Fabian Delph’s recent departure to Manchester City confirmed the end of Martin O’Neill’s era. Delph was the last player that was signed by Martin O’Neill to leave the club. Delph arrived to Aston Villa from Leeds United for the 2009-10 season for an undisclosed fee. In the same transfer window, Aston Villa brought in Stewart Downing, Beye, Richard Dunne, Stephen Warnock and James Collins. Other transfer highlights from MON era included the arrival of Stiliyan Petrov, James Carew, Ashley Young, Reo-Coker and James Milner. MON was known for splashing the cash with Aston Villa frequently being high spenders in the Premier League. Unfortunately that did not necessarily translate into success.
Villa finished in 11th place, and 6th three times. MON era also included a trip to Wembley for the League Cup final and a very close top 4 finish in 2009-10 where Villa just ran of steam towards the end of March where consecutive poor results saw Villa fall to 6th place. Despite these disappointments, this was the time period in which I became a Villa fan and in hindsight, had been the most exciting.
MON signed some really exciting players, most were British and some were given ridiculous contracts and wages, but it did bring some degree of success. Because since then, Villa have mostly been fighting relegation and expectations have also changed for many Villa fans. Regardless, MON’s win ratio was 42.11%. This is far better than Gerard Houllier’s (35.29%), McLeish (21.43%) and Paul Lambert (29.57%). Perhaps it is finally time for Tim Sherwood to emerge as our next best manager.
Delph has now departed Aston Villa and with his departure also comes to departure of Martin O’Neill’s influence. There are still a few players who have worked with the former Villa manager, Clark and Agbonlahor come to mind. But MON’s spending and players brought in, no longer affect the club.
I hope it stays as a rumour & doesn’t become fact,imo that’s not improving the team.
Just had an idea. Does anyone think Bacuna could play centre midfield in the Delph / Cleverly role? He’s got the ‘engine’, he’s a better finisher than both the aforementioned, he’s got an eye for a forward pass, and, having played right back ‘Cafu’ style, he can tackle and challenge for the ball. What do you think guys? I know I’m biased but I think it’s a damn good idea! Could be another Milner…
don’t think he’s disciplined enough, it’s the most important position on the pitch delph had the engine but not the dedication the second you switch off it’s a goal don’t know if we have any body yet that can determine in a few touches whether we are in attack of defence and switch with purpose if you look in recent history who we have had in that position Mortimer, Houghton,Barry, milner petrov and probably more i may have forgotten,its a massive position to fill and i don’t think whoever Tim is looking for has been mentioned yet
Where does Gueye play?
Very good points Billy. In Sherwood and Wilkins, there are two guys who could coach him into that position. Don’t forget he’s not a right back either…Gueye is one replacement, but don’t forget we’ve lost Delph and Cleverly from the ‘diamond’, so even with Gueye, we need one more. With Sanchez or Westwood holding, I think it wouldn’t hurt to give Bacuna a chance. He’s young and can learn. I think he’s an intelligent player, although agree it’s a risk. If you don’t try, you’ll never know…
Nice outlook DAD…
No
Bacuna is shit open your eyes!!!
Gueye looks a find, amavi looks good at left back, worry about the right side though with bacuna and Hutton!!!
I thought bacuna and Sinclair could have done better today. Robinson was good first half.
I couldnt agree more both are hopeless!
Still lots of rumours flying around – mostly around Ntep and Borini.
Never heard of Ntep but, from the glimpses we’ve had of our two new French signings, I’d be open to it.
As for Borini I’ve always thought he was potentially a much better player than he’s been given credit for. A TS team that plays the ball more on the ground might suit him.
What’s this though with all of these French players? You don’t suppose Gerard Houllier is providing us with some hints do you?
Anyway very exciting times and still looking forward to the new season.
UTV
Nice clip from the Walsall game. Some of our players seem to have their heart in the right place –
http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villas-jores-okore-shows-9729525
It seems Austins £85k a week requirement might be a load of rubbish;
https://twitter.com/chazaustin9/status/625339654775177216/photo/1
Sky sports saying we have signed Jose Angel Crespo – a Full Back from Cordoba
just seen that . he has a beard always a good sign 🙂
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jos%C3%A9_%C3%81ngel_Crespo
Domingo….lol, yes a man with a beard is always a good sign!
Ayew signs…official
Oh Ayew, Ayew
He’s bigger than me and you
He’s going to score one or two
In the the claret and blue
Welcome to VP Jordan