Tim Sherwood is poised to open contract talks with Tom Cleverly after identifying him as a key player in his rebuilding plans. Cleverly’s contract with Manchester United expires at the end of the season and it’s understood that Man. Utd aren’t going to offer him a new deal. Aston Villa are reported to have offered Cleverly a long-term contract with a wage of £40,000 a week to convince him to stay at the club and fend of interest from Everton.
Cleverly has massively improved under Sherwood and with ongoing dialogue between Sherwood and Cleverly, it looks as though Cleverly is more open to the idea of staying with Aston Villa for the long term. That would signal a massive turn of form for Cleverly after struggling under Lambert. With Sherwood as Villa’s new boss, Cleverly has been a solid player for Aston Villa and has paired well with Delph in central midfield.
“He’s brought belief and a bounce into people’s strides. That’s no disrespect to Paul Lambert, I liked him,” Cleverley said.
“Tim has given people confidence and made everyone feel a part of it. The manager wants all the lads to be more positive.
“He has the mindset that winning one and losing one is better than drawing two. He likes to play football with a bit of a gamble and it’s certainly paying off.
“Around January, I wasn’t pleased with my form. I didn’t do myself justice, but now I feel like I am getting back into a good rhythm.”
Tom Cleverly has played more football than any other midfielder at Aston Villa this season, making 30 appearances for the club. Despite not scoring or providing a single assist Cleverly has the 4th highest passing success rate at 86.3% with an average number of passes of 44.6 per game and second most number of tackles per game (2.6).
Additionally, Scott Sinclair will most likely move to Aston Villa in a £2.5 million deal from Man. City if Aston Villa avoid relegation. Darren Bent will also have talks with Sherwood at the end of the season and may sign a short-term contract after a successful spell with Derby. Ron Vlaar will most likely leave Aston Villa at the end of the season with no progress in contract talks and Vlaar has recently lost the captain’s armband to Fabian Delph.
I liked Lambert. I just thought he was/is a terrible manager. Cleverly has been unrecognisable recently from the player Lambert had. Just goes to show…I hope Chris joins us from QPR should they go down. Git a lit of reaoect for the guy. Like the idea of Sinclair and Bent back too. Feed the strikers…they will score. It isn’t rocket science.
I’m a little unsure of Bent, I do believe that he has the right to be given a chance under Sherwood. Perhaps the best case scenario would be a 1-year deal with reduced wages, that’s something that I’d be content with
For some reason I think that Weimann will be sold in the summer, I don’t think that Sherwood rates him.
Agreed, be a bit upset by it but can’t see Weimann here after the summer. Probably a move to Germany in his future. Really wish he got a run as a striker but no manager seems to think he is a striker, which he is, nor does he have the strength or as a big guy like manager’s nowadays like.
Yes I’d like to see Chris Ramsey working alongside timbo,I liked the way he changed things second half & lifted the QPR players.if timbo can get them performing 1st half & Chris the second we might get the full 90 out the lads problem solved onwards & upwards. UTV
Ramsey would be an excellent assistant. But I think QPR will try to keep him for the long-term
Morning all.
Would deffo keep Sinclair and Cleverley. Not so sure about Bent as I dont want him blocking the progress of Robinson. Really hope that Gary Gardner can come good next season as well. If we do keep Sinclair and Cleverley and buy a good replacement for Vlaar and a marque midfielder then we have the basis of a very good side!
If Bent does go, I’d like him to play one last game so we can apologise to him for his treatment by the club/Lambert/Lerner. Not befitting of this great club.
He does deserve an applause, he did keep us in the Premier League in his first two seasons.
I think Gardner will be a given a chance next season, from what I read, Sherwood is impressed with what Gardner is capable off and will most likely be given a chance.
He’s a central midfielder, something that Sherwood loves.
Bum, Bum….I think the Bent saga was more about Lerner cutting the wages than Lambert….thats my opinion! I also feel that we didnt have the players to provide him the service. Forgot to mention that, hopefully Kozak will be back next season.
I also think Adam is right about offloading Andreas in the summer.
I think it’s time to let Weimann go. He hasn’t done anything to contribute to the team in the second half of the season and I think Agbonlahor, Benteke, Kozak and Robinson provides the club with great attacking options.
Yes I think weimann has had his day time to move on.
Morning MATE regarding bent don’t you think his wages will still be an issue with Lerner?? personally I think Lerner will still want him off the books.
Well, if he does stay then I reckon it will be a reduced salary and a short contract. As you say, Randy deffo wont pay him what he is on now…..its finacial suicide IMO.
Jurgen Klopp heading to Man City IMO. That will be interesting if it happens!
I think Weimann will be sold in the summer which i find a bit sad.
Play him for a few games alongside Benteke in a 442 and after a few games to get his confidence up you will have a very good player.
Lambert has ruined him by playing him on the right side of midfield the last 2 seasons.
Remember he virtually saved us from the drop twice with his last minute goal against Fulham and his brace against Hull last year – both when playing as a striker.
He makes intelligent runs all time and would feed off Benteke – remember his goal at Anfield in the 3-1 win.
On current form we should try and sign Cleverley.
Steve…I think your right mate. Weimann has had a rough deal in terms of where he has been asked to play. Its a real shame as I think he’s a decent striker. Weimann also has great attitude to the game and never gives less than 100%. If he does go, I wish him well as he is a very good professional.
Langford, your right in that assessment on Weimann, he’s a guy that gives 100% but asked to play a roll,that don’t suite his stile, if he has lost out its because not used as a player that’s got pace but played out of his comfort zone, Sherwood has a job to do by looking at who goes and who dont in the close season,
Hi Bill….perhaps Weimann will get his chance on Sunday up top with Benteke if Gabby is not fit.
Agree that Andi has been played out of position and before he’s let go I’d like to see him get a chance to start in a few games.
Also definitely want to sign Cleverley and Sinclair. With a few additions next season I honestly think we’ll have a very solid squad capable of finishing comfortably at least mid-table.
I want to give my nerves a rest for a few seasons and I personally won’t moan at mid-table mediocrity.
Getting excited about the semis on Sunday. Let’s send the scousers home with their tails between their legs. At last a game with no pressure, us being the underdogs.
UTV
I’ve said on two previous threads that Chris Ramsey should be a top target for us, from what I’ve heard and read he is the brains behind Sherwoods brawn. I would much prefer him to K.Mac, nothing against him personally but I feel he’d be better with the youth, like he was before. If Sherwood can get Sinclair back to his Swansea best, he’d defo be worth 2.5m, unsure about Cleverley. Can’t see point of signing Bent, he seems best upfront by himself so would have to drop Benteke, Gab or Kozak.
I believe Spurs .Arsenal and Everton looking the sign Cleverly paper bullshits I would say. I would be happy to keep Sinclair and Cleverly as for Bent ?. Will he be able to step back up to the Prem.
We are mad if we take cleverly Utd are desperate to get rid of him. He’s been shite all season if that’s the best signing we can look fwd to then forget it
Everton are looking at Cleverley, have been for a while. But I think we have a better chance at getting him.
Don’t want Sinclair, hasn’t done near enough to get a contract for me.
Bent has to extend his contract before we know if he’s able to step back up with us anyways. Seems we sent scouts to watch Jordan Rhodes so I think Sherwood’s preparing for a replacement to Bent.
Andrew…are you serious? Sinclair has done really good job for us, even chipping in with a few goals when we were desperate for anyone to score. Dont forget that he as lacked regular Premier League for more than 2 seasons…..what exactly did you expect from him?
Not much, never wanted him in the first place.
Always knew he’d score, not many players can get into positions like he can, he’s however a poor finisher, missing far too many good chances. However that’s about the extent of the good, overall his passing’s terrible, his visions poor and so is his crossing. Doesn’t do near enough overall to be worth a squad spot unless it’s off the bench.
Poor finisher?….going on memory alone I think he has scored 3 or 4 in about 6 or 7 starts!…..if thats poor finishing then we certainly need to keep him! Who else in the team (Benteke apart) has such a good strike rate?
1 goal in 5 starts and 2 sub appearances in the league. 1 goal in 435 minutes is good enough finishing, then we certainly should not be keeping him.
However even if he could finish, which he’s not good at doing, doesn’t near make up for his awful crossing, passing, vision, dribbling. His 2 goals against West Bromich and Leicester were good for us, yes, but unless he replicates that from now till the end of the season in the league, he’s nowhere near worth even 2.5m. I prefer players who can actually do more than finish 1 chance in 435 minutes, while playing as a Championship standard player for the other 89 minutes.
Andrew you need a lie down. Sinclair has been one of lamberks rate success stories. He’s done enough to stay till Xmas on loan at least.
Andrew…whatever way you dress it up…..its a good strike rate, bearing in mind he’s not even a striker. Certainly helped us get a Wenbley appearance which is a moneyspinner. So deserves a contract IMO. Cleverley has neither goal or assist if you want to play the stats game. Its a no-brainer at 2.5 mil anyway…..deffo worth a go IMO.
Helping us get to semi final was also real confidence builder. So in that respect, he has been a good acquisition…you need to look at the bigger picture mate!
I don’t want to play the stats game, you played the stats game by claiming his goal record was good. 1 goal in 435 league minutes is awful. Absolutely awful when the only good thing he does is get into good positions to score, and fails as per usual.
However the rest of his game is awful, absolutely awful and not even Premier League standard, Swansea fans could’ve told you that when he left, at least the ones I know. Looking at the bigger picture, he adds nothing to the side bar 1 goal in the league and 2 good goals in the Cup. despite the fact the goal he scored in the league meant nothing as we lost 2-1 to Stoke. I’m looking at the overall picture and he needs not to be in it. We can get far better wingers outside the EPL than him for that price, if not a little more.
You should have been a politician mate…..all stats, spin and BS. Without his goals = still struggling in PL, NO FA Cup semi final……you need substance, NOT stats. He missed a sitter at Sunderland, but was outstanding overall. Two FA cup goals = good club revenue = improved PL performances = probable PL survival = happy days thanks to his considerable contribution for a team that was previously on its knees. Thats SUBSTANCE, aka, the big picture!,,,,,You need to learn that mate….any fool can come it with both good and bad stats….but its ONLY substance that counts…game over, until you come back with more irrelevant, irrational and completely illogical stats. I’m sure it was you and oohah who described ‘Benteke as the new Heskey, and that he will be sold in every transfer window’…..lets have your stats on those statements…..and please, NO politician type answers this time!
And like this argument, you would be wrong. Never once have I claimed Benteke was the new Heskey, in fact I’ve gone round and round with Oohah about Benteke. But then again, seeing you’re failing to make a rational argument against the fact he’s poor at passing, crossing, dribbling and so on, I’m not surprised you’re bringing up false statements to back your poor opinion.
Illogical, Irrational stats? How is his poor finishing illogical or irrational? Do you not know the meaning of the words you’re using? You claimed he has a good scoring record, when in fact he does not, so your point was IRRATIONAL, not me bringing up a stat that BACKS my point.
.3 key passes per game, that would be his creative side, which he clearly doesn’t have as that’s 1 in 3 attempts. .6 successful dribbles per game, which means 2 in 3 attempts per game. Again that’s not a good record. Hell whoscored backs up the whole “weaknesses” argument. “Defensively, Passing, Crossing, Holding onto the ball” are all weaknesses to his game. Which last time I knew was what a good player/winger does. Which he cannot. But alright, you go on about his 2 goals in the FA Cup, one which wasn’t needed to win the game being the big picture.
Agree Langford Andrew is the font of all knowledge though so who are we to argue.
He has every right to argue, he’s not telling me to behave and posting some garbage like he’s clueless and you’ll see, blah blah blah. Although he’s not exactly arguing against my points either about what he’s bad at, and solely going about his 3 amazing goals he scored. 1 of which was only the winner which was against Leicester.
Agree with some of your argument Andrew, but .3 key passes per game would surely be one key pass per three games, not per three attempts.
Sinclair at £2.5M is worth it IMO. In a positive, attacking team he could do well. I doubt we will get much better for £2.5M anyway. Given the lack of goals this season his input stacks up quite well.
Fair point, got that wrong. Although technically he could have 2 in 6 attempts, which would be .3 key passes per game, still.
Hope Everton take him he has been shit this season.
A few points;
I’m personally not convinced about Cleverley.
Yes, he’s looked decent since Sherwood came in, but he was poor under Lambert.
Are we still talking £7-8 mill?
If so, I’d say no way, from what we’ve seen of him.
For me Sinclair is a better bet at £2.5 mill (?)
Bent?
Yep, I’d sign him up for a year extention, if Sherwood is planning to play the wide players to provide him with chances.
Weimann?
That’s the tricky one, imo. He’s best suited up front in a two, playing off a bruiser like Benteke, imo, but Gabby, who’s no doubt “Mr Aston Villa”, being first in line, means he can’t possibly get a look in.
That’s a real shame, but I personally think he would do best moving on, if he wants to progress.
Where I’m sure he’ll score goals and provide assists.
And yes Dave, all those clubs looking at Cleverley?
No way, at serious money and just his agent talking him up behind the scenes, imo.
Certainly not on what I’ve seen from him in our 30 games for us, anyway.
Spurs and Arse?, no chance.
He just isn’t good enough, as Man U are suggesting in letting him go.
Badger….I think Cleverley is out of contract, if so, where is this 7 mil your referring to?
Yes, sorry, that was the price if we wanted him in the window.
Long day mate 🙁
So if he’s on a free, you’re talking £50-60k a week minimum
He isn’t worth anything near that, imo and especially not in our pay structure under the current owner.
Hence I don’t think there’s any chance of him staying.
Don’t think we’d be offering him 50-60k a week. Probably more 30-40k. I think he’s smart enough to realize it’s us or Everton, neither will he be making big money at.
Unless West Ham come in for him, which is possible.
Anyone that signs cleverly and gives him big money must be stupid or ignorant. Or both
For once I agree badger. Must rather have Sinclair would make a decent player of bench as well. Gabby should be sold he has run his course at vp. As for cleverly I agree even at £2.5m I would be worried. Knowing us we will pay £8 m and give Utd benteke as part of the deal!!
Pay 8m for a free agent. Wowzers Oohah, wow.
Andrew, you’re talking about Sinclair as though he’s a striker.
He isn’t mate; he’s a wide player who just happened to get in the box under Sherwood’s orders.
How you can rate him by his strike rate is beyond me, as that’s a sideline to his game; a point that I’d agree with Langford on.
He’s done well, imo.
Although I’ve not been convinced about his wing play, fwiw.
That’s more Sherwood playing his games though, imo.
Erm, as I said Badger, I’m not even close to claiming it’s about his strike rate. His awful passing, crossing and vision is clearly what I was on about. In fact I praised him for getting into the box as that’s his only asset, was his only asset at Swansea, and will be here. However his overall ability is absolute garbage and he has nothing to his game.
Lol….now your being silly 🙂 see above!! His confidence was exactly what the team needed at the time when all our other players were scared to take anyone on. His contribution has been excellent.
Sinclair could play in the hole IMO.
He averages a .3 key pass per game ratio. Cleverley has a .9 key pass per game ratio. You have to be able to pass well when playing the hole, like Coutinho can, like Silva, like any number of players. Sinclair can’t do that.
Well said Mr wikipaedia……your so strange 🙂
You’re right, I try. Backing up arguments is what I do. Forgot that was strange. 😉
We cannot afford a midfielder who shoots like he couldn’t kick the skin off a rice pudding. That is Cleverley. No goals despite being the most played and not a single assist. Let us see who misses out on promotion from the championship.
The top four teams have got some quality players who are going to be really disappointed. If Watford or Bournemouth blow it, there will be more than Bamford to consider.
Villa’s structure is incredibly lop-sided. We have three left footed players who can shoot straight Benteke, Gabby and Delph, All of whom are crying out for centres from the right wing that they cant apply a left-foot volley to. We have not got one right footed winger to deliver those centres. That is our priority signing.
OLL…I think you will find that Bacuna crossed from the right on Sat for Benteke’s winner!
Nah. He used his long knob to whip the cross in !! 😉
Lol…..didnt know you had access to the changing rooms….does he measure up? 🙂
LOL 😀
Yes Langford, proving my point. A cross from the right can be converted and the crosser took to the field as right back, there was no right winger in front of him.
Does it really matter if its a winger or a full back as long as the end result is a goal?
My guess is they’re arguing that we’re over-reliant on a full back to get forward to make said crosses, being out of position then. Although Bacuna’s naturally a right winger so it’s odd he’s not playing there as we have the right winger OLL is talking about wanting.
We don’t have a quality midfielder that’s going to score goals. I think wingers, a LB and a couple midfielders are largely what we need. Maybe a striker, I expect a striker actually. But definitely as OLL said, a right footed winger is a priority, or should be.
Well spotted Andrew. Bacuna may have been a right winger somewhere, but in his Villa career I have never seen him skin a left back, or ever go around one to the outside and get the cross in. So I would guess he is a right back or right midfielder.
I had to piss myself Lambert to replace klopp brum mail.
Lol! Who started that rumour? His wife???
Morning Giddy…..are there 2 April fools day this year 🙂 Anyway, I reckon Lamberts waiting for the Barca job 🙂
Morning MATE he’d turn it down. 😀
:)……. I was talking toilet cleaner, not manager 🙂
The Mail suggest Westwood’s days might be numbered because he’s not creative enough;
http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-gossip-club-set-9054301#rlabs=2
I wouldn’t argue, because the fact is he just isn’t creative enough.
Mind you, none of the mids contribute any goals really, do they?
Maybe we could get Joey Barton if QPR go down…
Westwood, Weimann, possibly Gil. Hopefully Richardson. 4 I can see leaving.
Always figured we’d lose 1 of Westwood, Sanchez, Cleverley and Delph. Especially if Gardner comes back and is wanted. Think those 4 would be enough to hold down 2 spots, just need to bring in a true attacking midfielder. You know, like Gil can play, but won’t be played.
Have to agree. Westwood does a job but its a fairly limited job IMO. Good honest pro but deffo lacks a creative spark IMO. We should get a return on him, possibly similar to what we paid Crewe for him.
Always reminded me of Xabi Alonso, about half as good on a good day but he’s got the long range pass ability, does decent holding play, works pretty hard. Doesn’t have the shooting ability unfortunately, or if he does, we just haven’t seen him be allowed to use it. Do think we’ll get decent fee for him because he has ability. Just hope he stays in the Prem.
Do expect Vlaar to go. Think if he was younger he’d stay but at his age and ability, last real chance to get into a European team.
Mr Wiki…..do you have any stats to back that up?…..life is not the same without your stats 🙂
Averages 1.5 key passes a game (far better than Sinclair 😉 ) in fact that’s the best on our team from anyone, averages 4.1 long balls per game with an 82.6% pass rate. .5 shots per game, less than any of our midfielders or strikers bar Cole who rarely plays so doesn’t count. Better? 🙂
Lol….them there stats are magnificent …. I knew you wouldnt let me down 🙂
I’d be sad if I ever let you down.
What’s happened to BWS? Now theirs a fan that could answer your questions, Andrew I see a massive difference in Villa, now is not the time to change by rubbishing players,I think Abonglahor should have gone but glad he didn’t, Weimann been played out of position over the last 2-3 years so has most others, let’s give Sherwood the benefit of doubt and stick with his method. Time to get behind the team for Wembley who ever they might be, its their day and even underdogs have their day. Utv.
Yes MATE ou est vous BWS.??????
“What’s happened to BWS?”
Not a clue, Bill.
I quite miss him and his forthright views.
Hope he’s ok.
I see a massive difference in Villa as well, well behind Sherwood.
Sorry….nichts sprechen Italiano 🙂 I think BWS is busy decorating his skip 🙂
😀
Je parle un petit peu français. Langford.?
Yep 🙂
And the Spurs links are finally in, Kaboul and Holtby being linked today.
Kaboul to replace Vlaar? Meh, maybe 3-4 years ago. Not really good enough to beat out Baker, Clark or Okore, nor is he at all a leader like Vlaar is. If we’re replacing Vlaar, I’d suspect someone better, not another Senderos.
Holtby’s better than N’Zogbia. Who despite this so called rebirth fans claim he’s had, has been poor still and I’d get rid of for Holtby.
Don’t forget Robbie Keane can’t wait till we sign him this summer yet again!!