Football FanCast columnist Jerome Johnstone feels that it is time that clubs accept that ‘tapping up' is just part of the game.

Tapping up of players is something that has been going on for years. Whether it is done through an elicit meeting, player orchestrated or openly within the media; it is something that will always continue and really something that the authorities can do little to stop.

Football FanCast columnist Stephen Darwin reacts to the news that Martin O'Neill has made an approach for David Bentley and feels his possible arrival will be a sign that Aston Villa mean business next season.

It was only a matter of time before a club made an official approach to sign Blackburn Rovers winger David Bentley. I'm sure Paul Ince was reluctant to tell the world that Aston Villa had lodged a bid, as the former MK Dons boss was hopeful to keep the England man, but his confession suggests that he has accepted he will be without his services next season and will now be forced to look elsewhere.

Football FanCast columnist Will Johnson feels that the Premier League is getting back to its competitive best and can see a breach of the top4 next season.

If there is one thing that I love about pre-season then it is the air of optimism that surrounds the football supporter. New signings and strips bring renewed vigour among everyone, past failings seem something of a distant memory and you renew your season tickets in the hope that finally fortunes are about to change. It is the same no matter what league you play in and that is one of the great beauties of football that it always comes round again.

Football FanCast columnist Greg Symonds hopes that reports of Arsenal's 11^th hour hijack of Gareth Barry prove correct and feels that a move to North London will be in the player's better interests.

If there is one transfer deal that has become something of an epic in recent weeks; then it is certainly the Gareth Barry one. Such is the callus way that Liverpool chose to approach our captain, has left a real sour taste in the mouth and just highlights the lack of respect and decorum that is prevalent in the modern game.

Football FanCast columnist Rob Facey thinks that Steve Sidwell could prove to be the perfect cure for the communal headache everyone at Villa Park is sharing.

Steve Sidwell has been officially unveiled as an Aston Villa player after completing his £5m move from Stamford Bridge as the club look to create a new chapter in the post-Barry era at Villa Park.

Football FanCast columnist Rob Facey looks at the facts now that the Gareth Barry saga nears completion and applauds Villa for refusing to be bullied by another club, or indeed their own captain and feels it is the fans who have been let down more than anyone.

Arsene Wenger has recently condemned the modern footballer and their attitude but how refreshing it is, as Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry moves one step closer to his Anfield move, to be reminded that clubs can have a huge influence if they really make the effort.

Football FanCast columnist George Samuels cannot understand the growing trend of footballers that use the media to force their moves and hope that club's continue to play hardball.

There is something about the modern day footballer that irritates me greatly. It has nothing to do with exorbitant salaries or any hint of jealousy on my part, but I have just grown sick and tired of their over inflated egos and the way they wallow in self importance. They just can't seem to shut up; be able to resist that newspaper interview and the need to use the media in order of self gain. It is a slap in the face for their employers and an even bigger one for supporters.

Football FanCast columnist Max Dunne looks at Martin O'Neill intentions of improving the Villa squad and feels that the Irishman should possibly entertain a raid at White Hart Lane.

Lord only knows why Gareth Barry saw fit to pass judgment on Aston Villa and Martin O'Neill. In a few choice words the player simply destroyed 10yrs of love and affection that the fans had for him and ensured that he will never be looked upon as a Villa Park legend.