J P Fear 
Date:Thursday June 19 2008
Time: 12:15PM
UK time is: 21:37:06
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O'Neill Knows Who He Wants At Villa
Martin O'Neill has said he is prepared to wait for the right transfer targets this summer as he looks to add quality, not just quantity.
In an interview on the official site he explained it will take time but he knows who he wants and promises they'll do things as quickly as they can.
Explaining, 'But the people we want to try and improve this club are players you can almost automatically assume are key players at other football clubs. These are people it might be difficult to prise out of their current clubs.'
He also says he knows the squad has to be improved but 'it's a fact that improving the squad gets harder as you progress. We've just finished sixth in the Premier League and I think the supporters will agree that we have progressed over the last two years. To improve on what we now have means bringing in even more quality and the competition for quality players can be fierce.'
The Villa boss also said yesterday that despite looking to bring in more players he still wants to give the Villa youngsters their chance to shine.
'I'm always keen to bring new players through if they merit that. Now as we bring in more players that's an added hurdle for the young lads but that's no bad thing. I think the idea is to have genuine competition throughout the squad. It would be nice to be able to do a bit of rotating.'
He also says he is proud of the reserves and the academy and the efforts of everyone involved including the backroom staff.
'I was lucky enough to be involved in the FA Youth Cup run and I got a great buzz out of it. The players put their heart and soul into it and with a little bit of luck could have won the competition. They bounced back to win their league and the play-offs so I'm very pleased with them. The attitude has been great and that's a credit to all the people who look after them. As for the reserves, Kevin MacDonald sometimes didn't know until the last minute what his team might be, but he just got on with it. I saw nothing but a positive attitude and approach to those games and that's not just from the youngsters but also from the senior players.'
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Your Comments
So no signings until the last day then?
paintnothing
Makes sense to me, We all want quality players at our club.
If the players are homegrown then thats even better as they have a real affinity with the supporters.
Kevin MacDonald and Sid Cowans etc are doing a tremendous job behind the scenes.
scoops
So no signings until the last day then?
paintnothing
Makes sense to me, We all want quality players at our club.
If the players are homegrown then thats even better as they have a real affinity with the supporters.
Kevin MacDonald and Sid Cowans etc are doing a tremendous job behind the scenes.
scoops
No Martin its not just a matter of adding quality, I would like to dream all our signings would be top 4 type players
We desperatly need to fill the voids left from players leaving our small squad.
FatKev
No Martin its not just a matter of adding quality, I would like to dream all our signings would be top 4 type players
We desperatly need to fill the voids left from players leaving our small squad.
FatKev
It's great to have the youngsters involved and gaining experience by their involvement, but we really do need some established players as well. I know that what MON says is true, but please please please get at least a couple more players in before the Inter2bob starts. Thanks MON.
romanianvillain
It's great to have the youngsters involved and gaining experience by their involvement, but we really do need some established players as well. I know that what MON says is true, but please please please get at least a couple more players in before the Inter2bob starts. Thanks MON.
romanianvillain
I have faith...in eircol to keep us upto date ;)
industrial_musical
I have faith...in eircol to keep us upto date ;)
industrial_musical
Not every player we sign is going to be in high demand. Surely squad cover can be brought in quickly and cheaply.
UTV
Not every player we sign is going to be in high demand. Surely squad cover can be brought in quickly and cheaply.
UTV
Of course 'squad cover' could be brought in quickly and cheaply, but can you imagine the howls of pain from some fans if MON brought in a single 'squad cover' player before buying a 'quality player'? He's damned if he does and damned if he doesn't ...
BobTheBuilder
Of course 'squad cover' could be brought in quickly and cheaply, but can you imagine the howls of pain from some fans if MON brought in a single 'squad cover' player before buying a 'quality player'? He's damned if he does and damned if he doesn't ...
BobTheBuilder
why would any villan question mon's judgement do some of u not realise we have one of the worlds best managers ?
Runtingz
why would any villan question mon's judgement do some of u not realise we have one of the worlds best managers ?
Runtingz
Look...everyone is bored, nothing else to do in the off season other than speculate on new signings and grizzle about the managers supposed lack of effort in getting the players in. When he is ready to let us know he is signing someone he will do it..he keeps quiet so as to try and avoid the media circus and hopefully get value for money..look at what is happening to FatBoy Benitez, he told the World who he wants to sign and accordingly the clubs put the price of the player up!!!! p.s and by the way, £20m may well be far too much for Barry, but he's our player and under contract so we can ask what we like for him!!!
Kuffit
Look...everyone is bored, nothing else to do in the off season other than speculate on new signings and grizzle about the managers supposed lack of effort in getting the players in. When he is ready to let us know he is signing someone he will do it..he keeps quiet so as to try and avoid the media circus and hopefully get value for money..look at what is happening to FatBoy Benitez, he told the World who he wants to sign and accordingly the clubs put the price of the player up!!!! p.s and by the way, £20m may well be far too much for Barry, but he's our player and under contract so we can ask what we like for him!!!
Kuffit
Anton Ferdinand? At first, I thought 'xxxx', but second thoughts, maybe? I do like links to Bentley, Miguel, Bent and Sidwell though. Oh, and Van der Vart please.
krfeskivilla
Anton Ferdinand? At first, I thought 'xxxx', but second thoughts, maybe? I do like links to Bentley, Miguel, Bent and Sidwell though. Oh, and Van der Vart please.
krfeskivilla
'But the people we want to try and improve this club are players you can almost automatically assume are key players at other football clubs. These are people it might be difficult to prise out of their current clubs.' Money talks, come on Martin start Jabbering like a millionair.
col8
'But the people we want to try and improve this club are players you can almost automatically assume are key players at other football clubs. These are people it might be difficult to prise out of their current clubs.' Money talks, come on Martin start Jabbering like a millionair.
col8
OMG,he hasn`t got a clue has he ?? We`re doomed i tells ye,DOOMED......looks like it`s reserve and youth players next season then.FFS
ASPINALL
OMG,he hasn`t got a clue has he ?? We`re doomed i tells ye,DOOMED......looks like it`s reserve and youth players next season then.FFS
ASPINALL
he does have a clue? duh.
industrial_musical
he does have a clue? duh.
industrial_musical
In MON we trust. He knows where we are lacking, the type of quality and numbers we need. Martin will come through.
glensider
In MON we trust. He knows where we are lacking, the type of quality and numbers we need. Martin will come through.
glensider
col8 is right. We have the financial clout (we hope), so this summer might be the right time to use it.
glensider
col8 is right. We have the financial clout (we hope), so this summer might be the right time to use it.
glensider
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