Another international break is upon us, and even the least patriotic Villa supporter will have an eye on events surrounding the England team, writes Villa blogger Gregg Williams.
We should have some direct involvement, with Scott Carson replacing the much maligned Paul Robinson in goal.
I’m pleased for Scott, he deserves his chance, and I’m also happy to hear that he’s ours to keep, if we want him.
This may be Martin O’Neill’s best playing acquisition yet.
By signing him on loan with an option for a permanent deal we’ve been able to see him in action in a Villa shirt, and he’s been given a chance to see if Villa are the club for him, all relatively risk free.
Fortunately for us he has made it clear that he wants to stay, and I’m sure the vast majority of Villa fans would want him to sign based on his performances so far.
The other issue to be resolved will be the future of Steve McClaren.
I have some sympathy with the England boss because I don’t feel that his big players have been anywhere near good enough over the course of the qualifying campaign, but nonetheless his future will be in serious jeopardy if, as expected, we fail to qualify.
I remain convinced that Martin O’Neill would not want the job, and although there will be a tabloid frenzy should McClaren depart, I am confident we’ll still have our manager when a new appointment is made.
I know that a lot of Villa fans are less confident, so we can only hope that Israel beat Russia and Scott, Gareth Barry and Ashley Young help us to beat Croatia and keep the issue of who should manage the national side for another day.
3 Comments
Just read rumours that Arsenal want Gabi, England want O’Neill and most pundit believe Barry should defo be in England team. At first was a bit down, then it occurred to me how far we have come in little over a year. It wasn’t that long ago that every story out Villa Park was a bad news story. Now we have 3 player in England squad, money to spend in Jan, next England goalie want to sign up and are players/manager are in demand.
Life is good!
No need to rush into a deal for Scott just yet. We’ve got him till next May and we have 1st option so I’m sure we could thrash out personal terms even if others come knocking. Wait till April to see if he really is worth breaking the British goalkeeper transfer record - so far so excellent. GOOD LUCK FOR YOUR ENGLAND DEBUT SCOTT!
WWe should definitely sign him ASAP. He is young and top quality and gives the defence so much more confidence than Sorrenson ever did.
After being loaned out last season he says he wants to sign permanently and is looking to settle for 5 or 10 years. A lot can happen between now and May with Reina at Liverpool. Get Scott signed and settled at the Villa now so that any future events at Anfield regarding the goalkeeping situation are of absolutely no concern to him.