With reports earlier today suggesting that Aston Villa have taken former Burnley midfielder Dean Marney on a trial and welcomed him into training as manager Steve Bruce looks at his options ahead of the 2018/19 Championship campaign, it was fair to say that fans would be mixed on the news.
It seems the 34-year-old has the right attitude and the right sort of character to pass on his experience in the game in the right way, especially if we lead with a younger basic core to the first-team squad this coming campaign, but of course, his age would make some recoil given our ‘older’ approach to signings under Steve Bruce that leaves us top heavy, with associated wages.
I mentioned myself as I covered it originally, I could see sense in his possible arrival if we did in fact now sell Mile Jedinak as is being rumoured, but even then from an FFP aspect, unless he was willing to take a much lower than expected wage (would he with Nottingham Forest reportedly sniffing around as well?) what would we really gain.
That seems to be a conundrum that has occurred to many as the news filtered through.
If Jedinak leaves, he is a good replacement. Otherwise he doesnt add much to the squad
— tommy.gi (@thanosgcool) July 16, 2018
He had some spare kit that was the same colour….. every day low cost
— Greg Gibbons (@gibbons66951) July 16, 2018
Ffs things are worse than i thought
— ? (@villafan30) July 16, 2018
Good to have experience heads around the young team. Taking out terry , Jedinak , possibly Chester will have a major impact on senior leaders . Marney won’t get us game time but his experience in the dressing room will be vital
— Team $$$ (@skillspaybillz) July 16, 2018
Blimey he looks older than 34, sure he’s not 43?
— DG (@grantorrr) July 16, 2018
We need all number and experience what we need .
— Joe Avfc Harris (@AvfcHarris) July 16, 2018
Pensioners F.C.
— ????????????????????????????Jack???????????????????????????? (@JackTheVillan11) July 16, 2018