omariqy

Maybe I am Richard and I have just asked myself a rhetorical question? Or is it a ?

I would hope we would have a crack at Carroll if he is available. I think he and Bent would be good up front together or even on a rotation basis.

Richard any idea on when we can expect more signings or do you think we will see people leaving first?

I think its pretty clear Hutton is on his way out. I still think one of the other three will leave. We need a fresh start.

Lambert Out

We signed a keeper that was released from Coventry.

Agreed that would be terrible.

Linkage?

I always join up for pre season as you get to watch most of the games and see the interviews with new signings. On topic - Snodgrass would not be Gabbys replacement but like Richard it would not surprise me if Gabby left. Gabby seems to have lost that desire. I still have hope that one of Johnson or Sturridge will sign for us.

I miss the ITKs on here, used to make VT fun. Twiiter is 99% bollocks but it is better than reading or watching Sky Sports News! On Brahimi deal. The original story came from a french journalist from Rennes. Probably the equivalent of Mat Kendrick here. So although all this Brahimi will be a villa player monday bollocks was rubbish the actual story seems to have legs. It looks like there was a deal being discussed.

People need to relax and have a bit of fun. Its the summer window, speculation and ITK stuff is all part of it. Something to get excited about for once. Not sure why people dont want to be excited or engage in good debate. I think the problem is people hear ITK info and secretly start hoping it will happen and when it doesnt they get all 'Please ban this from my thread, I have been hurt too many times already, the Peter Whittingham shaped wound is still healing'

To be fair to ITKs (not sure why I am being fair) the link originated from Rennes saying that we were going to loan him with an option to buy.

He said we would have ramis by Friday

So Clyne is out then?

Have you heard something Richard? I am hoping we sign Brahimi and Clyne shortly. That would cap off a great week.

Did he turn up for training?

We obviously have to rebuild our squad, not just in terms of personnel but footballing philosophy. At present we have a real mixture of players from the MON, GH and ******'s era. Players who were brought in to play a certain style in accordance with the then managers style. If Lambert is to do well then he has to build his own squad. Now, obviously we do not have unlimited resources so it will be difficult to revolutionise the squad completely. However, Lambert has a record of signing players for little money and doing well with them. To do this, you have to either look at the championship and below or abroad. Personally, I think we need about 8 or 9 players with a few out this summer. I imagine two of Collins, Dunne, Warnock and Hutton will go this window and the other two next summer. Apart from that I could see one of Makoun or Ireland leaving. What you are left with is a very small squad made up of a lot of players from our academy and two top class players – Given and Bent. Therefore, with a budget of around £30m to £40m plus player sales, it would be very difficult to buy 8 or 9 premiership proven players. We will have to look at players like Howton, Clyne, Al Ahmadi, Brahimi (between £8m to £10 for the four of them). I imagine we will also look to add 1 or 2 ‘bigger’ signings to improve the overall quality of the team, especially the core. Al Ahmadi may prove to be a great signing but I still think we need some experience in the middle of the park, further a top centre back would be great. I think Clark and Baker have great futures but we will need to replace Collins or Dunne, should they leave. The squad currently: Given, Guzan, Marshall Lichaj, Hutton Dunne, Collins, Baker, Clark Warnock, Stevens Albrighton, Holman Herd, Delph, Makoun, Bannan, Ireland, Petrov, Gardner, Al Ahmadi N’Zogbia, Carruthers Bent, Gabby, Weimann, Delfounseo That squad needs some work! Especially with the expected player departures.

Where are you Wiz? Lets be 'avin you!

Link?

Went for Lake Como in the end. Thanks for all the advice!

Anyone ever been to Verona?

Can always rely on VT for romantic advice...

Yeah i'll get her a pad...an iPad...huh whos with me? I am actually getting her an engraved leather bound book. The plan is to have a picture each year on that day along with some words. I've started it with a pic from the wedding and our vows. How good is that? I impressed myself.

Great shout!

I was thinking Lake District / Cornwall? Alternatively I was thinking **** it and just buy her an ipad and go for a nice meal. That way I get an ipad.