Mazrim

Yeah, like Villa.

That can't be it, surely?

Does he have glasses and a beard?

Bent £18m, Ireland £8m, Makoun £5m plus loan fees for Walker and Bradley = £32.4m.

We're not as attractive as we have been at times but still massively more than Swansea or Norwich for instance. How can that be argued? And you're still not getting it are you? He didn't come to talk because he had already agreed to stay at Wigan as they had stayed up. He made a promise to Whelan before ever Villa invited him for an interview. It was not because he didnt want to manage Villa. And Houllier, whatever you think of him has been a very successful manager in his career. Far more so than O'Neill, his predecessor for instance. Hardly low profile is he? Houllier was virtually retired, and was several years past being an effective Premier League manager. As for Martinez, the point is that if he was interested in the Villa job, he'd be our manager now, but he wasn't. If you're right and he decided to stay loyal to Wigan, why is it so inconceivable that Lambert would do the same? It's perfectly possible to acknowledge that Villa are a much bigger club than Norwich or Swansea, but also think that their managers are happy where they are and wouldn't be in a hurry to leave, especially to a troubled club like Villa. Firstly, Houllier left the PL with a good record and went on to win things in France before taking up a role at the French FA. Hardly retired virtually or otherwise. Houllier was out of left field, true but was not a low profile appointment. Secondly, Martinez gave his word he would stay and to some people that is better than a contract. So no, unless Whelan told him to go he wouldn't have. Do I think Martinez would have liked the job? Without any doubt whatsoever and but for his agreement would have ran to the interview. As for Lambert. It's conceivable he would stay at Norwich and stay loyal of course but the point was whether he'd see Villa as a bigger, better job and again, I thinks it's an absolute certainty to the point where I cant believe there is any argument. Last I'll say on this now.

We're not as attractive as we have been at times but still massively more than Swansea or Norwich for instance. How can that be argued? And you're still not getting it are you? He didn't come to talk because he had already agreed to stay at Wigan as they had stayed up. He made a promise to Whelan before ever Villa invited him for an interview. It was not because he didnt want to manage Villa. And Houllier, whatever you think of him has been a very successful manager in his career. Far more so than O'Neill, his predecessor for instance. Hardly low profile is he?

Sorry, I couldn't disagree more Risso and I fancy Lambert would agree with me. It's ludicrous. It's like saying you want to stay as CEO of cashmygold when Halifax are headhunting you. The only doubts are whether another big club would be after him too.

I cant believe its even being debated that Rodgers or Lambert would prefer the Villa job to the ones they have now. So I'm not going to debate it. It's laughable. I'm as pissed off as anybody with how things are right now but have some sense of proportion. We're talking about managers of newly promoted small clubs one hand and a footballing institution on the other. Anyway, a few other points. - Martinez didn't join us because he wasn't interviewed or offered the job. Geoff Capes didn't join us either. Neither did Davina McCall or Kermit the Frog. Alas. - It has not been confirmed that Randy is not looking to sell. And in fact, for what it's worth, it's my opinion that he is. Part or whole.

Why would either Rogers or Lambert want to come to Villa? Dont be ridiculous. However bad things get at Villa we dwarf those two clubs combined and then some. They'd both jump at the chance if it came. Martinez didn't even want to discuss the job and we've ended up with Mcleish. I don't think working for Lerner is as appealing as some fans believe. You're misinformed. Martinez had already agreed to stay with Wigan before we invited him for an interview. Managing Aston Villa is/was and always will be a top job. McLeish shouldn't have had the opportunity but that doesn't change the fact it is a top job at a big club.

Why would either Rogers or Lambert want to come to Villa? Dont be ridiculous. However bad things get at Villa we dwarf those two clubs combined and then some. They'd both jump at the chance if it came.

Why anybody is clamouring for Martinez when Rodgers and Lambert both play better, more attractive and more effective football is beyond me.

Rooting for and wanting the Villa manager to do well is anti-Villa. Yes, that makes sense. I'm affraid MENSA wont be calling you this year.

Now I know what OnlyOne refers to.

Yes, I know.

He doesn't believe anything is happening, therefore it's been locked. Seems fair enough to me... :?

ooooh cryptic John....do tell... Yes indeed. What meanest thou?

We have to trust the club to manage the contracts of our best youngsters because we may as well just pack it up otherwise. Its our only chance of competing at the moment and in the near future. Letting established players go for big money is one thing, letting the stars of tomorrow go before they've had a chance to make a name for themselves makes no sense on any level.

Dont worry, we'll extend it.

Grealish came on with about 10 minutes to go and played a blinder. A great little cameo. He's very skillful with quick feet. Set up the last goal which was the best move of the night. Skinned a couple of players and linked up with Burke to tee up Drennan (who is fast becoming a real poacher). Grealish and Burke seem to have a natural understanding. They all played well but Cameron, Gardner, Donacien and Burke especially. Then Grealish of course. The good thing about this team is that on another day Robinson, Williams, Carruthers and Johnson could just as easily be the star performers. Graham is an outstanding young player and didn't even get on. The future looks great for Villa but also Ireland. I'm half Irish so that's just fine by me. I think most of the Ireland team for the next 10-15 years are currently at Villa. Their forward (Bakenga?) looks good and we could maybe poach him but, hey, we probably won't need him.

What a second half that was. My god they were sublime. The future, if theres somebody there who will use them and bring them through, could be very bright indeed. I tell you now, every player in that squad last night could make it to the first team. Every one of them. It's about time Gardner got some first team football. Especially now Bannan is out of it. Play him for ****'s sake. He's been ready all season.

Zzzzzz x2 I like Nzogbia I think he is a decent player. In terms of a replacement for one of Young or Downing he is probably as good as we could reasonably expect to get in this league. HOWEVER, I do not think there is any doubt that he is not as good as either Young or Downing and in that respect a downgrade. If he was as good as either of them then surely he'd be playing for manure or plop now and one of them would still be at Villa ? I doubt. I rate him higher than Downing and whilst not on a par with Young circa 2008, certainly with Young circa 2011. But we'll see how he gets on won't we? And I certainly dont use who the likes of Liverpool or Man Utd don't buy as a barometer of who is a good player. They certainly make mistakes. We bought Young when they might have done for instance. It's a poor argument. Flawed. For what it's worth, most of the Liverpool fans I know are not happy we got N'Zogbia when they got Downing and for a much larger outlay.

Yeah man, because if we'd bought in Kieron Dyer they'd be queueing up for miles to have their shirts printed. It's nothing at all to do with N'Zogbia being a young exciting signing. Spot on again.

You'd think so wouldn't you? But no. In every mundane article there is a sinister propaganda nugget waiting to be discovered.

I'm not sure all that many hate us. Not that I give a toss either way. A few might and that's understandable as we took their best player and even after a shit season finished above them.

The Fofana deal fell through because of a failed medical. I have that on very good authority.