If Lambert really is courting Wes does anyone think it a bit odd that one of the first things he did when he turned up at Carrow Road was to tell us all that Wes had no future at he club and would find it hard to break into our side (one that was in League One at the time)?
I don't really care whether he leaves, actually that's a bit strong, I mean if he want to leave then fine. I know he hasn't had a decent run in the side, but I can't really remember him doing anything of great note this season, nothing when he has come on as a sub, admittedly often too late in the game, just knocked off the ball when he started at Liverpool. whats the big deal, everyone keeps saying he offers us something different, I'm not sure what that is anymore, our best games performance wise have not involved him, and there was a general consensus earlier in the season, that his PL career was rapidly coming to an end.
According to Mick Dennis, it is about contract. Villa are offering a 2 1/2 year deal when he only has 18 months left.
In my mind, if he wants out then sell him for the most money we can. His presence can only unsettle what is a pretty united squad from what we hear. It would be sad to see him go but that is the modern game in a nutshell and there is certainly no loyalty.
The problem with Wes,and many other "touch" players is that Premier League football is fast and physical. Unfortunately that leaves players like Wes unable to compete. We have had the best of Wes,so let the boy go with our blessing.If Lambo thinks Wes is the answer at Villa Park,lets see. Thanks Wes and good luck.
What short memories many have. past it. Didn't get MOTM against Man utd. Barely touched the ball in fact. Probably because of this speed and physicality you mention. Good one Christopher. I look forward to Hoolahan showing us he has a number of years left in the magic feet up at Villa.
Get rid of him & get someone better in. He's done well for us, but his usefulness has expired. If we are to progress as a club we need to move on.
I'm trying to remember whether, in all his time here, Wes has ever been a serious transfer target for another club. Is Lambert's bid the first one we have ever received for him?
Holt got an extra year when he handed in a transfer request. Possibly increased his sell-on value when he went to Wigan. Is this just history repeating? Do Holt and Hoolahan share the same agent?
On his day he can weave magic but to balance that he can run rings round himself more often than not with no end product to show for it. Personally I'd like to keep him as he is different to all our other midfielders but fear he doesn't really "fit" into the overall scheme of things. He would be a fringe player at best once Howson returns and I don't think he'd want that. Should we cash in now ? - it is tempting as there are other areas that definitely need strengthening (CB for starters) and if Wes doesn't want to be here then he'll not be at his best. He's been an absolute star for us - I don't want to see him go but reckon it is very likely.
I think Middlesbrough were interested in him at one point. Certainly there were rumours anyway, but I have no idea if they places a bid. He has been a good player for us, ideally I would keep him until the summer then let him leave, but with players returning from injury it looks like his opportunities will be limited. Would be good to get a replacement in first, but if you can get £2 million + for a 31 year old that has not featured too much then that is good business.
He wanted him off the wage bill and thought he wanted to play 4-4-2. Soon changed his mind when he couldn't get as many loans in as he thought.
Pretty sure he was rumoured to have had a bid from west ham in january of the championship promotion year, wasn't as big news at the time as lambert leaving was bigger news
With Jonas coming to the club, I think Pilks could move centrally if needed and do just as well if not better than Hoolahan The same could be said about Snodgrass. I think both can be creative and are stronger, two footed, can score goals, faster, more energetic. For they would both pose more of a threat.
probably not feasible for january but there is one player i would target to replace wes hoolahan and that is nurnburg's japanese international hiroshi kiyotake. we'd probably have to break our transfer record to get him but he's definitely the kind of upgrade i'd be looking to make. he makes hoolahan look like mark fotheringham... if we need a cheaper option then we shouldn't even bother signing them - we require a serious talent in this role. we need someone who can play across all three attacking midfield positions - this lad is perfect.
Given that Kiyotake was apparently Lambert's first choice, the fact that he's going for Hoolahan suggests to me that Kiyotake is not available. I agree he'd be a great signing, and would cost somewhere in the region of £10m+, but I certainly don't think he'd be the only one we could sign. I disagree that we "need" someone to play across all positions or that they need to be a huge upgrade - what we need is someone who is good value who can do what Hoolahan does, but better.
I wouldn't say they have to be technically better than Wes. Just more consistent. And perhaps with a bit more strength on the ball. Wes was always determined and puts in a surprising amount of work tackling back but when he comes up against the likes of Toure and other CM's in the league it's just too easy to brush him aside.
