Re: Football Close Season Thread
 

He's going to lose a lot of fans in general for doing this, not just Villa fans. He never seemed like someone who was all about money, but now it's clear he is. He's shown his lack of ambition and his greed for money in full here.

Re: Football Close Season Thread
 

Just to play Devil's Advocate, but what if Man City convinced him that they will be in the top 4 within 2 years, and that he would be a core part of that team. He would be joining a club embarking on the start of a journey where he would be a major player.

Would that not be seen as an ambitious move? When you're earning 90k a week, does 130k (i.e an extra 40k) prove to be the principal motivator? I'd say he has more chance of playing Champions league with Man City than with Villa, and if City get the players they want, then he'd also be playing in a very good team. Also it's not like the other top 3 teams are linked with him this season.

I can be very cynical at times, but sometimes feel that there is more to a footballer than money.

Re: Football Close Season Thread
 

It is true Man City have a better Chance of Champions League football than Villa it has to be said....

Re: Football Close Season Thread
 

This is from the other thread that got closed whilst i was replying to matt...


Manchester United's preparations for next season have been dealt an early blow with Owen Hargreaves, the England midfield player, unlikely to be back in action until January.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/spo...cle6409971.ece

I really like the guy, but maybe it's time to start looking for a new defensive midfielder...

---------- Post added at 17:27 ---------- Previous post was at 17:23 ----------

Really? By buying players like Bellamy? I don't see many big players wanting to join city unless they are after money and i think they will struggle to match Everton and Villa next season. For me Villa are one or two players away from really challenging for fourth place and if Everton can keep their players fit they also stand a great chance.

Re: Football Close Season Thread
 

Maybe Gareth Barry has become disillusioned with Villa, their latter season form was little better than the relegated teams. 12 points from 39 doesn't make good reading. :shrug: Villa were looking good for a champions league spot at one point, maybe he thinks he's gone as far as he can with them, and the potential of Man City is more appealing.

Re: Football Close Season Thread
 

Yes they got Bellamy, but they also showed they had the resources to go for Kaka. Granted Kaka didn't go, but I think Man City will get a few good signings over summer and have the potential to finish higher than Villa and Everton. Also Barry might be influenced by reports of Ashley Young leaving in the summer. Maybe he knows something we don't.

Re: Football Close Season Thread
 

I think that says more than anything else on this topic. I forsee big changes at City over the summer. IMO Hughes will be bombed out and whoever replaces him will bring in a load of world class players. I get the impression the wheels are already in motion.

Re: Football Close Season Thread
 

Have not read all of this, but I am fed up that yet again Leeds are gonna be in league 1.

Re: Football Close Season Thread
 

Confirmed now - http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/foot...la/8079088.stm

Re: Football Close Season Thread
 

Great news :tu:

Re: Football Close Season Thread
 

Because Alonso will be staying now? :)

Re: Football Close Season Thread
 

have to agree with you , feel sorry for the Villa fans but a great signing for City , very hard worker on the pitch and will not expect the rest of the team to bow down to him .

Re: Football Close Season Thread
 

I was thinking purely from a personal point of view meaning we won't be getting rid of Xabi Alonso who is far better IMO. But I'm all for citeh improving even though they'll probably turn into the Chelsea of the North eventually :D

Re: Football Close Season Thread
 

Spanish radio station Cadena Ser is reporting Kaka has signed for Real Madrid in a €65million (£56million) deal, although his spokesman has countered that while an approach has been made no agreement has yet been struck.

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,195...360176,00.html

Re: Football Close Season Thread
 

I can't believe Barry went for £12m. What a bargain. He's going to be on some serious money now though, i'm sure.