New goalie signed? It seems so, but I’m underwhelmed.

According to the Birmingham Mail and other sites, the signing of Pierluigi Gollini from Verona is another one in the bag, with quotes from the player himself;

“I am very happy for this opportunity”, Gollini said to Sky Italia. “I am a little sorry to leave Italy, but it was a very important opportunity.

“I am going to a club with a very glorious stadium with 40,000 seats. I want to thank Verona for these two years.”

Read a big pay rise, in other words.

Hmm, so we’re talking about a £4.1 mill transfer here, which is serious money, given the level we’re at.
Are we really expecting that a 21 year old goalkeeper is going to be our new number one?

I have to say, I don’t quite understand this one at all, as it’s a lot of money for a back-up, given we have Guzan and Bunn still on the books.

78 Comments

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  1. steve
    steve July 7, 2016 at 7:16 am . Reply

    I know i have said this before but when a new manager comes in you have to back him and his judgement and give him time to implement his plans.
    Hopefully one day soon a new manager will come good. We are due one.
    As for the goalie if he turns out to be good or bad only time will tell.
    and as for Guzan his confidence is totally shot after playing behind an inept defence and no midfield for the last few years. good luck to him. He and we need a change

  2. pat57
    pat57 July 7, 2016 at 7:40 am . Reply

    How old was Curtois when he was playing for Athletico Madrid in top games in La Liga? 20 if I remember right.

    If he’s good enough he’ll be old enough. Hope this means that Guzan is on his bike to the backwaters of the MLS where he can do less harm.

    UTV

  3. Hitchens 60
    Hitchens 60 July 7, 2016 at 7:55 am . Reply

    As I understand it Gollini comes highly recommended by our new GK coach who has been monitoring his development. Dr. T has put a team together he believes will be successful and until proved otherwise I believe we have to trust their knowledge and ability. ‘The proof of the pudding etc………..’

  4. giddyvillan
    giddyvillan July 7, 2016 at 9:43 am . Reply

    Badger give the chap a chance mate I think your still stuck in first gear from last season, anythings an improvement on guzan stay positive.

  5. Bill Pearson
    Bill Pearson July 7, 2016 at 12:24 pm . Reply

    He’s just a excited kid Badger, give him the benefit of doubt could be wrong choice of words. We will no doubt see soon enough in a few months and count the cost.

  6. OriginalLondonLion
    OriginalLondonLion July 7, 2016 at 2:32 pm . Reply

    Not that I liked SAF as a person, but when he talked about football team building – you had to listen. SAF said after the main striker the goalie is the next most important player. Thank goodness we have a manager who realised how crap Guzan was. Yes I know the excuses of a crap defence in front of him – but he himself was a substantial cause of that since the team dare not pass back to him, could not rely on him to catch a ball instead of punch it, and got no clear shouts if he was coming or not. Add to that no-one including Guzan had any idea where his kicks might land.

    Since Villa bought Bunn, my old crack that it would be difficult to find a worse Premiership keeper than Guzan, has needed revision. Surely they cannot do it again. Bienvenuto.

  7. Ardent Villain
    Ardent Villain July 7, 2016 at 3:42 pm . Reply

    Have to agree with all the preceding comments:

    A bit early to start questioning the new management team just because they’ve not signed any ‘big names’. Let’s face it, Championship clubs don’t feature in the same gossip/rumour columns as EPL clubs trying to spend £100m to buy-back players they let go for free! In fact the only ‘big names’ we’d be likely to see linked would be ones in their mid 30’s looking for a final pay-day and a step down to a lower league. Methinks we’ve seen enough of those over the years…

    Pat’s point about Curtois is a good one; the days when ‘keepers were assumed to only reach their peak when they were in their 30’s seem to have gone for good. Look at Hart – recent performances suggest he’ll struggle to play at top level much longer and he’s ‘only’ 29!

    It wasn’t just Guzan’s ability that caused a problem last season – wasn’t he one of those involved in the ‘chewing gum’ incident? As far as ability is concerned, there must be serious question marks there too: OK, he’s not the worst keeper in the world, but he’s not improved over the last 4 or 5 years, regardless of who’s been playing in front of him – and as OLL mentions, communication between him and his defenders has always been hit and miss [- to be charitable].

    Let the management get on with their building work, and leave the judgements until we’ve seen some football played.

  8. Stubbs
    Stubbs July 7, 2016 at 7:50 pm . Reply

    So Black got slated for picking the same shit
    Garde got slated for picking the same shit
    Sherwood got slated for picking the same shit

    http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/players-aston-villa-tour-austria-11582624

    BUT DI MATTEO IS GOD!!! Ha ha ha ha ha

    The bloke is going to go exactly the same way through the exit door with his P45 as previous Villa managers over the last 5/6 years. Total wanker with no regard or respect for the fans, you know the ones who have already sent shirt sales through the roof.

    The kids may well be shit but come on, at least give them a chance.

    DI MATTEO OUT!

    1. Ardent Villain
      Ardent Villain July 7, 2016 at 10:08 pm . Reply

      Trying to out-OohAh OohAh?

      1. OohAhPaulMcGrath
        OohAhPaulMcGrath July 9, 2016 at 11:03 am . Reply

        There’s only one OOHAH 🙂

    2. pat57
      pat57 July 7, 2016 at 10:39 pm . Reply

      @Stubbs

      May I just point out that RDM has’t actually picked anyone yet so unless you’re a psychic I don’t understand your post on any level.

      At least wait until you see what the team actually is for the first competitive game before you start slating his team selection.

      BTW is it because Oohaah is on holiday and you’re just filling in?

      1. OohAhPaulMcGrath
        OohAhPaulMcGrath July 9, 2016 at 11:02 am . Reply

        Hey nobody is as negative as me not even Stubbs

    3. Hitchens 60
      Hitchens 60 July 7, 2016 at 11:40 pm . Reply

      Where has anyone stated that RDM is ‘God’? If anything the general consensus is one of ‘an open mind and judge when RDM has had an opportunity to show whether or not he can deliver’.

      Stubbs, you are fully entitled to post your views but they are starting to be boringly opinionated.

    4. KentNielsen77
      KentNielsen77 July 7, 2016 at 11:43 pm . Reply

      Embarrassing

    5. OohAhPaulMcGrath
      OohAhPaulMcGrath July 9, 2016 at 11:05 am . Reply

      I agree to a point Stubbs that whoever inherits Guzan gabby Lescott etc will struggle even Guadiola would with those jokers. It’s up to RDM to either improve them (good luck with that) or manage them out the club again very difficult.

  9. Andrew
    Andrew July 8, 2016 at 2:18 am . Reply

    I take it you’re underwhelmed more because you have no idea who he is, because he doesn’t play in England, I take it? If we got say, bentley from Southend, would probably be jumping for joy.

    The kid has huge potential, was great last season. His reflexes are incredibly quick. Parries a little too much which our goal keeping coach will get him better at but other than that, he looks quality. Tipped for Italy, though will never get ahead of Donnarumma who’s the best young keeper by far.

    Give him a chance before claiming you’re underwhelmed, or at least do some homework.

    1. OohAhPaulMcGrath
      OohAhPaulMcGrath July 9, 2016 at 11:01 am . Reply

      I agree Andrew think he will be a top keeper reminds me of cotous at Chelsea. Problem is he will make his mistakes with us then bugger of to a sky 4 team in 2-3 years time. Same ol story I’m afraid.

  10. nath
    nath July 8, 2016 at 7:22 am . Reply

    anybody who thinks villa can dump the amounts of players, we need to dump in one window is clueless. this training camp and quick friendly with the same players is so RDM can look at these players closer. see which players he can manage and those that he cant.

    fans need to stop spitting out their dummies and support the club and team.aston villa will need the fans backing them to gain promotion. reading some fans will boo these players is short sighted and embarrassing. players wearing villa colors need our full backing.

    the players in last season squad were not good enough collectively, some gave up and others were exposed, but this season we cant afford another rift between the fans and senior players, cause some of them will be staying whether we like it or not

    don’t forget to hit dislike button adios

  11. Bill Pearson
    Bill Pearson July 8, 2016 at 7:35 am . Reply

    Nath, it seems fans forget very quickly and blame the wrong people, we’ve had one of the worst owner in Villa’s history, we’ve had puppet managers and now we have a complete new system they pick on a manager that’s not even got off the ground yet.give him a chance on who’s who and let’s see what a new ownership got to give.as they say Rome wasn’t built-in a day.get behind the Club ffs.

  12. Hitchens 60
    Hitchens 60 July 8, 2016 at 7:46 am . Reply

    I’m still hoping RDM might be able to persuade players (or more likely thier agents!) like Ayew and Amavi to give us a season. He won’t do that by just dumping players willy nilly. Also, I believe RDM has said that it’s unlikely much will happen before the end of the European Championship.

  13. Hitchens 60
    Hitchens 60 July 8, 2016 at 9:02 am . Reply

    See all the usual ‘suspects’ are in the training squad in Austria but nice to see Gardener and Petrov also included.

    1. pat57
      pat57 July 8, 2016 at 11:00 am . Reply

      mmmm…wondering if the real reason they went all the way to Austria was to shove the dross off a very tall mountain 🙂

      Well we can hope. Believe that Tshibola is heading for a medical. Fingers crossed on that one

  14. Hitchens 60
    Hitchens 60 July 8, 2016 at 6:33 pm . Reply

    See Pat Murphy has tweeted we have no interest in McCormack or Bamford. Expect both to sign shortly (-:

    1. Hitchens 60
      Hitchens 60 July 8, 2016 at 6:34 pm . Reply

      Arrgh – forgotten how to do a smiley

  15. giddyvillan
    giddyvillan July 8, 2016 at 7:26 pm . Reply

    😀 you’ve done it the wrong way round : – ) or : – D

    1. Hitchens 60
      Hitchens 60 July 8, 2016 at 7:38 pm . Reply

      Thanks Giddy – I’m just a daft prat 🙂

      1. Bill Pearson
        Bill Pearson July 8, 2016 at 7:57 pm . Reply

        🙂

        1. mike
          mike July 9, 2016 at 11:37 am . Reply

          Àmavi is staying:)

          1. Hitchens 60
            Hitchens 60 July 9, 2016 at 2:27 pm . Reply

            Mike can you post a link to that excellent piece of news?

          2. OohAhPaulMcGrath
            OohAhPaulMcGrath July 9, 2016 at 2:42 pm . Reply

            He’s probably too injury prone for anyone else to take him. Just saying

          3. Hitchens 60
            Hitchens 60 July 9, 2016 at 3:30 pm . Reply

            OohAh, you clearly know a lot about his career prior to joining Villa or are you basing your judgement on a single injury – just saying!

            1. OohAhPaulMcGrath
              OohAhPaulMcGrath July 10, 2016 at 9:54 pm . Reply

              What I’m saying is is he’s had a long term injury so other clubs will be reluctant to sign him until he proves his fitness. Hence why he is staying as no one else would touch him at the moment

  16. Dave67
    Dave67 July 9, 2016 at 1:27 pm . Reply

    That is fantastic news if it’s true. The owner says there will be more signings after the tour.

    1. giddyvillan
      giddyvillan July 9, 2016 at 1:40 pm . Reply

      I agree dave great if true,I’ll wait till the window closes to be convinced.

  17. Hitchens 60
    Hitchens 60 July 9, 2016 at 3:28 pm . Reply

    Thanks Mike. An optimistic interpretation so like Giddy I’ll keep an open mind for now. Will be excellent news if he does stay.

    1. mike
      mike July 10, 2016 at 11:11 am . Reply

      Optimistic? Unless he does a delph or villa want sell which I doubt. He’s made it pretty clear he’s staying.

      1. Hitchens 60
        Hitchens 60 July 10, 2016 at 1:44 pm . Reply

        As you say we’ve been here before and been let down and disappointed that’s why I’m keeping an open mind. I’m not disputing what he says but to paraphrase ‘a week is a long time in football’.

  18. Dave67
    Dave67 July 9, 2016 at 5:14 pm . Reply

    Villa playing at 17.30 against Grazer AK is there a site where we can stream this. If you sign up to betting 365 you can stream it fxxk that, by the time the game is over I will be down a couple of quid lol.

    1. CA Villan
      CA Villan July 9, 2016 at 6:21 pm . Reply

      Villa 4-0 up at half time

      1. Dave67
        Dave67 July 9, 2016 at 6:27 pm . Reply

        Richards, Kozak, Ayew got 2.

  19. CA Villan
    CA Villan July 9, 2016 at 7:24 pm . Reply

    8-0 final score. Joe Bennett got 2, both from free kicks, and Gestade got 2

    1. OohAhPaulMcGrath
      OohAhPaulMcGrath July 10, 2016 at 9:52 pm . Reply

      So there is a team out there shittier than us! Unbelievable!

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