Jores Okore signs for Aston Villa

Jores Okore has signed for Lambert's Lions

The 20-year-old defender underwent a medical today and signed a four-year deal.


 "We're a young team and we played some really good football over the second half of last season which is something we want to build on now as players, as a team and as a club," Okore said.

"I know there is great potential in the team. I have watched many of our games because the Premier League is very popular back in Denmark.

"I know also that we have a good coach and this is a really good club. This is the right club for me, I feel it straight away.

"We have a lot to show and we have a long way to go.
"It was really nice to hear some very nice comments from Martin Laursen. It means a lot."

Yea its official i'm now an Aston villa player!! Looking forward to it!! http://t.co/fozcyqGbxD

— Jores Okore (@JoresOkore) June 13, 2013

Thanks for the welcoming villa fans looking forward to play for u guys thanks a lot #avfc

— Jores Okore (@JoresOkore) June 13, 2013

Paul Lambert added "He's only 20 years of age and that's good but he's also an international player at a really young age and he's played Champions League football as well, which is testament to his potential.

"Jores has played in big games but he's a very humble lad and he will be a really good addition to our team and to our squad. I'm pleased that we've signed a player of his stature, for he is someone who can come in and make a huge impact.

"There's a great opportunity for him here and the competition for places is something that's really important. You want to try to have that throughout the team.

Okore v Chelsea from Morten Kaltoft on Vimeo.

More bread for Baker as he signs new deal.

Aston Villa defender Nathan Baker has signed a new three-year deal after breaking into the first team under Paul Lambert.

The 22-year-old academy graduate at Villa, made 30 appearances for the first team in what was an eventful and fraught season for the back line.

"I'm really happy to have signed and for my future to be with Villa," said Baker.

"It's an exciting time and, because I've come through the academy as well, it's something that's really special to me, something that hopefully I can use as an inspiration in the future.

"We were probably one of the youngest squads in the Premier League last season and we felt that we got stronger and stronger as the season went on.

"The fans could see the progress we were making and they got behind us really strongly. That was felt very keenly by the players.

"Hopefully, next season we can keep improving and we can be even better. I think things are in place that we can really do that."

Villa manager Paul Lambert says Baker is already an integral part of their squad.

"For any player here at Aston Villa, the goal is always to strive to be the best you can and to keep improving as an individual within the team," Lambert said.

"Nathan has demonstrated courage and real willing and he's contributed to the team and these qualities will underpin his efforts going into the new season."

@bakesy23 congrats geez

— Derrick Williams (@DerickWilliams_) June 6, 2013

In other news, Villa are in the process of snapping up Liam Prynn from Torquay United.

Gulls' head-honcho Andrew Candy told the Herald Express: "As I understand it, the terms have been agreed, and all parties are happy about the situation.

"We are certainly excited - the deal is good news for the club, and for Liam and his family.

"But it's good for our other youth players, who see that things like this can happen to a youngster at Torquay United."

A clue to the signing was on Pryn's twitter page last month:

Thanks for the weekend! #AVFC #astonvilla
— Liam Prynn (@prynner6) May 21, 2013

Villa v Chelsea as it was tweeted...

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Man United v Villa as it was tweeted...

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The Enemy Below...

Mildly important match next Saturday...

Reading v Aston Villa as it was tweeted

You Stupid Boy

Given the average age of our first team squad, you'd think using Dad's Army analogies to comment on a match would be well off the agenda, and yet we've managed it.

Sometimes, a picture paints a thousand words...

Villa risk fan revolt as Weimann talks stall

Randy Lerner is risking a major revolt amongst Aston Villa fans after contract talks with Andreas Weimann broke down.

The emergence of Austrian international Andi has been one of the few bright spots in a miserable season at Villa Park and Holte Enders will be horrified at the prospect of losing him.

Weimann is rumoured to be on around £15,000 a week but sources close to the player say they are “disappointed” with the fresh terms so far on offer He has around 18 months left on his current deal, but Villa are unlikely to let this run down and lose the talented forward man on a Bosman, so if a deal can't be brokered, his summer exit seems assured, whether or not Villa secure their Premier League status.

Villa boss Paul Lambert remarked “We’re still talking at the minute and seeing how it’s gone on.”

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Maybe we're all worrying far too much...

Lambert speaks after Everton game

listen to ‘Mark Regan talks to a dejected Paul Lambert after Villa pegged back at the death at Everton’ on Audioboo

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Three points tonight please Mister Lambert: No pressure

Randy effectively gives Lambert the dreaded vote of confidence...

Statements from Randy Lerner are almost as rare as hen's teeth, so it's a sign of how serious things are that he has issued an official statement today:

"In the time that I’ve come to know Paul what is clear above all else is his strength of character and belief in his approach to football.

"Fortunes can shift quickly in this game and a sense that one has it right can become grave doubt in a matter of a few games.

"The Villa board knew that with Paul we would begin to address the club’s multi-year lack of competitive stability by reshaping the squad with seven new signings in the summer.

"It has been rewarding at times this season although certainly frustrating as well, particularly recently.

"During January Paul and the board have discussed a variety of players although nothing has yet materialised, which I know also can be frustrating as fresh players always give at least a sense of progress and optimism.

"Finally, and on a very personal note, I would reiterate that Paul has achieved success at many levels of professional football and I believe, given support, he will continue to do so for us.”

Lambert on WBA clash

listen to ‘Lambert on WBA clash’ on Audioboo