Stoobs

Yeeeeesssss

I was wrong about SJM. I thought when Dean Smith played him in an advanced position, it blunted his box to box attributes. Always thought he should be starting from slightly deeper, disrupting then driving at teams. For Scotland, he is playing much further forward and has been outstanding in last 4 or 5 games. When the ball is played up to him, his shielding of the ball is as good as any player I have seen. The Danes can’t handle him. Either bringing others into game or spinning away from defender. If he can cement a place under SG, interesting to see where he plays. Hope SG is watch this tonight.

Larsson was 33 when he went to Barca, who at the time, were awash with forward talent. To play 40 games or so, in that team, as a 33 year old, was pretty impressive. Amazing to think that he moved to Sweden, played quite a lot of games there before Alex Ferguson signed him. Must have been about 36 or so by that time. Incredible for a forward player.

I fully agree with you that the SPL, on the whole, is dreadful. I watch virtually every match that is possible to watch and to be honest, it would get football stopped. I judge players like Kamara on their international and European experience though. It wouldn’t be a gamble to see if he could cut it with Villa. There are players, not many I may add, that are just far too good for SPL. VVD was the most obvious one. He went to Southampton but everyone up here knew that he was going to top 4 club. Robbo was more of a surprise. Tierney has become a favourite at Arsenal (albeit has had a lot of injuries) I just see SG bringing someone with him from Rangers. Someone with a winning mentality and technically gifted that can handle, the step up as you say. Playing against Wolves, Burnley, Norwich, Newcastle, Palace, Southampton midfields etc will not phase a player like Kamara. Realistically, whatever CDM that Villa sign, will find it tough against the top 4 or 5 teams in the PL. All speculation on my part of course. SG might be glad to get shot of Kamara….lol.

I think a lot of English fans said the same about Virgil Van Dijk and Andy Robertson, when they moved from SPL. Because they played in Scotland doesn’t mean they won’t be able to cut it in England. Take Kamara for example. A standout for the Finnish national side, playing against top class international midfielders in the international arena and Europe when playing for Rangers. I think it’s slightly arrogant to think that he just wouldn’t be good enough for Villa. Really looking forward to the next 12 months at Villa Park. Of course, nobody knows how it is going to go but I think a few are going to be surprised.

https://twitter.com/TriviaTim/status/1459610186965000202?t=9HFVmGjgx8wqGMmpfuT8mQ&s=08 There is a want with that lot

Be astounded if he doesn’t come to Villa Park. Villa need a quality CDM, he is best CDM in Scotland, one of Gerrard’s favourites, established internationalist, good age. Pity he recently signed an extended contract with Rangers. Gerrard was desperate to get that deal done now he probably wishes he wasn’t as persuasive.

https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/glen-kamara-aston-villa-transfer-25446084?utm_source=linkCopy&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=sharebar

Rangers strongest 11 doesn’t have a Scot in it other than the keeper.

SJM clearly trying to impress SG. Brilliant backheel to put Patterson in there.

SJM has been excellent tonight. The amount of times he has spun away from opponent, when said opponent has tried to nick in front of him, only to receive a good arseing, is unreal. Making great use of ball too. They are dreadful though.

If there is one player he brings, I would put a couple of quid on it being Glen Kamara. He is a disciplined CDM who always seems to be in right place at right time. Never seems to run round park chasing the ball, just positionally aware. Also, very skilful on ball. I posted Ryan Kent in an earlier thread but a forum member gave good reasons why he probably wouldn’t be needed.

Radio Clyde if anyone has digital radio. On until 8pm. They have daft quiz just after 7pm and will be talking about Moldova v Scotland at some point but other than that, it is Rangers fans cursing SG and Villa…lol.

Rangers fans going mental on Scottish phone in tonight. Actually quite funny. Total meltdown. First few callers saying they will be supporting Brighton, Palace, Leicester, Liverpool etc in the next few games. First caller was almost in tears and he had thick Yorkshire accent living in England. Brilliant.

And just wait until SG brings Glen Kamara to the club. The Finnish Kante. No more passing through the Villa midfield like a hot knife through butter.

Apologies, it was Slavia Prague that put them out last season in round of 16. Bayer Leverkusen the year before in round of 16 also. I think to say that SG hasn’t done well in Europe is unfair. In the two seasons I have mentioned, they played 12 Europa League games, after having to play 2 or 3 rounds to get there in first place, including beating Galatasaray, where they proceeded to only lose 1 game out of 12. They were up against Porto, Feyenoord, Benfica, Legia Warsaw amongst others. I think one loss out of 12, coming from a diddy league where you aren’t tested every week, is a good record in Europe. Maybe your expectations are higher than mine.

They went through a Europa League campaign unbeaten which, to me, is pretty successful. Eventually put out by Bayern Leverkusen.

Fair point. Maybe Villa should go for a Neil Warnock or Mick McCarthy. Guys of that ilk. Managers with tonnes of experience in England. They would be a safe pair of hands I suppose. Could probably throw Allardyce into that mix too. I think the focus is on Gerrard having no Premier League experience as manager and a rookie manager. The scrutiny he is under in Glasgow is so intense. He has come through it. He took over Rangers when they were a complete basket case of a club and they are flying. One trophy out of nine but the eye sees what the eye sees. I keep harping back to European games. They are a different animal now because of him and undoubtedly Gary Mac and Beale. A clear identity, a clear way of playing. I despise Rangers with a passion I have to add but I can’t help but admire how he has changed that club.

100% agree

Benfica away. Played same way. Benfica score last minute goal to rescue draw. They did have man sent off in first half but Rangers totally dominated. SG sets up his teams to play this way, as you say, mostly against diddy teams but good, experienced teams in Europe as well and generally they dominate at home and hold their own away.

Hard to argue with that. Also, a lot of people simply align themselves to one member of the old firm simply because of their religion. It is a national shame to be honest. The bigotry and sectarianism up here is our cancer. If Rangers weren’t seen as a Protestant club and Celtic seen as a Catholic club, just 2 big clubs in a big city, they would never get the worldwide support that they have. So glad my dad said “look son you’re supporting St.Mirren”

Rangers had approx 150,000 fans in Manchester and Celtic took approx 80,000 to 90,000 fans to Seville for their respective UEFA Cup Finals over the last few years. I don’t know many clubs that could match these numbers.

Yip, all fair points

Kent is not a winger. He primarily plays on left but has freedom to roam. As two footed a player as you will see. In the system Gerrard plays, also drops back to help out midfield when out of possession and works hard for team. By far, in my opinion, the outstanding player in Scotland in an attacking position. Held back this season by injury. I have no doubt SG will want to bring him if he is appointed.

Always 4-3-3. Midfield very narrow. Full backs pushed on where their deliveries are incredible. Focal point is Morelos up front with two other forward players interchangeable. When opposing team on ball, the two front players work like trojans to help out midfield the regain ball. Think Liverpool set up with slightly less talented individuals. Home and away. Even European away games against Benfica, Porto etc, they set up this way. I always think they dominate ball and are very hard to play through as the midfield three is so compact and tight. To me, the real star in that three is Kamara. Said it before, this guy is a star.