Tomaszk

I also read Ashton to Newcastle for 10m. Id be furious if he went there and we wernt in for him. Really and excellent footballer. Could easily play whatever role you wanted him to, whether as a replacement for Carew, or playing off him goal-getting. Fair enough if he wants to go there ahead of us, he doesnt understand the concept of a quality club, but if we arnt in the running.....just.........GRRRR

I think im in the minority by saying Distin isnt god enough. Yes, hes quick, and can head. But so can Shitus Bramble. He seems to have an appauling reading of the game and it always leaves him behind play.

^^^ ill take that but foster ahead of carson No hoyte no SWP - not sure who else yet - just dont fancy him anymore IMO lost his hunger to succeed

I've always wondered that. Going on the history of Villa defenders, tradionally our strong point, we have had the likes of McGrath, Southgate, and going back even further Allan Evans, Ken Mcnaught, you have to wonder what qualitis people see in Mellberg to make him even in the top 5. he is an extremely average central defender belonging in a lower table premiership team, or a championship side. I fail to see anything he has in defending that makes him good at his job. I am not a fan really. BUT you have to say he is our quickest defender. Very pacy i find. Also strong at tackling (obvoius I know but he is good, better than say, Hughes) However, looks less comfortable in possesion that me when I play football, cannot deal with the long ball (heading wise), and sometimes fails to read the game, relying on his pace.

Interesting so far, I thought I was in the minority by thinkin Ridgewell was a more accomplished defender than Cahill. Of course only about 70 people have looked at this thread so far. Still 100s to go

1-Laursen 2-Ridge the Fridge 3-Mellberg 4-Cahill

It is interesting that the 2 young'uns seem to play better together, as do the 2 old'uns.

What do you think should be the regular 2 from 4? For me personally, Laursen, when fit MUST play. He is a beast. My other one is Ridgewell, who appears to be 4th choice for MON at the moment. For me he just organises the whole defence, and team from set pieces. He is also very good in the air (just behind Laursen), and is a decent reader. Also, I think he is the best passer in the whole defence, he can pick them, then either drive or loft his passes to the destination. Can someone please add a poll to this, couldnt find the option.

if theres no signings between now...and ill say..... 11am tomorrow, just cant see anymore signings. Any between 11 and the match would distract our players, and MON will be busy anyway.

I reckon Manu, need forwards, as Larsson wont be around forever

Has NO ONE seen some player coming out of our training ground recently?? I want a rumour to start...then us to sign someone damn good. just because im bored.

Dont mean to be negative but i dont think theyll be any more signings.the 3 we have are all good players and Im happy with it. BUT I would love another midfielder to hold. Barton - love him - wont come, and more of a box-to-box player as far as i can see Diop - yes - possible? Geremi - yes - possible?

Could there be a more definitive answer?

We should definetley get in for this player. Every time I see him he looks a class above, he would provide excellent competetion, in midfield. Most likely in the McCann role but could easily play furthur forward.

Garry O'Connor I think you mean from Dynamo Banana split, or someone else in russia. Hes a decent player from what Ive seen, always causes problems for defenders but not excellent. Absolute height 2.5m, wouldnt mind him though.

just realised were playing newc on the 31st. Thats a blow as last minute deadline deals will be difficult to push through. A lot of our business needs to be done before the 30th IMO so we arent rushing and not preparing properly for the game.

De La Cruz is a great player from Reading, he clattered through about 7 challenges to score today. Only cost bout 2m.

Barton would be great, i just really think that battering they gave us will count against us as he might see us as a stepdown. A forward is all we need now, one who can play on their own or as a front 2, be able to hold the ball up, and be a poacher......how many of those are about?? They are there - Bent, Ashton, Doyle. If its a stop gap till summer, why not a couple of quality unheard of foreigners discovered by our montrous scouting network as experiments. Maybe take a punt on someone like Eastwood.

We should get craig gordon and paul hartley. Both positions we need filling. GK and RM. Both cheap from crazy hearts

I really hope MON is aware of Bojinov, Iv seen him once live and many times on TV for Bulgaria mostly, but he looks such a good player. lol he probably doesnt know who he is

You sure? Wouldnt they want to hold onto him. So is he on loan at Viola then? If we could get him that would be incredible, excellent player, like a bull