Can I have a Joe Cole sir, Carlos Cuellar and fantasy football

Written by Damian

Monday, 11 August 08, 09:25 AM

Stories emerged yesterday that we're interested in Joe Cole. When I saw them I was just beginning a long drive home so nothing happened, but I was trying to remember if I've heard of any other Joe Cole other than the Chelsea player.

It turns out that it was the Joe Cole of Chelsea and it's just a rumour, but wouldn't it be a nice rumour.

Now, I'm not going to call Cole a left or right sided midfielder, in case I get castigated for getting it wrong. I'm just going to stick with winger, as I'm fairly sure I've seen him play on both sides, however mostly the left.

If it is 'mostly the left', that is the favoured position of our Ashley and I'd rather have Ashley over Cole, but it could be that Cole wants to play on the right and we are in desperate need of a right sided winger.

I'm also fairly sure that Cole wouldn't come cheap and while I've had my head turned of late about money, it's only turned and can quite easily get turned back. It's more about the players and not how much you're spending but if you want proven quality, naturally they're going to be more expensive.

Cole is proven quality so if Martin O'Neill wants him it's not going to be what he considers a fair price - it's going to mean a figure to make Chelsea sit up and take notice. If Martin O'Neill really wants him, this could be an interesting thing to see play out.

Moving on to Spanish defenders playing in Scotland and according to more press yesterday, so it must be true, Martin O'Neill is interested in Rangers central defender Carlos Cuellar.

Cuellar joined Rangers last year for nearly £2mn. and turned in performances that warranted him picking up the Clydesdale Bank SPL Player of the Year award and was named the Scottish Football Writers Associations Player of the Year.

We need a central defender and while I can't comment on his ability as I have little recollection of watching him play, I can say, it can't be easy to win both of those awards, if you've watched him, let us know below.

Lastly, to fantasy football. As I let you know last week, the people we used last season have closed up shop, so later today, we'll be announcing a new partnership with a new firm who'll be running our fantasy football game.

I know this is a little teaser, but I need you all in the right frame of mind, because this game is going to be quite a good one.

That's it for now, hoping for more news later today and even if there isn't, we'll all have fantasy football to keep us busy.

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Comments (148)

jace the ace
jace the ace Wrote: | 14.32BST | Aug 11, 2008

cellur looked fantactic in the euro games i watched last year put he did play in a team that played very defensive football.i can only comment on euro games as the spl dose not really count.

rob h
rob h Wrote: | 14.34BST | Aug 11, 2008

mornin damian. had a good weekend?
tell me, do you know anymore about de la red?
also do you remember a while back you said that joe mattock would be signed in a couple of days? what ever happened there?

anyway, i could believe the cole thing but only if chelsea sign kaka and robinho. Then he may be forced out.

anyway on to something else that i heard from someone at walsall fc. he said it aint santa villa are talking to blackburn about it is gamst pedersen. apparantly he has a clause that he can talk to any team in europe about a transfer as long as blackburn are not in europe.
don't know how the guy from walsall fc would know but its some gossip and you may be able to shed some light?

Anyway have a good one, keep smiling and take it easy.

ak27
ak27 Wrote: | 14.39BST | Aug 11, 2008

Its a load of crap. Why would chelsea want to sell their player of the year last year? Their manager is only in the door a few minutes so there is no way that he would be looking to get rid of Cole without even giving him a chance to see what he would do. We would have a far better chance of getting someone like Arsahvin then Cole. Some Spurs fan journalist just trying to stir it up at Chelsea methinks.

Damian
Damian Wrote: | 14.40BST | Aug 11, 2008

rob h

[url]http://www.avfcblog.com/content/view/2434/70/[/url]

it turns out i wasn't reliably informed. in defence of the person that sent that in, they have no reason to make it up - they would have been told this and i believe i heard it from
some where else also - just cant remember now

re. de la red. i'm only going to say this once today. i'm hoping to hear something soon and as soon as i do. i'll post something on here.

but please remember. when we told you about nelson in january. nothing came out in the press for 11 days. dont shoot me if there is nothing in the 'press'.

Darragh
Darragh Wrote: | 14.46BST | Aug 11, 2008

Just to let everybody on here know that Carlos Cuellar is a very very decent defender. Have a lot of friends who are celtic fans they (quite relucantly i must admit) say that he is very good indeed. Could be a good signing if we got him and with rangers out of Europe he may fancy some UEFA cup action :)

AdamL
AdamL Wrote: | 14.56BST | Aug 11, 2008

As Ive said before on here Cuellar is the only player in Scotland good enough for the premiership. He is a quality centre back and would be a great signing.

Robao
Robao Wrote: | 15.00BST | Aug 11, 2008

Joe is something of a fans' favourite at the Bridge, gentlemen. I sincerely doubt it.

taglor
taglor Wrote: | 15.07BST | Aug 11, 2008

5 Days and counting, come on MON with your last minute panic buys get us a couple more.

Abz
Abz Wrote: | 15.11BST | Aug 11, 2008

Cuellar, very good player and someone we could realistically sign.

mike s
mike s Wrote: | 15.13BST | Aug 11, 2008

actually taglor it is 6 days. today tuesday wednesday thursday friday and saturday. our first game of the season is on sunday now on bbc radio 5 live sports.

UTV ;D

vivavilla!
vivavilla! Wrote: | 15.20BST | Aug 11, 2008

Joe Cole's a right footed player who prefers to play on the left. But like Ashley, he can play on both sides just as well. Would be our greatest signing ever I reckon, but it would never happen for several reasons -

1. He's already getting first team football (he was their most used player last season)
2. He's already a fully established England international and doesn't really stand any chance of losing that while he's at Chelsea, first team or not
3. We'd have to pay through the nose for him. I don't have a problem with that personally, I'd pay £20m and give him £80k a week myself. Would MON though?
4. Scolari doesn't seem to want to sell any of his fringe players at the moment. If he doesn't want to sell SWP, he sure as hell isn't going to want to sell a far superior player in Joe Cole.
5. We're Aston Villa. He's playing for Chelsea. Do the math!

Cuellar on the other hand is a much more realistic target. I think Liverpool are interested in him too, and I'd love nothing more than to pinch him from under their noses. Top quality player, I'd even pair him with Laursen as I think he'd do a better job than Davies at the moment. Much better value than the likes of Rio's brother too.

samvillavillavilla
samvillavillavilla Wrote: | 15.21BST | Aug 11, 2008

if we get cuellor he wont be able to play for us in europe because he played fro rangers in europe wen they got knocked out so he wont be able to play if we get cole it wouyld be amzing unlikely but it would be good 17.5 million good price for him

vivavilla!
vivavilla! Wrote: | 15.21BST | Aug 11, 2008

Taglor - MON has 21 days, not 5.

mt avfc
mt avfc Wrote: | 15.27BST | Aug 11, 2008

would love to see cole at villa park, even though he is exactly like young, (right footed but plays on the left, bt that means these to can switch wings, just think of the chaos they make on their own and double it lol.

i kow im being optimistic but hey i can still hope lol.

as for cuellar he is a class act, i seen him in europe and in spl and he is a very solid player.

btw damian, theres rumours that arsenal are considering a move for DLR, so i just hope your source is reliable and we get him 1st, looking forward to your update, cheers mate

Nik
Nik Wrote: | 15.29BST | Aug 11, 2008

Samvillavillavilla - Cuellar didnt play for Rnagers as he is injured, possibly a reason they went out?

Stevillian
Stevillian Wrote: | 15.29BST | Aug 11, 2008

I've heard some good things about Cuellar from my friends in Scotland, although they're Partick Thistle fans so I don't know how much we can trust them.

Joe Cole would be fantastic, but can you really see it?

Young and Cole roaring down either flank, Barry dictating things in the middle, Reo-Coker mopping things up all over the shop, Gabby fighting for his place up front along with big John and Santa Cruz - De La Red warming up on the touch-line, ready to inject a bit Spanish magic at a moment's notice, Friedel belly-laughing as Davies and Laursen reduce the oppositon to long-range efforts that even Graham Taylor would save...

My mouth is watering just at the thought of it.

Now that really would be fantasy football!

keef
keef Wrote: | 15.45BST | Aug 11, 2008

I have friends who support Rangers and they think Cuellar is leaving due to the european exit. Villa are one for the teams to enquire about him, apparently. Not seen much of him but I am told he is very good.

Isn't it better been linked to players such as Joe Cole than the likes of Jermaine Pennant? Makes me feel a lot better even if a load of crap.

bradey219
bradey219 Wrote: | 16.01BST | Aug 11, 2008

whats this i hear about villa after seb larsson from the blues
do think he would make the change across the city but would be a great acet to the villa squad

runtingz
runtingz Wrote: | 16.06BST | Aug 11, 2008

cuellar looked like a world beater in the uafa cup last season i was saying at the time he would be great at villa he looks good enough to force one of our main defenders to the bench

Tonebone
Tonebone Wrote: | 16.09BST | Aug 11, 2008

joe cole only became a left sided midfielder in peoples eyes because england had no left sided player and he was good enough to fill that whole. he can play right or left but his best position would prob be playing central just benhind the fron 2. chelsea have so many options in the centre of the park he has nevr got to and they play a system that attacks down the flanks more. he played that position growing up, youth academy etc.

rob h
rob h Wrote: | 16.09BST | Aug 11, 2008

Damian WHoa. I am not trying to shoot you down. far from it.

I appreciate your bits of inside info and it speaks volumes that you can spark such a reaction and the official site just bores averyone.

If you look at my previous posts i have NEVER been critical of you in any way shape or form. In fact my posts are supportive.
In my opinion you do a great job and keep it up. I think that the majority of the people on hear think you do a great job as well and you are appreciated.

THIS SIMPLE TEST WILL PROVE IT. ALL IN AGREEMENT TYPE 'I'

As for de le red.. i could see him in a villa park and i could see us signing another 3 of similar quality

Damian
Damian Wrote: | 16.13BST | Aug 11, 2008

rob h

sorry, i didn't mean to sound anything ... its just that i've had emails every 10 minutes about this - most i'll admit have been nice, but some horrible ones and i've thought about, if i'm honest, only commenting on pure speculation from now on. sorry, i wasn't having a pop at you - just that you were the first today to mention dlr ;)

i had a horrible weekend too, nearly getting arrested for taking my beer out of the hotel bar up to my room - they didn't believe i was a resident because i had no ID nor my room key on me .. and still a little angry about that too

alos, maybe too much coffee ;)

hogie1
hogie1 Wrote: | 16.23BST | Aug 11, 2008

go on damo

ak27
ak27 Wrote: | 16.25BST | Aug 11, 2008

Cuellar would be great signing (far beter then Kaboul) if we get him. He was Rangers outstanding player away from home in a load of UEFA cup games when they weren't expected to get through.

Does anyone else think that Arshavin is the perfect transfer oppertunity just waiting for Villa to pounce on? Spurs don't have the cash to meet the price currently set and he is clearly unhappy and wants to move. It would really set a precident for the club and would make it easier to sign better players in the future as they would want to play with a player of his quality.

Nik
Nik Wrote: | 16.42BST | Aug 11, 2008

ak27 - while i agree with you for the need for a marquee signing to show intent, i do not rate arshavin. there is a reason why, at the age of 27, he is still playing in russia.

sam_villa 1
sam_villa 1 Wrote: | 16.49BST | Aug 11, 2008

watch this, very funny.
LINK

Nik
Nik Wrote: | 16.53BST | Aug 11, 2008

Just like to say i think Damien does a cracking job, and while i dont always agree with his opinions, im glad he voices them as it gets a good discussion going. So Cheers!!

vivavilla!
vivavilla! Wrote: | 17.15BST | Aug 11, 2008

Nik, he's still in Russia because it's one of the richest leagues in Europe. Russia have a huge pool of very talented players, hence why they got to the Semi Finals of the Euro's and we were sat on our arses at home.

nan was a fan
nan was a fan Wrote: | 17.15BST | Aug 11, 2008

One big one. Dlr will do. That's all I ask, just one big signing.

ShanghaiVillain
ShanghaiVillain Wrote: | 17.17BST | Aug 11, 2008

I think our chances of signing Joe Cole rank just below the 'Socrates to Birmingham' rumour I heard during one of my schizophrenic episodes. Would be nice though.

Cuellar is a player who has done brilliantly in Scotland so obviously has what it takes to be a success south of the border.


Oh, hang on a minute...

Villian666
Villian666 Wrote: | 17.20BST | Aug 11, 2008

I looked up Arshavin on the web and just came up with Sexual deviation sites and razon blade companies!

rob h
rob h Wrote: | 17.26BST | Aug 11, 2008

Damian.

your weekend does sound pretty shocking but hey.. sh t happens dude. Tomorrow is a brand new day and all that.

The email thing.... i am pretty gutted that fellow villa fans that use this site could be so stupid to send you dodgy emails. Like i said Most of us appreciate your info as it sparks debate and is interesting. Don't stop cuz some mindless dopes give you stick mate.

PS. I bet it was rafa the fat waiter that reported you to the police in your hotel. was it a good orgy? was it worth nearly getting arrested?


JonnyW
JonnyW Wrote: | 17.27BST | Aug 11, 2008

LINK - hilarious commentary, nice one sam villa 1.

Cuellar is quality tho, i would agree with ak27, much better than error-prone Kaboul, and he has much european experience.

Nik: there is a reason why, at the age of 27, he is still playing in russia

Its because the money over there is as good as here, i don't rate him either though, he went badly missing against Spain at the euros.

Damo, we all appreciate the job you do and i for one trust that you will inform us when you know more about DLR without us badgering you.

taglor
taglor Wrote: | 17.28BST | Aug 11, 2008

Fucking hell you geeks I meant 5 days after today, t,w,t,f,s and yes I do know the transfer window ends later this month I meant until kick off. Just heard about ben collett from man utd getting 4mill in potential earnings from an injury that may or may not have stopped a sucessful career, jeez I buggered my back up at work and didn't cry I just take painkillers, scroungers like this will kill the already dying game as ticket prices will go up even more to pay for the extra insurance. Same winners every year high prices, how much longer has the PL got? I already know people ending their sky subscriptions because they know who will probably win the title. PS De La Red is interesting Arsenal so that's him lost as well. Get these good signings now MON and no more panic buys at inflated costs.

SwissVillan
SwissVillan Wrote: | 17.28BST | Aug 11, 2008

Joe Cole - would be fantastic but can't see us paying him whatever he earns at Chelsea.

Cuellar - Could turn out to be the new Jean-Alain Boumsong but might be worth a punt.

Still it's nice to see us being linked with a few decent player and looking like we're prepared to fork out some cash for quality.

oldman villain
oldman villain Wrote: | 17.29BST | Aug 11, 2008

cole would be great but lets face it mon wont pay his wages

vivavilla!
vivavilla! Wrote: | 17.30BST | Aug 11, 2008

lol... Badger.

nhuggy
nhuggy Wrote: | 17.42BST | Aug 11, 2008

If we could persuade Joe Cole to come I would start to believe we are a force. Sadly we are more likely to buy Carlton Cole judging by our current crop of signings. It's obviously better than nothing now we've got full backs but to me our signings have been dire yet again so far and are certainly not going to make the big clubs look nervously over their shoulders.

vivavilla!
vivavilla! Wrote: | 17.50BST | Aug 11, 2008

Spurs have spent something like £60million so far, that must be around £50million more than we've spent.

Do you think, after all that cash they've spent, that they'll finish 50 points above us? 20 points above us? Even 10 points above us?

I don't.

Lees
Lees Wrote: | 17.50BST | Aug 11, 2008

I saw Cuellar in one match for rangers last year and the commentator couldnt get enough of him, I thought the I would love to see him in a Villa shirt. He reminded me of Laursen in his commitment and impact on the defence with slightly more ball playing ability!

churchill
churchill Wrote: | 17.50BST | Aug 11, 2008

Damian

What do you think? (or anyone else for that matter) Will Barry stay?

To me it now looks big odds-on he’ll stay. If that’s the case, then:
a)Is that better or worse for Villa considering £18 mil was, in my opinion, overpriced?
b)Will Barry’s form be affected by this interminable saga?
c)Will he get the captaincy back?
d)Will he win the crowd back?
e)Will he get a testimonial?
f)Will he sign a new contract?
g)Will this farce signal the end on the waiter’s tenure at LFC.
I’ve got more but this is probably enough to go on with. Sorry about the nonsense at your hotel. You could go teetotal. Naaah, not really.

RobVilla
RobVilla Wrote: | 17.56BST | Aug 11, 2008

Hope this works, this is my first posting. Just wanted to say that the scottish half of my family are season ticket holders at Ibrox and I've been hearing just how good Cuellar is for the whole of last season. The Rangers fans are up in arms about their european exit for obvious reasons, but mainly because they're worried they'll now lose him. Walter Smith has had to come out and admit to the fans that the situation is the same as it was when the sold Hutton to Spurs for £9m last season: 'If a club offers you big money for a player there is always pressure on you to give it serious consideration - especially after you've been knocked out of Europe.' According to the General (god bless him) we have that sort of money and then some, do we not?

Now there is always speculation as to whether players in 'that' league are good enough for ours (you only have to look at our own Shaun Maloney to see that players that win all the awards going up there can still struggle in the Premier League, at least initially) but this guy looks class, he really does. He would be a fantastic signing and would make the same impact at Villa Park and be held in as high regard by the fans as a certain Mr Mellberg, I have no doubt about that. As villavilla points out above, he is good enough to walk straight into our eleven alongside Laursen and over Davies (who I actually rate massively and believe will go on to be a future club captain). We're all aware we conceded too many last year but Cuellar, alongside MON's other welcome defensive/GK signings would tighten up our defence this season no end, here's hoping there's more than some truth in it.

re: Joe Cole, it would be wonderful wouldn't it? Far more of a realistic option however should Chelski sign Kaka, Robinho, Maradona (whichever top of the range sports car they're interested in that week) would be SWP who would seriously struggle to get a look in then. He'd surely look at how MON has brought on webcam Ashley's game and fancy a bit of that on top of regular football and an important part to play in a UEFA Cup run.

Totally unrelated to the thread by the way but couldn't post without saying I truly believe we have the best owner and manager we could wish for at our great club and I hope they're both here for a long time to come. UP THE VILLA!

vivavilla!
vivavilla! Wrote: | 18.09BST | Aug 11, 2008

Good post RobVilla - very positive, that's what we like to see! ;D

I too think SWP would be a much more realistic move, but it seems that with him it's the same story every summer. IE - he's spent the last season struggling to establish himself but is determined that this is the year he will break into the team and make a real name for himself. Yet we all know it's never going to happen. There will always be players ahead of him in the pecking order because his game is not complete enough. To be honest, I think he's wasting his time now. The lad is good, but is he Chelsea good? Is he Premiership Champions good? I don't think so.

He'd be great for us though!

runtingz
runtingz Wrote: | 18.09BST | Aug 11, 2008

responding to Damian's comments about garath barry i think barry going to liverpool is all but dead in the water ..as far as i am concerned its fanastic news for the club... i think he will realise by christmas that villa is the best place for him and with 2 or 3 signings inline with players being linked to the club villa will become one of the most exciting and forward thinking places for a player to ply there trade in the prem and he should remain captin

philbob88
philbob88 Wrote: | 18.13BST | Aug 11, 2008

I'd quite like Cuellar! I'm not sure about Joe Cole! To me it seems complete Bo**ocks!

It would be nice though! They have also reported the same in the Brum Mail! Not Mr Howell though

Nik
Nik Wrote: | 18.15BST | Aug 11, 2008

RE: Arshavin

I wasn't doubting the money in the Russian League but any player worth his salt will want to play in one of the Big European leagues. Arshavin only really came to our attention during Zenit's run to the UEFA Cup final, and a few games v England. And sice he has become a 'big name' he has wanted to leave Zenit and has even gone on strike to get his move. Therefore, as i said there is a reason why at the age of 27, he is still in Russia and has not moved to one of the 'big' leagues

runtingz
runtingz Wrote: | 18.37BST | Aug 11, 2008

hats off to matin o'niell for not letting liverpool walk all over villa to take our captin... he has shown other so called bigger clubs that you cant just come and pick off villa players when you feel like it and i think ramos at spurs has taken note and is now doing the same thing with berba.....theres only one oniell

fitzy
fitzy Wrote: | 18.42BST | Aug 11, 2008

look lets be honest joe cole is not going to come to villa a mpre realistic signing out on the wing would be swp.if we dont sign him i would be more than happy to give routledge a chance as i firmly believe he will come good for us

nikk0
nikk0 Wrote: | 18.50BST | Aug 11, 2008

Lets be honest if Chelsea sign Robinho and Kaka, they wont need Cole or SWP. SWP won't leave, he likes being a reserve, so that leaves Joey Cole. Out of the other 3 teams above us; United - don't need him, Arsenal - Too Old for him and Liverpool - Can't afford him (rumour has it Rafa now has to buy his own pad and pens!). So that leaves him to go abroad, or drop down, to keep his england place. The Spuds don't need another attacking midfielder, so that would leave us in prime position. Who says we won't see England's most technically gifted player down at B6?

SwissVillan
SwissVillan Wrote: | 18.53BST | Aug 11, 2008

Churchill, in answer to your post:

I wouldn't be surprised if Arsenal came in with a last minute bid as their midfield is decimated and Barry Fabregas would be a fairly tasty option.
a)Depends on how badly we need the money. Which none of us really knows.
b)I don't think so, he's a professional, he'll have to get his head down and get on with it otherwise nobody will want him.
c)No, I think that's gone.
d)If he puts in the performances like he did last season then he will, if he starts to have a dip in form then the crowd will be out to get him.
e)It's in his contract so yes.
f)Not initially, but he might be persueded if we qualify for the Champions league.
g)Don't know, don't care.

Just my opinions on the subject.

tom t
tom t Wrote: | 18.54BST | Aug 11, 2008

damian, pouring scorn on signing cole just because he isnt a natural right sided player is very short sighted. For heavens sake, stick ashley on the right if there is any chance of getting cole, the boys is pure class. just what we need. A skysports player, as i like to put it, he would be on all the bill boards with a villa shirt on!

Ipbopmalik
Ipbopmalik Wrote: | 18.57BST | Aug 11, 2008

COLE - London boy. No chance!
ARSHAVIN - Wants Champions League footy. No chance!
SWP - Loves the London glamour but genuine possibiliy if he wants to move for purely footballing reasons. He would get more 1st team appearances, improve as a player and increase his England chances. Last throw of the die for him.

pprid
pprid Wrote: | 18.58BST | Aug 11, 2008

just a thought but do ya think MON might have had second thoughts about some signings like de la red with what looks like the gareth barry deal falling through, i personaly hope not and still goes ahead with as many as he can get

nikk0
nikk0 Wrote: | 19.01BST | Aug 11, 2008

a)Is that better or worse for Villa considering £18 mil was, in my opinion, overpriced? We didnt need to sell, we don't NEED the money, so we priced him on what it would take us to replace him i imagine.
b)Will Barry’s form be affected by this interminable saga? His head has been turned so i would imagine he won't be quite as good as he has been, players whose heads have been turned never are.
c)Will he get the captaincy back? I would imagine that after O'Neill offered an olive branch and Barry turned it down the captaincy will go elsewhere. I would hope for NRC will Laursen as Vice captain.
d)Will he win the crowd back? For me, as long as he is in a villa shirt ill be behind him.
e)Will he get a testimonial? I would imagine he only will if he signs a new contract.
f)Will he sign a new contract? probably not at the moment.
g)Will this farce signal the end on the waiter’s tenure at LFC? He may well walk out like he did at Valencia over a similar situation, but fortunately he will probably continue to help the Yanks flush Liverpool down the toilet, thankfully!

Leroy
Leroy Wrote: | 19.07BST | Aug 11, 2008

Joe Cole is overrated. I think SWP, De la Red, add a striker and defender and we will be cooking with gas. Damian, i know you are quite sick of responding to these transfer links, but are you still waiting for info on the West Ham bid? Or did i miss a post from you? I was just wondering if these bids hinge on one another? You dont have to go in to detail mate, i was just wondering if you are in the same situation as far as giving information is concerned, for each bid.....

Pi
Pi Wrote: | 19.32BST | Aug 11, 2008

Joe Cole?!?! I mean JOE COLE!!!!!!!!! If we signed him i'd eat my hat... and half my head with it. Surely there's less than a 5% chance of getting him. While there may be stiff competition at Chelsea, he's incredibly good, offers different options to the abundance of central midfielders they have and they're in the CL. If for some reason he did go elsewhere (which i don;t believe for a moment) then surely there would be plenty of offers from teams in the CL that could offer him first team football.

Joe Cole is in my opinion exactly what we need but he's also a step above the calibre of player we can attract this season (or next). I can only assume that the apparent lack of enthusiasm on here is down to the idea that its completely unrealistic.

Of all the players we have been linked with this summer Joe Cole and Lucas Podolksi are the two that i would most love to see light up Villa Park (that and GB staying) - a pipe dream i know but just indulge me:

Friedel

Young Davies Laursen Bouma

Young Barry Sidwell Cole

Carew Podolski

vivavilla!
vivavilla! Wrote: | 19.39BST | Aug 11, 2008

Barry can quite easily make this whole thing go away by simply talking to us Villa fans. The whole thing has wound me up so much and made me lose a lot of respect for him because of the sheer fact he hasn't said a damn thing to us. After 10 years of loyalty, you'd think really that if he wanted to move to Liverpool, he would say something.

If he'd said, right from the start, "thanks for everything, but I'd like to take the opportunity to further my career"... I'd say fair play and good luck. But no, the whole thing was conducted behind everyone's back and us fans were the last ones to find out.

All he needs to do is apologise in my opinion. State he's still committed to the club, and he gets my support.

nikk0
nikk0 Wrote: | 19.50BST | Aug 11, 2008

I love to see line up next season :
Friedel
Young Davies Laursen Shorey
Reo-Coker
De La Red Sidwell
Cole Young
Carew/Santa Cruz/Ashton

Subs: Taylor, Cuellar, Barry, Agbonlahor, Maloney, Gardner, Harewood

nikk0
nikk0 Wrote: | 19.51BST | Aug 11, 2008

VivaVilla! Totally agree, if he had been honest and upfront from the start we would have no complaints. even before 'the article' i was still very supportive. While i would never be against one of our own players, i feel let down.

kayarcee
kayarcee Wrote: | 19.57BST | Aug 11, 2008

Cole would be a dream signing, and would give us the flexibility to run a 4-3-3, with him, JC and Webbie up top of a Barry-Sidwell/Petrov-NRC midfield (which would revert to 4-5-1 when we need to pin back), or a 4-4-2 as usual, with plenty of central mid options

DeanoBrummie
DeanoBrummie Wrote: | 20.13BST | Aug 11, 2008

Joe Cole would be a great signing. Is it a realistic possibility? Yes, i think so. Money is not a question, we obviously have that.

Rather than sitting in Chelseas reserve team, i am sure he would play for the 6th best team in the league, in Europe, excellent with England players and would no doubt break into the England team with us.

I see no reason for him not wanting to come to us.

Ben Richards
Ben Richards Wrote: | 20.20BST | Aug 11, 2008

Joe Cole would be the perfect play maker we need. I'd be amazed if we did get him. but if we could we'd have the most skillfull player England have had since Gazza.

I also like somebody mentioned Podolski or Santa Cruz.

I think MON might be thinking Gabby for Right Wing this season if he can get that 20 goal striker.

Did everything go quite on the young defender from Slavia Prague? He's one for the future and would be a great buy

Joey  the ak
Joey the ak Wrote: | 20.35BST | Aug 11, 2008

well i dont like getting cokey but THEY WILL BE AWESON FOR THE VILLA!!! ;D

vivavilla!
vivavilla! Wrote: | 20.36BST | Aug 11, 2008

Unfortunately DeanoBrummie there's no reason to believe he'll be in Chelsea's reserve team unless he's been told otherwise. So long as he's been fit he's always been a major part of the Chelsea first team.

RobboN
RobboN Wrote: | 20.38BST | Aug 11, 2008

Webbie?

djleightp
djleightp Wrote: | 20.54BST | Aug 11, 2008

if cole wants to win european honour's lets face it he has bout as much chance at chelsea as he does at villa... right...?

djleightp
djleightp Wrote: | 20.57BST | Aug 11, 2008

Personally i would go for milner, he is not a one season wonder like bentley, he is hard working a proper team player with undoubted talent which we all have witnessed first hand....

vivavilla!
vivavilla! Wrote: | 21.03BST | Aug 11, 2008

And he plays on the right too, bonus ;)

RobLenard
RobLenard Wrote: | 21.03BST | Aug 11, 2008

First time post, just stumbled accross this blog, as i live in australia so am always looking for fresh news on The Villa! Just going to sum up all parts of my opinion in this thread so here goes. Cuellar would be lovely. From what i've seen, (which granted is only 10 or so games) he is a cut above the SPL, and in my opinion would not be far from the top of the pecking order at centre back in the entire competition if he could bring that form to the EPL. Joe Cole seems to have come way too out of the blue for my liking, similarly i agree with a fair few posts above saying that his being a fan favourite at Stamford Bridge would stand as too big a hurdle to him leaving, however if we got him my god would we be potent! Similarly though i hope that if we do fail,(as i can see happening) in an attempt to lure him that routledge isn't completely overlooked this season. I have a few friends who are Cottagers and they are miffed about him not seeming to get a look in at all for consistent first team football. I tend to agree. Finally Ruben de la Red for me would represent the icing on the cake. A young, world class player, who i could see working a treat with an already top quality strike force. He would also be the show of intent that we need to break us back in to the top 4. If Gareth Barry stays i honestly think we have Liverpool covered. They're massively overrated at the best of times, and what seems to get overlooked is that if Torres or Gerard, or (not a personal hope, rather a team collective), both fall prey to long term injury Liverpool are then in my opinion 7th, possibly 8th in the list in terms of class/potential to win games. Without them i see ourselves, spurs and pompey as better sides. Lastly, has anyone heard any more about Santa Cruz jumping ship? I've got the hot tip from a very reliable source, all be it on the other side of the globe that he is happy at Rovers. Sorry for the length of this! got a bit caught up but am quietly optimistic that this could be the year for The Villa! Christ knows we've waited long enough! My best to all!

SteUTV
SteUTV Wrote: | 21.13BST | Aug 11, 2008

I'd also like to see Milner back at Villa park. Would like De la Red,a forward and another centre-half. I would then fancy our chances of making a push for fourth. Until then, a fight with Spurs, Pompey and Everton awaits.

George Templeton
George Templeton Wrote: | 21.22BST | Aug 11, 2008

I think time might be the problem with a Joe Cole transfer. Chelsea, if they get Robinho or Kaka, might not get them until late in the trasfer window. Until they get one or both of them, Cole won't be convinced he will lose his place and if they get them say a week before the deadline, will we (or any other club interested in him) be able to convince him that it is better to be at a club where you are first choice but only in the UEFA Cup.

Podolski would be a great idea. He barely plays at Bayern Munich (I think that is his club), but he is a wonderful talent. Granted we aren't Champions League, but England is the place to be in club football, maybe that interests him.

Jimmy D
Jimmy D Wrote: | 22.11BST | Aug 11, 2008

No chance with Podolski me thinks i'm almost certain that Klinsmann said there was absolutely no chance of him leaving. I think we're a year away from signings such as podolski depending on our expected progress as is such a transfer of a player like Joe Cole. At this moment in time players such as Santa Cruz and De La Red are ambitious but at the same time realistic targets due to their particular positions. De La Red maybe an employee of possibly the world's greatest football club but has little chance of playing with Sneijder, Van der Vaart and Guti ahead of him in the pecking order. As for Santa Cruz we could have a chance of getting him. Prior to Mark Hughes departure I would have thought somewhat differently but now I feel Blackburn could endure a similar season to that of Bolton last year as they struggle to come to terms with the transition under Ince. I doubt that Santa Cruz would want to be part of such a scenario knowing that better opportunities were there for him to take. In my opinion these two players should be our major targets for the remainder of the window and O'Neill and Lerner should put their heart and sold in trying to acquire both their services

Leroy
Leroy Wrote: | 22.12BST | Aug 11, 2008

Damian, any chance of you shouting back re my previous post?

Ps Rob Lenard, welcome, nice to see Villians from all parts of the globe, even if the team isnt!!

Damian
Damian Wrote: | 22.15BST | Aug 11, 2008

Leroy
The first I heard about the West Ham rumours was from that website - Canary something ...
I know nothing more than that .. it did die quite qucikly though, so I'd suspect it was nothing - but I guess you can never rule it out.

hogie1
hogie1 Wrote: | 22.36BST | Aug 11, 2008

i would bank on top 4

jordan
jordan Wrote: | 22.46BST | Aug 11, 2008

Damo

I am not asking for the name with regard to this paticular question, but after analysing one of your previous posts it became apparent that you made a discrete yet noticable reference to two mystery men that you were aware of. One of those being Ruben De La Red. Is this true?

Something about 'eating humble pie'

Leroy
Leroy Wrote: | 22.50BST | Aug 11, 2008

Much appreciated Damian. There is now talk of Liverpool, well the owners, preparing a low ball 12mil bid for Barry. Im getting quite nervous because i really want us to sell Barry and more or less we have to do it before the game on thursday. MON has stated that he will play Barry if he is a Villa player and that would rule him out of the Champions league, and therefore make him a less inviting prospect for Liverpool (or Arsenal i guess). I think this is a crucial few days for us, because if we some how manage to get De la Red, we would turn a massive corner and i believe will improve out of sight, more so than if we just keep Barry. Ofcourse there is always the slim hope that we could keep both, but if there is a choice i will go with De la Red without doubt.

taglor
taglor Wrote: | 22.52BST | Aug 11, 2008

Can't believe Barry wanted to leave when he knew we were getting shorey and young. If ever we were to prove we are aiming high these signings showed it.

Godzvilla
Godzvilla Wrote: | 22.58BST | Aug 11, 2008

taglor
I believe that the comment of "eating humble pie" was in relation to Garreth Barry not heading to Loserpool.

Godzvilla
Godzvilla Wrote: | 23.06BST | Aug 11, 2008

above comment should have been in responce to Jordan not taglor.
Sorry

jordan
jordan Wrote: | 23.14BST | Aug 11, 2008

Godzvilla

Damo said this on the DLR forum post when speaking about the proposed move of the creative midfielder to Villa Park

"i'll clearly be eating humble cake if they do this and the next one that is getting talked about"

Godzvilla
Godzvilla Wrote: | 23.17BST | Aug 11, 2008

jordan,

Yes, i saw the same post, but I think Damo has been doing the guardian crossword recently and used one of their cryptic clues!

I may be reding between the wrong lines but thats what I made of it.

jordan
jordan Wrote: | 23.37BST | Aug 11, 2008

Oh well!

I just remain hopeful that Damian will be be able to clear this up even within the midst of a small proportion of deluded Villa fans taking the opportunity to critisie Damo in the form of vulgar and intimidating e-mails!

If your reading this Damian please remember that this is not an adequate representation of what the majority of us, true claret and blue bloggers feel and express.

Actions similar to these will mean that we will not be given information at all let alone shrapnels of romours

We are priviledged to share our opinionated views and perspectives on the latest gossip and news in this blog.

Now that was not cryptic!

LOL

fitzy
fitzy Wrote: | 23.44BST | Aug 11, 2008

friedel

l.young davies martin laursen(c) shorey

sidwell nigel hokey pokey

de la red

swp santa cruz a.young


subs... guzan gabby salifou carew routledge gardner cuellar

no petrov i know i just dont rade the lad to be honest and barry can do one i dont want a player who doesent want to play for the club.
good team should do well in europe good cup run who knows maybe we can win something this year
UTV

askpaul68
askpaul68 Wrote: | 00.00BST | Aug 12, 2008

ronaldo has been far far worse than gareth barry anyday, he kisses ass and everyone at utd love him again.So i think GB should give his head a wobble and concentrate on playing football where hes admired.i for one would give him a second chance, to break top four you need to add not lose top players.

vogra
vogra Wrote: | 00.07BST | Aug 12, 2008

Wahahahaha...wahahahahahaha who ever thinks Joe Cole we come to Aston Villa please put there hands up....you have now been identified for the looney asylum..

avfcPaul
avfcPaul Wrote: | 00.15BST | Aug 12, 2008

wheres this fantasy league Damo?

pazzler
pazzler Wrote: | 00.17BST | Aug 12, 2008

cole wont come to villa.

Villabiker
Villabiker Wrote: | 00.17BST | Aug 12, 2008

Evening lads just got in from work but I have maybe a bit of bad news I am friends with one of the Cheltenham Town players and we were talking football and SWP came up and he said some of the players he knows and had spoken to said that we had been very interested but the feedback was he wanted to give it AT LEAST ONE MORE SEASON to establish himself as a regular first team player. I hope we are wrong on this but saying that i would prefer Milner he can play both sides and he has already had a taste of villa park.

Damian
Damian Wrote: | 00.34BST | Aug 12, 2008

fantast football link will be going up at about 10pm ...

just putting finsihing touches to it ;)

maybe sooner

avfcPaul
avfcPaul Wrote: | 00.59BST | Aug 12, 2008

ok thanks damo, i am so bored i just need another fantasy team to make ;D

Kieran McGrath
Kieran McGrath Wrote: | 01.05BST | Aug 12, 2008

found a rumour today about a player we are after, and got a video on youtube i just wonder if he is worth it?

LINK

lulu
lulu Wrote: | 01.36BST | Aug 12, 2008

damien ur a fucking wanker!!! u bullshitting bitch!

y come up with all these rumours u fucking prick!!! when they are not true.

all u r trying to do is get publicity for yourself, u dont care a bout villa u fucking prick, go and curl up and suck off gerrardd, u prick, i hope you get battered for displaying bullshit u prick

SteUTV
SteUTV Wrote: | 01.44BST | Aug 12, 2008

Lulu is a muppet! Must be a brum fan!

fitzy
fitzy Wrote: | 01.44BST | Aug 12, 2008

wow that was harsh m8 how do yoy know damian is lying just because theres no news doesent mean he made it up y would he do that i think u should calm down and say sorry as damian has done nothing wrong only inform us of what he has been told

Villabiker
Villabiker Wrote: | 01.46BST | Aug 12, 2008

lulu if u feel so strongly go to another web all go tonite school for turrets

Godzvilla
Godzvilla Wrote: | 01.50BST | Aug 12, 2008

lulu
If you dont like the rumours here then why bless us with your presence?

In fact, why not make your own weblog so we can come and see your own wealth of knowledge.

Damo´s blog contains Damo´s thoughts, opinions and a few snippits of information he recieves from contacts he may or may not trust. Most things on here need to be taken with a pinch of salt.

rob h
rob h Wrote: | 01.52BST | Aug 12, 2008

LULU get laid you tw*t. any info that damian gives is at his discretion and it is for you to take it as you see it. why don't you email the editor of all the newspapers and rant and rave to them for writing cow dung. People like you amaze me you complain that the club aren't linked with anyone and when they are and nothing happens you go off on one. you are scum you sh1te stabbin coq sooking wiinker. get off our site.

damian. this guy is the minority. pinch of salt mate.

roundovilla
roundovilla Wrote: | 01.58BST | Aug 12, 2008

lulu
Are you Rafa in disguise.. Are you Ra-fa in disguise....

Who calls another bloke a b*tch anyway you big fairy.

nikk0
nikk0 Wrote: | 02.03BST | Aug 12, 2008

LULU FU*K OFF

odysseynumberfive
odysseynumberfive Wrote: | 02.14BST | Aug 12, 2008

Dudes,

Cueller's in...almost. It's on the official site: LINK

lucymae
lucymae Wrote: | 02.15BST | Aug 12, 2008

villa agree fee for spanish defender come on ;D ;D ;D