bigwheels

Hardly a :shock: as they've done something England have failed to do in recent years and beaten Portugal in a competitive match. They also got as far as England in the last World Cup (Quarter-finals, losing to finalists Germany) and have done quite well in their regional tournament (which somehow had Brazil in it :? ). As it were, they were only narrowly beaten while understrength by an understrength England side. In a hot World Cup, they might nick that game.

Watching the USA game - Wolff of the States shone, and McBride looked like the decent player that he is (and his Premiership goalscoring record suggests).

I think its a different Ricardo

Anyone for Carroll as a replacement/competition for Sorensen. Is on a free transfer having been released by Man U.

Baros will be looking elsewhere ... Valencia would be a likely bet. Kewell is a big risk - what price, what wages and what likely return? His heart wasn't there after his dream move to Liverpool. At his best, then I'd have him here in a shot. At his worst, then he'd be a waste. I like Mellor - 5 goals in 16 this season, including one in the European Cup against a half decent side. He did OK a few years ago in the Championship and has matured since then. His work rate's very good and he's decent in the air. If Benitez is clearing out then he'll go - he almost went to Sheff United for the season this year before they had their injury crisis up front. We're after two strikers - him over Phillips for similar money, anyone?

That would include players like Smicer and Mellor who could do a job for us. Mellor as a back-up striker would be a good compliment to the players we have. There are others - Benitez only wants to keep about 7 or 8 of the squad from this season.

Fair enough

Think that at least the paper/website should be quoted for each. For example, I know Bowditch was linked last summer, but have not seen anything about him linked to us since he moved to Burnley on loan.

On a related note, some countries do something subtley different with strikes. For example, I think the French fire brigade have been on strike for years. They still put out fires but do little, if none of the paperwork. Either Australia or Sweden sees its transport strikes running a full service but with no charge for it, for a day. That must have more of an effect on the management while keeping the customers onside.

And you're right. And most of your statement is spot on. Apart from the curious little rant. :? As said in the Question To Doug Fans Thread, this could be something huge for Villa. I just think its a shame that the people who care the most don't necessarily have the nous to make the most out of it.

Yup. Then again, we did lose all three centre backs to over three months of injury at least each. And I did think, considering the Czech games I'd watched, that Drobny might force his way into contention. So, with those two caveats in mind, we didn't.

I must admit that, for all his 'dullness', I've found myself wishing that we could have signed him last summer. :?

Careful. That might suggest that club does something right from time to time.

Does linking actually mean anything? Does a snippet in a paper count (in which case, you can throw Etherington into the hat)? Do you want more concrete evidence? Probably not, I guess.

Two things on the apparently/allegedly scale 1) West Ham really need to win tonight and in the final otherwise, they will have a bit of a fire sale this summer. 2) Etherington has been watched recently by Villa scouts

Damien Francis? If he was 21, 22, then perhaps. As it is, he's 26 and possibly at or near his peak.

Steve Stone's available

Rumour has it that Barry and Beckham don't like each other. Hence Barry's rapid removal from the England squad when Beck ... I mean ... Sven took over. Of course, that coincides for Barry's worst run of form in his career to date so it could just be coincidence.

start here

One season wonder? 2 seasons where he has scored that magical goal every other game and another 2 where he has scored the solid sum of 1 in every 4. He's playing poorly - and in similar circumstances to how he played last season with niggling injuries and inadequate cover/competition. So ... is it down to the lack of a summer break and pre-season? Probably.

scott parker

Think Carlton would qualify for this as he's only 21. Whether it would make ANY difference to the vote is another matter

The comments by Villa are very interesting - thinking of teh fans? I thought we never did that ...

Scored the winning goal in the Euro 2004 play off vs Turkey and won me a decent bet by being Latvia's top scorer in the tournament itself (1 goal)

Alan Smith ... played for Arsenal ... you know the one.