ANDRE GREEN JOINS POMPEY
In arguably a surprise move, Villa have opted to release Andre Green for a season long loan to Portsmouth.
Despite an injury ravaged 2017/18 campaign, Green’s prospects of breaking into the Villa first team looked promising after a stand-out pre-season. Indeed, given the club’s summer financial meltdown, the 20 year old winger looked suddenly critical to our immediate stability.
However, following renewed investment and the loan acquisition of El Ghazi (Lille) and Yannick Bolasie (Everton), Green’s development will inevitably take place away from Villa Park.
Whilst there are murmurs of discontent across social media, especially given Villa’s somewhat tepid attacking threat of late, competitive first team football is important.
This blog has been the first to bemoan both the lack of players developing post-academy from Villa and the worth of Under-23 ‘competition’. With this in mind, Green has the opportunity to grow fitness, develop technically and acquire some meaningful match-time.
ELPHICK TARGETED BY QPR
The relationship between Bruce and his central defensive options remains a puzzle, with former club captain Tommy Elphick no exception.
Elphick, promoted with Bournemouth in 2015 has struggled for game-time after quickly falling out of favour at Villa Park. Indeed, despite some decidedly ropey alternatives, he has often been treated as the defender as last resort.
With this said, Elphick’s form has been as changeable as his favour. Lacking in pace and at times questionable positionally, he’s not been able to carry himself through on commitment alone.
This culminated in a disappointing loan deal with Reading last term where he appeared only 4 times for the Royals. Despite scoring during the season opener against Hull, he’s once again been out of the squad, only to re-appear at Villa’s shambolic defeat to Burton that saw our exit from the League Cup.
Reports indicate that Elphick is being targeted by fellow Championship side QPR, which given form, favour and current defensive selections by Bruce, seems plausible.
TSHIBOLA TO KILMARNOCK
Big money flop Aaron Tshibola has made a second loan switch to Scottish Premier league side Kilmarnock.
The £5million signing from Reading, once again links up with Steve Clarke, who seems desperate to sign the 23 year old midfielder wherever and whenever he can.
Tshibola’s prospects at Villa Park appear grim, with his signing (and it’s cost) drawing a sharp intake of breath whenever mentioned. Whilst we wish the midfielder well for the season, his name will only serve to remind of the colossal failure of Roberto Di Matteo and the financial ruin reached under the stewardship of Dr Tony Xia.