Just a quick one first, to say that although internet here has been utter rubbish, I have been looking in to read the replies.
It’s fair to say that some of the debate has been erm, “robust” at times and I was concerned that things might have got totally out of hand, with me not being able to moderate.
I’m happy to say they didn’t, as far as I can see and I thank you all for that.
Anyway, on to the important stuff and it seems Elmohamody’s signing is imminent (as per Langford’s contact again).
I’ve got to be honest and say I’m not sure what this one is about.
Don’t we already have four right backs?
OK, Elmo offers more going forwards and will offer Adohmah competition, but at the same time I’d expect to be losing one of our existing RB’s to compensate.
I don’t believe Bruce is ready to accept that Bree has been a failure yet (not that I think he has either), so it won’t be him leaving.
De Laet’s value will be really low and his wages high, so I can’t see it’s him either.
Richards, well we’re stuck with him, that’s simple.
Which only leaves Alan Hutton, which for me would be a shame.
I know he’s Marmite, but I’ve always supported him as, if even though I don’t believe he’s particularly good, so he’s been one of our at least triers, when many have just looked far from bothered.
I personally feel there’s a place for that sort of player in a bone idle, “couldn’t give a toss, I’m earning loads” squad.
Which all in all tells me that Elmohamady offers a similar attitude, but is just seen by Bruce as a better, more threatening player than Hutton.
Well, I hope the manager’s right, because from accounts I’ve read, the player threw a bit of a wobbler when he couldn’t get the move from Hull he wanted and his form has been frankly poor over the last couple of seasons.
Whatever, it would appear that he was Marmite too, as some Hull fans can’t believe they’re letting him go so cheap, while others can’t wait for him to be gone.
The player isn’t quite finished yet, you would hope and the manager must be confident he can do a job.
I really hope so.
Whelan’s also looking likely, at last and I’ve given my opinion on him. Back-up for Jedinak and it makes sense.
Where I’ll worry is if he plays beside Jedinak.
And then there’s Xia’s latest tweet, where I’m flummoxed.
I would guess there will be movement both ways, with possibly McCormack (his days are surely numbered?), Amavi and Veretout leaving, plus Hutton.
All of that should leave plenty of room for players coming in, in positions I don’t need to keep going on about.
Surely there has to be, as I have to agree with the likes of JVillan in that I’m totally underwhelmed with our business at this point in time.
Still, there’s plenty of time for the club to change my view, now that we’re getting down to the nitty-gritty and clubs on both sides begin to panic.
Here’s to a couple of more inspiring signings, which I’m sure will come.
UTV, even if you might not agree with my thoughts!
Still trying to be optimistic, even if it might not come across like it 🙂
I’ve just seen Langford’s point about “short-termism” in the previous thread.
I totally agree.
But it also means we have to take the short term view on Bruce too, imo.
And then there’s Nath’s view, where if it doesn’t work, what are we going to do then?
This is a bigger crossroads than last season, imo.
Hence my massive worry and what might come across as pessimism.
There’s just so much riding on promotion.
I also maintain, despite your ‘juggling the books’ view Badger that we are totally hamstrung by FFP having ‘overspent’ at the outset of last season hence we are looking for cheap deals that also satisfy the short term get promoted then worry about it approach. It will be interesting to see just how long the contracts are for Elmo and Wheelan!
There’s no doubt we need to get money in Hitch.
But i’m totally convinced we will.
Even if the fees aren’t what we want, the wage reduction will be.
And then it’s all about jam later for any coming in, with monster bonuses, if we suceed.
Which is how we should have been playing it ages ago.
No arguement from me Badger
Adomah is out for several more weeks, DeLaet wont be match fit for a while and Bres is still learning the ropes. That only leaves Elmohamady and Hutton (discounting Richards) on the right! I see DeLaet and Bree as the future with Hutton and Elmohamady ‘the short term’ solution. Reckon Richards will go out on loan or better still be sold (I think he has 1 year left on contract).
UTV
I agree langford, it has to be short term thinking, a stance I’ve consistently taken and why I back Bruce at the moment.
Richards is going nowhere, even though he should be, imo.
Get rid, even if it’s just to appease the fans, as it costs no more if we pay his wages at another club, imo.
So why haven’t we?
It seems he’s a positive influence behind the scenes. Go figure.
I’d keep Richards as a centre back option.
Off topic but just how shite is the Villa OS??
Try and log in -no chance.
Try and register (again) – not having it.
Try to reset password – link don’t work.
Try and buy tickets (Watford) – it ain’t having none of it apart from wheel chair access.
Is it just me???
I get the same problem with OS mate! Not very ‘user friendly’ is it? Hoping that they are working on much needed improvement!
UTV
How hard is it to get a site running right…..think they sell em at B and Q….
It really is woeful Langford, it just don’t work but saying that the misses had an Huawei phone – that was a bag of shite.
The wonders of Chinese technology??
I know. I don’t see technology as the answer to everything in life. A more ‘hands on’ human approach is often better IMO. As for your phone, cant say I’ve ever heard of that brand!….but that could be my age 🙂
UTV
Villa have sold out for tonight’s game on tickets. Any news on team lads?
Shabbys starting samba starting
Hope its for the window shopping.
Green looking bright early on
mate, it’s rubbish and not becoming of the club, as I’ve often said.
I’m subscribed to AVTV, but half the time I wonder why, as it takes ages to get on.
That said, I believe we’re supposed to be sorting it out.
Have u gone directly to YouTube if it’s the Walsall game yr looking for?
Good coverage for me. Agbonlahor has offered more in the first 20 minutes than McCormack did in both the games he played – make of that what you will. Thor playing further forward which looks better.
I’m watching on http://www.bescotbanter.net
http://www.bescotbanter.net/2017/07/watch-live-walsall-v-aston-villa.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+bescotbanterfeed+%28Bescot+Banter%29
Stream is fine on there. We are pretty mediocre though.
One negative so far, every chance falling to Bjarnesson, who couldn’t finish a pudding!!
Agreed but at least he’s getting into good forward positions and looks better playing more forward than in a defensive role. Not brilliant but a lot better than against Shrewsbury.
Helenius – I’m impressed you can spell his name 🙂
Why are we just getting a blank screen at half time again. Would be a wonderful opportunity to sell some merchandise/tickets etc IMO. Thats presuming you can do that on you tube!
UTV
I’m getting more fun counting the lorries on the motorway, Yes getting the ball up but missing chances,
There’s only one Barry Stobart! 🙂
😂
Do you honestly think we will get out of the championship? I know its only a friendly.
No problem Bill….top, no doubt 🙂
Don’t know Bill – it’s hard to draw many conclusions from friendlies but we still seem to lack something in the final third. It’s almost as if we get ‘stage fright’ as soon as we get in or around the opposition’s penalty area – can’t still be a lack of self belief – can it?
No I don’t. 8th to 16th is where we will be
Utter garbage. That doesn’t surprise me and I can’t see why anyone else could be surprised.
We don’t really get in the opposition penalty area except for set pieces, certainly not in any numbers.
Ok it’s just a friendly but I am underwhelmed.
Even though its a friendly the warning signs are there. If we were creating chances and missing, i’d say okay we are rusty but we aren’t even doing that.
There isn’t even any tactical experimentation either… its just the same ultra negative tactics from last year with the same results. The constant in this situation is Steve Bruce I’m afraid to say…
It’s just defence with Bruce we will end up drawing too many games again. Look at UTD under Mourinho if they had been more ambitious they would of finished top 4. But all Mourinho is interested in is saying we’ve been unbeaten for 20 games etc. I’d rather win 14 games and lose 6 draws are as good as defeats these days
Just sat through and watched the stream of the Walsall game (those who didn’t you missed absolutely nothing as it was like a replica of the last sorry season). Once again afraid to attack and unable to create anything, this time against a poor mid table League one side. Without Kodija, we offer zero goal threat.
And before anyone says its only a friendly… this has been a recurring problem for pretty much the entirety of the time Bruce has been at the club. We either create nothing or we take a lead and go into ultra defensive mode with no intention of pushing on. You have to be seriously deluded to think there is even a chance of promotion, not a hope in hell when the only footballing philosophy the manager has is caution at all costs.
I agree Villain1. I think midtable to just inside top 10 is the best we will do. Bruce is far too defensive and we are not good enough to defend a one nil lead esiecially away from home. Also away from home what happens if and when we go a goal down. We will never create enough to get goal back