StanBalaban

The only way is down for him really. Moyes Syndrome You're saying Moyes has Down's syndrome? Bit harsh!

Good penalty

One of your best posts on VT. Ever! Seriously!

Just look at the promo pic of the current kit and, with the exception of Gabby, how little our main men at the time were involved towards the second half of this season. Who would have thought...

And thats a fair point. I just dont agree with the players you picked (providing the transfer fees of course which are not certain admittedly). Fair enough, but like as mentioned, my original point was that it's almost a no brainer for Lerner to back Lambert in the market. Whether a player doubles, quadruples or breaks even in value, it's a long long way away from the days of spunking £7m on Reo Coker et al for no return.

From our OS sying he cost less than £1m. Where one of the 'popular' articles stating £2.2m with more credibly than our OS? http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~3181442,00.html

My original point about 'quadrupling in value' wasn't about Ashley Westwood per se, but more to do with Lerner and how, if he backs his manager he's either going to build a good team or see a significant return on his investment.

Ridiculous price, that came after a far better season for Swansea (under the manager he signed for Liverpool for) than Westwood has just had. I take the point that the market is warped but no way is Ashley Westwood quadrupled in value. No way. Doubled? Yeah I will give you that. the last few months of the season he proved he could at least cope and that has given me a bit more confidence he will turn out to be a good player (Not 100% convinced yet - still very lightweight and makes a few too many simple mistakes). But quadrupled? Nah, he would have to have had an outstanding season for that to happen. That just simply has not happened. You seem to ignore the fact he cost £1m according to Mr. Lambert. So you do agree that he's quadrupled in value then!

What you think Westwood and Lowton are worth about 10/12m???? Lowton and Westwood cost £1m each, maybe less than that, I would 100% put their value at £5m+ so I'd say more than quadrupled myself. Lowton was 3m and Westwood 2.2m. And FWIW, we would not get 28m for Benteke either imo. Lambert himself has recently stated that the prices paid for Westwood and Lowton were not as quoted in the press, but nearer £1m each. Add Sylla to the list too as he's rocketed in value and it's a no brainer for Lerner to back his manager. What's your beef with Westwood anyway?

I'm actually quite confident that Lambert will be backed by Lerner as much as Lambert requires. Lambert has openly stated many a time that he's looking for young, hungry talent. Players like Lowton, Westwood and obviously Benteke have quadrupled in value, whilst we'd probably get back the money we've paid for KEA, Vlaar and Bowery if we were to sell them. This is worlds part from the Sidwell's, Reo Coker's, Harewood's and Heskey's of this world. From a purely business perspective, it makes sense for Lerner to back Lambert as his purchases will make us more successful as a club or, in at the very least, make RL more money if the players were to be sold. I honestly believe the last 3 seasons of turmoil and the big clear out have happened good 2 year ahead of the likes of Stoke, Sunderland, Fulham and soon to be Newcastle in my opinion.

Of course his agent is going to tell him he's got options, but doesn't sound like anything different than any other in demand player. For the Benteke situation, read Bale at Spurs or Felaini at Everton. How can you compare Bale and Benteke ? Bale would be a lot more in demand as he has proved more than one season. Bale hasn't got the past benteke has got. Bale also has been questioned a number of times about his future and has kept his cards close to his chest... two completely different situations. I meant in the comparison in the media speculation way, as opposed to the attributes of the players.

Of course his agent is going to tell him he's got options, but doesn't sound like anything different than any other in demand player. For the Benteke situation, read Bale at Spurs or Felaini at Everton.

One that the team that can be built around and score enough goals on his own to carry the side? Or use the money to buy 4/5 players meaning that the striker wouldn't necessarily have to be as good to carry the side as others will also be chipping in. Say we managed to get another striker who say scores 12-15 goals and 5 assists. An attacking midfielder who chips in with 7-10 goals and 12 assists. A defensive midfielder and centre back who both manage to shore up our defence and help keep many more clean sheets. Surely these would be more beneficial for the future development of the team as a whole, as it's inevitable that Benteke will go eventually. Obviously it's all hypothetical as at the moment there have been no bids from anyone and it's just paper talk. Exactly what I was going to say. CB's 19 goals have been vital, but some more creativity on the pitch will not only make 19 goals easier to get, but also reduce the reliance on any single player. A lock-picker and a dead ball specialist would be fantastic additions with or without Benteke.

For the first time in a long time, I'm not too worried about any player leaving as I trust Lambert to reinvest the money wisely.

We've been so dependant on CB this season as the front 3 have largely had to create their own goals. If we did end up selling him, I think Lambert would bring in a proper playmaker - a cheaper Mata or Silva type, linking the midfield to attack. Any sale of Benteke could actually be good for the team, having more strength in key areas as opposed to our reliance on one talismanic striker.

The media want the best story for their paper/website/tv channel. Not one of the British press has interviewed him personally, they are using the same story and adding their bits in. We all know how lazy sports journalism is, so they've probably got the same piss poor translation as us, yet everybody laps it up without questioning the credibility of the information source.

He never picked Arsenal, the interviewer did, they asked him a hypothetical question. Exactly - Benteke has said very little about wanting to leave, in fact he has said he's very happy to stay at Villa. He's responded to leading questions and had his interview published with paraphrasing and assumptions thrown in as filler. Of course he'll be weighing up his options as the kid will be in demand, we all would in the same situation. That is not the same as wanting out however. The fact that other message boards (such as RAWK) are talking about him coming to their team means that the article has done exactly what it was intended - got people other than Villa fans and Belgians reading a story about a player not connected to their team. It's widened the audience with loose suppositions. If they had led with "Benteke happy at Villa" it would not reach anywhere near as many folk.

Seriously, it's the same poorly translated article spun to give a headline of Benteke wanting out of Villa. The actual translation of the transcript does not say this. Throw in some leading questions from the interviewer and voila, you have every British paper and website cherry picking what they want to publish. Not one of these articles mentions the part where he sys he's very happy here at Villa, and if we ask him to stay he will NOT force through a move. Why would they, it doesn't get anyone reading their paper, or clicking on their website. Of course, everyone takes it as gospel despite when they read it!! Next season, he could be even better - or he could have Marcus Stewart syndrome. He could be playing for Villa - or we could have a lot of cash to play with. Considering how Lambert has turned a £10m spend on Benteke, Lowton and Westwood in to £40m, I'm sure Lerner would actually want him to spend it - as his record suggests he'll make him more money again. We hold all the cards here.

Exactly. Not sure about the credibility of the information - or the quality of the translations - but either way we'll be fine. Either he stays, which is great.... Or we sell him for shit loads of cash... which will also be great.

How have we got the 'information' that he's not willing to talk to us at the moment? Is there a quote or credible link I've missed?

Can't think of anyone I'd want from QPR.

they don't have 80,000 fans though, if they average more that 50k in that stadium ill suck off an horse. Bring it on!!!!!

Tesco in Five Ways, and he's talking to a guy wearing a suit.

Jebus!!! Is Boya Dee still covering the story?