villan-scott

The full article from FT states that they're finalising the other 4 companies as with us I imagine. May explain where the 500 million in their accounts has gone. I'm an optimist. Let's see where we go. It certainly makes a change to Lerner and knowing we weren't getting anywhere

Maybe heading out to China!?

Everyone jumping on these quotes from someone only known as Mr Jin from a telephone conversation? Calm down people, let's see what happens. Who is Mr Jin? What makes him more credible than Xia or Hollis? As has been stated, the Chinese are secretive, there's more to it than meets the eye I'm sure.

I'm fine with it. Nature of the beast and all that. Lotus Villa Park is the best we could hope for. It's still Villa Park.

I said last summer there was a base of a good side, I was just waiting for it to click, and as we all know it never did. Those players recruited from abroad are good players that need a few leaders around them. You could argue if they're that good they wouldn't, but it was a bit too much too soon in terms of new bodies in from abroad. I could see them coming into their own in the Championsip, rebuilding their confidence ready for another crack at the Prem. Completely feasible under Dr X now.

RDM spotted at BHX. Most likely irrelevant as he lives in Leamington Spa, but there we go!

I'd think he stands to earn a good whack from his work in selling the club. I'm sure he had a rather big incentive. But credit where credit is due. He's got us a new owner, who seems intent on putting us back in the Prem and a challenger rather than an also ran.

Been away on holiday to Woolacombe with zero signal and wifi 90% of the time. What a time to choose. Fantastic news on the takeover and we can all start to look forward and dream again. Xia certainly seems to have ambition and clout. It seems perfectly timed for us with the way China are having a huge push on football now. We need to get the big decisions right and build and progress. Something Xia seems to have planned. I'm excited. I wonder how our Championship counterparts feel about all this.

Having just watched Newcastle on MOTD, they seemed to play a blinder against Spurs. Begs the question why they hadn't played that way previously. If they can keep Rafa they'll be a force next season, hopefully it'll be us up there with them.

Keeping Grealish, Adama and Gil is key for me. Those 3 behind Ayew or another would reek havoc in the Championship. Keeping Amavi for the season would be great business, and then a solid other 5 from there. Gardner and Westwood would be good to keep in and around the starting 11, but we would need more bite and physicality from somewhere. A good start to the season and getting back to winning ways and gaining momentum are key.

Flat Eric. I can't wait for you to be gone.

Nice. Cheers mate. May have to save them and use them in the game, beats the standard graphic stuff out there. Mixes it up a bit.

Absolutely love this! I'm intrigued to see what UA do for us.

All these kits look awesome. I remember having one made up to use as a graphic in Football Manager a few years back. Would these be usable for that?

Bought myself an Under Armour cap today for my holiday... This first UA piece of clothing I've ever owned. Very good quality, got it in preparation for next season for an under armour full on outfit next season. Base layer included on cold nights! Or maybe not...

There's something about RDM that has got me thinking he'd be a very good appointment. Not sure if it's hope or blind faith, but it feels nice. Real nice. Mot seems things are happening at least.

Is that a finger or .... ?

Good job the season doesn't start tomorrow then! Lots to do and time is still with us, just about.

Steve Walsh was on Goals on Sunday this morning, not the highly rated one, but the old Leicester centre back one, and he thinks Pearson would be the ideal man for us. Ive not really had much of an opinion on this so far, but I'd say Pearson would get us out the Championship, and stabilise us, which is what we want. I couldn't see him long term though. In fairness he has been credited with laying a great foundation at Leicester, and they have a fantastic structure, but he has a glass ceiling as a manager. The long term choice for me would be Moyes, he could build something here and has a massive point to prove. A big bonus for Moyes over Pearson for me too is the fact he could get together his first choice coaching staff, which is something that cannot be underestimated. Ideally I want Moyes and ambitious Chinese owners.

I can feel a preseason trip for Villa in China in the offing! Might put a few off the fans that travel during preseason and book holidays around it.

I'd be happy with the Chinese group. I would imagine they're ambitious and want us back in the big time sooner rather than later. At the end of the day we have no control over it, let's just enjoy the ride and be thankful Lerner will hopefully be a thing of the past.

Constructive is positive in my mind. The fact they're holding out appointing a manager until it's done suggest they're confident it'll happen. Fingers crossed for it being done by the end of May for plenty of time to get stuff done!

At first glance I thought he was unimpressed by comments about Sir Elton.

Does he still have the plate BO55 NZO or something similar? Drove past him on the Hagley Road going into Brum about 18 months ago. Had high hopes when we signed him, oh how wrong I was.

Anyone fancy a beer?