Aston Villa Banter Archive May 01 2013 to May 31 2013

31 May 2013 01:04:12
Alexander Esswien?

No not good enough for bundlesliga let alone prem

31 May 2013 00:15:47
Bojan on loan for first team football and creative spark?

30 May 2013 20:47:59
Hi Villa fans, Celtic fan in peace here.

I've been reading comments on both ours and your forums and I haven't come on here for a slagging match or a my clubs is bigger than your club debate. Just simply to express a few of my views.

Regarding Aleksandar Tonev obviously I hope the lad joins Celtic but if he goes to Villa then fair enough that's football and we move on to other targets.

I Know obviously players may well want to play in the EPL as it is a big league, that is without doubt, but there are just as many players that want to play for a club like Celtic even though the league isn't great, the opportunity of CL football is a big lure for a lot of players as well and the chance to win trophies, which I am by no means saying Villa can't/won't do.

A the end of the day Celtic have they're advantages and Aston Villa have there's as well.

Yes, the SPhell is a s**** league and Celtic fans will be the first to admit that, but at the end of the day we can only play who is put in front of us.

It has in no way been a runaway this season, in fact the EPL, La liga, Seria A and especially the Bundesliga were all won by similar or bigger points margins than Celtic's.

Celtic qualify for the Champion's League on merit. For starters we have to go through the qualifiers to get to the groups, which personally I believe the winners of EVERY participating league should qualify automatically.

I don't think Villa will be in the same position next season as they were in this, I hope not anyway because you are a good club with good supporters.

The comments on both forums like Celtic are a "Joke club" and Villa are "Just a small club fighting relegation ever season" are uncalled for.

I for one have nothing against Villa at all.

We've had links in the past with the likes of Thommpson, Maloney, Sutton, Laursen, Agathe, MON, Lambert and of course Stan Petrov. And hopefully we can continue the good relationship that's been made between our clubs in the last few years.

Anyway Good Luck for next season.

MikeyBhoy88

And to you pal hail hail

Good look too celtic aswell mate up the villa and the hoops

Tonev has choosen to join Villa he's said to prefer the EPL to the SPL

Tonev hasn't made his decision yet. Reports in Germany claim he wants to go to the Bundesliga

29 May 2013 17:01:23
Rumour has it Norwich City have been enviously peering over the fence, they have recently bought a new Ford Mondeo and taken a big mortgage on a new build in the suburbs and can be seen lurking around the more prestigious street we live down casting their eye over property and making jealous remarks.

Ford Mondeo? My mate told me it was a John Deer Trat-or combined with a plough for there carrots and turnips.

28 May 2013 19:31:48
I know we've had scouts at a lot of psv games this season but linking us with every one of their players under 25 is a bit much I think!

28 May 2013 09:27:36
Is there any truth villa wanna sign mesut ozil from real madrid?

Ed why even allow this post its not banter or rumour just cra* {Ed001's Note - just wanted to keep the IP handy on the editing suite here, so I could block it if he was posting a lot of crap. He was so now he is blocked.}

Yeah, we've had a bid excepted for £3m + barry bannan. In contract talks now. Meanwhile back in the real world, there is no chance in hell.

Ummm, no

Lol ed keep up the good work

27 May 2013 22:27:09
What's everyone's thoughts on Jurgen Locadia of psv? Would he be a good signing?

27 May 2013 20:14:33
Would love to see one of the following come in, but we couldn't afford more than one of these as they will cost more than the younger lads we're after:
Lens
Aubemeyang
Mertens
Douglas

If willems won't cost too much i'd go straight in for him as well!

P. s. Is anybody else enjoying the slightly chaotic return of mendax?

Ha ha ha
I'm flattered you are enjoying my return. don't know about the chaotic bit
Cheers
Mendax

27 May 2013 13:17:39
Why are you trying to criticize me for supporting my team, yes Benteke may want to join arsenal and I will support him until the day he leaves. People are entitled to their opinions but i'd rather support the team than criticize them. Iv been here before when my childhood hero Dwight Yorke joined Manchester utd.

And who really cares about you being head boy.

Keep your feet on the ground or that head will keep growing

Sounds like you need a group hug pal if were all right with are with what we say the world would be boring saw my first game in 1973 granted I was only three players come and go good times bad times villa through and through but I did hear your a big jls fan

27 May 2013 08:06:59
think dragovic and cavanda would be great additions to our defence

guzan sighurst

herd, lowton

vlaar clarke, baker, dragovic

bennett, cavanda


?

26 May 2013 16:00:01
So Villa are linked to loads of players but the most likely I think are:

Cresswell (bennett not good enough)

Murphy (we need a good attacking midfielder delph, sylla and westwood all defensive midfielders and with the zog being told he can leave)

Austin ( I think when bent leaves and possibly benteke we need another cf even if it entials he is a benchwarmer because bowery isn't good enough yet)

OR

Dwight Gayle, Forrester (same reasons as above but I don't think we will get forrester back because we let him go for a reason even thoughi think he is good. These two would be probably cheaper than austin)


Lescott, Mertens would be quality signings but I really can't see it happening due to wages and them wanting better clubs

Lukaku on loan would be the signing of the season for villa I think. He has hinted he will go on loan again next season and maybe benteke could persuade him to make a club and country partnership but yet again I can't see it happening becasue he said he wanted to go to fulham or everton if he was to go on loan and aparently mourinho doesn't want him to go on loan again again. maybe we could use bent in the deal or get the guy from anderlecht as another option up top with benteke

Sorry about the life story by the way ;)

Your apology at the end stopped me from mentioning it ;
Mendax

26 May 2013 01:04:07
Apparently Villa are 'in' for a recognised Swiss international, no idea who? {Ed007's Note - So not really recognisable then or you would know.}

Hes gone to sunderland

25 May 2013 17:39:00
villa should go for bolasie from crystal palace and mcgugan from nots forrest

25 May 2013 11:52:37
http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-mat-kendrick-reveals-4012192

Benteke's quotes are correctly translated & you'll see that he wants to stay here for at LEAST one more season.

LoveYaBentekkers!

25 May 2013 00:37:04
Abel Hernandez looks to be a good possible buy. We haven't been linked with him at all and bigger clubs have been in the past. He's only 22 and just been relegated with Palermo, doesn't seem to be very prolific but looks like a promising talent.

24 May 2013 11:05:38
27yo French CB, Bakary Soro, of Arles Avignon Ligue 2 could be likely signing for Villa as he's out of contract this summer and would be a free. Plenty of experience, but I would be suspect another younger CB also would need to be brought in, don't think PL would just bring in one especially from ligue 2.

24 May 2013 10:28:04
Benteke likes it at villa and knows he will be in the Belgium team for the World Cup if he stays he said he will go if a big club come for him as he says he does not want any regrets in his career and to progress

24 May 2013 10:27:23
If benteke wants to leave then there's the door. He's not bigger than us and he needs to keep in mind that we own him, its up to us if he stays or goes not him. Although if somebody offers £25m i'd bite their hand off. We can get two players as good for that who don't have their heads up their own backsides. I'd rather have two level headed hard working players than one lazy benteke who's half decent at winning ariel battles.

24 May 2013 09:48:40
Just what Villa want, An unhappy player in the dressing room, His head has been turned, Arsenal will get him

24 May 2013 09:06:41
Haven't been on here in a while because of the doom mungers sayin we were going to get relegated, glad to see they've all done one. Just a shame we got hyped up Norwich fans thinking they're better than what they are, hopefully karma comes round and they get a one way ticket to the panda pop league

Sorry Richard, all cautious supporters are still on here being realistic. Delighted that Villa stayed up. Now what did you contribute to the teams performance. FA. All you contributed was to be critical of those that urged caution when Villa were not safe. Even Lambert and Gabby made the same statement that Villa were not safe. Are they doom mungers?

Yep there back out again sayin Benteke will leave, maybe next year. My names Dick by the way not Richard.

Most are not stating that Benteke will leave, most are looking at ways of improving the team to move Villa up the table to top half, with Benteke, even into the top 6. It is the followers of other teams that are claiming he will move. As the head boy I would have been sure you could read what people are really saying.

24 May 2013 07:26:39
Did I just hear tv correctly, Benteke say he wants to join Arsenal? : (

Yes you heared Correct, Its going to take plenty of Lambert silk talking to keep him

23 May 2013 15:49:31
Jernade Meade has signed on a 6 month rolling contract on 8 k a week

23 May 2013 12:24:29
I find it strange we've released Marshall and probably going to sell Given to Hull once he's been paid off.

I can see Seigrist getting promoted to the first team but I'd assume as third choice so where are the links to goal keepers

22 May 2013 22:08:07
IMO I think we should go for Dragovic, Willems/pieters, powell on loan / murphy an guidetti on loan.

22 May 2013 16:52:19
Great to see stan joining the youth coaching setup

22 May 2013 10:42:43
Surely their is at least a team somewhere willing to buy shay given because a £5 million pay off is ridiculous if its true. But I guess it better than the £9m he could get from us by staying. i'd even let him go for a £1m, I'm sure he'd drop his wages even further to play first team football elsewhere but if not, then pay off the douche. Bought time villa dumps all these high earning cowboys

You know every time lamberts mobile goes off and shay names pops up the phones put on silent. go away you useless git

Of course there's teams after him Hull being one but he'll still seek compo to leave as his wages will drop significantly

20 May 2013 19:34:46
I know Norwich fans aren't popular here but I'm honestly glad that you guys stayed up, Lambert or not it's obvious Hughton was better for us and Lambert has done well for you as well, we are not rival teams remember. I'm looking forward to the next villa/norwich match only hoping we can beat you next time ;) congrats on staying up, - Norwich fan

Its the nice ones that make me sad to hate norwich, but I would like to point out, without sounding like a 10 year old in a playground, they started it. When norwich came up, I was hoping they'd stay up, I wanted them to win games and do well, its only since paul lambert moved on and they've constantly bombarded our page with needless and sometimes contradictory posts that I have gone the other way and now wish the worst on them.

Nice to hear that from a Norwich fan, it's as though most of them feel the need to create a rivalry with us because they don't have a local rival in the Premier League.

Norwich release 10 players 5 of them being Lamberts signings 2 of them would do a good job at Villa, Tieney defence and Jackson you could get them for free, just the type to fit into your budget.

Why would we want Norwich rejects you should keep them for when you get relegated next year

No way will Norwich be relegated next season, I will put £50 on Norwich finishing Higher than the Villa. 4 clubs chasing Benteke and wiemann good luck without them,

Chasing them doesn't me they'll sign them! Then again you're a norwich fan so I doubt you know what's its like to have people chasing your players.

Have you more money than sense? 40000 x £50 = £2000000. Now either you are a Canary waiting to get stuffed or immensely foolish. Sorry I posted this in the wrong place previously but I am shocked that a sane person would make such an offer. But then you are a Norwich supporter, says it all.

I do not gauge the sucsess of Norwich finishing above Villa, I hope Norwich can finish above 11th then it will be an improvement on this season, it is irrelivent to me where Villa finish. Although there is no doubt Villa win win both games against Norwich next season (and will continue to do so all the while Lambert is there) I still think we will finish higher in the leauge. Before you Villa fans start sprouting off about what a big club you are and how much better you are, that's my opinion, I'm sure it is different to yours but we will have to wait and see.

Norwich will do better next season, and finish higher than the Villa, you said it was one off last season, All YOU HAVE DONE THIS SEASON IS AVOID RELEGATION, WE on the other hand have finished 1 place higher than we did last season, AN IMPROVEMENT, slight but an improvement, and with the players we have coming in I recon on top 8 next season

19 May 2013 22:48:10
I am watching MOTD on the last day of the season thinking back to where I was last season, then it registered I was watching Norwich City stuff Villa 2-0.
No one at Norwich would have believed that we could have finished in a better position than we did without Lambert, well we have and full credit to Hughton, he came with big boots to fill and has pulled it off.

And this time Villa stuffed you twice this season and both times at carrot rd.

I'm sure you weren't much of a force your season under Lambert and neither are we but with him surely strengthening our defense and midfield in the transfer window we'll be better and I'm sure if Lambert is a 3 season a club manager as he has been upto this point in season 3 we'll be back completing for europa spots and good cup runs.

I really like his ethos as the majority of players he's brought for peanuts and have come in and excelled
Benteke, Westwood, Lowton, Sylla, Vlaar. I just hope a few of our youngsters get a shot as I feel there good enough

What a shame only 28 supporters turned up to Etihad to see Norwich win. Fabulous support.

Hahah why do Norwich fans come on here is it because they have got nothing to do except discuss delia's new recipes or wether there best player holt will be sold for a £5 to some non league side. Pathetic really I'm sure hughton will take you far next year, you may even get 18th if you're lucky

Apologies for mocking Norwich being a nothing club. I was watching TV and Ricky Tomlinson lead you to win the Mr Clutch Cup, 10 years ago maybe but at least you guys have some heritage eh?! well done Norwich

Only 28 fans at the Ethiad, are you pissed or blind, take another look, we had more than 3000 there, and they out sang the mancs and Norwich the only team to beat both Manchester clubs this season and only club to put 6 past Hart, we would have beated them at Carrow road if not for the Bent Ref,

Anyway that was last season, let's forget it the past is history now and the Summer looms, both clubs will be set for changes, we already know of 1 player already signed, R. V. W, and we hear 2 more from Holland. Nobody can say how much either club will spend in the summer, But Norwich are now debt free and got money to spend,
Good luck for the next season except when we meet

There must have been an explosion of births in Canary land. They actually got 66 more supporters through the turnstiles this season than when they just avoided relegation previous season. Put at least a grand in the till. Fantastic support. I bet you can name all the guys that went to the etihad. Took another look and counted 29, sorry.

19 May 2013 19:47:46
Yes today confirms it, Norwich are a better club than
Villa, how green is your grass Lambert

I'm sorry what was the score a couple of weeks ago?

Wow it was 2:1 villa but that makes norwich better then man city lmafo and that makes west brom = to man united get real mate its over a season not a game if that's all you can come up with go crawl back in a cave lol

No matter about that we got more points than you we are 11th where are you?

That just sums up norwich though, finish above us, still lose 2 and draw one against us. Just so you know, coming on here and calling us rubbish just makes it even worse for you not to be able to beat us. Go back to your own page, and enjoy you're extra 700k, that will buy you two more awful players!

Norwich moving forward as Hughton gets us higher than Lambert could. Lambert is a good championship manager at best, that's his level.

Norwich better than Villa -

If living in the shadows of Ipswich leads you to jump on one season where you obtain 2 more points than a 'rival' as vindication for your lowly and miserable backwater of a club then good luck to to you, your wife, mother, cousin, son and anyone else you have recently bred with.

You Norwich fans are absolutely pathetic. We've almost had to completely rebuild our team and you're boadting about finishing 2 points above us. What a joke of a clun.

Villa v Norwich 3 times this season with 2 wins to Villa and a draw so who's better than who

Bassically like this
G on google look at epl table first place was best this season overall and so on so this season norwich where 11th best simple you can't lie about the truth.

I've said it many a time before but the difference between us and norwich are, we're at the lowest point we'll ever be, but norwich are at the highest point they'll ever be! If they keep surviving in the prem they'll always be a bottom half team but in a few years the might villa will be back to where we belong! In europe and pushing for the champions league again!

You would know all about living in the shadows, West Brom and even Birmingham have had more recent success that the midlands dinosaur club. lol

Highest point Norwich will ever be? Look at the table of the first ever premiership season

Yes a mid table finish is a high for norwich. Its a low for villa. You're at your peak, we are not. let's see what happens next season

Villa are at no means near our best but were rebuilding our squad. Lambert did this with Norwich and took them as far as he could so you'll start to plato now where as we'll get stronger remembering even at our lowest we beat Norwich 4-1

Norwich have spent no more than fifteen seasons in the top division. Similar to a lot of clubs, such as Luton. We laugh at you and your trophy less history. Get back to league one you are worse than Bluenoses!

Haha norwich have won more trohpys this season then villa again you can't lie about the truth.
Noriwch under 18 fa cup winners
Norwich under 21 cup winners
That's 2 trohpys maybe not first team but still 2 more then villa.
Also to the guy that said norwich are at a high and that we have ch who finished one place better then Paul lambert we have 20m plus to spend if ch decides its already been said that he's looking for quality not quantity. We have James Vaughan back who's been banning goals this season in. We have rvw coming and being linked with defour. I can't see that's a club at a peak it's a club on the up at the end of the day this year and last year norwich where higher finished in the league that means for 2 season norwich have been a better team simple as I'm not on about the past I'm on about current so next season if your above us Aston villa where better then norwich that season. It's simple as that and Aston villa will won't be near Europe unless they win the fa cup or something neither will norwich. So all this my clubs better is rubbish stats showed final position norwich a been better for 2 seasons. let's look forward to next season.

Hi Lord HaHa. Winning two trophies will cost you money. Norwich will have to build a trophy room. But only a very small one.

If you wanna talk about youth cups then we're the champions of europe? Be quiet you're embarrasing yourself.

Look at when villa won the majority of their trophies, before the First World War, yes the era when football was at its peak in this country. Just accept you are a dinosaur club that us being found out.

If it wasn't for Paul Lambert you were in danger of ending up like Leeds.

You can tell a small club when they list under 18s cup under 21's cup and Norfolk Alan Partridge Commemoration Cup along with the one other cup they have EVER won. lol. I bet they list League One runners up in their programme still, maybe even best pie award 1994! lol give it up, we laugh at you and soon you will feel ashamed about starting this little bitch fest

PS - Ipswich have been in the top flight quite a bit, even won a European trophy. Are Norwich just the reserve team that were cast out for having too many genetic abnormailties, I am not aware of them winning anything so will assume this to be true.

As far as I can see, Lambert has achieved no more at Villa than your past two managers except avoid relegation, and by the way Norwich run away with the Lg1 title not runners up, that came the following season where QPR won it but where are they now. and where will you be without Benteke, we saw how bad you missed him playing Wigan,

Which person posted on this page to look at the first ever prem season. Seems to confirm that AVFC were and still are superior in every way to the Canaries.

Just look at the prem stats since its inception. Only 7 ever presents, none of them Norwich. Also I want the t/p number of the geezer offering £50 that Canaries finish better than Villa. He must be very very rich. 40000 X 5 = £200000. Either reckless or unable to count.

19 May 2013 09:48:38
Six positions have been identified which Lambert may look to reinforce and strengthen the squad before the beginning of the 2013 / 2014 campaign. Those positions are centre back, left back, defensive midfielder, attacking midfield, winger and striker.

Centre Back


Former Arsenal target Aleksandar Dragovic will hopefully have his pal Weimann twisting his arm

Former Arsenal target Aleksandar Dragovic will hopefully have his pal Weimann twisting his arm



It's a position most supporters were crying out for reinforcements in the January window, so the most eye-catching transfer link in recent weeks has been Andreas Weimann's Austrian team-mate, Alexsandar Dragovic. The 22-year-old FC Basle centre back has enjoyed an impressive season. This isn't the first year that Dragovic's performances have caught the eye, but Basle's extended cup run in the Europa Cup has focused attention more keenly on the commanding young centre back. Dragovic wants to move to the Premier League and is good friends with Weimann. Time to pick up the phone, Paul?

Another centre back link to Aston Villa in recent weeks has been James Chester. Lambert was previously interested in James Chester during last summer's transfer window, and some reports suggest that Lambert's interest in the ex-Manchester United academy centre back dates back further. The stumbling block is Steve Bruce's steely determination to hold onto the boy, and Hull's promotion to the Premier League. Now that Chester is a Premier League player, an inflated transfer fee could scupper any further moves.

Marcelo is a 25-year-old centre back who currently plays for PSV Eindhoven. 6ft 3, quick, strong and athletic, he might be an option Lambert has considered due to the fact that there are reports that Lambert has again been scouting players in Holland and Belgium.



Verdict: Dragovic. Quality player and potentially a great investment for the Lambert project.


Left Back


Is Lambert still interested in the Aaron Cresswell, the young Ipswich left-back?

Is Lambert still interested in the Aaron Cresswell, the young Ipswich left-back?



Aaron Creswell has enjoyed rapid progress in recent seasons and deservedly won a transfer from Tranmere to Ipswich in 2011. Lambert showed an interest in Cresswell in the summer of 2012, but Cresswell had only been at the Ipswich for one season at that stage. Cresswell now has another season under his belt and could be more amenable to a transfer to the Premier League. Similar in style to Leighton Baines (rather than Bennett who is more of an Clichy type of left back), he would offer a great option in the squad when considering that two players are needed for each position in the squad.

Victorino Antunes is a Portuguese left back who was previously linked to Aston Villa in 2007. He is now 26 years old and is on loan with Malaga (previously on loan at Roma). Antunes returns to his parent club Pacos Ferreira at the end of the season and will be looking for a new club. Antunes has stepped into the Malaga team to replace Nacho who moved to Arsenal and has played some very impressive games recently including scoring a great goal against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu in a 3-2 defeat.

Ryan Bertrand may find himself short of games next season if Chelsea proceed with the potential transfer of Luke Shaw from Southampton. He fits the Lambert profile, but it is likely that he would want to remain at Chelsea and work under Jose Mourinho if/when he returns to Chelsea this summer.



Verdict: Cresswell. Competition for places is vital. Cresswell is a better defensive player to Joe Bennett and would be a great addition.


Defensive Midfield


Time for Brighton's Liam Bridcutt to join the Premiership?

Time for Brighton's Liam Bridcutt to join the Premiership?



James McCarthy is a player Aston Villa should have sought to sign two seasons ago. The immense potential he is showing now was all too obvious as a younger player. Wigan's FA Cup win has increased McCarthy's value immeasurably, and James's admirers have grown in numbers. McCarthy has been strongly linked to Everton, Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham, but it may be worth finding out what his plans are anyway. More than a defensive player, he is a leader, a driving force in midfield, creative and capable of finishing off moves too. Comfortably worth the £10m transfer fee touted.

Raoul Loe is an imposing 23-year-old defensive midfielder developing nicely at Osasuna. Loe may be a much cheaper option for Lambert than McCarthy. Osasuna are a team in financial administration and simply must sell players this summer. Loe is arguably their best midfielder and has room to develop further. Loe notably scored a good goal against Barcelona at the Camp Nou this season to suggest he has goals in his locker too.

Liam Bridcutt, as Villa fans will know, has been linked with a move to Villa throughout the season. Following Brighton's failure to gain promotion and Gus Poyet's recent resignation, the opportunity to sign Liam Bridcutt presents itself kindly to Paul Lambert this summer. Fulham and Norwich have also expressed an interest.



Verdict: Bridcutt. Part of the same Chelsea academy team as the very impressive Jack Cork, Bridcutt has the potential to add much needed steel to the Aston Villa midfield.


Attacking Midfield


The Serbian teenage talent Filip Jankovic

The Serbian teenage talent Filip Jankovic



Crewe's Luke Murphy recently revealed that he is ready to step up to a higher level. So far, Celtic have shown a considerable interest in the Crewe youngster, as have Stoke. Luke may however prefer to join Aston Villa due to his previous successful partnership with Ashley Westwood. Luke is more a goal scoring midfielder than a creative advanced playmaker, but Luke's tally of 21 goals from centre midfield at the young age of 23 is certainly impressive. Lambert appears to be a huge fan of Luke and has scouted him many times before. It would be a safe bet to assume that a bid will be made to Crewe for the player in the summer.

Another goal scoring midfielder option is the in-form Valladolid central midfielder, Oscar Gonzalez. Oscar is this seasons 'Michu' in La Liga. He has scored 12 goals from midfield this season and has an impressive 7 assists. At 30- years of age he may not fit Lambert's profile of player, but he would probably be a cheap addition to the squad.

A younger and incredibly talented youngster Aston Villa were linked to last summer was the 18-year-old Serb, Filip Jankovic who currently plays for Red Star Belgrade. Jankovic is more of a creative midfielder, although he also scores a fair amount of goals similarly to Luca Modric. Being 18 years of age would not put Randy Lerner off as we have seen from the signing of Fabian Delph, but Villa might face stiff competition from Parma for his signature.



Verdict: Murphy. Lambert seems very keen to sign this player and other options may only be pursued if the player decides to move elsewhere.


Winger


Basles highly-rated winger Valentin Stocker scores against Spurs in the Europa League

Basles highly-rated winger Valentin Stocker scores against Spurs in the Europa League



Aston Villa have arguably played the entire 2012 / 2013 season without a single wing option. This position of the pitch must surely be high on the list of Lambert's priorities to strengthen.

Jefferson Montero is a 23-year-old Ecuadorian left winger who recently played in La Liga for Real Betis during the 2011 / 2012 season. Montero is incredibly fast and extremely strong. The young winger has a low centre of gravity at 5'7 inches and memorably played two very impressive games during the 2011 / 2012 season. Chiefly, his performance for Betis against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu was a standout game, whilst Montero then played an equally impressive match against Leo Messi's Argentina for his native Ecuador. Available from Morelia due to the fact he wishes to return to Europe, Montero may be available for as little as £2m - £3m. Montero has the potential to be worth ten times that figure and would be a worthwhile addition to the squad.

Valentin Stocker is another player who has impressed for FC Basle this season in the Europa League. Part of a Swiss under-21 team that produced extremely attractive football, Stocker is a creative, intelligent winger compared to the pace and power of the athletic Montero. Lambert's signings have leaned towards players with noticeable football intelligence and Stocker possesses this attribute in abundance.

Albert Adomah is a winger at Bristol City who recently represented Ghana in the African nations tournament this January. Rumoured to have been scouted by Lambert, he is 25 years of age now and is also being tracked by Crystal Palace, who have a habit of accumulating promising wing talents such as Victor Moses, Wilfried Zaha and Yannick Bolasie. Adomah has played some impressive games for Bristol City this season and has scored some vital goals for the 'Robins'.



Verdict: Stocker. Villa need a player to break down teams from the wide positions when teams sit back at Villa Park. These skills are not currently possessed in the play of Agbonlahor or Weimann, who rely more on their pace and counter attacks.


Striker


Iago+aspas+aston+villa

Iago Aspas - could he be Villa's answer to Luis Suarez?



Following Darren Bent's likely departure this summer, Lambert maybe looking to add another striker to the squad. Having brought in two target men (Benteke and Bowery) during the previous summer transfer window it is unknown what kind of player Lambert would be looking for in a new forward.

Iago Aspas is a forward who currently plays for Celta Vigo in La Liga. Aspas is an extremely skillful and creative player and he is perhaps most similar in style to Luis Suarez. Aspas is not really a number 9 or number 10, he prefers to drift into positions Suarez occupies in the inside left and Inside right forward position. Aspas is an extremely intelligent player and would link up brilliantly with Benteke in my opinion. Aspas was set to join Valencia this summer, but the Valencia President Manuel Llorente quit last month and the new President was allegedly far from impressed by Aspas's red card against Deportivo for a ludicrous (although out of character) headbutt. The proposed signing appears to have therefore fallen through. Aspas would be available for around £6m - £7m and he would more than justify this transfer fee as he is a quality, quality player.

The Times football journalist Duncan Castles recently linked Aston Villa to a move for Thievy Bifouma who is owned by Catalan club Espanyol. The young French striker has played his football this season for Las Palmas in the Spanish second division and the under 21 international's biggest career achievement to date was a hat trick against (an admittedly weak) Barcelona in the Copa Catalunya final. Lambert's thinking may be understandable in this regard. Established young French players have demanded sizeable transfer fees in recent seasons due to Arsene Wenger's successful exploitation of the French market. Therefore young French players who have made the move to Spain, such as Bifouma, often prove to be better value.

Another forward plying his trade in the Spanish lower divisions is wing forward Federico Vico who plays for Cordoba. At 18 years of age, Vico is a young Spanish prospect who would be an exciting addition to the Aston Villa squad. Vico has represented Spain at under 17, 18, 19 and 20 level and has been dubbed as a future Cristiano Ronaldo. Still rather early to see if he develops to the level hoped, the transfer may be a gamble Lambert would be willing to take.

Nice write up and research. can't see us signing more than 4 players in the 3m plus bracket but 4 plus 2 cheap or bosmans could happen

Nicely copied and pasted there mate. At least give some credit to the bloke who's write up you just ripped off. Unless you're the same bloke in which case it's good. lol :)

Well done for copying and pasting an article of My Old Man Said

18 May 2013 18:24:33
Expect a few releases and a hand-full of sales because from the words of PL, he is rebuilding and overhauling the squad - so all the deadwood, high earners and weakest links will be moved on. What people are getting confused with is the experience factor - basically he will bring in some players with a good few games under their belt whether its league 1 or 2 or European leagues. I expect Luke Murphy to sign up hopefully, and from what I've heard from Crewe fans that I know is that he is way too good for league one and easily Premiership quality. Bennett will be kept and showed a lot of promise in the Chelsea game so the pre-season will be important to his development and place in LB. Cresswell might be a no go due to his price tag and villa's funds after having another impressive season for Ipswich, Villa won't go over the £5 million mark knowing that we still have Bennett and Baker to contend for LB. I know for sure that CB Martins-Indi has indeed been scouted among others but again his tag could be anywhere between £5-£12 mil. He also play LB so he could be very useful if we have problems in that area. Strikers will be depending on what happens with Bent but pre-season will be vital for the likes of Bowery and Delfouneso (His last chance to prove himself) and also youth ranks such as Burke but I suspect the best of our youth graduates to be loaned for experiences apart from Carruthers & Gardner perhaps. An interesting link and has been talked about in many forums across Europe is a striker named Jozy Altidore who has developed very well in the last two years at AK Alkmaar and has been linked to us before. he's scored 30+ goals this season (few behind Wilfreid Bony) and has been watched by a great number of teams. He is a little similar to Benteke playing in the CF role but can play on the right as a winger/striker. He is 23 and american and could be worth a punt but all depends on what PL decides as we have a few of strikers to choose from or promote. As for other positions, they will vary but PL will definitely stick to the lower league gems route on majority of buys.

I have to say that persanolly I find it more important that viemen signs a new deal otherwise we will need to sign 2+ strikers, have to say I think it is the fonz last season at villa unless he improves considerably. I think we need 3 players if we manage to keep all of our stars. Definatly need to get rid of given, dunne, Hutton, Ireland, bannan, bent and send Dawkins back

If past history is anything to go by Lambert will bring in lower league players who he can see potential in them that everyone else has missed, he is a master at making his players feel they are something special and getting the best out of them. Expect most of the trading to be done early in the window so every one will be well settled before the start of the season. If Lambert decides the sale of Benteke will benifit the club he will be sold, if Lambert decides keeeping Benteke staying will benifit the club he will stay, if however Lerner decides to sell any players without Lamberts approval you will be looking for a new Manager, that is one thing you will want to avoid as you are in possesion of a Manager who is heading for the top with you or without you. Norwich Fan

16 May 2013 21:40:16
Villa confirm that no major signings are planned this summer - see quotes from club in the press. Understand there is no intention to spend heavily and that the club will continue to develop young players, as well as speculate with prospects from the lower leagues.

Benteke is judged to be almost certain to, albeit his new deal WILL have release clauses involved.

Villa had hoped to secure Will Hughes from Derby but have been priced out of the market. Callum McNanaman is another target but the club unwilling to pay more then £3 million for the Wigan star

Norwich reported to going after Steven defour and Callum mcmanaman 8.5m for defour and 5m for Callum.

No big name signings or large transfer fees. So no Lescott or Sinclair.

We looking to integrate our European winning kids in to the set up and spending money on the youth system

16 May 2013 10:18:45
Obviously Benteke is the stand out this year with Westwood, Lowton and Guzan impessing.

But who will make an impact next season I tip Sylla, Delph and Gardener to make an impact next season, as Sylla is starting to make an impact now, Delph has become a lot more solid in midfield and i'm hoping Gardener returning to fitness may get him in the team to shine next season

15 May 2013 23:03:58
I duno why people keep saying we're going to get more strikers when we've got 4 already we will get two more midfielders and a left back

Your forgetting Bent is on his way out so we'll obviously replace him with a striker or a winger

I expect 1xstriker, 1xcreative midfielder, 1xdefensive midfielder 1xCB and at least 1xLB to be coming in

But if not all these happen I hope Seigrist gets a go at the first team if Given goes and I'd like to see some of our youngsters get a shot

Agree mate, would love to see gabby or weimann playing off benteke. Gabby has looked quick running between the two defenders again and when he was at his best his entire game was based through the middle with link ups from heskey and carew. Then i'd love to see two good tricky wingers putting the balls in. When we were pushing for top 4 we had everything except a top quality striker, now we have 2 of those and we stick one out on the wing, i'd rather our strikers were in the middle scoring our goals. I'm not blaming lambert because the only out and out half decent wingers we have are albrighton and n'zogbia, and ones injured and the other can't cross. Would love to see him go for sinclair or mertens, doubt we could afford both. Also jetro willems for left back.

Lets be honest Albighton runs it to far cuts onto his right and trys to shoot he can't cross and N'zogbia can't cross really Gaby has the best cross out of them to be fair.

I personally like gaby playing wide I think it motivates him better he works harder and scores more the most he's scored is 13 and he's dun 12 this season after several mediocore seasons

Personally I can see us making one marquee signing this summer in the shape of jefferson farfan who can play as a winger or a striker.

15 May 2013 13:52:56
What do you guys reckon is the likelihood of having a team like this next season:

Guzan
Lowton Lescott Vlaar Figueroa
Clark Westwood Delph
Mcmanaman/ Benteke Weimann
Sinclair

Subs:
Siegrist
Cresswell
Baker
Sylla
Sinclair
Agbonlahor
Finnbogasson

I reckon this team would be in a comfortable mid table position, and the transfers are not too unrealistic and wouldn't break the bank.

For me how do we play Sinclair and sit him on the Bench and he's also playing up front instead of Benteke. :-)

But if we could get lescott/dragovic, Sinclair, Finnobogasson

and the likes of Mcmanaman, Murphy, Cresswell, Vydia from lower leagues I'd be more than happy

You a 12 players on the pitch?

I'd put Mcmanaman in Clark's place and keep Gaby were he's been performing

Sorry for the confusion guys, I meant either Mcmanaman or Sinclair, both I think would do a cracking job for us!

I'd rather sinclair if i'm honest, look what happened last time we signed wigans best winger.

Where's Gary Gardner?

To be honest and people will shoot me down but at minute I don't rate sinclair. still think he's got to prove he's prem quality

To be honest regarding Sinclair, you'd have said the same thing about Lowton, Westwood & Sylla - I'd take a punt and would probably get him dirt cheap presuming that Pellegrini brings Isco with him!

15 May 2013 06:16:34
Norwich fan here
Congrats for some awsome performances and safety this year look forward to so good games next season now let's stop the arguing and slagging each others team off and just banter :p now go kick wigans bum

Cheers mr norwich fan with more than half a brain, all the best.

It's about time a Norwich fan talked sense seen as it's been Norwich fans which have been harrassing our banter page all season.

(but for the record you realise we'll beat you again next season as with this season Villa will have trimmed down our wage bill even more and be able to make our squad larger)

I'm looking forward to it mate as norwich have no debt and our wage bill and transfer kitty has risen will be interesting I'm just a happy supporter anything can happen in football. You have an awsome manager did wonderful for us and will always respect him. Hope your board backs him and gives him money. As for norwich I hope ch learned that giving his midfield an open role in letting them attack and not hold there line we can play very good. Better to lose 4:0 trying then 1:0 with no shots right.

Very true. CH will come good all his previous teams have played good football he'll get there it just might take awhile.

And Villa will have cleared our debt by next summer I really like the new transfer policy as apposed to spending big on over paid charlies were buying players thankful and hungry to play at the top level for a fraction of the wages we were forking out on rubbish established prem players

14 May 2013 23:01:41
if results go for us on sunday and we win we can be 11th, what a amazing job paul lambert and lerner

Up the Villa!

Hopefully finishing above Norwich proving its not how you start a marathon but how you finish

14 May 2013 21:38:59
So we're officially safe now! let's go and enjoy the last game and end on a high. Onwards and upwards next season. UTV

14 May 2013 17:14:47
Does anyone seriously think Wigan will win tonight I reckon they'll lose as Arsenal have to much on the game.

And what does everyone reckon our realistic targets are as we keep being linked with the likes of Sinclair, Lescot and Dragovic but then loads of lower league players
so comments please on who you think we'll sign?

Does anyone think they'll be a marque signing which has been implied on here?

Dragovic would be a great signing

Well at 1-1 at half time and again wigan playing arsenal off the park I can see them getting a result tonight. to be honest although i'm a villa fan you have to admire the way wigan play

At the moment i'm a relieved sunderland fan with arsenal going 3-1 up mate but your right its been good to watch wigans style of play over the last couple of weeks a bit like yourselves entertaining to watch and although not a fan of paul lambert I think you have got a guy who can take you forward and make villa a good team to watch only problem you might have is keeping the vultures away from benteke and some of the other young lads who have impressed

Well it's safe to say at 4-1 with 10 mins left Wigan's fait is sealed

I would like to see come in
Sinclair, Dragovic, Finnobiggson, Cresswell, Mcmanaman and Luke Murphy and Siegrist promoted and a few of the youngsters getting promoted

With following leaving

Bent, Given, Hutton, Makoun and Ireland (although I reckon we'll be stuck with Ireland til his contract expires which is next year)

And expired contracts

Dunne and Petrov

Well that's the dream done for Wigan

I'd like to see coming in

Loe, Maloney, Murphy, Chester, Cresswell, Dragovic and Bony

We are stayin up come on you villians

12 May 2013 21:22:32
I think we should retire the number 19 shirt tbh

No Reserve for a special player make it a coverted shirt to wear at Villa meaning it symbolising the villa spirit like the no7 at utd no9 for strikers

Exactly give the no19 to a player who is equally loved by the club/fans

Gabby or Benteke


or even make it so it's the captains no

I would give it to craig gardner for luck and inspiration!

Why would you give it to Craig Gardener who plays for Sunderland

Do you mean his younger Bro
Gary Gardener

Yes Gary Gardner future captain of villa and possibly England :)

12 May 2013 16:05:14
I think it's a fact that the man Bennett is just not very good we definatly need a lb m I for one would like to see fabio think he would be a good fit, even though he's a rb could play lb

I thought we should have gone for him when he was available last summer

Possible cressewell plenty of pace unlike the man Bennett

12 May 2013 09:24:07
Arsenal v Wigan score prediction anybody?

1-0 wigan I can see it happening, all results gone against us today. baggies are f**king useless.

Haha norwich wanted that game norwich fan here and it's been awhile since norwich played like that. Actually saying that last time we played like that was Everton when ruddy got injured back today with a clean sheet. Here comes Ricky van wolfswinkle.

No chance arsenal need to won for top 4 and to keep pressure on spurs. Wigan are for it this year, just when Small Heath won the cup a few years ago! VTID

Not all the results Sunderland drew and have spurs last game so I for one don't mind if Wigan win both games if it relegates Sunderland

Well we al knew that one team would be below villa as Sunderland played Southampton who where on 39 that's a no brainier but I guess if Wigan do beat arsenal villas going to be very nervous at the weekend while norwich sing there hearts out. Also don't say never Man U lost 12 points and lose the league in the last seconds. Anything can happen.

11 May 2013 21:45:13
I don't know how Wigan do it but every April/May they start to play like Barcelona. Do you think that they will beat Arsenal? I think a draw or a loss for Wigan will see us safe, is that right?

Wigan will beat arsenal and villa I think villa need to pray that the teams below them don't get points or wins. If Newcastle norwich and Sunderland win and Southampton get a draw in there last 2 games villa should be scared. Watch out there coming for you.

^^are you a nervous Villa fan or a troll?

I'm kinda scared villa fan I think Wigan after fa cup can beat anyone specialy us. I think norwich will win just hope Newcastle Southampton and Sunderland don't. then again if all those teams get 1 point and Wigan do lose to arsenal game over

Arsenal still have champions league to play for, there is no way they will roll over to a very tired wigan team, wigan cannot defend and could not beat swansea who are very mediocre of late. Wigan are down and it just proves how much the cup run can hurt teams! We were exactly the same with the capital one cup, played great in that but awful in the league, we've picked up so many more points since being knocked out.

Villa are safe there's 4 clubs between us and Wigan.
And Wigan's luck won't hold out against Arsenal when they need to secure Champs league football

Look again, its 2 now, even if Sunderland draw and you lose to Wigan which you will, Its Curtains.

11 May 2013 19:36:24
Will bent start against wigan or will n'zogbia come in and play in Weimann position. What do u think

What bout Bowery in Weimann's role and Weimann playing in Benteke's role

Now I think if wigan lose or draw then the youngsters will be given a run out

10 May 2013 13:45:16
Villa to sign Luke Murphy and Will Grigg

No will not happen due to a massive possible transfer for a playmaker mid june

I think the Murphy deal will happen

10 May 2013 09:47:12
5 players Villa are/have been linked with

Alfred N'Diaye

Versatile enough to play in either central defence or midfield and possibly the only Sunderland AFC player that left Villa Park having not playing an absolutely dreadful game, even if he was a bit of a turd to Matt Lowton. Definitely one of former boss Martin O'Neill's better signings and the giant French youth international could add some steel and composure into Villa's midfield. Having the luxury of choosing from; Ashley Westwood, Fabian Delph, Karim El Ahmadi, Gary Gardner (Craig's younger, better brother), Yacouba Sylla and N'Diaye would give competition and quality in abundance.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is a 23-year-old striker that Villa were heavily linked with in the build up to the close of the transfer window, before eventually signing the goal machine that is Christian Benteke. The Saint-�tienne hotshot has 19 league goals already in Ligue 1 and has helped ASSE win their first major domestic silverware in over 20 years. Unfortunately he would have to be a replacement for Benteke as I don't seriously think that we could afford both of them; I'd much prefer the giant Belgian Holte End hero to be leading the line next season but in the event that he is sold, Aubameyang would make an exciting replacement. That said, bigger clubs have been linked to Ligue 1's second highest scorer this season and it would perhaps be a shock to see him move to Villa whether Benteke is sold or not.

Jetro Willems

The left back position is one that certainly needs strengthening at Villa. I'm actually a fan of Joe Bennett and think that the stick that he gets off some fans is disgusting, but with him being the only recognised first team left back there should at least be some competition added. Willems is an attacking young full back currently plying his trade at PSV in the Eredivisie and he's already been capped several times for the Netherlands national team, albeit mostly in an appalling showing at Euro 2012 in which they failed to win a single match. Perhaps what we need is experience and not more prospects, but it is definitely exciting having such a young, attacking team. That is of course unless Southampton are stupid enough to sell us Luke Shaw for a reasonable price, which I highly doubt they are.


Simon Kjaer

At 24-years-old Simon Kj�r is hardly toward the end of his career, but the Danish international central defender already has 33 outings for his country and over 150 first team club appearances. Currently playing in the Bundesliga at VFL Wolfsburg, a move to a club that has flirted so dangerously with relegation may not be at the top of his agenda, especially after being in a similar fight with his own team this season. The Premier League however is a big draw, and supposing Villa manage to stay in it there's always a chance that a player who almost signed for Real Madrid as a youngster and has been linked with clubs of the stature of Manchester United and Arsenal in the past might just fancy getting a taste of the action.

Luciano Narsingh

Luciano Narsingh is a 22-year-old winger and another venture into the Eredivisie that I'd like to see Paul Lambert make. Having sometimes lacked width and creativity out wide this season, it's a signing that would not only give Villa more options but also a more direct approach against teams that are happy to sit back and let the claret and blue midfield try to pass their way through. Having been playing first team football since he was just 18-years-old, Narsingh has made a big contribution to PSV's title chase against rivals Ajax that looks set to go to the wire.

Ultimately though I hadn't heard of Matt Lowton, Ashley Westwood or Christian Benteke before they were linked with Villa this season and they have been some of Paul Lambert's best signings, and Villa's best players that I can remember in the last few years. I fully expect him to sign a total of zero of these listed players (allow me to dream) but I'm now certain that whoever he signs they will be a huge success and pretty exciting

Good write-up! Willems and narsingh would be quality, if we could break the bank i'd love to see dries mertens in a villa shirt too!

09 May 2013 19:26:13
God bless you stan proper gentlemen and a cracking player it's footballs lose but a charitys gain you gunna get a right send off sir

09 May 2013 17:38:54
All the best to stan19 he has still been a rock even off the pitch his battling nature in the face of adversity goes on and has no doubt been our motivation through a tough season a true captain and inspiration to us all.

09 May 2013 13:05:22
Just wanted to wish Stan all the best for the future.

The word "inspirational" comes to mind, both on and off the pitch.

09 May 2013 11:56:41
Just on to wish Stan all the best in his retirement. He wore the Celtic shirt as well as the Villa, and graced it the way he did yours. He is well loved in Glasgow and we are so glad he beat that horrible disease. Good luck Stan, I don't think someone like you will need it though, a born fighter!. green jhedi
PS, Looks like you will stay up. Great, far too big a club for the championship.

09 May 2013 09:55:50
Everton Looking to take Darren Bent off Villa's hands.

This Summer taking 90k a week of the wage bill in addition Dunne's contract worth 65k a week and Petrov's 70k a week contract also expire this season meaning Villa will have 225k a week in the wage kitty

and if Villa are able to offload Given and Ireland that would be a further 160k a week freed up making a total of 385k per week for wages just think how many players Lambert could sign with that wage budget as Lambert has stated he wants the squad to get bigger as Villa have one of the smallest squads in the league

Given and Ireland aren't on the amount you said. More likely on 110-120k a week between them.

Ireland is on 80k and I've seen reports Given is on the same and 70K so which ever really

08 May 2013 14:57:11
Stan petrov day at Wigan cool let's hope we get more tickets should do if beat Chelsea or arsenal do Wigan then it's party time

08 May 2013 09:43:42
Norwich fan here in peace.
So Wigan lose if we all get a point and Wigan lose to arsenal we are all safe and hopefully we can talk about transfers not argue.
Anyways with lambert expect young players like this season hopefully with more quality.
Norwich have RVW and looking at bony and hooper.
Be interesting summer with a lot of money going around.

If norwich lose and wigan get a point against arsenal would villa do norwich a favour lol

If Norwich get Bony i'll walk around Carrow Road wearing a mankini-Absolute rubbish you're talking there i'm afraid mate

No team will want to loose a game, whatever the fans may wish for, name one Villa player with a grudge against Norwich. The players are going to want a win for the fans and end the season on a high.

What if Wigan win and norwich win and villa lose? Ever thought off that no team who's on 38 39 or 40 points are safer then anyone on the day anything can happen. What if Newcastle win norwich win Wigan win And other teams get results but villa lose. Oh no it can soon flip so don't get cocky

What if norwich lose and are going to face city on the last day lol

All arsenal have to do is draw against wigan and we're safe! We could also be safe by saturday night but let's be realistic its chelsea so i'm not expecting a lot, I am quitely confident though. We're in the best position out of anybody and our fate might not even be in our own hands! Norwich do however have the hardest next teo games and I honestly cannot see them getting a point, if wigan draw against arsenal and win against us and newcastle and sunderland pick up a point then its bye bye norwich!

Don't really think that any Villa fan is being cocky, just realistic of our position.

Wigan must win both games, Norwich must win at least one, ie beat the Baggies, same for Sunderland & Newcastle and then hope goal difference goes for them as you have to fancy Spurs and Arsenal in their last games. If Sunderland win their next game that means that Southampton are suddenly in the mire.

In any event, based on our recent performances, I think that a result at Wigan is likely and that will be that.

07 May 2013 16:00:35
Aaron cresswell - Ipswich lb
Rhys Williams - mboro cdm/cb/rb
Luke murphy - Crewe cm

A cb and winger

Those would be my targets

MS92

Wouldnt mind having maloney back give nzogbia some competition?

06 May 2013 09:49:16
Douglas at fc Twente is out of contract in the summer, Liverpool sniffing around, would love him alongside Vlaar

To true we were linked last summer along with Newcastle can't see Liverpool signing him I expect them to try and spend big again

06 May 2013 09:00:07
Oh dear, after the loss against us norwich have cancelled this evenings awards ceremony as they need to concentrate on survival as apose to getting hammered and handing out awards for biggest chin (i can't inagine there would be any awards to do with football since they don't play any of it). Looks like the staff at norwich are as worried as the fans on their page are!

As a Norwich fan yes I am Worried, its so tight at the bottom, I love your confidence. If Wigan beat Swansea, then Norwich, Sunderland, Southampton & Newcastle all win and you loose to Chelsea you will be right back in it.

I base my predictions on form, and in 2013 we've scored the same amount of goals as Manchester United we're beating all the teams around us and in our last 8 games we've only dropped 8 points, against liverpool Manchester United and dropped to against fulham. This is why i'm confident, we were right in a mess 2 months ago and odds on to go down, now we're getting further away with every passing game.

05 May 2013 14:02:21
i think aiden mcgeady, victor wanyama or gary hooper will do us fine

Hmmm I like Wanayama but not fully convinced {Ed002's Note - That's a stroke of luck then.}

05 May 2013 08:09:20
Mr doomboy has vanished I stuck up for my team believing and all he came out with was negativity I personally think we can we the next to matches onwards and upwards proud of the lads unlike some

04 May 2013 19:58:13
I wonder where lord Ha Ha of Norwich has gone? All of his proclomations have tumbled before him. 7 pts in front of Villa and heading for Europe was his claim and relegating Villa "today" That was some weeks back, now, 2 pts down and heading for 46 games next season. No Europe, no hope. How sweet. Revenge is a dish best served cold.

04 May 2013 18:36:28
Benteke a beast? More like a pussy cat. Ryan Bennett had him in his pocket all afternoon. 20 million! Wouldn't get £20 on today's showing.

The difference is, when our best player don't play well, our others do! don't be foolish, if norwich had £20m to spend they pay it all for a player that can store then 20 goals a season at the top level. Enjoy the championship

It wasn't about Benteke not playing well, he didn't have a choice as Bennett mastered the so called 'beast'. He's shown up for what he really is when he comes up against a player who won't be bullied by him, cause that's all he is. He may well score goals against poor teams like in his previous game against Sunderland, but how many did he score against Man U?

Every player has quiet games mate, and he must be half decent if you're taking such pride in one of your players outplaying him for one game. Round of applause for 'taming the beast' who frankly wasnt at the races and didn't need to be!

Who Won pal for months we were relagated today take it on the chin as usual

3 goals against liverpool and 2 against everton, and assists against liverpool and man u, that's just teams going for europe in his first season, this is not including his movement that has allowed others to score, hence taming the beast as your calling it didn't stop others scoring.

Might have had benteke in his pocket but could not deal with gabby

04 May 2013 18:12:46
The Turkeys not cutting the mustard today. Thought they were better in the first half and out muscled our defense but great running by Gabby with two almost identical strikes that their keeper should have done better. A long with Lambert, it seems only Lotus are the other good thing to come out of Norwich.

03 May 2013 20:21:22
Its probably the biggest game of the season tommorow for both sides, a win will almost see the winner safe and heap massive pressure on the looser, I think Norwich will be happier with a draw than Villa. On current form you would have to fancy Villa, especially with the Lambert factor, the only sure thing is if one team takes all 3 points these banter pages will be overloaded tommorow.

Norwich fan here im
Looking forward to the game a little banter here and there the problem is this site it gets nasty. Whoever wins wins there's nothin we can do and I just pray to god wigan lose Newcastle lose and sunderland lose.

The biggest game was monday night if we had lost their would off been massive pressure on us but when we win today we'll be able to relax a little

02 May 2013 10:16:42
Lamberts cluess, why did we ever fire Alex? : (

You what and how long did he last in his next job again was it 5 months

Ther is no way that was a villa fan posting that just some nose trying to get a silly reaction nice try.

Lol at why

01 May 2013 13:27:49
Any score predictions for the Norwich game? They have been pretty strong at home all season.

3-1 to Villa Benteke 2 and Weinman 1

A Villa win by any margin will be enough to move above them. That will do for me.

I see it being a draw 1-1 maybe try haven a very very good home recored think its like 28 out if 38 at home. I think big villa and Norwich will be happy with a draw if Swansea lose.

I know we would both love to beat each other, its a tough call given our positions and all the history with Lambert, as you know anything can happen on the day. I have a serious question, would you take a draw?

Would not be totally happy with a draw myself. We have momentum and we need to win. then we are 99% staying up. A draw would make for a very nervous last 2 games

01 May 2013 04:52:04
If westay in the Premier League, do you think that Benteke will stay at VP? He seems happy enough but is he happy enough to stay?

Nrwich fan here I think he will stay unless there a top 6 team or a team abroad offering 50k plus money always talks.

For lambert to come out and say if we stay up benteke stays, I think its pretty much set in stone but if we do stay up and benteke is sold behind lamberts back I can see him walking, its looking like we will stay up after todays win against the canaries, a couple of defenders a cb and a utility def needed a dm and another creative player and I think we will be sitting strong next season