Rumours are nothing and if we have learnt anything the past few years, we should take them with a pinch of salt. If you wanted further clarification, look up the word 'speculation' in the dictionary. What you'll find is something like 'reasoning based on inconclusive evidence; conjecture or supposition'.
What I'm trying to say is, don't believe what you read about Charlie Adam. Take what you read about Ashley Young with a pinch of salt and don't for a second, believe anything about some of the players that have been brought up at Aston Villa and love the club, possibly as much as we do.
I'm only writing this, because you're going to read and hear lots of rumours about players like Ciaran Clark, Mark Albrighton and Barry Bannan over the next few weeks, months and years, but they are as much Aston Villa as we are. You can't buy loyalty like that. But that is just because those three have broken through this season - after next season and the season after, there will be a lot more rumours about quite a few more players.
I'm not going to name names, although I could just list the team sheet from the reserve clash last night when they put ten past Arsenal, but my point isn't about the football or the players, it's about the speculation. Most of it, actually the vast majority of it, is made up. So, don't get worried by rumours you hear or read and don't get that excited by others, or even concerned.
No speculation, just facts
Now, don't get me wrong, I get excited by the prospect of Shay Given coming, but he probably won't. I'd also get quite excited right now if Robbie Keane came in, but I don't think he will and not because the player doesn't want to come.
But I'm more interested in who the club actually sign. So, with that in mind, I'm not going to speculate on the speculation today. I might tomorrow, but I doubt it. I will speculate on players coming though - they have to come, certainly if some are leaving and I'm convinced more are leaving.
But until that happens, visit The Sun or The Daily Mail for rumours, or The Mirror - those three make most up. But don't worry about the younger players leaving or getting their heads turned. They are Aston Villa Football Club and I hate writing this next bit, but the future really is bright.
Big match at the weekend
So, I'm turning my attention to the weekend. We have a big match coming up and one that we really need to win, but it won't be easy. The Circus is a horrible place to go, not because it is difficult, just because it is horrible and it will take a very big effort, but it is one I think the lads are capable of.
You see, man for man, we have a better squad. Sunday will come down to who wants it more and who gets the tactics right on the day. They will play for a draw, they usually do and they won't risk going out to win it. So, it comes down to us creating and taking chances and I believe we have more than enough quality in the team to do it.
So, my prediction for Sunday is an away win. The odds are below. Fancy a flutter?