Check out the forum! There are 20 members viewing right now and 66 visitors today.... Click here to join in!

The Villa Transfer Thread - Part 4

Thread four on summer transfers, so over 1000 comments so far and no signings!

Not to mention nearly 65 pages in the forum! Click Here

I am however positive in the next few weeks that signings will start to be made. Reason 1) July see's the return of many players from their holidays + to pre-season training. 2) Contracts and bonuses are usually paid by July 1st. 3) I'm off on holiday. I spend all my waking hours on this site talking about rumours, when all the real fun happens I'm never around! :o)

The Villa Summer Transfer Thread - Part 1
The Villa Summer Transfer Thread - Part 2
The Villa Summer Transfer Thread - Part 3

I'm sure the fun is just about to start, it has to so it will! Once again, over to you Mr O'Neill !

IN -

Curtis Davies (from West Brom - £ ? - Official from July 1?)

OUT -

Luke Moore (West Brom - £3.5million)
Olof Mellberg (Juventus - free)
Patrick Berger (Sparta Prague - free)
Thomas Sorensen (released)

Vital F1 Prediction League - Join now for Spain

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.

Writer: J P Fear

Date:Saturday June 28 2008

Time: 9:17AM

Your Comments

Next few weeks, guarantee some players coming in. If there are no signings by the time I return from hols on July 8 I'll eat my .... actually, not right to be too confident, so I'll go with eating my tea!

The Fear

Lol I thought that when you started thread 3, I suggest a poll how many players will we sign by the end of thread 4 !! I will boldly go for 3 Robbo,Sidwell,Milner and a fancy fullback

scoops

ps Davies dont count !!

scoops

Vital Villa Transfer Threads 4 - 0 Mr O'Neills Transfers in ________________________________________________________ ______ It would appear that we've taken an unassailable lead in the race, and Mr O'Neill is disappearing into the distance. With only a Davies on the cards, things are looking ominous for Mr O'Neill in the race to defeat the Vital Villa transfer speculators!

evoflash

Yay, I make it near the top... I have to say as much as I have enjoyed MON making Alan Hansen look like ***** on the telly, I really wish we had signed as many players as Spurs... In fact I wouldn't mind having those actual players. At least Man City look like they are going to spend the summer chasing ghosts and not realistic signings. Not sure about the Ferdinand link? Be interesting to know what hammers fans think.

simonbigron

lol, Fear maybe you should take a holiday before July 1st, you miss out on all the exitement lol. There will definately be players coming in very very soon. As i mentioned on the previous thread, Villa are due back from preseason on the 1st/2nd July and the first preseason friendly is on the 12th. So by the end of the first week we can expect 3-4 signings. A GK, RB, CB and CM. That will give them a week to prepare before the first game with FC Zurich. The wait is nearly over :)

JOHN.CAREWS.CREW

It's turning in to last summers transfer window all over again.

chris the villan

Oh my god, the pessimissm! Maybe we all need shooting.

Villan-in-Cyprus

We all need cheering up, come on we need players in and ready for the Intertoto!!!!!!

erv2005

It's so nerve-racking waiting! but we must trust in MON, I'm sure he's got it all in hand, I'd rather wait for quality than fill the squad quickly with average players.

johnmurphy3112

pps thats 4 !!

scoops

Yep thats right JM and another goalie aside our squad should have plenty enough as it is to get through the intertoto !! July hopefully will see some quality players arriving at b6

scoops

i hate transfer windows

UTV

at least eircol seems to have done a runner and taken his bull s*** with him. 2 signings by the end of 2 weeks ago indeed. Crazy crack head. does he know nothing about aston villa transfer windows?

UTV

Come come, UTV - everything Eircol says is gospel. I've chatted to a couple of mates about Eircol as it happens, and we all think that it's MO'N , and the reason he's stopped posting is because it's all gone t*ts up for him and there's no-one for sale at all, anywhere. Except Lil Lee Hendrie, who's off to the Noses. Hahahahahahahaha

mightyrodders

I've just read an article on the NOTW online page about Barry wanting to leave for liverpool. http://blogs.notw.co.uk/sport/2008/06/gareth-barry-bl.html I dunno when this is for print as i can see i date...but there's quotes all over it, and it's all very disappointing stuff...it doesn't sound like the GB we knew and loved. As far as i can say, after all this he can rot on the Scouse bench for all i care. To come out to the press is a bit of a disgrace. He's whining about MON not doing enough with a new contract for instance, but Barry specifically said it wasn't about money. To have a go at MON is out of order i think, regardless of what has happened, and i can see him being shipped out very soon now. Good riddance...you were clearly a false idol Baz. MON, just make sure we finish above the new scum!

AstonMartinOneill

Like many other I think it will get worse before getting any better. MON has shown in recent seasons that the transfer market is a place he dont like to be. The fact that no one else is buying players hand over fist, Newcastle, Man Ceth and Spurz are not spunking money down the drain of a bunch of no hopers makes me feel a little better. Next week has to see players coming into the club, quality and quantity are both required in abundance. This is the most Important transfer window of them all, if MON fails to do some good business then the term "Thin Squad" will take on a whole new meaning.

col8

I don't know what to believe. I read the article too - that can't possibly be true. I just can't imagine it. Feck you Gareth Barry. Go share a room with your buddy stevie g and go suck him off all night.

los_angeles_villan

Also- I just realized I spelled Villain wrong in my name. And I went to Harvard! No joke! I'm retarded.

los_angeles_villan

I'm angry and worried all at once. Those comments prove that he really is a redscouse at heart, and belongs with his own kind. But the comment about not discussing transfers and targets with him. Either the mess that MON appears to be making is a truer indicator of what is really going on (until now I was 100% keeping the faith, now doubt beginning to creep) or Randy and MON were certain enough of him going not to share sensitive info with him, which means they lied to us about fighting for him to stay. The latter I'd prefer, as I don't believe as fans we have the divine right to know everything, but I'm finding it difficult to find an optimistic slant on this. But, bye bye GB, don't let the door hit you in the arse on the way out, you were nothing more than slightly above average until the O'Neil era, and I remain confident you won't be missed, whatever happens this summer. Rant over :-)

azreal13

Gareth Barry you are a disgrace and have conducted yourself in the most awful way ever, absolute disgrace if the quotes are true. Just to think i was not gonna boo you at VP, well Mr. your throwing your toys out of your pram to get a move....why not just put in a transfer request? Are you waiting for your loyalty bonus? Not about the money my A&^%

KSarge1

MON should hold out for the money he wants for Barry even if it means putting him in the reserves in the meantime. The terms 'overpaid' and 'spoilt' spring to mind when it comes to Barry's press rant!

Nigel-not-Reo

IF THIS IS TRUE - Really disappointed in Barry now - he is captain of our football club - to think O'Neill had to give him a pay rise and take the armband off Mellberg for him 2 years ago!!! The club supported him and took him from Brighton with Michael Standing (who was seen as the better player at the time) and turned him into a England centre-midfielder preffered by many to Hargreaves, Lampard and Carrick then this is how he gets on when the club seem happy to sell but want a decent price for him. I will say again - Man Utd paid what was asked for Hargreaves and Carrick - Liverpool need to do the same for Barry who is at a comparitive price of £18m. If they are such a big club and really want him go for it. Gareth needs to realise WE think he is worth £18m, first-team football, the captain and the highest paid player at the club. Liverpool think its worth short changing us, going through the press and letting Gerrard suck you off in efforts of getting you. I really really hope Liverpool crash and burn and I hope Hargreaves, Carrick, Sidwell and Reo-Coker are fighting for the England centre-midfield spot next year ahead of splinter-arse Barry. You blew it Gareth! RANT OVER!

deano.avfc

I know that rant sounds really bitter but I ask all Villa fans and Liverpool fans to answer this honestly. If you shown these 4 midfielders but could only have 3 who would you take - GERRARD MASCHERANO ALONSO BARRY. Im afraid Barry would be left beind. Barry is NOT going to be a success at Liverpool - I think he has realluy blown it.

deano.avfc

“I am obviously flattered that someone as successful as Rafa Benitez thinks so highly of me. And that he’s not been afraid to put his valuation of me in black and white for Villa and all the world to see. But have Villa offered me anything to try to persuade me my future is at Villa Park not Anfield? Not a thing.” ------ Barry is forgetting that O'Neill put his valuation in black-and-white for all the world to see - and who has the signed contract showing that it is his right to do so. Lets go out, say we want Gerrard and Torres for £1m each. Is that honourable!!! PRICK!

deano.avfc

Oh man do I wish we had some players coming in to make me feel better!!! So jealous of Spurs (cant believe I said that) but if we had Modric and Dos Santos I would be so excited for the season to start and all the guff about Barry would not matter so much. Now the closest transfers are Robinson and Sidwell - now did any Villa fan have them as top targets?? Please someone say something positive other than - trust O'Neill or just wait for the transfers to start in July. Spurs still managed it and I doubt if there will be a bigger move outside the top 2 than Modric to Spurs!

deano.avfc

There's a bigger plan here. The moment GB didn't come out all guns firing the wise Mr O'Neill knew that he wasn't a Villa player anymore. Quite rightly Mr O'Neill hasn't given GB the time of day, because he frankly doesn't deserve it. Instead, Mr O'Neill has clearly embarked upon a tour of player shopping. Problem is that players aren't bought within a week of going to get them. It's taking serious time to sort out the financials. ________________ ___________________ __________________ ________ As far as GB is concerned, before you start complaining and worrying, ask yourself this one question. Who comes out this best, GB? Benitez? or Mr O'Neill? I rather suspect the gentleman who has washed his hands of the situation will gain the most respect. Not the whining spoilt brat.

evoflash

Firstly, LAVillan: Did you work for IPS and deliver to Harvard with Doug Heffernan? Secondly...believing that financials take time is simply not enough of a reason that Villa haven't signed anyone....Spurs have sorted their financials out....I believe we will get players but certainly not in time for the Intertoto. They will be late as all Celtic fans will tell us - MoN does not do early buys. If he does buy tho, I definitely think we need Bent, Sidwell, Shorey, Bentley/Milner, Guzan and Dunne...oh and a rightback! Emergency fallback buys would be Mort Gamst Pedersen, Matty Taylor, Robinson, Santa Cruz, Ferdinand.

koolbill

Why would MON tell Barry who is coming in this summer, for 1 they don't know for sure until they have signed and 2 why would he want to tell someone who has openly said that he wants out and has obviously been talking to Gerrard and probably Benitez behind everyones back. What is the point in offering new contracts and begging someone to stay by phoning them constantly when they have stated that they want Champs League footall which won't be at VP for at least 2 years. Even if he stayed for 1 year this would come around next year and we'd need to rebuild again. MON and Randy are washing their hands and planning for life without him. When Liverpool pay up (which they will eventually) then everyone will be happy. GOOD RIDDANCE

Villan444

i really am so disappointed in barry. all this time i thought he was a decent bloke - even to the extent that when i saw the headlines this morning i thought the papers may have twisted his words. get rid of him now. no testimonial. no respect

ric112

Anton Ferdinand for £8mill today on sky???? Has the whole world gone mad? He would only be third choice when everyone was fit anyway.

Villan444

i understand your worry over gareth ours is similiar with frank we really hope frank stays and i hope gareth stays with you too i think he would be wasted at liverpool.

super frank

Barry only said 2 weeks ago that there was nothing to comment on until a bid has been accepted. Nothing has changed bidwise but Barry seems to have changed his stance by mouthing off to everyone. This was obviously just to keep the fans happy. I don't think the few fans that were still supportive will be so forgiving now.

Villan444

Yea I think Stevie G has been leaning on Gareth for him to put pressure on our Club. Well I say ***** him, leave him in the reserves where he wont get the football to get his england place. After all he was an average player before MON really helped him and he deserves to rot. An the fact he says MON has no spoken to him at all, MON the champion motivator, the man that speaks so highly of all players not just his own, give me a break, what the offer of 80k per week not good enough gareth, or are you just like the others and after your bid pay day in football!!! You useless back passing ****!!!! ***** this makes me angry!!!!!

erv2005

P.S Money grabbing W4nker!!!!!

erv2005

Morning boys, anyone else wake up to ***** too!!! Ha ha ha

erv2005

£8MILLION FOR ANTON *****IN FERDINAND!!!!!!! The worlds gone mad I tells ya!!!! Decent enough back up player but surely for that figure we could be signing a better standard of defender. I sometimes wonder what Ian Story Moore is up to. Is he allowed outside of the British Isles??????

PBAVFC

Anton story - NO QUOTES. Don't be mis-led.

koolbill

Looks like i'm the only one that thinks Gareth hasn't done too much wrong here if what he's said is true. Doing everything to keep him we're told, and then the player himself tells us a completely different story.....if it was me and there had been zero contact I know what i'd be thinking....

YatesyVillain

I was always a big fan of barry but now i want rid. PS LA Villan your spelling of Villan is the way we spell our nick name.

chris the villan

thing with this Barry saga might be MONs' usual thought that of not having anyone that does not want to play for Villa. maybe Barry has been uncommitted for some time? so MONs' not giving him any time? i think see you later Barry. i also think we all will be happily surprised with who we are about to sign.

leftfoot

What exactely does Barry think we or O'Neill owe him? It seems to me like he wanted the club to beg him to stay, for O'Neill to spend the last 7 weeks devising a new contract with mega buck to lure him home to Villa Park, to get on his knees and...well, anyway. I think the way O'Neill has managed Barry over the last two seasons has been outstanding. The captains armband, guarenteed starter, a pivotal central midfield role, constant praise, pushing for an England call, I could go on. If anything, its Barry who is the one who owes something to us/O'Neill. He should hang his head in shame and remember all that this club has given him.

PBAVFC

The clues for why Barry spoke now are in a small article on the same page. This reports that there are serious financial problems at Liverpool as they haven't got the funding in place yet for the new stadium. They have to show its going ahead and is financed by September or they loose millions in grants they were recieving for regenerating the area. What this means is that Liverpool can't offer much more than the 13 million they have already offered and that has been turned down. Barry knows he has blown it his move to Liverpool is falling apart and he has upset the fans. His solution appears to be to make MON so angry he will sell him cheaper to just get rid of him. Its an appalling way to conduct yourself particulary as before MON arrived Barry was nothing like the player he is today.

daveldvilla

I agree with him^ I just hope MON doesn't buckle and sell cheaply. I believe there is still £20M in this for the Villa. Personally, after the most recent developments I wouldn't sell Barry at any price. I would keep him at the club as punishment and put him in the reserves. First game of the season people will be queuing up to shout abuse at him. I will be first in line.

Villan-in-Cyprus

Message to Gareth Barry: If you want to leave so badly, put in a transfer request and stop airing your dirty laundry in the press. Simple as that.

DoLpHiNaToR

DoLpHiNaToR, he won't put in a transfer request because the greedy b*stard will miss out on a 7 figure 'loyalty' bonus.

Villan-in-Cyprus

I just think Barry wants his payday, thats why you dont get so much loyalty these days, as the players want thier cut of the transfer fee, nice lump sum payment!!!! Ethiogu did the same when he went to middlesbro!!!! H aha a, I still laugh at that one too. I cant wait for the new season!!!! 30/08/2008 Aston Villa v Liverpool Shall we give him the warm welcome he deserves as he will be playing in the Reserves fixture up at Gigg Lane!!! in Bury ha ha h a

erv2005

MoN is not naive enough to be taken in by this blatant attempt to force a move. Our player so he leaves on our terms as simple as that really. I am more worried with being linked with Konchesky !!! in the same Chit paper !!!!!!! FFS what is going on!!! Can we just sign a couple of decent players soon please to lift the gloom !!!

scoops

Also clutching at straws here!!! Maybe once we get rid of Barry, we will beat Manure and Liverpool, maybe he was the curse hanging over the club?????? Cause since he was there we aint won nowt!!!!!

erv2005

Good point Erv. Never thought of that.

Villan-in-Cyprus

Yea, just got me thinking earlier!!!I actually dont feel upset by whats happening, angry and think it could have been handled better by certain parties but feck him, leave him rot, or get 15-20 million, we will survive!!!!

erv2005

I just want Martin O' Neill to know that my loyalty lies with him and that no matter how much dirt certain parties try to throw at him about this, I will stick by him no matter what. We love you Mr. O' Neill. Now take us forward.

Villan-in-Cyprus

Barry says they've done nothing to convince him to stay. They don't have to, was a little concerned by this, but now realise that what MON and Randy are doing is playing hardball with the scousers, they don't have to do anything to make you stay Gareth, you signed a con-tract, can you say that? Con-tract, means you agreed to play for Villa for a fixed term, and noone else, unless the CLUB choose otherwise, not you. Pillock.

azreal13

Yea I agree Vilan and MON will prove them all wrong, I think Barry has just been brainwashed and not much there really to was. NRC will be a much better Captain and we will replace Barry with a more attack minded Midfielder and WE WILL TAKE 4th FROM THE RED SCUM!!!! That is our target for the next 3 years!!!!!!

erv2005

Maybe even with Barry out of the picture and sitting on the bench, we might, just maybe see the real Petrov and what he is capable of. This is his opportunity to prove everyone wrong. It may also bring out the best in NRC. But if Stan came good, it would be like a new signing.

Villan-in-Cyprus

Yea, but I still feel we need that little bit extra that Merson spark, hard to find I know, but could you imagine, with that and Young and SWP on the right, teams would cack it!!!!!

erv2005

Sidwell to add more steel to an already lionhearted NRC based centre midfield, with wingers adding the creativity and pace to strike fear into the hearts of opposition defences as Ashley Young becomes Martins newest addition to the england team (Martin is really a spy from the FA. He didnt get the England job before but has now been put in to build a new England team in Villa colours!!), Routledge turns on the style and possibly Milner, SWP or Bentley adding another dimension to Villas play. Carew and Agbonlahor to show the world that the age old british 'little and large' combination still works beautifully. Robinson back to the top of the England food chain when he arrives from Tottenham and with the addition of two defenders (Ferdinand +1?) will see an almost entirely English team restore pride both to our flagging division, and our national team!

samd577

o neill shouldnt be doing pundit work for bbc. he should be in engalnd trying to sign players. because it is 3 weeks away from intertoto and we havent got a right back or goalkeeper which we need.

mshaw18

i dont think bentley will come to villa. i think will go to tottenahm. And i think will get milner or lennon who are gd players.

mshaw18

Blackburn are trying to dictate Bentley joins a "Top Four" or foreign club.... shame none have actually bid for him. I expect him to haead down Laaaaahndan way any how so that would most likely be Spurs. Robinson now favourite to go to Middlesboro according to one of the Sunday rags and we get linked with Frazier Campbell, Paul Konchesky, Goian (Sp?) and Anton Ferdinand.... deep joy!

fatloser

Why won't the official site put something like this on the page! I want quotes from MON. pronto.

los_angeles_villan

Mattock, Robinson, Sidwell, Campbell, Milner, Miguel. Yes I know you have heard all the names before but I recon these will be the first names thru the door.

tarzansbrother

we shouldnt be signging players like campbell because he is not good enough for us. aparrentley o neil is only willing to spend 3.5 million on robinson and spurs want 5 million. he just pay bid 5 million to get him, otherwise we wont get him.

mshaw18

As much as i want Bentley, i can't see it. He plays to further his own career. Note, as soon as Blackburn missed out on Uefa, he wants out, instead of taking the responsibility himself and playing to get them back in. This is not MON's sort of player, rightly or wrongly, which is why we have Marlon Harewood instead of Jermain Defoe, again, rightly or wrongly. I personally feel underwhelmed by MON's signings, but i'll be damned if they don't give 100% and get far more out of their ability than they should. We should view MON's signings like this instead of the dizzy hights of "world class signings". That's why Barry died in MON's eyes, he knew his heart was no longer there, and has let him dangle until HE came back to MON begging to play for OUR club. Right or wrong? 100% right!

AstonMartinOneill

UTV dont worry i am still around, no one scared me away, all i will say is i am sitting here nice and happy looking forward to oneill bringing in quality players while eveyone on here is having a breakdown, a few things up his sleeve, just wont waste my time getting slated, if oneill himself was dropping suggestions on here i am sure anyone could make him out as a scam if not every suggestion come to pass, not everything goes to plan....

Eircol

As an insider Eircol I would think that you would know a thing or 2 about the process and thus wouldn't have made such specific statements if there was a chance(as there akways is in football) of them not happening. The longer we goi without confirming a signings the less credibility you have. Sorry mate but I think your full of s**t

UTV

There's always someone trying to make out that they have insider information, and then changing their story when their guesses don't come off. When the managers arm is around the player at the press conference, thats when I believe it. The rest is crap.

The Usual Suspect

i have never stated i am an insider, just privy to a few bits of info..

Eircol

Eircol, fair play for livening up this page and taking a few of our minds away from the frustration that is this transfer window though. I still think your full of poo

UTV

educated guesses which haven't come off, just as The Usual Suspect stated above

UTV

Everyone has an opinion, at the end of the day, who cares who is right or wrong as long as the club does the business, we will all be happy..

Eircol

and i never said you were an insider - i said you make out you have insider information.

The Usual Suspect

So basically you're conceding that you're making it all up and its just an opinion?

The Usual Suspect

No, just stating that whether you think i am full of **** or not, at the end of the day if the club continues to be succesful, thats all that matters.

Eircol

Its nothing personal Eircol, but last January we had tarzans brother telling us Defoe and SWP were certs, window before it was somebody else claiming we were on verge of signing some other players. Its all crap.

The Usual Suspect

Fair enough..

Eircol

Well I have insider information that Villa are going to bid for Torres and David Villa. Also we are on the verge of signing Henry, Ronaldinho, Kaka, Petr Czech and apparently there's also something in the pipeline to bring Ballack to Villa Park.

Villan-in-Cyprus

The sad thing is that some people will believe that.

The Usual Suspect

^Because they want to, and quite frankly, that is a happy fluffly place I would love to go to!

azreal13

just want to say i hope none of the german players are coming to villa park, maybe the exceptions being 'der hammer' and torsten frings. the rest with about 20mins to go in the final were losing it big time! ya ya, pressure, etc... but they were going on like spoilt schoolboys. a bit like GB actually. viva espana!

leftfoot

Barry u plonker

astonsteve

How bout these 15 mil Barry out. In Robinson, Gurzan, Hoyte, Chimbonda, Ferdinand, Mattock, Bently, Sidwell, Huddlestone and Bent Should cost 45/50 mil realistic what do u all think?

astonsteve

Mmmm, most of those I agree with, not sure about chimbonda(mercenary) nor bent(over-rated), and I would add thomas the hammer to that list with barry and berger both gone now(or as good as) we need left sided cover, what about downing?. I hope MON takes crouch in some sort of deal for barry(obviously +£), I think he'd be great for us. think tranfers will start moving from tomorrow.

johnmurphy3112

i will be honest and say i do have a contact at villa park so i can say that Martin O Neil plays his cards very close to his chest so know one knows who he wants to buy except the very top tier and they are not likley to blab.

astonsteve

The other point my contact told me was that ONeil is one of the most competitive people he has ever met, when they have quiz at lunch in canteen at bodymour heath he contests every answer, he hates losing. So that shows why he is digging his heels in on Barry which I think is right to do. On the Barry subject i will miss him cos he has been MR ASTON VILLA FOR A LONG TIME, however i now have lost all respect for him due to his outburst in the press.

astonsteve

Very true but its not the club that leaks the info, its agents and players themselves, the club conduct themselves very professionaly, not like other clubs...

Eircol

Fair Point Eircol and these agents only do this to get more wages or higher prices for there players thus getting a bigger commision themselves. Do you have any more info yourself.

astonsteve

Glad to see you finally admit to being part of the unprofessional part of the game Eircol.

Hoss The Villain

Yea any more info Eircol you been too quiet matey!!!!!!!!

erv2005

Not part of any "unprofessional game" i am a big villa fan myself, all i want is big name signings like any villa fan, not going down that road again, i am convinced we will all be happy with the transfer window this time around..

Eircol

Mystic Eircol - what's your view on the Barry saga? when do you see that culminating? It's the 1st tomorrow and the window opens properly, what player in thier right mind is going to forgo substantial bonuses and a great holiday!

tarzan

I can't see many more names other than the ones suggested by my brother! SWP is certainly one that we've offered on before, but Big 'Arry seems confident on that one.

tarzan

Huddlestones signed a 5 year contract at spurs so he aint coming. I hope we bid for Boruc, im sure he'll go Champs league club but id be sick if he went to a rival of ours and we didnt try.

MOGVILLA

Family holiday Wednesday, bet you i miss out when the players come rolling in, one signing tomorrow anyway.

chris the villan

Sidwell and SWP double swoop!

tarzan

Everything is just so boring. Same old names lately.

los_angeles_villan

Gentlemen - I am requesting your help, if you would. This is completely off topic but perhaps you might be able to point me in the right direction. I would like to relocate abroad and I'm considering a move to London. I understand in order to get a job there as a non member of the EU, you must prove that you are more suitable for that position than someone from England. I'm 21 and have had 2 highly respected jobs for corporate entertainment companies here in LA, but surely can't be regarded as over qualified by any means in terms of specific skills. (Besides that I'm really good at music ; ) Do you guys have any suggestions of where I could work in order to obtain a visa etc? Cheers.

los_angeles_villan

It seems Liverpool are as diplomatic as ever in their persuit of Robbie Keane now,I dont think Benitez will be very popular next season.

Pking

Deco has signed for Chelsea so Sidwell should arrive soon ( i hope)

astonsteve

The window is open (officially) time to Buy Buy Buy, I cannot wait. Anyone fancy a trek to Bodmore Heath on Thurs to see the Judas in Training!!! Might be fireworks?

erv2005

Got a feeling that Barrys move to Liverpool is gonna fall through cos they aint got enough money. Should then we the VILLA FANS take him back, would we still support him if say he started the season with us.

astonsteve

Darren Bent in talks with Sunderland in a £12m deal. We let Craig Gordan do the same and were too late last summer. WE NEED A PLAYER LIKE BENT!! Go in to Spurs today and offer £13m for him and also offer £5m for Robinson and get these deals done this week. Actually while we are there how do they fancy giving us Lennon for £7m and Chimbonda for £4m. Thats £29m and is most of our shopping done!!!!

deano.avfc

Totally agree with u deano Bent is what we need we we have 2 big forwards a fast forward so we need a finisher and that is what Bent is. Also agree with Robinson pay the 5 mil may source said we have offered 3.5. So just pay the extra 1.5 and stop fannying around. Dont know bout Lennon, would prefer Milner, Bentley or swp instead.

astonsteve

I know Spurs paid £16.5m for Bent but I don't think we should be paying more than £10m for him. If Sunderland want to pay £12m then let them pay it. I think he is a good player but not at that price.

notthedougellisstand

we should bid for james milner this week. but why is the newscastle gazette paper saying that we goin to bid for milner once , barry has gone to liverpool. i thought martin o neil has allready a transfer war chest. and we should bid for robinson this week otherwise he will go to boro.

mshaw18

I for one would be very dissapointed if we missed out on Darren Bent because of or slow movement in the transfer market, just like when we missed out on Defoe. Come on MON your summer job has fiinished now and you have recieved your extra cash, lets get on with your REAL job of building our tiny squad for europe next season...!

Tez86

Mr O'Neil, or can I call You Martin? OK "Sir" it is then... Now is the time to put us out of our misery. Now is the time to show us the master plan. Now is the time to show us there 'was' a plan!. Now is the time to prove why we have been patiently waiting for the right time to strike for our first choice targets. Now is the time to take us to where we know we belong (no, not just above Everton!!!) Now is the time to fulfill our potential. Now is the time to equip us for our 'European Dream'. Now is the time! NOW! NOW! NOW! .... What do you think guys, Too much? ... Nah!

fredchuff

I really wanna believe that we are gonna make sum really good signings its just that im really impatient, i want sum new players now. Ok mini rant over its more than likley that we will sign 2-4 players in the next 2-3 weeks max and the rest will follow all the way up to september thats the reality. My prediction is Robinson, Sidwell and a right mid in next 2 weeks either bentley swp or milner and then a centre back before July and then another and then another 4-6 players right up until sept.

astonsteve

I see that Robbie Keane has done the 'right thing' and handed in a transfer request at Spurs (aparently after learning of Liverpool's interest). This will probably make it harder to prize Darren Bent out of there or at least we may have to wait for them to find a replacement (should we even be looking at him, who knows!!!).

splatt

Everybody is in such a rush. Why? There's a really bad image being painted here, and I don't think it's fair. So what we haven't signed anyone. Most other clubs haven't signed anyone either. Let's not start slating the club when there's no reason to, other than blind impatience............Honestly. Like kids with sweets.

evoflash

Admit it though Evo, you would still like to see some signings sooner rather than later.

steako

Evoflash, are you forgetting the fact we have very little players and that our season starts before everyone else with the intertoto comin up which hopefully we can field a strong team so we can get into the UEFA cup. Who cares what everyone else has done they can all field a team abd subs bench, i doubt we honestly can...

Tez86

the problem with being patient is that by the time urgency is injected in to the situation it is too late. we've been here before and a have a tiny squad to show for it

UTV

Now i would like Robbie Keane.

chris the villan

No chance chris the villan bent though we may have a chance if we get our arses into gear.

astonsteve

Spurs are not going to get rid of 3 out 4 strikers within half a year surely. With Berbatov constantly being linked away I think it will be harder and harder to prise Bent away from them, especially as we always drag our heels....

Tez86

hope you get some decent signings in this year. DO you think you will lose barry? Cantw ait to see you guys turn up here soon

Branston_Imp

I havn't seen anything about Keane putting in a transfer request? Where are Liverpool getting all the money from for david villa,silva,keane,barry? considering they are supposed to be skint?!

johnmurphy3112

No news - book mark

myleftfoot

Why do I get the feeling we are gonna keep missing out on players (if we are even making bids for them!) and that our links will choose other clubs over us. Bentley to Spurs, Robinson to Boro (who will pay the £5m), Bent to Sunderland, Milner to Liverpool (if they can afford him), Jaaskelinan choosing to stay with Bolton, Nelson, Miguel, Riise, Stearman etc. etc. Even the Sidwell deal is stalling - they want to keep Lampard and have got Deco - surely he should be at the club now!! I can see this being one long summer.....and my confidence is draining. I really think there should not be a hold up with Robinson, Sidwell and Chimbonda - players who should be busting to make the move who O'Neill SHOULD be busting a gut to get!!!

deano.avfc

Maybe a Frank Arnesan type player is needed at our club - the entire scouting system needs an overhaul. For goodness sake Ian Storey-Moore has apparently been scouting worldwide so is Salifou all he has got to show for it!!??

deano.avfc

No panic just yet, as no one signing players (Top 4 excluded). Mattock, Robinson, Sidwell, Campbell, Milner, Miguel & SWP are the likely tragets. It's been done to death.

tarzan

Got to agree with Deano, its not as if we've got a full squad which needs a bit of tweaking, we're down to bear bones and have a competative cup game in about 2 weeks time. We have 1 available goalie no captain no right back, and we don't even hear many credable rumours. I think the club needs to make some moves now to help quell the disappointed in the tranfers so far, I tell everyone we're an ambitious club moving forward....yet that sounds more like spurs!

johnmurphy3112

are they are our targets or have the media just decided that they are the most likely players we will sign. all we really know is that we bid £15M for Bentley and it was rejected. aside from that........NOTHING. whilst i appreciate the clubs policy of conducting business properly and in private, past transfer windows make me wonder if it is actually because we're not even going after anyone so there is nothing to keep quiet. i'm sure i'm fretting needlessly but i am amazed that we haven't made any moves yet.

UTV

deano.avfc, completely agree mate. there was an entire thread a few weeks back about the possibility of a Head Scout figure with world wide connections to drive us forward in the tranfer market. I trhink it's a good idea but the overall opinion was mixed. lets just hope MON can do a Wenger and build a winning team without bringing in any players who are big names before they arrive. Of course to do this we would actually have to sign some players

UTV

Yea can you really see us signing 5 players before the Untertoto game? I cannot, we will be serverly understrength for that gane and we will have to rely on kids to get us through the qualifying. Suppose we dont make it and we lose!!!!!! The whole season in ruins before it starts!!!!!!!

erv2005

*********, wtf is Untertoto!!!!

erv2005

I am off to bed by the morning we wou;d have signed 4 players!!!! Nite Nite!!!!

erv2005

I would imagine some of the bigger names may be wanting to wait and see if we can guarantee Europe before they put pen to paper, I would if I were looking at my options in the way they are, would imagine Bentley would be one of these.

azreal13

oh no, Steed Malbranque is reportedly a target for us, come on villa, don't tell me this is the best we can do.

villa for ever

Just read the Sun- Two comments. One was the Sun stating Liverpool gave a fourth final offer of 15m plus 2mil in add ons depending on where liverpool finish in the premier league for a proposed 5 year contract. HA! Only if it states top 10! Secondly, Stan Collymore opened his mouth once again stating "You have to imagine it doesn't get any better for a player than to play at the San Siro or Bernabeu"...Well Stan, if Barry wants to play at the San Siro next season it certainly won't be in the Champions League because AC Milan aren't in it!!!

los_angeles_villan

http://www.todayonline.com/articles/262772.asp . Glad we're linked with him. Don't know what to make of it. Seems to fit the part, maybe a little too reminiscent of Angel?? Ha. Says he wants to be in the premiership with us and Manure linked with him. Maybe he'll realize he'll play more at Villa and sign for us, assuming we are even in for him. What do you thinK?

los_angeles_villan

Calm down everyone signings will happen its the Martin O Neil way to leave things late and we will just have to accept that as his one and only floar as Villa manager. We will have 2 or 3 signings before the intertoto or what ever its called and the rest will happen before the deadline. Just remember we want to improve on what we have got and its harder to do that but its right to do that rather then spending money on average players cos we all know that we will have a go if they are no good. Lets make sure we get the right players to move us 4ward. O Neil knows what he is doing, im just as frustrated as everyone but we have to belive we have no choice but to and look at the improvement in just 2 years KEEP THE FAITH!!!!!!!!!!!

astonsteve

LA Villan, i'm not here to ***** on your parade but i'm sure Internazionale also play at the San Siro...kind of a shared ground thing.

AstonMartinOneill

I realized that after I posted. It's the spirit of the rant that counts, eh?

los_angeles_villan

so liverpoodle may have offered for Barry 15 + 2 adds, i say take it, OR, what about 15 + a player? just for numbers sake... but! if MON doesn't want a player as part of the deal, he must have others in mind/lined up, eh?

leftfoot

Great to see us linked with Rob Green. I think he is the most under-rated GK in the league. Excellent shot-stopper and good command of his area. Don't think we would get him for £6million though. Come on MON get him and have a top quality GK between the sticks.

notthedougellisstand

i'd take 15m plus finnan.....and thanks for coming.....

YatesyVillain

los_angeles_villan - you're quoting an article from today on line....you have connections with Singapore?

YatesyVillain

July is now upon us - the month when the new faces will all come flooding into Villa Park. Tell myself that often enough, and I might just start believing it.

glensider

Yes, I like the Rob Green link too. Certainly a far better keeper in my opinion than Carson, Robinson, or Guzan. The latter is just an American Carson.

glensider

I'm 40 and a little overwieght, but I've started training as I believe first game of the season MON will be asking fans to bring their boots with them!!

johnmurphy3112

Says on the BBC website that Liverpool have offered £15m flat. No extras.

AMS78

I know why we are asking £18m for Barry and I hope we get it but I have to say I don't think he is worth more than £15m and I would be accepting it. I think we should maybe try and get Finnan thrown into the deal if we can, but I think £15m is good business for player who has two years left on his contract and doesn't want to be here.

notthedougellisstand

Also, I still think he isn't our most important player and he can be replaced for less money.

notthedougellisstand

Milner should be given permission to talk to us now newcatle have confirmed his replacement...

Eircol

Is that an educated guess Eircol ??

notthedougellisstand

yeah?

Eircol

they are all educated guesses, did you not know?

Eircol

Lee Naylor! icbirmingham [Bill Howell] says we are signing the ex-Wolves full back from Celtic, and that Maloney could also leave and go back to Celtic [that rumour again!]. Blimey, that wasn't a name I was hoping to see, but any signing would be a start right now!

AVGD

Lee Naylor was rubbish at Wolves. Wouldn't imagine playing in Scotland has raised his game either!

AMS78

First signing Robinson this week followed by Sidwell and Milner maybe start of next week. One big name signing as well but could be just before start of season. All others up in the air still waiting response from agents clubs etc. Dont ask me how i know cos im guessing or am i.

astonsteve

Bill Howell is full of ***** and a Knob.

astonsteve

i second that

UTV

Thirded

AstonMartinOneill

I have finally found a journo who agrees with MON's valuation of GB: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/aston_villa/article4244853.ece It could be very embarassing tomorrow when preseason training starts if the red scouse have only offered £15m =O(

DoLpHiNaToR

Pablo Aimar. He's what we need.

evoflash

Barry has been fined and will not return to training tomorrow watch this space Villa are doing this so we dont seem weak and to prove we are a big club just as big as the scouse *****.

astonsteve

just been announced on club website.

astonsteve

Its all going tits up for barry, i still think its a big mistake by him, liverpool still have to qualify for the champions league? Imagine they fail to qualify ( not an impossible thought ) we go on to win eufa cup and qualify ahead of them next season.... WHAT ODDS WOULD YOU GET ON THAT?

Eircol

Well played MONo! I do appreciate a stern approach and it's good that he recognises he's being a spoilt t**pot wa**er! (BTW the things in starred text were teapot waiter)

AstonMartinOneill

tits up - a phrase that came from NASA technicians. Stands for Total Inability To Start up. Not very interesting but more interesting than this transfer window.

tylervilla

Now then MON being the MON we all know and love he wouldn't have done this with Barry unless he was ready to name his replacement?! surely now they names will start rolling in MON won't want to start pre-season training on a downer.

johnmurphy3112

You may hate his transfer dealings but you have got to love the way MON deals with players. He will support them through thick and thin (Petrov) but when you step out of line you get the stick. MON, you truly are a class act.

notthedougellisstand

Totally agree notthedougellisstand, when berger *****ed him off 2 years ago he fined him 2 weeks wages bought sumthin for training ground put a sign up saying thanks to patrick berger. Classic.

astonsteve

fresh Liverpool bid rejected. Confirmed on official site !

Randy-Villain3293

Its nice to see that we are not rolling over, i think the jaffa has met his match...

Eircol

Everything started going now! MAn City have just confirmed a new striker. I am hoping we will kick on now....! I am worried that we wont bring in the players we need before our competeitive games in 2 weeks. I hope MON has not underestimated these intertoto games, they are MUST win games as we need UEFA football next year just to keep up with our competition!

Tez86

I hope no one is holding their breath.

myleftfoot

Yatsey Villan- When i'm up at 2am in the morning, I see all the papers online before everyone else! And this morning I was sure I was going to wake up to atleast 1 or 2 signings. But we all know that wasn't the case. I wish Sidwell would stop being such a ginger and realise Scolari is never going to play him. I don't know if Scolari has even seen red hair!

los_angeles_villan

It annoys me that not only is Rafa being stupid in all these negotiations but don't forget that STEVEN GERRARD has also played his part in this, Gerrard has been tapping him up as Gerrard personally want him to join him, he would have talked to Barry about a move while in the England squad (training) and also by phone as they are best friends. Rafa would have used gerrard to do his dirty work to get barry as they both know each other. Rafa would sit back and let gerrard start it all off by unsettling barry at Villa, then Rafa would then make his move by easily starting to make his bids for a player who now wants to leave. I know Barry and Gerrard are best mates, but as a player gerrard you have no right to stick your nose in and make your thoughts public to. If you want to be with barry so much Gerrard, why don't you come to Aston Villa instead of players always coming to you without you moving from your favorite club. It is just annoying why Aston Villa have not reported Gerrard for tapping him up.

villa for ever

Villa for ever - I understand your frustration, I think everyone does as we've all been saying the same thing for 2 months now.

los_angeles_villan

villa for ever- mate Gerrard did nothing wrong... thats football, are chelski gonna report jose for messaging essien when he got the nter job? of course not... they are friends (just like barry and gerrard)... Gerrard didnt do anything to intentionally unsettle gerrard, instead he just said that he would love to play with his friend at liverpool no harm done... however i understand how you would get frustrated by rafa putting in bids for your boy just as i do when chelski continue to try and snare torres but THATS FOOTBALL

vinchetcuti2534

Gerrard didn't do anything to intentionally unsettle Gerrard? Is he playing with himself vinchetcuti2534

mike_field

I'd have to agree to a certain extent with vinchetcuti2534. As much as I'd like to make Gerrard the bad guy, all he's done is expressed a wish to play with Barry and suggested he would be an asset to the club. There's another article on here today about Curtis Davis saying pretty much the same thing about Anton Ferdinand and Steve Sidwell. SO I can forgive Gerrard for that. What I can't forgive is Rafa publicly announcing his intentions to sign Barry before some crucial fixtures for us, or Barry running to the newspapers complaining that he's been so hard done by!

AVFC4ME

Nope, Davies said he thinks moving to Villa would improve their England chances. Completely different from a close England friend saying, I really wish you were at my club. Davies never once said he hoped both would sign, never asked them to sign etc.

Completely different mate. Maybe Gerrard was caught unaware or maybe it was designed - doesn't matter, you can't compare his interview with Davies. And why, because Davies could've said the same about our links to Stearman etc. General knowledge, general logic - not the same as a mate from Internationals' saying please sign with my club, I love you.

mike_field

mike_field what is wrong with a player saying that they would like to see another player at their club? im not defending rafa here because the time of his announcement was pretty bad but gerrard didnt do anything wrong... there are multiple examples of players saying they would like to play with one of their countrymen or friends at club level, are all these people in the wrong? some examples (recent and not) gerrard and barry viduka saying he wants kewell to join him. viduka saying lucas should join him toure (arsenal) saying he would love his brother yaya to play with arsenal (this was then followed b yaya saying he would like to play with his brother) toress wanting villa to come to liverpool... should i go on???? listen to a press statement when a player signs for a club they always say something like 'i spoke to (X) who i know well from the national team and he told me that blah blah blah, so i knew that this was the place to be'... whats wrong with that?

vinchetcuti2534

Bloody hell this is a long scan. Right, nothing in the main BUT within a few weeks of a couple of bids being rejected. Within a fwe weeks of A club's manager criticising the interested club of going to the press......do you not smell the aroma of coincidence or planned media attack???? Gerrard did everything wrong because of the timing, it was planned. The only time such a comment would be forgiveable was if Gerrard has said it after a successful England match and no bid has been lodged or wasn't then lodged within a season. IF Barry has said, God I'd love Stevie to be at Villa, and the Villa launched a bid how would Liverpool fans view his comments? Tapping up? Yes and don't doubt it.

If there is no intention from the club in question it's not tapping up - if a player says it knowing their is interest it's tapping up. Come on Vin, you can't argue the indefensible. Gerrard went in the papers TO apply pressure. He'd never said it before had he. Did he just that week become Barry's best friend?

No chance, don't do your obvious intelligence down by believing otherwise. Or trying to argue otherwise.

Also making the mistake of private chats, don't for a minute think tapping up doesn't happen on a daily basis - it does. It's the stupid people who do and announce it prior to the move. The sensible ones do it privately.

Again Villa fans don't care if Barry leaves, we care about how he leaves. If Gerrard has said after the fact I'm so glad he's here not a problem, we'd have known he was tapped up but it's irrelevant. Negotiations were done (in public) on a professional basis - every fan handles that and accepts it. Negotiations by behaving like scum - no paying fan should accept that regardless of the club involved and yes if Villa ever do that, you will notice I'm the first to berate them for it.

mike_field

vinchetcuti2534

a very good point mike.... im beggining to understand where you are coming from however i dont completely believe that Gerrard's 'Attack' was completely planned... maybe more a coincidence? im sure we will never completely know however i dont believe that what Gerrard did was wrong, its part of the world of Football in our days and happens all the time. im not saying that it isnt frustrating but it has become a part of the transger 'sagas' that we see more and more these days. personally im against platini and his belief that public persuit of players is a great thing, im in MoN's camp woshing that we (liverpool) and the rest of the world went back behind closed doors to do business, however we must both agree it is entertaining an enjoyable to follow. as for tapping up a player i dont think player to player things are as bad as a manager (rafa or otherwise) publically persuing a player when he is involved in something (such as football)

vinchetcuti2534

sorry i double posted.

vinchetcuti2534

oh annnd i have to disagree with your last statement, i think villa fans care ALOT about if Barry leaves :) but not so much if we are dumb enough to pay 17mill for him.. kinda numbs the pain for you guys lol

vinchetcuti2534

Mike - "Come to Villa and you'll improve your chances of playing for England" or "Come to Liverpool and you'll improve your chances of playing in the Champions League" - same sort of thing I'd say. And as you say, both Curtis Davis' comments AND Gerrard's are part of a media strategy. Don't get me wrong, I'm not defending whats happened, I'm just saying that Gerrard is simply the messenger, its the Liverpool management that we should be angry with...

AVFC4ME

Difference is Gerrard and Rafa discuss their transfer targets, he knew exactly that Barry was on the list, whereas I'm absolutely certain Curtis knows nothing but what he's read in the papers, the same as us.

AstonMartinOneill

I had a dream last night that we signed Shevchenko for £8m. I was gutted, I wouldn't want him.

evoflash

whats happened with sidwell....

industrial_musical

Curtus Davies' move has now been finalised according to the Official Site. Suppose thats our first signing in. Although we knew it anyway.

steako

I reckon naylor,robbo,sidwell and davies would be a pretty good haul for starters.

british84

Inside info it was Barrys agent who decided on the interview with news of world but Barry agreed to it (fool). He def wants to leave and has done before start of season its not bout money but playing in champs league and so called bigger club. Anyway as said before Robinson 1st signing today or tomorrow Sidwell greedy so and so still holding out for payoff from Chelsea, but should sign but no one knows when. We have lost out on our first and second choice right backs so expect Hoyte or chimbonda.

astonsteve

of course it was Alex Black who initiated it, the guy is a career wrecking ball. and yes, GB is the follow up goose. who were our 1st and 2nd choice RB's?? certainly not Bosingwa? we were never going to get him. who else?

leftfoot

i hope this Lee Naylor link is rubbish. one report says a swap for him plus 1million for Maloney! thats a bit sad...

leftfoot

tottenham and man city have already spent big. we are trailing in their wake at the moment. Jo is a very good striker and will make a big difference to them next season. Plus spending £19M shows ambition and makes waves in the market. I know it's not MON's style but i still wish we would do something like that

UTV

Who cares about making waves in the market. It's three points on Saturday that counts. I still feel we finished below where we ought to last season, after bottling it at Fulham and onwards. We need a few players to come in, and they will. I really don't see why everyone is getting massively hung up on the fact we've not spend wads of cash.

evoflash

PS Villa pull one back. Vital Villa Transfer Threads 4 - 1 Villa Transfers. We're breaking into the box though, and appear to be on our way to a fifth!

evoflash

Not 100% certain on who they were only know we are very unlikely to get them according to my source i could guess but prefer to be honest, think one was Nelson. Def not BOSWINGWA, Alex Black Barrys agent is very loud got a big gob and full of himself, Barry on the other hand which i can assure you is a nice guy and very laid back. What we have to ask ourselves is if we were not Villa supporters and Liverpool came in 4 us would we be tempted and the answer is yes, i think the only thing Gareth has done wrong is the interview. He should have left saying Villa are a great club O Neil is a great manager and he will always follow us but it was time 4 him to leave i for one would have accepted that and clapped him on his return, still would have been gutted though.

astonsteve

oh and the Naylor story is rubbish it came from that knob Bill Howell, the club feed him bits and pieces but not always the truth not saying that this is what they did with the Naylor thing, although it might be that he is the 3rd or 4th option for cover 4 Wilf.

astonsteve

Boro spent loads of cash and got nowhere. So did Spurs. So did Leeds. So did Newcastle. So did Man City. Cash spent does not equal positions. Look at Villa and Everton. Not the worlds biggest spenders, yet doing better year on year. Need to stop being transfer junkies.

evoflash

Well said evoflash totally agree we shouldnt doubt O Neil look what he has done in two years we Villa fans always complain about the manager 3 year cycle and quick fixs O Neil is doing it properly building a squad the right squad with the right players. We all need to relax im just as bad but gonna trust in Martin O Neil.

astonsteve

happy to read both yr above comments and agree. things went really well last season, and the transfer threads were equally wierd and a bit negative. remember we have mustafa and routledge as well, kind of 2 extra players if you like. MON is solid, and i appreciate his stance on GB. it is a shame about the interview, and a shame his agent exists. elsewhere i still think chimbonda would be a good addition, but i am not sold on robinson.

leftfoot

The only player who should be coming from Spurs is Darren BENT...if he can do it for Charlton with a 5hite team then he can do it for us! He was never gonna break the Berba and Keane partnership. I'd maybe cave in on Chimbo but it would not be a first choice. Wonder if we could tempt Joe COLE? Him and Bentley in our team with Ash and Gab and Sidwell would be effing awesome.

koolbill

Off topic i know, but is anyone going to the kit launch on Monday?

MattUTV

May see some new faces as well as the new kit! double bonus!

MattUTV

Oh no....remember the last launch...Harewood confimed same day! Please say Heskey aint gonna show too!!!!!!!

koolbill

Ha ha or Lee Naylor!!

MattUTV

Got to be some signings soon surely......Intertoto not that far away!

koolbill

Evoflash, you missunderstand my comments. The reason i said about making waves is that it shows the world you are serious. When you attract a big player others take notice. No one can deny that we've missed out on several first choice targets over the past few seasons. I'm not suggesting that we spend cash for the sake of it and i certainly don't want money to be wasted(MON would never do that anyway). I'm merely saying that a real quality player(that fits in with MON's plans of course) and perhaps beats our current transfer record would be pretty nice and would be a statement of intent. It may make MONs job of securing other targets a bit easier

UTV

Is there any word on the official transfer fee for Davies? Because if it truly was the 10mil that was suggested, then he's our most expensive player! There's your statement of intent. :D

AstonMartinOneill

good point. Although the statement has lost his edge seeing as it was agreed 12 months ago. I was very pleased with the Davies signing when it was announced. I think Him and Young were 2 terrific players and they do demonstrate that MON will pay what seems at the time to be over the odds for up and coming talent. I believe the fee for Davies was £9.5M and hopefully he will justify that as quickly as Ashley has

UTV

Davies is a quality player and is the right age as well he should only get better ;) These are the type of signings that will improve us now and in the yrs to come. I would like to see Walcott but cannot see the gooners selling him. pretty relaxed here cos the club in safe hands.

scoops

off topic but is their a good website for player stats ie what position they play goals scored etc etc

scoops

This is like a broken record. If i hear one more word about Gareth Barry I'm going to vomit. I'm tired of hearing about the same *****. Can we agree to not talk about Barry in this thread atleast? It's easier for me to avoid knowing it's all in a special Gareth Barry section so I know NOT to go there!!

los_angeles_villan

We won't sign anyone till the new kit launch. Simple as that. How can you unveil a player with an old jersey? And they surely wouldn't show the new jersey till the event. Doesn't make sense. I expect 3 signings next week.

los_angeles_villan

have a look at this http://www.blue-blog.net/news.php?item.87. THE REASON WHY WE CANT STOP BARRY GOING TO LIVERPOOL

liamo1981

So long as Villa have a GK, RB, CB by the first preseason game, it should be ok. The first leg of the intertoto is only 16days away now as well, but i should hope atleast 4 players if not 5 are signed up by then. Regarding the Sidwell situation, there should hipefully be some clarification on his future at Chelsea and agree any compensation in the next week.

JOHN.CAREWS.CREW

liamo1981 that's funny, but LAVillan is gonna go ape***** you heard the man!

AstonMartinOneill

lol too funny. let's take Seb larsson for 5mil from the bluenose. Great depth for us. and swedish so i obviously have a soft spot for him regardless of his bluenosenish

los_angeles_villan

I said yesterday that Robinson would sign today have heard it could still be today or early part of next week. Wish we could get these deals done a bit quicker, although i did say i wouldnt panic. DONT PANIC MR MANERING. Did anyone see the photos on the villa website of the team training there were only about 10 players there.

astonsteve

MON has made statment on transfers on the official site. The usual players are coming in soon stuff. The one quote i did like was: "So it was not as if I spent three weeks out in Austria - not that I should have to explain myself to anyone other than one person at this football club." A little dig at GB i think.

steako

GB will still be with us next season. So that is one less transfer needed!

Gordonsleftboot

No chance, whatever happens barry will not be with us next season, i can guarantee you that...

Eircol

Rumours are again talking about maloney, he has never settled down here, we should use him in a deal for boruc if celtic want him back....

Eircol

Gonna shoot my source he said that Robinson would def sign today well that dont look like its gonna happen. Trying not to be impatient but its hard. We need 10-11 new players here is what i would do Robinson 5 mil Gurzan 2.5 mil Hoye and Chimbonda 2.5 mil each, Ferinand 8 mil Mottack 2 mil Bentley 15 mil Sidwell 5.5 mil Bent 10 Mil Croch part excange for Barry plus 6-7 Mil plus one world class midfielder for 15 mil. 60 Mil net spend what do you all think.

astonsteve

Hoyte - signed an extension aint he? Guzan - yep. Ferdinand as an understudy to Laursen - yep. Robbo - erm...on the fence...desperation buy only. Who's Mottack? Bentley - triple yes. Sidwell - get in son! Bent - my actual number one target! Crouch - no...desperation buy only....rather have a plump for Nathan Tyson. I'd also say that Elano is the other world class MF we should go for.

koolbill

Mattock plays for Leicester left back left midfield cover 4 Bouma/one 4 the future.

astonsteve

Hoyte hasnt signed a new deal are u thinking of Huddlestone.

astonsteve

Clichy, not Hoyte, gotcha. Shorey is the man we need for cover.

koolbill

IWould be happy with Shorey Koolbill.

astonsteve

There is a leak of the new shirt appearing on the net now. I think its ok but a little boring

notthedougellisstand

Eircol, why no chance that GB will still be here? Liverpool have no money and no-one else seems interested.

Gordonsleftboot

Liverpool are just****ing around they have the funds for barry, they know what oneill wants, it will happen... there is no chance on earth that we will see barry in a villa shirt next season..

Eircol

sorry about the language, but jaffa is starting to annoy me...

Eircol

Just a quick comment on " Liverpool having no money" if you think about it for a couple of minutes, it benefits liverpool, if for instance the whole country think they have no money, all they are doing is using this to there advantage to try and get players for less money. they do have money...

Eircol

New players to come in next week sum time i reckon as many as 3-4 new ones im gussing at Robinson, Sidwell, Ferdinand and Naylor god i hope im wrong at Naylor was told Naylor transfer was rubbish but now been told there maybe sumthin in it. Things change so quickley thats why im now taking no notice of my source because they are just rumours going round Bodymore Heath. Oops told u more source works at the training ground, not telling what he does though.

astonsteve

Sounds as if your source is my source, is it edna the tea lady?

Eircol

I would be happy with...Robinson, Gusan, Hoye, Chimbonda, Ferdinand, Shorey, Bentley, Sidwell, Malbranque and Bent! Starting 11 of Robinson, Chimbonda, Laursen, Shorey, Bentley, Reo, Sidwell, Young, Carew and Bent. Bench of Taylor, Bouma, Ferdinand, Malbranque, Gabby, The Hare. Best starting 11/squad for years!

In MON we trust!

Shorey in for bouma? whatever your on give me some....

Eircol

I admit he was much better last season than before but going forward he is atrocious! In modern day football, left and right backs should be able to get forward, set up and score goals! Just look at Arsenal, Man U and Chelsea's right and left backs! Even I was embarrassed when his goal against Newcastle went in! End of argument.

In MON we trust!

In MON we Trust, i know we're short on number but the best starting XI in years should at least have 11 players...you seem to be missing a central defender...i'd guess it'd be Ferdy or Davies? I'd agree though it looks good, though i don't think we'll get Shorey, cos MON won't want him, and not Bentley, cos he won't come.

AstonMartinOneill

I was thinking who we could get for our 4th centre half and i came up with Gary Cahill, what does everyone think oops silly me we sold him. Sorry im needing help on stayin positive a signing would help.

astonsteve

Cahill should never have left - but too late to think about that now.

Gordonsleftboot

Proper boring shirt for next season. I for one will not be buying it! http://www.footballshirtculture.com/200807041619/08/09-kits/aston-villa-home-08-09-kit-nike-leaked.html

In MON we trust!

Not 100% sure if that is geniune, i have seen 2 or 3 very similiar shirts like that, will have to wait and see...

Eircol

While we are sharing photos of new kits and brokeback mountain I just came across this one of our favourite team from merseyside... enjoy http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/wpg2?g2_itemId=265

Tez86

The Villa one looks well boring, what a disapointment! MON seems so much more fired up to sign players now its a relief.

mattyh1986

I think [and seriously hope!] that we will see some arrivals on Monday because a) It coincides with the kit launch [need something to liven that up!] and b) the team is off to Switzerland on Tuesday for 5 days so if nothing happens on Monday it probably won't happen 'til the following week and that's only a week before the Intertoto first leg! MON is a big believer in having a proper pre-season, so I'd imagine this weekend and Monday could see some deals done. A word on the Barry situation - is he indefinitely banned from training? If so, will this mean he may be unfit for the start of the season at either club? I think this means that the transfer is going to happen imminently, otherise we leave grounds for Barry to claim unfair dismissal or such like [restraint of trade] by not allowing him to keep fit and prepare properly for the season?! Liverpool won't want an unfit player and neither will we?!

AVGD

I remember thinking the same last season AVGD with regards to kit launch/Nike sponsorship and that we would have some new players modelling the new strip. It never happened!!!

deano.avfc

We can but hope Deano!

AVGD

Only difference with last season is a) we had no intertoto game to prepare for, b) and preseason to prepare for and c) NRC had already signed. Therefore M'ON had plenty of time to bring the players he could. This season, 2weeks tommorrow out ITC kicks off, and M'ON will not take it lightly because he will want Villa in the UEFA Cup. Only a weekend away and possibly the arrival of a couple of players

JOHN.CAREWS.CREW

Do you really think MON will be thinking "oh wait no we wont confirm them yet lets wait till the kit launch" thats utter rubbish

mattyh1986

For that matter, don't expect David Bentley on many other BIG NAME players to come until after the ITC matches have secured us in the Uefa...players of that calibre won't come to us until we've got what they need at bare minimum.

AstonMartinOneill

mattyh - no, not let's wait until then, let's make sure they are finalised over the weekend and Monday to leave with the team on Tuesday! Make sure you come back on and tell me if i'm right won't you? [don't bother if I'm wrong though as I'll be too depressed to look!]. ;-)

AVGD

Oh, and MON did say we may see several signings on one day! He didn't say what day that was though - probably Aug 31st!!!

AVGD

AVGD ur right in the fact of players coming in due to the importance of leaving with the team but people suggesting that its deliberatly coinsideing with the kid launch are talking rubbish. And AVGD MON didnt say we may sign a lot on 1 day to indicate that it was actually going to happen, he was mearly making a point about when we will sign players, dont expect it to actually happen like that

mattyh1986

lets make it 5:1

myleftfoot

Villa interested in Tommy Rowe from Stockport. Everton, Arsenal and Tottenham have all been sniffing around. I know those for a fact since my father-in-law knows Tommy's dad. Now... cue all the 'Who is Tommy Rowe' - Take my word you will know about him in 12 months time.

I went on this game called champ manager the other day. It has this strange bit on it where if you check the details of a player you can actually put in a bid to try and 'buy' him so to speak. It made me think...imagine if villa could buy players!? We could actually try to make the squad bigger or get better. Crazy I know but just a thought.

tylervilla

...and they have even made up this position called a 'right back'. What are they like - the jokers.

tylervilla

I think it'd be like another Wilfred Bouma, but on the right instead of the left!? I don't think it'll catch on...just hold faith in MON instead of these new age fancy positions!

AstonMartinOneill

Hope MON signs players soon, we are getting desperate, but should we panic buy or be patient and buy some decent players!!! By the way has anyone seen the supposed new kit........very uninspiring! http://www.avfcblog.com/content/view/2446/70/ What do you think?

bellywipes

Is Davies worth the money? How do you guys think he'll get on now he's a 'full' villain & when he comes back from injury?

Alex Humpage

Respect gents. You talk more than us at Pompey Vital & we do ok. Good luck again next season.

storagematt

The waiting is killing me, we better sign some exceptional players or at least 6 of the ********s or it will be a very long season next year. Is Barry ever going to feck off, mmmmm, wonder what paper he will blab too this weekend?????????

erv2005

Barry signs for Liverpool for £16m on Monday...Sidwell and Robinson complete their moves to VP on Tuesday (Eircol told me)

fatloser

Or was it Tarzans bro????

fatloser

Bentley was suggested by me some months back and we may actually be trying to sign him!!!! Sidwell, Milner, Ant Ferdinand, Robinson, Chimbonda, Naylor, Guzan and maybe SWP are the likely others plus the usual one or two up MON's sleeve for the last minute. Maloney to Celtic PX with Naylor. Might not be ideal but not bad either. £15m for Barry and Sidwell for £5m?? Time will tell.

Madirish

SWP aint coming here and i don't want the charlie...Milner at least works for his wage! Bent, Bentley, Guzan, Shorey, Sidwell please....oh and a RB or two...even Chimbonda or Hoyte!

koolbill

What a great thread. astonsteve and Eircol are unbelievable aint they? In the know, sources etc. Classic!

glensider

Great Thread. really looking forward to the new season. I expect us to sign one or two "star signings" however i also think MON will once again surprise us with 4 more players that will intially disappoint us but by the end of the season really surprise us. Lets not panic, MON's doing a great job. UTV

1982

Just reading the thread made me chuckle remembering an old gag about Elton John looking to sell out of Watford and buy Tottenham instead - ever since he heard they had 2 strikers who were Bent and Keane... :)

YatesyVillain

Bellon has left the Villa. The 19 year old states the reason is that competition for places is too fierce. Had to have a little chuckle. Or was he refering to empty places?

myleftfoot

I heard we're getting Gerrard for Barry +5mil. Not bad business, I guess.

los_angeles_villan

So the new shirt will be launched with our Stable Quartet, I was really hoping it would be a new signing doing this!!!! Can anyone freeze me into a deep sleep and then wake me for the Many City Game!!!!!!!!

erv2005

Glensider as ive said before O Neil keeps his cards very close to his chest im only tellin you the rumours going round bodyheath not sayin that they are gospal. If you get so upset about it i wont bother but i thought that wa the purpose of this thread or have i misunderstood.

astonsteve

Dont worry about me astonsteve, you just keep on keeping on. Of course MON keeps his cards very close to his chest, thats why the likes of Eircol and your goodself are no more 'in the know' about anything, anymore than is the man on the moon. You forget people on here actually do know long-time Villa Park employees. It just concerns me somewhat, in fact I find it a little sad, that you guys crave so much attention with your 'in the know' claims.

glensider

Apparently Sunderland are going after Andy Johnson from Everton after failing to sign Bent from Spurs. Might be significant?

azreal13

No one likes a knowitall steve and a knowitall who actually doesn't know anymore than Joe Bloggs from next door but claims to is even worse.

Villan444

I can't beleive how relaxed I feel, I was on edge all last summer, but now it's a case of just waiting for the big guy to do the buisness, and i'm sure he will, not much happening anywhere to be honest, lets talk more about laursen saying he'd pay to play for the villa, are you listening barry!

eltoro

misquoted.....Laursen said he'd pay money to stay fit and play that many games again....not quite the same.....

YatesyVillain

glensider i have never claimed to be in the know all im doing is passing on rumours from somebody i know who works at bodymore heath. Im not making up the rumours myself and would never do such a thing. I dont crave any attention just like coming on this site and talking to my fellow villa fans. Oh by the way the friend that passes on these rumours has worked there for 15 years. Well if my passing on of rumours annoys everyone so much i wont bother and just talk about my own opinions in future. Anyway lets hope we get some decent signings next week. UP THE VILLA!!!!!

astonsteve

The Mirror claim Miguel signs this week having said that they also claim Sidwell is off to Newcastle, Robbo to WBA and Hoyte stays at Arsenal. So what do they or for that matter anyone know. Expect Naylor, Finnan, Sidwell and Hennessey in this week and Barry out

fatloser

O.K. villasteve, I certainly dont want to get into a war of words with you, nor the infamous Eircol for that matter. Just one question then, re your comment on the article about the new shirt, you comment, and I quote, 'I have seen the new kit same as last years although new sponcer of course and different neck a little plain but i like it. Sorry ita v neck'. Where may I ask, have you seen the new shirt etc? I'm told that such a claim is extremely unlikely, in fact almost certainly unlikely. Or are you in fact merely commenting upon supposed pictures of the new shirt that have been floating around the various sites?

glensider

That should of course read 'astonsteve', not 'villasteve'. My apologies.

glensider

Fancy a team full of supporters who can't speak properly now have a manager that no one understands either! Fancy that!

Bergkamp was a Myth

glensider nor do i want to get into a war of words perhaps ive come across the wrong way in some of my posts, i didnt claim to have seen the new kit as an insider just simply said that ive seen it, should have said id seen a so called one on another website which i believed was the right one. Maybe im right maybe im wrong we will soon see. Im not trying to fool people just passing on info that ive heard which maybe correct, i personally enjoy the speculation and enjoy all comments and then make my own mind up if i believe them or not. Anyway lets hope we have sum signings soon im hoping 4 a gk rb and cb this week.

astonsteve

"Erik Lund has left Villa to join IFK Gothenborg. The 19-year-old has signed a three-and-a-half year contract in Sweden after leaving his homeland to head for the Midlands in 2005."

delirium

anyone going to be at the kit launch tommorrow?

JOHN.CAREWS.CREW

Glensider and astonsteve please duke it out with your handbags eh! The whole point of this thread is to offer opinion biased (supposedly) or not. We/I welcome any gossip on the Villa transfer thread and as fully fledged adults we choose whether to laugh or to cry or to scream out loud NO NOT HIM. Personally I find it entertaining and may you both continue to bicker. Here in New Zealand its all I have to keep me in touch, so go on boys, round 2 ding ding.

holte ender 1969

Sorry to drop a GB comment here but if we do get MON valuation of 18mil then who would you all recommend we get to replace him with? Alternatively, if we had 18mil to spend on one player in any position then who would you buy? For me I would go for Fabregas or Walcott. Not saying they are valued at that, but they would be great for the Villa. If only......................

holte ender 1969

fab is ALOT more then 18mill my friend... if i was a villa fan (which thankgod im not :P) i would say go for someone like maniche... alot cheaper then 18mill i know but i think he would come for cheap after being released by athletico and could really add to the team, also tiago could be leaving juve and although it would be hard to convince him to come to villa it would be a good call to buy him... other names that spring to mind are senna (although he would be very reluctant to sign), or even alberto zapater from zara he is young (23 from memory) and i hear is willing to make a move, a very solid player... so what does every1 think???

vinchetcuti2534

Evening Mail are reporting we may be close to a number of targets such as the right back from sheff wed Snick or sumthin like that as back up to our number one right back target Miguel, also Ferdinand, naylor with Maloney going other way. Sidwell, Marlbronk wrong spelling i know, still in race for Bently What do u all think.

astonsteve

malbranque and simek? what an uplifting duo to be linked with. /sarc. come on MON, at least get sidwell in.

villain76

TBH mate, i think all Villa fans couldnt give a hoot anymore. thanks for the input though.

*Holte*End*Star*

I do like that Miguel. He looked solid at the Euro's. Very dependable. I also watched that Quaresma. I thought he was terrible, though we're not linked with him so it's just as well. Speaking of players not linked, I'm disappointed to see that Pablo Aimar is probably on the move, and Villa haven't been mentioned. Everton and Spurs were, but not us. I rate him very highly. Very excited about the coming season. Hoping to see Mr Petrov step up to the mantle now and play as he's shown us in glimpses. Make us forget Mr Barry. :-). PS In answer to Villa's Davies strike, the vital boys are in the box, looking certain to make it 5-1!

evoflash

New kits are unveiled and I have to say I like them both. The home kit is a grower and the away kit looks very smart. Definitely be buying the home one and possibly both.

notthedougellisstand

The away kit looks good, pleasantly suprised.

Eircol

Portsmouth are in talks with crouch?

Eircol

Yeah, the kits are pretty nice...the kit looks much better on Ashley Young than it did without anyone in it on the leaked image...very smart looking. As for Pompey and Crouch, i think if we wanted Crouch, then we could definitely have spoken to him...either by stumping up the 10mil or part exchange for Barry...so it looks as though MON didn't have any interest in him. Does make you wonder who he has got on his shortlist. You very much doubt it's anyone very exciting unfortunately.

AstonMartinOneill

AstonMartinOneill, surely you don't get excited by Peter Crouch. I think he is a good player but he doesn't excite me. Now Kelly Brook is exciting.

notthedougellisstand

I am loving the new away kit, that the one I will be buying when it comes out. I just wish we would hurry up and sign someone, we fly out 2 switzerland 2moro with our 10 whole players....

Tez86

As you said if he wanted him he would of been used in the barry deal, hopefully if he does get another front man he has a bigger target in mind...

Eircol

Bigger not taller?

Eircol

Can Crouch be on anyone's shortlist?!

azreal13

I heard a mention of voronin offered in the barry deal, they are taking the **** offering us there **** ...

Eircol

So glensider the kit was the leaked one from the other day are we know permitted to talk about gossip on this site or will it make you upset.

astonsteve

I love the New Away Kit, possible the best kit out there. Home one is a classic touch and is a grower as mentioned!!!!! Just wanted new faces in them now!!!!!! We need players, wish MON would hurry, no finger nails left and cant reach my toes!!!!!!!

erv2005

Yeah, i wouldn't have been too excited by Crouch, i'm just saying in general that we're not likely to actually have anyone particular exciting on MON's shortlist. As i said before, MON's shortlist is far more concerned with attitude than simply just ability...Harewood being the prime example...and because of this we get results when the ability would suggest we wouldn't. We all have this in built lust for exciting players, but MON doesn't operate on that level i don't think. As for Crouch, i was just saying that if we ever were interested in him, then we could have easily had a bid accepted by Liverpool. As for i just can't see MON picking up Milito or Pazzini or Saviola or someone who might not be down the straight and narrow in terms of targets...it's difficult for us to appreciate that as we all want exciting players, but this is why we have to trust in MON, because the man is no fool.

AstonMartinOneill

Looking too deep there AMOneill! Crouch...shortlist. Geddit? :-)

azreal13

I know MON is no fool and I believe he will bring the players in but we all know he takes his time. I just hope we can get 4/5 before the Intertoto because they are certainly needed.

notthedougellisstand

Yeah, i know what you mean, it's all well and good saying he's looking for the right attitude, but there surely isn't so much need for so much dilly dallying...from an outside perspective, it looks like he's just being lazy, despite his constant efforts to tell us that he's not.

AstonMartinOneill

It's taken me about 3 reads to actually get the joke notthedougellisstand...i'm really not thick. Good joke though.

AstonMartinOneill

Sorry, i credited the joke to the wrong person, sorry azreal13...i'm really not giving much evidence to the "i'm not thick" case.

AstonMartinOneill

Eircol, looks like Sidwell could stay any light on this mate?

erv2005

Reports contradict each other, 1. he has been told he is surplus to requirments. 2. they have accepted an offer for the lad. 3. so why would he want to stick it out, they have made it very clear he is not needed. I believe he has a verbal agreement with oneill, the stumbling block is severance from chelsea, thats were the issue lies...

Eircol

if he wanted to join i reckon he'd be in claret and blue by now. move on i reckon

UTV

what about George Boateng?

Sali Salifooooou

Surely its 5:1 NOW!

myleftfoot

On the Sidwell issue isnt it typical about these overpaid footballers, if reports are true and he is waiting 4 a payoff from Chelsea then its a joke, why should he get one Chelsea are not breaking the conract plus he has been sat on his arse for 12 months collecting his 60k per week. If i was as rich as him i would want to enjoy my short career and play some regular football. What a tosser, although being a fickle villa fan ( mr o leary ) i would still like to see him at our great club. Lets hope for sum signings soon and keep the faith in our great manager and chairman.

astonsteve

astonsteve...... if Sidwell has not asked for a move, and chelsea are selling him then "THEY ARE" breaking the contract, therefore he is entitled to any monies owing to him ie: 3years of a 60K per week contract. Now i dont care how much money youve got, if youre entitled to a £3m payoff then youre going to want it - regardless. he will sign for Villa but only when hes given what hes LEGALLY entitled to by chelsea in the terms of his contract. so all the "money-grabbing mercenary" stuff is utter, utter *********. And while im on the subject how come sidwell is a "mercenary, more interested in money than playing football" when our very own Marlon Harewood turned down regular 1st team football at Wigan to play for villa to "fight for his place" and is regarded as a player with a great attitude and the sort of personality we need at Villa???? someone explain to me the difference between harewood & any other "mercenary, thats more interested in cash than football"....... seems to me the only difference is that youre only allowed to willing to fight for a place at your club when you play for Villa, anywhere else its just all about cash - FWIW Sidwell started more games for Chelsea than Marlon did for Villa........ can some people please take the Claret & Blue tinted glasses off and look at the bigger picture.

Adbo9

RANT OVER...... GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

Adbo9

Cheers Eircol, but didnt mean to start a brawl!!!!!! See Van der Vaart has told Spuds to feck off, ha he wants a team with passion and something that will make him think ohhhhhhhh. ITS US, IT JUST DAWNED ON ME, HE WANTS TO SIGN FOR THE VILLA, HE ACTUALLY SAID `YESH, ID ONLY SHIGN FOR DER VILLASH!!!!!!!

erv2005

Can Bouma get his fat arse over to Van der Vaart`s house and touch ( tap ) him up ???!!!!!

ASPINALL

Bouma looks the type that he could touch (tap up)?

erv2005

Adbo9 relax its only my opinion.

astonsteve

Sidwell will have to take a paycut to play for us so he wants his monies to sweeten the blow. He could sit on their bench and collect the wages but IF he comes to us for lower wages then that surely shows that he has the right attitude astonsteve.

Villan444

Take your point Villan444. Looks like the Sidwell deal will happen in next 48 hours according to reports. O Neil is again telling us to be patient as there are a number of bids lodged at other clubs i for one have complete faith in our manager and think we may all be pleasantly suprised.

astonsteve

Quoted as using the words "significant additions"

Eircol

I can smell the signings in the air, sniff, sniff!!

Mutley73

ASPINALL and erv2005, I understand what you are saying, and probably agree with you but with MON in charge of this club tapping up will never happen MON wouldn't stand for it, he's so straight and honourable and I reapect that and I'm glad I'm part of a club that doesn't lower itself to underhand means to get players. But on the other hand while other teams like LIVERPOOL endorse this practice and systematically pick at our best players what choice will we have but to engage in it ourselves?.....Sad but unfortunately true.

johnmurphy3112

GB = 17million + Finnan. that is the last mention i will ever make on this subject, that is, GB or liverpoodle. ever.

leftfoot

i was in edinburough this weekend for a mates stag, and all of their papers on sunday were talking about naylor coming in exchange for maloney. but there are big differences in how both clubs value their players.

Stig

Evening Mail are claiming Sidwell will sign within 24 hours. It also looks like O Neil isnt to interested in Robinson, i quite like Robinson what i dont want is any loan signings i think we should only sign players on a long term contract, unless its like the Curtis Davies agreement.

astonsteve

Stig i dont know what to make of Maloney i think is a good player and a usefull addition to our squad but sumthin doesnt apper right with him to me do u think it could be his attitude or just that he is homesick.

astonsteve

On yahoo's sports page there's a piece on Arshavin, his agent is quoted as saying.'Clearly Arshavin, who guided Russia to the semi-finals of Euro 2008, is a discerning footballer who knows how to make the distinction between a club with prospects, and those without'. Lachter added: "He will not accept an offer from clubs like Newcastle, Middlesbrough and Aston Villa." So villa have become a club without prospects!!! the cheeky ****** ******. I understand him not wanting to go to the other 2, but not the mighty Villa. Makes me think whether MON had made an inquiry though?!

johnmurphy3112

J Fear should be back soon. Looking at his words at the start of the page I wonder how surprised he will be to see that we have not signed anybody. Not much probably. this window is driving me mad.

Dead Souls

Come on lets make it 5:1 instead of 4:2.

myleftfoot

With regards to what johnmurphy3112 said,remember Villa and Newcastle were in for Djorkaeff when he was leaving Inter and he said he didn't join clubs like us and he ended up at Bolton.

Pking

SSN claim Sidwell will undertake a medical in the morning! Blimey, this time tomorrow we might have signed someone!

azreal13

just for interests sake can some1 update the ins and outs for me annnd some possible and probables... im writing this piece for some australians and would love to have it broken down for me :)

vinchetcuti2534

Have been on skysports website this morning the 9th and no reports about sidwell am i being blind azreal13. Although there is sumthin about MON sending a proposal to Liverpool.

astonsteve

astonsteve, I can back up azreal13 here. I saw it on SSN before I came to work. Hopefully when I leave we will have him tied up...

Tez86

I can also confirm just confirmed on SSN, Sidwell having a medical this morning/

notthedougellisstand

Thanks Tez86 fingers crossed for today.

astonsteve

Mr O'Neill looks to pull one back, but the Vital Villa boys have crowded the penalty area, as the ball curls in from the flank.....

evoflash

I also read somewhere yesterday that when signed, a plane is waiting to take the ginger wizard straight to the land of Swiss. Lets hope its gets done and we get a few more players signed up to send out to the boys...

Tez86

Thank God for that Tez86. I had visions of Steve sitting at a desk at Bodymoor Heath being given a pen by the Tea Lady!!! Just when we get excited by a bloody signing the whole team chuff off to Cuckoo Land!!

fredchuff

Ginger Wizard - I like it.

steako

Maybe the tea lady or Curtis Davies seems like he lives at Bodymoor nowadays lol. I imagine MON has gone abroad with the rest of the squad can anyone confirm or deny this? I am wondering if Sidwell is signed today will MON be there to shake his hand?

Tez86

I suppose its possible that MON can fly back and forth but 1st match tomorrow so surely he will be at training to see who makes the team, discuss tactics etc. ? I get an uneasy feeling we might have to... "be patient" again until they return next week.

fredchuff

Unless the results realy do mean nothing and Martin leaves that to somebody else. I suppose from our point of view the signing are more important than a pre-season friendly.

fredchuff

Totally agree with that fredchuff, thinking about it many mangers dont get too involved with the actual training its left to the coaches. Also MON has recently stated that he is not the only one at the club working on transfers (when he defended himself doing commentry for the euros). Perhaps Randy will make an appearance to get tthe signature on the paper. PS this is the 350th post, looks like its 5-0 to us guys lol

Tez86

5-1 Tez, we signed Curtis. On another note - Miguel is being heavily linked with us!!!! GREAT STUFF. I've been banging on about him. He's a real, real quality player. I've watched him a few times on Spanish Football, and at the Euros too. Very pleased. Good work Mr O'Neill.

evoflash

AVFC blog reckon Bentley fee has been agreed, and that he's met with Mr O'Neill.

evoflash

avfc blog are liars

The Usual Suspect

Great news all round...still no mention on Sidwell medical on the official site. I hope I arent getting my hopes up premateurly. But Bentley and Sidwell, hell we will chuck Robbo in there as well, all in then off to Swizterland would make me wet my pants!!!

Tez86

Official site says MON, when commenting on the Captain position, said that candidates may include people "not yet at the club"... interesting! Can't think of anybody who could walk into a club and take the armband just like that.

fredchuff

STUART PEARCE.

evoflash

ROY KEANE.

evoflash

PATRICK VIEIRA.

evoflash

I think it would pee NRC and Laursen off if someone did...

Tez86

Don't think those three are on Martins list!!!

fredchuff

Guess it shows how closely M'ON does keep his cards to his chest if we cant think of a player with captaincy material arriving at the club

JOHN.CAREWS.CREW

I agree a player of say Lampard quality would have the respect of the rest of the team almost immediatley but do we really think that could happen? er... Yes! Stranger things have happened I suppose.

fredchuff

I can't believe I'm going to write this, but I bet Henry could be made a captain?

evoflash

PS - did anyone else breath a massive sigh of relief when Kewell signed for Galatasaray?

evoflash

yes

The Usual Suspect

Van Der Vaart is Capt of Holland and he could walk right in and Take the band. Maybe he wants to bring Beckham back and make him capt!!!!! Young on Left and Beckham on right!!!!!! Wow.

erv2005

Yes I hate Kewell well over rated, Mrs worth a dip though!!!!!

erv2005

Lol or Ronaldinho (can he speak english?!). I wonder if we will make a move for Toulalon, MON seemed to rate him at the euros. I remember thinking when MON was on about if he could be a sneaky one as I have heard nothing about him before. It would be nice to think that MON has targets that havent been wrote about in the press and are being set up in secret!

Tez86

Surely a captain should have a minimum requirement of playing in the Premiership last season. Champions League is not the same challenge as the Prem. and needs different skills from Captains like consistency of form, fitness, guaranteed place in the first team for example.

fredchuff

Have Your Say

Recent Articles

Lambert Thanks Fans For Vociferous Support (Sunday May 19 2013)

Stats: Wigan v Aston Villa (Sunday May 19 2013)

Wigan v Villa - Team News 19/5/13 (Sunday May 19 2013)

We Deserve To Finish Higher (Saturday May 18 2013)

Pre Season Takes Shape (Friday May 17 2013)

Something For The Weekend (424) (Friday May 17 2013)

Lambert Sticking To His Policy - No Big Signings (Friday May 17 2013)

Shaun Maloney Speaks To Vital Wigan About Stan (Friday May 17 2013)

Mystic Mug Sits On Fence To Beat Lawro! (Friday May 17 2013)

Clark Ruled Out Of Wigan Match (Thursday May 16 2013)

Archived Articles

Vital Villa Articles from 2005
Vital Villa Articles from 2006
Vital Villa Articles from 2007
Vital Villa Articles from 2008
Vital Villa Articles from 2009
Vital Villa Articles from 2010
Vital Villa Articles from 2011
Vital Villa Articles from 2012
Vital Villa Articles from 2013

1.	Pride of Lions	850
2.	The Fear	652
3.	BodyButter	432
4.	kefkat	365
5.	CDX_EIRE	309
6.	ClivetheVillan	244
7.	thefacehead	239
8.	Villan57	239
9.	DeanoVilla	196
10.	mike_field	180

Team	P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
12. Fulham	38	11	10	17	-10	43
13. Stoke	38	9	15	14	-11	42
14. Southampton	38	9	14	15	-11	41
15. Aston Villa	38	10	11	17	-22	41
16. Newcastle	38	11	8	19	-23	41
17. Sunderland	38	9	12	17	-13	39
18. Wigan	38	9	9	20	-26	36

Choose your club

Other Sites

Network Navigation

Vital Partners

The Villa Transfer Thread - Part 4

Writer: J P Fear

Your Comments

Have Your Say

Recent Articles

Archived Articles

Vital Members League (view all)

League Results (view all)

League Table (view table)

Breaking League News

Current Site Poll (view all polls)

Latest Results
Wigan	2	-	2	Aston Villa
Aston Villa	1	-	2	Chelsea
Norwich	1	-	2	Aston Villa
Aston Villa	6	-	1	Sunderland
Man Utd	3	-	0	Aston Villa
Aston Villa	1	-	1	Fulham