Milner unsure of future? - Blog - Philsbury

20 May 2010

That's right, it's a football post!

There's been rumours of James Milner moving away from Villa Park this summer, rumours further fuelled by Many City's (frankly piss poor) bid of £20 million.

I've read a few bits about Villa fans expecting him to be on his way over the summer based on a press conference, here's what was said:

"Do I expect to be at Villa next season? I don't know. I've worked as hard as I can and concentrated on club football while the season has been on. Now it has finished, I'm focusing on England - and that's the only thing I am focusing on."

Adding, "The speculation about my own future is not distracting. There are always going to be rumours about every player in every club when the transfer window opens. To be linked with any clubs is flattering but I'm just concentrating on England at this time. The season finished at Villa a week and a bit ago and we all said we would discuss my future after the World Cup."

Now, a "definitely", or "I hope so" would have made us fans feel better, but I don't think this is a totally negative dialogue. I think he, as well as most Villa fans, knows that if a bid in the region of £30 million comes in, we'd probably be stupid not to take it. That's well over double the money we paid for him.

And does that mean we lack ambition? I don't think so in essence. If the sale of Gareth Barry last summer proved anything, it's that Martin O'Neill knows how to build a team, and not focus it around one player. Yes, Milner has been the shining star at Villa Park this season, but Barry was before that and I'd say Villa have had their best season under MON so far with sixth in the league and two trips to Wembley in the past twelve months.

If Milner does go, I'd like to see a couple of things. Firstly some fresh talent brought in, a Joe Cole or a Stephen Ireland perhaps. And, as much as I like three of the strikers we have, perhaps someone who could potentially bag 20 goals next term. Then aside from the Villa Park aspect of things, I hope (if) Milner leaves for the right reasons, and more so the right club. Other than a huge stack of cash, Man City don't really have much more to offer Milner next season than Villa do. And I somewhat doubt he'd progress as much under Mancini as he would under O'Neill.

I suppose the point I'm making is, if he goes, he goes. We carry on and look for our next 'star'. If he stays, great, but let's get that fourth spot next year so we don't get endless speculation every summer.