Transfer Deadline – Tick Tock Martin..
The transfer deadline slams shut at 5pm today and Martin O’Neill and Aston Villa are yet to do any business, but is this such a massive issue?
Ok, i hear you, we all want a 20 goal a season striker and possibly a new midfielder but lets be honest its not like we are short of scoring a few goals is it really? And we have the best defence in the league.
With the only movement this month being Craig Gardners move to the Circus down the round, there hasnt been much more.
Myself i would be keeping an eye on Habib Beyes possible move to Sunderland, and then seeing how quick this deal gets done today. I believe if it’s done early – then we could very well see someone moving to Villa Park.
Martin O’Neill would only sell a player he brought 6 months ago if he wanted to bring somebody else in.
Robbie Keane is a possible name but would Harry Redknapp let him leave for a rival? I don’t think so. Will be very interesting to see.
Tick Tock Martin..
Gardner joins the enemy, anyone in for Villa?
We all knew it was coming, Craig Gardner has gone and joined the enemy across the City in a deal believed to be worth £3.5million.
Hes played for Villa 79 times, and signs a 4 and half year deal with Small Heath.
He maybe leaving for first team football, but is this the day that Gardner could go on to regret for the rest of his career? Birmingham City are the Yo-yo football club and not if, but when they begin struggling again and then get relegated, Craig will then be playing his trade in the Fizzy pop league.
To had insult to this, he joins stating that hes happy to be playing for the team he supported as a boy.
What i find funny is, after the negative reaction from blues fans when Liam Ridgewell signed, they have had to mention the fact that Craig is a bluenose as many times as possible in there story that probably doesnt contain anymore than 200 words.
Anyway, hes gone – hes now forgotten about and hes one of them. So with 4 days remaining of the transfer window does Martin O’Neill have anyone lined up to bring in? He stated he would only sign a player if someone left. Well here you go Martin, ones gone.
I can’t see us signing anyone to be honest, and it hasnt feel like a transfer window this month because i never felt like Martin had any intention of doing any business. Why not try a loan move for someone like Jaas-klan Hunterlaar whos desperate for first team football in the World Cup Year?
Gardner to Blues?
Sky Sports are tonight reporting that Villa and Birmingham have agreed a fee for the transfer of Craig Gardner. The fee is believed to be in the region of £3.5million plus addons.
Gardner is expected to go to St Andrews next week for a medical and to complete the deal.
This will be the second player in recent years to move across the city after Liam Ridgewells move a few seasons ago.
There has always been questions asked about who Craig supports, although with him being from the Stetchford side of the city it would suggest hes a nose. Im sure he will show his colours if he does support them when he jumps ship.
Craig Gardner, Carlos Cuellar and O’Neill on spending..
The Sunday morning papers are running in overdrive this morning when it comes to Aston Villa and thats not purely because they are taking on West Ham at Villa Park today.
Martin O’Neill has stated in the Daily Star that he would be in fact willing to splash the cash in order to improve on Villa’s season even though its not in Randy Lerners 5-year plan. Randy Lerner is set to return to England this week after a lenghy period in the States and O’Neill has stated he wants to sit down with the chairman.
This is Martin O’Neill talking here remember though, he has a tendancy to say what the fans want to hear, we just need to remember that actions always speaker louder than words.
The Birmingham Mail are going with more talk from Martin O’Neill, this time about our strong versatile defender Carlos Cuellar. The Spanish star has been linked with moves to Barcelona, Real Madrid and Seville this month but O’Neill has stated that Carlos Cuellar is going nowhere.
I dont think you would find a player whos playing in the best league in the world, playing week in week out and trying to break into his countries world cup squad would risk it by moving clubs and possible wrecking his chances wanting to leave really can you?
Another story from the Mail, is about Craig Gardners move to local rivals Birmingham City. Is it on or off? Would he move across the City or not? Apparently they are on the verge of making a new £3.5million offer for the former England under 21 star after already having a lower bid rejected.
Gardner is a good player in my opinion and he does owe it to himself to move clubs and get regular first team football, but would he really move to Birmingham City? Hes always said hes Villa through and through, but this is football and as Liam Ridgewell proved it could work in his favour.
I think this is a interesting one and i will be watching on very closely.
Meanwhile, as i already stated we entertain West Ham today in the battle of the ‘Claret & Blue’. There are still tickets available from £18 – £40 so be sure to get down to Villa Park and get behind the lads. After-all a win will take us joing forth, with Tottenham and Manchester City.
