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. 

14 minutes ago, VillaFaninLondon said:

Absolutely, it's almost certainly lazy, pointless journalism. 

 

The only one I think might be a target is Kamara because we need a player in that position but I really have no idea how he'd do or how good he is.

 

People mention VVD, Robertson and Tierney, which is fair - but they're the exception to the rule. Robertson has really surprised but Tierney and VVD were always going to move on.

 

Going back even further Henrik Larsson was an absolute superstar at Celtic and moved to Barca, but wasn't as good in a better league and was often on the bench. We signed Petrov from Celtic which was an exciting signing, but he was a no10 in Scotland and we had to play him further back because he didn't perform as a CAM for us.

 

I can't think of anyone playing in the SPL currently who looks too good for the league which is why I wouldn't bother.

 

Kent is an absolutely ridiculous link - in the forward positions we've spent big on Bailey, Buendia, Traore, Watkins and Ings. Kent is a Championship player. It's not going to happen.

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. 

14 minutes ago, TrentVilla said:

It is arrogant, we should know better given we signed McGinn there are obviously good players in Scotland. However you also have to realistic about the standard of Scottish SPL sides compared to the PL.

We signed McGinn in the Championship, lots of PL clubs had looked at him but not gone for him. He was outstanding in the Championship but hasn’t been in the PL.

The other examples you mention both made moves to lesser clubs before Liverpool. Robertson to Hull and VVD to Southampton again lots of teams had looked at both.

The truth is in both examples top clubs waited for them to come South and be proven in English football. They would rather pay the premium for players they know can make the step up.

We aren’t a top club but we aspire to be, so it is arrogant to think there are no good players in Scotland but the truth is a lot of our fans would rather we buy players we know can make the step up, we have the money to do so. There are plenty of examples of players coming south that couldn’t, far more than those that could.

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. 

30 minutes ago, abdulaziz1 said:

I would worry if we got Rangers players as it would mean the whole influence would be from Gerrard and as if our scouting team didn’t do any work. It will also make Gerrard look limited in finding players. 
But I can’t say I know or saw any of them.

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

3 minutes ago, Stoobs said:

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

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

2 hours ago, Tomaszk said:

Stunned to see only two rangers players in current Scotland squad. I'm sure they'll be having a good chat with John about his new boss.

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. 

31 minutes ago, MentalM said:

Is it horrible to say I am getting more and more excited?

Looking forward to a lot of our players getting a kick in their behind to lay down the work at the pitch. Looking forward to more pressing play. Looking forward to a game plan. Looking forward to Chuk, JPB and Archer getting more minutes.

Sceptic at first, but it changed after reading all the research people have done on social media on how Rangers played. I think it suits our players, and cant wait to see it in action. Just hope we dont sign any Rangers players, so we avoid one of those traps many managers do. Bring in the backroom staff, and stop it there. Unless some of the Rangers players are clear upgrades on ours, and I dont see that.

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. 

30 minutes ago, The_Steve said:

You love to see it. For that reason; what an appointment 

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. 

1 hour ago, Philosopher said:

But how do Benfica play? Because if they are a counter attacking team, the Rangers will obviously dominate, as counter attacking teams generally only press when the ball is in their own half, and invited opponents onto them then try to exploit the space that opens up in the transition. What other example do you have of this. Also they haven't done very well in Europe have they!

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. 

1 hour ago, Philosopher said:

But how do Benfica play? Because if they are a counter attacking team, the Rangers will obviously dominate, as counter attacking teams generally only press when the ball is in their own half, and invited opponents onto them then try to exploit the space that opens up in the transition. What other example do you have of this. Also they haven't done very well in Europe have they!

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

11 minutes ago, Zatman said:

Benfica had 10 men for 71 minutes and even then Rangers threw away a 2 goal lead in the last 10 minutes 

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. 

5 minutes ago, dont_do_it_doug. said:

I'm not sure if he's the right man for the job and I am desperately trying (and failing miserably, probably) to be sucked into that box. However having done a deep dive on him yesterday, I am intrigued by a few things.

His coaching team, in particular Beale, seem like impressive individuals. I always liked Gary Mac when he was here too, and he would come back with another 10 years experience behind him.

I like the style of football they employ. 3 man midfield, dynamic front 3 built around a focal point, cutting off passing lanes and pressing the defensive line. There's continuity there which I feel is important and I think it suits our squad. He has developed it over a number of years, sticking by his principles in the face of adversity culminating in the Invincibles season and their relative competitiveness in Europe. 

He speaks a good game, I like the cut of his job. He doesn't throw players under the bus as others have suggested, but he is willing to call a spade a spade. 

The aforementioned Invincibles season. I don't think you can underestimate the mentality it takes to go an entire 38 game season unbeaten, even in Scotland. It is a remarkable achievement, even if people seem desperate to diminish it. 

That's all I have for now. I would urge you to go and watch some of his interviews, read about him and his team, immerse yourself. I think he has been poorly represented in this thread. 

100% agree

1 hour ago, Philosopher said:

So people are talking about how Rangers play. But what is being neglected, is that Rangers have better players then every other team in the league and his tactics have been shaped by the need to break down teams that park the bus. Which means those tactics are going to be largely useless to us. He is going to have to adapt to his tactics to play on the backfoot some of time, on the front foot sometimes, and to wrestle for control or at least a foot in the game. Totally different to automatically having that control ceeded to them before a ball is even kicked (as a resultof parking the bus).

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. 

3 minutes ago, Wezbid said:

Surely that just means plenty of them have escaped from Glasgow. 

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. 

1 minute ago, MaVilla said:

ok fair point, but again, we have quite a few players who can play wide or in a 10, or a forward roaming position.

Im not saying Kent isnt good, or that he wouldnt be a nice addition, but in reality, most Villa fans will say that if we have 50m, or even 100m in Jan to spend, right now there are other critical areas we need to upgrade before any of the front players, thats all im saying.

Our squad is extremely top heavy right now when fit, up front (and in forward positions) we have Ings, Watkins, Traore, Bailey, Buendia, Bidace, as well as other players who could play a 10 or roaming role, where our midfield is quite a disaster right now and effectively made of paper mache, and even our defence is a bit ropey.

Yip, all fair points

39 minutes ago, MaVilla said:

i dont see why mate, if all fit we have loads of wingers, a few of whom are very good quality.

I would much prefer it if we sorted the DM/MC issues, and maybe even some defensive frailties in Jan, if possible, with the money we have.

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. 

2 hours ago, Keener window-cleaner said:

Sorry if this has been discussed earlier in the thread, but what formation does Gerrard normally play at Rangers?

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.