Aston Villa to sign Micah Richards - CONFIRMED

smetro wrote:

Mazrim wrote:Do you really think Micah Richards is crap - on a par with Habib Beye and Emile Heskey?
Or are you saying these things to get a response, as I suspect?

Is your objection that he had an injury? Or that he's crap?
He's way above any of our other defenders, he's won titles, played in the champions league and won caps for England. I'm not going to criticise him for playing less than he might have in his last seasons at City when he had a bad injury and when they were throwing money about, rotating 30m players in and out at a whim - and changing managers.

We're talking about a player who has pace, immense strength, can play RB or CB, a leader, signing for 17th place Villa for about the same money Gabby is on. I don't see the problem.

• I think for £65k pw - he could become as much of a burden to us a Beye\Heske
  For that Salary I think we could get a week in \ week out reliable CB - Not someone who was promising in his early twenties and has flattered to deceive ever since
  I don't see him limiting our goals against tally
  

He's still only 26 FFS!!
you've been mugging yourself off over this all night pal...and he ain't even signed yet...and the papers are guessing at salary when Richards himself said recently money don't bother him.
It's a great signing for a club in our position.

jayzus...our fans sometimes!!

smetro wrote:

Mazrim wrote:Do you really think Micah Richards is crap - on a par with Habib Beye and Emile Heskey?
Or are you saying these things to get a response, as I suspect?

Is your objection that he had an injury? Or that he's crap?
He's way above any of our other defenders, he's won titles, played in the champions league and won caps for England. I'm not going to criticise him for playing less than he might have in his last seasons at City when he had a bad injury and when they were throwing money about, rotating 30m players in and out at a whim - and changing managers.

We're talking about a player who has pace, immense strength, can play RB or CB, a leader, signing for 17th place Villa for about the same money Gabby is on. I don't see the problem.

• I think for £65k pw - he could become as much of a burden to us a Beye\Heske
  For that Salary I think we could get a week in \ week out reliable CB - Not someone who was promising in his early twenties and has flattered to deceive ever since
  I don't see him limiting our goals against tally
  

Who would you rather see bought in at CB/RB, who will be better than Richards should he sign?

We are shit. We finished 17th. Richards is a massive step up in quality. Last summer we signed Senderos, RIchardson, Cole etc. This is much more positive and hopefully better will come after we are taken over too.

Big calm down pill guys. Just back from work and seems to be loads of squabbling going on. Chill the fuck out please.
Have we signed Richards or not ? First question.
2nd question..... Why the fuck is there an argument on this forum, instead of a discussion ?
We are all mates on here. Stop arguing guys and nit picking. Difference of opinion is good but fuck me. Behave please.
This forum was built on good grounds, read the rules for fuck sake. We do it different on here to most forums.
Discuss the post not the poster.
Rules where set and still stand. Like it or not, they will stay the rules.

Reading a lot about him on the Bluemoon forums...

Most Man City fans love him and are sad to see him go. They appreciated his commitment and bravery on the pitch, but unfortunately, injuries have destroyed his career at their club. Many proclaim he could have been one of the best RBs in the world, if it wasn't for his long string of injuries. They still think he's better than Sanga (who has always looked class whenever I've seen him play over the years) but is never fit to play.

His mentality is probably the biggest reason why Sherwood is interested in him. He wants to play, week in and week out, and left for Italy last season to try to do it. Unfortunately, that didn't work out, but here is a quote I found from him on the Bluemoon forum...

The problem at City, in his main position at right back, was Pablo Zabaleta. 'He was number one and I had to accept that,' says Richards. 'He has been outstanding.

'But I just couldn't get my head around being second choice. I'd rather play for a lesser team. I know a lot of players would just take the money at City. But I'd rather take a pay cut and play every week. Ideally you want to be playing at the highest level, in the Champions League and so on.

He still has the potential to be a massive player for us, provided he can stay healthy. This has my stamp of approval. I'd love for him to find his feet again, this time in a Villa shirt. We need leaders in the defense, and I don't think you'll find a better one on a free.

Rather have Zabaleta but I like his attitude. Sign him up now.

KMitch wrote:Reading a lot about him on the Bluemoon forums...

Most Man City fans love him and are sad to see him go.  They appreciated his commitment and bravery on the pitch, but unfortunately, injuries have destroyed his career at their club.  Many proclaim he could have been one of the best RBs in the world, if it wasn't for his long string of injuries.  They still think he's better than Sanga (who has always looked class whenever I've seen him play over the years) but is never fit to play.

His mentality is probably the biggest reason why Sherwood is interested in him.  He wants to play, week in and week out, and left for Italy last season to try to do it.  Unfortunately, that didn't work out, but here is a quote I found from him on the Bluemoon forum...

The problem at City, in his main position at right back, was Pablo Zabaleta. 'He was number one and I had to accept that,' says Richards. 'He has been outstanding.

'But I just couldn't get my head around being second choice. I'd rather play for a lesser team. I know a lot of players would just take the money at City. But I'd rather take a pay cut and play every week. Ideally you want to be playing at the highest level, in the Champions League and so on.

He still has the potential to be a massive player for us, provided he can stay healthy.  This has my stamp of approval.  I'd love for him to find his feet again, this time in a Villa shirt.  We need leaders in the defense, and I don't think you'll find a better one on a free.  

This tells me exactly why we should want to sign him, great attitude on the lad. If this is the calibre of signing we're making with a takeover hanging over us then I can't wait to see who else comes in. For a first ever transfer,Tim's done pretty damn well IMO

Jamie Gray wrote:

KMitch wrote:Reading a lot about him on the Bluemoon forums...

Most Man City fans love him and are sad to see him go.  They appreciated his commitment and bravery on the pitch, but unfortunately, injuries have destroyed his career at their club.  Many proclaim he could have been one of the best RBs in the world, if it wasn't for his long string of injuries.  They still think he's better than Sanga (who has always looked class whenever I've seen him play over the years) but is never fit to play.

His mentality is probably the biggest reason why Sherwood is interested in him.  He wants to play, week in and week out, and left for Italy last season to try to do it.  Unfortunately, that didn't work out, but here is a quote I found from him on the Bluemoon forum...

The problem at City, in his main position at right back, was Pablo Zabaleta. 'He was number one and I had to accept that,' says Richards. 'He has been outstanding.

'But I just couldn't get my head around being second choice. I'd rather play for a lesser team. I know a lot of players would just take the money at City. But I'd rather take a pay cut and play every week. Ideally you want to be playing at the highest level, in the Champions League and so on.

He still has the potential to be a massive player for us, provided he can stay healthy.  This has my stamp of approval.  I'd love for him to find his feet again, this time in a Villa shirt.  We need leaders in the defense, and I don't think you'll find a better one on a free.  

This tells me exactly why we should want to sign him, great attitude on the lad. If this is the calibre of signing we're making with a takeover hanging over us then I can't wait to see who else comes in. For a first ever transfer,Tim's done pretty damn well IMO

Well said Jamie...couldn't agree with you more.
Can't believe some of the negativity I have seen on Twatter...with people moaning we are paying him too much....crazy, he hasn't even signed yet!

Dunno if this means anything, but last night my lad noticed that Benteke started following Micah Richards on twitter

ViewFromT2 wrote:

Jamie Gray wrote:

KMitch wrote:Reading a lot about him on the Bluemoon forums...

Most Man City fans love him and are sad to see him go.  They appreciated his commitment and bravery on the pitch, but unfortunately, injuries have destroyed his career at their club.  Many proclaim he could have been one of the best RBs in the world, if it wasn't for his long string of injuries.  They still think he's better than Sanga (who has always looked class whenever I've seen him play over the years) but is never fit to play.

His mentality is probably the biggest reason why Sherwood is interested in him.  He wants to play, week in and week out, and left for Italy last season to try to do it.  Unfortunately, that didn't work out, but here is a quote I found from him on the Bluemoon forum...

The problem at City, in his main position at right back, was Pablo Zabaleta. 'He was number one and I had to accept that,' says Richards. 'He has been outstanding.

'But I just couldn't get my head around being second choice. I'd rather play for a lesser team. I know a lot of players would just take the money at City. But I'd rather take a pay cut and play every week. Ideally you want to be playing at the highest level, in the Champions League and so on.

He still has the potential to be a massive player for us, provided he can stay healthy.  This has my stamp of approval.  I'd love for him to find his feet again, this time in a Villa shirt.  We need leaders in the defense, and I don't think you'll find a better one on a free.  

This tells me exactly why we should want to sign him, great attitude on the lad. If this is the calibre of signing we're making with a takeover hanging over us then I can't wait to see who else comes in. For a first ever transfer,Tim's done pretty damn well IMO

Well said Jamie...couldn't agree with you more.
Can't believe some of the negativity I have seen on Twatter...with people moaning we are paying him too much....crazy, he hasn't even signed yet!

You get the same demograph of fans at every club - the eternal optimists, the eternal pessimists, the not-got-a-clues & those with a balanced view. I'd hope I'm the latter but maybe I'm the former!! I just don't see the negativity with this signing. EVERY signing is a risk, none are guaranteed to be successful, but you look at all the factors in this one I'm struggling to find a down side. With a take over completed & a sizeable transfer fund I'd still think it was a great signing. That's just me though & I accept there are some fitness concerns

EviliZe wrote:Dunno if this means anything, but last night my lad noticed that Benteke started following Micah Richards on twitter

Welcome to the site EviliZe. Always good to start with a sleuth! 

The man is a beast, and would walk in our team if he signs

Outstanding signing, and love the quotes on his attitude to playing.

Do think Hutton still has a role to play on the team too, but Richards on a free would be frankly great.

I know he was only the starting right back the first year Man City won the premier league, so some fans must be disappointed not to be able to pay millions for this kind of player or to not have attracted a higher profile right back.

:) :) :)

kimbo wrote:

Mr_Spadge wrote:Outstanding signing, and love the quotes on his attitude to playing.  

Do think Hutton still has a role to play on the team too, but Richards on a free would be frankly great.  

I know he was only the starting right back the first year Man City won the premier league, so some fans must be disappointed not to be able to pay millions for this kind of player or to not have attracted a higher profile right back.  

:) :) :)

Sorry to be pedantic about it, but Zabaleta was right-back when they won the league. If I remember correctly, he actually scored the first goal in *that* game against QPR. Richards was part of the squad though, obviously.

I believe he has been signed as a centre back. This is where he sees his future and was one of the main things he wanted assurance on before signing for anybody. It could well be why he reportedly turned down a bigger offer from Sunderland...and credit to him if that was a deciding factor!
I think he has everything a top centre back needs, size, strength, power, pace...and with a full season of football remaining injury free (please god)....is a shoe in for the England squad next summer.

As Jamie said, even if we had a £150m transfer kitty...Micah Richards on a free would still be a quality signing!!

EviliZe wrote:Dunno if this means anything, but last night my lad noticed that Benteke started following Micah Richards on twitter

Brilliant, the devil is in the detail, love it haha!!

Ps Just noticed it was your first post, welcome to TBAR!!

Great signing and not one that would of happened last summer. Hopefully a sign of things to come.

mark_draper wrote:Great signing and not one that would of happened last summer. Hopefully a sign of things to come.

Exactly right. Was discussing this earlier...this time last year we couldn't afford/attract Joleon Lescott on free...who is a villa fan ffs!!

EviliZe wrote:Dunno if this means anything, but last night my lad noticed that Benteke started following Micah Richards on twitter

I'll add my welcome to the others. Good to have you on board.

ViewFromT2 wrote:

mark_draper wrote:Great signing and not one that would of happened last summer. Hopefully a sign of things to come.

Exactly right. Was discussing this earlier...this time last year we couldn't afford/attract Joleon Lescott on free...who is a villa fan ffs!!

That's a good comparison, similar reported wages (between the 90k and the 65k figures we've seen) and Lambert said out of our league, people that think we are in for that kind of player are out of their mind..........or words to that effect!!

Very good points made by both of you.

Definitely a shift in the right direction.

However, Cleverley has gone, Vlaar and Benteke likely to go too. So could be taking that into account. Not forgetting D.Bent's wages too.

EviliZe wrote:Dunno if this means anything, but last night my lad noticed that Benteke started following Micah Richards on twitter

He has started following Thomas Vermaelen aswell since following Richards...weird as they have played together long enough, and not like Vermaelen has just joined twitter....maybe he is coming too...!

GadgetMan wrote:

ViewFromT2 wrote:

mark_draper wrote:Great signing and not one that would of happened last summer. Hopefully a sign of things to come.

Exactly right. Was discussing this earlier...this time last year we couldn't afford/attract Joleon Lescott on free...who is a villa fan ffs!!

That's a good comparison, similar reported wages (between the 90k and the 65k figures we've seen) and Lambert said out of our league, people that think we are in for that kind of player are out of their mind..........or words to that effect!!

I remember those days "We can't compete for those kind of players"

This is old news .... we made a bid for Micah Richards back in 2009 and were turned down!

There would be a little bit of irony if we now got him on a 'free transfer' at an age when he should be in his prime years.

A Tweet from Pete:

kimbo wrote:A Tweet from Pete:

Now I'm starting to believe! Good old Pete.