Written by Jerry Wednesday, 02 September 2009 14:34
None of you will be surprised at this – after all, I’m one of O’Neill’s sheep – but I like the business Villa has done in the window and I’m optimistic about the coming campaign.
Like most of us here, I never felt safe last season. However much we led by, I knew we could throw it away by conceding late goals. I never really trusted that defence.
After Man City, Villa are the biggest spenders in the Premier League. Dunne, Collins, Warnock, Beye, a returning Bouma and a rejuvenated Shorey will make a massive difference. Cuéllar gets better each game and Luke Young will soon be back. This is a defence I can believe in.
Downing and Delph will be massive for Villa. I actually think that Barry leaving has strengthened the team. Why? Because remaining senior players have to step up and take responsibility for success. This process has already started – Petrov has already talked about the increased effort and communication amongst the players.
There is now genuine competition for places all over the pitch which can only be good.
Any doubts? Well, goals. Will we get enough? I hope so and I think we can. I think Young and Milner will be given more freedom to roam and these two gifted players could be the catalyst for big scores.
The victories over Liverpool and Fulham also inspired optimism. It was the way Villa did it. It wasn’t like last season - frenetic and hyper-active, but measured and purposeful. Quite calm in fact, it seemed like the natural way of things.
I don’t think the team fear anyone at the moment. You can sense the self-confidence about them. Pilgrims, I’ve nailed my colours to the mast – we’re gonna do good. Tags and the fatman will believe it when they see it, I know, but I’m content. Up the Villa.
Jerry goes by the username churchill when posting comments.
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Mark
said:
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... I would consider a Europa League place again as a minimum next season as a good achievement. After these recent signings, I happier that is possible. Particularly Andy Marshall, living in Norfolk its good to see someone local in the Villa squad  |
Halfwit
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... Transfer windows with O Neill is hard living with glad its over Make Dunne Captain 1st choice defender |
OneVilla
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... Good article, and im pleased with the signing made, we are definately more solid in the back and up front i think we will do ok. But my concern has always been the lack of a creative midfielder ie a Delph type player but obviously with more experience, someone who can make something happen out of nothing. Maybe im being unfair to Delph and he will come good as the season progress' but i think i was looking for a signing that would step straight into the first team and make a difference. |
Richard Bunn
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... Good article Jerry. Yes we can push on. Especially with a warrior like this at the back! http://www.mcfc.co.uk/Video/Features/Farewell-Dunney |
bring back john gregory
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... well done to randy learner yet again he has given mon the funds and make the villa one highest spenders in the window but i suppose damo will still moan at him  |
Matt T
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... Good article Jerry. Perhaps the people who keep saying that Lerner doesn't suppky funds to MON will shut up now, given that we've spent £40m in one transfer window again. Or maybe they'll now argue that the money never went on 2 £20m players when clearly there was always a need for more numbers.... |
Matt T
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... And yes we all know he should have done the deals earlier, but he didn't and we can't change that now so let's hope some of the naysayers may actually get behind the team now as we all support the same club... |
paul mclafferty
said:
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... my only gripe is and it is very small, is why the bloody hell do we leave it so late to sign the players. i know the dunne deal wouldnt have been able to do as man city didnt sign lescott untill late and wouldnt have sold if lescott had stayed at everton. i would love it if one season mon signs his targets and then gets a preseason with them, or am i asking too much.  |
Stuart Kinane
said:
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... Good article Jerry. As a long time Villa fan from Ireland, im delighted and proud to see Richard Dunne join our club. The last central defender from Ireland to play for us was God like and while Dunne may not be quite as good (in fairness, Paul McGrath was arguably the best central defender of all time), he will be the rock and leader at the back we have needed since Laursen left. I like the point you make about Barry leaving too. The other players were definitely in his shadow last season and it was quite annoying looking back to see him giving our club the "champions league or I leave" ultimatum. We are better off without taht aso good luck to him. We now have a squad full of players who will give 100% for Villa and are looking to get us into the top 4 and beyond. Lastly out of all of our squad, i am most looking forward to seeing Delph developing as a player. Only last week, he nearly had scored in the last few moments against Rapid Vienna with an amazing piece of individual skill. If it had gone in, he would have attained hero status among Villa fans in only his third game for the club. At only age 19. He is going to be massive. UTV!!! |
Damian
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... Matt T It isn't about what is spent, it's about net spend. We are still averaging just over £20mn a season net spend. |
James Clift
said:
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... I can't wait for Blues away now. At the time of buying my ticket £48 felt like a whole lot of money to spend 90mins sat in legoland. Now I'm confident it will be money well spent watching the Villa warriors race to a third consecutive league win. I couldn't think of a better place to do it. |
Max
said:
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... Pleased Dunne has finally arrived, can understand why this has taken so long with the whole Lescott saga obviously being an issue delaying the deal. The only one I am not sure about is Collins, don't know anything about the guy so will give him the benefit of the doubt for now, hope he and all the other signings come good. I for one am looking forward to Downing getting back to fitness and coming in, was never a fan of his, but now he is one of our own I really believe he can do a great job for us across the attacking midfield. |
robb david
said:
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... The net spend for the whole prem league is just over 80 million, take man city out and the prem league has recieved more money than spent. So a net spend of 24m doesnt seem to bad to me. I am hopefull that know we have a squad that next transfer window we can start to spend 20m on one player, as apposed to numbers building. although i do worry about losing some more of our players. |
PORTUGAL VILLIAN
said:
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... a friend out here is an hammers fan, he's told me collins is a good player. hammers blog site says he only averaged 16 games a season. but what it didn't say was that began when ferdinand was there keeping collins out. then the following season he broke his leg. last season was his best for the hammers. so things are looking good. c'mon the villa. |
John Samuels
said:
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... I mentioned this at the end of the last article but some may have missed it, which is no good as it took me so long to type!! lol I still think is gonna be MoN's best XI come the turn of the year: -----------Friedel-------------- Young---Cuellar--Dunne---Warnock -------Petrov--Reo-Coker-------- Milner------Downing--------Young ----------Agbonlahor------------ You can argue about exactly how you'd play Milner, Young and Downing and the reality is I think they'll be pretty fluid, switching flanks and causing a right old mess for opposing defences. You can also argue that Delph may be an option, either in the position i've placed Downing in, or instead of Reo-Coker or Petrov, in reality probably not until next season. Not consistently anyway, but one day he will. You can also argue the merits of Davies over Cuellar when fit, however I believe Dunne has to play and may play himself into being captain in a years time. Interesting to see what sort of role Collins has to play. he may turn out to be a good, solid acqusition. Finally there is the Carew v Gabby debate and I think most of you will agree that with Gabby's reputation for tiring and Carew's injury record there is room for both throughout the season. MoN has said he likes versatile players and has conceded we may play a different sytem or systems this season which imo is a good thing. It has to be good to have more than one way of playing and to have options on the bench. The point i'm trying to make is that last season did we have discussions going on about subjects and choices like those i've outlined above? No. No doubt we were grumbling about fullbacks and Reo-Coker playing out of position, Barry being an arse and our squad not having any depth. We have selection problems now, something we've never had under O'Neil and I think it's fair to give him time to figure out his best XI and that XI's best formation. I like 4-3-3 and i'm sure we will play a number of ways this year. I think Dunne will be as good as Laursen, I know many will get the hump with this, but I think he is a very similar player. If he wasn't so ugly I think many will agree. Laursen was a good player, but he was also very likeable and this may have made him appear more than he was. He was one of the best we've had and I think Dunne will be too. I hope people can be kind and comment reasonably, I'd hate to think i've just thrown myself to the proverbial 'dogs'. JPA |
Stathis
said:
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... Go go more optimism ^ ^ Competition for a place in the startin 11 is up for many, indeed. Good as in more options available, but maybe bad in the process for those who are gonna lose the battle..and start complainin for not playin. Dressin room harmony should prove tougher to maintain than last season. |
Vegas
said:
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... Good article but I disagree..I think our squad is stronger but sadly we can only play eleven at one time. I think our first XI is weaker than last year. No chance of a CL spot anytime soon and little excitement around pushing for a EL spot given our weak capitulation in this competition in the last two years. I'm expecting 7th position (falling back from last year), with the possibility of a decent cup run. Sorry but the dream is over |
Eoin Greene
said:
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... Jerry agree with all you've said ans think that I am being swept along with the positive vibe. The only difference is that you think we will do well wheras I hope we do. I just hope that this is the last of transfer windows where we have to add numbers for the sake of it. We have at least 2 players for each position now - which I think is a minimum. I could gripe why this has taken 3 years but I chose not too!! From now on we should sign proven quality that takes us to the next step. |
OJay
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... "Churchill" u didnt want Dunne, and u were unsure of Villa this season and the manager, now your all over them. Make up your mind. You always doubt MON, yet he always comes through and makes good signings then all of a sudden you love him again. |
John Samuels
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... Vainn, Well said, but it's a lot easier to keep the squad happy if you're winning games. It's when we go on a bad run (we will, every team does apart from Arsenes invincibles that one year) that it will get tricky. As you say tho, with the bigger squad I hope it'll be easier to deal with. More options all over the pitch. |
Chris Harper
said:
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... Great post Jerry. I really think we can push on this season. We have already seen changes this season; Formation changes, substitutes used, passing game. Its a delight to see! Off topic..... Im sure he signed for us yesterday?? http://www.mcfc.co.uk/Video/Fe...ryGMPolice  |
rob hathaway
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... villa chris yes we did sign him. lol wonder how much barry is being paid to hold that sign? |
RobL
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... I'm a little annoyed with Vegas' comment. Your opinion perhaps is valid, however, in my opinion, 4-5-1 is equally served by Petrov as it would have been by Barry. Last year, and i think is overlooked by some, the potential for the team to continue in 4-5-1 was limited due to the fact that obviously Barry chose himself, and Petrov, through form did the same, and we would not have been well served with either of these players, due to speed, being the catalyst for playing on the break. I believe the squad we have now, while still potentially missing laursen, is much more suited to variety, particularly when Downing is fit, and to say 'The dream is over' is outrageous. The market was scuppered by City, meaning options were limited, and personally im delighted with what we've done this window. Realistically, city excluded, tottenham has added Crouch, Bassong, Kranjcar, i don't believe that makes them a stronger starting 11 than us, and everton, unfortunately for them, are feeling the pinch placed on the smaller budget clubs by city's exorbinant dealings. Of all the challengers to the 'Big 5' (city yet unproven) i am rightly pleased to be sat as a villa fan, and expect that spurs will soon see that their poor attempt to enter a market based on leap-frogging lesser backed sides will fail, particularly when redknapp walks out with half the young talent wanting to jump out of a sinking, ego-fuelled ship. Wake up Vegas, the dream perhaps, in your eyes, was unrealistic, but the dream of Villa having a genuine shake at fulfilling their potential is certainly alive, and in the end that's all i ever asked. |
John Samuels
said:
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... Vegas, I understand you don't believe but what are your reasons? YOu say the first XI is weaker than last years, but in what respect? Barry has gone, but we seem to have papered over this with a five man midfield and with Downing fit I can't see this as an issue. We lost Laursen but signed Dunne who is a very good defender. Warnock replaces Shorey/L. Young on the left and from what I've seen is an improvement. L.young can now play in his best position with decent cover. Cuellar from what i've seen has settled and is looking better than last year. Where are we weaker? I don't expect you to agree with me, but would like more than a statement with no reasons or fact involved. It's not my intention to have a pop, just trying to get a bit of a discussion on the go. Churchill, Great post. I would be happy to write something myself if people are up for it. |
Chris Harper
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... I know its nothing to joke about but did make me chuckle The answer to that= too much! |
Chris Harper
said:
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... Juan Pablo Angel....don't be gready....you already do your own blog on the Official site!  |
jerry
said:
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...I think our squad is stronger but sadly we can only play eleven at one time. I think our first XI is weaker than last year. Vegas, several posters have said this: squad stronger - first XI weaker. I repectfully beg to differ. If I asked you why I think you would say: no Barry and no Laursen. Well Laursen only played the first half of the season and I believe we're stronger for Barry's departure. So, for me, stronger squad and first XI. Look at the defence compared to last season. Hope I'm not wrong but it looks fortress-like to me. Will he play Collins or Cuéllar with Dunne? I mean, Dunne has to start, yeah? Competition for places. When did we last see that? eoin, I'm impressed buddy. Hell, we're all impressed. It's like you're in Alcoholics Anonymous and we're waiting for you to fall off the wagon. Keep it going. |
Stathis
said:
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... Ye And i think there are certain facts that allow us to feel there wont be many problems in the dressin room afterall, for example: 1) MON is close to his players, most (if not all) regard him highly, and i believe even players not gettin picked for months would still say the same like Harewood, Gardner 2) The players we have seem to be good characters, again, most if not all. Not guys that would enjoy causin problems and complain often. We have a couple ones who enjoy..partyin maybe a bit too much, as recent past showed (Carew, Gabby;P) but thats another thing. 3) There is no big star name in the team anymore, so pressure is about the same for everyone, if we had gotten Sneijder or Van der Vaart it would of been an excellent addition but in terms of dressin room harmony such a star player would be either appreciated fast and recognised as natural leader by many, or cause jealousy and controversial feelins to many, i guess. |
jerry
said:
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..."Churchill" u didnt want Dunne, and u were unsure of Villa this season and the manager, now your all over them. Make up your mind. You always doubt MON, yet he always comes through and makes good signings then all of a sudden you love him again. Err...when was this? |
Villa@hert
said:
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... Vegas How do you make the 1st eleven weaker than last year Young---Cuellar--Dunne---Warnock is the strongest back four I can remeber in years. Or would you rather Knight, Shorey or Reo in defence?? How is Milner------Downing--------Young a worse attaching midfield than last year??? I agree with Jerry that we are better off without Barry. His mood dictated the way we played and the other players depended too much on him to lead. As he was always 1st on the team sheet he set the tone. The only weakness is goal scoring. I think Agbonlahor has become lazy and big John needs someone up front with him. I am hoping that the Fonz will come good or even for McGuck to break through. I know he has only just come back from that serious injury but I thought he showed signs of some really excellent play a year or so ago in the youth team. At the start of the window I said I would be happy with 4 or 5 good signings and 4 of the younger players comming through. Well I have got my wish and more so I will keep dreaming but with my feet on the ground. Almost forgot in Delph we have one for the future that will make it big. Only hope we can keep hold of him. |
John Samuels
said:
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... Ojay, In defence of Churchill I have to admit that I had reservations about Dunne initially as I wanted a younger player i.e Hangeland. In reality we have signed a good player and he will do well. £6m is about as much as i'd like to pay for a 29yr old but at the end of the day it's the clubs money. Dunne will play and he will be excellent. The second he put pen to paper he had my full support because I am a 'Supporter'. Please read Kohouteks post from yesterday and stop sniping and like minded individuals. |
Steve Badger
said:
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... Good post Churchill (someone's questioning your belief?  ) Question for you guys. Now Shorey seems to be playing better, do you think MON will drop him straightaway? |
John Samuels
said:
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... Personally I think shorey will start against Birmingham and Warnock may come on. It's not MoN's style to drop players who are playing well although he may surprise me. I remember our record signing having to play his way into the side at the beginning of last season. |
John Samuels
said:
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... Delago, Cheers, I'll start pestering Damien about it as it's something i'd like to try. |
Keith
said:
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... Rob h "wonder how much barry is being paid to hold that sign?" Behave now, you know he isn't in it for the money, but wants to be in the champions league of sign holding! |
Martin Clabon
said:
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... Churchill, just come back from a few weeks away with no tinternet or Sky with only texts to keep me up to date (thanks Freelancealot) so glad the 1st post I read is yours. In that time we won all 3 games (although went out of Europe), signed some defenders and England even won the Ashes. Perhaps I should go away more often? I was confused with end of the trfr window which I thought was end August so was v disappointed we appeared not to have signed any Centre Halves but all of a sudden we have another 2 in, bit of a bonus. How will they do? Don't know, not sure either were 1st choice but we desperately needed cover. Our last Irish defnder was Macca and if Dunne does a quarter what he did we will be well in and if Collins emulates our last welsh defender, Delaney, I will be pleased. I absolutely agree with eoins's comment that we now have the numbers we need and especially with great youngsters coming through this should be the end of squad building (as in numbers) and we should be looking at small numbers of very good signings. I am most excited about Delph but we will have to see how he does Itching with qestions: - JC still with us and forgiven? Was it a row or a genuine injury? - Is MON now playing 451 even with JC and Heskey fit? - Delph has dropped out of the picture a bit, starting on the bench? Any positive signs or did I get over excited by his debut against Fiorentina? - Clark starting at CH (enforced I guess) how's he looking and is there any chance of him starting more games (seems harsh to drop him after clean sheet)? - Any pitch time for Marky Mark? - Beye doing ok? - Any news on Freddie, DJ Stu or Luke Young's returns? - Don't we now have 2 James Collins at the club? - How has the blog been, the usual roller coaster with world about to end then Champs League here we come? Can any one be arsed to answer my questions? Sad to see my prediction of Man city and Spurs doing very well this season coming true so far |
John Samuels
said:
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... JC still with us and forgiven? Was it a row or a genuine injury? GENUINE INJURY, SCORED AGAINST RAPID - Is MON now playing 451 even with JC and Heskey fit? YES - Delph has dropped out of the picture a bit, starting on the bench? Any positive signs or did I get over excited by his debut against Fiorentina? PLAYED WELL AGAINST RAPID LOOKS GOOD, NEEDS GAMES - Clark starting at CH (enforced I guess) how's he looking and is there any chance of him starting more games (seems harsh to drop him after clean sheet)? PLAYED WELL BUT FULHAM WERE POOR - Any pitch time for Marky Mark? - Beye doing ok? OK, BIT RISKY AT TIMES - Any news on Freddie, DJ Stu or Luke Young's returns? NOPE - Don't we now have 2 James Collins at the club? YES SSN STUFFED UP AND SAID OUR NEW SIGNING WAS IN OUR RESERVEW SIDE BEFORE HE EVEN SIGNED HAHAHAHA! - How has the blog been, the usual roller coaster with world about to end then Champs League here we come? YES, RIDICULOUS |
Ben
said:
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... I've been a big critic of MON when it comes to transfers. This window has been fruitfull and all in all rather pleased however would still like to see a play maker in the middle (Defour) and an out and out goal scorer if Carew not fit. I would say 8/10 for this window and will back the team whatever. I'm impressed with the young lad Delph not sure about the defender from Newcastle though who looks all over the place. I feel for Shorey a bit as he's looked ok the last few games. |
jerry
said:
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...I would be happy to write something myself if people are up for it. Juan Pablo Write your piece. Do it in Word or somwthing so that you can spelcheque it. Try not to exceed 400/500 words. Keep your paragraphs short. Go to the header – the claret bit – and click contact. Copy and paste your article in the appropriate box. Our host will read it and decide. Some things get in, some don’t. Depends, I think, on relevance and how many have been submitted. I don’t slag him off like I used to – that probably helps. Seriously, I regard it as an honour and am proud to contribute. Good luck. |
FatKevs
said:
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... Starting 11 definitely worse Carew & Heskey are a year older, Gabby a stone heavier GB ML Not replaced |
Michael panizza
said:
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... FatKevs - Gabby a stone heavier? Where did you get that from, Weight**tch? Anyone else want to come up with a more absurd reason as to why we should be vocationally miserable about the Villa no matter what? Jesus Christ.. |
Martin Clabon
said:
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... Yo Churchill, good to be back Fat Kev's, think that's in the balance,it is reasonable to expect Shorey, Cuellar, Milner, and Gabbi to be better than last year plus the likes of Delph, Clark, Fonzi, Albrighton improving and looking to play 1st team and Luke Young playing on proper side is a plus. I take your point though that we have not necessarily replaced Martin and GB - but for any older players a year older there are 2 younger players a year more experienced. We will see |
Mostyn
said:
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... Starting 11 definitely worse Carew & Heskey are a year older, Gabby a stone heavier GB ML Not replaced Every player is a year older. Did you see the JC goal against Rapid? Gabby is heavier with muscle yet still like an electric eel. Milner is in the form of his life, Cuellar looks more settled. Delpph iss an exciting prospect. We are not centred around GB and we've replaced injury ridden ML with a highly experienced and fit Dunnie Monster. |
Martin Clabon
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... Monkey Wrench, I've seen some pretty miserable posts from you, or have I got you mixed up with spanner head? |
Michael panizza
said:
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... SidCowanslovechild - I've left a few posts regarding concerns on formations used by MON (442 and using Heskey, mainly) as well as some of the targets player-wise he's been after (still baffled as to why we don't seem to ever look at anyone abroad)..backed up by reasons as to why I was worried. To mention the weight of a player as a reason why we wont do well this season seemed a little daft to me, hence the comment. Apologies, I never meant to gatecrash the exclusive club of special fans. |
Steve Badger
said:
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...Shorey playin or not i think will depend more on how Warnock performs. and Personally I think shorey will start against Birmingham and Warnock may come on. It's not MoN's style to drop players who are playing well although he may surprise me. So the former thinks Shorey will walk straight in and the latter thinks not. Makes sense because I'm in two minds. One thing I like about MON is the fact that he sometimes makes players wait for a start and if players are doing ok, he'll run with them. I can't quite work out what's happened between Shorey and MON, but my way of thinking is Shorey not being assured a start at Pompey meant that moving house etc to go there was pointless. He has nothing to gain so might as well just stay where he is. If he gets dropped, I can't see him being very motivated, as he'll have the right hump. Bit of a trickey one for MON I think and I hope he lets him carry on for a while, as I think he's justified it for now. Welcome back Sid  Bugger off Kevs (only joking) |
Sam Kennedy
said:
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... SidCowanslovechild - Any news on Freddie, DJ Stu or Luke Young's returns? I was at the training ground yesterday and spoke to Bouma and Luke Young on their way out of training. I asked them both about their fitness. Luke Young said he was now fully fit and trained with the team yesterday. Freddy said he is training with the boys again and joked that it was nice to know he has been missed. So good news!!!! |
Steve Badger
said:
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...Apologies, I never meant to gatecrash the exclusive club of special fans What's that about? No need, imo. It was only a question. |
jerry
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...To mention the weight of a player as a reason why we wont do well this season seemed a little daft to me, hence the comment. Sid, I think you'll find the fatman was tongue in cheek when he wrote that. He knows that if he's positive we'll all think an imposter's stolen his nick. |
James
said:
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... The reason I would leave signings to the last minute if I was in charge is...... An example. You need 4 very good CB's to challenge for Top 4/6 positions. Very good CB's don't like sitting on the bench unless thay are at CL clubs and being paid greedy money. If you want to sign a very good CB, wait until the last minute so that your existing very good CB's don't f**k off to somewhere else. Keep it quiet though, we don't want evryone doing it now do we? (Who have City got when Toure and Lescott are injured?) |
Nick Gray
said:
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... I think when Martin talks about building a squad he means literally. If anyone wants to know why he leaves all his transfers to the last second, it’s because having watched Pinocchio one too many times, he's been working day and night for the last month with wood and chisel, building a team. Rumour has it that he now has 60 players ready to wear the claret and blue. Five of which are bigger than Carew (I didn’t think it was possible either).Unfortunately, Martin still awaits a visit from the blue fairy, much like that freaky kid in AI. At one stage he completely lost faith in the fairy and simply painted one of the wooden men. However, painting it black and calling it Heskey might have worked for a while but the fans are starting to see the player for what he really is- a plank. Now Martin has finally learnt that planks simply can’t play football he has once again placed all his hope in the wand of the fairy. This would also explain why he's appeared so stressed out and disappointed as of late. In addition, it would also explain why Carew has been acting strangely. He knows that Martin won’t buy any real strikers, so just in case he's be sneaking off (and missing games) to chisel at the ankles of his 5 biggest threats to him being top scorer this year. Ultimately, the blue fairy failed Martin once again, causing him to rush out at the 11th hour and sweep up any players that he could find. This is also the reason they have to be relatively local. You can’t get too far in 2 hours. But don’t you worry, Martin hasn’t lost faith. You wait, exactly the same thing next year. |
Martin Clabon
said:
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... Thanks Kennedy, good news. Monkeywrench, not sure if that was aimed at me or not? I certainly don't think of myself as a special fan - I only make it to about half the home games and a few away games a season at mo due to work and family commitments despit living within 8 miles from the ground so there is plenty of room to criticise me as a fan. In my defence I was a season ticket holder for a long time and intend to be again when my life settles down a bit. I agree it was a strange comment from Kev's but I think we can all be critical at times and I don't think that's wrong as long as the poster's heart is with the club and does not depress us too much. You don't strike me as an ubber sheep though so I was was suprised, but quite liked the sentiment |
Michael panizza
said:
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... SidCowanslovechild - the comment was aimed at a pocket of people humouring over the past few days some of the (justified) concerns over various Villa-related issues. Admittedly, once you've read the same moan over and over you're bound to get sick of it so I appreciate where some came from on here but I maintain that being quietly tolerant rather than express a concern is not the mark of a better supporter. I agree with you Sid, in the end we all want the same thing for this club and I hope we'll get to finally see the Villa where they belong, in the elite of English and European football so apologies if my comment seemed a little abrasive and aimed at you Nanwasafan - great point, for all their money City seem to be quite exposed at the back now Dunne's gone...let's hope those injuries to Lescott and Toure don't come too late eh? I like what MON has done to compensate for Barry and Laursen's departures and to all claiming that MON didn't replace them I'll remind that teams can change systems to accomodate new players and benefit from their different qualities...with Sidwell, Delph, NRC and Petrov, the central midfield looks fine to me. UTV! |
Steve Badger
said:
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... . with Sidwell, Delph, NRC and Petrov, the central midfield looks fine to me. I agree. I was pretty concerned about losing Barry, well, more annoyed really, but as of yet I don't think he's been missed. |
gareth
said:
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... off subject anyone seen this maybe a reason he was not used against fulham England Under 21s will be without Aston Villa midfielder Fabian Delph for the forthcoming meetings with Macedonia and Greece due to a minor injury. The former Leeds star has pulled out of Stuart Pearce's squad for the double header, but the injury is not considered serious. Delph, though, will not be risked for the trip to Prilep on Friday followed by the journey to Tripoli four days later. |
Martin Clabon
said:
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... No problem MonkeyWrench, I don't mind moaners if they are original but if you get the same old crap over and over it is so wearing. The sheep need to be careful not to do the same the other way as well, blind trust does not make some one a better fan. Getting behind your team on a Saturday, singing your heart out and not constantly slagging your team off and creating a negative atmosphere does. |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... Gary Cahill has made the England squad then; http://www.timesonline.co.uk/t...818642.ece Does that mean we have a few quid coming in? |
Michael panizza
said:
|
... Sid - I still don't get people claiming we are not stronger than last season. Ok, Laursen and Barry were 2 top players but what we've brought in more than compensates for their loss...we also have a bigger squad and a large number of versatile players able to cover in all sorts of positions. Now we only need for people to stay cool during the home games and to focus on supporting the team rather than begin mumbling as soon as someone misses a pass..in the end, what I really think should have been condemned more than anything wasn't the alleged lack of transfer activity or the choices of formation by MON but the ludicrous crowd we had for our Vienna game and the half-baked athmosphere in the ground - not to mention how the Austrians gave us a lesson on how to support your team. Those, more than splashing big money on VDV or Sneijder, are the signs of a big club - and those are the moments when a fan can really make a difference. I read comments of people claiming it wasn't a big game and that alone concerns me: it was a massive game - in terms of experience for the youngsters and in terms of making the brand Aston VIlla known that little bit more in Europe - yet most dismissed it as a minor incident. Alas, it's gone that way so let's move on - I still think this season we're gonna be very competitive and I'm confident we've the squad to substain a domestic campaign on 3 fronts. UTV! |
bring back john gregory
said:
|
... sid cowans and tony morley are down the kingfisher great barr tomorrow nite from 7 questions and answers session should be good. |
Martin Fallows
said:
 |
... Monkeywrench I agree with you over the midfield i am also a big NRC fan as i see him as a true pro - played out of position for most of the year, fair play give him a crack. FTR I think we are stronger both in size and depth all the so called big 4 have stood still or gone back. MON has done as Elvis said "Rome not built in day" but Pompey (town in Italy) oh and the team was destroyed in one as they had no strong foothold - I bet James is pissed!!!! V63 |
Billy7
said:
 |
... I'm quite happy with the additions to the squad, especially the defence, if Dunne plays like he did before last season he'll be a bargain, just what we need, Experience and a leader, think Cuellar will be EVEN better with him. Left back has improved, We now have cover at Rb and Collins is better than Knight. We have top quality on the wings, ash, Milner and Downing, Albrighton is also good prospect and good cover, Gabby will get better, Carew when fit is awsome, Heskey? delfonso? Then center mid........ reo, Sid, Petrov, Delph, Gardner fighting for 3 places (4-5-1) if need be maybe Warnock or One of our wingers could play there. All in all, we have improved. How much was our net spend and who won that competition? |
Pearcey
said:
 |
... Luke Young said he was now fully fit and trained with the team yesterday. Freddy said he is training with the boys again and joked that it was nice to know he has been missed. Cherz for that kennedy. hopefully with delph dropping out means hell be fit for our bench against blues gladd dunne has finally signed, hopefully he can be our rock at the back think gabby being a stone heavier is a plus as still rapid and now can bully defenders ( he also seems better in the air this year) happy with our midfield's work so far espeically in defence cant wait for downing to be fit READY FOR A GREAT SEASON UP THE VILAAA! |
Michael panizza
said:
|
... It's interesting to point out that the so called big 4 haven't really improved their squads that much - if at all. Chelsea aside, perhaps, the remaining 3 clubs are without a doubt teams we can stand up to any day. We've still have to contend with the likes of Man City, Spurs and Everton of course but overall I think we can aim higher than last season: now all we need is a VP crowd able to believe that too - and able to be patient. |
James
said:
|
... I assumed you did Keef. It got me thinking, like Monkeywrench about the quality of our contenders second teams. How many better CB 2nd pairing than ours in the league? MON is, as usual, steadily addressing one of the major criticism from last season. Remember, 'boo hiss we'll never cope in February with competing on all fronts because we don't have a big enough/good enough squad. We said at the time that it was difficult to attract good playesr to sit on the bench or keep current players willing to be sent to the bench, but hey, guess what MON has pulled it off. |
Pearcey
said:
|
... Luke Young said he was now fully fit and trained with the team yesterday. Freddy said he is training with the boys again and joked that it was nice to know he has been missed. cherz kennedy 1. Cant wait for downing to come back 2. glad our back 4 has new additions - think warnock will be alot better defender n good addition as good versatility however dont think hell be as forward as shorey or put in as good cross 3. glad gabby has a stone more as can now use that extra strength aswell as his pace to hurt defences, also looks better in the air 4. now we have a good sized squad lets hope we can add bigger players in further transfer windows. 5. hope to god man city do crap! 6. wishes beye wouldnt take so long on the ball 7. very happy with how our midfield 3 are doing there jobs attacking and defending COME ON THE VILLA LETS DO OVER THE SCUM! |
Martin Clabon
said:
|
... Monkeywrench, I think we are improving all over the pitch and off it. You are right that the crowd doesn't properly believe yet and maybe with some reason as we crashed and burned last season after expectations were raised so high and went out of Europe in a very disapppointing way (and some feel if MON didn't take Moscow seriously why should they go to European Matches). I agree European progress is important but maybe this season we can make more progress with domestic competition without a European distraction and if next season with a decent sized squad, youngsters coming through and some of our younger players with more experienced, and who knows, a few quality signings, we can make a proper challenge in europe as well. Belief is the key both in the squad and the crowd, maybe we need a longer run winning games and playing good football so we all believe we deserve to be up there. And DOL was right, we have fickle fans who disappear too easily and boo too quickly and unless we can become a stronger set of fans we will not help the team by creating a fortress Villa Park. Holte End the 12th Man? Not at the moment I'm afraid. |
Villa boi
said:
 |
... I must say, this villa defence has been the strongest I hve ever seen!!! Plenty of quality and depth. People go on about laursen, yes he was good but do you remeber oba femi martins making him look a fool last year? Do u remember tuncay against him at villa park? He was brave but not great. I think dunne will be better and so will cueller who is looking a class act over last few games. And we don't miss barry! Our midfield is better without him!! |
keith
said:
 |
... i am very happy with the squad and as i stated in an earlier post am confident of a top 4 finish, i prayed we would get someone like sneijder to link the attack but then i thought i bet wesley was just like fabian when he was younger, that delph shot reminded me of hendrie when every shot he had from 20 yards was a goal, delph at the moment has no fear and im sure if encouraged by all will be our wesley, so mon, wind him up and let him go |
FatKevs
said:
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... We will all have to wait to see at the end of the season. So far we have already been knocked out of Europe so that is the first Strike Lets hope we can proced further in the Cups & finish better placed in the league |
Martin Fallows
said:
|
... Sid, Monkey The big four have shrunk in real terms, man City wont bond this year, the cocks flatter to deceive and Everton yes thay may be an issue. I agree about the crowd its not aboout the noise when it happens,its the patience its almost like the TOON, and they have a god given right to glory - they or we dont. Belief is everything, fear is not. If we played Man U tomorrow I would not be concerned, last year at old Trafford you all new old cry baby would pop up and pout. Thats what the team thought net result game over this year its different. I other observation dont we always do something in season when we turn the Scousers over on the old patch "this was Anfield" V63 |
david
said:
 |
... Thank goodness the waiting is over, the black clouds over Villa park have finally lifted and there's definitely enough blue sky to make a pair of sailors trousers (bet that's got some scratching their heads!) In the past I've hated it when other teams bring a top player off the bench with 20 mins to go and you think ...heck...he could turn the game for them. At last it's goping to be usin that position! |
david
said:
|
... Both Sid and Villan63 have made good points about the importance of the crowd. Yesterday I think Damian made a point about needing to believe in ourselves. The transfer window is finally over and now......it's over to us. It's time for us to not just believe, but to knowthat our team is good enough to beat anyone. When we go behind, we shouldn't feel anxious, we should feel affronted that a lesser team have scored and we should shout all the louder. When we lose (and we will sometimes) we don't say "I could see that coming, we're just not good enough" we say "damn, that shouldn't have happened" and next week we shout all the louder. |
John Clark
said:
 |
... The season rests firmly in the players' hands. I believe they can do it, they just have to go out there and...do it. And we have to get behind them, and stay behind them, especially when things aren't all sunshine. There'll be a lot of big games, teams taking points off each other...we just can't afford to turn 1-0 leads into 1-1 draws, and so on. With what appears to be a more solid and perhaps menacing defense, I like our chances against anyone, moreso than in a while. Liverpool wasn't a fluke. Those teams can be made to look ordinary if you don't show them too much respect and work as hard, or harder, than they do. |
Keith
said:
|
... Nan I agree again, we are slowly and steadily building a squad to challenge. Monkeywrench I think Villa, Spuds and Man City all feel that they can beat the "big 4". |
Carl Main
said:
 |
... Our two teams that makes up our squad. First 11. -------------Friedel----------- L.Young---Dunne---Cuellar-----Shorey ------Petrov--Sidwell--Reo-coker----- --Milner------Gabby--------A.Young-- Second 11. -----------Guzan---------- Beye----Davies--Collins---Warnock --Algrighton--Gardner--Delph-- ------------Downing----------- ---Heskey-----------Carew------ I really think we can do something special with all these options! This is also missing out players such as Salifou, Lichjah, Bouma, Delfonso, Osbourne, Bannan. We really are buillding in the correct way I feel. I would have loved a big world beater such as Van der Vaart or Wesley but I think we will have to wait for us step up a level before we start attracting players like this and I for one am patient! |
Martin Fallows
said:
|
... Maindog Like you thinking, can i tinker just a little:- 1st 11 Shorey becomes Warnock at Home Gabby becomes JC V63 |
Carl Main
said:
|
... Villan63....Of course you can tinker a little!...Thats what im loving!...The fact we have the option to tinkle now!...well MON does but you know what I mean! The squad now gives us quality off the bench too. Bringing on Delph and Gabby in the 60th minute for Sidwell and Carew. The injection of pace and quality!!!...Exciting stuff! |
Martin Clabon
said:
|
... Kohoutek, I take it you are home and your user ID is now working! I read something you posted the other day about what it mean;t to be a supporter and it was class. You should consider submitting an article to Damian to post |
Martin Fallows
said:
|
... Maindog thx for the dabble agreed its now like a sweet shop so many choices today a Crunchie (dunne) tomorrow finese (Cuellar) oh how many secrets has the MON magic box LOL Regards V63 |
Martin Fallows
said:
|
... Guys shock news Mark Hughes has just signed the new massiah BROOKLYN BECKHAM - only several years before he plays tehe |
villa4life35
said:
 |
... i never knew that we were the third most spending club this summer.... we have spent 41 million on these players... this is according to SSN and the Sun!..... although we did get 12m for Barry and 4m for Knight.... so really we spent only 26 million this summer |
jerry
said:
|
...it was class. You should consider submitting an article to Damian to post Pure class. Prose of the highest quality. It ran through three separate posts as it poured out of your heart and mind. The crucible for its creation is a great passion roused by anger at the constant, nitpicking defilement of a noble enterprise. Like the man says, next time the muse sets the juices running, submit it to Damian. |
Matthew Clark
said:
 |
... I'm sorry but what on earth are you people on?? GOOD transfer window? Warnock and Dunne (the only 2 transfers worth mentioning) is not a good transfer window. And how is our defence so much better now? Dunne isn't as good as laursen so, what, Warnock is good enough to improve our entire defence? You see him changing 1-1s into 1-0s?? And how can you claim we have cover now? Beye is an amateur and shorey, well, shorey shouldn't play football. Collins is rubbish, we all know this. That leaves davies as our defensive cover and he is pretty hit and miss. With the loss of barry we now have no more creativity from the centre of the midfield. Just hard work and tackling, which is nice and everything, but it just means you have to cancel out our wingers and you win. Oh and delph is good, but he's not gonna be some midfield maestro straighaway, its gonna take some time. And r0bb0, who's gonna change the game for us?? |
Tim Hodgetts
said:
 |
... Nan We are all saying that the defence is now rock solid and they haven't even trained together yet, let alone played a game. There you go. I'm not in the "if we just play 4-5-1 all the time world domination will follow" brigade. However the idea of two holding players, one up front and then milner, downing and ashley in a flexible and interchangeable three behind the one up is pretty exciting. You could imagine that would be pretty tricky to defend against. |
gareth
said:
|
...0 it's ok MATTHEW CLARK you will get well soon we will get you the best medical care there is |
david
said:
|
... Matthew Clark. When you asked who I thought would change games for us I assume you were refering to my comment about having game changing players to come off the bench. Well, let's take Sunday for example. If I'd been a Fulham fan I'd have thought, "Oh good, Reo Coker is going off", quickly followed by ..."oh shit, Carew's coming on and Gabby's gone to the wing" I do also believe that even now, Delph has the potential to come on and change games. Did you see him in the Rapid Vienna game? I assume you were just trying to stir things up (no harm in that) so I won't respond to your comments about Delph and Downing being signings not worth mentioning (before you then went on to mention Delph)and not allowing Shorey to play football. I'm afraid I don't know enough about Collins to know whether you are right about him or not, but based on your other comments I'm guessing that you are at minimum overstating whatever case you may be wanting to make. |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... Matthew Clark, I'm sorry but what on earth are you people on?? GOOD transfer window? Warnock and Dunne (the only 2 transfers worth mentioning) is not a good transfer window. And how is our defence so much better now? Dunne isn't as good as laursen so, what, Warnock is good enough to improve our entire defence? You see him changing 1-1s into 1-0s?? And how can you claim we have cover now? Beye is an amateur and shorey, well, shorey shouldn't play football. Collins is rubbish, we all know this. That leaves davies as our defensive cover and he is pretty hit and miss. You were never going to get another Laursen. Who would have been as good and gettable? Even Hangerland isn't as good, imo. Dunne is a decent alternative. Warnock is an excellent signing, he was excellent for redscouse, although I'll hold my hands up and say I've not seen him play much for Blackburn. Best player for them by most accounts though. Collins is highly regarded by spam fans, even better rated than Upson, but I'm guessing you'd have preferred him purely because he would have cost more? As for Beye, he looks ok to me and just doesn't know the system yet. Even then, he's probably going to be backup to LY. And everyone says Shorey has been much improved this season. Whilst you're entitled to your opinion, I suspect the aim of your post is purely to cause mischief. Scum 0-3 Villa, I hope. |
david
said:
|
... left wing extremist made the point that the defence haven't even played together so it's too soon to tell whether or not they will become "rock solid". It's a fair point, but I do hope that we manage to find at least one solid partnership amongst the centre backs and if we do then we should concede considerably fewer goals than last season, particularly if they receive more protection from the midfield. Just as important will be the growing understanding between our midfield players and forwards. In the games so far there have been a number of examples of excellent moves not quite coming off because the players weren't quite on the same wavelength. That should improve the more they play together....and let's not forget, several of them are still very young! |
Steve Badger
said:
|
...In the games so far there have been a number of examples of excellent moves not quite coming off Totally agree and interestingly the one player I noticed the most where it didn't come off was Shorey. It made him look a mug a quite a few times, but I could see what he was thinking and appreciated it. |
peterwithe
said:
 |
... I agree with Maindog - but think Big John and Gabby at home. Plus Warnock, if Shorey plays crap..... |
Rattus NorVillicus
said:
 |
... We need some success in the cups to keep everyone happy. Pity we're out of Europe. Collins wants to be captain of Wales and he may not get a game for Villa all season. And what about the upcoming Clark ? Can see Shorey joining the Hare in the wilderness |
Rattus NorVillicus
said:
|
... Speaking of the Hare, I heard Coker referred to as a dung beetle and Carew as a preying mantis. I'd say Milner is a bit of a turtle also |
Michael panizza
said:
|
... I don't care what some say, I've decided we're gonna kick ass this season..I don't remember as competitive a squad at this club in a long, long time and that's good enough to make me feel positive about things. Get rid of Heskey and buy a decent CF and I'd be even happier, but you can't win 'em all |
peterwithe
said:
|
... This is what that txt Hughes said about Dunne on the Man City website - “It would have been difficult for Dunney to stay given his standing at the club and I understand that. I wasn’t going to stand in his way. I could have tried to stop him going and said I wanted him as a squad player but out of respect for what he has done for City I wasn’t going to do that." How nice is that for a player who has been voted player of the season 4 times!!!!! |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... Contrary to Damian's (and seemingly your) opinion, I'd take top 4 over a cup any day. Silverware is always nice, but how would you see Portsmouth's standing in the scheme of things, from a worldwide POV? They won an FA cup recently, didn't they? Unfortunately, the cups are totally degraded, imo and CL is where you have to be, to get a bigger profile. It's a shame, as I still rate the FA cup as the best of all, but it's a fact. Clark could be very good, but I'm loathe to rate him against a useless Fulham attack. Encouraging though Yep Shorey will be gone ASAP, I guess. |
gareth
said:
|
... peterwithe absolute disgraceful treatment towards a club captain i think man-city loss is our gain i think reason dunne looked like he had bad season by his standards last season was the fault of his other team members not giving the defence cover all wanting to attack making him give away penalties freekicks i think city will miss him imo he is better than lescott any day of the week. ok toure is faster yes but personally i would still prefer dunne over him, its our gain we have a solid no nonesense defender not afraid to put is foot in or head |
John Clark
said:
|
... Sidcowans...good to see you back, mate. Churchill...Cheers. I'll take you up on that the next time the muse and a few pints and the Super Furry Animals move me! My daughter has a project at school, showing who you are, what makes you you. She came and asked me for my Villa home shirt to take in. Damn that felt good. |
John Clark
said:
|
... I should also say (god I hit "add comment" far too soon most times), Churchill, I love what you bring to the site. There really is turning out to be a great core of posters on here. JPA...This includes you! |
Matt T
said:
|
... Damian, We are averaging £20m net but have improved every season under O'Neill from 16th to 6th (last season meant more points than the one before) Your point being? That we should get more in debt? Or that we aren't improving fast enough? We haven't got the turnover to sustain more money have we, and Lerner isn't a bottomless pit of cash... I would have loved VDV to come along, but I would have castigated MON if he had spent £11-12m on a midfielder who was creative when we needed two centre backs. |
Anthony Laud
said:
 |
... right the window is over! i have stated i wasnt delighted with it, but understand those that are but whats done is done! The players we have are the players that have to do the business. I am not sure how the season is going to go. a lot is going to depend on the confidence and team spirit in the camp. and to that extent i agree oneil has built a squad in which team spirit and camaraderie is likely to be high! I hope maybe Dunne can be the player to pull the team out of a bad run of form (something we havent done the last 2 seasons - i think we are missing that truly inspirational player that can lift a team so we need leaders to turn things around. A bad run will happen at some point and how quickly we turn it arouns will be the difference between 4th and even as low as 8th at the end of the day. As for Mon, he can get down to what he is good at now - man management. I am certainly not his biggest fane at all but motivating players he is good at. I hope he learns to be more astute with his substitutions and i still have doubts about him tactically - i really hope he gets us passing the ball better and retaining possession. my wishes for the season - we challenge for 4th place - have at least one decent cup run (semi or beyond) - we bat blues home and away - we retain possession better - we learn to kill off games better and not panic - defense looks more solid than last year - Mon learns to pick Carew over Heskey - Some of the youngsters are given minutes at the right time - 5 villa players go to the world cup |
Anthony Laud
said:
|
... Badger - dont think you can compare us to pompey. we are a far more stable and bigger club. last season i think i aid i would take 4th but have changed my mind now. give me a cup win and a trophy this season. What does 4th actually get us - a 2 legged tie with the likes of lyon, olympiakos, stuggart, athletico madrid, arsenal celtic. there is a strong chance that would be it as we wuldnt be seeded and would get one of these harder sides. 3rd or a cup and thats a different question cause its automatic qualification, guaranteed huge matches, revenue etc. |
jerry
said:
|
...Mon learns to pick Carew over Heskey Tonebone Amen to that. Regular international. Respected managers sucking his kneecaps. What am i missing here? |
Simon
said:
 |
... Damian A net spend of just over 20 million? what a cheap scate. Mind you, that about 20 million more than liverpool have |
Mostyn
said:
|
... I think this season will be very interesting. The top 10 clubs have some exceptionally talented players amongst their ranks, so what's going to make the difference? PMA will be a huge factor along with every footballer wanting to be a team player. We have now got a nice balance of youthful precocious talent and exuberance tamed with wiley solid professionals. It's time for MON to get his tactics right every week and for every player to stand up and be counted. What more inspirational image do you need when you can close your eyes and see a towering Norse King hurtle through the fierce wind and rain and thunder another sublime header at the speed of sound in to the roof of the net? |
Rhodri
said:
 |
... As regards to Jerry's post... "The victories over Liverpool and Fulham also inspired optimism. It was the way Villa did it. It wasn’t like last season - frenetic and hyper-active, but measured and purposeful. Quite calm in fact, it seemed like the natural way of things. " I would just like to whole-heartedly agree with this. There were people behind me on the Holte End against Fulham on Sunday who were screaming "Speed it up!! Get it forward!!"...this was after our first goal of course...And the shouting continued after Gabby's goal. At this point, I, and a couple of others felt inclined to turn around to point out that there is nothing -- nothing -- wrong with knocking the ball around the defence and midfield for minutes at a time. I'm no Championship Manager (!), but I believe it shows a certain depth and maturity to a side that decides to use the ball in this way in order to protect a lead, and to slow the game down in order to frustrate the opposition. To have our own supporters getting annoyed by a stable lead is truly beyond me. To me, it was a sign that things are changing for the better at Villa Park and that we have found a degree of stability not seen here last season. |
Philip Arkinstall
said:
 |
... I've been reading this blog for ages and thought I'd finally join the party. I think with the Villa if you step back and look at the big picture things are looking pretty good indeed. On a day to day level we all find problems with whose coming in, formations, selection choses but I'd much rather be in Villa's position with realistic business planning, a stubborn but solid manager and a youthful team hungry for success and out to prove themselves. I think top four is realistic this season and as fans of the villa we should be 100% behind the team and manager. After all if O'neill did walk we'd be back at square one. |
Chris Harper
said:
|
... The 'bring back the harmony!' call has been answered!! Exciting times fellas! |
Joky
said:
 |
... MoN has strengthened the Defence well, my only niggle is Beye and whether he is of the calibre required. Hopegully he will be. The stand out signings for me are Dunne, Delph and Downing. All of them are excellent in their positions and in Delph we have a new playmaker and exciting midfielder. My only issue is that we did not sign a proven creative midfielder and a goal scorer. However with a 4-5-1 this is less of an issue. I'm looking forward to Villa racking up points and having more options from the bench when things need changing. |
bass
said:
 |
... i am bot so sure the future is bright for us as the teams around us, spurs man city look a lot stronger than us and i think it is going to be a very bland year for the villa, we wont go down but we wont get in the top 4, it will be hard to get in the top 6 and i think we will finish 7th or 8th if i am honest, for me, i am looking forward to when downing can play out wide and young could play behind the front 1 or 2!!! |
Nick
said:
 |
... Bit of a random question but does anyone know what squad number we're giving Dunne??? I'm presuming number 5 as his usual 22 is taken up by Guzan. Any ideas?? |
jerry
said:
|
... Philark Yeah, welcome to the conversation. Tea, coffee and sugar’s over there in the corner. Milk’s in the fridge. Make yourself at home. What took you so long? Seriously, I’m interested. Are we doing something to make potential posters unwelcome? Regulars on this site end up sounding a bit proprietarial, I suspect; which can be off-putting to newcomers. Let us know. I don't care what some say, I've decided we're gonna kick ass this season..I don't remember as competitive a squad at this club in a long, long time and that's good enough to make me feel positive about things. wrench Yup, that about sums it up for me too. |
Chris Harper
said:
|
...It's all a bit too pleasant in heresmilies/tongue.gif Too right! And quiet.... |
moggy
said:
 |
... Well this wasn't pleasant. There I was having my morning cuppa,stroking the dog, scratching.. - well, on Sky Sports is an interview with the Italian Irish manager talking about Dunne. " he needs regular games and I know that this team he has gone to is not famous like Manchester...." Did I hear this right? Spilt hot tea on the dog. |
jk92923
said:
 |
... why do the optimists get called "sheep"? almost seems like a bad thing that we dont play devils advocate like the "non-supporters".... |
Altan Kargaci
said:
 |
... Morning all , quick question off subject . Was thinking of buying a ticket for the Scum/Villa game , have never been before as I live on south coast . Is it good , do you think it will be worth a six hour round trip, £48 ticket + fuel ? Really uming and aring about it , just wanted an opinion . Thanks ! UTV |
Christian
said:
 |
... I cant guarantee the accuracy of what I now write, but please don't shoot the messenger. I'm just passing on what I was told over the weekend by a guy I know who runs a football skills school in Streetly- where Freddie Bouma's child attended. Apparently, our loveable Freddie had a giant training ground bust-up with MON after our UEFA cup shenanigans last season! The crux of it is that there was a pretty bad atmosphere at the club and the players were angry at the way they had to 'surrender' the tournament they had tried so hard to qualify for, in particular Bouma who broke his ankle/may have ended his career for the cause. Apparently this happened at the time, so its pretty irrelevant now, but as the blog is very, very quiet today I thought I'd share what I heard at the weekend! Could be total b*llocks but the guy isn't 'full of it' or anything. Makes you wonder what the attitude in camp was like? If this is true, combined with the alleged fall-outs surrounding MON taking them on a last minute trip to Dubai (when the players had arranged family holidays) maybe it all played a role in our end-of-season stuttering. Well there you go guys, this site wouldn't be the same without some controversy!! |
Chris Harper
said:
|
... I like hearing stuff like that, even if it is bullsh*t Christian! It sounds likely because as you say, they busted a gut to qualify then they were left at home when we were in need of a win to progress... Any professional would of been annoyed about that. Anyway, all seems good at Villa Park at the moment and long may that continue! |
adam
said:
 |
... altan its worth every penny mate. it looks like a f**kin scrap yard from outside and the inside aint much better but you aint gonna beat the atmosphere. just dont go for a pint in bandit country, theres some mindless c**ts round there UTV Scum 0 VILLA 3 |
Rattus NorVillicus
said:
|
... Christian1983: Sounds like MON may have learned a lesson or two there. Perhaps The Hare had a bust up with him too. |
Christian
said:
|
... Haha, me too VillaChris! I like to know about the behind the scenes exploits- Hendrie n*bbing Bruce's daughter (& wife??!!) and Carew wasting his cash on lapdancers and coke!! 95% oif its probably false, but I still like to think 'I know something'... sad really |
hank
said:
 |
... I think that we now have the squad numbers that is required for the premier league. Now every transfer window we only need 1 or 2 big signings that will inprove us. I personally think that MON came here with a 5 year plan and he has now build the squad size and now he will add quality to it every year while mantaining the numbers. the future looks good. |
Chris Harper
said:
|
... As we're talking about away games..... How hard is it to get tickets? I've got a home season ticket but have never been away. Was thinking of going to wolves because my Girlfriend and her dad have a season tickets at Wolves n would be good banter on the journey. Cheers |
Martin Clabon
said:
|
... Altan, if we win it is the greatest thing in the World, if we lose it is like your heart us ripped out. The decision is taken out of my hands as I went to 3 of the 1st 4 since the gypoes came up and watched the other on the TV and we lost or gave away 2 goal leads in each. Since then I have locked myself in a darkened room with no knowledge of progress until the game ended and we have won each game since. So I hope I never see another derby again as I will keep this up until we fail to win one. Ridiculously superstitious I know but it is a sacrifice I will willingly make Tonebone, agree with your wish list, spot on. Monkey, I'm digging on your realistic optimism but the challenge is to stay strong when we get a bad result or 2. This is down to confidence as well, a Man Utd fan can shrug off bad results as blips because of a consistent track record of success and coming back from adversity. Our fans still worry that the 1st bad result is the wheels coming off and all our positive results were luck and MON has no idea blah, blah, blah. It will take time to build a winning mentality, in the fans as well as the players |
robb david
said:
|
... Was talking to an Everton fan earlier, he reckons getting in dunne for 6mil was an absolute steal, which i had to agree, when you look at 24mil for lescot, 17mil for johnson, 16mil for toure, 12mil for michael turner. The prices for defenders really has rocketed and 6mil is a bargin in my eyes. Imagine a fit 28year old laursen, i reckon you would be looking at at least 30 million. |
croni
said:
 |
... nice article i'm much more optimsitic after the transfers last season's experience will stand to us this year we definitely have a much stronger squad respect to o'neill and lerner! |
Scrumpy
said:
 |
... Its difficult not to be optomistic.... 1) Good transfer window (a realistic one) to give us a squad with several different teams 2) A young-ish creative team with a seasons more experience behind them 3) A solid financially well-run club with a heart and conscience (I still love wearing the shirt with Acorns on the front - makes us morally better than all the others except Barca!) 4) Great ground and facilities 5) A whole host of exciting youngsters coming through the ranks (think of Fergies ManU when he won nothing for five years, but bought through all the youngsters and formed the core of his team for a decade) 6) Manager and Owner, both good at what they do, respected, appear to have a very good working relationship and both have shared ideals. They are building a club that could be up near the sharp end for decades to come (hopefully! - for our part I think the most valuable commidity is going to be patience with our support, both during games, during those blips and maybe even a season when things just don't go our way (but like last, you gotta fancy that the experienced gained by squad is invaluable to help improve this year)) 7) Villa fans - the noise against Vienna was impressive with only 23k, I think my ears are still ringing from the equalliser against Arsenal, if we could get that atmosphere every game we would walk the league! and finally being pragmatic 8 ) the first three fixtures. We took 2 points out of those same games last year, whereas this we are in theory already 4 points ahead with 6 this year, long may it continue in the same impressive solid manor. UTV! Come on you Lions!! |
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