Duck

So three managers and a takeover later and we're still basically in a state of sell to buy? really think at the minute that our whole season will be decided on the opening few weeks. A run of wins and we'll be sorted for a strong season. My fear though is that we don't bring in a striker or do any major strengthening. If we lose a couple of games we could see the team revert to the same old story from last season. I'd much rather RDM and his team get a couple of players in, n then ship out the duds afterwards. If he doesn't have space in the squad surely the unwanted players agents will make their own sales pitches to clubs

Well we didn't lose.... But I personally found it a very dull game from what I saw. Lots of sideways play with very few moments of attacking threat. Seriously hope we can get a few more players in, who can make make us more of a threat. Otherwise it'll be a long slog of a disappointing season with the current bunch.

We've been waiting for the club to sign a striker since nearly this time last year. I'll feel much better about this season when we know where the majority of goals are coming from. I know this is RDMs priority now, but I'd love someone Who'll get us properly excited!

I take it regardless of where RDM is he'll want to watch both matches in full... so we'll probably have a camera or two there anyway. Begs the question why neither game is on AVTV. Very disappointed as well in the fact we're almost cut off from the preseason preparations atm aside from attending games. Would spend good money to see how were shaping up in preseason.

Haven't actually seen or heard anything about preseason match coverage yet. We're still selling subscriptions for last season. Come on guys it's not like preseason has started...

So not in the next 48hours then?

Someone mention fashion? Charles N'Zogbia says hi!

Officially top of the table!

Until the squad is back training for week or so I doubt RDM will be making any more transfer dealings. He might have a rough idea of who he wants to stay or go but he'd be better to look at the guys training and see where we stand. It might also be the case that he's waiting in signing a technical director to take charge of transfers

Dropped for Ireland tonight. Hardly suprising

At least we don't have to worry about the VT fantasy football league now we're out of the premiership Mondo do championship teams!

NI's keeper put in a great shift today against zee Germans. Had a great all round championship so far. Apparanltly out of contract in a few weeks.

Rumours are that RDM is in charge of transfers til they hire a technical director. So for future reference before the inevitable debate starts up - Until then all signings are RDMs signings.

Im liking this new Aston Villa. We sounded out a target, negotiated and signed him quickly, no fuss. Nice bit of early business. More of the same please.

What parallel universe is this?

Would having a Chinese owner do anything? You might have answered this before. This goes back to how much coverage there was in China of the takeover I guess. The problem we'll have is getting work permits for Chinese players. At the very least we'd need a bunch of Chinese sponsors. It's definitely something we need to seriously consider if we're serious about tapping into the market. But I'd imagine an English team with a Chinese owner would be quite popular in China? Especially if he's quite outspoken as he has been recently?

Agree with these. If RDM believes he can work with them then I'll trust that. I'll certainly be watching them in preseason though and if they haven't improved by the end of the transfer window I'll be expecting them to move on. Lescott needs to go though. Completely wrong attitude and he did himself no favours with the fans last year. Gabby is in a similar state and unless he turns up for preseason fit and in shape I'll be expecting him to move on as well.

It's a tough one to call. RDM coming in basically gives everyone on the team a clean slate. Yes Roberto will have a few ideas on who needs to go but if players make a case for staying and fighting then why would he get rid of them? Richards and co may surprise us with a change of attitude if they stay on and actually turn into decent players. The chances of this are low though, and it's almost guaranteed they see themselves playing at a higher level. I'm willing to give some a second chance. But they need to prove themselves quickly and win back the fans. Putting a lot of faith Robertos choice of players he wants to stay.

Were you romantically nourished?

It's actually criminal that he didn't get more game time - regardless of the reasons. We couldn't find the net half the time so having someone like Adama sat on the bench week in week out made zero sense. Wouldn't blame him if he wanted to leave after that

My only legitimate worry at the minute is if the Liverpool (some other club) Chinese takeover happens. We really need to hammer home our advantage early and make the most of the Chinese market before anyone else dips in. Tony has shown other Chinese businesses and investors that the premier league is open for business, and there's definitely money to be made. The inter Milan deal doesn't affect us directly but is part of the same trend. We've a lot of ground to make up in a very short space of time. It'll be an interesting year or two at any rate...

Now you're just being silly

.... The championship table still hasn't been updated yet! We're in a footballing purgatory, stuck somewhere between leagues.

That's not very fair. I'm sure he could recommend a good takeaway to enjoy while watching football

Seems a good solid signing. Captained Bournemouth for two sets of promotions, championship experience, good mentality. On paper the complete opposite of Richards and Lescott in all the right ways. Would like some big name marquee signings as well but realistically it's not going to happen. I'd like to think though that our biggest signing was more than a defender from Bournemouth