Charlie Austin

do we know Delph is a step up on Gueye? I havent seen him play so I dont know.

I know Villa have been bad but surely the biggest team in the bottom ten and the potential is there..if they do put in a bid I would be surprised if Austin knocks it back

My only concern about Austin is whether he might be another Danny Graham, Grant Holt, Michu forward. Had an outstanding first season then dropped of a cliff. That said I've no idea who else. I don't see the point in Ade, dubious commitment, old, expensive. He's a bit like a TVR sports car, on the one day a year you can use it its awesome unfortunately for the rest of the time it sits out of sight and costs you a fortune. Plus we have Kozak as target man.

Whoever plays up front we'll need more goals from the rest of the team.

In terms of the midfield maybe Gardner may get a place?

Delph was a good player and for the first time in ages we had a midfielder who could run with the ball, but he was also more than capable of passing to the opponent and then getting booked trying to get the ball back.

Its hard to say we could be fine in that area or it could be like when we lost Petrov and didn't realise how good he was and what impact he had until he wasn't there anymore.

Delph is replacable, he is good but not outstanding at anything in partcular

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winning player of the season for Villa is hardly worth shouting about now is it?

Think we saw the best of Delph, kept hoping he'd improve but no sure he will. He's fine when there's not too much pressure on but if the opposition put pressure on him then he's apt to lose the ball or at least miss glaring opportunities. Will leave a gap due to his energy/commitment but is replacable.

Losing Benteke & Delph is the main negative so far of this transfer window; otherwise I think we've done good business. Richards, Gueye, Amavi and Sinclair are all good aquisitions, although it don't think Sinclair is yet back to his best.

The rumours are mixed about Austen, some say we're in for him, some say we're absolutely not interested. Sherwood will have a clear idea of whether or not he fits in with plans.

I'm coming round to the Adebayor option. He has a staggering record, mainly interrupted by managers not interested in his strengths. Sure he's 31, but maybe like Drogba he's one of those who can keep going a long time.

Not sure Cissokho will be going. I've watched both pre-season matches so far, and he looks far more positive than last season, not afraid to get forwards and getting in some good crosses.

Its certainly a big loss on paper... Guzan, Given, Vlaar, Delph, Benteke and I suppose others like Bent, Lowton, Weimann and perhaps even old hands like Senderos and so on.

Those are the makings of a decent team with some reasonable back-ups too.

With a decent manager, Villa would have finished perhaps 10th with last seasons players and squad.

The likes of Gil (from what I have seen), Sinclair, Richards and a few more would have added to that squad. Made it a top ten team. With a decent manager.

Maybe Sherwood has done the right thing to get rid and let go of those players. Maybe not.

Its certainly a gamble.

Our strikers are Gabby and Kozak so need to bring in 2 more. Austin and Callum Wilson would be good.

Looks like Guzan is staying, according to what Sherwood has said and is quoted in the Birmingham Mail. The Mail is trying to cover its previous reporting of the rumour that he was going by implying it' not 100% certain, but what Sherwood has said is clear enough; Brad is staying and will be number 1.

I'm not unhappy at those leaving. With both Given and Vlaar it was time for them to move on, Given because he's not getting any younger and needs a number 1 status somewhere if he can get it, Vlaar because not only was he out with injuries too much but his game was going down. With Delph and Benteke it was clear they were going to be off pretty soon anyway, and I reckon it's better for us to build afresh rather than try to accomodate them.