Would you give Hutton or Warnock another chance?
Now that the transfer window has shut, and these two still remain at the club, would you be prepared to give them another chance to wear the claret and blue? We’ve heard a bit from Hutton and how he’s having to train away from the first team, while it’s been a little bit quieter regarding Warnock.
One thing I hate is players on good money not contributing at the club I love. We’ve seen it plenty of times in the past, with good ol’ Habib being right up there with the worst offenders. Granted it’s not usually the players fault if the manager picks the team, but still it’s something that really irks me, and it’s not even my money! Here are two players who must be on around £70,000 a week between them (maybe more) and who as it stands won’t be contributing much at all to us going forward.
Now there are some fans who will welcome this move, because these are two of the more disliked players to grace Villa Park for a while. In an ideal world they both would have been sold this past transfer window, but by all accounts there wasn’t much, if any interest in the pair. So now the question remains, what to do with them? Hutton has spoken a little bit to the press, and here is a bit of what he had to say:
“I was told it was nothing to do with my ability,” “It was all about the other aspect of it (finances)”
“If that’s the case I don’t see why I won’t be considered for the team. I’m still on the books, so there’s no reason to leave me out altogether.
“Myself and the new manager get on fine, there is no problem between us whatsoever. I’ve actually had really good conversations with him since he’s taken over. Hopefully, now the window is closed and no more deals can be done, I’ll push my way back in.”
Maybe a Championship side will come in for one or both of them on loan, but to fair to Hutton, I agree where he says ‘there is no reason to leave me out altogether’. Despite the new signings in the full back position, we’re still a bit light, so maybe in the result of an injury crisis or what not, he might get a look in.
As it stands I’d have neither Hutton or Warnock involved in the match-day squads, again barring injury, but I’d be curious to see if any of you see things differently. There are games where we’re going to have mix things up so to speak, and as we’ve all seen these two have a physical aspect to their game, although it often ends in tears.
So as the question states, would you give them another chance, or is Lambert doing the right thing?
Let us know!
UTV.
Categories: Up the Villa Tags: Alan Hutton, newsnow, Steven Warnock
Hutton out? Lambert well on his way to legendary status
He’s already moved the dug-outs and he’s saying all the right things. And now just to top it off, it appears that our new manager wants to achieve legendary status in his first month of his new job by getting rid of everyones favourite right back Alan Hutton.
Tongue is firmly in cheek but if the report in the Mirror is indeed true, then Lambert has further endeared himself to the Villa faithful. James Nursey has written the article, and he’s always seemed a bit more plugged in to the local scene than others. The report states that Lambert wants to replace Hutton with previous link Kyle Naughton, and you have to think this would prove to be an extremely popular move. Here are a few quotes from the piece:
‘The Scotland defender is told to find a new club as manager plots a move for Tottenham starlet who played for him on loan at Norwich last season.’
‘The Scot became a scapegoat as Villa struggled for wins and goals under compatriot and unpopular boss Alex McLeish.’
‘Now fellow Scot Lambert, aiming to revive Villa after they came 16th last term, has told Hutton’s agent to find him another club.’
Hutton did improve as the season went on which as we’ve explained previously wasn’t the hardest of tasks. There are a few reasons I like this move a lot. Firstly, I’m not at all convinced that Hutton should be our right-back going forward and I hate the thought of him blocking the process of someone like Lichaj or any new arrival. Secondly he’s a McLeish player, it’s as simple as that. His disciplinary record was not the best, and that’s putting it lightly, and as we’ve talked about, now is the time for a completely fresh start.
We’ve discussed the plusses of Naughton previously, and like I said I would love to have him here, especially in a deal like this. We’d probably lose money on Hutton, but considering we brought him for £3 million I think we could get at least half of that. Perhaps he might interest a premier league side near the bottom of the table, or maybe a Championship side but most importantly for the majority of Villa fans he may not be a Villa player for much longer. If we sold him for £1.5 million, and brought Naughton for £4 or £5 million, we’re laughing. Let’s hope that this report, is more than just a rumour!
UTV.
Categories: Up the Villa Tags: Alan Hutton, Kyle Naughton, newsnow
Aston Villa Player Ratings from our battling 2-2 draw with Everton.
Delight for our Skipper
Let’s face it, after the first 45 minutes yesterday we all would have taken a point, and over 24 hours after the final whistle blew, I’m still delighted with the spirit and character shown by our Villans to come back not once, but twice. This was NEVER going to be the easy game that a lot of people seemed to think it would be. Regardless of the problems Everton are going through they are still a more than decent side, with Internationals throughout the starting eleven. I would have been happy before the match with a point, and after the way we fought for a hard earned draw, I was delighted after.
While the first half was disappointing, I was amazed to see the reaction of some Villa ‘fans’ when we went one nil down. I always try to be positive with regards to the Villa, but when we do play badly (like the first 45 mins yesterday) I’d rather discuss it sensibly than begin criticising everything to do with our great club. Comments like ‘McLeish and Lerner out’ after 45 minutes of mediocrity do no-one any favours, and I’m genuinely worried how some will react when we do lose our first game this season. It seems some people can’t wait to get the knives out, but I’m sure the majority won’t overreact, and won’t think the world is ending. It’s all about the bigger picture and for me at least, McLeish has had a very promising start to the season.
Anyway enough of that! On to the players ratings after a battling point yesterday. As always feel free to get involved, and share your views (Twitter and Facebook links are at the top of the page).
Shay Given: 7 – I love seeing him in nets for us, and as mentioned a number of times this season his communication is a joy to watch. Made a couple of vital stops, and although he almost got caught out towards the end of the match, he made a great save in the last minute from an Everton corner. Could do nothing with either of the goals.
Alan Hutton: 5 – Not the best debut for the former Tottenham man, who looked off the pace throughout. Poor in possession, and Everton were successful with far too many attacks on the left side. He needs games and to build his match fitness but this wasn’t the best start for the Scottish international.
James Collins: 6.5 – The whole defence were found watching for Everton’s opener, but he grew into the match as the game went on. As always a beast in the air, and put his body on the line on more than one occasion.
Richard Dunne: 7 – After one of the best defensive performances in recent memory for his country in the week, Dunne continued his good form with an impressive performance. Looks more calmer with Given behind him, and is continuing to read the game extremely well.
Stephen Warnock: 5 – He’s started the season extremely well considering his issues last campaign. Poor game yesterday though, and he was beaten far too many times by Seamus Coleman. Poor in distribution, hoping for an improved performance next time out against Newcastle.
Fabian Delph: 5 – I’m a big fan of the player, but he needs to learn to tone it down at times, as he’s almost trying too hard. Neat and tidy at times, though our midfield was often dominated throughout the game. Gave away a needless penalty just as we were getting back into the match.
Stiliyan Petrov: 7 – As mentioned our midfield were overrun at times, though he tried his best to keep us possession and to allow us to get a foothold in the match. Stepped up when he had to with an absolute peach of a goal. The reaction of his fellow players tells you everything you need to know about the how much they respect him.
Charles N’Zogbia: 5 – Just waiting for him to really announce his arrival at the Villa, as he put in another poor performance yesterday. Showed some nice touches, but just not clicking for him yet. Was once again taken off in the second half.
Emile Heskey: 5 – No time for him to make an impact as he was withdrawn after 15 or so minutes with a hamstring strain. Disappointing after a promising start to the season.
Gabriel Agbonlahor: 7 – Quiet for the first half (along with the rest of the team) but looked much more threatening in the second half. A cracking run deserved more before he popped up towards the end of the match to rescue a point for us with a well taken header. His celebration showed just how much he loves the Villa and the fans.
Darren Bent: 5 – A poor display from our main man up front, who didn’t look quite right after his recent injury problems. Missed a good chance at the start of the second half, and while yet again the lack of service to him is a worry, he needs to make more of an impact. Saved us early on with a header off the line.
Subs:
Barry Bannan: 7 – Replaced Heskey early on, and his enthusiasm for the game is great to see from a Villa viewpoint. Always wants the ball and tested Howard with a few efforts from distance. Needs to work on the defensive side of his game, and was extremely fortunate to not give away a penalty as he appeared to catch Baines in the second half.
Marc Albrighton: 7 – Came on when we were chasing the game, and did what he had to do, putting in a peach of a cross that Gabby couldn’t miss. Very encouraging cameo after a pretty disappointing start to the season.
Stephen Ireland: 6.5 – I was impressed with Ireland when he came on, and I’m hoping he uses this appearance to push on for the rest of the season. He wanted the ball, and made a number of cracking runs. Positive signs.
Man of the Match: It’s tough this week as there was no real stand-out performance. For stepping up yet again though, I’m going to award it to Agbonlahor, who has started this season in very good form.
Summary: After a first 45 minutes that were pretty diabolical, a draw at Everton is not to be sniffed at. We came back not one, but twice, and it’s great to see our Villans display such character. A cracking goal from our captain and Gabby once again stepped up when we needed him. We’re still unbeaten, and hopefully we’ll get the three points next week and that will represent a very promising start to the season.
UTV!
Categories: Up the Villa Tags: Agbonlahor, Alan Hutton, Alex Mcleish, Aston, Aston Villa, Barry Bannan, Charles N'Zogbia, Darren Bent, Fans, manager, match, report, Round up, Shay Given, Up the Villa., Villa
Rating our new arrivals out of 10, because we can.
Hutton and Jenas
Ah what a nice quiet day. Thankfully the madness of transfer windows is over for at least a few months, meaning we can actually concentrate on the football, rather than getting too caught up in who we may, or more likely may not, bring to Villa Park. With that in mind, here is a quick look at our newest arrivals with an Up the Villa rating to boot.
Here we go.
Shay Given (£3.5 million): 9/10 – I wasn’t too keen, but am delighted to have been proven wrong as Shay Given has been a revelation since making the move to the Villa. He has renewed enthusiasm for the game, and is looking as solid as ever. His communication is a joy to watch, and our defence looks a lot more solid with him in goal. A great shot stopper, and the fact we’ve conceded only the one goal in the league to date, tells you everything you need to know.
Charles N’Zogbia (£9.5 million): 7.5/10 – While he has yet to really show the form that was a big reason that Wigan stayed in the Premiership, I still have little doubt that he will be a great player for Villa for years to come. He was brought for half the prize of a certain Mr Downing, and that is terrific business on our part. Still in his mid-twenties, when he gets up to speed, we will have one hell of a player on our hands.
Enda Stevens (£250,000): 5/10 – I like many other Villans, was left wondering ‘Who?’ upon the news that we were to sign young Irish left back Enda Stevens. I haven’t seen him play, but look forward to seeing him in action for Shamrock Rovers in their Europa League campaign before he joins the Villa in January. A relatively no-lose signing, from what I’ve read he seems highly rated by those who have seen him play. I love moves like this, and the Irish league has of course produced a number of world class players (Paul McGrath anyone). Looking forward to seeing him in action.
Alan Hutton (£3 million): 7/10 – In my opinion a great bit of business by our club. He’s 6 years younger than Luke Young, cost around a million more but will probably be on less wages. What’s not to like? Very well known by our manager, Hutton was reportedly extremely keen to join the Villa revolution. A solid defender who gets forward well, could prove to be a very shrewd acquisition.
Jermaine Jenas (Season long loan): 8/10 – He has his detractors, but I have a feeling this could be a brilliant move for Aston Villa. He has over twenty caps for England and I don’t care who you are, who have to have something about you to play so many times for your country. He’s hungry, has a point to prove and is a box to box midfielder who could prove to be a valuable addition to our squad. It be interesting to see if he takes his place in the starting 11 immediately, but I think by the end of the season we’ll all be happy with his impact.
So there we have it. As always let us know what you think by getting involved either here, or on our Facebook and twitter pages (links above)!
UTV.
Categories: Up the Villa Tags: Alan Hutton, Charles N'Zogbia, Enda Stevens, Football, Jermaine Jenas, Shay Given, Stewart Downing, Up the Villa., Villa
Transfer Deadline Day – All the updates here.
Will Hutton finally make the move?
So far today we’ve seen the usual amount of Villa transfer madness.
Here is an update:
It looks like young Irish left-back Enda Stevens has all but confirmed his proposed move to Villa, and will be joining in January after Shamrock’s Europa League campaign.
We were apparently in talks with Joe Cole, but he has completed his year long loan move to Lille.
Still looking likely that the Hutton move will be completed at some point today.
The latest link is with Jermaine Jenas, with Sky Sports News (SSN) reporting that we’ve made enquiries for the England midfielder.
Latest update is that Villa and Tottenham are discussing a loan move for Jenas.
Despite reports linking Fulham with a move for Hutton, the Birmingham’s Mail Mat Kendrick understands that the player is en route to Bodymoor Heath for a medical. Talk emerging of Jenas to Stoke.
It has been confirmed that Villa have completed the signing of the aforementioned Edna Stevens and he will join the club in January.
Hutton fee has reportedly been agreed and a medical is close. Jenas deal edging towards being completed as well.
Still waiting for an update on Hutton and Jenas. It is understood we have a 6% sell on fee for Gary Cahill should he move to Tottenham or another club.
After a quick break from reading football to play it, come back to read official Villa announcement that Jenas and Hutton are undergoing medicals. It seems that these two will be the end of our transfer dealings and the latest news that Hutton has turned down Fulham surely means an announcement is inevitable.
And we’re done! Villa have completed the signing of Alan Hutton on a deal until 2015 and Jermaine Jenas has signed on a year long loan. Good deals in my opinion and we have a very promising young left back to come in in January.
And relaxxxxxxxxxxx.
UTV.
Categories: Up the Villa Tags: Alan Hutton, Aston, Aston Villa, Enda Stevens, Fans, Football, Gossip, Jermaine Jenas, Round up, Speculation, Transfer Deadline Day, Up the Villa., Villa
24 hours to go. Thank the lord.
Enda Stevens - Villa Bound?
There was a time when I used to love this time of the year, transfer deal following transfer deal, 12 hours sat watching Sky Sports News, constantly refreshing newsnow. This year though the usual excitement seems to be missing, and I can’t wait for the window to close.
I’m not sure if it’s depression at Villa’s lack of activity, other clubs buying players I would like or Man City being…. well Man City but I just want it to end!
With a little under 24 hours remaining of this transfer window, the general consensus is that Villa will look to bring in three new faces (feel free to prove me wrong Randy and Alex!) with two of those targets well known at this stage. One of those is Alan Hutton, who has been linked for a while and makes sense. He will only cost a bit more than the money we received for Luke Young, is six years younger and will be on less. He did go for £9 million when he made the move to Spurs, and is a good solid player who will do a good job for us.
The other is an unknown to the majority of fans and goes by the rather awesome name of Enda Stevens. He’s a young Irish left back currently playing for Shamrock Rovers and it looks like the move is more or less complete. Now this offers virtually no risk to Villa, and will offer good cover for Warnock when he arrives in January (it appears he is staying for Shamrock’s Europa League campaign). I’ve seen a lot of Villa fans dismiss him without probably seeing him in action. Those who have seem to rate him and if he does turn into a good player, then what a move by the Villa. Countless players have been plucked from lower leagues or Ireland (Paul McGrath + Roy Keane anyone) so let’s give him a chance.
I’m hoping the last player is a midfielder and with Makoun leaving we need to add another new face. Yes he hasn’t featured in the league this season but if we have an injury crisis like last season, things could get messy. A number of players have been linked, including ex Villa old boy Steven Davis this evening but the truth is it could be one of any number of players. McLeish may still yet pull out a wildcard like he did at the Blues, now that would be nice!
I just want it done, whoever we bring in great, let us move on, get behind the club and look to the future.
UTV.
Categories: Up the Villa Tags: Alan Hutton, Enda Stevens, Football, Gossip, report, Round up, Speculation, Steven Davis, Transfer Window, Up the Villa., Villa
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