Villafan306, I was thinking about this last night trying to get to sleep (...and no I don't need alternative suggestions on how to come over all sleepy!!!), but as far as a first team I don't think we're that far off. Obviously we need strength in depth especially with Villas traditional Xmas injury period (I'm sure some players just want extra time to do their Xmas shopping). But from the back I think TS days are numbered, he occasionally has a blinder but he's just not consistant enough, there have been several GKs linked this summer and I'd like to see Jussy from Bolton or Graig Gordon. In addition to that, with what seems like Delaney's imminent retirement we no longer have ANYONE in the right back slot of note. Ideas on a postcard please?????? The one I'm keeping my fingers crossed on is Hoyte, he's pure class. I saw him play for Sunderland when he was on loan there the season before last, and although he was in a dire team at the time (no offence Cats, good luck this season!!!) he was head and shoulders above any other player on the pitch and would be my first choice RB. The only reason Wenger would let him go is 'cus he's not French!!!
But here's what I think is our probable starting 11: New GK (???), Bouma, Mellberg, Laursen, new RB (Hoyte), Barry, Petrov, Reo-Coker, Young, Carew & Gabby. To me, I can't wait to see these lot in action. Add to that Maloney (or Mal-Moany if sources are to be beleived), Moore, Berger, Harwood, Hangeland (next signing?), Lichaj (know nothing about this guy), Osbourne (maybe put him in the lower divisions on loan for experience?), Taylor, Cahill & Gardner. All Villa fans should be praying Laursen has a complete season and stay injury free this year... Barry can always drop into left back and has always impressed there making way for Maloney of Bouma gets a knock.
We need a bigger squad, no-one's doubting that BUT we've gotta go with MON's point of view that he only wants to bring in players who REALLY want to come, and until we elbow our way into Europe the 'bigger' players aren't gonna want to sign for us until our profile raises. And then who's to say that'll work??? It's more exciting to see big names come in and the cash splashed but who'd you rather be? West Ham (cheats), Man Citeh or Villa of the new 'Big Spenders???'. Who do you think's gonna come highest in the table? Wanna wipe the smug smile of Spurs faces who seem to think they have the right to be the next club in line to break into the top 4??? Newcastle???? Don't make me laugh - from the tales coming from St James Big Sam might not have the patience to be pi**ed about for ever by the new owners, especially if Big KK comes in.
Last of all I have to say its a big rough to describe the departing players as 'Deadwood', it's just their time at Villa has passed and many gave their all for us. Hats off to JPA (sorry u didn't get the ball service you should have - you are a STAR!!!), McCann, Ridge (a-hem), Sutton, JL Sam, Davis (star in the making).
Up the Villa and here's to next season!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
