In my last blog about AVFC, I stated that "Somewhere in the rubble, is a foundation which will come to bloom next season . There are a few current Aston Villa players who I believe have no future, but I will comment on them after the season concludes away to Tottenham next month".
The Time is Now to address the situation going on in the confides of Villa Park.
Players I would let go [in no particular order]
Nathan Delfouneso [which actually happened] Has never looked good enough to be a Premier League player, but can still have a thriving career elsewhere.
Jed Steer [LOAN] , Nothing against him, I just don't see how not playing him improves him as a player, he should be given the chance to prove what he can do elsewhere.
Enda Stevens - I'm not sure why he got signed in the first place, but he did look useful on the rare occasion he wandered onto the big green enclosure surrounded by angry fans, bless him.
Ciaran Clark - Has often been given the nickname 'Calamity' due to his error strewn displays, I feel he just tries too hard, but he just isn't a good enough central defender.
Ryan Bertrand - Technically, doesn't belong to us, but I wouldn't make his Loan permanent as he just didn't do enough I don't think, although he did look a massive improvement on what we had at the position, until he missed a game due to ineligibility, then he looked forever lost.
Alex Tonev [LOAN] I still believe he can be a really good winger, he just needs time to settle, in a less hostile atmosphere, although with changes happening all around the club, perhaps he's in the best place. Still a regular run playing every week whill do wonders for his confidence.
Yacouba Sylla. Doesn't add anything special, should go while he's still relevant and can gain a little sum back.
Nathan Baker . Like Clark his Central Defensive partner, he just isn't good enough for this level at this time. Maybe one day he can be, but I wouldn't risk it happening under our watch.
Grant Holt. Like Bertrand isn't under contract to Aston Villa, but I would ensure he doesn't get that way as well. Did OK when Benteke was lost for the season, but I would have rather seen Robinson, Helenius or Bowery given a run in the team and the loan signing could have been used elsewhere of need.
Jordan Bowery - Until his cameo appearance in the final games of the season, I'd forgotten he was even a Villa player. Played well against Hull, but was pretty absent in the finale. Hasn't really had the regular first team action he needs to play well, as it stands is probably fifth on the depth chart which means unless there's an injury crisis, he wouldn't normally grace the bench.
Players I would sign [in no particular order]
Thomas Kuszczak - Brighton - Free His experience in the game should be a good fit in Aston Villa, and I'd definitely offer him a contract. He has worked under Sir Alex after all, who better to learn from ?
Marc Albrighton. Key when he featured, and often turned in man of the match performances. Sadly, this too has not been done as he's been released. Terrible decision.
Gareth Barry - Manchester City - Free. Would be amazing to get reunited with a player who still has it at the top level. Most Villa fans have got over his leaving, but he can really help the midfield which would free up so many other options he would be like having three new players.
James Milner - Handled his exit with class, and would love to see him back crossing the ball in to create chance after chance. Come on home Jimmy !
Charlie Austin [Providing QPR don't get promoted]. A 20 goal a season striker, would surely be a welcome addition to Aston Villa. 20 goal a season strikers are rare to come by anyway so I would put a bit extra into securing him, to form a menacing 2 headed attack with Christian Benteke [post injury].
Shaun Maloney - Struggled last time although he had homesickness troubles, seems more settled this time, so should remain a force, playing behind the strikers or doubling as a winger to assist Milner / replace him late in games.
Jonathan Woodgate - Middlesbrough. Has had injuries in the past, but has also played for Real Madrid. Good player, and would bring in a Centre back with experience which would be needed. In his final year of his contract, and he may be unwilling to leave his boyhood club, I'd certainly check in with him.
While I concede it's highly unlikely as things stand Villa could actually sign them, these are players I firmly believe they should target, given who might be available, and all could be considered realistic. The only problem with a few of them might be wages, but then, if you aren't prepared to pay top dollar, you end up paying for Yaouba Sylla.
The Time is Now to address the situation going on in the confides of Villa Park.
Players I would let go [in no particular order]
Nathan Delfouneso [which actually happened] Has never looked good enough to be a Premier League player, but can still have a thriving career elsewhere.
Jed Steer [LOAN] , Nothing against him, I just don't see how not playing him improves him as a player, he should be given the chance to prove what he can do elsewhere.
Enda Stevens - I'm not sure why he got signed in the first place, but he did look useful on the rare occasion he wandered onto the big green enclosure surrounded by angry fans, bless him.
Ciaran Clark - Has often been given the nickname 'Calamity' due to his error strewn displays, I feel he just tries too hard, but he just isn't a good enough central defender.
Ryan Bertrand - Technically, doesn't belong to us, but I wouldn't make his Loan permanent as he just didn't do enough I don't think, although he did look a massive improvement on what we had at the position, until he missed a game due to ineligibility, then he looked forever lost.
Alex Tonev [LOAN] I still believe he can be a really good winger, he just needs time to settle, in a less hostile atmosphere, although with changes happening all around the club, perhaps he's in the best place. Still a regular run playing every week whill do wonders for his confidence.
Yacouba Sylla. Doesn't add anything special, should go while he's still relevant and can gain a little sum back.
Nathan Baker . Like Clark his Central Defensive partner, he just isn't good enough for this level at this time. Maybe one day he can be, but I wouldn't risk it happening under our watch.
Grant Holt. Like Bertrand isn't under contract to Aston Villa, but I would ensure he doesn't get that way as well. Did OK when Benteke was lost for the season, but I would have rather seen Robinson, Helenius or Bowery given a run in the team and the loan signing could have been used elsewhere of need.
Jordan Bowery - Until his cameo appearance in the final games of the season, I'd forgotten he was even a Villa player. Played well against Hull, but was pretty absent in the finale. Hasn't really had the regular first team action he needs to play well, as it stands is probably fifth on the depth chart which means unless there's an injury crisis, he wouldn't normally grace the bench.
Players I would sign [in no particular order]
Thomas Kuszczak - Brighton - Free His experience in the game should be a good fit in Aston Villa, and I'd definitely offer him a contract. He has worked under Sir Alex after all, who better to learn from ?
Marc Albrighton. Key when he featured, and often turned in man of the match performances. Sadly, this too has not been done as he's been released. Terrible decision.
Gareth Barry - Manchester City - Free. Would be amazing to get reunited with a player who still has it at the top level. Most Villa fans have got over his leaving, but he can really help the midfield which would free up so many other options he would be like having three new players.
James Milner - Handled his exit with class, and would love to see him back crossing the ball in to create chance after chance. Come on home Jimmy !
Charlie Austin [Providing QPR don't get promoted]. A 20 goal a season striker, would surely be a welcome addition to Aston Villa. 20 goal a season strikers are rare to come by anyway so I would put a bit extra into securing him, to form a menacing 2 headed attack with Christian Benteke [post injury].
Shaun Maloney - Struggled last time although he had homesickness troubles, seems more settled this time, so should remain a force, playing behind the strikers or doubling as a winger to assist Milner / replace him late in games.
Jonathan Woodgate - Middlesbrough. Has had injuries in the past, but has also played for Real Madrid. Good player, and would bring in a Centre back with experience which would be needed. In his final year of his contract, and he may be unwilling to leave his boyhood club, I'd certainly check in with him.
While I concede it's highly unlikely as things stand Villa could actually sign them, these are players I firmly believe they should target, given who might be available, and all could be considered realistic. The only problem with a few of them might be wages, but then, if you aren't prepared to pay top dollar, you end up paying for Yaouba Sylla.
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