Neil

I assume you guys have tried some winding up on Villa forums? I wouldn't be able to resist.

:lol:

Even by our standards, we surely can get some points in the first 5 games? Right? I'm sure the final day clash will be, er, vital.

Bill tried whispering sweet-nothings into his ear but alas.

Sorry mate, I was out.

There were a couple of rumours floating round the internet today that you bid £10m for Baines :lol: Hopefully start low bid up! If we can get him for about £16m and get a decent amount for Clichy (half of that) I'd be very happy! Once again Ash, you or any other club won't be getting Baines for £16m. Try £25m. And you may think "wow, that's a ludicrous suggestion" - take a look at the state of this ridiculous market we're in if you don't believe me.

Of course it's not "brilliant news" but hardly the beginning of the Apocalypse that you'd think had just started going off the reactions on here. I can see why people are feeling very negative. It remains to be seen whether overall you'll improve without him - the proper introduction of HBA, the impact of Cabaye, N'Zogbia if he joins - but this on the face of it is a very bad move. Top scorer and club captain (a very good one at that it seems). Not good. I worry for the knock-on effect this will cause within the current playing staff if he is sold. Could be disastrous.

There is no way in this universe this is brilliant news for you.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/timvickery/2011/06/penarol_embrace_their_rich_his.html Nice little article on Penarol and Uruguayan football. Vickery's blog, naturally. Uruguay's population is 3m?! I thought it was a lot more than that.

Exactly, no way we'll be involved in that Likewise, it's hardly Bill's nature to have "Hey Big Spender" blaring out of his office as he throws bags of cash in the air.

Sunderland's an island.

Story is basically the opposite of what we've been told earlier. Can't see that this article have much truth in it. Hmm, most accounts/reports I've seen (yes, just speculation) have been along these lines - that it's his agent (or should I say 2 agents?) who is the key player here, and is basically causing this to become such a boring drawn-out saga.

£20 if you're feeling absolutely off your tits?

If the reports are true, then it just reeks of everything that's wrong with football currently; namely the ridiculous power of agents.

Frankly just getting tired of this deal. His agent (or 2 agents?), his apparently huge demands... just decide one way or another. I'd happily have him but he's not worth breaking the bank over.

As am I! Although at first glance I did think it was Sagna claiming he'd oust Alves.

That's nice. Shame for him he wouldn't get into it.

I can only assume this follows on from the success of the 'Steve Bruce post match disappointment' emails.

Tranquillo's a very calm player tbh.

I think that sums up everyone's thoughts, I'm fascinated to see how he gets on. As I say though, although I'm not exactly following them, isn't Cardiff's squad in danger of being picked apart? He could be taking them on at a very bad time.

Can you? I obviously need to get to Specsavers.

McLeish. Villa. :lol:

Don't think he'll do very well. Doesn't help that Cardiff's squad is being picked apart.

Dave: purveyor of realism.