MON Positive On The Villa Transfer Front

There was an interesting report by Mathew Kendrick of Birmingham Mail yesterday.

Martin O'Neill stated that he wants new players in but refuses to panic, especially not to rush players in time for the trip to Spain and the Peace Cup this Thursday.

He explained, following the usual fan and press frenzy for transfer talk and action:

'I don`t get anxious. These things take time, like everything else, and you want to try and be as right as possible.'

He must leave the anxiety to the fans who get beside themselves through the summer...!!!??? The article does say that MON is more than willing to fly back over from their training camp in Spain to get a signature if a deal is lined up whilst he is away.

He says it is obvious that they need replacements for the retired Martin Laursen and Man City signing Gareth Barry and assures fans that the club have enquired about 'quite a number of people' adding 'I would prefer to have them bedded in. We are going to press on now. It would be fantastic if we could have someone in by Thursday.'

He says he'd like five 'quality players' and although he'd like them in at least a fortnight before the season kicks off at Villa Park v Wigan on August 15, he doesn't see it as a major problem if they come in later.

'We are trying to get quality players in to enhance the squad, that is our aim. I think that if you have five quality players in that would be excellent. You`re talking about players that could immediately take their place in a decent Premier League side.'

Finally he says he wants a bigger squad so not only is he chasing the five quality additions, he'd also like at least one in for any exits with press talk suggesting possible moves for the likes of Zat Knight, Marlon Harewood, Nigel Hokey Cokey and even last years purchase Nicky Shorey (who I really hope gets another season to break into the team)

Must admit, out of that list, I'd only get shot of Marlon Harewood and that is only because he never was a suitable player for us in the first place... no offence at all meant as I do like the guys attitude!

'I would be hoping for everyone that goes out that we would be having at least somebody else coming back in again. Don`t hold me to this, but I really probably wouldn`t want to be losing players until we get some in. Do I want to end window with bigger squad than last year? Without doubt.'

It appears from the quotes they have learnt from last years experience, especially in Europe and says he wants a squad capable of competing on the domestic league and cup fronts as well as in the Europa League.

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