Macca1888

Nope, he's Irish because, although born outside of Ireland, he was raised Irish. It's no different to ex-pat British people raising their children as British even though they might have been born in Spain, America or whatever. It's like KEA choosing to play for Morocco. Respect Grealish's feelings, family and upbringing: no doubt they are proud Brummies and Villla fans BUT there is also a very strong Irish identity there too that they are equally as proud of. Nationality and identity is a very personal thing.

Did he really say that: "I was right"? Good grief. Reminds me of the kind of thing Alan Partridge would say.

I don't think so. The kid says "mate, look at that. Tottenham, mate" asif he was showing Benteke something. I'm guessing he had something with a Tottenham badge on it. The other kids then say "nah, i'm not having it" I'll have to listen to it again, all I hear is a kid go, "Tottenham."

All this talk of the kid who said, "Tottenham" when talking to Benteke - the problem is we don't see what he is doing when he says it. I kind of picture the kid holding his nose and doing the downward thumb sign, suggesting, quite accurately, that Tottenham stink. No wonder Benteke has a chuckle while the rest of the group join in with the spurs slating.

I think if Bale goes Bentakey would consider not going to Spuds, the whole appeal of them is playing alongside Bale which in all fairness is attractive to most players Playing alongside Messi, I would imagine, is attractive to most players. Playing alongside Bale? I'm not so sure. He's not that level of player at this present time.

To be honest, as much as Gabby obviously loves the club, I'd imagine if Spurs were offering 20 odd million for him and offering to triple his wages, he'd probably be making the move himself. Exactly. If spurs came in for any of our players they would be willing to make the move. How do you know this exactly? I'm pretty sure most of our players would stick around at Villa as they seem to have all bought into what Lambert is trying to do. It is my opinion, spurs are pushing for a CL, they are a step up from us at present. Do you really think players do not want to play CL or a team who have a chance of playing in it. That they would not like a huge pay rise. How do you know they have all brought into what Lambert is doing?. Because our players (apart from one) all seem to be renewing their contracts and publicly stating that they like what's happening at Villa. They obviously have the belief that Villa are on the way back up and I'm pretty sure the majority of them who have been in English football for a while, know very well that Spurs are not a step up from Villa and are just as likely to be hitting the skids in a couple of years' time. When Newcastle hit fifth last year did you think our players would be all off up there? Because nobody else is in for them, talk about claret and blue specs. what are they meant to say, well none of the top 4 are interested in me so I am going to sign a longer contract on more money but next year if a bigger club come in for me than I am going to kick up a fuss. To say that spurs are not a step up from us at present and any of our player would not jump at a move to them is just deluded Lay off the tabloids, mate, you are being brainwashed and falling into their short term, extremist way of thinking. Believe it or not, some players can actually think for themselves and see a bigger picture and plan taking shape at Villa Park. Let's see what happens in the next 12, 24, 36 months.

Good man Ciaran. I rate this lad very highly.

To be honest, as much as Gabby obviously loves the club, I'd imagine if Spurs were offering 20 odd million for him and offering to triple his wages, he'd probably be making the move himself. Exactly. If spurs came in for any of our players they would be willing to make the move. How do you know this exactly? I'm pretty sure most of our players would stick around at Villa as they seem to have all bought into what Lambert is trying to do. It is my opinion, spurs are pushing for a CL, they are a step up from us at present. Do you really think players do not want to play CL or a team who have a chance of playing in it. That they would not like a huge pay rise. How do you know they have all brought into what Lambert is doing?. Because our players (apart from one) all seem to be renewing their contracts and publicly stating that they like what's happening at Villa. They obviously have the belief that Villa are on the way back up and I'm pretty sure the majority of them who have been in English football for a while, know very well that Spurs are not a step up from Villa and are just as likely to be hitting the skids in a couple of years' time. When Newcastle hit fifth last year did you think our players would be all off up there?

To be honest, as much as Gabby obviously loves the club, I'd imagine if Spurs were offering 20 odd million for him and offering to triple his wages, he'd probably be making the move himself. Exactly. If spurs came in for any of our players they would be willing to make the move. How do you know this exactly? I'm pretty sure most of our players would stick around at Villa as they seem to have all bought into what Lambert is trying to do.

Don't get me wrong here; "Who's going to end up in tears? Villa or Benteke." I Can't see it being Villa. I suggest you look harder then. Worse case scenario for Benteke - he doesn't cut it at spurs and becomes a fringe player on treble the salary. If Benteke leaves were in for another very tough season - unfair as that is - thats how I see it unfolding. I see us having a good season with or without Benteke.

They're not "bigger". This term "big" is an emotive term used by the media to arouse reactions: to say one club is bigger than another is meaningless. "Currently in a better position", "currently spending more money", "owned by a more wealthy person" are examples of more meaningful, factual ways of comparing clubs. The media don't use these terms, though, because they are pretty neutral and don't generate the extreme reactions, passion and debate that they are after.

Yes, the Benteke thing is the fly in the ointment at the moment. Potentially we have a strong spine taking shape: Guzan -Vlarr/Okre - Sylla- Benteke. There's a lot of steel there to build something around.

Is this thread about "British" talent or "English" talent? The title is a little confusing.

From what I've seen we look stronger than this time last year. There's an understanding about our style of play, more strength in depth, and that crucial extra year of experience for the rookies. Things look more solid out there and I can sense progress. The results aren't important at this stage but you can get a feel for things.

I don't know if it's already been mentioned but check out Tonev's run (about 3.00 minutes into the AVTV footage) from the opening tour match in Germany. He looks a talented player.

If they could make it a top notch service, more features, better match day coverage and so on I'd be willing to pay more than a fiver a month.

i'll be totally honest I'm desperate for him to stay with us, to get his head down stay one more season and help us develop on the pitch some more. The lad is a world class player, been ages since we had one of them in fact I'd argue we never have before. He oozes class on the field, not so much off it, but in terms of his ability he is top notch. But the thing is, and don't get me wrong Belgian guy I think you are a decent poster and I'm glad you are on this site so please don't take this he wrong way, I am a fan of this club and I think you have to be a fan of this club totally bought into the club and what's best for the club to have the opinion that if he wants to go then its best he does, my loyalties are to the club not benteke. You see if he wants to stay and be committed to the club for the next season then that's what I want more than anything but it doesn't look that way, he has had his head turned (helped by a word removed of an agent), he wants to go to another club , spurts FFs, and he has made it clear. I only want those committed to the club. Benteke isnt McGrath was world class.

I'm not so sure Villa will be selling Benteke this summer.

I take it this is sarcasm?

To you and I maybe, but to a 22 year old Belgian guy who's seen Spurs finish higher than us ever since he turned pro? Doubtful He's bright enough to look back beyond four years. I have no doubt at all that this is about his agent wanting to make money.

There's no buy-out clause in Benteke's contract. The problem for Spurs here is that they have no experience of signing big money players and the £17 million they spent the other day represents their record outlay. They are in nosebleed territory here and potentially way out of their depth. I've read that Lambert will allow Benteke to return to training with the first team when they get back to England. I think this is very interesting indeed, suggesting to me that he feels the player has not burnt any bridges with his team mates. I agree, Les Diables, that Villa will be listening to offers north of £30 million BUT my gut feeling is that they feel (and want) to keep him. There's the possibility that once he is settled back in with his Villa teammates he will withdraw his request. Out of interest what do people in Belgium think of Kismet?

If Championship striker Zaha was sold for £15 million last season I am inclined to think Benteke is worth £30 million plus.

Try sticking your fingers in your ears and humming loudly: it's a convenient avoidance mechanism when it comes to points of view that you don't wish to contemplate. Hmmm. You've let your secret out.

I think he and his agent are going to be made an example of by Villa - and the football community at large will be delighted.

Glastonspur; * Villa refused to sell Barry to Liverpool because the club's 18m valuation wasn't met. But then the club lost 50% of that price when he was sold to City for 12m a year later. And? The club was prepared to take the hit. we still made £11 million on a player in the final year of his contract. * Downing's 20m price tag was paid by Liverpool during a time that club were still deep in their much-regretted phase of paying crazy prices for players left, right and centre (pace Henderson, Carroll etc). And....? We asked for a figure and then sold on our terms. * Milner was sold for 20.5m (when Ireland's valuation was taken in account) to moneybags city. He was sold for more than that. * Young was sold for somewhere between 15 - 20m, again to a very wealthy club. And he was in the final 1/2 years of his contract All the players you listed above were on very high salaries too. (Our wage bill at the time was considerably more than, say, Spurs) which meant we were less likely to make them rot in the reserves - although it nearly got to that with Barry. With all the players above, Villa asked for a price to be met and got it. Without fail. Note, also, that the one club that tried to use underhand tactics to get a player on the cheap was sent packing. In hindsight, we did Barry a huge favour there.