Villa boss Martin O’Neill admits he is under pressure to complete a major transfer splash in the next few weeks to replenish his squad.
O’Neill is resigned to losing captain Gareth Barry even as the saga drags on into another week – but the midfielder’s impending exit blows another hole in Villa’s numbers.
Senior figures Olof Mellberg, Thomas Sorensen and Patrik Berger have already left since the end of last season as well as on-loan Liverpool goalkeeper Scott Carson.
O’Neill got through last season without a specialist right-back and knows the supporters buying season tickets in record numbers are getting impatient for a sign of Villa’s intentions.
His interest in Chelsea’s Steve Sidwell and Newcastle’s James Millner has yet to bear fruit, while he faces a major battle to win the scramble for David Bentley’s services and has still to decide on his goalkeeping position.
Villa finished sixthlast season despite having the smallest squad in the division and supporters are hoping for an improved challenge.
He said: “We’re hoping to try to add to the squad. The players did fantastically last season, but we had the smallest squad in the Premier League.
“We wouldn’t want that to happen this season so we’re going to address it. Even if Gareth had decided to stay, we were still going to address it.
“But now it’s even more important to do it than ever. It’s the time for anticipation now. Players are back for pre-season training and, with the European Championships out of the way, it’s obviously all systems go for everyone.”
The struggle for new players has forced O’Neill to defend his decision to work as a TV pundit at the Euro 2008 finals, an issue raised by Barry in his costly newspaper attack last week.
O’Neill said: “I went out and did some games for the BBC. I was working there for two or three days in the week but then coming back and working here.
“It was not as if I spent three weeks out in Austria – not that I should have to explain myself to anyone other than one person at this football club (owner Randy Lerner).”
5 Comments
where is that great villa fan villa villa or does he only post negative trash about wba or just maybe he is a stupid wolves fan trying so hard to cause trouble
Really, the article says it all about Villa’s recruitment needs. Villa’s loyal fans have been patient and supportive. They’ve heard all the talk from Villa Park, so now it’s time for the club “to walk the walk”.
If Villa were serious about challenging for honours, the Barry situation would never have reached this point. If it was all about Barry playing alongside Gerard, why didn’t they put in a bid for Gerard? I don’t suppose he would have come, but at least it would have focused Liverpool’s mind on how they approach transfers. And if the chairman was as committed to financing the club as we are always being told, Barry would have been told he can see out his contract, and then if it comes to it, go on a free in two years’ time. That would give Villa the chance to catch up with the so-called ‘Big Four’, and if not, at least we have had the best years out of him.
As for the players we are being linked with, Paul Robinson is a joke - remember Carson only got in the England team because Robinson was so bad - Steve Sidwell might be a reasonable signing, but he’s hardly a substitute for Barry; the same goes for Milner; Bentley would be good but I can’t see it happening. As for Stephen Carr, well, why not go the whole hog and sign Franz Carr again?
Villa have to strengthen the team NOW. with gareth barry’s impending departure to liverpool imminent. MARTIN has to get out on all FRONTS now and address the situation. we cant afford to have a small squad for the forthcoming season. its imperative that we send a signal out to the the rest of the premier league. come on RANDY lets do serious business and show what VILLA are capable of doing. as for barry all the best to him in his future career. his been there through thick and thin. always made a difference. UP THE VILLA.
VILLA had a fantastic season last year and me being a villa fan will now only expect higher than sixth as will every other villa fan ;but to be honest i,m getting extremely concerned at the moment in the lack of movement by the club the rate there going we won’t have any players left and we will end up finishing sixth from bottom i really do think we need 6 good players to if MARTIN were to look there is a great russian play maker who would drop in nicely to our team i really wish we could sign some real good players and quick as im getting worried it will be to late. COME ON THE VILLA