MessiWillSignForVilla

Lambert's just waiting for his pay off, I don't think he seriously wants to be here. Unfortunately Lerner will not sanction this at the moment, so what can he do, but to 'go again'!!

I think Lambert showed when he joined us that if he didn't want to be here, he wouldn't be here.

I though RL would have known about the Villa intelligence operative at BHX by now. Seems strange that he'd let a potential buyer advertise his intentions by flying in with his own jet???

 

My bet is that he's probably even heard the name "The Trees" after OGSgate. Doesn't add up for me.

What's Lerner going to do about it though?

He's not exactly going to convince any prospective buyers to not use their own jet. If you had a private jet, would you fly any other way? I doubt a billionaire is going to want to go on a commercial flight when he can get places in more comfort and I assume quicker with his own jet. Randy could be willing to lend any buyers his jet, but then that information would be just as intriguing as why would Lerner make PL and PF fly out to NY if he (or at least his jet) was to come to the UK himself just a few days later.

It's not as if Randy can embargo the information either, he can't get TheTrees sacked or even get him to not pass on information he notices.

Even flying into another airport would be a fairly unreasonable request, why fly somewhere to then have another 1hr30-2hr drive on top when you can fly to somewhere 30 minutes away from your destination.

Doesn't matter whether Randy knows about TheTrees' occasional information passing, he can't exactly stop it.

Guys stop it its pathetic. Lamberts staying and there's no buyer. How do people read these comments and then go 100% the other way and believe we will be taken over tomorrow??

It's not the X files, what you're reading is fact can't you accept that?

I'd love to know where this "fact" is from.

All we know is the club is up for sale, if you don't like the speculation, then stay out of the thread clearly named "£200 Million US Takeover".

If Red Bull were to take over we'd obviously get them as a shirt sponsor (no one would have a problem with that) and they'd probably try and change the name of the ground (don't think that would be too controversial either if it came with heavy investment) but I honestly can't see them trying to completely change the crest and colours of the club like they've done with other smaller teams. I just think they'd see it as being too much trouble. Besides, having a Premier League team like Villa playing in Red Bull Arena (or whatever they call it) with Red Bull plastered across their shirts would probably be enough exposure.

But then why would they buy us? It would be much more sensible for them to just sponsor us, why shell out the extra £50m+ per year for no gain?

Thankfully, maybe hopefully, this is why I think this Red Bull stuff is bullshit. It makes no sense for them to buy us if they can't change us to Red Bull Birmingham/Aston or whatever it would be, or change our colours. As Trent said, it's literally the reason they do it, and you'd hope the FA would be smart enough to block such actions.

If I were Marc and Lambert sticks around I would bugger off.

 

It didn't seem to matter what he did (and others didn't) he couldn't get a run of games.

Yeah, apart from the last 9 games when he started 6 times and was mostly crap pre-Cardiff.

 

 

That is illegal under EU law. Even if we left the EU we still couldn't do it as other leagues would pay players more and therefore get the best players, it requires a wage cap done by Fifa which like I said would be illegal and it wouldn't get done anyway.

If it's illegal under EU law, how come the Aviva Premiership has had one for 15 years?

No idea don't know diddly about rugby but I know capping wages is illegal under eu law

 

Well they obviously aren't as several top rugby leagues have had them in place for 10+ years without any challenges to them.

That is illegal under EU law. Even if we left the EU we still couldn't do it as other leagues would pay players more and therefore get the best players, it requires a wage cap done by Fifa which like I said would be illegal and it wouldn't get done anyway.

If it's illegal under EU law, how come the Aviva Premiership has had one for 15 years?

The trail by combat thing, does he have to fight someone or does he choose someone to fight on his behalf? 

He can either fight himself, which he won't as he ain't too good at it, or he can name a "champion" to fight for him.

 

 

Do any of the Starks have a "legitimate" claim for the throne?

If...

***Brace yourself, book spoiler is coming***

a pretty solid claimant.

...as is theorised, Jon Snow is the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark then that'd make him a) a legitimate Stark and

 

that would be the worst plot twist ever IMO. Surely if that was the case Catelyn wouldn't have been such a massive bitch to Jon Snow all his life and also rendered her "all because I couldn't love a motherless child" speech between her and Talisa totally pointless. With two Targs running around already I can't see how the narrative of either the books or the TV is served by adding a 3rd one.

 

Cat didn't/couldn't know, only Ned. If Robert had found out, he'd have murdered Jon. Also, a big part of the theory is that Lyanna made Ned promise not to tell anyone (due to the fact "Promise me Ned" is mentioned a million times in his POV) for fear Robert would do something. And it's more believable if Cat truly hates Ned's "bastard", rather than not being too bothered about him because she's actually his nephew.

 

nigel & meath - title of episode 8

 

wainy - title of episode 9

 

gives a bit away as to what might happen

Ah OK, never look at the titles really.

 

A bit strange that they would give away spoilers in them?

 

It's not exactly a huge spoiler, but you can work out what happens if you really think about it.

Before the last episode, only book readers would be able to figure it out, and even after I think most would still be none the wiser.

Prior warning that this is a book spoiler but it's being discussed within the context of the TV show.

I'm going to assume that the two wildling attacks on the Wall will be condensed down to one. Mance's main attack where Stannis shows up. Ygritte should meet her end there.

Episode 9 is called "the Watchers on the Wall" and rumoured to be entirely set there

If they do get Shaw the first thing they'll do is convert him into a CB.

Ridiculous, it's like suggesting the first thing Tottenham would've done with Bale was convert him to CB, it ain't gonna happen as it won't get anywhere near the best out of him.

If Shaw is to be converted to a new position, it's much more likely he'll be pushed further up the pitch to play on the wing where he can hurt players with his dribbling and pace. Not to mention he's not great defensively so would get massively shown up at CB.

And I'm pretty sure Utd will buy an actual CB instead of spending £27m to play a LB out of position.

Don't want no rich arabs...lets respect our class history and tradition and do it the right way...citing Dortmund, Bilbao and Atletio.

Clubs which got to where they are currently before FFP was introduced and has effectively shut the door to that Top 4/6.

It's all well and good talking about how we did it the "proper" way 30-odd years ago, but let's get real, in modern football, money is everything unfortunately, it is extremely rare to get close to success without significant investment. And it's nice he cited 3 clubs who have done it the "proper" way (even though 2 have also spent a lot of money), but what about the other 15 or so clubs in top European leagues that are currently pretty much untouchable due to their money?

For us to get back to the top it would take years of extremely shrewd signings, or a few years of big spending.

It is odd as Randy himself said "business as usual" also Lambert said a few words about getting a new tie and looking forward to the dinner.

 

If they canceled because of fans frustration why would they leave it this late? maybe it played a part in the decision I guess.

Maybe they saw the reaction to the photo Weimann put on Instragram and thought that if that was the type of reaction a simple photo of the team relaxing after a game garnered, the fans may not take too kindly to the idea of an awards dinner.

 

I think we were "lucky" that he got injured when he did and for so long as I don't think the big clubs will come sniffing again until 2015 imo. We'll probably want north of £20m and teams at the top will want to see how he does when he returns from injury before throwing that sort of money at a player who, despite his obvious talents, now has the possibility of not returning to his best and be potentially injury prone for the rest of his career.

Other clubs will want to be sure he isn't a crock and will still have the ability to justify the fee we will demand.

He probably won't play a game until 2015 though ? There's no point having him unless he's making a difference on the pitch

 

My point is that there would have been a good chance that we would have sold him this summer and not had him at all next season, providing the new owners don't come in Man City style. Instead, he'll probably come back from injury roughly October/November time and the next time he'll pick up some serious interest will most likely be Summer 2015, so his injury may be a blessing in disguise, for us at least, as we will most likely hold onto him for an extra season now.

Why did Lerner have to release his statement today?! Why not tomorrow or Wednesday?

I've got an exam tomorrow and I'm currently spending time, that I should be using to revise, reading On Topic and thinking about who will be the next owner, and then further procrastinating by complaining about my procrastination.

God damn it Randy, if I fail my exams the blame is at your door!

I think we were "lucky" that he got injured when he did and for so long as I don't think the big clubs will come sniffing again until 2015 imo. We'll probably want north of £20m and teams at the top will want to see how he does when he returns from injury before throwing that sort of money at a player who, despite his obvious talents, now has the possibility of not returning to his best and be potentially injury prone for the rest of his career.

Other clubs will want to be sure he isn't a crock and will still have the ability to justify the fee we will demand.

The local paper in Sutton Coldfield is saying that Bodymoor is up for sale 'as well' as the club. Surely not separately?

I assume BMH is owned by Reform Acquisitions, not by the club? Therefore would be required to be sold separately.

 

 

 

I personally think a deal is at an advanced stage. Can't see Lerner releasing a statement like that if it weren't. I know not many on here give him much credit but he's not that stupid to say he doesn't want to own Aston Villa, but will continue to do so. He just wouldn't put himself out like that.

 

I also don't know why this discredits any ITK's on TBAR, to me a takeover is definitely happening, and it will happen this summer. It's just a question whether it's weeks or months. 

 

I imagine Randy has been trying to sell the club for quite some time, not just starting today. 

its just a question..........or years!! no buyer has been lined up - lets not kid ourselves, however nice it would be to get mega rich owners

 

Why has no buyer been lined up? Because Sky Sports told you so? Do you not think releasing a statement like this is a bit out of character for Randy? Why would Lambert pretty much tell the world he has no future at AVFC if Lerner was going to remain the owner?

 

facts are facts - we have not been told a buyer has been found - the statement says he has put the club up for sale - nothing more - why do you think we have a buyer when the facts say we havent - dont kid yourself with what you want to be true - if there was a buyer we would know - there isnt and thats why there has been no leaks, no concrete rumours - nothing - nada - nowt.....

 

But where does it say a buyer hasn't been found? Just because it doesn't mention one doesn't mean the other option is true.

Currently the only fact is that we're up for sale.

Terrytini's post was so good on the previous page, I've decided to drop this on us all.

 

Looks good, but it's interesting that there's no sponsor, or are thy always like that?

Peter Dinklage abso-****-lutely nailed it!! That scene was awesome and makes up for the shows changes to his relationship with Shae.

Peter Dinklage: I'm guilty.... of winning an Emmy!

Rest of the episode was OK, but the end just made the episode brilliant. Can't wait to see episode 8 now !

Professional sportsmen relaxing after long season shocker!!!

Hang 'em all...

 

* * * MEDIA ADVISORY * * *

U.S. SOCCER CEO & GENERAL SECRETARY DAN FLYNN AND MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER COMMISSIONER DON GARBER TO MAKE MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT ON MONDAY, MAY 12

Announcement Will Take Place at 1 p.m. ET;

Will be Streamed Live on mlssoccer.com and ussoccer.com

CHICAGO (May 11, 2014) - U.S. Soccer CEO and General Secretary Dan Flynn and Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber will join media executives in New York City to make a major announcement.

Members of the media wishing to attend can RSVP using the links below. Doors open at 12 p.m. and the event begins at 1 p.m.

Press Conference Information

WHO: 

U.S. Soccer CEO & General Secretary Dan Flynn and Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber

WHAT: 

Major Announcement in New York City

WHEN: 

Monday, May 12, 2014

                 12 p.m. - Doors open 

                1 p.m. - Event beings

 

Klinsmann or an MLS coach on their way to Villa?

Quick look at Twitter suggests that they'll just be announcing a TV deal with Fox/ESPN/Someone else, just coincidence that it's about the same time as our announcement. 

 

I can't believe a £200m takover can be kept under wraps - really hoping for something in sunday papers - but those headlines are usually out by now ?

But didn't the man city takeover come completly out of nowhere?

 

Yep, last day of the transfer window and they instantly bought Robinho.

 

Dermot ‏@dermotkeller  19m

Wow very interesting exclusive news from KNX. Larry Ellison is set to become owner of a new Premier League team. #avfc #Premier League #thfc #takeover #Premier League

 

Oh man I want to believe!

But the fact the guy hadn't tweeted for 5 years before that makes me think he's slightly dubious. Has this been "heard" by anyone else?