Fight Like Lions

Jack is in the 23 man England squad to face Norway in the U21 Euro qualifier on 6th September.

He's not, still injured according to RDM press conference.

Live down the road don't they? Lescott certainly does, loves Villa that much he couldn't be bothered to move back to Birmingham, thinks it's acceptable to commute from Manchester. Seems that the Manchester to Glasgow commute was a step too far, hence the last minute u-turn on Rangers.

Still nothing confirmed. I'd put good money on us paying off Lescott late Friday evening so Jedinak can walk out with 16 on Saturday,

I'd like to think we won't be raiding the MLS for anybody, 'World Class' or not.

Elphick is 6 and Libor has 18 so I guess he doesn't have a number yet. With Lescott not going it doesn't free up 16 either so he's probably going to have to wear 20-something. Must be missing out on shirt sales already, imagine Jedinak will be a popular player.

Has he been assigned a squad number yet?

If he's that good why do Southampton want shot of him? Genuine question, they lost Pelle in the summer and Jay Rodriguez is another one that suffers with injuries. They don't have an abundance of strikers yet Austin Is being kept out of the team by Nathan Redmond who doesnt normally play upfront???

In which case I'd assume there's better, younger players out there that could do that role for £12m. Austin hasn't played regular Championship football for nearly 3 years, in fact the last time he managed 40 appearances was with Burnely in 2012. With Gestede in the squad we need somebody more mobile to play upfront with McCormack just behind. Fortunately, Austin still has 4 years on his Southampton deal with decent wages so he won't be coming here.

VT does make me laugh. Last year Austin was a failed medical waiting to happen with a hole in his knee and way too expensive at £8m. This year we now want him at £12m after he's spent his time at Southampton split equally between the treatment table and the subs bench. He's not in his prime, his prime was his early 20's, he is the sort of player with a body that can't take the demands of 40 odd games a season. No thanks!

Hurry up Joleon, I think Jedinak is waiting for your squad number!

Must be an awful time for Joleon, a terrible weight on his shoulders trying to decide whether to take the Merc to Glasgow or Sunderland.

I remember playing a VHS called Goals, Goals, Goals until it was worn out and attempting to recreate several of them with a ball in the back garden. It was the goals of the first Premier League season so Villa (and Dalian) featured a lot on it!

Thanks for the memories Dalian, I was 10 in 1994 and you were my favourite player so it was always going to be your number that I proudly displayed on my first Villa shirt. Loved watching you play, scored some fantastic goals but the League Cup Final win of 1994 will always be the most memorable. A stark reminder to live each day to the full and count your blessings. Rest In Peace #10

I particularly enjoyed my walk from Aston station yesterday behind a group of Rotherham fans who were quite excited about being able to see their team play at Villa Park. "A proper football stadium", "historic club etc. etc." When they got in sight of the Holte End they stopped dead and just stood in awe for a moment. Reminded me how fortunate we are to have such a fantastic ground, hope they enjoyed their visit despite the result!

It would appear not as there is another picture of him having breakfast with his kids before heading in to training. When I saw the pics of him training with Jamie Reynolds and then the watt bike picture I too assumed he was no longer training at Bodymoor Heath and hoped a deal had been struck along the lines of Richards comment- ie. A settlement figure and Gabby released to train on his own and get fit before finding another club. It is all a bit strange but I suspect it does comes down to the money. Lets just try and imagine for a second that Gabby does actually want to play football, how do you walk away from a guaranteed £65k a week. An unattached player with a tarnished reputation, questionable fitness and no recent success on the pitch. He has probably been advised to stay put until the club agree to pay him out of his contract in full.

The caption on the bike photo for those who may not have clicked on it- "6am bike rides with my new toy. Ready whenever called upon #utv #vtid #oneclub #notgoinganywhere" We're officially stuck with him....

I know what you are saying but with the results of the last 2 games and the lack of quality currently available to RDM I would have thought it was a no brainer to name him in the squad and unleash him for a 10 minute cameo if the situation allows.

RDM confirmed the only injury doubt he currently has is Nathan Baker. If Adama doesn't make the squad against Rotherham or Huddersfield then the writing is surely on the wall?

3 completely separate businesses, with 3 different owners who happen to all be Chinese. Ok then...

Will RDM be brave enough to take away his squad number?

Really? I haven't seen anything from Ayew yet which makes me believe he'll score 25 a season, even in the championship. Ayew may be younger but has only had one season in the Premier League and hardly pulled up any trees. Sure, we've paid top valuation for McCormack but can't see anybody coming in at more than £10m for Ayew as things stand.

Just read he wears 44 in tribute to his Gran. 44 was the number he was wearing when she last watched him play. What a nice young man

Wasn't sure if that was a personal thing at every club or not?

Are we assuming he's waiting for Sinclair to depart and he'll wear the number 9 shirt?