RedBullDelfouneso

People really don't understand betting, do they? Odds depend initially on the bookies' knowledge and insight, but from thereon reflect the betting patterns of the public. If 10,000 people simultaneously went and put £100 on Mr Blobby to become the next AVFC manager it would drop his odds...it doesn't mean it's going to happen. So if Randy can't get AVB then he should leave AVFC? If he can't persuade a manager who won the quadruple in Portugal, including becoming the youngest ever European silverware-winning manager, and who then went to Chelsea and is now sitting pretty on a nice settlement package, biding his time for a top European job... Give me a break. Im sorry but no one else can get us where we need to be. (off the top of my head) i.e. challenging for honours. If it was Mr. Lerners ambition when he bought this fine club to finish top 6 while getting the odd trip to Wembley sure he can stay but thats not acceptable for me. I want to be top of the pile and if Mr. Lerner cant provide that then imo its better for everyone if he moves on. Im not saying I'm not grateful for what hes done. Obviously I dont expect immediate success and would have given OGS sufficient time as in 2 years before Id expect to be where Fulham are. Don't get me wrong, I'd be over the moon with AVB but it's not going to happen. No one outside of Villa fans are even considering this possibility!!! To mention him is ludicrous...he is not going to go from Porto > Chelsea > Villa. If this had been just after MON left, and we were 3x 6th place finishes and League Cup finalists, then possibly as he'd be looking to kick on to top 4. But not in our current situation and with our current squad...he will have much more attractive options available unfortunately.

People really don't understand betting, do they? Odds depend initially on the bookies' knowledge and insight, but from thereon reflect the betting patterns of the public. If 10,000 people simultaneously went and put £100 on Mr Blobby to become the next AVFC manager it would drop his odds...it doesn't mean it's going to happen. So if Randy can't get AVB then he should leave AVFC? If he can't persuade a manager who won the quadruple in Portugal, including becoming the youngest ever European silverware-winning manager, and who then went to Chelsea and is now sitting pretty on a nice settlement package, biding his time for a top European job... Give me a break.

This is pretty much what I thought when I first heard the rumour. Then I actually WATCHED the video...Then I read this thread with posts written by Norwegians and other followers of OGS's career, which were universally complimentary of him...Then I had a look at what people were saying in Norway about him...Then I read what OGS himself said about Aston Villa...And by then I'd changed my mind completely. This is NOT "Some muppet" we're talking about here. This is a man who inspires almost unanimous admiration wherever he goes and whatever he does in football, a man referred to by some in Norway as a "national treasure". If Aston Villa is ever going to inspire anybody ever again, we need to be taking a chance on somebody before the CL clubs come calling. The person to take a chance on is somebody with impeccable football pedigree, likeable personality, winning record, knowledge of the transfer market, and perhaps most importantly, ability to read a game of football from the touchline. OGS is exactly this man, imo. This

Agree - they beat the unbeaten Juventus last night and very nearly beat the eventual Champions League winners earlier this year. Cavani, Lavezzi and Hamsyk are all top players who are sought after by Europe's best clubs. Anyway, this isn't a Serie A/Napoli debate... Sorry if this has been covered before, but do we have any kit release dates/estimates? When does the Nike contract finish? Sorry but I haven't got the energy to go back through 90 pages of comments...I've been through about 20 already!

Here's another great goal by Falcao: http://www.whoateallthepies.tv/videos/124649/falcao-keeps-on-keeping-on-scores-brilliant-scissor-kick-vs-millionarios-video.html Rhys - I have to agree, if I were Mancini I would ship Tevez/Dzeko and do anything I can to partner Falcao and Aguero, they would be unstoppable. Neymar also has the potential to be the very best, as you mentioned. It is important that he gets the right advice and keeps his head on, as he already has Beckham-esc status in Brazil, and we've seen what the Brazilian 'party' mentality can do to even the greatest talents (see Ronaldinho).

Wouldn't it be good if the Men In Black neutraliser was real, and we could erase McLeish from our memories...and all the horrible football that we had to endure as well. Personally I don't think he should have been given a pay off. He missed all of his targets and let everyone down, he should have been fired without compensation for doing a terrible job. Unfortunately, that's not the way contract work works... Anyway, new leaf, new season, new players (possibly)...

Coda - also heard this and it's possible; Torres loves Atletico and would certainly be happier there, although it would mean conceding that his best years are gone. It would need to be at least £20m + Torres I think...

There was meant to be an 'Other' option on the poll! I'd argue Ronaldo is still a winger, although he plays very fluidly. At Madrid, Benzema is the central focal point and CR/Di Maria swap wings in attempts to find space, hence why I wouldn't class Ronaldo as a striker. On Falcao - his hold up play is excellent. Technically he is fantastic - good close control, good movement, awesome heading ability, can score goals from anywhere. He really is a complete player. Similar to Aguero in my mind. Perhaps not as good at dictating play as Rooney, but a better all-round finisher IMO. Far from scoring a few worldies, here are his stats for the past three years (all competitions): 2009-10 (Porto) - 34 goals 2010-11 (Porto) - 41 goals 2011-12 (Atletico Madrid) - 36 goals

I'd argue that this guy is the best striker in the World at the moment. If you haven't seen his goal versus America de Cali from yesterday, check it out: http://soccersagacity.wordpress.com/2012/05/20/falcao-and-torres-contrasting-fortunes-of-two-of-europes-very-best/ Where do you guys think he'll end up next season? Can you imagine if we'd signed him up from River Plate for under 4 million Euros?! NOTE: When I say 'striker' I'm not including Messi nor Ronaldo - neither of which are 'true' strikers despite the fact that they are both outstanding in that position. For the sake of this question I'm discussing what you'd call an out-and-out striker.

Do you guys think Torres will stay? Quotes from him speaking to Guillem Balague in my new article here: http://soccersagacity.wordpress.com/2012/05/20/falcao-and-torres-contrasting-fortunes-of-two-of-europes-very-best/

This is all that needs to be said until official word comes out next week. Enjoy the CL final y'all!

Solskjaer interview here: http://bit.ly/JSmU3M courtesy of @RBFlemma

Solskjaer interview here: http://bit.ly/JSmU3M courtesy of @RBFlemma

Who on here has put their money where their mouth is? How much, and on who?

Why is Martinez nailed on for Liverpool? I agree he's doing a good job at Wigan but everyone seems utterly convinced...I wonder if it's got any foundation whatsoever. Personally, I can see the owners having talks with Benitez - he'd love a second crack at the whip and half the players there already know/love him...

Martinez is my personal favourite for a number of reasons. His name is Roberto, mine is Robert. He is very positive He wears a lovely suit He can bring Diame with him and get the best out of N'Zogbia I like your rationale. I have had the same thoughts about Montella (in the sense of the lovely suit, at least)...

This

Yes, how could we possibly pry him away from his garden. It's quite impossibru. Not so much that he's not available for a managerial role somewhere, more that it won't be Villa. I imagine his wages would be astronomical (and consider that RL's priorities still include wage reduction), and despite a failed season at Chelsea he is still on the radar for the major club jobs in Europe.

Happy Happy Happy Happy Happy...

I've compiled a little overview of the favourites, and some cheeky outsiders too! http://soccersagacity.wordpress.com/2012/05/15/who-will-be-the-next-aston-villa-manager/ For what it's worth, I can't believe people think we have a shot at getting AVB...

I still feel like getting an up-and-coming Championship manager will be the key - like Everton did with Moyes from Preston. Initial thoughts would be McDermott, Poyet etc but who knows... I fear Eck will still be here next season

I like both of those mock ups - good job. However, judging by the other Macron new releases (AZ) the shirts will only be fitted on someone built like Ade Akinbiyi

Nice little article on the McLeish Out campaign and him in general: http://soccersagacity.wordpress.com/2012/05/04/protests-planned-at-villa-park-as-fans-push-for-action-against-mcleish/

Is that a Vince Carter reference on your sig?!

Think I might try it, I'll be the one in the Fonz shirt!