penguin

Nice run by Sinclair, imagine being a RB with Amavi and Sinclair charging at you.

Camera work is awful, why do they keep zooming in so much.

We look so fast and a have lot of players that can beat a man. Think we could be an exciting team this season.

Really glad this is happening, confident Sherwood knows how to get the best out of him.

WhoScored tweeted this earlier: José Ángel Crespo: Made more tackles + interceptions (118) in La Liga last season than any Aston Villa player managed in the Premier League

But he uses that physicality for poaching. Most of his goals last season seemed to be headers or poached goals (poached through rebounds or bullying defenders in the box). I didn't say he doesn't use his size to his advantage but it's certainly not the central part of his game, like it is Gestede, not in my opinion anyway.

Seem completely different players to me. While Kozak might be built like a target man, his game looks more based on intelligent movement, like a poacher. Whilst from what I've seen of Gestede he's based around power and his physicality.

I do like Baker, has the heart of a lion but ultimately just not good enough. I'd keep Clark, big season for him to prove he's found some consistency and cement his place. I think an experienced quality CB is needed though, be right up there on my list of priorities. Aside from, Amavi who I can only really judge from what I've seen on paper, the current back 4 line-up does not fill me with a lot of confidence.

I loved Bouma, solid player. Although the fact we haven't had a decent LB since he's left may be giving me fonder memories.

I'd be very wary about splashing large amounts of cash on anyone who has only done it for a season, plenty of people have been burnt by 'one season wonders'. In regards to Kane, personally I don't think him being a success is guaranteed at all and I think that he'll actually struggle this season but we'll see.

As bad as we were last year I think a large chunk of blame has to go to the way Lambert was setting us up. Last season would have been nowhere near as close if Sherwood was in from the start IMO and I think we'll be fine this season. (Although this is dependant on a couple more faces being bought in to balance out the departures) Aside from the promoted teams who are likely to be in the scrap, I can see: Sunderland, Leicster and West Brom in the mix as well.

From the very limited I've read the kit is modelled after their original claret and blue kit back in 1901, it's not a claim to be the original claret and blue wearing team.

I'm not sure what to make of him. I'm the first to admit my opinion of him isn't based on much substance as have only seen a limited amount of him. To me he seems, for the lack a better word, a bit awkward; built like a target man but plays like a poacher he seems to have good movement and can pop up with a goal but not offer much else, a bit Darren Bent-esque. I could be completely wrong but this is the impression I get, I'm sure he'll pop up with a few goals next season but I'd be very surprised if he is much more than an occasional substitute.

Or maybe people haven't been that impressed with certain aspects of his game, especially in regards to him playing at CB (hence the popular opinion he'd be better at RB, from what we've seen), so are discussing this. You know, the whole point of a forum.

From what I remember of him at City he was brilliant at RB before he got injured and lost his place to Zabaleta, which there is no shame in. So I'm not really understanding this move to CB, especially as from what I've seen he loves to bomb forward which isn't really a CB trait I'd look for. I could see him and Amavi being a real menace as marauding fullbacks, I hope it happens.

Haven't been able to watch this game but this has been the case the last couple of friendlys I have watched as well, really not sure about him at CB.

The only difference, they don't appreciate how much they're being paid to fulfill contacts they sign. In no other job could you go on strike and know you'll get picked up somewhere else anyway should your employment be terminated. The second paragraph basically enforces what I said.Which demonstrates that footballers can get away with being disrespectful to their employers with almost full autonomy and no real punishment possible. Doesn't make it right though. In the same way that players can't be made to leave a club, they can't just decide when they can go either. It has to be by mutual agreement to end the contract, and the conditions are right for both parties. If this was a villa player, I suspect many would be calling all names under the sun. I don't think so. Let's say hypothetically Benteke didn't have a release clause, but we'd told him he could leave for £32.5M. Liverpool bid the amount, we accept it and he travels over there to discuss terms or what not. We then decide actually we want another £5M, if he came out with something similar to what Ayew has I think I'd understand his frustration to honest.

I did for a few years and although it was primarily kicking based, soreness with repeated striking especially when starting out is completely normal. Obviously the first thing to check is that your technique is proper or this could be your issue otherwise It'll be because the muscle isn't used to it and I'm guessing the previously injured wrist was hurting more as that muscle is weaker. If it doesn't improve or the discomfort is too great maybe consider getting some hand wraps.

My company sends me on planes to places all the time, I just do as I'm told. I don't start threatening to effectively go on strike, they'd telle where to go. Eh? What about if your company told you they'd let you move to another company if they receive X amount (assuming you're tied in to a contract). A superior company with more avenues for progression and higher wages then approach your company for you with the amount X that had been previously agreed, for your company to then say no actually we want more than that after first accepting the bid and allowing you to travel there. Would you not feel wronged? I know I would.

Just had a look at the free agents and there are some interesting names there who can play CM: Cambiasso, Aquilani, Muntari and Gourcuff who plays attacking mid. Any of those you'd take?

£2M? Joke bid from a joke of a club.

Not for the price being touted for him, I think even the £8M Blackburn paid for him was a lot. He's never played top flight football has he?

Apprehensive myself at calling him proven, only had one season at the top level and there have been plenty of one season wonders. I think it's also worth mentioning that QPR were a complete anomaly in terms of attacking threat compared to other bottom, even mid table teams; 7th most chances created (compared to us at 19th)& the 5th most shots in the league. Austin himself had the second highest shots per game in the league, behind Aguero. I'm far from convinced that he'd be able to recreate what he did last season with us, also £15M for someone on the last year of his contract with a dodgy knee seems very steep.

More this goes on the more I want him. The guy whilst having a screw loose is a natural goal scorer, he'd be one of if not our best player and he strikes me as the kind of guy that loves been the centre of attention and being a fan favourite which I could imagine quickly happening once he bags a few. Much like Sherwood who many warmed to very quickly, he might be a bit of an arse but he'd be our arse. And if we get him on a one year loan deal or what not and he doesn't perform, there have been more costly gambles.