andyb82

Also it is not just about HG, but also about academy developed. Believe you need 4 players in the squad that were developed by us (in addition to at least 4 other HG players) . Believe if the number of academy developed players is less than 4 results in a reduction of the squad size. So really the only one we have that likely get minutes is J Ramsey (and is why I am surprised we are looking to sell Archer and Bidace). I am sure we will include a youth keeper in the squad. So with Ramsey and Keeper, we will need 2 more. T. IRO does not count I think, as he has not yet had 3 yrs in our academy. Does feel we are on a tightrope for both HG and Academy players. Someone also did point out that I think Traore counts as HG as he had 3 years at Chelsea in the right age range. Is why I could see Brennan Johnson, as I think we will need to prioritise some UK signings. One solution is clearly to bring Jack back (jokes...) (should say it is also a bit more complicated in that I think you name 2 squads, to paraphrase a senior and a junior squad. It may be we take a hit on the size of the senior squad noting we have youth that can be called up if required)

I may be wrong, but I don't think McGinn counts as I think it is just English and Welsh FAs that are counted as home grown for the Premier league. I think also for Europa you need a certain number of players in the squad produced by your own academy. Think it is 4. So for me it increases the likelihood that Archer will be kept in the squad rather than loaned again

Right firstly an apology, sorry if this has already been done (checked last few pages but didnt see it) and apologies its terrible (but its been going round and round my head and its driving me crazy).....so here it goes... Whats Samatta with you Why you look so sad Its not your fault he scored Its just that your so bad There you go... Done... And relax.....

I want to know where you heard that because I don't believe it. Without being "in the know" I actually think that figure would be about right. Through boredom/curiosity, I wanted to do piece based on "a year on" from the swiss ramble's "Prophets and losses" blog to see how we had progressed and to see what we could expect for this summer. Unfortunately due to work etc I haven't been able to get it finished (although am happy to email people the draft work in progress document in case it is of interest). But anyway back to the point... In the 2011/12 season Villa made a financial loss of £18m, and that includes sales profits of £20m (based on the figures quoted on the "Transfer League" website - assuming they are broadly accurate). In 2012/13 we then effectively made a loss of £23.7m on transfer fees (again based on the "Transfer League" website), resulting in a swing of -£43.7m, which assuming everything else stayed the same would put the accounts at -£61.7m. So with a reduction in wage (which I would not expect to be that significant as we bought in twice as many people as we sold/released - even if they are on a third of the wages), increase in matchday turnover (more games on tv, and an increase in average gate attendance) and other savings a loss of £33m is possible. In fact given the above it wouldn't surprise me is the loss was worse. Either way, Villa is lossing significant amounts of money and due to reduced operating turnover hasn't really improved the wage-turnover ratio. It may not actually be until this season (with the increased Sky money) we actually get close to breaking even. As I said am happy to send the document on, still needs a lot of work, and is v long, so I'm not sure how it would work as a post but am happy to if it would be of interest.

have to say that was the most agonising 90 minutes of my life....I've been the only Villa fan in a pub in Liverpool.....and was too nervous to celebrate for being throttled by the 80 or so angry Scousers!!!! so nice to be able to celebrate now!!! great performances from Reo and Brad. And is nice to score from set pieces....we don't seem to have done that for ages!!!!