Rob182

True, I may have exagerrated a bit :winkold:.. My main annoyance is people comparing footballers to normal workers because even if the comparison is made fairly, it's still a completely different kettle of fish. If I was offered a years wages then yes, I'd change jobs. But the fact is that I need those wages to pay my rent, car insurance, food and to fuel my car & season ticket. Unless a footballer is planning to buy an island - they really don't need the extra money.

I wish people would stop comparing footballers to people with normal jobs. It's nothing like us having a "2.5m signing on fee" dangled in front of us. For the amount of money these guys are on - it's more like the equivalent of dangling £500 in front of us. Is an extra £30k a week really going to make a difference to someone who already earns £50k a week? No. Yes, Houlston, he hasn't left, people are jumping the gun a bit. But I think the point is that if he did leave then he will be leaving for the money and for the POSSIBILITY, and nothing else, of City challenging for greater honours. They don't have the Champions League and they haven't won the Prem. He will be leaving us for a team who will be playing in the exact same competitions as us. So if it happens then it seems he's moving for the money and not much else that is guaranteed.

Also I don't like the idea of us relying on someone taking Milner from us. If we buy a replacement then we'll NEED to sell Milner. What if Man City then decide to f*ck it right up for us and go for a different target? Then we'll have to sell Milner to a different team, probably for a much smaller sum, and then we'll be weaker in the long run as we won't have much more money from the Milner sale to strengthen the squad. Man City will have won either way. If there's the slightest chance that Milner won't leave or won't agree terms with Man City then we should hope that it's possible and not jump the gun and sign a replacement.

I stated if it's a done deal therefor city will not be pulling out, we have already released 3 from the wage bill anyway. Only time will tell but if Milner goes and we end up paying something silly for the likes of Parker then my point will have been proved. How will it? Surely if it's a "done deal" then the new player would still have an inflated pricetag on his head anyway? Also, you said "practically done" ^^^.. which in football is not a certainty. The deal could still fall apart at 99.9999% Either way nedster, I don't think we're in a financial position to be buying a Milner replacement (who would cost £10m-£15m) before selling Milner. Randy has money but I think he's going to be cautious this summer.

I don't think it's as black and white as that. He might be happy to stay or go but doesn't want to dismiss all the speculation incase Villa tell him that they would like to accept the offer and move forward with the money. How stupid would he look if he said "No, I'm a villa player and happy".. but was then sold a month later?

I agree but maybe he is also hoping a big club will come along while there is interest from City still floating around. Fixed.

nedster, though it's practical for us to prepare for the new season - if we buy a replacement and then Man City might decide they no longer want Milner and go for someone else, we'll be left needing to sell Milner to whoever we can - probably losing out in the long run. Randy has loads of money but he's right to want us to sell before we buy. We've got an inflated wage bill as it is and I don't blame him for wanting us to thin it out before we bring in any more players.

Nice one wiggy! They should fix the word filter so "This" = Amen to that, brother! Like everyone else, I'm just hoping the Milner situation is resolved soon. Milner doesn't come back to training until the 25th of July, but surely he can come in for a meeting with MON to discuss the future now?

Amen to that, brother! (^^ It's the new "This"... I'm trying it out)

He really, really could.

Billy Talent - Beach Balls

I like Downing. I spent a lot of last season defending him when people seemed to think he was the worst player at VP. I hope he proves me right this season.

Lagwagon - Billy Club

That's disgusting! I knew we had no money, MON out!

Who's going to Centenary Square on 15th at 1pm? The kit is being unveiled by Dunne, Friedel, Petrov, Downing and Cuellar

I also voted 4. I think we'll see a replacement for Milner, a striker, a squad filler and another midfielder. I'd love a rightback but I can just see MON sticking with Cuellar.

I thought Bannan was a centre midfielder? From what I've heard he's not going to cut it at Villa anyway. Other than that barry'sboots, it's a decent looking young side!

I agree. Out of that bunch of misfits I'd take Bentley. But I'd prefer it if we could keep Downing on the right and Ash on the left to cut in on their preferred feet. Maybe Downing can take a few notes from Arjen Robben (minus the diving and crying). If we're to spend money on a new midfielder then I'd like someone to play centrally (in the mould of Ireland) and possibly a new defensive player to work alongside Delph/ Stan/ NRC.. -------------------- Gabby -------------------- Young ------------ Ireland --------- Downing ----------- Stan ------------ NRC ------------- But all of that would depend on whether Downing is effective on the right. If he's not then he should be on the bench or on the left with Ash behind the striker.

Only messing Kevan, let's hope Jack improves like we're all anticipating he does. Keep us informed of any goings-on! (although I'm sure sgc will beat you to it!)

Have I accidentally logged into facebook?

I get a blister on my right foot and left ankle every Thursday night when I play football. Maybe I need new football boots? Someone suggested getting talc and putting it on my feet to stop the moisture but I'm yet to see this work.

I salute you. yes, yes, no

Your point being that bigger teams won't be going for him or something else?

I don't think buying James Milner will make them a team. He'll be in and out of their squad like everyone else. Also, it's not just Milner who makes our team. Ashley Young is contantly tracking back, Gabby does his fair share of running every game. We have a good team spirit like a lot of Prem teams do. If the team doesn't change drastically every season then the team will play well together. The thing with Milner is that he has an incredible workrate which would be hard to replace.

Shillzz, we wouldn't get who? Schneider? I doubt we'd get Ozil either. Even though a couple of World Cup appearances don't make a player. I'm sure bigger clubs that us will be after him.