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lurman
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cant agree im afraid. like jonny i thinks its gonna be another long slow transfer window. im confident the players we do bring in will be better than the harewoods and knights of last year though. |
Dizzy Mugs
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http://www.expressandstar.com/...top-stars/ there's a link to Martin O'Neill talking about how he should still be able to get in top quality players. Diego from Werder Bremen, Ricardo Quaresma from Porto and Miguel from Valencia would be great. Add in a few more squad players like Richard Dunne, Jimmy Bullard, Gonzalo Pineda and Jussi Jaaskelinan and we have ourselves a Top 4 quality team  And the best part of it is, we have the money available to do it all. |
kieran84
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I think o`neill will go all out in this window in order to kick on to the next level,however the euros will hold everyone up. |
davis-villa
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This time last year i thought MON had verbally agreed deals with players due of all the players at villa that were frozen out and allowed to move on at the start of the transfer window, aaron hughes for examlpe.This year i am not so optimistic.We can't buy the calibre of footballer that will force our first-teamers onto the bench without qualifying for europe,with the exception of right-back.MON has done a fantastic job this season but is going to need an exceptional transfer window to build on this season as teams like everton and spurs will be able to bring in big names this summer.....if we want to continue to compete with these teams we need thursday night football at villa park next season. |
AVFC_Pete
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Yes very exciting. The pospect of selling the club captain and and then waiting until the last week of the transfer window to sign James Beattie, Pasal Chimbonda, Steve Sidwell and maybe if were 'lucky' some more s**te. Then we cn moan about the small squad caused, not by poor planning, no ambition and a lack of spending, but because the players just arent avaiable at reasonable prices. |
PaulE
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You're making me optimistic, Damian! And you, Dizzy. I'm trying really hard to not expect anything this summer, because I don't really think we'll get the signings we've all dreamed of. The Euro's will be enjoyable to follow. It's such a stress when England are involved. I'm sure MON will be out there with his band of merry men, scouting like they've never scouted before! The Miguel link seems strangely realistic, for some reason. A couple more of that quality and we may be in for a decent 2008-09 season. |
PJ
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Damien, I think you're right in that the real progress has been turing some of those draws into wins - although at this point we've lost as many games this season as last, which would suggest we're not any more difficult to beat, surprisingly. But what I don't really understand is why Martin O'Neill would have serious questions to answer from this site if we fail to qualify for Europe? If we didn't expect to be pushing for fifth this season, as you argue above, can't we just leave it at that and say 'great effort lads'? Is it MON's fault that only 5th place offers UEFA cup football this season? I know what you're saying, that with a bit extra investment, we could be three or four points better off, and have European football, and thus that goes down as a missed opportunity. But I think MON's judgement has been perfect, in that at the beginning of the season the position we are in now is pretty much exactly where he would've wanted us to be. Most seasons, it would've been good enough for Europe. The fact that this season it's not good enough is just unfortunate isn't it? Sorry for the waffle, but here's the point - if this season we've gone above what we all expected, what does it matter about Europe? Sure, it would be great, but if all fails and we end up without it, let's not give MON stick, but acknowledge that he's done well. We'd have given him the congratualtions if he'd have got us this far with 'exciting' transfer windows, would we not? |
Damian
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PJ I expect us to finish 6th this season and for that they'll be huge congratulations all round if it happens, but if we finish 5th, like I've said somewhere else, I might even start to write things like 'keep the faith' - because it will feel like a miracle. Also, the thing about questions is, that Martin O'Neill doesn't have to, nor will he answer them, directly. But, if it did all go horribly wrong this weekend, surely someone has to ask why we didn't properly bolster the squad in January - I mean, it's not as if January just arrived and Martin O'Neill suddenly realised he only had the players he had and he must have known where we were sitting going into December/January. It was just such a wonderful opportunity. But I firmly believe we'll have European football next season, so it just goes to show O'Neill does know best. But the questions won't be done with any malice and they'll be a lot more praise. We all like Martin O'Neill here and fully expect big strides next season, in some form or the other. We're just not going to do what everyone else does. |
I HATE BLUES
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If we cant break into that top four i would atleast like us to have some some sort of inpact on it .I would like us to be able to take more points off the top four and not allow them to break away,if Everton and Blackburn can do the same then that would be great to. |
Villain from Texas
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Spurs buy players like Bent, Hutton, and now Modric. So why can't we buy players of that caliber? Sure, Spurs have backed into the UEFA Cup. But I don't understand their appeal. Because they're in London? I'm not worried about this transfer window. MON will sign enough players. He would have to be an absolute fool not to sign enough players, and I don't reckon that he's an absolute fool. |
taglor
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I agree with Keegan and have found it has ruined the game the last decade I mean you can take your pick at who wins the league, mant u, lpool,chelsea or arsenal and it means nothing to me it just happens to be one of them every single year. That's why it would be great to be in europe to see some other teams with skill other than the top 4 and see how our boys pitch against them with our speed. Not holding my breath for immediate signings, slow and sporadic I reckon, I do hope that the lady at villa park who welcomes and looks after new players is busy this summer as she was told to take last summer off lol. How much do you think the euros will effect when players will be available to buy and how much will it inflate prices of good players? |
eoin1981
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After being burned big time in the last few transfer windows - i think this is a massive summer for Villa and a time for Lerner and O'Neill to show us their ambition and make a statement of intent. Anything less and I honestly think the great patience they have been shown with their transfer dealings will evaporate. Our trouble is that so many clubs are in the 'wanting to break into the top 4 brigade', you could make a case for about ten clubs, and they all have money to spend and will be looking at the same players!! Thats why the outcome of next weekend is imperative in adding to the attraction of Villa over our rivals. There was a discussion on here before about the number of players required and I think the consensus was we need about 10 considering we are loosing a few allready. If MoN uses the 'small squad' excuse next year, it will be more annoying than O'Leary and his babies. |
villafandan
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if you look at the most common criticism leveled at MON's transfer dealings, or lack of, it's obviously the RB position. the key point was he needed to bring in someone who fitted his plans and could do a better job than ollie. it wasn't like he made no effort, far from it. damian can attest to how close we were to signing nelson in january. now, if nelson had come to the club, how many extra points would we have? impossible to say. i'm not sure we've dropped any points on account of ollie and it's equally possible the new guy could have messed up and cost us games. you just don't know. it's also possible that by not rushing in any old player to fill positions MON sent a message of belief to the players he did have. i'm not saying it's been the case, but it's possible that the players we have have played with that little extra bit of confidence. isn't it therefore possible that we actually have points we might not have if MON had brought in players?? we'll never know. overall, i'm very happy with where we are in the table this year, it's met my highest expectation. PJ's absolutely correct that it's just unfortunate that the cup competitions have spoiled our UEFA cup party. next season i suspect we'll be aiming for 5th and then it's in our own hands. as far as this summer goes, MON can bring in a bunch of league 1 players for all i care. if they're the boys to get the job done over 38 games then so be it. i've no interest in fapping myself over big name signings. |
Green Villain
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I have to say I am also optimistic regarding the transfer window, merely for the fact that I think the backlash from the fans will be so immense that it could ruin our season before it even gets under way. I have a lot of faith in O’Neill and also in Learner but at the end of the day I think its make or break time for Learner. I don’t think anyone can criticise O’Neill regarding his managerial decisions as he has proven over two seasons that he is a shrewd man both in the transfer market and also in the league but you have to imagine that if the players don’t materialise in the transfer market this year then there is fundamentally something wrong at the top level. I have no doubt O’Neill has a policy of not being taken for a mug and getting a bargain etc but in all logic there has to be a point that he knows he must spend the money regardless and to this end I think the problem will lie solely with the owner if the money is not spent. Remaining optimistic I would have to say that the lack of spending in the previous windows came down to being part of the long term plan. Perhaps the first season was an initial shed all the excess baggage. The second season get down to the core team and assess what we really need while securing mid table. If we finish 5th or 6th I would honestly have to say that we must have exceeded the clubs expectations of where we would finish and therefore the investment was due to come in year three regardless. But there is no doubt in my mind that if the money is not spent (and I don’t just mean on ‘Names’) that we will not come close to where we have reached this season as looking at the squad it is nothing short of a miracle. |
Kieran McGrath
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list of players id like to come nelson guzan (but as cover for a few seasons) 2 central defenders van der vaart queresma (but i know wont happen) maybe milner henry (also i know wont happen) brian mcbride (hard working player that would love a move to a bigger club) |
meregolfclub
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if in previous seasons one of the top four had won the league cup and the fa cup we would almost guaranteed ourselves a place in europe and be congratulating the players MON and ourselves on a fantastic season. However lady luck has not shined on us YET but still may do so. Let us lose the pessimism, have a great summer and look forward to another successful season next year. There will be new players, GB may go to the scouse. We should keep the faith and trust in the management. think back to MAY 2005. before MON and Randy. now that was depressing |
errol
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i believe MON will do everything in his power to sign the type of players that will help villa move forward ....even if we dont get 6th spot its been a fantastic season in terms of development and now even a blind man can see the the villa are going places |
kayarcee
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VFD- Not having a proper right back also made us weaker at center back, where Mellberg and Laursen looked fantastic as a pairing prior to M'ON bringing in Knight and later Davies. Now, long run, that may make us stronger, contingent on Davies coming back healthy from his achilles injury, as O'Neill may not have bought Curtis with Mellberg and Laursen bossing the center all season. |
villafandan
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i agree there kayarcee, i would love to have seen laursen and ollie play all season together. but you could argue that davis was looking good enough to possibly keep ollie out the team at CB? |
AdamsVilla1991
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My wishlist Theirry Henry (probs not but hey) Ricardo Queresma (probs not) Rafa Van Der Vaart (no harm in trying) Paul Robinson (Look what O'Neill has done to Harewood..totally converted him to a half decent striker) Armand Traore (as cover for Freddie Bouma) Tom Huddlestone (big man in CM) Pascal Chimbonda (much needed RB) If Barry does go then "apparently" Benitez has said pick a player of your choosing to swap, why not Xabi Alonso? Danny Simpson (cover for RB) any comments?? |
andikanuk
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K4AVFC - u have just depressed me no end with that list!!! that is your wish list - apart from maybe Miguel and a season or two from Jaaske what a load of dross!!! And we are being hopeul if we think we will get them!!! beattie, bullard and stearman are prob more likely!!! Its gonna be another depressing long summer - anyone that thinks otherwise is a fool!! |
Leroy
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Adam Villa1991- Unfortunately we cant use two subs every week to put Robinson and Harewood on with 5 mins to go! Miguel, could be coming i think. Nelson would be great but i think Chimbonda is realistic. Jaaskilainen will be a Villian next season and possibly Guzan to be his understudy. What is key for us though is Barrys`replacement as i keep saying. Without repeating myself, we need a value for value replacement not a Sidwell and Bullard combination for example. I still strongly believe that if we could swap Barry for Walcott and perhaps Bendtner that would be a massive coup. |
nan was a fan
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I've stored my nuts, and made a little comfy bed of straw. See you all in late August. Can't handle the cold rumbling winds of another villa tranfer window. PS You may prod my little dwelling if we sign Henry. |
Mobious
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Hmm I am unsure as to how we will do in the transfer window. However we musn't get complacent. If we lose on Sunday and Blackburn win then thats Europe out for another season. I think Nelson would be a great signing but I don't think he will be joining us. I expect the following Crouch Rise Moses (Palace) Jussi Carr Dunne Kitson Shorey Unfortunately there are a lot of players who wont join us. Sidwell doesn't want to leave Chelsea and Henry said he would only come back for Arsenal. I have to say I really don't want Crouch back at the club. He is a confidence player and he will be on a low for being kicked out of Liverpool. My list of players doesn't mean I want any of them particularly apart from Moses, but I think it is a more realistic set of targets. |
AVMark
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I'm afraid I have lost the faith. All you subscribers to this nonsensical, never ending, also-ran parade are actually killing the game. I'm afraid this is bigger than the Villa now. I actually don't care what we do. For God sake listen to us. Going on about finishing fourth as if it's the biggest thing in our history! |
Anthony-Daventry
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Realistically it will take 4 players to allow us to stand still and consolidate, if we qualify for UEFA cup football and enjoy more domestic cup success then this could mean another 10 - 15 games a season, this will take another 3 players to allow us to remain competative for sure, to kick on from 6th spot (hopefully) will take 5 players to replace those who will be leaving during the summer - Carson, Sorensen, Berger, Barry, Mellberg. We are looking at 10 - 12 signings required, I will be happy with 6 or 7 of the right quality - if the deals are not already done then forget the Euro,s - football doesnt work like that anymore. |
erv2005
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If Barry does go and I think he might!!!! I hate the scouse !!!!ers and Gerrard!!!! Then we should sign the following Van Der Vaart - Ideal Replacement!!!! Diego - Would give us the creativeness in the centre of the park we have craved since merson. Miguel - The rightback we all know we need. David Villa - Well Spuds are linked and we should wrap up the Uefa cup spot via Intertoto - Just imagine Villa scores for the Villa, priceless. SWP or Lennon - As both maybe available and this means Ash can concentrate on the left handside!!!! Jusku...... sorry cant spell, but he would be a good addition and also sign Hennessey from Wolves as backup but I dont like the fact I just shafted Taylor and he is ok!!!!! C. Davies - Make sure we do sign davies, get him in the centre along side Laures when he is fit. Christian Poulsen - also another player with a proven track record - dmestically and european football. Ricardo Queresma - Very good winger and could push SWP and ash. I think all the above are realistic targets and teams in the same position as us are als linked. The fact SPUDS signed Modric underlines the fact that Villa need to act and act now in order to get the players we need. Ok our pit may not be bottomless like SPUDS but hey, lets flex some muscle and get in there while we can!!!! IN MON I TRUST!!!!! |
bizriak
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Well, IMO, if Villa can avoid playing down to crappy competition (defeats to Fulham, Wigan, Boro, etc.) then they break into the top four already. I mean, that's already nine points right there, and I haven't looked back at the schedule to see what other crappy losses they've had to counterbalance the big wins. |
bizriak
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I need some opinions: I'm a Yank, so in some ways I'd love to see Michael Bradley of Heerenveen signed by Villa (there's been a marginal link between the two), but I don't just want to be a homer, I want quality for Villa. So I want to know, is there any chance that a proven goalscorer from the likes of Heerenveen would prove to be a quality signing? Am I just being a homer in my desire to see Bradley in the Claret & Blue? |
Ipbopmalik
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Laursen, Barry and Young are the only players who can cut the mustard if we want to break in to the top 4. Others will develop if we bring in right quality. You simply can not compromise on quality. I hope MON can take us to the next level. He's done brilliantly so far,but,he too is entering new territory. |
jazzylamp
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what about freddie and gabby, they have had real good season and id definatly consider them top 4 players |
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