Didiersix

Paul Gascoigne. Or G8 or whatever he calls himself

Maybe not one for this transfer window, but has anybody seen anything of Derby's Giles Barnes? As far as I know he is a young central (?) midfielder, in a similar mould to Tom Huddlestone. Spurs are bound to be interested, anyone know anything about him?

I know what you mean. He wouldn't do that if he didn't think he had a realistic chance of signing someone. O'Neill I think is being cautious here in what he is saying, but sounds like there is a realistic prospect of another signing.

Can't see it being Adu. He has just signed to play for Salt Lake in MLS. He had a trial with Man Utd recently, and I think they are at the front (or at least near the front) should anything happen..

Yeah it's blues for me. Baggies/Dogheads I have some respect for as they have a history of their own that they can be proud of. With Small Heath, it is all about denigrating Villa as they have got absolutely nothing to show for their 100-years or so of pitiful existence. Bizarrely though, I have moved house to Enfield in North London and one of my neighbours is a Bluenose from Small Heath. Nice bloke actually and is amazingly unspiteful for one of them, although he has taught his kids to sing 'Poo on the Villa' to me.

Here's one for you: Craig Gordon at Hearts. Being forced out by Romanov, good young prospect that none other than Arsene Wenger has praised at one point - anyone know how good a 'keeper he is?

It definitely won't be Reyna... he is signing for New York Red Bulls today. I know this has been mentioned before, but I tell you who I would sign: Kieran Richardson. He is doing bugger all at United and needs a chance to prove himself. He is young, pacy and needs to be playing if he wants to get in the England team.

I have a tendency to agree with you - I think the pace of the game would be a bit beyond him (I think he might have a similar experience to Veron - excellent in European games where there is more space, but struggling slightly in the bluster of the English Premiership). He is so good though, I am surprised that no one else has made a bid..

I think I might have mentioned this before, but I am really surprised no one has made a move for Juan Roman Riquelme. I am not sure whether he is right for the English Premiership, but his talent is not in question - he is being frozen out at Villarreal after falling out with coach Pellegrini. Anyone else think he would be worth a pop?

I think that if O'Neill is anything, he is a realist. He is not someone who has any delusions of grandeur and so, as PB says, I doubt he is out their wondering why Steven Gerrard is not returning his calls. Indeed, O'Neill's first crop of players brought to Villa showed his pragmatism - Sutton, Agathe, Petrov - all players he knew, trusted and was aware of what they could/could not do. The point about players being cheaper in January if their contracts expire in the summer is a moot one too - at some clubs (witness Distin at Man City) they are willing to risk a player running their contract out and play them for the entire season rather than lose them in January. The worry about time running short is a real one, and is affecting all teams - we have seen very little movement so far anywhere. I expect a frenzy towards the end..

I love this thread. It really is like Waiting for Godot. Actually, come to think of it we should make a bid for him - Godot, I mean....

It'll be more like "Sorenson, boots the ball straight out for a throwing. Melberg tackles and wins the ball, hoofs it randomly. Gabby cant win the header, baros falls over looking for a pen. Watford break, up to someone shit... cahill falls over. Goal 1-0 watford." :winkold: nice one mate, made me chuckle!!

Here's one for ya: Juan Roman Riquelme has been left out of the last 2/3 Villarreal games.. he has had a row with coach Manuel Pellegrini and been benched. So let me lie back once more and run the commentary through my head. "... Sorenson, rolls the ball to Cahill. Cahill looks up and plays a simple pass to Riquelme... Riquelme quick ball through to Shaun Wright Phillips who slips his marker and crosses... to Miroslav KLOSE!! GOAL ASTON VILLA!!....." Hmmm there's another pair soiled.....

Just had a vision of Shaun Wright Phillips crossing the ball onto Miroslav Klose's head. All tinged in Claret and Blue. Has anyone got any spare underpants?

In terms of celebrity, I wouldn't worry about it. Here's what the General has to say about marketing our club: Over-marketing...certainly NOT a worry now. One of the things our new CEO will be concentrating on is INCREASING our marketing...around the country and, hopefully over time, the world.

One-trick pony. Once that trick is nullified, he was proved to be ineffective. Also all the baggage that comes with him, including his irritating wife. No thanks. He may be a one trick pony, but it is a bloody good trick. Also, when has he been proved to be ineffective? He has been one of Madrid's best players in recent years.

I never understand this attitude. If I was Cahill and Ridge I would be saying 'bring it on' - firstly because we need to increase our strength in depth and secondly because you have to back yourself - competition for places can only be a good thing. I think the question is relevant. It would mean we have five players for that position when everyone is fit. That would mean good players won't even make the bench. I'm all for strength in depth, but five quality central defenders seems a little bit too much, considering there are several other positions where we don't even have a first choice player that's good enough. But then you have to think that Laursen may not be fit, MON thinks that Davies is better than all of them etc etc. If he is better than what we have now, then that can only be good, no?

I never understand this attitude. If I was Cahill and Ridge I would be saying 'bring it on' - firstly because we need to increase our strength in depth and secondly because you have to back yourself - competition for places can only be a good thing.

This is a great idea. Simply phone AVFC on 0898 372895784589 to make your decision.. this way we make even more money to plough back into transfers! Ladies and gentlemen I thank you.....

prefer chow mein myself Korean footballer/Chinese meal. Don't see the connection myself. Care to elaborate?

I am not so sure. I can see a new BBC reality show out of this one... 'Celebrity Bear Baiting with Vernon Kaye' (although maybe Dani Behr should be the presenter)...

We also need a 'fox in the box' don't we? I am surprised we haven't been linked with Francis Jeffers yet...

Got to be the polar bear. they would kick the crap out of those lily-livered, erectile dysfunctioning pandas

What about Leighton Baines at Wigan? I think he is 'buyable', a good young prospect and would enable Barry to play in midfield.

I am not that fussed by Ferguson. He seemed a bit off the pace at Blackburn - neat and tidy on the ball but not really a dominant midfield player. Wouldn't mind taking a punt on Hearts keeper Gordon though.