StanBalaban

Has it occurred to anyone that the cheque book is open, but the manager hasn't decided to use it yet? There's a lot of new faces to come for many clubs in the next couple of weeks.

Yep spot on, although there weren't too many options in terms of starting personnel. I think a good left back will make a big difference as Baker offered very little, especially going forwards. I'm sure we're not far from signing one either. The first day of the season has far more variables to contend with than any other game in the calendar. We looked lacklustre, but there were some positives too. We're rebuilding a team and that doesn't come together in a single transfer window. A few more players of quality will see us up our game immensely, and Vlaar, Holman and KEA will get even more familiar with the league in the next few games too.

I think we'll see quite a different starting XI come September, and even more so after January. I said before that I wouldn't have been surprised with any result today. There were positives and there were negatives, but perhaps the most encouraging thing is that we have a manager that will analyse that performance and address the issues. Let's not forget that this was Paul Lambert's first competitive game in charge against real opposition. I'm sure the transfer window stays open beyond the start of the season as it allows the managers to cement their thoughts in pre season when buying players, after seeing the squad in play in the league. If Lambert wanted a few million quid to spend and hope for mid table year on year, he would've stayed at Naaaarwich. I'm sure we weren't his only suitor either, so he must have had a reason to come to Villa as I'm sure other clubs could've matched his new salary. It's clear what we need in the squad and I'm sure Lambert will be backed in order to get them. Roll on the next game and UTV!

Got to keep calm, play a more incisive passing game and get the fullbacks involved more and look to win this half 2 or 3 nil! Whatever the tactics, we've got to be testing the keeper and I'm sure Lambert will have seen this.

We've gone very scruffy in our play now. Giving away cheap fouls.

Gone a bit scrappy now. Vlaar with a cut to the eye too. Hopefully we'll become a bit more incisive as the match goes on.

It's been good but a little on the nice side, if that makes sense? Having seen the fullbacks getting up the field much and Bent hasn't received the ball where he wants it, but that's not taking anything away from the neat and slick passing thus far.

Great play from Stephen Ireland tacking back!!! This is good stuff!

Lovely move started by Delph culminating in a poor cross from Holman. Bossing the game but few chances.

Bit of West Ham pressure for the first time in the game. Dealt with nicely though. Francis already singing El Ahmadi's praises.

And right on cue....HOOOOOOOOOF from Collins into no man's land! Michu at Swansea with the first goal of the season btw.

I've got one eye on the play of Vlaar vs Collins in this game. So far both have had little to do, but interested to see the outcome when the ball is at their feet.

El Ahmadi passing it around beautifully, and getting stuck in!!

Bent almost through from an Ireland up and under!!

If Lambert says yes, and Darren Bent says yes, then it's a definite YES from me!

Voted Sabbath and suggested Sabotage by the Beastie Boys.

It was the original, Kashmir my Led Zepplin.

Gone with Torres too and actually made him captain! Alongside him are Aguero and prickish, racist, rat-boy impersonator Suarez.

Just joined.

And this again. Who has seen Guidetti play and when (apart from highlights)? What makes him so wanted on here from first hand experience? Add to that, the fact that he is injured and nobody really knows when he will certainly return. Sorry, but if we sign anybody atm, I want it to be somebody who can contribute right away. ive seen him play quite a few times, both in international games as well as in the dutch league. Beeing swedish ive tried to follow him as good as i can, he gets quite a bit of coverage in the media. Id have him over in a heart beat. he does look a bit like a prat with his hand-heart goal celebration though hehe Fair play Tomas and I don't dispute what you say about him. Sounds like he could be a great prospect. I'm a little sceptical of those that seem to have so much knowledge that players like Guidetti and Brahcimi are just what we need without ever having seen anymore than YouTube vids.

This is not a loaded question, but how many games have you seen Guidetti play? Not saying he's not the best thing since sliced bread, I'm just genuinely interested in how much people on here know about him.

And this again. Who has seen Guidetti play and when (apart from highlights)? What makes him so wanted on here from first hand experience?

And yet people are wanting andy carroll here :? In just dont get that logic. :? That hasn't exactly answered the question has it?

Ok, In his Opinion. Actually, I meant that the purchase of Podolski would cost Arsenal about as much, if not more than if Sunderland bought Fletcher over the course of their stays, plus Podolski could as well do a Shevchenko just as easily an Aguero so there's the factor of the unknown involved. Having said that if Villa were able to attract someone of his calibre, I'd be delighted, but we can't so those "cheaper" world-class stars are not a valid comparison.

He's not trying to say that they are both players of the same quality. He's just saying that, putting wages, resale value and the fact that it sometimes takes time for foreigners to adapt to the league (if they manage to do so at all), 14mill for Fletcher may actually be a better deal than 9mill for Podolski. I'm not necessarily comparing the job that the two players can do for their respective clubs, just saying there's more to take into account when assessing the value of a purchase than just the transfer fee alone. FWIW, I do think Fletcher is an underrated player on here by some and believe he has goals in him. On the surface the fees quoted do seem high to say the least, but I also believe any club that buys him would either get good value over the years on the pitch, or a decent return if sold.