January 2023 - Transfer Talk - Stick or Twist

As mentioned before I was very impressed with the two young CMs that Blackburn used in the cup against us. We lack that sort of player who can move with the ball centrally when space is allowed and is pivotal if wanting to play a passing game against the high press. It will be interesting to see how Watt fares against Smallwood and Gilly, he's a CM who can be very effective against a static midfield.

 

We miss Watt. Exactly the sort of player we need next to Smallwood. They'd have been an excellent pair.

 

Unfortunately a rebrand when trying to get out of league two was thought to be money better spent. This club amazes me everytime, I’m sick of mistimed moronic decisions.

 

Watt being described the way he is now, compared to how he was described when he played for us, is really funny.

A slow player who couldn't carry the ball, and because of his extreme lack of acceleration, would have to foul anyone who even threatened to sprint. He had a habit of trying to pass the ball through those stood directly in front of him, often leading to easy counter attacks for the opponent - this was on great display at Tranmere away last season. His passing ability was remarkably overstated as his 'creative' passing attempts would fail 19/20 times, and he would frequently boot the ball over the top without even looking, always resulting in nothing.

A supposed good midfielder with no pace and less assists than Tom Elliott. I can't say I'm missing him tbh.

 

Harratt will free up a loan. He wont be sticking around. Maybe we send the young Wolves keeper back too. Neither are a loss.

 

You cannot seriously say we havent invested in the squad.....we brought in 17 players and have assembled a promotion challenging squad. We have 2 players for each position and some so the numbers are definately there.

The rebrand will be a drop in thr ocean compared to our overall budget with a long term vision in mind.

 

Forgot about the Wolves keeper, strangest loan we've had.

 

There is always a chance Banks, Dion or Wright could be recalled too if they are not playing regular or their clubs feel a spell in L1 might be better for their development. When Osadebe, Eisa and Walker return we wont be as reliant.

 

That's the risk with loan players. Losing Banks and Wright in January would be a big blow

 

Cant imagine Wright would be recalled in a better aid of his development, he's out of contract in the summer and will be 22 at the start of next season. If he was at a champ club, maybe? But i cant see a Prem team still wanting a winger around at 22 who's played nothing but 4th tier football.

Banks is the only one i could see it with really. Although pulling a player from a place of success to a higher level isn't always a good thing. Look at Critchlow last year, did really well at Swindon, couldn't get a game in L1 once Plymouths main men were back. Even Matty Daly, was playing really well for Hartlepool, Huddersfield again thought a change of scenery would benefit him at City and the lad barely played, didn't look great when he did. Young lads starting again mid season in new systems for new managers isn't great for them.

 

I didnt realise he was 22. Assumed 19/20 tops. Yeh you are right. He has no future at Villa and is just gaining experience and running down his contract. Hopefully we can snap him up as he looks a decent player.

 

Watching a video of the squad having the team photograph taken and Osadebe was jumping about gesturing give me the ball he looks to have lost a lot of leg muscle, looking at that could the lad be back around Christmas/New Year he looked well up for it.

 

Agree with that. Big shame Watt saw his future at Salford but fair play to the lad, he seems to have hit the ground running there.

I think Gilliead is a suitable interim option, but agree with others. We need a robust a mobile player to partner Smallwood. I think it would elevate this team to another level.

 

Speaking with Salford's club secretary the other day who said Watt was having a very good season so far at Salford, lets see that he doesn't continue with his good season on Saturday.

 

Villa will offer him a new contract then loan him back out to a club.

They would be of the mindset that they could be a player there and they can profit from him in the future.

 

You move in exalted company indeed mate.

 

So Watt leaves and suddenly becomes the messiah. He gave away silly free kicks, tried the hollywood balls to many times and when he stood out it was because the rest of the team was poor. Smallwood & Osadebe are both better than Watt and FYI we made him a realistic offer but he left for more from a moneybags team who call themselves Salford City but don't actually play in Salford.

We have upgraded, and would anyone seriously swap Watt for Smallwood ?

 

Hes never been a spectacular player? His position is a holding/defensive midfielder. Solid is exactly what we should expect.