Summer 2008, James Milner signs for Aston Villa, for a fee judged to be around 12m.  Were you skeptical of signing him?  Are you still skeptical?

The fact is Milner is not the same type of player as Ashley Young and we can't expect him to be. And would we really want two out and out wingers? Look how much good that did for us with Routledge. It gives Young less of the ball, a complete negative, and it weakens our already makeshift defense, neither of which we want to see in our team. This isn't an excuse, but rather an explanation.  This is a part of his game as Right Midfielder, not to be confused with Right Winger. 

If you watch closely in games and at least attempt to take off the 12m price tag sign hanging from his neck, James Milner has vision and his touch isn't letting him down as often as I hear from other fans. I have seen him make some outstanding long passes down to Gabby that require both vision and accuracy. 

When you look at his overall ability, its there, it just needs some coaching. He has the shot, pass, and cross, but he is still in the process of refining them. If you can't see my point, look at in this way. Do you think it will take Lennon more time and work to fix his crosses that barely go the distance, that flutter over behind the goal consistently, or do you think Milner's crosses that are pin pointed at a player, but hit a little low will take more work?  But you say this takes a quality manager who is known to get the best out of his players and very intelligent use of youth players.  I think we all know O'neill is a perfect manager to bring the best out of him.  And just maybe with his knack to bring out the best in a players versatility, we will one day see Milner as a Barry in our CM.

I have discussed ability, but what about Milner's attitude? He is a perfect example of a loyal player. It seems as if everyone has forgotten how admirably he had handled his transfer to Villa; instead of making a fool of himself and upsetting his fans, a most unfortunate trend that we have all been subject to that needs no reminding.  Milner quietly handled his situation like a man.  Being represented by the PFA and going about things quietly. Milner had only wanted a new contract to begin with, but was undervalued.  Considering the context of his transfer, I consider him more loyal than the average footballer today.  

However a positive attitude and ability aren't everything.  My business classes have all taught me that when you get an assignment from your boss, he is setting a bar for you.  That bar would earn you anywhere from a C to a B.  If you want to shine and get an A you need to go above and beyond and to work your socks off.  Here Milner is a perfect example.  Many of our players had become ill earlier this season and we all know how miserable it is to have the flu.   Milner, while catching this bug, still put in a powerful 90 minutes for all of 3 games of being sick.  Epitomizing our success under O'neill.

In the end, yes we have paid 12m and that may be a bit over the odds, but it may very well be a bargain in a few seasons.  Only time will tell.  But I know one thing.  Amidst the crying and toys getting thrown from the pram each transfer window to get who we need.  Mon has gone out and paid whatever it took to get his man.  And I'd much rather have another 5m in Randy's pocket than David Benchly and that crustball haircut.

Are you still skeptical?