Aston Villa Linked with Big Money Spurs/West Ham/Real Madrid and Pompey Moves & Best Pre-season in Years!
Monday, 10 August 09, 02:08 AM · Comments (24)
Pre-season & Transfer Roundup
I think this has been one of the best pre-season campaigns I can remember in a long time, seeing the cream of our youngsters come through in the Peace Cup and other friendlies really restored my faith in my team. Ok so injuries to Young and Petrov and a re-occurrence of the shoulder injury to Curtis have soured things a little and our squad still needs re-enforcements. Despite this beating Fiorentina is no easy feat - and a storming debut for Delph really put the icing on the cake of the 1:0 home win.
Pre-Season heroes:
Eric Lichaj: The American has looked pretty darn capable and I think will grow more and more with every chance he is given
Marc Albrighton: Has been awesome, the stand out player of the pre-season - this lad can really cross! I would like to see him start games in the Premiership and push Milner inside - but think he can also make an impact off of the bench. I still rate Milner though, just think it will be great to have competition on the right and NOT have to put Gardner or Reo there anymore.
Emile Heskey: Well we may have been pretty fed up with him last season and questioned why he was signed, but he has certainly scored the goals needed in the pre-season and long may it continue.
Ash: Looked class again and hopefully will carry this form into the new season.
Cuellar: Finally showed that when played where he should be played in the centre of defense - he looks the part.
NRC: Hopefully his snarling all energy displays will earn him some serious pitch time, i realise many still think he loses possession in crucial areas but I think he gives the midfield balance and provides defensive cover - if played alongside Petrov or even Delph, he can provide the cover needed for them to get fwd and be creative something we sorely lacked last season.
Guzan: The battle of the Brad's is now on! Guzan has been immense - especially his saves in the Juventus match.
Honorable mentions: Bannan, Delph, Delfoueneso (for his U19 displays).
Undecided: Sidwell, Shorey - discuss???
All other players have either not had enough pitch time or not really done anything to affect their reputations good or bad.
Transfers:
Downing: Great player shame he's injured, think he will provide much needed creativity going forward when he is fit.
Delph: Young, capable and much sought after - and already a guaranteed Premiership starter - can see him playing quite a few games next season.
Beye: Already has an awesome sing along in the form of the Happy Days theme - think he will be a solid experience no frills addition.
To Come?
Distin: The latest is ol' Potato head making overtures towards him, I think the player wants to leave but Portsmouth don't want to sell so this one will go to the final deadline day.
Sneijder or Van de Vart: O'Neill made the rare confirmation that Sneijder is the sort of player we should be trying to get - he never usually makes remarks like that. Van de Vart has also been linked - I really hope we have a chance of signing one of these, as it would be the first truly MASSIVE name signing from the Lerner - O'Neill reign. I definitely believe O'Neill will try to sign one of these and I guess that is all we can ask for.
Upson: Would be an expensive but still very good signing, no idea how much truth there is in this one.
Dunne: Not sure about Dunne - he wasn't great last season but would give us much needed experience at the back, again this seems a tenuous link.
Wheater or Tuncay: Just who was O'Neill in Teeside to watch? Obviously Tuncay didn't play - but surely Southgate and Wheater have both said I am/He isn't leaving the club.... so it's a mystery. We need Wheater more than Tuncay and yet the former is more unlikely? I think 8mil for Wheater would be a good signing if we can't get Distin (and if Wheater wants to come). Tuncay would be a great signing also but I don't think O'Neill is interested right now.
Spuds: No updates on any of the Tottenham players we have been linked with. Until 'Arry has finished signing players don't expect anything to happen here, the floppy red faced wheeler dealer will only sell when he's got the replacement players in he wants.
Overseas players: Our name gets thrown in with Everton, City and Spurs for many players but none of them seem to be worth mentioning again.
I think if we can get another centre back in and get Bouma and Young fit our defence will be sorted, I think another striker would be good (the elusive natural goal scorer) but not essential. Albrighton, Lichaj and hopefully Bannan will all become active squad members this season and I hope Sidwell gets his mojo back as on occasion he showed promise in the friendlies.
So the question is how do you feel about how the pre-season has gone and our transfer ins and outs so far?
I think this has been one of the best pre-season campaigns I can remember in a long time, seeing the cream of our youngsters come through in the Peace Cup and other friendlies really restored my faith in my team. Ok so injuries to Young and Petrov and a re-occurrence of the shoulder injury to Curtis have soured things a little and our squad still needs re-enforcements. Despite this beating Fiorentina is no easy feat - and a storming debut for Delph really put the icing on the cake of the 1:0 home win.
Pre-Season heroes:
Eric Lichaj: The American has looked pretty darn capable and I think will grow more and more with every chance he is given
Marc Albrighton: Has been awesome, the stand out player of the pre-season - this lad can really cross! I would like to see him start games in the Premiership and push Milner inside - but think he can also make an impact off of the bench. I still rate Milner though, just think it will be great to have competition on the right and NOT have to put Gardner or Reo there anymore.
Emile Heskey: Well we may have been pretty fed up with him last season and questioned why he was signed, but he has certainly scored the goals needed in the pre-season and long may it continue.
Ash: Looked class again and hopefully will carry this form into the new season.
Cuellar: Finally showed that when played where he should be played in the centre of defense - he looks the part.
NRC: Hopefully his snarling all energy displays will earn him some serious pitch time, i realise many still think he loses possession in crucial areas but I think he gives the midfield balance and provides defensive cover - if played alongside Petrov or even Delph, he can provide the cover needed for them to get fwd and be creative something we sorely lacked last season.
Guzan: The battle of the Brad's is now on! Guzan has been immense - especially his saves in the Juventus match.
Honorable mentions: Bannan, Delph, Delfoueneso (for his U19 displays).
Undecided: Sidwell, Shorey - discuss???
All other players have either not had enough pitch time or not really done anything to affect their reputations good or bad.
Transfers:
Downing: Great player shame he's injured, think he will provide much needed creativity going forward when he is fit.
Delph: Young, capable and much sought after - and already a guaranteed Premiership starter - can see him playing quite a few games next season.
Beye: Already has an awesome sing along in the form of the Happy Days theme - think he will be a solid experience no frills addition.
To Come?
Distin: The latest is ol' Potato head making overtures towards him, I think the player wants to leave but Portsmouth don't want to sell so this one will go to the final deadline day.
Sneijder or Van de Vart: O'Neill made the rare confirmation that Sneijder is the sort of player we should be trying to get - he never usually makes remarks like that. Van de Vart has also been linked - I really hope we have a chance of signing one of these, as it would be the first truly MASSIVE name signing from the Lerner - O'Neill reign. I definitely believe O'Neill will try to sign one of these and I guess that is all we can ask for.
Upson: Would be an expensive but still very good signing, no idea how much truth there is in this one.
Dunne: Not sure about Dunne - he wasn't great last season but would give us much needed experience at the back, again this seems a tenuous link.
Wheater or Tuncay: Just who was O'Neill in Teeside to watch? Obviously Tuncay didn't play - but surely Southgate and Wheater have both said I am/He isn't leaving the club.... so it's a mystery. We need Wheater more than Tuncay and yet the former is more unlikely? I think 8mil for Wheater would be a good signing if we can't get Distin (and if Wheater wants to come). Tuncay would be a great signing also but I don't think O'Neill is interested right now.
Spuds: No updates on any of the Tottenham players we have been linked with. Until 'Arry has finished signing players don't expect anything to happen here, the floppy red faced wheeler dealer will only sell when he's got the replacement players in he wants.
Overseas players: Our name gets thrown in with Everton, City and Spurs for many players but none of them seem to be worth mentioning again.
I think if we can get another centre back in and get Bouma and Young fit our defence will be sorted, I think another striker would be good (the elusive natural goal scorer) but not essential. Albrighton, Lichaj and hopefully Bannan will all become active squad members this season and I hope Sidwell gets his mojo back as on occasion he showed promise in the friendlies.
So the question is how do you feel about how the pre-season has gone and our transfer ins and outs so far?
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Posted by Dan Collacott
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Great post. Can just say that i agree 100 % with your views.
If all our players are fit and not suspendend I´d say we need one for the defensive center, one natural playmaker (Snejder would be nice) and a striking alternativ to Harewood. However! The season is long so I´d prefer 2-3 additional signings.
Great expectations for our youngsters Bannan, Albrighton and Delfouneso.
Sneijder or Van de Vart - sounds a bit like us going for Huntleer, or any of the other 'big names' we all crave (remember Rivaldo anyone). The truth is, Spurs, Villa along side Everton are on a very similar level; the best of the rest. We crave a 'big name' but truth be told they don't crave us. We above to settle for players that are either undiscovered or not yet good enough for the big 3/5 to take a punt on. We struggle to even hold on to the best we have. Carrick - gone. Berbatov - gone. Barry - gone. Should Young have another cracking year - he will be - gone.
One thing I worry for Villa (and I've seen Spurs flap at the end of a window many times) you guys are seriously short of players. It also seems you don't have that much wonga. The longer you wait the harder it will be to recruit people on YOUR terms. If you chase a Sneijder or Van de Vart and they don't come - who will you get? As I read from Villa fans - you guys are 3/5 players short at best. That's a lot - especially if you want them all to make a difference.
I just have a niggly feeling with a few days left of the transfer window you will end up desperate, with no-one else in and come knocking on our door for bently, JJ and possibly Keane or Hutton. Levy and Redknapp are not the guys you want to negotiate with if you are desperate. Redkapp could shut the book on this transfer window and be reasonably happy with what we've got - could MON really say the same? Ashley Young for 2/3 players. I doubt it - but stranger things have happened.
I think we have made good progress during the summer with the blend of youth and experience. I am pleased that the in/out deficite is now balanced, but given MON's statements about the need to strenthen our side and depth i feel we will stiil need to keep the cheque book open for a while longer. As a footnote i am impressed with the patient way MON has conducted his transfer movements and finally as thye say if we can repeat and improve the performance of last year i feel we will bvenefit from even bigger signings next year.
Ghostrider
Funny we have a Spurs fan on here giving us a reality check. I appreciate what your saying, from a Spurs point of view your correct, 'arry has been quoted a number of times about his interest in specific players, qoutes which very often prove to be unfruitful.
The difference between our two clubs is essentailly the two managers. MON never speaks about specific players unless he A. is very interested and B. realistic about our chances of securing the player. I believe MON thinks we have a chance of pulling this one out of the bag.
Secondly, what would make you say we dont have "the WONGA", yes there isn't the riches of Man City but I believe there is more than enough money for MON to carry on progressing Villa. He has been quoted last week referring to his interest in Sneijder, this interest would need to be backed up by 16 million "WONGA", plus he knows the need to add defensive cover, which would need more "WONGA".
Spend more time worrying about your own club mate. We are doing just fine here, dont think I can say the same about Spurs. Its okay to do the whole wheeler dealer thing when your at a club which has aspirations of a mid-table finish. Now 'arry is at Spurs he needs more of a defined plan for the future, his one in, one out merry go round may wash at Spurs but not here. MON has a plan and an idea of what he wants over the next 5,6,7 years.He is merely taking his time just like Clough or Fergie did. In MON we trust
Jesus Christ. A Spurs fan posts a pretty unbiased fair assesment as an outsider looking and you're all all on the defensive Will B. You had a good season last season right up until your best player got injured and then you put in some lovely relegation form to delight the under-capacity regulars at VP. Since that happened you've sold your second best player and replaced him with a decent enough yet by no means spectacular injured player and a Division 1 kid who you expect to hit the ground running in an unforgiving premiership. He might but he might not. So, William, MON knows what he wants over the next 5,6,7 years does he? What would that be? How does soon to be 32 Habib Beye fit in to that? Sorry, i missed him earlier...he's another inspired MON signing.
Seriously, you guys need to have a long hard look at what MON is doing at the Villa. I appreciate he has stabalised your team and you're are better with him that you were with O'dreary and Gregory but where do you honestly think Martin No Deal can take you with the decidedly average signings he continually makes?
If you pull out Van Der Vaart and/or Schnijder i'll see some genuine ambition form your club and take all that back but at it is you're going backwards. You're not even standing still.
To qualify that, not that I really have to. I work with a few Villa fans who are ST holders at VP and their opinion is that you'll be a top 10 team this season but no higher. They're still fully behind MON but are desperate for him to stop whinging about lack of depth and actually buy more players then he sells for a change.
Will B im still laughing at your comments! The difference between the two clubs is oneill?? A man that has done well at celtic and the foxes! What would make us say you dont have the Wonga??? Well the fact that you have sold your best player in barry and have used sidwell as his replacement. The reason oneill doesnt speak about his future signings is because hes probably not proud of the ones you do have a chance of buying. Please dont talk about our little irish freind in the same breath as Fergie or clough. Until he has won a title of made villa a force then hes not in the same league.
I will say one thing though - if Sneijder comes I will eat my hat - madrid to Birmingham??? Hmm doubt it very much
Top 10 by there reckoning meaning between 10th and 8th. Some way off 4th and not in contention for top 6. So, going backwards.
I'm delighted you do trust in MON. Only an idiot wouldn't - and I'm sure you don't consider yourself one of those.
You see footballs about opinions. And all teams worry/opinion-ate about others. I like Villa, not that I want you guys to finish over us - of course not. But your a very exciting young, mainly British team with a great manager - what's not to like. To 'push-on' you need to improve every year. Fergie and Clough didn't have to worry so much about the allure of finance like managers do now, so they had more time to build - as they found it easier to hang on to their best players, something every team out-side the big boys struggle to do nowadays.
I say if you don't add a significant few to your squad, you may find yourself going backwards. You've been there many times before - granted like us. Chances are Sneijder won't join you, the new season will start and you'll struggle to 'push-on'. Then for a season at least Everton and Spurs will move away from you. An extra 8/17 games in Europe can only dry fuck an already thread-bare squad. Then - guess what. You'll lose your best players...
PS. I'm glad you guys have so much money - sorry WONGA. I just didn't realise you were so sensitive about it. Roll on new season - looking forward to our battles.
PPS. Willy; pass me your brain - I'm building an idiot.
It's all a matter of expectations.
Every club in the Top 6/7 in the Premiership should have aspirations of crashing the top 4, but most concede this would be a fluke as the power-base at the top is massive and the Premier League sadly want to keep it that way. The rich clubs just get richer.
I look at the season ahead and say anything is possible - but i would hope Villa will have a good Europa cup campaign, maybe a good domestic cup run and be in the hunt for a European place at the end of the season. But this depends on injuries and what defensive re-enforcements are still to come in (which i guarantee there will be at least one more signing). But i don't think many fans would think that we will automatically finish in 6th again - only time will tell how the season will begin to pan out.
Spurs fans (not all some are pretty normal) have far higher expectations of who they will sign and where the will finish, and yet usually have no basis for such arrogance. That is my issue Spurs rate themselves above the teams that in reality are better than or equal to them. I'm sure most are sneering at Fulham and Everton and baulking at Villa being linked to their precious players. I've met loads of Spurs fans who are also realists and good blokes, but not many come here. The rabid clique of Spurs fans claiming Huntelar, Ash Young and God knows how many other players are 'DONE DEALS' usually pre-fixed with 'yeah ees a spurs fan from burth and wants ta cum to Landon.' Give the majority of Spurs fans a bad name (and yes there are plenty of idiot Villa fans winding people up on other forums aswell).
Dan thats a pretty fair generalisation of us if i'm honest. It is a generalisation though and not all of us are the same. You have to filter out the idiots though and ignore them. Take every post in its merit and not just hammer anything by a Spurs fan.
Anyway, back to Villa seeing as this is a Villa blog. I honestly can't see why Villa fans are all so upbeat? Last season finished appaling after Laursen got injured and you still haven't replaced him. On top of that you sold your captain who was probably your 2nd best most influential player. I admore your optimism but surely if you take the rose timted glasses off you can't see Villa pushing on from where you've finished in the last 2 seasons?
Maybe i am a bit harsh on Spurs fans so apologies Craig - maybe you can set the record straight by predicting your clubs season ahead?
The optimism is mainly because some of our youngsters have stepped up and we've had a good pre-season, beating Porto, Juventus and Fiorentina without Laursen or Barry. Again this doesn't mean we will have a good season. We've had a long time now to get over the retirement of Laursen and get used to life without him, we've relied to heavily on Barry for tooooo long so hopefully some of our other players will step up and we'll stop being so one dimensional. Of course we will miss him, and we may not have as good as season as the last two as a result. If we are able to play players in their preferred positions this season we should be in good stead.
Fantastic post! Agree 100% aswell...
i cannot explain how much i want to see Sneijder at Villa Park next season. Awesome player and as you said would be the first major name signed under MON and Lerner... It would also show our intentions next season and possibly make other teams like Everton and Spurs shit themselves when they see our teamsheet
Well obvioulsly this is our year to break the top 4 and win another cup...
I think/hope we'll be pushing for a top 6 spot this season. A lot will depend on how Man City gel and if they get things right I think they could push Ar5ena1. If City don't gel quickly enough then the top 4 will remain as they always do. Assuming City don't gel then I think there is a small group playing for the much coverted 5th spot that we all want to get to but then realise all we win is the burden of the Europa League (which really should be a prestigious competetion but UEFA keep fcuking it up and not giving it the respect it deserves). That group, IMHO, will be City, Everton and us (Tottenham). I'd like to be able to say Villa but I honestly can't see that you will be there after the way you finished last season and your transfer activity this season.
I hope i'm proved wrong because I have nothing against Villa at all and another club making a fist of snapping at the Gooners heels is what i want to see...albiet I want to finish above you of course.
A little point on pre-season though. I'm sure you realise this already but i'll say it anyway. Kids doing well in pre-season, although encouraging, really doesn't mean an awful lot. Take a good lOOk at us last season when we were on fire before embarassing ourselves when the season starts. Our league kicks off earlier than most other legaues around Europe (the top leagues at least) so your players will be fitter and sharper for these games so generally will look good.
Anyway, good luck for the new season. My hatred towards the Gooners means that if you do manage to suprise me and take their place amongst the elite (not that anyone on here as said they think you will) i'll be cheering as loud as the rest of you.
Spurs will finally have the season that we prayed for after Jol finished 5th. With no Europe - we will be fresh every game (and no more bloody Sunday games - oh Liverpool). We have 4 v good strikers, who are all capable of goals - funnily enough I think Pav will be the surprise of the bunch. If both Lennon & Modric can continue to improve, we a potent force attacking. Palacios is just massive for us - why oh why have we not had a player of his ilk for so long???? I think Harry would really like to add another ball winner this window - but we shall see.
Bassong will finally provide consistent cover/competition for the CBs. Ledley is awesome but those knees.. ouch.. shhhh.. crack.. ahh. FBs have potential and GKs are good.
Presuming Villa do not sign anyone from Real Madrid...
If we sign another ball winer and have a major surprise on the left flank then 5th.. More likely Spurs & Everton to scare Arsenal to death and threaten to take 5th - only for six goals in the last game of the season from Arshavin (we wouldn't pay how much) for them to take it. Spurs or Everton 6th.
No Europe might actually be a blessing in disguise. We'd love to be there, but the players should really perform without the additional 17 - yes 17 games (to win it).
Just been reading the blog - some good comments. Im a spurs fan and i have to say I have time for Villa - english, pace,good manager and what I would class as a big team. The problem is with Villa (just like spurs) we both dont have that steel in midfield. Barry gave you guys a solid platform, but he has been swayed by the dollar and "done one". That seems to leave you a bit short in midfield. Here at spurs we have JJ who is scared of messing his hair up. It seems we both struggle in that department and both have trouble attracting the top stars. To be fair I dont see van der vaart or sneider coming to either of us.
Very good comments by the Spurs fans on here, great stuff.
I think Villa will have more steel if Delph and Reo get to play some games, but our main problem is our lack of depth and lack of a plan B when plan A proves to be useless. Pre-season is definitely not a measure of the season ahead, but we have been waiting to see Albrighton in serious competitive action for ages - and he didn't disappoint plus Lichaj has proved he can also be a player who actually provides valuable defensive cover - so that's two players who will play a part - which for us is like two new signings when you consider how threadbare our defense has been, throw big Fred back in the mix also plus Beye and another defensive signing such as Distin or Wheater and we may resolve our main problem last season which was a destabilised defence playing with midfielders at right back.
Let's hope Spurs and Villa finish above Man City!
Agree with that last line Dan, and lets also hope Man City finish above Ar5ena1
Good post Dan. Rightly or wrongly I am feeling much more confident after this pre-season - not sure if that is going to be correct for this season coming but over the next few years these kids are going to prove a great benefit to the club, some real gems. I would much rather wait 3 years and break through with kids than buy our way there although admittedly neither route guarantees success
I don't buy this "we need 5 more players stuff at all. The only area we are short is defence. What we need is top quality players in any position, I would rather use kids as cover than a bunch of medicre squad fillers for multi millions
Good to see some reasonable comments from Spurs fans because elsewhere on the web they are the most deluded and arrogant along with Liverpool, although the scousers have more reason to ne pleased with themselves. This is not a criticism of the club but honestly Spurs fans are generally the polar opposite of Everton fans who despite being a similar sized clubs are generally genuine, respectful and balanced, and yes I admit we have plenty of dick head fans ourselves but Spurs seem to have well more than their fair share
I am in a growing minority expecting Man City to be top 4 with Everton slipping back and villa and Spurs battling it out above them probably for 6th unless one or more of the top 4 collapses further than expected.
Still, we will see
We have had a brilliant pre-season, and have really shown that the future is bright at Aston Villa! We have some top class youngsters coming through!
I dont know how many other people have noticed that on the official website the squad numbers have been given out. Martin Laursen's number 5 shirt has not been handed to anyone else. Could this mean that MON is waiting to give it to a big name signing to replace Martin? (fingers crossed) or is it to signify a place for a defensive playmaking midfieldder fopr example Van Der Vaart
I think for Villa, it will be important to replace Barry than Laursen. With Davis and cuellar i think you have a decent pairing. I dont think Van der vaart is the player you should have in mind. With young, milner and petrov you have enough attacking flair - you need someone who can win the battles in midfield. Diarra would be a good signing or even houdlestone.
Good luck this season - hopefully not at the expense of spurs
What is it with Spurs fans coming on a Villa blog and talking about THEIR club. I do like Spurs very much don't get me wrong but please can you not stay to your own blog?
2 or 3 more signings for us and we will be in good stead for the season, at the start of the summer I was really worried but after seeing us on Saturday against Fiorentina then I am really optimistic for the coming season. It should be a great battle between us, Everton, Spurs and City for the top 4-6
Good discussion - but I think Downing is a waste of money. Why spend on £12m on a player who won't even be fit till Christmas when we've got Ashley Young who plays amazingly in that position anyway?
I think that with so many young stars coming through, buying another left winger is pointless, unless he is 15 like all our other signings 
. And Richard Dunne will be fantastic at the back with Davies - hopefully a new Martin Laursen, although that may be a tad optimistic!
Great post. Can just say that i agree 100 % with your views.
If all our players are fit and not suspendend I´d say we need one for the defensive center, one natural playmaker (Snejder would be nice) and a striking alternativ to Harewood. However! The season is long so I´d prefer 2-3 additional signings.
Great expectations for our youngsters Bannan, Albrighton and Delfouneso.
Sneijder or Van de Vart - sounds a bit like us going for Huntleer, or any of the other 'big names' we all crave (remember Rivaldo anyone). The truth is, Spurs, Villa along side Everton are on a very similar level; the best of the rest. We crave a 'big name' but truth be told they don't crave us. We above to settle for players that are either undiscovered or not yet good enough for the big 3/5 to take a punt on. We struggle to even hold on to the best we have. Carrick - gone. Berbatov - gone. Barry - gone. Should Young have another cracking year - he will be - gone.
One thing I worry for Villa (and I've seen Spurs flap at the end of a window many times) you guys are seriously short of players. It also seems you don't have that much wonga. The longer you wait the harder it will be to recruit people on YOUR terms. If you chase a Sneijder or Van de Vart and they don't come - who will you get? As I read from Villa fans - you guys are 3/5 players short at best. That's a lot - especially if you want them all to make a difference.
I just have a niggly feeling with a few days left of the transfer window you will end up desperate, with no-one else in and come knocking on our door for bently, JJ and possibly Keane or Hutton. Levy and Redknapp are not the guys you want to negotiate with if you are desperate. Redkapp could shut the book on this transfer window and be reasonably happy with what we've got - could MON really say the same? Ashley Young for 2/3 players. I doubt it - but stranger things have happened.
I think we have made good progress during the summer with the blend of youth and experience. I am pleased that the in/out deficite is now balanced, but given MON's statements about the need to strenthen our side and depth i feel we will stiil need to keep the cheque book open for a while longer. As a footnote i am impressed with the patient way MON has conducted his transfer movements and finally as thye say if we can repeat and improve the performance of last year i feel we will bvenefit from even bigger signings next year.
Ghostrider
Funny we have a Spurs fan on here giving us a reality check. I appreciate what your saying, from a Spurs point of view your correct, 'arry has been quoted a number of times about his interest in specific players, qoutes which very often prove to be unfruitful.
The difference between our two clubs is essentailly the two managers. MON never speaks about specific players unless he A. is very interested and B. realistic about our chances of securing the player. I believe MON thinks we have a chance of pulling this one out of the bag.
Secondly, what would make you say we dont have "the WONGA", yes there isn't the riches of Man City but I believe there is more than enough money for MON to carry on progressing Villa. He has been quoted last week referring to his interest in Sneijder, this interest would need to be backed up by 16 million "WONGA", plus he knows the need to add defensive cover, which would need more "WONGA".
Spend more time worrying about your own club mate. We are doing just fine here, dont think I can say the same about Spurs. Its okay to do the whole wheeler dealer thing when your at a club which has aspirations of a mid-table finish. Now 'arry is at Spurs he needs more of a defined plan for the future, his one in, one out merry go round may wash at Spurs but not here. MON has a plan and an idea of what he wants over the next 5,6,7 years.He is merely taking his time just like Clough or Fergie did. In MON we trust
Jesus Christ. A Spurs fan posts a pretty unbiased fair assesment as an outsider looking and you're all all on the defensive Will B. You had a good season last season right up until your best player got injured and then you put in some lovely relegation form to delight the under-capacity regulars at VP. Since that happened you've sold your second best player and replaced him with a decent enough yet by no means spectacular injured player and a Division 1 kid who you expect to hit the ground running in an unforgiving premiership. He might but he might not. So, William, MON knows what he wants over the next 5,6,7 years does he? What would that be? How does soon to be 32 Habib Beye fit in to that? Sorry, i missed him earlier...he's another inspired MON signing.
Seriously, you guys need to have a long hard look at what MON is doing at the Villa. I appreciate he has stabalised your team and you're are better with him that you were with O'dreary and Gregory but where do you honestly think Martin No Deal can take you with the decidedly average signings he continually makes?
If you pull out Van Der Vaart and/or Schnijder i'll see some genuine ambition form your club and take all that back but at it is you're going backwards. You're not even standing still.
To qualify that, not that I really have to. I work with a few Villa fans who are ST holders at VP and their opinion is that you'll be a top 10 team this season but no higher. They're still fully behind MON but are desperate for him to stop whinging about lack of depth and actually buy more players then he sells for a change.
Will B im still laughing at your comments! The difference between the two clubs is oneill?? A man that has done well at celtic and the foxes! What would make us say you dont have the Wonga??? Well the fact that you have sold your best player in barry and have used sidwell as his replacement. The reason oneill doesnt speak about his future signings is because hes probably not proud of the ones you do have a chance of buying. Please dont talk about our little irish freind in the same breath as Fergie or clough. Until he has won a title of made villa a force then hes not in the same league.
I will say one thing though - if Sneijder comes I will eat my hat - madrid to Birmingham??? Hmm doubt it very much
Top 10 by there reckoning meaning between 10th and 8th. Some way off 4th and not in contention for top 6. So, going backwards.
I'm delighted you do trust in MON. Only an idiot wouldn't - and I'm sure you don't consider yourself one of those.
You see footballs about opinions. And all teams worry/opinion-ate about others. I like Villa, not that I want you guys to finish over us - of course not. But your a very exciting young, mainly British team with a great manager - what's not to like. To 'push-on' you need to improve every year. Fergie and Clough didn't have to worry so much about the allure of finance like managers do now, so they had more time to build - as they found it easier to hang on to their best players, something every team out-side the big boys struggle to do nowadays.
I say if you don't add a significant few to your squad, you may find yourself going backwards. You've been there many times before - granted like us. Chances are Sneijder won't join you, the new season will start and you'll struggle to 'push-on'. Then for a season at least Everton and Spurs will move away from you. An extra 8/17 games in Europe can only dry fuck an already thread-bare squad. Then - guess what. You'll lose your best players...
PS. I'm glad you guys have so much money - sorry WONGA. I just didn't realise you were so sensitive about it. Roll on new season - looking forward to our battles.
PPS. Willy; pass me your brain - I'm building an idiot.
It's all a matter of expectations.
Every club in the Top 6/7 in the Premiership should have aspirations of crashing the top 4, but most concede this would be a fluke as the power-base at the top is massive and the Premier League sadly want to keep it that way. The rich clubs just get richer.
I look at the season ahead and say anything is possible - but i would hope Villa will have a good Europa cup campaign, maybe a good domestic cup run and be in the hunt for a European place at the end of the season. But this depends on injuries and what defensive re-enforcements are still to come in (which i guarantee there will be at least one more signing). But i don't think many fans would think that we will automatically finish in 6th again - only time will tell how the season will begin to pan out.
Spurs fans (not all some are pretty normal) have far higher expectations of who they will sign and where the will finish, and yet usually have no basis for such arrogance. That is my issue Spurs rate themselves above the teams that in reality are better than or equal to them. I'm sure most are sneering at Fulham and Everton and baulking at Villa being linked to their precious players. I've met loads of Spurs fans who are also realists and good blokes, but not many come here. The rabid clique of Spurs fans claiming Huntelar, Ash Young and God knows how many other players are 'DONE DEALS' usually pre-fixed with 'yeah ees a spurs fan from burth and wants ta cum to Landon.' Give the majority of Spurs fans a bad name (and yes there are plenty of idiot Villa fans winding people up on other forums aswell).
Dan thats a pretty fair generalisation of us if i'm honest. It is a generalisation though and not all of us are the same. You have to filter out the idiots though and ignore them. Take every post in its merit and not just hammer anything by a Spurs fan.
Anyway, back to Villa seeing as this is a Villa blog. I honestly can't see why Villa fans are all so upbeat? Last season finished appaling after Laursen got injured and you still haven't replaced him. On top of that you sold your captain who was probably your 2nd best most influential player. I admore your optimism but surely if you take the rose timted glasses off you can't see Villa pushing on from where you've finished in the last 2 seasons?
Maybe i am a bit harsh on Spurs fans so apologies Craig - maybe you can set the record straight by predicting your clubs season ahead?
The optimism is mainly because some of our youngsters have stepped up and we've had a good pre-season, beating Porto, Juventus and Fiorentina without Laursen or Barry. Again this doesn't mean we will have a good season. We've had a long time now to get over the retirement of Laursen and get used to life without him, we've relied to heavily on Barry for tooooo long so hopefully some of our other players will step up and we'll stop being so one dimensional. Of course we will miss him, and we may not have as good as season as the last two as a result. If we are able to play players in their preferred positions this season we should be in good stead.
Fantastic post! Agree 100% aswell...
i cannot explain how much i want to see Sneijder at Villa Park next season. Awesome player and as you said would be the first major name signed under MON and Lerner... It would also show our intentions next season and possibly make other teams like Everton and Spurs shit themselves when they see our teamsheet
Well obvioulsly this is our year to break the top 4 and win another cup...
I think/hope we'll be pushing for a top 6 spot this season. A lot will depend on how Man City gel and if they get things right I think they could push Ar5ena1. If City don't gel quickly enough then the top 4 will remain as they always do. Assuming City don't gel then I think there is a small group playing for the much coverted 5th spot that we all want to get to but then realise all we win is the burden of the Europa League (which really should be a prestigious competetion but UEFA keep fcuking it up and not giving it the respect it deserves). That group, IMHO, will be City, Everton and us (Tottenham). I'd like to be able to say Villa but I honestly can't see that you will be there after the way you finished last season and your transfer activity this season.
I hope i'm proved wrong because I have nothing against Villa at all and another club making a fist of snapping at the Gooners heels is what i want to see...albiet I want to finish above you of course.
A little point on pre-season though. I'm sure you realise this already but i'll say it anyway. Kids doing well in pre-season, although encouraging, really doesn't mean an awful lot. Take a good lOOk at us last season when we were on fire before embarassing ourselves when the season starts. Our league kicks off earlier than most other legaues around Europe (the top leagues at least) so your players will be fitter and sharper for these games so generally will look good.
Anyway, good luck for the new season. My hatred towards the Gooners means that if you do manage to suprise me and take their place amongst the elite (not that anyone on here as said they think you will) i'll be cheering as loud as the rest of you.
Spurs will finally have the season that we prayed for after Jol finished 5th. With no Europe - we will be fresh every game (and no more bloody Sunday games - oh Liverpool). We have 4 v good strikers, who are all capable of goals - funnily enough I think Pav will be the surprise of the bunch. If both Lennon & Modric can continue to improve, we a potent force attacking. Palacios is just massive for us - why oh why have we not had a player of his ilk for so long???? I think Harry would really like to add another ball winner this window - but we shall see.
Bassong will finally provide consistent cover/competition for the CBs. Ledley is awesome but those knees.. ouch.. shhhh.. crack.. ahh. FBs have potential and GKs are good.
Presuming Villa do not sign anyone from Real Madrid...
If we sign another ball winer and have a major surprise on the left flank then 5th.. More likely Spurs & Everton to scare Arsenal to death and threaten to take 5th - only for six goals in the last game of the season from Arshavin (we wouldn't pay how much) for them to take it. Spurs or Everton 6th.
No Europe might actually be a blessing in disguise. We'd love to be there, but the players should really perform without the additional 17 - yes 17 games (to win it).
Just been reading the blog - some good comments. Im a spurs fan and i have to say I have time for Villa - english, pace,good manager and what I would class as a big team. The problem is with Villa (just like spurs) we both dont have that steel in midfield. Barry gave you guys a solid platform, but he has been swayed by the dollar and "done one". That seems to leave you a bit short in midfield. Here at spurs we have JJ who is scared of messing his hair up. It seems we both struggle in that department and both have trouble attracting the top stars. To be fair I dont see van der vaart or sneider coming to either of us.
Very good comments by the Spurs fans on here, great stuff.
I think Villa will have more steel if Delph and Reo get to play some games, but our main problem is our lack of depth and lack of a plan B when plan A proves to be useless. Pre-season is definitely not a measure of the season ahead, but we have been waiting to see Albrighton in serious competitive action for ages - and he didn't disappoint plus Lichaj has proved he can also be a player who actually provides valuable defensive cover - so that's two players who will play a part - which for us is like two new signings when you consider how threadbare our defense has been, throw big Fred back in the mix also plus Beye and another defensive signing such as Distin or Wheater and we may resolve our main problem last season which was a destabilised defence playing with midfielders at right back.
Let's hope Spurs and Villa finish above Man City!
Agree with that last line Dan, and lets also hope Man City finish above Ar5ena1
Good post Dan. Rightly or wrongly I am feeling much more confident after this pre-season - not sure if that is going to be correct for this season coming but over the next few years these kids are going to prove a great benefit to the club, some real gems. I would much rather wait 3 years and break through with kids than buy our way there although admittedly neither route guarantees success
I don't buy this "we need 5 more players stuff at all. The only area we are short is defence. What we need is top quality players in any position, I would rather use kids as cover than a bunch of medicre squad fillers for multi millions
Good to see some reasonable comments from Spurs fans because elsewhere on the web they are the most deluded and arrogant along with Liverpool, although the scousers have more reason to ne pleased with themselves. This is not a criticism of the club but honestly Spurs fans are generally the polar opposite of Everton fans who despite being a similar sized clubs are generally genuine, respectful and balanced, and yes I admit we have plenty of dick head fans ourselves but Spurs seem to have well more than their fair share
I am in a growing minority expecting Man City to be top 4 with Everton slipping back and villa and Spurs battling it out above them probably for 6th unless one or more of the top 4 collapses further than expected.
Still, we will see
We have had a brilliant pre-season, and have really shown that the future is bright at Aston Villa! We have some top class youngsters coming through!
I dont know how many other people have noticed that on the official website the squad numbers have been given out. Martin Laursen's number 5 shirt has not been handed to anyone else. Could this mean that MON is waiting to give it to a big name signing to replace Martin? (fingers crossed) or is it to signify a place for a defensive playmaking midfieldder fopr example Van Der Vaart
I think for Villa, it will be important to replace Barry than Laursen. With Davis and cuellar i think you have a decent pairing. I dont think Van der vaart is the player you should have in mind. With young, milner and petrov you have enough attacking flair - you need someone who can win the battles in midfield. Diarra would be a good signing or even houdlestone.
Good luck this season - hopefully not at the expense of spurs
What is it with Spurs fans coming on a Villa blog and talking about THEIR club. I do like Spurs very much don't get me wrong but please can you not stay to your own blog?
2 or 3 more signings for us and we will be in good stead for the season, at the start of the summer I was really worried but after seeing us on Saturday against Fiorentina then I am really optimistic for the coming season. It should be a great battle between us, Everton, Spurs and City for the top 4-6
Good discussion - but I think Downing is a waste of money. Why spend on £12m on a player who won't even be fit till Christmas when we've got Ashley Young who plays amazingly in that position anyway?
I think that with so many young stars coming through, buying another left winger is pointless, unless he is 15 like all our other signings 
. And Richard Dunne will be fantastic at the back with Davies - hopefully a new Martin Laursen, although that may be a tad optimistic!