All the talk this week is of contracts, and it seems like Martin O’Neill must be a busy man at the moment, writes Villa blogger Gregg Williams.
Mellberg and Laursen could be off in the summer, which would be a real shame. Martin has said he is going to speak to both players but with Juventus after Olof we may face an uphill battle to keep him.
We couldn’t really blame him for leaving, he’s been a fantastic servant for the club but it will be sad to see him go, especially at a time when the team could really start to compete for honours.
As for Laursen, he’s a phenomenal defender who has done really well for us since his injury problems have cleared up. It is impossible to know for sure what the problem is, maybe its down to his agent trying to stir up interest to force an improved contract, maybe its Villa being cautious due to his spells on the treatment table. It is probably a combination of these and other factors, personally I still think he’ll sign but only time will tell.
Wilfred Bouma looks the most certain to be staying. I like ‘Freddie’ and apart from his mistake on Saturday I feel he’s really performed for the past 12 months. If we do make it into Europe his experience will be vital.
I also can’t wait for his first goal, which is destined to be a screamer from 25 yards, and given his growing ‘cult hero’ status at Villa Park that would be a great moment for the fans.
Finally a word on Luke Moore. He’s turned down a long term deal, so we’ve taken up the option of a one year extention to his existing contract. This doesn’t really surprise me, his progress has stalled over the last 12 months, he’s struggling to make the bench and its understandable that he doesn’t want to tie himself down when he isn’t playing.
At the same time he still has potential, and the club don’t want to lose him for free. The rest of the season will decide whether he makes it at Villa or possibly leaves for a fee in the summer. Fingers crossed for the lad if he gets a chance, Villa fans would love him to take it.
2 Comments
Luke Moore is a Championship player at best, might be lucky and get a move to Bolton, Reading or Wigan etc at the end of the season but moore (get it?) likely to be heading to the division below. Shame really I love to see local talent in the Villa however, he really hasn’t realised his potential over the last couple of seasons (very much like his brother!).
gabby is far superior to luke, and with him going it opens up a hole for defoe maybe? good luck to mellberg, hope laursen stays and i cant wait for Bouma to leather one in aswell. he was well known for his vicious shot in holland with psv.