AVFC Tom

Honestly think now we've signed a proper DM in Sylla, Karim will begin to flourish. There is undoubted quality there as he showed in his early games and he was also recognised as one of the best players in the Eredivisie before we signed him. He's a very good passer of the ball and likes to get forward as well. I think a midfield 3 of KEA-Sylla-Westwood could work very well with the likes of Zog, Benteke, Gabby, Weimann and Bent further up the pitch. Also i really think a more solid midfield could work wonders in helping out the defence. Maybe I'm being too optimistic, I don't know. I think we'll see the best of him in the second half of the season and he could be key to our survival. A calm head.

Here's a shocking thought, a more solid midfield and protection in front of the defence might make us more solid all round..

Agree with this. The reason the defence has looked so awful, in my opinion, is because there has been no one protecting it and it's been left so exposed. Sylla could solve this problem and the effect he has COULD, and that's a very big could, be huge and end up keeping us up.

To be fair a few hours ago Pete Colley said Villa's business was over for Jan, then we sign this Dawkins bloke.

I live in hope for a late deal for a centre half.