If the usual rag newspapers are to be believed, it seems our move to sign Sam Johnstone permanently has been massively undermined by Middlesbrough putting a £2.5 million bid in, topped up with add-ons that might run out at £5 million.
This is obviously bad news for Villa on the face of it, as it would seem that if we want to retain the goalie’s services, we’re going to have to get involved in a bidding war; which ultimately Boro would probably win, with them having a nice fat chunk of Premier league money, even though they were relegated.
But I’m not convinced Boro will win out here.
I’d have thought we have probably already matched that sort of bid, as after all, £2.5 mill isn’t a large amount to pay upfront.
Well, yes it is, to most clubs, but it’s not beyond the Villa, even if we add FFP into it, is my point.
So my opinion says it’s more likely to come down to the package that we offer the player.
And we all know that we’re very willing to pay over the odds if we want someone.
I have to be honest and say that while I see promise in Johnstone, I can’t say he massively convinced me of anything.
I personally believe that his record for us as regards clean sheets etc, improved because the defence got better overall.
Of course, you could say that a better goalie inspired the defence to get more confident and hence perform better. But I don’t believe that to be the case and think it was very much the other way round.
Suffice to say, I’d like to keep Johnstone.
But if we can’t do it at the right money, I certainly don’t want to see us go out on a limb at the cost of say, the midfield.
We also have another plus point in our favour.
No disrespect to Boro, but as bleak as people might see Birmingham, I’d suggest it isn’t as bad as Middlesbrough, even if you throw the trendy end that is Yarm, into account.
As per usual it’s all about the money and if Johnstone prefers to go elsewhere, fair enough.
I can’t say I’ll be sorry.
He either buys the Villa story, or he doesn’t.
Comments
79 responses to “Johnstone to Boro? Not necessarily.”
Keep him or not, I’m not fussed.
The worry is, who else is out there?
OLL, any thoughts?
Good points Badger – I, for one, would like to keep him as I reckon he’s one for the future andwe need some younger players. How old is Pickford and what did he cost – £30m? On that basis Johnstone is the bargain of the century – snap him up Villa
I’m with Badger on this I don’t rate him at all. I’m hoping we do lose him. He is no better than Gollini imo
No. Unfortunately. There is a dearth of goalkeeping talent around in England with four not very good keepers still holding down a job in the Prem. Gomes and Boruc to name two. So Leeds, Spurs Res, and Millwall had GKs who caught my eye last season – but that is about it.
No, there is a dearth of goalkeeping talent in the top 2 divisions. Boruc Gomes, and 2 others in the Prem are substandard. Leeds, Millwall and Spurs res had keepers that caught my eye. Nobody else, that might considera move to Villa as promotion.
I’m with OLL on this – Oohah doesn’t rate him but Doesn’t suggest a replacement so Oohah – Gollini back then or perhaps we should stick with Bunn?
I actually think Gollini was slightly better tbh. I can’t think of anyone but there must be a few about
Good thing Bunn is off to Northampton.
But Johnstone is average at best. So any one else we get should be at least the same standard
I’ll take Chile’s goalkeeper, He’ll do for me.
Can we have Jimmy Rimmer back please?
It’s seems Villa and Birmingham have offered Terry managerial job if he signs, Bruce as intermated he could replace him, Harry done the same .Terry is or has his coaching badge and interested in being a manager, another player to chance his arm at Villas essence .
Spot on use us as a stepping stone stuff that. If he manages us that’s the end for me. Shows that club is still a small time joke even though Lerner has gone
Exspence.
See we’re being linked with Snodgrass again – appears Bilic no longer wants him but could we afford him and would he come – unlikely on both counts but would Defoe like him at Villa.
They won’t get £10m for him tbh. Probably lose around £3m as he’s 30 in September. Assuming he’s £7m we could offer £7m giving them £3m now and then £4m if we get promoted. If we don’t get promoted we could take him on loan or offer a £2m extra. Assuming we’d want him
Duh *definately not Defoe!
My man: ‘Johnstone deal is still alive, issue is family related and absolutely NOTHING to do with money’
Good news that imho Langford although family issues can be a showstopper; thanks for the update
That’s a shame
If it’s Johnstone or some other keeper lined up I don’t mind. Johnstone was okay, won’t be too fussed if we lost him to Boro. What would bother me is if he’s our only target for this position and we have nothing else lined up, can’t have a promotion hopeful season with no undisputed number 1 for me.
Wouldn’t put it past us to re sign Guzan again. Just the sort of stupid thing this club does
The press say;
Aston Villa have asserted that John Terry could take over from Steve Bruce as manager.
I say;
What an absolute load of footballs.
I could see Terry getting some sort of coaching role, but there’s no way Xia will get his fingers burnt again, the way he did with RDM, imo.
That said, the word is that RDM was a lazy scrote, who never turned up.
I doubt you’d have that problem with Terry.
Still utter rubbish though.
Hope ur right it would be a disaster if he was our manager. I for one would never get behind him and I doubt most of team would either
Agreed, mine as well sign Mellberg as manager.
Problem is, I think Bruce could talk Xia into taking him on. He seems a big fan of Bruce’s, and Wyness could also have a hand in talking him into making Terry a manager. Be a big mistake, but one I think Xia would make.
Oh, fwiw, I had a red scouse telling me what a stunning signing Terry would be, today.
I threw the “do you think he’d work as hard for another club?” line at him.
“Yep, no problem whatsoever. He’s that sort, isn’t he?.
He’ll love the challenge, and let’s face it, you’re big favourites to go up”
was the reply, along with some really nice sentiments that it was bad when we went down.
I bet if Liverpool were signing him his attitude would be different.
Well yeah, if we were a top 4 contending side with CL football and a crap ton of money to spend, Terry would be an awful signing. I’m still not a fan of the signing but we’re miles away from Liverpool.
True but a fully fit Terry this season in a decent Liverpool team would add to it imo. He would be a great squads player for them
Would he be willing to be a squad player? I don’t think so. I think he’s leaving so he can start one more season while getting his badges.
Agree. I can’t for the life of me figure out why we want Terry. Seriously what’s the point. This has to be the worst bit of business ever done at Villa imo
It’s all pie in the sky at the minute, we still have the same bloody team as last year, think we’re getting carried away in hope, there’s nobody more than me wants action from our club but up till now we are Villa 2016-17. Who’s coming I want to know from the club not the papers.
Remember Bruce’s line, Bill.
There’ll be nothing done in June!
No need to worry mate.
The first of July might be a different matter though, as that’s when many contracts expire.
We don’t really need anyone Bill if we can’t go back up with the team we’ve got something is seriously wrong. We should at the very worst be challenging top 6
Everyone wants to know who’s coming to Villa, but it’s also about who’s leaving. We haven’t sold anyone bar Sanchez, and Bunn left on a free.
Press speculation over JT – both arriving at VP (with due respect to Langford’s excellent source) and his future elevation to manager!
I suspect more likely (in the event he joins us) that he’s been offered a one year contract followed by a coaching role as he’s made it clear he won’t play for another Prem side (fair play to him on that) – that would be a sensible arrangement imho. Would apply even if we don’t get promotion with a player / coaching role being a possibility.
But then my speculation is no better than that of the media – except I’m not paid! 🙂
http://www.myoldmansaid.com/the-vtid-column-bruces-dilemma-goal-drought-beyond-dr-tonys-wallet/
Again apologies for posting from another forum but this is a brutally honest assessment of Villa last season. Bill, I think you are right to be seriously concerned.
Now where did I put my rose coloured glasses!
Good article but only telling us what we already know. The best point was that Bruce isn’t utilising players properly especially Hogan. This is one of my concerns how these players do well elsewhere and become crap overnight when they put s Villa short on. Of course that could be because they are adjusting to a bigger club with higher expectations but I think it’s mainly down to Bruce and his tactics. Also despite the quality we have in the team we are still reliant on set pieces to score especially away. We rarely score in open play. A lot of work needs to be done or it’s midtabke again next season
Thanks Hitch, just read that article you posted, its as Oohah saying we can all see the problems but not being assured by our club on them obvious concerns, something is going wrong in our coaching and management side, 35 million and we dish up that football, we can only wait to see if things change in the club, players have to take responsibility for failures in the next few months.
As for Johnstone, being overrated by the English media and basically any fan not of Villa’s who will basically blame everyone but him for any loss we had. Average at best Championship goal keeper who will likely be a lower-end Premier League keeper just because of the hype given, kinda like Foster, Green, etc, etc.
My man: ‘JT medical booked’
UTV
If further prove is needed then check out skybet …..JT now 1/20 to sign for us!
Well done my man again!
UTV
My man: ‘slight chance of JT done for tomorrow’s kit launch, but more likely early next week’
I’m sure JT will be a good signing for merchandising.
Giddy, I think he will add money to ticket sales, merchandising, to the profile of the club in Asia and TV exposure all round. If you look beyond his contribution on the field, his signing makes huge commercial sense – so to that extent it isn’t a gamble.
But schmiecal was just as big as name and Roy Keane. They did nothing for us commercially
Firstly Roy Keane wasn’t a player at the club & Secondly PS was a goalie so unless you want to buy a goalie shirt with his name on the back to attend games which you don’t see a lot of do you??
He was still a great goalie though from Utd
One thing I’ll concede Oohah – you can always find a negative response whatever the subject – that takes some doing 🙂
Just to add to Giddy’s comment – RK was here under the Lerner debacle and PS really predates the explosion of football into Asia and China so in neither case were the club that savvy commercially. The combination of Dr. T, Wyness and the new Commercial Director (ex F1 and Wasps) is a whole new ballgame in promoting and selling the club.
Lol 😁 hitch you put it better than me hopefully ooha will understand lol 😁
I’m sure there is a backhanded compliment in there somewhere 😄
Could probably add in that ROBBIE Keane was only on loan, in the middle of a pretty average season, so hardly going to excite the masses
Langford my very best mate, does your man predict pools or lotto results? only need him the once please.
Bill lol…i wish! I would just like to know who he is to be honest. He must have some strong connection with the club as he has announced at least 7 new arrivals even before they have been announced on the OS. My guess is that he is something to do with the medical staff at VP, but thats just a guess. He keeps his cards very close to his chest so noone really knows his identity. People have even suggested that he’s Keith Wyness. Someone else thought that he was maybe the Chinese guy appointed to the board (cant recall his name). I just love knowing before Sky and the newspapers (lets see how long it is before they get on board with the JT news).
Good luck with your pools coupon….best wishes to you all (apart from the negative pricks on here)
UTV…..just fucking support!
Your the man Langford.😂🎩take my hat off to you.
Lang the man
great posts from langfordvilla, reason i first visited this site was to get info on villa, news before it happened. opinions from die hard fans. i can begin to understand the negativity before the season starts. we have a owner who has backed us with plenty cash. we need to back the club with our support.
forget the lottery numbers who will be our goalkeeper 🙂 i worry about this. all good teams have a decent keeper. without one we wont achieve much.
I thought u only came on this site to listen to me 😄😄
now the cat is out of the bag 🙂 damn you oohahaha
😄😄
The myoldmansaid article summed up last season. It is fair to say that SB might get us promoted, but it won’t be pretty to watch. He has a good track record of moulding a dull functional squad, inexpesively assembled, into an outfit who can grab promotion. This time the squad is expensively assembled, but that is not going to change the product created by SB, we now know.
The point about not playing to the strengths of the players you have is a good one. That is why when pro players talk about doing their coaching badges, I think they would learn more running a Sunday football team. You can guarantee you do not have 11 players out of the 14 that show up, each of whom is best in one of the 11 positions on the field. So there is the challenge, fashion a team with no centre half and no left back out of one with 3 right wingers and 2 goalies. That will teach coaches about playing the hand you are dealt, adapting the style and tactics to the players you have.
Unless we buy midfielders who can hold the ball and play it around in midfield, then we need to play as few of the poor midfielders as we can get away with. That is 2. Four forwards and lump the ball over the top where we have as many attackers as the opponents have defenders. I would rather we got better midfield players, but my second choice is play to the strengths of what we have.
OLL, didn’t RDM try lumping with a 4-2-4 setup?
It didn’t work.
Sherwood also tried to by-pass the midfield.
That didn’t work either.
it’s imperative that we sort the midfield before anything else, imo.
And that includes the goalie, who while he’s massively important, is not the major problem.
Our biggest problem is not scoring enough, as opposed to conceding too many.
Play it through the middle, preferably with a lot more width and we’ll be fine.
This is where I believe Bruce will struggle to get things right though.
I’m not convinced with any of our mids and they need to change my opinion rapidly, fwiw.
All of them create/score nothing between them and that’s not good enough at this level, when you look at the money spent.
Langford, another good shout from your contact.
The press are just beginning to realise that Terry is indeed in the bag.
excellent points badger. sherwood tried to play decent football. i made this point before and somebody said he was defensive. he definitely not that. rdm also tried to be attacking hence the mess he left. no organization no clue how to set up to win at all costs. plan a to out score the opposition worked like a treat how many games we won . 1 or 2 lasted 11 games,
i seriously doubt anybody wants to play pretty football like fulham and wednesday and be in championship season after season gradually get weaker, as you lose tv money and dr cash dries up
nobody can guarantee how we will play next season. myoldbulshit doesn’t know, we can all take educated guesses. but until the games start. we won’t know. promotion then who cares what happens to bruce. we are not asking anything from him but promotion. horses for courses and he has the form
It will work if you have four fowards who can beat one man as often as not and preferably have an eye for goal themselves. Other recent managers did not have the firepower.
But like all systems you have to accept the consequences. It leads to many chances to score for both teams, only if you are the better team will 4-2-4 get you a win, you won’t sneak a result against a better team. Also if the oppos score first they may park the bus so one player in the 4-2-4 team needs to have a good shot from 25 yards. Finally the 2 midfielders HAVE to get behind the ball every time their team loses possession.
I like it myself when played by a team which meets the above requirements, the great Man Utd team with Giggs and Scholes effectively played that system as soon as they went in front.
But on paper we ha e the best and most expensive midfield in the division
No disputing they are the most expensive midfield in the division, because of what we paid for them – Grealish excepted.
But the best? As a unit they have not shown it – in fact they were bossed by most teams’, midfields during games, even games we won. I don’t know whether that was because they don’t get on, or try to do the same job (Lampard-Gerrard effect) or whether they need time to gel. It worries me that they have not been more effective by now.
How come these sane players were good at previous clubs. You have to blame Bruce
or they need more time to gel. we expect them to sign for villa and they hit the ground running. problem solved we signed lansbury he will score from midfield.
then things go much slower than we expected, he doesn’t score the goals or create them. do we blame it on the weather, the opposition hell no its the manager.
haven’t we been here before. our managers get blame for our downfall too often. makes me realize where we have gone wrong. its embarrassing to watch the same conversations from evcry manager we have. we dont win a few games who is to blame the manager. lol wish it was so easy. damn lottery numbers didnt come in again, blame the manager of villa.
think we should shut up and get behind the club instead of making the excuses if the club send out signals off the manager failing his duties. iam sure the owners and chairman will do theirs and sack the manager
It’s the managers job to work out how the player will fit in before he signs them not after
we don’t need to be that expansive to win a games in championship. like oohahaha says we have a expensive mid and i will say forwards and defenders our squad is best in the league. we can win it without showing our underbelly. that might not be exciting to watch. but it will be good enough for promotion. and then dr can hire another manager who can take us to another level.
this is my opinion and in no way is facts