Fight Like Lions

Carles Gil’s loan to Deportivo supposedly included an option to buy which Dr Xia has referred to as an ‘obligation to buy’ in the past. Deportivo have just been relegated from La Liga and Gil has been frozen out of the team. That would suggest that Deportivo will do everything they can to avoid making it permanent and Gil might have to get used to the fact he isn’t of the standard that he thinks he is. He might now even be of the standard that we want either if he’s completely demotivated. Can’t see Gollini coming back either, he seems completely settled in Italy but I suppose that would depend on his desire for regular football vs bench warming in Serie A. From those listed I suspect Gardner, Elphick and Tshibola will all return and be regular squad member next season.

A youngster being made to learn his trade in a struggling team in front of an inpatient crowd. Bruce's post match interviews have mentioned his missed chances twice now which isn't very fair on the lad. It's a shame our squad isn't in a better state so that we could allow him to go out on loan and develop his end product for a season elsewhere.

Villa have apparently opted out of iFollow, although still have the option to provide an equivalent live streaming service via their own provider according to EFL.

We didn't have the squad tonight to do anything else, at least with the option to go 4-4-2 with another striker coming in if he does have to cover there again he won't be so exposed as part of a midfield 3.

Because we had nobody else to play there, that's not where he'd normally play.

Can't possibly be any worse than his last appearance at White Hart Lane

Diego Poyet is currently a free agent, CM with Championship experience. Can't imagine his wages would be particularly high and he would add something to the squad.

Must start the next game.

Blues 0-2 Villa 24,886

Failed a medical at Nantes with a suspected heart condition. They are awaiting further tests

Very unlucky not to be rewarded with a goal on his debut. Loved the eagerness to track back and press the ball. Looks like he has a lot of potential.

Played very well today but his attitude still stinks. Shouldn't be getting booked for throwing the ball away no matter how frustrated you are.

There's 2 brothers Charisma and Michael (Mikey). Charisma left Boldmere and went back to Romulus but has issues committing to regular games. Neither brother is at all academic. Charisma to his credit seems to work hard to provide for his kids. Mikey is very immature and makes Gabby look like Einstein. Their sister is the most well rounded, Deputy Head of a local primary school. (I don't know any of them personally but have connections with those that do know some members of the family).

Can't be certain if it was my first game but it's the first one I remember - Paul McGrath's testimonial against Blues in 1995. We had tickets immediately behind the dug outs and I got a lot of autographs that night

Quite possibly although you can imagine his agent playing a role in this and making it quite clear he doesn't have to go anywhere in the hope of a pay out. The bottom line is I don't want to see him in a Villa shirt again but I also don't want to see him (and his agent) benefit financially from a signing on fee at a new club. Unfortunately that's the reality of the football landscape now so I will have to get over it! What I find hard to gauge is whether VT represents the majority of villa fans views on Gabby as his Instagram feed is full of fans hailing him a 'legend' etc. Even seen a couple of posts today claiming he is loyal for not going to Reading!!!

Of course. My point is that Gabby now clearly wants to be paid off and I don't feel we should. I addressed the issue of him ruining the atmosphere by suggesting he should train alone.

Why would we pay him off to the tune of about £7m only to see him become a free agent which would entitle him to a massive signing on free with another club? Ludicrous waste of money. Let him rot and hopefully he won't be so stupid come January when he sees Tony is completely serious. He's got away with far too much for far too long to let him have his way now, make him train alone until he cracks.

Seems a lovely guy and rightly proud to be here having worked his way up from non-league football. Give me that any day than the level of entitlement that comes from a 20 year old product of the Barcelona B team, on £60k/week before he's really proved himself. I wish Adama well but congratulate RDM and the Dr in moving him on and finding a sensible replacement. Welcome Albert, cant wait to see you play!

Diego Poyet now available on a free after West Ham agree to terminate his contract. No idea if he's any good but wonder if RDM might do his old mate Gus a favour and take him on?

Delighted with this, look forward to seeing him play and adding some more creativity and width to the team.

With West Ham out of the Europa league I can't see Reece Oxford getting a look in. Would be a good loan move for CB?

Adama is on £60k/week as he apparently didn't have a relegation reduction in his contract. Swapping a bench warmer for someone who has played week in, week out in this league for several seasons. I'd say we're getting the better deal tbh.

His only goal in a Villa shirt was against Notts County? He's injury prone, selfish on the ball and picking up a rumoured £60k/week as there was no relegation clause in his contract. Add in a stinking attitude (turning up late, asking to leave etc.) he is part of the group of bad eggs that needs to go ASAP. If he has potential it won't be realised with us, throwing all that money at a 20 year old is a recipe for disaster. You only had to see the results of his huge ego when he came on against Rotherham and his team mates didn't want to pass him the ball!

Tommy Hammer?

Confirmed as 25, guess you won't be buying that shirt then??!!