The English Football Thread

[Goofle]

Oh this is tense.

[Cuthbert]

Gareth Bale

[Trollheart]

Would you bet against them now?

[Cuthbert]

I knew they'd do it after the Fulham 3-2 tbh. My Scouse mate hasn't been confident all along but I can tell he is now after that win at the weekend (though he's not admitting it).

[Cuthbert]

Paul Lambert stands firm as Aston Villa takeover rumours mount | Football | The Guardian

While Lambert's position remains safe for now despite bring dragged into another relegation scrap on the back of four successive defeats, and the club's decision to suspend Ian Culverhouse, the assistant manager, and Gary Karsa, the head of football operations, pending an internal investigation, speculation continues to mount that Villa could be taken over this summer.

There has been talk of Randy Lerner selling up, with sources indicating that a deal has been agreed in principle, with investors from America, subject to Villa surviving in the Premier League this season.

Villa, however, have insisted that there is no truth to the suggestions that any talks are taking place and insist that their stance has not changed from February, when Paul Faulkner, the chief executive, said that the club had not been put on the market and that Lerner is not actively looking to sell.

That last bit isn't very convincing .

I hope this is true because the supporters feel like we are being suffocated right now. Little investment & budget signings, high earners being pushed out the club etc. Four relegation battles in a row .

We are an excellent opportunity for investors to run a Premier League club. Only Newcastle and lower down, Leeds appear to be close to us in terms of appeal.

[Cuthbert]

Aston Villa set for £200m US takeover - if they stay up - Telegraph

I am starting to think there's something in this lads

Especially after Lambert's comments...

[Cuthbert]

Originally Posted by Christian Benteke

Aston Villa set for £200m US takeover - if they stay up - Telegraph

I am starting to think there's something in this lads

Especially after Lambert's comments...

Knew it. Randy's issued a statement.

"Following the point yesterday at Villa Park, there have been stories about my selling the Club. On a personal level, I had hoped the emphasis would have been on the amazing effort on the part of our manager and our players to regroup throughout a very difficult week. Injuries to Libor and Christian, compounded with the early loss of Jores and the difficult rehab of Charles have no doubt left Paul with far less to work with than is fair. Still, Paul Lambert has done nothing but work within the parameters I've set, put the Club first and continue to trust his players. As regards my personal role at the Club and the steady rumours of a sale, I will address these after the season. Paul Lambert, Paul Faulkner and I speak daily and remain committed to the immediate job of limiting distraction and confusion in order that Villa have the best chance possible of finishing on a strong note."

- Randy Lerner, Aston Villa Chairman

On the official site: Club statement | Latest News | Aston Villa

This is very exciting just hope we get good owners, Randy seems to have his heart in the right place so I trust this will be the case.

[Goofle]

Off ya go Moysey.

[Cuthbert]

[Cuthbert]

We may as well discuss the inevitable; who will replace him?

Van Gaal
Klopp
Mourinho
Quieroz

Any more?