Alexander Tonev and Antonio Luna have both been left out of 26 squad that has traveled to America for their one week pre-season tour that will see Aston Villa face FC Dallas and Houston Dynamo, both teams are based in Texas. Injured strikers Kozak and Benteke have been included among the 26 player squad while Senderos and Guzan have also joined following their extend break due to their World Cup participation.
Enda Stevens and Jack Grealish have both been included, Stevens has been preferred to Luna to challenge left-back’s Richardson and Joe Bennett for the left-back position this season.
Luna has been linked and it’s looking likely that he will be leaving. Luna didn’t play too poorly in his first few games, but his performances dipped significantly during the course of the last season and needs to be sold. Tonev was given a chance against Mansfield, but he didn’t play too well either. I really did want Tonev to play well, because on paper he is very promising, a fast winger that likes to cut in and shot. Unfortunately, he’s only really hit the target once or twice throughout the season.
Someone asked me if I knew how many season tickets had been sold, the other day.
A Derby supporting friend I know tells me it’s 10,200 odd (he’d read it somewhere), as of last week. Can anyone confirm that?
IF that’s true, I don’t think people will be rushing out to buy ST’s on the back of a friendly, Helenius.
Langford/Nath, I haven’t lost the plot at all.
Sending players out on loan might have saved some money, but I’ll bet we still had to pay a good chunk of their wages.
It makes no sense whatsoever to me to pay money out for players who aren’t even at the club, when you could keep them here and at least have them as an option.
Surely you send young kids out on loan to improve their game and not experienced players?
My Derby mate can’t believe we haven’t at least used Bent in the last 10-15 mins of a game we’ve been losing. I went on to explain that many Villa fans think it’s like we’re playing with 10 men when he’s in the side.
His reply?
“Provide the service and he’ll score you goals, it’s as simple as that”.
I couldn’t argue with that one, save to say that we’ve got no-one to provide the ammo these days.
His reply to that one?
“You know what Clough would have said? It’s easy. Get the bleeding ball in the box. It doesn’t matter if he does buggerall as long as he scores”.
That made me laugh.
I don’t know, perhaps it’s just because I’ve been against the “young and hungry” policy from the off. I always thought it was a bad idea and a complete reversal has probably just bought out some more of my contempt for the whole setup down the Villa.
I’m off to get the twin grandkids a JV membership for their birthdays, if I can get the club’s stupid system to work (I had to go down VP last time).
Here’s hoping they see better things than we’re seeing at the moment eh?
Nath, more like handbags at dawn mate 😉
Keep up with the optimism, I might be able to claw some of mine back 🙂
‘Sending players out on loan might have saved some money’…….exactly, the penny is beginning to drop?
Bent could not even get in a relegated team!! FFS, we had enough problems without having to play with ten men . Moreover, the supply was non existent because Randy pulled the plugon any decent creative players we had…why?….to save money of course!
Badger…..I repeat, you have most certainly ‘lost the plot’ big time if you really believe that Randy’s ‘pennypinching’ is not the cause of Villa demise in recent seasons!
As for the ‘young and hungry policy’…..thats certainly the best way forward, however, that also needs to be funded adequately. Who’s fault is it that it wasnt…Randy, by any chance?
Langford, I KNOW it’s down to Lerner. I remember posting an article saying as much in the winter.
But he’s not alone. Lambert and Faulkner are/were complicit.
It seems Fatty has done the right thing in walking and if Lambert were honourable he’d have done the same thing too, imo.
It’s obviously why MON walked, but it seems most hold him in contempt (your good self included iirc) which I don’t quite understand.
How can you be expected to do a job with both arms tied behind your back?
(Let’s not forget Lerner settled out of court for wrongful dismissal/constructive dismissal or whatever it was, so knew he was in the wrong, before anyone starts).
The whole lot need to to go, kit and caboodle, imo.
I think where we differ is what share of the blame lies with Lambert. I am NOT a Lambert fan! However, I still have to say that he has had a very rough deal at VP due to Lerner’s pennypinching. That is the reason that I have never been too harsh with him. I would argue that had Lambert received the same backing as MON that he would probably have done better than him! TBF, the players that he as spent decent money on (Vlaar, Benteke and Okore) all look good enough for the PL. Other than those 3, Lambert has spent a pittance and arguably 4 others (Lowton, Bacuna, KEA and Westwood) are good enough as bench warmers. So I dont really buy into the ‘Lambert as only bought rubbish’ argument. Luna and Bennet are the only 2 that I would place in the rubbish bracket. As for Tonev and Helenius, too early to assess them in any meaningful way IMO.
Should have included Kozak in the decent buy category!
I disagree.
Lambert must have known for at least a while what was happening.
Remember when it was rumoured that Lerner pulled the plug in the winter window?
I now suspect that was totally correct and Lambert should have walked then, imo.
I also disagree that the players you mention are good enough as bench warmers.
They aren’t, imo. Certainly not for a team that’s challenging, but maybe for a team that’s relegation-threatened as we are.
Benteke’s class, totally agree. Vlaar isn’t a patch on many of the defenders we’ve had in the last 30 years (and I suspect you know it), but still one of our better players, which isn’t saying much.
Okore, I’ve not seen enough of him, but admit he looks the right sort and I have high hopes for him.
As for Lambert being better than MON, given the backing, I’ve seen nothing to suggest that, I’m afraid. Has he ever talked up a top player?
If he did, I probably couldn’t understand him lol.
Stalemate then!…..its all about opinions. At least its good to have a balanced argument without offensive remarks.
UTV
i don’t own a handbag so bring 2 one 4 me 🙂
seems like langfordvilla has argued my view, far better than i could ~ i like 2 say lerner is the main reason, yes other factors may have contributed, but his penny pinching budgets. has made the villa manager ‘s job near impossible. get him out, then lets rally behind the team. once hes gone you’ll see how much hes held us back for years
news on talksport claim villa are near a signing of midfielder ??? anybody got more on this
http://www.footballfancast.com/football-news/sunderland-aston-villa-in-battle-for-danish-ace
Finally a link to a good player!
Of course they won’t be rushing to buy ST on the back of a win – But you seem to think (regarding your rant on PR last week) that the reporting is based on an attempt to cash in on merchandise and ST sales.
Mate what’s hard about getting JV membership ????surely you can do it online can’t you????
No, just tried.
I can buy them, but there’s no way to assign them to the kids, as they aren’t existing members or in my network.
Had this grief last time with the elder grandson and it’s just a joke.
Another reason I hate the OS 🙁
It should be easy, but just like anything down the Villa, it ain’t.
The missus is going down to sort it tomorrow.
Ridiculous mate hope you get it sorted.
While I’m ranting, why do I always get 2 identical mails from the club, as I just have again, (telling me to get the kids ready for summer)?
(Pulls hair out) lol 🙂
Really, you couldn’t make it up.
LOL & there desperate for business??? Don’t make sense mate.
Be careful, that was nearly a negative remark! Must be a Bluenose?
Giddy, careful mate….Lamberk is after you again. He seems to enjoy winding you up mate…… 🙂
Shitting myself mate I think I’m going to join a monestry it’s too much heat for me.
Lol….really cant work the guy out. WTF does he support Villa?
I’m sure he’ll be up agborough Saturday mate. 😉
Aggborough
For the imsomniacs amongst us……youtube are showing the match live at 2AM…..and NO, I am NOT part of ‘the very wonderful’ Villa PR machine 🙂
replied to your previous above Langford.
Langford, the nest has run out (where you can have a debate based on earlier comments within the thread. We limited it to 5, so the main thread doesn’t look too disjointed), hence I’m answering here.
Yep, debate is good. Insults and offensive remarks aren’t. That goes for everyone. Please note that lads.
Nath, £3 mill for Wass?
I don’t see it happening mate, tbh.
nope i don’t 3million was mentioned
p.s i never insult ppl ~ i welcome views differ to my own. ppl are entitled 2 their views as i am i hope. would be a boring site if we all had same views.
Nath, it’s the last line of the link you posted;
http://www.footballfancast.com/football-news/sunderland-aston-villa-in-battle-for-danish-ace
Sorry, last but one line.
We know you don’t abuse people Nath, no worries.
We do make some allowances though, as it’s the nature of the beast, discussing footy, where things get heated.
We just have to wind it in sometimes, so it doesn’t get out of hand 🙂
no i said 3mill was mentioned, i heard it on radio and found this link ~ i agree if the guys worth 3mill we aven’t a chance. he sounds a decent player as well. i know lerners selling up, but we need a solid experienced midfielder. if ki isn’t coming, 3 mill wouldn’t kill lerner.
Correction.
I’ll say it as I see it.
More chance of plaiting snot than us signing Wass, imo.
Mirror claiming Spurs could offer cash + Holtby + Dawson for Vlaar. I don’t think that’s actually true, but would be some proposition.
Hasn’t Dawson moves on already???
Nope, he was a starter for them last season. They seemingly want rid though.
I’d take that offer for Vlaar – pick up Bendtner for free and given the circumstances were are under its probably not bad business…add Wass and would be very happy (again given circumstances).
I know he’s not realistic for us at this time, but i do hope Jimmy Milner moves to play somewhere every week – rater than wasting a career playing second fiddle just to win a few trophies which mean less when you dont play most of the time.
Morning all. Yet another victory. Two wins on the bounce. CL here we come 🙂
oohah….note the ‘clean sheet’
Vlaar for Dawson AND Holtby would be a great deal for us…..I say go for it if its true!
Yes 2 wins on the trot it really makes me feel like investing in a ST.LOL 😀
Yep seen that report if spurs agree to that they need to be certified insane. Can’t believe levy would be that stupid. Great deal for us if true
Aston Villa will NOT be reporting on last nights wonderful 2 0 victory!
The problem is, Vlaar’s value will drop as soon as the season starts because the rest of the defence is shit. Except Okore I have faith in him at least!.. so do we cash in on Vlaar and get. A good deal now? Nice to see Zog on the scoresheet. I see Cole is already injured and potentially out of the rest of the US tour.
Nice to get the win, Cole injured AGAIN we will be lucky to get half a season out of him. Was Lerner at the game with one of the potential buyer’s
we will be lucky to get 10 games out of cole ! a total waste of wages , another player that should have retired threw injury but will keep milking wages off any team that are stupid enough to pay them. jesus didn’t we have enough of our own dead wood at the club without bringing in more of the same. its decisions like this signing that really makes me wonder how stupid this manager and owner really are.on another point didn’t hutton look very fat last night, his local greggs must be praying he stays at villa .
dawson and money thats a good deal if vlaar wants to leave, holtby iam sure this guy won’t come 2 villa he has too much about him 2 play for another relegation haunted club.
joe cole took a reduced wage 2 play for villa , iam sure its a well calculated risk, hes something the squad lacks. in sports injuries occur. iam looking through the squad and it surprisingly strong miles stronger than the last two seasons, players should also improve again. i think we could be a strong team on any given day, a solid campaign
Ki and Bendtner (or their equivalent) = top 10 finish IMO.
Dont write off Joe Cole just yet. If we can get 15 or so good games out of him he could be instrumental in attaining a few vital points.
I see Baker, and Heard, played well again lastnight’ they don’t like to keep the ball but give it away, great goal from Nzog free kick, and Bent getting that chance for Weimman, Joe Cole injured again bloody great start, he was looking for a sucker club and found it with Villa, OK lads off to Spain now speak in August, don’t get falling out other wise you’ve got me to deal with. 🙂
You said we’d finish top 10 last year!
you said Benteke would leave last year!
As iv said a zillion times I said as long as he wasn’t injured he would leave. As you are aware he is injured if he wasn’t he would def go. Pls read my posts and get facts right
Not true!! From reading your previous posts it’s only been since Jan that you have used the “if he is fit” excuse. don’t be a hypocrite Dean, no one likes a hypocrite.
Wathced the game last night courtesy of FC Dallas live stream from there site. Good on ’em too.
I think we’ll be alright next season, cole picked up a knock and is out for a few days. Zogs looked really really lively in the second half and will porbably be massive for us this year, Senderos looked good tbh, enda stevens did a good job, Hutton impressed me again getting forward although tracking back against a fast counter attacking team he was non existent, wholesale positives to be taken away from both games so far.
Added bonus was winding up the septics on the chat feed…
Problem with friendlies is it’s hard to judge either way. Can’t read anything into it. We beat some team 12.0 or something ridiculous in a friendly and still struggled. This was poor opposition lets see how we do at stoke away.
Yes your right Oohah even the tea taste better, even the weather girls said it might rain sometime soon, get my drift? Don’t mean a thing them err friendlies. only to people that like football.
Means nothing bill like engkand friendlies who cares. It’s about getting match fit and trying out different formations etc