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If Megan Fox came knocking I'd leave my wife. Will Ashley leave Aston Villa for Real Madrid, if they come knocking?

Sunday, 14 December 08, 06:00 AM · Comments (84)

When Liverpool came knocking for Gareth Barry in the summer, it was easy for Martin O'Neill to say no, and put a stupid price tag on the payers head.

Liverpool, while a big club and historically very proud are not Manchester United, Real Madrid or Barcelona. If one of those clubs had come in for Barry, maybe the summer would have been different.

So, what happens if Real Madrid come knocking for Ashley Young? While it's not the easiest thing in the world, blocking Gareth Barry going to Liverpool, it's achievable as demonstrated this summer, but would Martin O'Neill be able to block Ashley Young leaving for Real Madrid?

Put it this way, if you're married or have a girlfriend, would you leave her if Megan Fox showed serious interest and was willing to meet all your needs and demands for a guaranteed four year period?

I'll stand up and say sorry to the wife now, but I would leave her. Sure, I'd always keep a special place in my heart for her and I'd hope that maybe one day, if things didn't work out, there was a way back for me. However, I'd accept that it might not be possible and I might have destroyed all bridges.

But, it's Megan Fox and these opportunities don't come around every day and when they do, you've just got to take them. The wife isn't going to be happy but deep down she'll probably accept it and you never know, but I suspect she'll understand why.

Which is the point to this post. If Real Madrid came knocking for Ashley Young, as is getting suggested in the Sunday Telegraph, I think it's fair to say that he'd like to go and for the sake of this post, we have to agree on that, but is there going to be anything Martin O'Neill can do to stop it from happening?

We are most definitely on the right road and getting better, but it's Real Madrid. Let's put it this way; would you leave your wife for Megan Fox and more specifically, would your wife be able to do/say anything to persuade you otherwise?

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Posted by AVFC Blog | Comments (84)

84 Comments · Add yours

Luke_M
1. Luke_M Wrote: | 12.32GMT | Dec 14, 2008

If we sold Young it would be the end of our push for the top 4 - simple as that. He is not going anywhere.

keefvilla
2. keefvilla Wrote: | 12.37GMT | Dec 14, 2008

I think that this post says more about the state of your marriage than about Aston Villa or Ashley Young

Bumhug360
3. Bumhug360 Wrote: | 12.42GMT | Dec 14, 2008

Would you leave your wife for Megan Fox though if there were a couple of other guys married to her as well and you may get stuck on the bench looking at the action?

Simeon
4. Simeon Wrote: | 12.47GMT | Dec 14, 2008

It surely comes down to the individual. There are actually as many reasons to stay at Villa than to leave for Real Madrid. It would be a (forgivably) idealistic, even romantic, decision to go to Real, and if Young wanted to experience a differnt culture, both footballing and otherwise, who could blame him? But on a pragmatic level, I think staying at Villa's the wise move. It is within the club's reach to be in the position of being just as likely winners of the Champions League as Real, and within a couple of seasons. The balance of power in European football has shifted. It's interesting that, if it were Inter, AC or Juventus rather than Real, then there wouldn't be any serious danger that Young would leave. Real and Barca are slightly different, because if you go there, you've got a 40% chance of winning the league every season, and the Spanish league is only second to the Premiership. But it is second best. Young to remain, unless Real offered ridiculous money and MoN decided we were getting the better side of the deal.

Nan_was_a_fan
5. Nan_was_a_fan Wrote: | 12.49GMT | Dec 14, 2008

By the sound of things Damian, I'd leave your wife for Megan Fox but not mine.

You've got to think carefully, the wife's had a bit of work done, toned up in the gym and is starting to get down and dirty in the sack.

Jaymo
6. Jaymo Wrote: | 12.53GMT | Dec 14, 2008

All i'll say is if Sir Alex can block Ronaldo to Madrid than surely MoN will. If not whats the point in trying to challenge the 'big 4'

_AP68_
7. _AP68_ Wrote: | 12.53GMT | Dec 14, 2008

i think you are comparing different things here damian..
1.your a middle aged bloke past his best
2.megan fox ...well is a fox
so yes you would leave your wife cus your punching above your weight and i dont know what your missus looks like.
but ash has just signed a new contract and is happy still learning at villa.
mon says a tongue in cheek remark and now everyone wants to sign the lad perlease..
i wonder if he can say marewood or fright were the best players in the world and see who comes knocking

Tom
8. Tom Wrote: | 12.56GMT | Dec 14, 2008

although theres considerably more chance of real coming knocking than megan fox (sorry damian to ruin your dreams) its still not going to happen.

AVFCBlog
9. AVFCBlog Wrote: | 12.59GMT | Dec 14, 2008

The leaving the wife thing is tongue in cheek, but I know you all know that. Also, while I suspect this is just pure speculation on the back of a player playing exceptionally well, if he continues to do so, then someone will come knocking.

It's going to be interesting to see how it's dealt with.

caleb
10. caleb Wrote: | 13.07GMT | Dec 14, 2008

i remember you described your wife as 6foot and swedish... i'd definitely stick with that sort of woman.

p.s bumhug is spot on

_AP68_
11. _AP68_ Wrote: | 13.08GMT | Dec 14, 2008

i agree damian some big club will come in for him but i doubt it will be real as they have messi

churchil
12. churchil Wrote: | 13.19GMT | Dec 14, 2008

Damo

Your dick's in charge of your brain. Megan Fox is a silly slut just like Real Madrid.

Get a grip.

allblacks
13. allblacks Wrote: | 13.20GMT | Dec 14, 2008

lol

AVFCBlog
14. AVFCBlog Wrote: | 13.23GMT | Dec 14, 2008

churchil

that may very well be the case, but it doesn't take away from the fact there is a rumour doing the rounds that Real Madrid are interested

ak_27
15. ak_27 Wrote: | 13.31GMT | Dec 14, 2008

Damien i just hope your wife doesn't log onto this site or you could be in for a really frosty xmas. As for Young i think this link is coming fron that tribal football website which as far as i have seen just seem to make stuff up for the sake of it.

But even if it is true Young would not go. He knows he has the best manager in the world to develop him as a player and to be honest he prob wouldn't even get a game at Real as he would be up againest Robben and god knows how many other young superstars from all over the world.

_AP68_
16. _AP68_ Wrote: | 13.33GMT | Dec 14, 2008

straight swap for messi nothing less

_AP68_
17. _AP68_ Wrote: | 13.34GMT | Dec 14, 2008

i must still be pissed he plays for barca haha

villabiker
18. villabiker Wrote: | 13.36GMT | Dec 14, 2008

Reply to AVFCBlog:

churchil

that may very well be the case, but it doesn't take away from the fact there is a rumour doing the rounds that Real Madrid are interested

Rumours thats all it is damian well how bout this for some facts being a villa supporter travelling up from Cheltenham with 50 others we were represented yesterday at a meeting for the travelling supporters. At the meeting it was SAID that the 3 main targets in the transfer window are heskey, doyle and interest has been stepped up in the case of michael owen. If i hear anymore I will let u know. Keep the faith UTV.

AVFCBlog
19. AVFCBlog Wrote: | 13.38GMT | Dec 14, 2008

ak_27

it was the sunday telegraph - tribal football took it from there. link is in the original post

churchil
20. churchil Wrote: | 13.38GMT | Dec 14, 2008

Reply to AVFCBlog:

churchil

that may very well be the case, but it doesn't take away from the fact there is a rumour doing the rounds that Real Madrid are interested


Of course. It’s inevitable. When you join the top four life gets tricky. Life isn’t complicated for the Baggies or Stoke. No-one’s trying to nick their players.

These are wonderful problems to have. It means we’re successful. Months ago I told all you scaredy-cats of the coming earthquake. The tectonic plates of the premier league are on the move and the complacent four can hear our nimble feet closing them down. The fear that has settled on the gooners is palpable – you can smell it all the way to B6.

For what it’s worth, I think O’Neill’s protégées will be reluctant to leave him. He’s like a father to them.

Heads up lads. The game’s afoot.

churchil
21. churchil Wrote: | 13.57GMT | Dec 14, 2008

This is funny. Or if keef's gonna start using irony, perhaps I should say 'amusant'

LINK

PaulE
22. PaulE Wrote: | 14.01GMT | Dec 14, 2008

Didn't he recently sign a new 4 or 5 year contract? He's not going anywhere.

Barry was a different situation - probably only 3 years left at the top of his game and only 2 years left on his contract (at the time).

Young knows he's developing very nicely under MON and Robertson with the genuine possibility of playing Champions League football, international football and winning medals in the coming years. If we're not getting there in 2-3 years time and his contract hasn't been renewed maybe it will be different, but for now he's staying put - end of story.

Nan_was_a_fan
23. Nan_was_a_fan Wrote: | 14.02GMT | Dec 14, 2008

Churchil

I'm with you on this one. Hold onto your hats.

Hanson and the other bellends are gonna be eatin their words.

flowershopboy
24. flowershopboy Wrote: | 14.24GMT | Dec 14, 2008

if my wife made me the man i am today , just like villa have done for ashley young then no! not even megan fox could tempt me! on another note , this is one of those seasons where the league is anyones! I'm not saying we have the quality or dept of some of the "bigger clubs" but one thing is for sure we do have a team that on the day can stand up to anyone!!! the main thing is to get a level of consistency , we can't bottle it like we did against newcastle and middlseborough , if we take each game as it comes and keep our nerve we should deffo be in a to 4 position and if we really push ourselves and not worry about how other teams are doing we should be able to mount a serious title challenge this year!!!

ANO
25. ANO Wrote: | 14.38GMT | Dec 14, 2008

On a different note - didn't make it to game y'day but what reception did Cahill get? Good, I hope.

kaptabs
26. kaptabs Wrote: | 14.39GMT | Dec 14, 2008

New poster here,

Sorry Damian, but i read most of your stuff and laugh.

Yes, you had ammunition for this one purely because of the player and potential club it surrounds.

However, MON has proven that if it is his will, he can keep an UNHAPPY player in "I'm too god damn big for my boots" Barry, if he so chooses, and then get him to reconsider what at one point was a "done deal" in him leaving in the summer.

"Ash" is young, English, playing in a team threatening to ignite fire, playing for a manager who thinks he is a genius, is our highest paid player, and is surrounded by pals, most of whom are of an English nature.

To leave to go to Real, who are by-all standards becoming a farce of a club, to be a johnny nobody in a poor, slow league, dominated by a couple of teams akin to the Scottish league, and watch his career rot......

Does not equate to leaving the Mrs for Megan Fox.

First of all you need to think about the state of your marriage,

But more importantly, and without joking, you need to forget the name "Real Madrid" and look at the true picture (I mean who do you support). Real is a club that will always be "in there" so to speak because of how they are bankrolled, but also a club that is on a severe downfall.

They destroy pretty much any new player they sign these days, weren't Beckham so loyal "I prefer stupid" he would have gotten out after a season.........

But to prove a point (although money played it's part) ROBINHO LEFT REAL FOR MAN CITY.


So following all of that, Damian, "The writer of some of the more ridiculous nonsense about Aston Villa on the Web" (No offense mate,just get your priorities right), i put to you that Ash would not only reject any offer, as would the board, but he would do so immediately and with an "Are you kidding" smile on his face.

anotherjames
27. anotherjames Wrote: | 15.03GMT | Dec 14, 2008

...and this is why I love this blog - a great mix of ridiculous posts with perhaps a sense of humour, that does at least expose some interesting stuff... about damian's personal life. lol.
honestly though, i see your point damian even if the analogy is a bit far off. keep writing, i enjoy reading the blog even if i disagree. the stuff about Milner & Barry is getting a bit old now, but at least it makes us think about them a bit more carefully.

AVFCBlog
28. AVFCBlog Wrote: | 15.11GMT | Dec 14, 2008

kaptabs

no need to apologise. i've read your comment and laughed a lot also.

first, how do you know he's the highest paid player at the club? better still, provide me a link to the information

second, my post is tongue in cheek because this is a rumour and most have seen that and understood it to be.

but you've done your best and you've got your point of view across which is that ash wouldn't leave. i put it to you though, that you don't actually know and none of us would know for sure until and if an offer came in from real madrid

AVFCBlog
29. AVFCBlog Wrote: | 15.29GMT | Dec 14, 2008

the point is, what does martin o'neill and the club have to do to keep the likes of young, probably gabby if he keep splaying like this and who knows, even milner next season once he has properly settled and adapted to playing 5 in the middle

the answer, kaptabs, is a simple one and doesn't revolve around me taking the piss out of your comment. it's get into the top 4, properly strengthen the squad (which i believe will happen), stay in the top four (the hardest part in my opinion as whoever we push out will want it back) and kick on

that is what martin o'neill and aston villa have to do to keep the likes of ashley young.

it's not just 'ashley will say no with a smile'. there has to be continued development

Chater1703
30. Chater1703 Wrote: | 15.52GMT | Dec 14, 2008

boring real madrid are also after middlesbroughs johnson if you belive the papers....real madrid are a team on the decline

Arrlui
31. Arrlui Wrote: | 15.57GMT | Dec 14, 2008

My girlfriend's fitter than Megan Fox, so no.

kaptabs
32. kaptabs Wrote: | 16.03GMT | Dec 14, 2008

Reply to AVFCBlog:

kaptabs

no need to apologise. i've read your comment and laughed a lot also.

first, how do you know he's the highest paid player at the club? better still, provide me a link to the information

second, my post is tongue in cheek because this is a rumour and...

Damian, im not going to trawl through the Internet, but when he signed the new contract it definitely made his the highest paid player at our club.

I'm glad you got a laugh at my expense, but there is nothing in the comment i have put that is in any way wrong, or even worth laughing at.

At the guys age, i the circumstances he is in, unless the Sun matters more to him than Football, he would be insane to to leave and he knows it, hence him committing himself to us.

My god, imagine the politics if you went to madrid.

I wonder how long it is before the new guy finds himself alone in the shower with Raul and just a bar of soap. No thanks.!!!

Adambader
33. Adambader Wrote: | 16.14GMT | Dec 14, 2008

I haven't really heard about this story and I don't think it is true. Also, Real have already identified their targets and this guy is not one of them.

kaptabs
34. kaptabs Wrote: | 16.15GMT | Dec 14, 2008

Reply to AVFCBlog:

the point is, what does martin o'neill and the club have to do to keep the likes of young, probably gabby if he keep splaying like this and who knows, even milner next season once he has properly settled and adapted to playing 5 in the middle

the answer, kaptabs, is a simple one and...

100% agree,

its just that i am ten times more confident than the average Villa fan it seems that this will be the case.

So MON tanks occasionally, Agathe, Sutton, Reo-Coker (IMO obviously), getting rid of Cahill, certain formations at wrong times, not signing a striker etc etc.

But he is without a doubt doing more things right than wrong by at least a ratio of somewhere near 5:1.

I am one of those who agree with you that 12 Million for Milner was not only excessive but ridiculous. But the point is that the money was there, Milner will mature, and we all know he does have the ability to be a quality player. MON will help him learn his craft and your "6's" will be a thing of the past and nothing to worry about.

The only thing i lament is MON's apparent lack of urgency when the transfer window comes around.

However is it a lack of urgency or is it just a case of a man who doesn't spit the dummy out if he doesn't get what he wants, when he wants it (because we fans certainly act like that) and that's just the nature of the beast.

His plusses in the transfer market more than make up for his failings, and we all know that deep down he feels that we could displace Arsenal this year.

Look for some shrewd activity in January, there will be a few interesting twists and turns.

Just bear in mind tho, he wont be signing De La Red, I'll put my mortgage on that one with you now ;)

Villa_1_2_3
35. Villa_1_2_3 Wrote: | 16.15GMT | Dec 14, 2008

okey thats fair enough, but ashley is guarenteed a starting place week in week out, plus lets face it, it is the premiership the best league in the world, that would be my counter to him going to real madrid, plus lets see who villa sign, because if we sign some big star player like adriano it may just make heads turn!

keefvilla
36. keefvilla Wrote: | 16.33GMT | Dec 14, 2008

Spurs have been linked with Aaran Lennon, David Bentley, Didier Zokora, Roman Pavilchenko, Bastien Schweinsteiger, Marek hansik and just about every other player who journalists know of. I think this just shows that British journalism is full of shit.

LINK

LINK

LINK

Andy
37. Andy Wrote: | 16.57GMT | Dec 14, 2008

How about Antonio Valencia for Villa? No offence to Milner (his work rate is outstanding) but I feel his cretivity is lacking. With a really creative right winger like Valencia opposite Ash we'd be an awesome attacking force. I know that Ash played blinder yesterday but I did also notice that at times Bolton were able to put two men on him to mark him, if we had a similarly attacking winger on the other side of the pitch then teams wouldbe unable to double up on the wingers giving them more freedom.

HOOLY
38. HOOLY Wrote: | 17.07GMT | Dec 14, 2008

Reply to Bumhug360:

Would you leave your wife for Megan Fox though if there were a couple of other guys married to her as well and you may get stuck on the bench looking at the action?

this sums it up 2 a tee.Look what hapend to owen ,hes fighting relegation and has no place in the England squad.A quick fumble with megan to a full on fcuk with carol thatcher.

marmite61
39. marmite61 Wrote: | 17.13GMT | Dec 14, 2008

Interesting post Damo,the main point is loyalty which does not exist in today's footballers.What loyalty do we expect from Ashley Young? He is not a local lad like Gabby,Birmingham versus Madrid?(by the way i love Birmingham only work prevents me living there,i don't have a choice!)the lad's head would definitley be turned,and put any of us in that position we would be the same.
The only loyal people in this game are all of us on here,we can't change our team because we aren't offered money to do so!!!.
Good news none of the big 4 have won this weekend so far.
Oh Chelsea have just equalised!

marmite61
40. marmite61 Wrote: | 17.20GMT | Dec 14, 2008

Good point(or 3 points) i should have said the so called big 4 :D

Josh
41. Josh Wrote: | 17.58GMT | Dec 14, 2008

Reply to _AP68_:

i agree damian some big club will come in for him but i doubt it will be real as they have messi

Real dont have messi, Barcelona do. Real sold robinho so they will be looking for a winger hopefully they continue the ronaldo pursuit rather than go after Ash.

Jimbo Daventry Villa
42. Jimbo Daventry Villa Wrote: | 18.05GMT | Dec 14, 2008

I'd leave my wife for Megan Fox every day of the week. In fact i'd leave my wife for Sam fox!! Im off to Hamburg on Tuesday and cant wait come on you lions!!!

AVFCBlog
43. AVFCBlog Wrote: | 18.13GMT | Dec 14, 2008

It will be fun Jimbo - see you there :)

Not that it is really likely .. but you know what I mean

MartinBanks
44. MartinBanks Wrote: | 18.15GMT | Dec 14, 2008

There's no difference between Liverpool wanting Barry and Real Madrid wanting Young. None whatsoever, I'm afraid. And I hope to God your wife doesn't read your blog.

IF we'd convinced Barry to stay then I could see your point but that wasn't what happened, Liverpool refused to meet the valuation. This would be exactly the same with Real Madrid if they refused to pay what Villa wanted (which MON has already said is around £30m), unless there's some secret mafia going on in the world of football.

Barry wanted to go and didn't. So the temptation of the player isn't the point in question.

Mart

marmite61
45. marmite61 Wrote: | 18.22GMT | Dec 14, 2008

Reply to MartinBanks:

There's no difference between Liverpool wanting Barry and Real Madrid wanting Young. None whatsoever, I'm afraid. And I hope to God your wife doesn't read your blog.

IF we'd convinced Barry to stay then I could see your point but that wasn't what happened, Liverpool refused to meet...

Mart is there any possible way of keeping hold of Ashley, Gabby etc??

AVFCBlog
46. AVFCBlog Wrote: | 18.51GMT | Dec 14, 2008

MartinBanks

Players have agents that are supposed to do what they're told. This summer Barry told his to get him a move to Liverpool. The agent failed, the agent got sacked. If he had a better agent Barry might be playing for Liverpool right now - we just don't know.

But, to put the Barry thing to bed for this subject, it's sort of irrelevant because if Liverpool really wanted Barry, they would have paid the money. In my opinion, they didn't want him badly enough and we actually don't know the circumstances around the whole saga either.

Also and because this is a rumour it will be treated as such, but if Real Madrid identified that Ashley Young was their number one target, the chances are, in my opinion, that they'd get him.

We don't know what Ashley is thinking or his frame of mind and we don't actually know what the price is that would get him because it's all hypothetical until a bid is made. Martin O'Neill could say that Young is worth £100mn. tomorrow but it might only actually take a £30mn. bid to get him - given the right pressure by the agent.

Fact is, we don't know, so I think I can say with as much certainty as you used above and say actually there could be a difference in Real wanting Ashley and Liverpool wanting Barry - only because we don't actually know.

We should just be grateful that we have Young now and hope that he comes out tomorrow saying he wants to spend the rest of his career at Villa and that he's willing to sing a 10 year extension.

marmite61

Yes there is. Get into the top four. Spend to stay there and then keep getting better. We could win the league with those two and certainly win trophies - but the club have to match their ambition otherwise they'll go to a club that will.

adam
47. adam Wrote: | 19.02GMT | Dec 14, 2008

Reply to keefvilla:

I think that this post says more about the state of your marriage than about Aston Villa or Ashley Young

LMAOO

vogra
48. vogra Wrote: | 19.05GMT | Dec 14, 2008

R Madrid are'nt interested in Young, no chance...id accept a straight swap for Wesley Sneider and Royston Drenthe though..

Aaron Horton
49. Aaron Horton Wrote: | 20.15GMT | Dec 14, 2008

I doubt it's true but if they were to come knocking I think he would go, no point kidding ourselves. Would probably open Capello's eyes a bit at least 8O

MartinBanks
50. MartinBanks Wrote: | 20.28GMT | Dec 14, 2008

Reply to marmite61:

Mart is there any possible way of keeping hold of Ashley, Gabby etc??

Ashley seems to like the way we play and the fact that he's a big fish for us, so I'm pretty hopeful he'll still be with us next season.

As for Gabby, he's going nowhere. He's a pure Villan. It'll take a lot more than a big club to lure him away, not while he's starting every game and scoring loads and getting the whole crowd chanting his name every week.

alex
51. alex Wrote: | 20.46GMT | Dec 14, 2008

It would be a shame to see ashley young go, and to be honest real madrid have a habit of ruining english talent look a the likes of beckham, owen, woodgate they wasted some of their carears there. so if ashley young has any sence what so ever then i think he will stay at the place where he belongs AVFC.
holtenders in the Sky :D

marmite61
52. marmite61 Wrote: | 21.32GMT | Dec 14, 2008

Mart and Damo i hope you are right,maybe i am too old and cynical,i think Arsenal on boxing day is crucial to our efforts this season

Tonebone
53. Tonebone Wrote: | 22.44GMT | Dec 14, 2008

I dont think Ashley would leave for Real with it being an overseas club - i would imagine he sees a move overseas late in his career if at all.
However if Man Utd came in for him in the summer i doubt very much we would keep hold of him. They would offer 25-30m, increased wages and guaranteed trophies.
The only way we would possibly stop that is to be top 4. We have to be realiustic if we finished 5th this season adn next then the likes of Young and gabby could well be off. young will be 25 by then and no one would blame him for wanting to be an integral part of a champions league team by then.
It is essential we manage to finish 4th in these next 2 years.

Tonebone
54. Tonebone Wrote: | 22.45GMT | Dec 14, 2008

Reply to alex:

It would be a shame to see ashley young go, and to be honest real madrid have a habit of ruining english talent look a the likes of beckham, owen, woodgate they wasted some of their carears there. so if ashley young has any sence what so ever then i think he will stay at the place where he belongs...

they hardly ruined Beckham - his last 6 months there he played the best football of his career and was arguably the most important player in them regaining the title.

Tonebone
55. Tonebone Wrote: | 22.50GMT | Dec 14, 2008

Reply to keefvilla:

Spurs have been linked with Aaran Lennon, David Bentley, Didier Zokora, Roman Pavilchenko, Bastien Schweinsteiger, Marek hansik and just about every other player who journalists know of. I think this just shows that British journalism is full of shit.
...

or pretty spot on seeing as **spurs** did sign lennon, zokora, pavilchenko and Bentley!

EddieSenior
56. EddieSenior Wrote: | 23.48GMT | Dec 14, 2008

Hmm, its not the same at all. If he stays here, he will be a legend for life, no doubt. If he goes, he'll just be any other player. Ashley has the chance to be part of something amazing at Aston Villa and I'm pretty damned sure thats what he'll want whoever comes a knocking!

pprid
57. pprid Wrote: | 00.31GMT | Dec 15, 2008

the thing is, is megan fox dirty in the box, if she has a tight defence you might need some one like ash to get through, our strike force is very quick which might not be to her liking so we have to think like a team, it was barry's 400th game for us yesterday and with the likes of GB our captain ML we have some staying power this could prove the keep her happy, her as in 4th spot or maybe better

anyway my head hurts after typing that not a good thing to do when drunk

Madarab
58. Madarab Wrote: | 00.35GMT | Dec 15, 2008

What a bleak analogy. Sometimes this site descends into the kind of 'laddish' banter I would frown upon from teenagers. I wouldn't leave my wife, because she is the woman I wanted to marry. That you even know who 'Megan Fox' is suggests an imbalance to me.

Ashley will be courted, but will stay for the next couple of years to see how far he can go with us. To be honest, if there is not enough progress happening for him to not want to stick around, then I wouldn't mind either way. The next 3/4 years are crucial for AVFC.

jeremiaswodo
59. jeremiaswodo Wrote: | 01.00GMT | Dec 15, 2008

It wouldn't surprise me if Real Madrid came in for Ashley Young, though I don't think they'd pay what MON would want for him, and I'd doubt he'd want to move unless it was to a team that probably would throw him in the starting line-up (i.e. Arsenal - but I can't see them paying the money either). So I think he'll stay here as long as we're competitive. I wouldn't call Real Madrid a team on the decline. Two consecutive titles in what is not a weak league - contrary to what some have said here - isn't too shabby, especially for a team that has generally been considered to be underperforming lately. They won't win this year, but they could be back next year.

legsofbremner
60. legsofbremner Wrote: | 02.12GMT | Dec 15, 2008

It's an interesting one...
It was a spur of the moment thing, randomly caught on camera, but when I heard MON tell Ashley that his goal was 'genius' last Sunday, it was impossible to disagree. For once we heard him caught in a candid state of proud exuberance and honesty.
It's a fine line with young, talented players like Ash and Gabby.
He's done an incredible job of keeping their feet on the ground so far.
As for Megan Fox. We can always dream...!!!
Made me chuckle that the Gunners fear can be smelt at Spag. Junction. You should check out the pong just south of the Thames... Ha ha!

kaptabs
61. kaptabs Wrote: | 03.07GMT | Dec 15, 2008

Reply to AVFCBlog:

MartinBanks

Players have agents that are supposed to do what they're told. This summer Barry told his to get him a move to Liverpool. The agent failed, the agent got sacked. If he had a better agent Barry might be playing for Liverpool right now - we just don't know.

But,...

Damian the thing that people forget, yourself included, is that we don't need the money, similar to Man Utd not needing the money when Real wanted Ronaldo.

Young wouldn't have signed his contract if he didn't want to stay as he knows he is developing a huge name in club football and it just extends the amount of time before he could start forcing Villas hand or talking to other clubs. I think it was an extra two years added

If there was any truth in this Real would need to offer stupendous amounts, money that would be matched by Man city, and yet both bids would be turned down and I'll tell you why.

MON is so high on Young and Gabby (Particularly Young) that if he were sold it would be without MON's consent and he would walk away from the football club. I guarantee that. Just that one sale and he would be off because simply by getting rid of Young, it would condemn us to top five at best and move us back three years to when O'Neill started. Not to mention the unrest it would cause in the squad.

Also, not to mention, Young just wouldn't go. There have been about five players in recent weeks all calling to finish their careers at Villa - Carew/Laursen spring to mind, even Sidwell who has been here only months has said something to that ilk over the last couple of days.

The camaraderie between players such as Young, Carew, Gabby and Laursen for example is something this club has not seen in years, and this team reminds me of the infamous young Man Utd side that according to Hanson would never win anything and then of course went on to win everything.


Simply put, to leave Aston Villa right now would be idiotic and there are certain players i just do not worried about. There may be signs of grumbling from a few corners, most notably, Reo-Coker and Barry, but Barry, spinelessly IMO, is trying to rebuild bridges just in case we nick that 4th spot. Gobby Reo-Coker on the other hand is not good enough, MON knows it and has probably told him.

Young stays, no problem.

Badger
62. Badger Wrote: | 03.19GMT | Dec 15, 2008

Reply to AVFCBlog:

MartinBanks

Players have agents that are supposed to do what they're told. This summer Barry told his to get him a move to Liverpool. The agent failed, the agent got sacked. If he had a better agent Barry might be playing for Liverpool right now - we just don't know.

But,...

Damian, I totally disagree with this.
The agent suggested how to go about things and this is why Barry said what he did at the time, imo.
It proved to be a total mistake and this is the reason the agent got sacked.
Indeed, I don't think Barry asked for a move in the first place and it was probably Mr Black's idea.
That said, I think the seed has been planted, which is shown by the fact that Barry turned down a wage rise.
FWIW, I hate what Barry has done and tend to agree with your recent thoughts about him. But he is doing the bizz lately.

As for Webcam, this is rubbish, IMO.
He has just signed a new contract, which as said earlier, was widely reported to have placed him as the highest paid player at the Villa.
He's going nowhere for at least 2 years, at any price.
And seeing as we're going to get top 4 in that time, it makes it even more academic.

Of course, I totally concur with your "we don't know" point.

George_Templeton
63. George_Templeton Wrote: | 04.31GMT | Dec 15, 2008

The rumour is nonsense paper talk but since it gave you an excuse to post that picture I say this is one of your greatest posts!

HectorFullone
64. HectorFullone Wrote: | 09.25GMT | Dec 15, 2008

If Real Madrid are stupid enough to appoint Ramos, maybe they'll go for Milner instead of Young.

Has anyone else noticed that another 9 points and we should be safe.

R.I.P. Miss Luke !

keefvilla
65. keefvilla Wrote: | 09.45GMT | Dec 15, 2008

Reply to Tonebone:

or pretty spot on seeing as **spurs** did sign lennon, zokora, pavilchenko and Bentley!

Ok so I meant Ramos at Real Madrid!

If you read the posts you'd know that. :?

AVFCBlog
66. AVFCBlog Wrote: | 10.22GMT | Dec 15, 2008

kaptabs

who said anything about needing money? but seeing as you mention it - how do you know we don't need money?

the point is, every player has a price.

as for young not signing his contract if he didn't want to stay. how about he wouldn't have signed the contract if it wasn't an extra £100 a month? i'm not saying your point isn't true - but prove it. if you were offered x amount of cash each week doing a job that you enjoyed - would you sign the contract?

however - it's all speculation but the thing is, siure real madrid could offer £50mn. and martin o'neill could still say no, but what if ashley young went to martin o'neill saying he wanted to leave? my point is, you don't know his frame of mind - you only know what you are led to believe or from one day to the next.

but i hope he stays too. i'm just playing devils advocate

badger

i think we agree then. barry dropped his agent because he failed to get him teh move - the thing is we don't know who really instigated it. i suspect it could have been black too - but we just don't know

as for barry himself - yes, he is having a good streak - especially since we reverted to 4-5-1 and the players are getting used to it

i still cant believe the amount of stick i used to get for suggesting 4-5-1 and it seems to be working now ..

AVFCBlog
67. AVFCBlog Wrote: | 10.32GMT | Dec 15, 2008

Well lads the rumour has made Marca:

LINK

Now if this is true, I guess we'll find out soon enough exactly how badly they want him.

Ben
68. Ben Wrote: | 10.49GMT | Dec 15, 2008

I'm not even worried about his paper talk .... Real Madrid aren't the team anymore people have them marked as. Ash is on the verge of becoming an England regular and if he went to Spain he'd at best warm the bench. He's a real lvel headed player and doesn't come across as somebody with an ego so why go to Real. I think on a good day Villa are better than Real home and away.
This is no more than paper talk trying to upset the Villa camp as we messed up there big story with Barry going to Liverpool. Also Villa are in a place now where finacially they don't have to sell to balance the books.

I would agree with MON that behind Messi and Ronaldo there isn't a better winger in the world when he turns up! or should I say Villa turn up.

;)

keefvilla
69. keefvilla Wrote: | 10.53GMT | Dec 15, 2008

An important thing to be considered is that Ramos only has a contract until the end of the season, so any player signing for Real Madrid may well find themselves not been chosen by a new manager next season. Also, as Madrid are now 6th in the league, Ash may want to stay to play Champions League football next season. :D

AVFCBlog
70. AVFCBlog Wrote: | 10.55GMT | Dec 15, 2008

keefvilla

all good points. and still only a rumour, so should be treated as such

Ugly_Betty
71. Ugly_Betty Wrote: | 10.56GMT | Dec 15, 2008

I'm not sure Real are the lure they once were. While they have an amazing record and history, there's little continuity, no guarantee of a starting place and currently you'd be working under somone who can't speak English and has never tasted anything other than the relegation zone.

To continue the woman analogy, Real may be Megan Fox but Villa will be there when you get home pissed from the pub and won't kill you, and bring you things for Man-Flu and make the odd roast dinner on a Sunday, whereas you might get the odd great BJ from Real but ultimately they'll lose interest and move on to the next big thing. I think Young will be flattered but not tempted.

Ugly_Betty
72. Ugly_Betty Wrote: | 10.57GMT | Dec 15, 2008

*PS - relegation zone in the EPL, obviously.

Villa_Chris
73. Villa_Chris Wrote: | 10.59GMT | Dec 15, 2008

That linked article translates as follows:

Real Madrid may close another signing this week. From the list that manages Pedja Mijatovic to strengthen the gangs, the name more like Juande Ramos is Ashley Young, Aston Villa's end. Real Madrid follows closely to this young English player, although it seems difficult to close the signing this month of January since its handover could reach 30 million euros and the white club does not want to spend so much money now.

Villa_Chris
74. Villa_Chris Wrote: | 10.59GMT | Dec 15, 2008

....Looks like they dont have the funds for him anyway =D

Villa_Chris
75. Villa_Chris Wrote: | 11.05GMT | Dec 15, 2008

Ive just been translating some of the comments on that link and this is what one of them said...

Let's see ... the Young this is a potato! Lennon is a thousand times better, which brings the ball glued to walk more and much faster, silva and many more are better than the Aston town ...

vivavilla86
76. vivavilla86 Wrote: | 11.51GMT | Dec 15, 2008

If Madrid want Young and they're prepared to pay through the nose then who are we to stand in the way. If we get £30m I don't think we can complain.

AVFCBlog
77. AVFCBlog Wrote: | 11.53GMT | Dec 15, 2008

personally, I'd want more than £30mn ... but I'm greedy.

vivavilla86
78. vivavilla86 Wrote: | 11.55GMT | Dec 15, 2008

Me too... I'd take them to the cleaners and get every last penny I could. That's if Young actually wanted to go, if not I'd shun their every offer.

kaptabs
79. kaptabs Wrote: | 12.03GMT | Dec 15, 2008

Reply to AVFCBlog:

personally, I'd want more than £30mn ... but I'm greedy.

30 million wouldn't even scratch the surface Damian as you say, not even close sorry.

The guy is so integral to what MON has tried,, and continues to try to do, that any sale would mean a parting of ways of Aston Villa and MON.

The worth to Aston Villa of Ashley Young is not just his fee at face value but what he will contribute to ourselves over the period of time that he will continue to perform at the standard he has proven he can.

If Real came anywhere near, firstly MON would laugh and hang up, if they didn't go away he would price him in the region of about 50-80 million i should imagine.

Lets face it, Barry, yep need him but can be replaced sooner rather than later and yet equates to 18 million.

Players like Ashley Young come around once in a blue moon, especially English versions. I would liken him to Ryan Giggs when he first hit the scene who, despite not being English, is at least from the UK. Bar that i cannot think of anyone who has, and continue to, fulfill their potential in the way "Webcam" is doing.

villarobin
80. villarobin Wrote: | 12.29GMT | Dec 15, 2008

"Would you leave your wife for Megan Fox though if there were a couple of other guys married to her as well and you may get stuck on the bench looking at the action?"

HA Ha thats brilliant !!

Very true as well. It would be v stupid for Young to go to Real at this stage of his career. He is part of something special at Villa at the moment, and enjoying his football. He has the rest of his career to go there.

Its always 'Old' players in general that go there anyway..


Ipbopmalik
81. Ipbopmalik Wrote: | 14.25GMT | Dec 15, 2008

Damian,
Your analogy is similar to that of someone trading his trusty tried and tested motor in for a new shinier and exciting model with flames around the wheel arches and a mega dixie horn and everything.

However, it's not until you take a peek under the bonnet, that you notice the crack appearing (but not the one you dreamt of). "F*** me!" - some ex BL mechanic has only been having a tamper...

Tonebone
82. Tonebone Wrote: | 23.13GMT | Dec 15, 2008

Reply to keefvilla:

Ok so I meant Ramos at Real Madrid!

If you read the posts you'd know that. :?

my comment was tongue in cheek! i know what you meant - lighten up!

Tom
83. Tom Wrote: | 07.41GMT | Dec 16, 2008

I would hate to see Ashley go, but if Real is serious then Ashley would want to go. The question for us is, it has to be a positive move. We want to challenge for the top 4, so we need from any Ashley sale to Read an amount that would allow us to buy one or more players the totality of which is better than Ashley himself. That is the question. If we can do that, then we can sell, otherwise, it makes no sense for us as otherwise we can spend the money we got but Villa would still be a lesser team.

Hopefully Ashley stays. Remember they are still going to go back for Ronaldo.

For Ashley himself, it would actually I think benefit him in playing in the Spanish league for a few seasons. The Spanish league is definitely better in terms of techniques - and he is the type of player that with further development of his techniques, he would be an absolute gem. At Real, he can learn from Robben, Raul, etc. At Villa, he is the best, can't learn from others.

samvilla
84. samvilla Wrote: | 10.53GMT | Dec 16, 2008

Real Madrid can f*ck right off!!!
Ramos will do the same to Real Madrid as he did to spurs; Make them sh*t. Have you noticed all the players that go to real madrid do sh*t, leave, and then they're sh*t afterwards. Just like Beckham, Owen, Robinho and woodgate. all good players until they went to Real Madrid, they did shit there, came back and have been shit eversince they left.

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