Aston Villa News 24/7Writer: Mike Field 
Date:Thursday July 16 2009
Time: 4:25PM
UK time is: 06:20:03
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Downing Delighted To Join
Stewart Downing has spoken of his delight at joining the Villa, and suggested it was a no brainer after speaking to Martin O'Neill.
Speaking on the official site, Downing explains that the ambition of the manager and the direction of the club were a massive factor in his decision to move from Smoggy Boro to Rainy Brum.
'I am really pleased to be joining Villa. It's a massive football club with good ambition.
'When it became apparent that Villa were interested I was very excited. I wanted to come as soon as I met Martin O'Neill so I am delighted it's now sorted out.
'As soon as I spoke to the manager at the training ground, I wanted to play for Villa and I wanted to play for him. He has great ambition and wants to build a good squad to take the club forward. I want to be part of that.'
Speaking about his impression of the club as an outsider he says:
'As an outsider looking in, it was obvious that Villa were a club on the up. You can see a chairman and manager who want to build great things. They have done that over the past few seasons, particularly by finishing sixth last time around, which was great.
'But once you get here and see the stadium, the training ground, the people behind the scenes and the manager with his ambition and hopes for the future, it's even better than you realised.'
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Your Comments
Seems like a sensible lad and a MON type of player so he should get the most out of him.
Villan444
Seems like a sensible lad and a MON type of player so he should get the most out of him.
Villan444
top man, welcome on board... looking forward to seeing him bombing down the wing some day very soon!
The Fear
top man, welcome on board... looking forward to seeing him bombing down the wing some day very soon!
The Fear
1st signing done, roll on some more!!!!
clarkamus
1st signing done, roll on some more!!!!
clarkamus
what number will he wear? does any1 know?
alcoollie
what number will he wear? does any1 know?
alcoollie
Good signing lads, does this mean Young is on his way out?
emigre
Good signing lads, does this mean Young is on his way out?
emigre
No chance emigre. Downing needs an inhaler in that photo to stop his asthma attack!
Villan444
No chance emigre. Downing needs an inhaler in that photo to stop his asthma attack!
Villan444
Average player at best. Only reason he didn't go to Spurs is we would not pay more than 7m which is a true valuation. A bad signing to replace Chelsea bound Ashley Young.
Irishspur
Average player at best. Only reason he didn't go to Spurs is we would not pay more than 7m which is a true valuation. A bad signing to replace Chelsea bound Ashley Young.
Irishspur
Since when have the words "true valuation" and Tottenham been used in the same sentence? ........ tosspiece
Jon.H
Since when have the words "true valuation" and Tottenham been used in the same sentence? ........ tosspiece
Jon.H
oh how my heart bleeds we missed this gem!...a grand total of ZERO goals last season, a handful of assists, and looks so bad next to top players (england) its cringeworthy! but go, convince me he is class! and spurs have missed out as villa "swoop"....lol
lillywhites101
oh how my heart bleeds we missed this gem!...a grand total of ZERO goals last season, a handful of assists, and looks so bad next to top players (england) its cringeworthy! but go, convince me he is class! and spurs have missed out as villa "swoop"....lol
lillywhites101
I'm sure he's delighted. Why not? He got about two shots a game at 'Boro last season. With Villa, he'll get three or four. That's far more opportunity to blast the ball into the stands from 25 yards out (a Downing specialty, you know).
Samboney
I'm sure he's delighted. Why not? He got about two shots a game at 'Boro last season. With Villa, he'll get three or four. That's far more opportunity to blast the ball into the stands from 25 yards out (a Downing specialty, you know).
Samboney
What the hell is going on?
Sure am glad I never spent all that money on a season ticket.
O'Neill has got as much idea about signings has he has got about tactics i.e. not a lot really. Ok he has got lucky with a few but my God how many have been absolutely pathetic?
Also, how long has he been at the club? Why then do we have such a small squad?
I've been a season ticket holder for about 30 years but enough is enough.
And if you still believe in MON then by all means carry on.
Just keep your blinkers on.
ronbo1
What the hell is going on?
Sure am glad I never spent all that money on a season ticket.
O'Neill has got as much idea about signings has he has got about tactics i.e. not a lot really. Ok he has got lucky with a few but my God how many have been absolutely pathetic?
Also, how long has he been at the club? Why then do we have such a small squad?
I've been a season ticket holder for about 30 years but enough is enough.
And if you still believe in MON then by all means carry on.
Just keep your blinkers on.
ronbo1
Sometimes i think this is a manic depressives convention.
lerneravfc
Sometimes i think this is a manic depressives convention.
lerneravfc
I am thrilled with the signing,Quality player.
lerneravfc
I am thrilled with the signing,Quality player.
lerneravfc
Stops him scoring against us at the very least, finally some quality depth, would be fantastic if Milner Young and Downing ALL make the plane to SA at the end of the season.
MOGVILLA
Stops him scoring against us at the very least, finally some quality depth, would be fantastic if Milner Young and Downing ALL make the plane to SA at the end of the season.
MOGVILLA
does this mean ashley is of, if not wshere will he play? maby mon will try turn him or milner into a cm? and he maby get numver 6?
tr1dent
does this mean ashley is of, if not wshere will he play? maby mon will try turn him or milner into a cm? and he maby get numver 6?
tr1dent
Must admit I quite like the idea of Downing left, Ash right and Jimmy through the middle with Stan and a.n. other to hold midfield, probably Sidwell. Ash and Stewart can switch wings and both are capable of playing in the hole. Good signing, another England international on board and more options. (Just hope MON doesn't play him at right back or something!!).
Jon.H
Must admit I quite like the idea of Downing left, Ash right and Jimmy through the middle with Stan and a.n. other to hold midfield, probably Sidwell. Ash and Stewart can switch wings and both are capable of playing in the hole. Good signing, another England international on board and more options. (Just hope MON doesn't play him at right back or something!!).
Jon.H
"Sometimes i think this is a manic depressives convention"
this statement is spot on
Bangkok Villan
"Sometimes i think this is a manic depressives convention"
this statement is spot on
Bangkok Villan
We are Villa fans such moaners? What do we want? Or expect? The whole world by lunchtime?
Great signing, and HE'S NOT CRIPPLED FOR LIFE btw! He'll just miss the first few games, big deal.
And MON has just said pretty much that Ash is going nowhere. Check the official site.
IrishVillan
We are Villa fans such moaners? What do we want? Or expect? The whole world by lunchtime?
Great signing, and HE'S NOT CRIPPLED FOR LIFE btw! He'll just miss the first few games, big deal.
And MON has just said pretty much that Ash is going nowhere. Check the official site.
IrishVillan
not sure what number alcoollie but I'd think squad numbers will be announced pretty soon?
The Fear
not sure what number alcoollie but I'd think squad numbers will be announced pretty soon?
The Fear
might be lerneravfc if you only take in the negative comments, plenty on here are happy and as per the link to the forum thread, over 90 are thumbs up to just 15 thumbs down and I think he'll surprise those who aren't so happy at the moment. Should be a good signing for us i think!
The Fear
might be lerneravfc if you only take in the negative comments, plenty on here are happy and as per the link to the forum thread, over 90 are thumbs up to just 15 thumbs down and I think he'll surprise those who aren't so happy at the moment. Should be a good signing for us i think!
The Fear
"Sometimes i think this is a manic depressives convention"
Hear hear Lerneravfc and Bangkok Villan!!
Some people are so negative on this forum (and other Villa forums). I think Downing is a quality signing. Only 24 and bags of class and experience.
Welcome to Villa Stew!
stpaulmcgrath
"Sometimes i think this is a manic depressives convention"
Hear hear Lerneravfc and Bangkok Villan!!
Some people are so negative on this forum (and other Villa forums). I think Downing is a quality signing. Only 24 and bags of class and experience.
Welcome to Villa Stew!
stpaulmcgrath
Let's face it guys - Spurs fans do know a hell of a lot about good signings. How much have they paid out in the past four seasons on players who end up being shipped out for half the price within a season. Go back to White Liver Lane, boys - your envy is showing!
BobTheBuilder
Let's face it guys - Spurs fans do know a hell of a lot about good signings. How much have they paid out in the past four seasons on players who end up being shipped out for half the price within a season. Go back to White Liver Lane, boys - your envy is showing!
BobTheBuilder
thats right bobthebuilder (what an apt name 4 yourself!)...our envy is really showing! we are green with envy that you have stewart dowing, and we may be forced to keep playing modric on the left! how did we ever miss out on downing, why oh why oh why!.....im gutted...villa have the coupof the summer LMFAO!!!!!...u silly mugs!
lillywhites101
thats right bobthebuilder (what an apt name 4 yourself!)...our envy is really showing! we are green with envy that you have stewart dowing, and we may be forced to keep playing modric on the left! how did we ever miss out on downing, why oh why oh why!.....im gutted...villa have the coupof the summer LMFAO!!!!!...u silly mugs!
lillywhites101
Example 1.
Cahill v Knight.
Others to follow if needed.
ronbo1
Example 1.
Cahill v Knight.
Others to follow if needed.
ronbo1
12 mil for the most overated left sided player in the history of english football!!! plus barry and laursn gone!.....villa for a top 15 finish, you heard it here first !!!! LOL
lillywhites101
12 mil for the most overated left sided player in the history of english football!!! plus barry and laursn gone!.....villa for a top 15 finish, you heard it here first !!!! LOL
lillywhites101
haha spurs fans always make me feel good about myself. do chavs become spurs fans, or do spurs fans become chavs? i never can tell.
ric112
haha spurs fans always make me feel good about myself. do chavs become spurs fans, or do spurs fans become chavs? i never can tell.
ric112
Ronbo - stop whining. How many more times has it got to be said that Cahill WANTED the move - he wasn't prepared to bide his time. At least Zat Knight has his heart in the club.... Oh, and if you had seen the pre-season games in America two years ago you'd have seen Cahill get seriously exposed for pace by second-rate opponents. Where in the table are Bolton?
gmvillan
Ronbo - stop whining. How many more times has it got to be said that Cahill WANTED the move - he wasn't prepared to bide his time. At least Zat Knight has his heart in the club.... Oh, and if you had seen the pre-season games in America two years ago you'd have seen Cahill get seriously exposed for pace by second-rate opponents. Where in the table are Bolton?
gmvillan
Downing is a top signing, good for depth and means we can make so good tactical changes as we now have both wings covered in case of injury. It makes me laugh all the spuds fans on here, I dont go to vital spurs to get on their back. Arry seems to lack the transfer funds at the moment (not surprising after all the players they signed over the last few years and how little quality they seem to contain). Dont come on here to point out your view as I dont do that on vital spurs, what harm is it doing for now to allow some fans some joy no matter how small at this time as no one really knows how well his move to villa will work out for at least a season.
Tallaght Villan
Downing is a top signing, good for depth and means we can make so good tactical changes as we now have both wings covered in case of injury. It makes me laugh all the spuds fans on here, I dont go to vital spurs to get on their back. Arry seems to lack the transfer funds at the moment (not surprising after all the players they signed over the last few years and how little quality they seem to contain). Dont come on here to point out your view as I dont do that on vital spurs, what harm is it doing for now to allow some fans some joy no matter how small at this time as no one really knows how well his move to villa will work out for at least a season.
Tallaght Villan
LOL ric112
clarkamus
LOL ric112
clarkamus
GM.
Exposed for pace?
And I suppose Downing has got pace?
Take your blinkers off.
If O'Neill signed Gordon Brown you would think it was wonderful.
Wouldn't you?
ronbo1
GM.
Exposed for pace?
And I suppose Downing has got pace?
Take your blinkers off.
If O'Neill signed Gordon Brown you would think it was wonderful.
Wouldn't you?
ronbo1
25, left sided talented english midfielder ...who are currently like rocking horse s**t. Has "consistently" played over 42 games a season for the last 3yrs..(nice word that consistency!!). If we look at how Barry and Ash improved under MON,add the fact he will be coached by Robertson - I quote Clough "give him a ball and a yard of grass, and he was an artist, the Picasso of our game.".....something tells me he'll do alright!!! Chill out gents...he's young,english,talented and ours !!I'll let MON do his job and I'll do mine on the 15th August in the Holte End!!........UTV
OneloveVilla
25, left sided talented english midfielder ...who are currently like rocking horse s**t. Has "consistently" played over 42 games a season for the last 3yrs..(nice word that consistency!!). If we look at how Barry and Ash improved under MON,add the fact he will be coached by Robertson - I quote Clough "give him a ball and a yard of grass, and he was an artist, the Picasso of our game.".....something tells me he'll do alright!!! Chill out gents...he's young,english,talented and ours !!I'll let MON do his job and I'll do mine on the 15th August in the Holte End!!........UTV
OneloveVilla
Good signing i think , we need good backup . Steve mclaren rates him so that's good enough for me ! :O . I just wondered how much the player press conference is "filtered" Do you think Stewart Downing was told to say "As soon as I spoke to the manager at the training ground, I wanted to play for Villa and I wanted to play for him. He has great ambition and wants to build a good squad to take the club forward. I want to be part of that.'
It is such a massive cliche , i just wanted to know how much is the player and how much is the club ? Who speaks the loudest ?
jaspervilla
Good signing i think , we need good backup . Steve mclaren rates him so that's good enough for me ! :O . I just wondered how much the player press conference is "filtered" Do you think Stewart Downing was told to say "As soon as I spoke to the manager at the training ground, I wanted to play for Villa and I wanted to play for him. He has great ambition and wants to build a good squad to take the club forward. I want to be part of that.'
It is such a massive cliche , i just wanted to know how much is the player and how much is the club ? Who speaks the loudest ?
jaspervilla
have to laugh at u u thick inbred black country ********-s! u have been on vital spurs the last 2 seasons giving it large about villa and now this!!! u lose barry and laursen......the absolute foundation of you team, and sign the worst left winger in the histoy of the national side, and some how this is a coup!!!!.....cant wait for the new season! downings sure absolute flop, and MON clown impression at the technical area!!!!
lillywhites101
have to laugh at u u thick inbred black country ********-s! u have been on vital spurs the last 2 seasons giving it large about villa and now this!!! u lose barry and laursen......the absolute foundation of you team, and sign the worst left winger in the histoy of the national side, and some how this is a coup!!!!.....cant wait for the new season! downings sure absolute flop, and MON clown impression at the technical area!!!!
lillywhites101
Ronbo.....Cahill is a good player but he would not stay and fight for place so OFF YOU GO sonny....Knight wanted to come and fight for his place SO IN YOU COME. Use better comparisons matey ;-)
koolbill
Ronbo.....Cahill is a good player but he would not stay and fight for place so OFF YOU GO sonny....Knight wanted to come and fight for his place SO IN YOU COME. Use better comparisons matey ;-)
koolbill
who have you signed this summer lilly*****es101 ?arry keeping his cards close to his chest ? it dont matter really as soon as they put that white shirt on . you know they are gonna flop ! your club is what ***** is to toilet paper , once recycled it'll be useful !
jaspervilla
who have you signed this summer lilly*****es101 ?arry keeping his cards close to his chest ? it dont matter really as soon as they put that white shirt on . you know they are gonna flop ! your club is what ***** is to toilet paper , once recycled it'll be useful !
jaspervilla
ric112 - "do chavs become spurs fans, or do spurs fans become chavs? i never can tell." LMAO mate !! As for Downing, I'm pleased - I reckon he'll be great for us once he's recovered from his injuries and got some games under his belt. More players needed though. Wonder if Spurs fancy selling some on at half the price they paid for them ? Heheh. Tools.
ExpatVillaShirt
ric112 - "do chavs become spurs fans, or do spurs fans become chavs? i never can tell." LMAO mate !! As for Downing, I'm pleased - I reckon he'll be great for us once he's recovered from his injuries and got some games under his belt. More players needed though. Wonder if Spurs fancy selling some on at half the price they paid for them ? Heheh. Tools.
ExpatVillaShirt
Re Ronbo1's comment, [Insert own Gordon Brown / 'Downing' Street gag here - I just can't think of it!]
AVFC4ME
Re Ronbo1's comment, [Insert own Gordon Brown / 'Downing' Street gag here - I just can't think of it!]
AVFC4ME
Lilywhites as soon as you started insulting people on here I stopped reading. If you don't have something constructive to say you should go elsewhere...that isn't what this site is about. Pleased with the signing of Downing, I'm sure he will be a good player for us!
Villa4Europe
Lilywhites as soon as you started insulting people on here I stopped reading. If you don't have something constructive to say you should go elsewhere...that isn't what this site is about. Pleased with the signing of Downing, I'm sure he will be a good player for us!
Villa4Europe
Lilywhites do you realise what you look like on here grow up
B6_COMPANY
Lilywhites do you realise what you look like on here grow up
B6_COMPANY
How much did Spuds pay for Bently again ?
Mat777
How much did Spuds pay for Bently again ?
Mat777
Lots of jealous Spurs fans on here who just got resist lashing out at their own lack of signings and funds.. Downing is top quality. My mates are Boro and whilst they're pleased with 12M they're devastated to see the back of Downing. Great signing. Great midfield. Hopefully MON can do somethign with our defence now as it wasn't scoring that was the problem the last season
UTV
Lots of jealous Spurs fans on here who just got resist lashing out at their own lack of signings and funds.. Downing is top quality. My mates are Boro and whilst they're pleased with 12M they're devastated to see the back of Downing. Great signing. Great midfield. Hopefully MON can do somethign with our defence now as it wasn't scoring that was the problem the last season
UTV
oh and Lillytw*t101, you're an utter idiot. I bet you're a 14 yr old chav aren't you? Grow up mate and get a life
UTV
oh and Lillytw*t101, you're an utter idiot. I bet you're a 14 yr old chav aren't you? Grow up mate and get a life
UTV
very good news
jimjim96
very good news
jimjim96
Over priced, Bent springs to mind. Spud fans most deluded in the premiership.
chris the villan
Over priced, Bent springs to mind. Spud fans most deluded in the premiership.
chris the villan
Wow, these White Hart Laners are pretty damned upset at losing out on Stewie aren't they? Jealousy clearly knows no bounds amongst the followers of north London's standing joke outfit, supporters who are so stuck up their own rear-ends that they even thought for one brief moment that they were in with a chance of landing Ashley Young. You have to laugh, the comedic value that Tottenham Hotspur Football Club provides the rest of the premiership, should never be undervalued or dismissed lightly.
Anyway, a very good piece of business by St Martin, a quality player brought into the club at a very fair and realistic price. Welcome aboard Stewart.
glensider
Wow, these White Hart Laners are pretty damned upset at losing out on Stewie aren't they? Jealousy clearly knows no bounds amongst the followers of north London's standing joke outfit, supporters who are so stuck up their own rear-ends that they even thought for one brief moment that they were in with a chance of landing Ashley Young. You have to laugh, the comedic value that Tottenham Hotspur Football Club provides the rest of the premiership, should never be undervalued or dismissed lightly.
Anyway, a very good piece of business by St Martin, a quality player brought into the club at a very fair and realistic price. Welcome aboard Stewart.
glensider
You'd think that they'd managed to sell Bentley or Bent or one of their other flops, maybe even drawn with Arsenal the way they are crowing! As for melting face and the other spuzzers, shame that 2 fifth places in a row (highest over 20 years) didn't end up as anymore than a fluke AND another few years of hype and false optimism!! Downing will fit well into an iterchangeable 16-18 man squad as MON learns the rotation policy!! UTV
Villan444
You'd think that they'd managed to sell Bentley or Bent or one of their other flops, maybe even drawn with Arsenal the way they are crowing! As for melting face and the other spuzzers, shame that 2 fifth places in a row (highest over 20 years) didn't end up as anymore than a fluke AND another few years of hype and false optimism!! Downing will fit well into an iterchangeable 16-18 man squad as MON learns the rotation policy!! UTV
Villan444
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