Aside from everything mentioned, the thing I like most about this is the timing of our transfers. The approach and targets are allowing us to get in early, and in previous seasons, this has been the domain of Fergie and the richer clubs.
Now I'm not talking here about the amount being spent. Its about the fact that they had their business lined up to get a lot done early on. To me, it was a sign that those clubs had a plan. With this now happening with us, albeit with a different level of player, it wreaks of controlled, structured thinking. That can only breed confidence.
The other thing which is symptomatic of this change in approach is the vibe on VT. Whilst Lambert will have his fans and his detractors, the threads complaining about why we're failing in attracting players who were too good, or too expensive, or too money driven, have dried up. I haven't seen many, if any, posts on here complaining that we're not in for targets that are being linked with Spurs, Everton or Liverpool for example. OK, its early in the window, but I feel fans have bought into the model.
OK, seeing other clubs sign amazing strikers or supreme midfielders leaves a slight 'if only' in my mind, but I'd not swap what the club is presently doing for that.
Someone posted earlier that they'd rather see our young team beaten, having played with fire in their bellies, than a bunch of overpaid mercenaries. That really sums it up for me. The whole Olympics thing left me really pissed off with footballer theatrics rather than just winning through fair play. I now look at the Villa squad and can't wait to see them on the pitch.
Yes, skill is fundamental in the game, but it can unnerve teams when they play against young, hungry players who don't stop running and hounding. I hope for this in the coming season with a dose of good skill on top.