Blimey, the news has come thick and fast today and I hardly know where to begin.
The Sinclair deal looks about done with a fee in the region of £3-4 million, depending on what you read.
I’d have been tempted to keep him, myself and indeed it seems the player wasn’t pushing for a move and the manager didn’t really want to lose him. The price was obviously right though and it’s no doubt another hefty wage off the books, hence I wish him well in a league where his quality will surely stand out.
Then there’s news that Carlos Sanchez could be on his way to Fiorentina. I reckon this link might have some legs to it and he’s another I’ll be sad to see go, as much as I know many other Villa fans don’t rate him. The slower pace in the Italian game should suit him better.
An interesting story is one that suggests Gabby might actually be on his way, after he wished the players good luck for tomorrow and the rest of the season on his Instagram account. It could of course mean nothing, but it does strike me as an odd thing to say. We can but hope.
Andre Green has signed a new 3 year deal and one of the young lads, whose name escapes me has gone on loan to Cheltenham.
There’s news that the Albion are after Jordan Ayew, although I don’t see him leaving after Xia’s previous comments.
Then there’s the brilliant comment from Dr Xia on Twitter, where he says we’re after 7-8 players, have bids in for 3 and are negotiating for 2 on loan. This is great news and we may just see the major squad overhaul we’ve all been asking for, after all.
And then to cap all that, we have the first game of the season today at Sheffield Wednesday!
Which is where I don’t know what to think.
I’ve never set much store by first day games, as I can recall some strange results over the years. Anyone remember a recent opening day 3-0 victory at the Emirates, for instance?
Fulham beating Newcastle on Friday was typical, in my opinion and although it seems Newcastle looked poor, I think we all know they’re going to be thereabouts at the end of the season.
My Wednesday fan workmate isn’t worried about facing us and
I had to confess I know nothing about them, save that Barry Bannan plays for them. My friend says he’s been great and would anyone bet against him scoring tomorrow?
You would think we have enough quality (as poor as we were last season) to win this one, but I still have nagging doubts about our ability to create chances, with the squad as it stands.
Watching Ross McCormack should be interesting, as I’ve read that if he ends up getting deeper in chasing the game, he becomes ineffective. We really need to get the ball in the danger area and let him do what he’s best at.
Which has just reminded me of another story where we’re apparently chasing Abel Hernandez from Hull.
Like I said, it’s all happening.
I see a one goal victory either way and the optimist in me says we’ll get it.
0-1 to the Villa.