bose

What the **** is wrong with Dawson's left arm?

This game will define our season. Lose and we'll be relegated, win and we'll take the title, draw and we will take King's Landing.

Finnbogason would be a risky signing imo. Werder Bremen have already had an offer rejected so he wouldn't be cheap. He would also need time to adjust to the tempo in the premier league.

Lambert probably has a replacement lined up. Total faith in him. This is how the football world is, sadly. Can't blame Benteke for wanting to further his career.

Twitter is signing players now. This is getting ridiculous.

But I believe that is about the rate of success of most academies - You tend to get a lot of grafters, Herd, Lichaj, Baker, and then then you get those that sparkle for a few months, Albrighton, Bannan - As you say in one of the toughest leagues in the world only a few from the academy cut it long term. Makes sense really,the prem attracts some of the top players around the globe - the idea that you get six or seven such players on your doorstep is pure fantasy. Exactly. By "your club" I meant any given Premier League club. We tend to overrate our youngsters and put pressure on the to perform when they have a good game but they lack consistency at that age.

Belgian guy do you know the reason for the recent success of Belgian players ('86 generation and younger)? Did something change in the way club develop players? It really is remarkable the talent that Belgium have.

As an academy player the odds are against you that you are going to make it at your club. In the last 7-8 years the only players who have really made it from the academy at Villa and become key members of the first team are Gabby and Andy Weimann. Nathan Baker has only had one season and this next season will show if he's good enough. Clark hasn't done enough yet and Baker looks the better prospect today. Gardner has been crippled with injuries and as much of a prospect he was I would be surprised to see him manage to be a player in our starting XI in the future.

Hoolahan is 31 years old. An ok player but there isn't a chance in hell that he's on his way here.

If Suarez really does go to Arsenal, Liverpool would be stupid not to try and use the money to get Benteke. I now really hope they keep Suarez.

Popov was heavily linked too, with quotes. Yeah of course, forgot about him.

I think the AMC we'll sign will be our most high profile signing this summer. If Lambert manages to find a good one we'll have a very capable squad which should at the least finish in the top half. Besides Belhanda have there been any links to attacking midfielders?

I think Yohan Kebab and Janice Bellend will make Newcastle an unstoppable force next season.

But we're not. We're not after him (not anymore at least). and you know this how.....? Well of course I don't know this for sure but given what MOMS (who seem to be quite ITK) has said and the reports stating that we are not in for him. That quote from the Montpellier chairman seems just like something to get more interest in him and we've seen it before. He seems a bit of a joker. I don't doubt that we maybe were in for him but we dropped the interest for some reason. Maybe because Lambert didn't think his personality would fit in here, which would make sense if he's going to the UAE.

But we're not. We're not after him (not anymore at least).

Chesire Today linking us with Downing. Laughable link to say the least. His wages are way to high, he might be experienced but he's turned absolutely shit since leaving us. They finish the article with stating that his high wages (70K per week) could be mitigated with a low transfer fee. Yes, I bet the players would be happy with someone like Downing on 70K (not that Lambert would pay that) when our next player is much better and is on maybe 50K.

Pretty much confirms what most of us suspected.

Given all the reports from our Danish friends I think Helenius will not be a starting player for us (not yet at least). He needs time and then he'll be ready.

He has apparently cut his holiday short to be fit for pre-season. I think he has the mentality to be a player for Villa but his confidence always seems very fragile. One mistake and it seems the game is over for him. It's up to him now. If he has a good pre-season and has the confidence he is a good player. I hope he manages to squeeze himself in to the team because he's Villa through and through. I know many here don't rate him but I think he can still be a good player for us. Maybe wishful thinking but he appears to have the mentality to work hard to get back into the team. That's something not all players have.

Best summer transfer window I can remember. He might have his weaknesses but I think we can agree that he's very shrewd at finding a good bargain. All of his signings this summer will probably not be a success but I think that the majority will be fantastic given his record. Lambert is the best thing to happen to this club in many years.

The good thing about Lambert is that you know everyone will get a fair chance and the ones that manage to perform will get their place in the starting XI. The goalkeeper is easy, we've got an excellent one in Guzan. That is probably our best position. Lowton has made the right full back position his own. He's only going to get better next season. Left back is the position that I think will be settled in pre-season training and games. Lambert will give it to the one who deserves it out of Luna and Bennett. Plenty of competition between the CB's in Vlaar, Okore, Baker and Clark. Vlaar and Okore will probably be first choice but I wouldn't be surprised if Baker manages to knock either one of them out the starting XI. We're crying out for a creative central midfielder and that is a position Lambert will probably fill in the summer months. The other two positions will be battled out between Delph, Sylla, Westwood, Bacuna and hopefully Gary Gardner. Westwood IMO is pretty nailed on to be in the starting XI but the other position is more difficult. Delph was fantastic in the latter third of last season but is he good enough? Sylla as well but he still needs lots of work to improve his game. Bacuna and Gardner could well surprise us. If Benteke stays then Helenius will be his understudy. The wing forward position will filled by Gabby, Weimann, Tonev, N'Zogbia and maybe Carruthers. -----------------------------Guzan Lowton-----------Okore----------Vlaar----------Luna --------------------Westwood----Sylla Weimann-------------------AM----------------Gabby -------------------------Benteke (hopefully) Subs: Siegrist Tonev Bacuna Baker Bennett Delph Helenius

I actually feel sorry for the bastards.

According to Spanish media this is pretty much done and should be finished in the next few hours! Anyone familiar with him?

Is it just me or do most Dutch people seem highly intelligent? Good post there Sublime.

Being a Villa fan today