villanz

So many spring to mind, Chris Nicholl V Everton at Old Trafford, Peter Withe against Bayern, Denis Mortimer against Liverpool in the title year but after much changing of my mind Dean Saunders v Ipswich.

'However, Sky sources understand Swansea will have to fight off another four Premier League clubs before securing his signature after Crystal Palace, Hull, Stoke and Sunderland declared their interest in the attacking midfielder.' http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11728/9135523/transfer-news-blackpools-tom-ince-set-for-loan-switch-to-premier-league

I second your choice villa-revolution. Bremner was outstanding during our title winning season and I dont feel he recieved the credit he deserved. So wish we had a Des Bremner in our side now.

Defender: Allan Evans Midfielder: David Platt Strikers: Gerry Hitchens (my dad's suggestion), Keith Leonard, Brian Little, Gary Shaw, Dwight Yorke, or Benteke.

We are shown one game a week over here and this week was spuds v palace. Naughton came on for walker with the commentators saying walker went off with a thigh injury. Could affect the possibility of a transfer assuming any truth in the link.

Google Ligue1.com. click on Ligue 1 in the top menu and the interview is there or try http://www.ligue1.com/ligue1

I can't shed on any light on why he's not in the squad but after playing the full 90 in both of the first 2 fixtures he was an unused sub last weekend against Montpellier. Although he has been on the bench before stats suggest he usually comes on at some point during the game. Makes me believe he could be on his way out of Sochaux, whether it is to Villa I have no idea. Guess we will find out soon enough.

That game is memorable for me as it was the last time I attended VP before moving to NZ 8 years ago...feels like only yesterday.

May 11th...Spudz last game of the season...they need a win to qualify for Europe...Benteke hat-trick...no europe for spudz...shame.

Awesome...best close season for a long time. Feel there needs to be one more contract improved and extended and that is Paul Lambert's contract.

Yeah he showed up. ITK means 'in the know'. People who supposedly know what's going on in the club regarding transfers and all that stuff. We are all in the know because we know most of the in the knows are not in the know except those few in the know that we know are in the know.

If the scenario occurs that CB stays at VP and he maintains the behavior to date, my hope is that Villa fans will be as welcoming to him as Lambert is being. Put it behind us, maybe we get a CB on form and although we may be faced with this situation come January an on form CB is an asset to have.

I agree BOF that everyone has remained professional and we must judge on events to date. However, his actions to a late and miserly offer from Delboy (should one materialize) that we would hope/expect villa to reject will determine my overall feelings towards CB.

Kendrick reporting on twitter he is back at training

Interesting how body language can be interpreted differently..one thing we agree on though..in Lambert we trust. He wasn't my first choice but I really do have faith in him.

TartarungaJones I have no doubt the Villa have set their price...25 mil..and having watched him a few times he is definetly worth the price. I also believe Lerner will hold out for that and has history of doing so...Downing, Barry, Milner.

John Carew’s twitter sum’s up what Benteke doesn’t get…our club is special…do the business on the pitch and we will see the player as a legend…we are a sleeping giant. Our away support is the best that I remember (lived in NZ for the past 8 years but I doubt it has changed). I can’t wait for the giant to awake and I do believe with Lambert it can be done.

I hope Lambert will be our Moyes and be at the club for the next decade. The football is great to watch, when things were not going so well he appeared calm, and has a good eye for players in my opinion. I really believe we can move forward with him at the helm.

Spudz thinking 15 mill will be enough made me chuckle. I imagined Levy as Delboy convincing Mr Kismet that a transfer request would force the Villa to drop the price by 10 mill then Levy turning to his associate and saying “Rodders, pull the 3 wheeler out front and take Mr Kismet to the station…..lovely jubbly”

Having faith and fingers crossed that he would stay has led to disappointment and frustration. My disappointment and frustration is not with Benteke as we have survived many disappointments such as Brian Little (twice: transfer and injury), Andy Gray, John Gidman and so on through to the present day. My frustration and disappointment is knowing, as other posters have said, that the ‘project’ will be difficult to fulfill if every season or two our players leave. What happens if Helenius bangs in 20 next season, or Okore is the rock in defense we all hope he will be and Skys’ 4 lovers come knocking on the door. How long before Lambert’s motivational phrase of “We go again” becomes thoughts of “Here we go again” and his head is turned towards a project that can be sustained and achieved. These are the questions I find myself asking and are the basis of my disappointment and frustration.

As has already been pointed out, everybody on here is just speculating and knows very little, if anything of what is happening. I believe that Benteke not having signed the contract is not necessarily an indicator of his commitment to or happiness at Villa. There could be a few hypothetical scenario’s for the delay, for example still negotiating the amount per week rise, or the pay rise is agreed but villa want a year extension, or negotiating a release cause for after the World Cup that is acceptable to both parties. Point is it could be his agent is still negotiating for the best deal from Villa rather than a reflection of Benteke’s feelings, attitudes or professionalism towards staying or playing at Villa Park. I prefer all the unsubstantiated and rehashed newspaper rumours as an indicator of Benteke’s intentions as I feel the media could be used by Benteke’s representatives to negotiate a better deal or to instigate a move from the club, and the media seem to be as speculative and as clueless as we are. Of course this is all pure speculation on my part but helps me keep the faith that he will stay…fingers crossed.

I think we all agree success is important but does a manager have to have Premier League experience before success is considered.

It has to be a no. To limit the club to just Premier League experience results in such a narrow field. There are well respected managers in the Premier League who came into jobs without the criteria Villa have stated and been a success. I think cast the net wide then judge who is he best candidate for the job.

Wildwood The point is why consider only Premier League mangers which narrows the field considerably. Then tell fans that a manager's achievements outside of the Premier League is given consideration. What is with the Premier League experience especially when it is a poor record. And does Faulkener know what he is doing?

Ring, Ring “Hello, is that Mr Faulkener?” “Yes” “I represent Mr Rikjaard. He may be interested in a position you have available” “Who?” “Mr Rikjaard. He managed Barcelona a few years back” “What division are they in?” “They are a Spanish team” “Okay. What Premier League experience has he had?” “He’s not managed in England as of yet but we maybe able to change that.” “Thanks for the call but we only looking at mangers with Premier League relegation experience. Actually I got to call Mr Fergurson, sorry Sir Mr Fergurson about our vacancy now, apparently he knows a good fellow not far from here. Thanks for the interest and maybe give us a call when Mr Rikjaard has proved himself Premier League relegation material.”