ferguson1

Wiki states he is 5' 11" Not sure if 4 inches makes much difference anyway? Edit: the wife's just shouted from the kitchen that 4 inches does make all the difference? Make of that what you will as she's ITK

I won't trust this Xia bloke one iota until I have it confirmed by a Chinese General that he has had a Villa tattoo done on his leg.

Leadership, commitment and the right attitude = solid signing and hopefully a change in culture around the place. Think this is our new captain folks!

I never knew so many England fans wanted "Randy Lerner Out" until I realised last night that they were singing "Don't take me home" . Bit harsh a nation wanting him out of the country as well as Villa Park.

It would seem a bit of a no brainier to get him for free wouldn't it? You'd think Steve Clarke would know him quite well though, so he'll either recommend him to RDM or perhaps he simply isn't good enough? We may even have bigger and better targets lined up? I thought even James Chester looked good yesterday but my Albion mate doesn't like him at all. All about opinions I suppose.

Just beat me too it!

Hal Robson-Kanu anyone? Currently unattached. I'm not saying he should lead the line week in week out, but a useful squad player? James Chester has looked useful today too and Albion don't seem that keen on him.

Hope we sign one or two real leaders within the next week or so, just so pre season will look and feel very different for the players. Our new captain would be a great start and a statement to the existing players of where we want to be heading. Also, after watching the first Euro game last night I would love RDM to attract a Payet type player. Someone to get you excited about and get you out of your seat. Ashley Young was the the last time this happened for me. Just can't think of one and a realistic target at the moment? Could we do a clever loan I wonder?

I think you'll find that pic was taken during match day. Look at that perfect defensive line of eight. Bring back Tim and Ray I say!

Hi Villan of Oz, interesting to here an Aussie view and thank you for your insight of Mooy. I would be interested to know how you would compare him to Luongo? Seems to be doing ok for QPR and were linked with him a year ago.

So what do you suggest? Get rid? I think we have far more problems with our current squad than Grealish. I would rather see how he responds during pre season and if RDM thinks he's an asset to have, I for one will be right behind him. Can we not just look forward and see what happens, rather than carrying on about past misdemeanours?

Jack now has a fantastic opportunity to turn his career around and show the footballing world what he can really do. His recent England U21 call up is a good start for sure. I really hope he kicks on with us and he could end up being player of the year in the Chamionship. Things can change very quickly in football, just look at Delli Alli, not many at the start of last season would have predicted him going the Euro's would they? We need 'footballers' in our team and not just sloggers and Jack appears to be our ideal number 10. Really hope RDM, Clarke and Bond can get him playing at his best.

RDM could tempt him out of retirement? Only 42 and probably better than Micah and Jolean .

Great trout!

Speculating about players just for the halibut? I really hake this thread!

These fish puns really are roeful

I have two tickets for the final of Euro 2016 but hadn't realised that it was on the same day as my wedding, so I obviously can't attend now. If anyone is interested instead of me then let me know....... Forgot to add, her name is Kerry and it will be at St Andrews Church, Sedgley.

Best: Sir Dennis Laursen, Mellberg, Southgate, Barry, Petrov were all good for me too. Also liked Platt, Richardson and Townsend. Worst: Gabby, Micah

If he can get 10+ goals then he'll be worth it. When was the last time one of our midfielders did this?

Would love our first signing to be our new captain for next season. Could this be Dorrans or Elphink then? I would love it to be Barry but would be happy if it's either of those two. What about club captain - Petrov? Would do a far better job than Gabby for sure.

I am not going to add to the slagging off of Gabby because we have done this to death, myself included. However, I really hope Gabby is moved on this summer. Firstly, the attitude and culture needs to change around the place and this won't happen unless we remove people like Gabby, Bacuna, Lescott, Richards etc. Secondly, I don't know how anyone can think that he would be an asset to have next season? With 8 weeks of the season to go last season he was put on a fitness programme for being overweight? His beloved club were losing games, going down and we simply didn't see him lifting a finger to help. Therefore, not the kind of man needed for the fight to get us back where we belong I would have thought? Quicker we get rid the better for me and hope RDM agrees.

Well I'm fed up of this heat, 8 June and no signings yet? Big Ron would have had at least two through the door by now! RDM out!!

Darn it.

Should add another 5m to his price tag then . Can't wait to see him at the Euro's..........oh wait.

We may have to simply cut our loses with Gabby, Lescott and one or two others, and let them go on a free. It may be the only way of shifting them. Tuff call for RDM and Xia, as any player is an asset to the company, but I would rather the bulk of them go. Fresh blood needed throughout the team and I would like to see someone of captain material arrive soon.