Deadline Schmeadline! Heads held high, Villa!

I met an Arsenal fan today who came out with the statement: "so much for your new boss - you've made one signing!".

We should all share MON's bitter disappointment at Newcastle's frankly ridiculous recall of James Milner. I consider it outrageous that the Toon pulled the rug on the deal so late in the day, not least because Milner would have considerably added to the growing strength and solidarity of the Villa dressing room and the Holte End.

Leaving that aside, we should be impressed that O'Neill had the perspicacity to pursue that deal so hotly. I hope Martin renews the chase for James Milner once the January window opens; the boy wants to play for Villa, and we want him back. Usually, that means it will happen sooner or later.

At least, however, Villa have not been sucked into the nonsensical merry-go-round of panic purchasing. To me, Newcastle are top of the clowns league here; they don't seem to be trying to build on a long-term strategy, just throwing cash around in an attempt to quieten the Gallowgate.

It's crap - and they'll pay for it. Part of that payment will be losing a future England international to Villa in January.

Sure, Milner would have been great in September (but he'll be welcomed with just as big a roar in January).

Defoe would have added a lot to the attacking threat Villa pose (but who's to say MON can't work his magic on Baros - we were wrong about McCann, after all?).

Saviola would have been the stuff of the dreams. Most importantly, the club isn't being rushed into potty signings. If Stilian Petrov is half the player O'Neill thinks he is (and why should we doubt him?), then the squad has already taken a step forward, and Petrov's "special relationship" with MON means he is almost certainly a long-term signing.

Let's put our faith in Randy and Martin, be thankful that we haven't spent money on a selection of has-beens, want-aways and journeymen, look forward to James Milner returning in the winter and allow Martin O'Neill to think about signings for the January window which will secure a strong squad for years to come.

I wish Stilian Petrov all the best at the club. I am delighted that Luke Moore and Gabby Agbonlahor have the chance to gain further vital Premiership experience.

Everything else I leave to the gaffer. He has my confidence, and I think he should have yours too.