Neil

Baba out of his hibernation due to talk of Taiwo leaving.

I think the thread on there actually quite accurately reflects the thoughts of the whole debate. Sunderland are doing better than Villa at this moment in time but I think there's a general acceptance Villa are bigger. There's always going to be bias because any supporter sees things through rose-tinted glasses but that's the state of affairs as far as those 2 clubs go. It's a lot about nothing really - 'status' may be interesting to subjectively measure but there's really no objective way of firmly concluding it, and it can be a very tiresome debate. Fwiw, I pretty much agree with your 'standings' there CP. I'd probably put Chelsea a tad above due to their recent success. I'd dare say Foolzy's assessment on Page 6 of that RTG thread sums things up for Sunderland and Villa.

In amongst the wreckage, a sensible post!?

Bruce consistently lives in a different reality. He seems to consistently whine on about how they're missing a bit of luck - er, excuse me Steve, you've been one of the (if not the most) fortunate sides this year. They've become solid this year and a better team but their position is more a reflection of a) the fact other sides who should be up there are struggling, and b) the fact they've rode their luck consistently this year. Actually, just when they looked to be having a lull on that front, the Gyan goal happened. He's a decent manager, but nothing more IMO. Let's see where they finish.

Why not?

So do you think he's worth £18m? Ultimately, he's worth whatever Villa were prepared to pay for him but from subjectively, yes, I think he is worth every penny. He's consistently scored goals in the past few years and although it may take a little while to accept "Darren Bent: £18m - eh?", the stats don't lie. Couple that with Villa's particular need for goals then there's no surprise they were willing to splash considerable cash for him. Sunderland have got a fair price. you'll have to completly change your style to accomodate him. I think he'll suit Houllier's preferred style of play very well, i.e. 4-5-1 defensive set up relying on counter attack football. Agreed. As is talked about widely, he doesn't seem to successfully link up with a strike partner so yes, there is that issue, but at Villa iirc they usually stick with one main striker and have others try to support him. This will suit Bent. Barring injury, he'll probably get 1 in 2 for Villa; could well hit double figures before the season is out.

So do you think he's worth £18m? Ultimately, he's worth whatever Villa were prepared to pay for him but from subjectively, yes, I think he is worth every penny. He's consistently scored goals in the past few years and although it may take a little while to accept "Darren Bent: £18m - eh?", the stats don't lie. Couple that with Villa's particular need for goals then there's no surprise they were willing to splash considerable cash for him. Sunderland have got a fair price.

You're being very kind with only £4m for Onouha too.

Nigerian U20 team? Whatever you say.

Taye Taiwo? Blimey, Lerner's got a few bob spare it seems.

Aye, SAFC fans are well better than us like. So much class, so much sophistication... hang on... They are proper big lads tweeting a football who's not likely to give a s*** what fans of his ex club thought of him The only group of fans I've met who enjoy the company of Sunderland fans are Darlo supporters, and that's only because their brand of football tends to be so tedious they'll go for anything. That and they're both cunts. It's a charming town, though.

He doesn't score enough. In fact IMO he simply doesn't shoot enough. He plays some really nice short balls in the final third and sure, it's nice to watch, but at times you just think, come on, put your foot through it.

That video. :lol:

He's pretty consistent. Some of his performances this year haven't been at his best but he's still been decent. You rarely see him have a particularly bad game, he's always trying to get on the ball and make things happen.

I don't want players to get injured, but if Gyan wouldn't mind just, y'know, having a little "accident", that'd be rather amusing.

I enjoy Nut's enthusiasm for wanting to create teams of a particular theme.

I'd love to know where he keeps going and why he can't huff in the house If I see him should I ask, or would that be endangering my life, do you think? You'll be on The List, that's for sure.

Aston Villa are 17th, we're 6th, that means we're 11 times bigger than them.

You're entitled to your opinion. 1878 has basically summed it up. Kranjcar is a pretty good player, I like him, but if I had to choose someone to have in my squad, it'd be Pienaar.

They've essentially ripped the doors off and are on their way to Dover as we speak.

Invariably I'd deny it but simply put, I entirely disagree.

What did Quinn say? *sets it up*

Get in, Blef. Was he grumbling to himself? AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!%@#$%%£!