Woody1000

I wonder if it’s more a case of us making an original enquiry, and that being blown up to put pressure on RB Leipzig. What I mean is that there is a massive difference between us making an initial enquiry, or being in contact with Werder every day for a month over the deal. If we have enquired even once, then it just gives enough credibility to a tabloid style story to keep us named in it.

You are right, we should do our best by these lower ranked sides. It’s nice to know that while our owners have definitely put their money where their mouths are since taking over, that they are also doing things the right way. Also doesn’t hurt if the goodwill from this deal gets us a jump on the queue for their next up and comer from the academy, as they are clearly doing something right (Watkins, Ampadu etc).

I think almost as much as a goalscorer we need a strong, imposing midfielder. Someone who can rotate with Hourihane in matches that would require their physicality.

I think we missed our chance to sign him last summer, with Spurs and Chelsea interested I don’t fancy our chances with this one.

Is it possible that we are actually benefiting financially from last season’s transfer approach with all the COVID implications? What I mean is, if we’d spent say £200m+ for ‘proven’ players on higher wages, would we possibly be having to lay off club staff etc ourselves? Obviously if we have then it’s a case of it being more luck than judgement, but at least it’s left us in a position where we are looking to spend big again this window as opposed to some of our rivals having to back-pedal.

Fair play then

None of Watkin’s goals were penalties either right?

If we can swap Hogan for Wilson with a little bit of cash on top going their way, I might actually die laughing

How is it awful? I can understand not loving it or even liking it but I cannot see for the life of me how it can be awful.

That was the first thing I thought of when I saw it too! Not a bad kit to try and emulate mind......

Really pleased with that, will definitely be buying one. Well done all round.

I think that’s it. It’s definitely different. I didn’t like it at first, but it’s starting to grow on me.

I take it the kit won’t be shown until it’s clear which division we are in. I don’t know why, but I’m confident Kappa won’t disappoint us.

I would challenge this. The fact that he is a villa fan shouldn’t give him any special privileges, however the issue I have is when fans won’t acknowledge improvement because they still have to be ‘right’ To question fans in this way is just “better fan than you” for me. I want what is best for the club.

Nobody finishes comfortably in 17th place do they?

That’s it Dean, keep shutting up fans like me!! UTV!!

The only thing you’ve stated there that is factually correct is about Mings being an England international, but I would be very surprised to see him starting any game for England any time soon. Mings and Engles being unbeatable at the start of the season? You see the thing is that they actually were beaten, by Spurs, Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and Arsenal. Regarding Konsa, you do realise that when DS says that, in reality it’s worthless. Manager overhyping player to boost confidence shocker! And as for Hause, the problem is he’s not been backup has he? He’s started 17 games this season! More than Engles has!

I could be a bit of a d*** and point out that we looked a lot better with Elmo at RB and Konsa at CB, but instead I will congratulate Smith on picking the right team today. Luiz was good again today (easily our standout performer since the restart ), I thought McGinn had his best game since his return from injury. Tbf, I thought our midfield bossed the game for the majority of the first 75/80 minutes. A special mention to Keenan Davis, if that boy could score 15 goals a season then he’d be worth £50m! His holdup play is so good, and you have to remember that he’s still only 22. He made such a difference when he came on today. In typical Villa fashion we threw it away, but I feel like we have a chance of staying up, not a good chance but a chance regardless.

Strength? Strength in depth? I fail to see where we have strength anywhere within our squad right now!!

I blame him, if he hadn’t come up with the league format In the first place then we wouldn’t be getting relegated from anything!!

You think Southgate leaves the England job to come and manage us?

Do you know what, assuming we do get relegated then I’d take Hughton in a heartbeat. Knows how to get teams out of the championship. While not spectacular, knows how to set up a team to be solid and win matches without having to resort to brutish long ball tactics. One thing I do know is that he would solidify us in the PL within 3 years, and for all your Poch/Rafa bollocks some of you need to get a grip on reality. Another thing, I’m sure Hughton would be totally honoured to manage our club.

The real sickening thing for me about Grealish’s inevitable transfer to Manchester United is that I don’t trust the current setup to use the money wisely.

This is the really sad thing for me, it’s like he’s either lost confidence in himself and his philosophies, or he’s actually just a decent championship coach who is just coming up short against simply better managers.