HackneyVillain

I have to say I'm very surprised people would rather Palacios than Parker. (Sorry if I'm being presumptuous here but thats the impression I get) None of my Spurs supporting friends rate Wilson at all and they would all love Parker to join them. I agree with Cheltenham, I don't think its enough to be able to break up attacks, you have to be comfortable on the ball as well.

Hopefully he'll play 90mins against Derby and that will be a better test of whether he's ready than 15mins yesterday. If he's as good as we hope then we should also put another long-term contract in front of him... 10 years should do it!

We cannot afford to do that, its got nothing to do with meaning business. Yeah lets spend shit loads we cannot afford and threaten the security of the club, we'll mean business when we're bankrupt. I think thats frankly sensationalist and not really true is it?? We have a billion dollar owner, thats a lot of wasted cash to go bankrupt. Financial fair play may be a consideration, but even then, Milner and Johnson would probably cost around 25-30 million. Add the 9.5 spent on NZogbia and the Young/Downing cash and we are about 3.5 million out? Is that going to send us spiralling into debt? I dont think so. We're already substantially in debt! I can see us buying another player but not at those prices - 7m tops. Back on topic, hopefully he starts on Wednesday and can help everyone get over the disappointment of the match just now.

Unfortunately I think Albie will be on the bench more often than not. Hope I'm wrong though.

Great start to the weekend!

Pretty much sums up my feelings too, although I'd happily take participating in Europe again.

Right, what do we know / assume.... Everton have to sell to buy. Sunderland could afford him they will have to break their wage structure to land him. Villa can afford him and if they swallow their pride can pay the asking price and also could outbid other clubs who might (and haven't to date) counter-bid. Ergo I surmise that Villa are in pole position and this should be wrapped up soon. Id say 75% likely that he will be a Villa player within the week. Does anyone really disagree?

I'm optimistic we will sign the Zog and I don't think the Board are doing half as bad a job as is made out. I'm also fairly certain Cavendish will win the Green Points Jersey in the TdF. My glass is half full

3-0 Villa. 2 for Bent and Heskey

True I don't understand the managerial appointment but I do believe RL did it believing it to be in the clubs best interests. It will be a long time before we can make judgement on this. I don't see the new prudence as evidence of him preparing to sell - just don't buy that. He isnt a public figure; that seems to irritate some on here but I personally wouldn't want it any other way.

Honestly I find anyone who doubts Randy quite sad. We should be grateful to have him even if we don't make any signings this summer. The more fans wish for some rich Sheik to take the reins the more I fall out of live with the game.

Totally with you. It sets a very dangerous precedent if we give in and happily hand over an extra million.

Cheers mate, wishing him all the best.

Terrific keeper, well done AVFC!

People are far too quick to forget this.

Fantastic. Well said. +2

That's how I see it based on likely transfer activity. Possibly rotate Makoun and Delph and be prepared to go 4-4-2 if needed with Ireland dropping out for Gabby. If Ireland doesn't come good maybe wee Barry can do the attacking mid role?

He's now on twitter (official) - @Stewart_SD http://bit.ly/qA4tiU Doubt he will be answering many questions!

I'm sure they can pay a lot more than we can. A couple of examples - Jovanovic is on 120k a week, I think Joe Cole is on 90k a week. I suspect Downing would be on about 100k and can't see us offering that. This is why Liverpool won't pay the money because they have to bring down their wage bill. I can't see then offering him 100 grand +. They can't afford it. I think, much like ourselves, they will be able to pay the same salaries as before but want to reduce the overall playing staff. If they can shift the likes of Joe Cole, Jovanovic, N'Gog etc. then they can afford to pay a player who should be a first team regular 100k.

I'm sure they can pay a lot more than we can. A couple of examples - Jovanovic is on 120k a week, I think Joe Cole is on 90k a week. I suspect Downing would be on about 100k and can't see us offering that.

Couldn't agree more. Move Downing on but get replacements in for him and Ashley first.

It's something all wingers should do really, look to arrive at the back post. If Downing were replaced by N'Zogbia I think he would do the same.

On current personnel I agree (although for me Delph would be starting ahead of Petrov or Makoun).

General, I think most of us really appreciate what you try to do via the forums and I would be sad to see it end. AM is now the manager and I think most of us will support him and wish him all the best. Likewise most of us have faith in Randy despite not being in agreement with the choice of manager. I was critical at the time but I would be delighted to eat my words and I'm sure others are in the same boat. My real question is why the Board put previous Premier League experience so high on the criteria for a prospective manager - can you comment on this?