Martin Laursen out for eight weeks after operation on his knee and fighting talk from Bill Howell
Friday, 23 January 09, 06:33 AM · Comments (285)
Martin Laursen has had an operation on his knee and is expected to be out of action for eight weeks.
Now, I'm not sure, but I'm fairly confident that his isn't the same knee that he had the operation on before, but if I'm wrong, please correct me and I'm sorry.
This is a big blow as far as I'm concerned. Not because we don't have capable cover, as we do, but Laursen is a winner and winners will always be missed.
In something else, which I'm hoping will have legs, Bill Howell came on to the blog earlier to 'put me right' about an accusation I made that the author of the article published on the Birmingham Post website changed.
I wrote that the Emile Heskey story published last night was initially put down to Harry Jack, Bill came on and said it hadn't changed.
The author, take it from me, never changed. The byline did. But that is the riddle I will leave you with. And might I would ask you to kindly limit your criticism of my professionalism. We may never agree on footballing matters, but there is a line you often cross. - Bill Howell, January 23rd
Well, I say it did change and Google says the same too. I'd like Bill to come on and explain. Come on Bill, man up and for the record Bill, we actually do agree on footballing matters sometimes, but the beauty of football is that is all about opinion and we're allowed to have different ones.
As for the line I've crossed on this matter, actually I haven't, you have.
Now, until we get confirmation from the club about Heskey, I'm off for a bit, but I will be looking forward to something from Bill and for the record, the person that posted did post from the same company that Bill works at, so while we don't have concrete proof, that would only really come from me getting an email from Bill, I am fairly sure it was Bill.
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285 Comments · Add yours
Well I suppose it's kind of all sumarised in that one sentance.
On the other hand, Goddamn that's lazy
holy guacomole. he is a massive loss. gutted about that.
I just read that on the club website.. you're quick! cant have been up the more than 5 minutes i have been refreshing every so often n thought id be the first to post but u seem to have ur finger on the pulse!
martins going to be a massive loss for us hope someone else can
step up to the plate
I did fear the worst but still - terrible news, he adds alot defensively and at set pieces too. At least we have semi-decent cover in this area...
ya man up Bill!
My day just gets better and better
think this will force MONs hand this window for another defender.
moving Cuellar to the middle with Davies, pushing Young to RB and getting a new backup for Bouma (whos too far off fitness with shorey getting the boot)
Perhaps Baines will be the chap then
Damain...Don't take this as criticsm, but why don't you just never mentio Bill Hwell again. You are just winding yourself up and bringing his lazy method of investigation the hits on the websites he wants.
Leave i alone with Bill and just ignore him. You are only making us read his stuff. I bet he's actually loving it. I know I would be. He's getting more 'hits' on his articles becuase you put his name i the heading etc.
Other than being a shit journo, what has he done to you?
Like I said I'm not having a go at you, just trying to realise what's the point of bringing attention to him..?!
All journo's think all news is good news, so he's not bothered in he slightest.
LINK
Brilliant Photo!
Great loss if that is fact - pretty much finished his season. Hope he gets fit quick for the final push in May.
Damian, was it really Bill Howell? Forget it.......
Reply to Mlockey89:
Brilliant old photo!!!
personally i would love bill to come on to the blog, there's nothing wrong with good old fashioned debate. bring it! thats what i say.
Reply to Mlockey89:
i notice MON didnt have glasses in that foto.. even with them he cant see heskey stinks! sorry to continually 'heskey-hate'
Reply to tosh22:
Maybe he can explain why he looks like a 1970's porn star.
Reply to qldvillan:
Ha ha ha ha ha
SHIT!!What are we going to do,how do you replace Martin!the most important member of our team.Defends to the death and what a player to have when we get a set piece.Still it has happened during the transfer window giving Martin time to bring in a Quality centre back,UPSON ? could be available on the cheap.
Damian does it really matter whether Bill wrote the article or not? I appreciate you're not the biggest fan of his work but why make such a big deal of this?
Reply to qashqai:
Upson! You trying to really piss me off or what? Fuck off the lot of you I hate you all.
no anyone but martin
Reply to vivavilla86:
Maybe because he left a comment on the last post having a go at Damian?
vivavilla86
Had Bill not come on and make the statement above, this wouldn't have gone any further, if you look at the previous post, you'll see it didn't.
But he's throwing 'professionalism' about like it's nothing. I hold the press in high regard and want to believe what we read and I want to trust what I read.
Maybe I'm old fashioned like that. Would be nice if Bill was too. But, to specifically respond to your post, this is a blog and I was merely pointing out that reporters changed - which I thought strange - Bill took it further, so I'm running with it, for now. He didn't have to post the first time, he really does now.
thanks keefvilla
i could have just said that ..
i think we should go in for Joleon Lescott , it will be pricey but i think its worth a punt.
Could nt we try and pick up Mancienne on loan for the rest of the season, hes not going to get a game at Chelsea.
i think you need to leave bill alone, he is truly awesome!!
if you can't appreciate bill's full awesomeness then just watch [URL="LINK vid[/URL]. bill makes an appearance from about 20 seconds in and fills the screen with complete and utter awesomeness!!
he also pulls off a brilliant impression of "ron manager" from the fast show which i think was entirely unintentional, but just helps prove just how awesome bill is!!!
"james milner. did he use his hand?? doesn't matter. the ball's in the back of the net. mmmm?? young boys in the park. jumpers for goalposts." etc etc
I'm hearing reports that Aston Villa have lodged an application with FIFA to extend their substitutes seating area and technical area to allow wheelchair access for 107 yr old former Leicester great Emile Heskey.
my god these people who mention joleon lescott wake up we will not be signing him in jan jees so annoying
sorry 4 rant but seriously......
It has just been confirmed that Heskey is in talks on the website.
I really can't see what peoples problem is with Heskey. I think he will be a great addition to our side. He will be a threat from the first game he plays unlike any overseas player that has been suggested. I can even see him getting a goal on Tuesday.
With Heskey it gives us another option when trying to break teams which are just standing off us. He can play in Europe and the FA cup and has bags of experience. It is worth the gamble at 3.5 million.
Damian - Bill doesnt deny that the name of the man on the article changed from Harry to his. He actually admits the Byline changed and hints that this is acceptable by challenging you to figure out why.. I dont like his journalism but until you figure out what he is saying i think he is laughing at you
I think we should re call Gary Cahill from his loan at Bolton....
Leroy - Cahill was sold sadly so dont think we can do that
Official site now says we have agreed a fee and we are discussing personal terms
Reply to qldvillan:
I have it from a reliable source that Heskey will have castors fitted to his boots to help him get around the pitch better.
3.5 million fee according to ssn
Reply to steve_sutton2000:
Are you a byline for Bill?
these people have a name fitzy_7.
there's no reason what's so ever why we can't get him, everyone has a price, and everton aint that rich.
if we can't express an opinion on here, where can we?
Reply to keefvilla:
fucking hell keef, you're still popping them off like a gud'un!!!
Reply to keefvilla:
its good to see villa are supporting the elderly and the disabled. heskey is covered on two counts.
Reply to Ian:
I was being sarcastic mate, i still cant believe we sold him and replaced him with Zat Knight....
this will cheer you up keef...OS has just announce deal agreed with wigan and just sorting personal stuff with Villa
steve_sutton2000
My definition of 'Byline' is quite a simple one; a line that identifies the author.
Let Bill spin it anyway, he wants, the name of the reporter on the website changed. Bill says: The author, take it from me, never changed. The byline did.
To me, maybe I'm the only one, but author and Byline are the same. Again, this might only be me, but he talks of 'professionalism', this to me, isn't very professional.
Reply to tosh22:
Agrre tosh22, but think fitzy was trying to say is that Everton wouldn't sell to, arguably, their nearest rivals. However, money talks........ would be a fantastic addition as he can also play LB?
Reply to tosh22:
Here is someone who will listen mate - LINK
yes and gareth barry is going to go to everton
I think Lescott would be a damn good signing. Look how positive I'm becoming..!
i think we need to get over the stigma that a player is over the hill when he passes the age of 30 imo heskey could have a good few years left him in,a positive signing for us (if he comes)
along with ur mother fitzy_7 , jessss
or how about everton try and sign ash lmfao
Reply to Leroy:
What? Page not found, nice link :-)
Lescott would be a superb signing. Unrealistic, perhaps - but superb.
i can't wait too see Heskey squeeze into a villa shirt, Hey Fitzy_7 maybe villa will bring out a larger size for your mum, cus you no, she's phat !
Villa are discussing personal terms with Emile Heskey after agreeing a £3.5m fee with Wigan.
LINK
bills defo great for tv loved the you tube link what a prat
Reply to tosh22:
real mature just as ridicolous as the lescott talk to be honest
machine your right it is unrealistic, but we can dream.
New video on frontpage soon!!
Reply to __AA__:
Can I have some of those tablets you been taking please?
Agree Lescott would be a great signing- and please MON don't wait until 1/31.
get well soon Martin
whoop whoop , bring it on Heskey, my lovely brown bear, bring it on !
maybe he means he is Harry Jack
Reply to AVFCBlog:
you tease
Reply to AVFCBlog:
can you make it bill on you tube lmao
adamskin1207
i have. just refresh the page .. it's also on this page too!
Harry Jack was the by-line. Now it’s someone else.
Does anybody give a fuck?
It says something about the quality of the journalism on this blog that an utter non-issue like this can dominate the conversation. Damo says he’s won. Won what?
When the transfer window closes at the end of the month, what will they write about?
Damo says it’s all about opinion; quite right, that’s what it’s about. Opinion. The problem is that the only opinion can remember him expressing is that Milner is crap. Or close to crap. Or fair to middling crap. The truth is that Milner is a bargain at £12 mill and Damopops is the only person who can’t see it.
All it would take is one memorable phrase, one quirky piece of humour, or one genuine insight and I could forgive him his silly opinions. Don’t hold your breath, the cupboard is bare.
cheers bud made my day what a gimp
he seem like a decent chap...
he's accused of copying other peoples info, but isn't that what happens on these blogs also?
Just standing the middle ground Damo and looking at both sides..!
I do recall the oloeole system putting other peoples articles down to you a lot of the time a couple of months back, so all Bill is guilty of is editing a page that someone else had done on another subject, but forgot to change the name. I'm not defending Bill, but just putting another perspective on it..?
Reply to steve_sutton2000:
Or they could just be the same person!
ur so wright churchil, the cupboard is bare, .... AND I"M BLOODY STARVING!
Reply to churchil:
If its such a non-issue why write about it?
maybe hes got multiple personalities. judging from the video theres obviously some kind of disability
Reply to Timmy_Ra:
I concur
Reply to keefvilla:
Ditto keefvilla!! doh!
__AA__
All I've pointed out is that the name changed. What I initially said was:
I don't like the newspaper changing authors of stories for any reason, let alone, to build a little credibility for a reporter with none. Anyway, it's just interesting how they do that and how they think we don't notice.
basically, that's all. call it an author name, a byline, a writer, a blogger .. whatever you want, I don't think it professional or proper ..
As for author names on this site. OleOle moved across over 2,000 posts when we moved from my server to this one. One of the things that got lost was author names as it all went into mine rather than different accounts, but it was explained at the time. All we are getting from Howell, is a riddle, literally.
Reply to churchil:
Actually I agree. Milner is not very good. But he works he works really hard and gets up and down, so I wont knock him.
Reply to adamskin1207:
yeah, i think the disease he has is called dickheadness
Reply to philbob88:
oh yes never in my life have i seen such shite
So, let's then, draw a line under it.
Reply to 1874AVFC:
I don't understand. What you getting at 1874?
Merson, Cowans, McGrath, Taylor, Staunton, Laursen, Friedel...
Yeah, you guys are right. Anyone over 29 can't possibly add anything to the team.
And we're far worse off now we have an additional, competent centre-forward in the squad. If Gabby gets injured, I'd certainly prefer playing Brad bleedin' Guzan at centre forward.
FFS!
Reply to keefvilla:
You were saying "If its such a non-issue why write about it?" but you did, and so did I, and again! Aarrgghh!
Heskey is a major upgrade on Carew. I have been telling everyone from last January that we can only go so far with Carew in the team. I'm delighted with the signing of Heskey. Now we have a genuine top 4 front three. Carew will be off in the summer.
ihope big john stays and heskey is not his replacement please god no
Reply to keefvilla:
It's just an opinion.
Heskey is a lot better. Carew just doesnt do enough, doesnt put himeself about, and doesnt hold the ball up. In fact Gabby is way better at keeping the ball for us. and i hear people sprouting on about gabby being lazy. carew runs the least out of our whole team by about 3km per game! (bar friedel of course)
the disabled guy in the video called ashley young a coward whilst sitting in villa park.. is nobody else offended by this???
Reply to Simon:
Maybe he is Damiam as well, has anyone ever seen them in the same room?
Reply to 1874AVFC:
But I never said it was a non-issue, Churchil did. And then he wrote a comment as long as war and peace about it.
Reply to churchil:
So you can write your opinion but Damian, whose blog this is, can't?
Reply to qldvillan:
id rather be a coward than have a speech inpedement so nothing in it for me really but i bet andy gray would shit himself if he saw the commentary talent that bill has
Everyone seems a little eager to bust each others balls today. This Heskey things getting out of control!!
Reply to Simon:
Thats right mate Carew doesn't score enough either thats why we need a goalmachine like Emule.
Reply to Delago:
Whats it got to do with you?
dan you really know how to make a comeback to the front dont you!
still a good find though!
Reply to Delago:
do you wanna start somethin
Reply to Bumhug360:
Villa_Chris
Your mates back!
Rubens De La Red anyone..?
Reply to keefvilla:
He can express all the opinions he wants; I'd prefer it if he didn't write garbage.
Reply to __AA__:
that old chestnut
Reply to __AA__:
me please!
Reply to Simon:
Carews scored more goals than heskey this season and made far less appearences.
He doesn't need to put himself about because hes a so tall, and when it comes to goals from set peices, hes one of the best.
Reply to nath888:
oh yes
Reply to nath888:
Goals from set pieces? Rare. His only goals come when they are laid on a plate. Agbonlahor scores more goals from Ashley's crosses. Just my opinion, but Heskey is much better. And i wreckon Martin O'Neill agrees wiv me.
Reply to churchil:
Maybe he says the same about you
Reply to nath888:
too right he doesnt need to move about.. id rather plant big JC on the penalty spot, tell him not to move an inch all game and js wait for ash to put the ball on his head.. i think he would still get more goals than heskey!
hows about a poll? DAMO VS THE HOWELL LMAO
Reply to Simon:
I think he'll be much better for gabriel "the baby maker baker" as he'll be a great feeder for him and Young but he's not known for scoring many with his head which is what we are missing without carew.
Reply to adamskin1207:
A better poll would be Howell or Heskey
Reply to keefvilla:
hows about balaban vs heskey
Ashley out, Martin Out, Hesky in, MON not bothered about Euro cup I can see season over by mid feb
Could it get any worse
Yes if Randy & Mon Left but any dreams are fading fast
Reply to keefvilla:
and...
Reply to qldvillan:
they'd all be disallowed
I agree. I just think what we'll get from the way he holds on to the ball and makes space for the other attackers will be of greater benefit to the team then Carew. I agree he isnt the greatest goalscorer. But I still think Agbonlahor is just as much a threat as Carew from Youngs crosses anyway.
Reply to churchil:
and if you don't like his blog why do you read it and comment every fucking day?
Reply to adamskin1207:
Cascarino
Reply to notsosilentbob:
nah heskey runs all day and opens up space for everyone else which is why he doesnt score himself (apparently) it has nothing to do with the fact that his fossilised right leg is borderline useless.. with that in mind he could draw defenders to the far post, thus playing big JC on every time! happy days.. FA cup winners, premier league winners, favourites for next yrs CL.. why was i so pessimistic about heskey this whole time??
Fat Kev, I'm not surprised you're fat..
if it helps, try calling HESKEY, a forward not a striker , we all know he anit gonna get us 20 + but he can hold the ball up better than anyone at the villa, (at the mo) and for 3.5 mill that sounds good biz to me......UTV PS. GET WELL SOON MARTIN
Reply to qldvillan:
no if you consistently stand on the penalty spot in your opponants half of the pitch and play continues around you what ever flick ons to that player renders him offside....
Reply to Jon:
please explain
Reply to notsosilentbob:
and thats why im not manager at AVFC
me either but i did do a refs course many moons ago!
Reply to adamskin1207:
Heskey aint that bad......
i know i was just takin the piss i think we may all be pleasantly surprised by heskey
Reply to adamskin1207:
lets hope so.
So what does everyone everyone think will happen with carews future then?
can't see him or heskey being happy warming the bench but saying that we do have a lot of games to play still so MON may be able to keep everyone happy?
Reply to adamskin1207:
what he's really signing for southampton! that is a suprise!
thats everyone everyone everyone everyone everyone!!!!!!!!!!
More to the point did you listen to his report on the sunderland match??
saying Ashley Young made a cowardly tackle to get himself sent off?? althoug obviously it was a moment of madness from the little magician, how does it equate to cowardess? The bloke isnt worth listening to by my reckoning, he probably put his name to the story when he heard some truth in it!!!!!!!!
its no secret i wanted bent but hes now putting on a VILLA shirt and i would love it if he turned out to be the supplyer for many a goal to come think sidwell could do well out of him with some late runs into the box
Reply to villa_biker:
had to read that a few times biker i though you started off by saying
"its no secret i wanted to be bent"
ill have to buy a new keyboard tomorrow gobbed me cuppa all over it!
do you think wigan will say he cant play against us next sat as part of the deal
Reply to notsosilentbob:
just re read it me self lol english was never my best subject sorry about ya board
Its taking a long time to finalise this signing. Think they're giving him the stadium tour but taking longer than usual coz even with the tour guide he can't find were the goals are!!!!!!
Reply to villa_biker:
I Hope So
really bad that we lost martin but this may be the chance that Cuellar needs to his form, put him in the middle with Davies Young at right back and Bouma back in his rightfull place ruling the left side. UP THE VILLA
the battery on his mobility scooters probably died on him lol
Well i hope he turns out to be a good signing & thats the last i am saying on it. Its another good bit of business for Bruce -the six week old pumpkin headed get!
UTV
Reply to keefvilla:
You'd prefer me not to comment then?
Off subject and on a more positive note-
Gerrard in court again on March 20th, the day before we play Liverpool. Could miss the game or at least be distracted
The Laursen injury is a big big blow!
Reply to churchil:
No mate you comment all you like, but allow everyone else the same courtesy especially the guy whose blog this is.
heskey is crap and carew is bak so there is no point in buying heskey and MON really does need to sign players for the 8 long weeks withhout
I watched the video in the corner and now I see why Bill Howell raises the ire of so many of you. To call Ashley Young's challenge cowardly really pissed me off. Ashley Young mistimed his tackle, made a mistake and got sent off. To go to cowardly is just ridiculous! And to top off, Ashley Young knew he had done wrong, didn't complain, didn't curse the ref out. That's some nerve he's got to say that about Ashley Young.
As for the issue you brought up nath about Carew and Heskey sitting on the bench, I don't think it will be an issue because I think Villa will go back to 4-4-2 and one of them will play alongside Gabby.
What I am really interested to see is the effect Heskey would have on our young striker Nathan Delfuenso. I think if the situation arose where Delfuenso had to play, I think Heskey would be a brilliant partner for him and Delfuenso would improve immeasurably as a result.
Reply to littlevillan:
only trouble with back injurys you just dont know when they will crop up again and by bring in heskey we are covering carew and a couple of other positions steve23 still laughing out loud about the way you read the text
Does this mean were back to 4-4-2 now with Heskey and Gabby up front? and if so who's going to drop out of the midfield???
Reply to FatKev:
What a thoroughly depressing comment.
We are 4th, in touch with those above us, in UEFA cup, in FA cup. I don't want to go to sleep at the risk of missing anything, things are so good for us compared with just a short time ago. Who needs to dream?
Perhaps Eastlands would be more to your liking... or Madrid in the trophyless team of Zidane, Ronaldo, Figo and Beckham. Go and eat some sugar
Well Emile won't be playing at Donny Rovers now it's too late!
Heskey played in a 4-5-1 with O'Neill while at Leicester if I'm not mistaken .. it was such along time ago, I could be wrong, but I don't think we'll be changing formation because of his arrival after doing so well with 4-5-1/4-3-3
Or, I hope not anyway ..
sounds like bill has spat his dummy out, its my ball and im going home pmsl bill chill out man
Just watched the Howell vid, i reckon he should stick to putting his crap on paper cause i've just picked something from my nose which is more photogenic.
Reply to AVFCBlog:
I think your right about his time at Leicester. I'm just wandering who is going to have to drop out when Ash is back. This however is a far better problem for mon than not having enough players to go around
so the goal machine has arrived isn't his goals to match ratio like 1:10 but saying that he has played well for wigan and he is strong...kind of reminds me of another player we have oh yeah John Carew.
While i'm loitering in these parts can I also make a personal plea to MON to buy Michael Kightly - I can see this guy being another star buy like Ashley Young and we could get him now for pittence of what he is going to be worth in a few years...
just watched mon interview on ssn said gabby has been playing up front on his own then went on to say emily we give him a nother opption i reckon he will play 2 up front
Reply to mr_chips:
101 goals in about 430 appearances so not great
Deal done according to Sky sports but he wont be registered till Monday? as its out of hours now
Signed, sealed and delivered !!!
Welcome to villa park Mr Heskey .
Heskey deal done source pete colley at vp
Oh my god, Mr.Howell.
What the hell are you on!? Explain to me...why is going in hard being a coward!? Yes it was late and deserved a red, but its not the act of a coward you utter bone head!!
Can we petition for this bone head to be sacked!!
I,ve waited all January for the words Aston villa sign ...... to be going along the bottom of the screen on SSN .
YIPPEEE !!!!!!!!1
Welcome MR.Heskey, good choice pal!!
3 and a hlaf year deal apparently too, which sounds much better than the 5 that was going around. I take it he can't play tomorrow if he hasn't been officially registered?
MON signs Heskey to further boost his chances of signing Michael Owen on a free transfer in the summer!!
Thats an interesting thought RM4
Damian is a tit.
All posters are nob heads.
Heskey is a lump of shite.
Let's be avin ya.
Not gona even waste my breath on you Nan!
Ive been looking to see if he will be registered for game 2moro, and it looks like he may be. Anyone shed any light on this?
how about owen next week, he's in the same situation as heskey was, very interesting
Oh sorry. I've just spent 15 minutes reading through the above and I assumed we were all playing some sort of game.
I thought I'd pitched it about right.
If we're being serious....
Great news, another piece in the jigsaw. A highly rated forward player, seriously considered by Liverpool, opts to come to the Villa. A player who relies on confidence building from a symathetic manager. If he's thought good now, wait till he's done a season under MON. Far more reliable week in week out than Carew I expect. Not too much money spent. Happy.
Reply to churchil:
All I know is that last night on the Playstation, my Jimmy Milner scored a cracker as Villa defeated Argentina 1-0.
Reply to Nan_was_a_fan:
There you go, well said.
Fine bit of business, and someone with bags of experience at all levels. Can't have any complaints.
That Laursen news, however, is very bad. I hate to say this but I think that could well mean....NO WE CAN'T. I hope I'm wrong.
heskey is shit
blue nosed twat who i will never welcome at villa we need a goal scorer not some one who puts the ball in the net 1in 5 1/2 games that is not a top striker at all.
for gods sake we let better players than him go with a better strike rate.
and unless he plays in a 4-4-2 formation then i fancy 0-0 0-0 0-0 every game we play if he is the striker in our 4-5-1 system
well pissed off.
Hmmm......conspiracy?
I hope Carlos Cuellar is given a run of games in as a central defender and that he shows us why he was so good for Rangers last year. If he can, a Cuellar-Davies partnership could be almost as effective as Laursen-Davies.
Reply to George_Templeton:
i think it could be our lawro-hanson for years to come
Reply to _AP68_:
idiot
Reply to TheMachine:
wanker
Reply to churchil:
Oh Churchill, you do make me laugh. Bit naughty though
Reply to qldvillan:
yeah that pissed me right off mate!!!
what a complete bellend.
Heskey 3 goals in 20 starts for Wigan, brilliant. As for holding up the ball well, maybe I'm mad but I'd rather a striker get goals than do that. Oh well Arsenal will get Arshavin and tank us. Damian u said u would be happier with no players and now u say u are happy with heskey. You also said you couldn't see it happening lmao finger on the pulse or the beer?
OK I've been accused of not tolerating alternative opinion on this site. That's not true I don't mind a well thought out argument wherever it leads. I can still call a spade a spade though or is that not pc?
Anyway Heskey in for Young is a shoe in - almost identical to his England role so surely everyone can be happy we have him for the cames coming up against Wigan and Portsmouth?
I said some time ago I though Knight would be in the centre if Lausen got injured - last week proved me wrong but I remain unconvinced by a Cuellar/Davies partnership. The way Collins got over Cuellar for a routine 6 yeard box header illustrates my concern. I hope I'm wrong again.
Reply to keefvilla:
Thank god he does because his stuff is the best pose you see on this site. Plus he kind of understands language, subtlety and intuition which is not that common on this site
Reply to AVMark:
Agree about Knight - unfairly criticised but clears the ball in situations when Cuellar looks at it - like at Sunderland
disappointed with Cuellar but hope he improves
No saying he is anywhere near as good as Laursen but he is more like for like. I have been
wtf....why did he call young a coward...what a twat...cor wait till i become a jounalist....be better at it then that twat
lmao...journalist even
so who next?????
suggestions
please dont say lescott
realistic options
Sid, I think you'll find you'll get told off for having a love of language and football.
The lads with smerkin tabs behind the bike sheds don't like swots (even if they do play footy).
Fitzy I think it depends on who else is moving around. I still like Distain but he seems to have ruled himself out of a move. To add to what I said previously, the injury records of Davies and Cuellar do not fill me with confidence either.
Damian, get that fuck*ng video off here. That man is a fucki*g disgrace to his profession, Birmingham and the human reace. See, I've got a fuckin* love of *ucking language too.
man i detest bill howell
Now I know what he looks like... he'd better have eyes in the back of his head. Correction; I won't come at him from behind, that's what a coward does to journalists.
Reply to andy575961:
very mature
Actually Fitzy, I regretted that comment as soon as I posted it. I would not want to bring this site into disrepute with implied threats to anyone. Nonetheless, I would not be surpsised if he attracts quite abit of abuse from Villans wherever he goes.
i think burning effigys of the howell in the street is called for lol
I've never seen this Bill guy before, but there is something familiar about him. I can't put my finger on it.
Does he normally wear a shellsuit?
Reply to Nan_was_a_fan:
Well, I guess we just have to hope that the competition there's been for that spot means they'll be fighting to impress in Laursen's absence and have a real hunger about them. Knight very easily will see this as his last/only chance to break through. Otherwise, Laursen comes back, Knight hasn't impressed, it's all down to Cuellar and Davies, and he's looking on, and probably moving away from European football, etc., to get regular playing time.
Martin's god-like...But I somehow think we're going to be okay back there. Don't know why, but it almost seems destined.
So you're right, how we respond will make or break our season, methinks. And may well be a gift from god this happened during the window.
This message is for Bill Howell.
SUCK MY BALLS!!
Laursen is immense, but will his absence will not cost us league places? I still believe that we can move further uo the table by the end of the season. There is some pretty good cover in defence. And as kohoutek comet ed above; it's happened in the transfer window, so if MoN feels the need he can grab a CB somewhere (but would he fill Martin's boots?).
I just think he's our Carragher, Terry, Ferdinand. We need him, as much for what he does, as for the support/confidence he gives to rest of the back four.
Who's in charge when he is out? Davies?
Reply to Rich Clark:
not defending him but he was sitting in the stadium of light!...
reminds me of that tim vine fellow for some reason....
oh and bill if your reading
THATS NOT A COMPLIMENT!
Why does Howell put on that pathetic attempt at an interesting voice just like shite local news reporters do? Scum of the earth
Bill Howell speaks the most shit i have ever seen.
The man is such a bellend, i cant believe he actually has a job writing that shit.
Last night when I heard that Heskey was probably coming to us I was absolutely delighted. To hear it confirmed is just great news. I came on here expecting to read comments from happy villa fans and instead see a load of whinges about Heskey and a stream of other inconsequential nonsense. What's going on? I can only imagine it's some throwback to when he played in blue. We're 4th in the league and I've kept reading on here how what we need to do is make sure that any signing improves the squad. Do people really think that Heskey is no improvement on Harewood? And to those of you who say he's 'crap', 'shit', 'rubbish', just grow up and at least try and be a tiny bit objective. He's seen as an excellent player by Capello, MON, Michael Owen, etc etc. It's fair enough to question whether he's a great signing for Villa or not, but do you really think that those other managers/players are totally wrong and you are right? I for one can't wait to see him in claret and blue.
Thats an interesting point Nan. Obviously I would have thought the defence starters at Donny will be NRC, Cuellar, Davies and Shorey. Fright may possibly be in that starting line up? We have Bannan I would presume will be on the bench.
However in the longer term I know people say it's not realistic, but why is it not realistic to get Lescott. Look at what happens when you throw enough money at it. Make Moyes an offer he can't turn down. After all we paid bugger all for Heskey, so there is loads of money in the bank. THe added bonus is that we weaken a team that is also about the same level as we are and vying for the same honours. That's what the top teams do to stay ahead. So it makes perfect sense in all respects to really go and get him. He's also a Villan
Yes, he's going to leave a great hole - and not just in defence. I know Zat and Curtis have each scored recently but generally speaking they haven't looked a patch on Martin in terms of attacking the ball at set pieces, same with Carlos, I guess.
I watched a few of Rangers' later UEFA cup games and Carlos was just superb. I think an extended run at centre-half might be superb for him in terms of getting his confidence going. This will be tough on Zat, who did well recently, but there is no way that Zat is of greater long term signficance to us so is a chance we must take, I reckon.
We could go for a Hangeland-type signing but to give Carlos a run in his best position, I think our best action is full back cover - we need it anyway even if Freddie is back soon.
I can't see their being anything in Baines swap with Shorey. I'd be tempted by a cheeky bid for Bale if he plays for Spurs against Man U - but that might be too risky
Yeah I'm with you all the way on Lescott. I'd throw serious amounts of Randy's money at him.
Reply to Nan_was_a_fan:
I hope you don't mean 50 pence pieces
If it's about weakening players with similar aspirations, why not Evra?
weakening teams, obviously
Reply to __AA__:
lol, is RL going to handing out a few for HR's return, do you think?
My Blog post in a minute
-----------------
What a first sentence, an abhorrent first sentence.
Second sentence, you thought that there was only going to be one winner, I've only got a minute but I'll use this cliché three times more, amazingly.
Then a controversial moment, a breakaway, who would have thought i could be this fatuous, did he use his hand...i won't comment on that in case i wander into dangerous ground like analysing a football match rather than being a hack in a tan blouson, doesn't matter, I'm getting paid.
1-1 , only going to be one winner, again, mention a players name, hopeless challenge, hopeless challenge, I'm not standing by that, or am i, challenge of a coward...or was it...perhaps?..I'm not sticking my neck out, i have to suck all vitality and charisma out of the world on camera, i am a swirling vortex of ineptness but i bravely cling to my last fronds of brittle blonde hair, only one winner....perhaps, game of two halves.
He was rightly sent off though, i won't discuss why he was rightly sent from "the field of play", note i attempted to sound sophisticated there, and failed, I've had my teeth whitened and am not a babbling hilarious goon with the presence of a sandal covered in piss, i have insight.
Villa, a football club, based in the Midlands, a penalty, it was controversial to say the least, i won't dwell on that, i look like i need a shit to say the very least, there's only going to be one winner in this....or two, that's four i have mentioned...eleven men, kicking a ball, this video is like that one from the Ring.
I'm Harry Jack i saw a football match today, there's only one winner in all this...perhaps...post of a coward....I'm a professional.
anybody know a fake foam 50p company...id like to place an order!
savage just got clattered in the balls!
everyone...
SHAME!
Just a little snippet of info boys but i've just heard a great bit of inside info about another possible transfer.....
According to my source MON has made enquiries about........
Wait for it......
ALAN SHEARER!
England international and on a free!
Emile Heskey is a MUPPET!
joleon lescott hasnt even been linked with us please wake up and smell the coffee micah richards much more realistic
I thought it would be a good idea for someone near the dugout to hand him a bag of those 50p chocolate coins. Nothing criminal in it so whoever does it can't have their collar felt and I'd love to see his face when he twigs what it means...Priceless
S of G
Change of style?
Sam, I'm feeling Damo/Milner situation is coming our way?
Reply to Fitzy_7:
I'm not sure what you point is Fitzy...Ash Young was not 'linked' with us...!
us signing lescott is like everton signing barry
personally ill eat my sock if we sign hin in the next 3 years
giles barnes looks to be regaining his feet again after his long injury hes still only 20 young english!!!!!
Oh come on Sam, let's say what we like about players UNTIL they pull on the Claret & Blue of Villa. Give them a chance, if after a decent while they are STILL shit then have a go at them. What if Heskey is sitting in his drab, grey Birmingham hitel room reading this blog? He'll be sitting there wondering if he's doing the right thing. The poor dab, leave him alone.
Nice man Andy.
I thought Damo said he'd be back when it was confirmed.
hey fitzy anythings possible man city nearly pulled off kaka..
they did pull of robinhio(who'd have thunk that a few years ago)
now he's pulling a kaka and want to do one....
villa for lescott what ever some may thing is always a possibility! possitive man think possitive!
Reply to Nan_was_a_fan:
probably stuck in ikea!
I recall well the Winter in which my father returned from his travels to the dark continent.
He was a testy nervous man at best, our childhood was filled with the sounds of his pacing, his anguished turns towards the melancholy and his many mysterious exclamations that, “for fucks sake Pezza, watch the Left back in the channels, to be sure, to be sure”.
Despite these bizarre traits we loved him dearly, he had Celt blood and loved to jig and hop, especially on the lawn within a special spot he had marked with rune stones, he would refer to this as his “technical area”, and when his blood was high, was loath to step out of it, no matter how giddy he became, lest he grappled with mother and tore her Adidas windcheater.
After his time away however we were shocked when he returned to us with a new companion, a large savage, at least to our eyes, a Negro it seemed, puffed of chest and generous of lip.
Father presented him to us as his new batman, he claimed he was once a chieftain of his clan and was held in high regard.
His clan, we were to learn, were legend for their ability to hunt and dip in bins and speak glotally and in a near incoherent fashion whilst nicking cars.
I recall well my sister chirping that she was somewhat sceptical regarding his goals to chances ratio, but my father hushed us, lest we angered him and caused him to hurl a spear at us, then topple over on the edge of the D because he got looked at and wrench his knee out.
Over the years we learned to embrace ngg'tugg, he became a friend to us all.
And though he was unclean and smelt funny...he became a part of the family....and held the ball up well.
Twas only years later we learnt of what he and father were summoning from beyond, during their sojourns to the circle of graves in Balsall Heath...those dark ceremonies....aghast we learnt.
That is for another day.
Let us not speak of him now.
Reply to Fitzy_7:
£5 million seems a bargain for Richards but surely just too good to be true. He must have some issues, MON won't chance it. Such a waste but MR's just got himself to blame . Shame, he'd be great cover.
How much do we think Lescott is worth? He's bloody good and scores goals for fun. He's not a 'big name' so why do people think we can't sign him. It's not like he's a Kaka, Robinho, Ronaldo etc is it?!
If we can get a Legend like Heskey, we can get Lescott..End of.
Yeah wondering how he spent £300 on candles and picture frames.
Ah well least he'll save money on the meatballs in the cafe.
I bloody love those meatballs and sauce. Think I'll go make some for a quick Friday night supper
Reply to SidCowanslovechild:
Evenin’ Junior’
That’s the point. It was meant to make people laugh. Damo knows I don’t really feel that harshly about him – at least I think he does – it’s just that he takes himself so seriously. Heaven knows, he’s young so he can be excused that.
He now chooses to ignore me; that’s fine, but a good blog dust-up might be entertaining for the punters. As for being a bit naughty, it was only a few days ago he told a critic to “piss off” and started calling them “muppets”. Well, I happy to abide by the tone of the blog. Please miss, he started it.
Reply to Summer of George:
very good and clever i like it
Lescott £10m.
Churchil, he knows.
S of G. You make me want to get back on the beer. Lovely work.
Reply to Summer of George:
Priceless!!!
is that vid of bill howell, only his pic looks different to the vid, was it windy or did someone pinch his wig
is there anyone in the world that doesnt think bill ian beale howell is a complete cock snogger, the man gets under my skin. i just watched that terrible video of him in the top right corner and i was cringing the whole time, both of them seemed so uninterested. i could make a better villa chat video with my nan. please dont put the next 'villa view' on this site as i might watch it and cry
When was the last time Villa signed an England starter. Okay he doesn't score many but if we get 3 or 4 from him and 10 from Gabby in the next 16 games we'll be doing okay.
Another thing, what would you rather do. Finish 5th and win The FA Cup or finish 4th and take our chances in a Champions League qualifying game, potentially against the likes of AC Milan?
dont think moyes would let lescott go until the end of the season they are the only side i can see putting the sides above them under pressure if they dont get any higher than 6th then i think there is a great chance of getting him. hed be a great signing though
sweet- got the 240th post!
I think you'll find young man the 240th post is mine!!!
How many England players we got now?
is anyone here going to the game tomoro i am we have sold out of tickets now can not wait should be good
does anyone no if heskey can play tomoro or was it 2 late
Reply to Nan_was_a_fan:
How many are fit to be England players!
Reply to RSamVillaFan:
Arry's mom's got two caps.
thought i would share this joke i just received. 2 city fans walk in to the ticket office and asked for 2 season tickets the woman asked if they were both circumcised? they both reply yes the woman then says sorry you cant have them, you have to be complete dicks to be season ticket holders.
I don't have an opinion on the guy. There are not many journalists out there who seem to have the game in their blood -one notable exception Paddy Barclay. However when he says it was "the challenge of a coward ... perhaps" I agree 100%
Reply to churchil:
Pity she didn't use them before she had sex with his dad!
Hope the Micah Richards and Micheal Johnson rumour is true. It would keep Luke young @ left-back but it would be cover for Laursen and @ right back. Johnson would be a good quality squad member.
That is the first time I've seen Bill speak and all I can think of is "Jumpers for goal posts, isn't it, hmmm?!". Wannabe Ron-football manager... brilliant.
Reply to SteUTV:
to be fair at the start i was not impressed with young but considering hes playing out of position hes knuckled down and done a cracking job at left back
Summer of George. A laureate's wreath for that man, being teetotal he will pass on the cask of port to my humble self. Will Self - eat your heart out, that man can write.
Reply to Mac:
I'd be happy with either but prefer CL qualification... that's what'll move us on to the next stage.
Oh, did everyone see that CSKA Moscow have now qualified for the group stages in next year's CL? Zenit came 5th, so good practice for Arshavin
ATTENTION!
sorry to make this so dramatic but i think we might know who MONs next transfer target is......
LINK
.....includes quotes from the mouth of MON himself, and as we all know he never really talks about possible signings himself. Does that mean this signing is close? maybe....
now thats the kind of rumour that gets your heart going... but we need a winger and a defender more so than nother striker as we already have 5 unless hees getting rid of marlon
the thoughts of owen banging in the goals makes me horny lol
hahahahaha! i think it makes a lot of people horny! your just the only person that would admit to it Fitzy! lol
Reply to Aero-4-Villa:
a fellow irish villa fan not to many of us around makes me all the more proud though
The Sun are onto this too!
LINK
Please MON.....please.....
seems as though hes gonna make his move in the summer
Bullard is a player we missed a great attitude
Reply to FatKev:
nah we have enough central midfielders
i really dont want to wait until the summer to try sign him, there will be too many managers after him on the free!
MON has to think about this the same way he thought about Heskey.... ie. give Newcastle a nice offer around 5 million! they will take rather than risk losing him for free in the summer..........
UTV!!!
Yes I'd have liked Bullard too.
Like Fitzy said, it is hard to see what we would do with Owen, Heskey and Gabby on the pitch, oh and Carew if he's here. Then where will the Fonz go? Especially considering we've got where we are playimng 4-5-1.(I think we can assume Marlene goes this week sometime.)
FatKev
if we are going to sign a centre midfielder it has to be someone young, that can break into the Villa team over time, as they develop! i cant see Bullard pushing anyone out of our first team at this time and he dosent have too many years left in him! If we were to sign a centre mid it would have to be someone like Michael Johnson from Man City.....
UTV!!!
ATENTION POWERFUL CONTROLLERS OF THE BLOG
Please can somebody with IP ADDRESS ACCESS tell the Forum clowns that the linguist extraordinaire that goes by the name of 'Summer of George' is not me!
You could interpret MON's mention of summer being a long way off which he closely followed with praise of Gabby's progress, as him saying to Owen, 'yeah we need you now but maybe not in the summer, SO IF YOU WANNA RIDE THIS TRAIN BOY, GET ON BOARD WHILE IT@S AT THE STATION.'
Interesting week ahead?
Not drinking on a Friday night leads to keyboard insanity.....................................................................................................
i have a feeling Ebanks-Blake might be a future signing for Villa.
i remember back in August on the last day of the transfer window i was glued to the tv watching sky sports news, waiting for a Villa transfer news flash! it didnt happen.... what im getting to is someone texted in saying they saw could have sworn they saw "Martin Oneill and Sylvain Ebanks Blake chatting in a restaurant".
Now, this could have been pure bulls**t but maybe it wasnt and they just couldnt finalize a deal in time!?!?! maybe....
UTV!!!
it could very well be an interesting week ahead hopefully two more signings a defender ala micah richards and a winger as back up to milner and ash mcgeady or lennon not really fussy just want to see the squad strengthed
I would love Micah Richards or Joleon Lescott.... they are the only players i can see solidifying the Villa defense while Laursens injured.
We really do need a winger too! I say we nip one off Spurs. Aaron Lennon would be ideal, he would give us some of the same qualities Ashley Young gives us (speed etc...)
i agree with the "interesting week ahead"... its really going to shape our season i think! There is a lot of our stars injured and suspended. Please God, MON picks up a couple the signings we need. We could really do with Routledge now!
UTV!!!
Martin Laursen is the biggest blow we'll have............a huge blow.
Is it my Sinicism or is MON already wrapping up Hesky in cotton wool delaying registering him in time for tomorrows game as it would be too much pressure on Him
Aero good shout on Michael Johnson from Man City Also the Villa fan Sturrage
I agree signing for the future, but Hesky is not the future in my eyes never liked him from his Leicester days. I have issues re milner due yo his price tag & Sidwell as he was happy to sit on a bench no drive
But no doubt they will be a sucess under MON, cannot question MONs ability to build winning teams even if i do not like the style of football. I am not a glory hunter just hoping for the passing game as a fan i will always be at the games though supporting my team. Many think you do not go to games if your not saying everthing is great
I thought Bill was a journalist? terrible grammar, starting sentences with And?! Here you go Bill here's how your little paragraph should have read - I suggest that if you don't want your professionalism criticized you learn how to write!
The author, take it from me, never changed. The byline did. That however, is the riddle I will leave you with. Might I ask you to kindly limit your criticism of my professionalism? We may never agree on footballing matters, but there is a line that you often cross. - Bill Howell, January 23rd
Reply to Aero-4-Villa:
He would easily knock Sidwell out of the team. Sidwell is a passenger and has to be replaced if we are to be serious about getting 4th. He nearlt gets on the end of a few attacks and thats it. Our CM is a major cause for concern and i can't elieve we didn't bring Bullard in for a measely £5m. Would have loved Palacios but Bullard would have done.
Reply to Nan_was_a_fan:
i can't be arsed to check, but it's obvious though isn't it... SoG has some talent!!
just kidding, you know i
meh, my comment got truncated... said something like i
lmao, bug alert.... apparently if you use a left pointing angle bracket in your comment then the remainder of your comment doesn't get posted.
good stuff. i don't need any help making myself look stupid though thanks.
Laursen is a HUGE blow...not really that suprising as he's already played nearly 25-30 games already, Emile Heskey, sorry but IMO not good enough, with all the strikers in the world is this the best we can do?...id rather have Mido, a fully fit Mido by the way, id be tabling a fucking huge bid for either (bad spelling Hageland -Fulham defender) who's quality, or Matt Upson
No wonder you're not allowed on here VFD.
AK-27
yes he would push Sidwell out of the side but i dont think he will be in the first team for much longer anyway, now that Heskeys here... MON will probably go back to 4-4-2 so he can put Heskey up front with Gabby.
Then we would have four midfielders - Milner, Petrov, Barry,Young on the pitch.
Then when we add - Bouma coming back, Luke Young moves back to the right back position, Reo Coker moves back up as a centre midfielder!
Who would Bullard push out of the team then??? Reo Coker would be a sub most of the time and then i cant even see Bullard breaking into the team ahead of Reo Coker... well not at this time anyway and like i said, Bullard is in his thirtys now and "he doesent have too many years left in him"
UTV!!!