cyrusr

Unfortunately shows how badly we need to sign an out and out striker. Needs to gain fitness back and the problem is ever since he has been with us has not been fit enough for a decent run in the team. His attitude though is good and that's why he is preferred to Gabby I'm sure.Maybe a loan move to say Walsall/Coventry would do him the world of good though when we sign another striker. Allow him some game time to really assess his value to the team.

Seriously? Lescott as a Villa "fan" you owe us! Even with Tony confirming not medical he will struggle to get any offers. I could see this being a payoff if no one comes in during this window. Whats funny is that they are considering Senderos as the alternative! Wish we did that last season...

Westwood. From what we've seen of Tshibola he is more box to box than certainly I thought. Jedinak will sit back and destroy the opposition with his Jedi mind tricks, allowing Tshibola to player higher up the pitch.

He's definitely in the category of "wouldn't mind staying but if he wants to go let him go". Had moments last season and felt RDM could have worked with; however clearly either a) not good enough (unlikely IMO) or b ) wants to go (very likely IMO). au revoir et bonne chance.

BBC reporting Medical too...: It's happening!

His ego would take up too much squad space.

Was searching in relation to Diawara as couldn't see a reference to him going to Napoli; however Sport 1 German News Site suggests Schalke could be in for him. In German: And in "Google English": No idea if that is even close, but if Schalke in for him also this is even less likely than before. Next!

Really you want to leave? Despite given a fresh start like everyone else? Fine, f*** off then. Don't let the door hit you on the way out. Theres something there but he has never been off the treatment table long enough to show one way or the other. Should try and sell if we can and try to recoup most, if not all, of what we bought him for then would be content with that. Although, I can't imagine many clubs would match the 40-60k he is allegedly on. Those wages are ridiculous for "potential" and again show the incompentance of last seasons transfer dealings. A loan might be better; if he does good we get more money and someone is more likely to pay the wages. A couple million to loan him also is a lower risk than buying from the other clubs perspective.

Where's this come from??? This is news to me? Given he has played all league games, I got the impression he was going to be here this season???

Maybe Gollini and Elphick got confused as to who was who. We as fans get them mixed up as they do look a like, why can't they? Seriously though, it is an error no doubt but he will learn. He has got a definite talent, looks an excellent shot stopper. My only real concern is that he has a tendency to punch rather than catch which I think keeps the pressure up. That's something that can be worked on though. Have no issue with him being no 1 and given he has the no 1 shirt; I imagine RDM expects him to be first choice.

This looks legit, lots of different news articles going for it; photo with the manager ... Please happen... PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And yes Black has finally done something useful for Villa. It only took him until after he has been sacked....

Squad: Goalkeepers: Gollini, Steer, Bunn Right Backs: New Right Back, Hutton, Bacuna Centre Backs: Elphick, Chester, Baker, Okore, Toner Left Backs: Amavi, Cissokho Central Midfielders: Jedinak (TBC), Tshibola, Westwood, Gardner, Bacuna, Lyden Attacking Midfielders/Wingers/Forwards: Grealish, Ayew, Bacuna, Green, McCormack, New Attacking Midfielder Strikers: New Striker, Gestede, McCormack, Ayew, Hepburn-Murphy Pbviously you will see players in different positions but that's more of "they can play there/that role" and shows the strength in depth more. Players in: Jedinak, new RB (De Laet), New Attacking Midfielder (Morrison if even considered or this Diawara though I understand he plays deeper/defensive), New Striker (Bamford?) Players Out: Lescott, Richards, Veretout (as appears wants to), Bennett (nearly did anyway), Gabby, Kozak. All seem to not be in RDM's plans except maybe Richards but not sure why.... Plus maybe looking at some youth players to fill any gaps after that I think we are set for the season or certainly until January!

Not sure if already been posted but thought this was cool:

Ultimately with each new signing (and each player leaving) we are getting a better team; no question on that. The more work on the squad done before 1st September the stronger we will be. Early days though and it is a long, gruelling season. Right now we look likely to fighting in the upper echelons of the League with potential of play offs. 1 or 2 more signings in/out and we could really get the promotion drive rolling. It is frustrating the team we are forming now would have been far, far better than last season's and would at the very least have been fighting in the relegation battle rather than being the team that got a kicking every week.

Subject to injuries he will go unchanged I reckon. Keep the momentum going. They are all fresh right now and keeping momentum going would be more important than saving legs later on. Maybe Baker for Richards on the bench if fit. Going for a tight 1-0. McCormack to score his first for the season.

Exceptionally sad RIP

I bet he is romantically nourished by that...

Definitely had a decent game and it was good the reaction from the crowd wasn't negative. Not sure of whether RB is his best position but a good option there. If a team is going to sit back and allow him to come forward. Could be a good option to in essence have a 2nd winger on the right. Of the so called "bomb squad" definitely the one with the most potential with redemption.

If Tony stopped Bennett's move there he is unlikely to agree to Gabby going there. I can't see him going to a different Championship side. If Hull came in for him no brainer for all parties but cannot imagine them wanting him. I can imagine it either being Walsall or Celtic/Rangers. Either Local or a league that he might do ok in and can vaguely pay some of his wages. From what Tony said I wouldn't be surprised if it is a loan until January and review the position then.

This and confidence. When he believes he can score he will begin again. Being in the championship will help him develop a lot more.

At the ground. Team just applauded the crowd at the end of the warm up. Nice to see, actually looking like a team finally! Early days I know but the spirit looks and feels a lot better!

Probably the worst thing about today's line up. Hopefully Baker will take his place when fit. Would have preferred Okore on the bench instead.

Fell behind Danny Simpson at Leicester; still managed to get in 12 league games (plus 3 cup games) for Leicester last season before his loan. Then got 10 games for Middlesbrough 2nd half of the season and got promoted with them also. I might go out on the limb here, but his pedigree last season is somewhat better than our current choices. Also, he could have just sat on his arse and continued playing a bit part for Leicester and still be a league winner, but actively moved to get more 1st team football and willing to move down a league for it. That to me sounds like he has the right character.

If Baker is fit I wonder if RDM will go with one of these formations. 4-4-1-1: Gollini Chester - Elphick - Baker - Amavi Bacuna - Tshibola - Westwood - Ayew McCormack Gestede Or 5-3-2: Gollini Chester - Elphick - Baker Bacuna - Amavi Tshibola - Westwood - Gardner Ayew - McCormack If not I imagine Hutton will fit in at right back in the 4-4-1-1 formation. Does show how weak our midfield is though... I imagine Rotherham to sit back so really could do with lots of pressure and keeping the action at their end. Gestede therefore won't really need to move so might do ok.... Really hope Richards is nowhere near the team. After last season and Luton he just needs to go. Whilst Hutton maybe a liability, at least he bloody tries.

I had forgotten about that... He needs to go now. The thing is, I get the impression he believes he tries and is good at what he does. It seems he has absolutely no insight into how bad a footballer he has become.