Let's get the rumours out of the way first as tonight is football and deserves a little attention. Apparently, according to Mirror Football, Martin O'Neill is willing to table a £12mn bid for West Ham defender Matthew Upson.

Upson is 30 years old. Do you they think Martin O'Neill is mad? Moving on, The Times are suggesting that the deal for Distin can now be completed. Either way, it looks like Martin O'Neill is going to bring in his twenty-seventh central defender. Hopefully soon, he'll find a couple that he is happy with.

O'Neill needs players to really strengthen and intelligent players to help improve the football or he needs the perfect season. If he doesn't get one he will need the other or I fear for him this season. Only eleven days left, surely the money is going to get spent soon.

SK Rapid Wien v Aston Villa FC

Any team used to winning or playing with belief is going to be hard to beat, just look at Burnley last night or Wigan last Saturday. Unfortunately, we are playing with neither at the moment and our football is very predictable, to the extent that it is becoming quite depressing.

The thing is, the 'Green Whites' (nickname for Rapid Vienna) are not having the best of it at the moment either; currently seventh after three games. However, they did finish the league second last season and they are a strong side that are used to winning and I suspect they will believe they can beat us.

Aston Villa Squad

When you only have a small squad and you have your favourites, it doesn't make it difficult picking a squad. This is the one O'Neill has picked for tonight.

I'm not going to talk about those that haven't made it as it's only stating the obvious. I will say my preferred formation with those players would be 4-5-1 with Friedel, Lichaj, Cueller, Davies, Shorey, Albrighton, Reo-Coker, Petrov, Milner, Young and Agbonlahor. Now, I don't need to spell it out how they would play, but I will say it will be about passing, creating space (forwards and backwards) and about Gabby running the channels and pulling defenders.

But my head says we will play 4-4-2 and we will hit it long, lose possession randomly and occasionally, instead of passing the ball to a player, we will walk it to him, making it even more difficult for us. We will also play with lots of heart and determination.

Martin O'Neill

The game against Vienna is very, very important for us. I would love to play in the group stages - that would be important again for the development of the younger players in the squad - and the senior ones too.

We will be striving very hard indeed to get through. Vienna beat Liverpool in pre-season - it will be an extremely difficult tie.

Bottom line, this is over two legs and I actually don't, in fact I know, we don't have the squad as of today to take this tournament seriously and ultimately that is why O'Neill is going to need the 'perfect season', because it is his fault, nobody else.

My heart says we will win, my head says we will draw or lose. I really do think it comes down to formation, quickly followed by how we play the game. If we are just going to hit long then we are going to give the ball away quite a lot and when you play teams that like to keep the ball, that isn't good for business.

Live blog later, with links and other goodies for you. Until then, I'm thinking about doing some image manipulation.

Comments (273)

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Darragh McGeown said:

... I think upson would be an excellent signing.

Comment 1, made on August 20, 2009 at 9.10 am

Faccundo said:

... 1st Get Lugano or Neill or Spiranovic on free for CB

Comment 2, made on August 20, 2009 at 9.10 am

Faccundo said:

... Upson - not at 12m for a 30yr injury prone ex bluenose Lugano Neill Spiranovic

Comment 3, made on August 20, 2009 at 9.12 am

nigel said:

... I think that the Lescott deal is holding everything up because maybe other defenders we are interested in are waiting to see if it falls through in case they become alternative targets for Man City.

Comment 4, made on August 20, 2009 at 9.12 am

Darragh McGeown said:

... I agree that 12M is a bit steep - I'd say 9-10m would be about right.

Comment 5, made on August 20, 2009 at 9.14 am

Faccundo said:

... Good point nigel Neill is a mercenary and would run to citeh - don't think they'll have him though Best we wait and sign him and Lugano on a free with Spiranovic for added coverage. Not Upson though - at 12m he's a right rip off

Comment 6, made on August 20, 2009 at 9.15 am

Chiefy1 said:

... Oneil is playing Sidwell and Reo in the middle with Delf and Carew upfront apprantley. Does anyone know a stream for tonight ?? apprantley distin is still coming with Upson

Comment 7, made on August 20, 2009 at 9.17 am

Chiefy1 said:

... that is delfunso upfront with carew

Comment 8, made on August 20, 2009 at 9.19 am

Rob The Villain said:

... The Upson deal has a deadline of Monday because West Ham want Marouane Chamakh and they've been given til then to raise then money for him. Selling Upson seems the easiest way to do it. Also, I don't think it'll be £12m, apart from Beye, the papers were about £3m out on the prices we got Downing and Delph. I'm guessing it'll be more round the £9-10m mark. If Carew doesn't play tonight then I'd rather we just go with Gabby up front. Our midfield looks massively lightweight without 5 in there. Also think Lichaj should get the nod ahead of Beye, he was all over the place against Wigan.

Comment 9, made on August 20, 2009 at 9.20 am

clarkamus said:

... why do people suddenly care about how much were spending on a player if thats what west ham value him at thats what we will need to pay if we want him it doesn't matter to me weather we pay 5m or 15m we need a good CB and he is one of them get him in!

Comment 10, made on August 20, 2009 at 9.22 am

Sweeno said:

... GUZAN BEYE DAVIES CUELLAR SHOREY COKER PETROV SIDWELL MILNER YOUNG CAREW Villa 3 -1 !!!!

Comment 11, made on August 20, 2009 at 9.24 am

Damian said:

... clarkamus i think it becasue we are not manchester city. sure if we have more money than we could ever hope for, go spend £20mn on a 30 year old defender, but i think it is becoming clear as day that doug ellis has put martin o'neill on a budget, so if that is the case - and seeing as it is the fans that attend, buy the shirts, pay for tv coverage, that are paying for these players and their wages - people start to care that £12mn seems an awful lot to pay for a 30 year old player who actually, isn't and never was worth £12mn

Comment 12, made on August 20, 2009 at 9.25 am

Chiefy1 said:

... http://www.rajangan.net/ link for tonights game unless anyone has another link Clarkamus i agree who cares hoe much some one costs as long as we get them. One minute people want someone to sign the next the person we have signed was too expensive. Is there anything Fans do not moan about. I prefer to be positive and always look for the good out of things that it makes life happier

Comment 13, made on August 20, 2009 at 9.25 am

Mike Carter said:

... Given the state of our defence, I'd quite happily pay £12m for Upson without giving it a second thought. It's become a neccessity.

Comment 14, made on August 20, 2009 at 9.26 am

Dabblepuss said:

... 11 days to go and we need to sign at least 4 players. 2 centre halves, a playmaking midfielder and a striker. Clearly Mr O'Neill is clueless in the transfer market and this will not happen. A very long season ahead with a lot of disappoinment in my opinion. We clearly cannot take europe seriously again if we want to make progress in the league - our squad is just not capable. Signings required NOW!!!!

Comment 15, made on August 20, 2009 at 9.27 am

ruffy said:

... "I would love to play in the group stages - that would be important again for the development of the younger players in the squad" So basically he is going to chuck the Uefa this season, as he did last. And after all that malarky we had last season. MARTIN - WE WANT TO CHALLENGE IN THE UEFA. NOT USE IT AS MID SEASON FRIENDLIES. WE ARE NOT GOING TO GET IN THE TOP 4 (OR ARGUABLY THE TOP 6) THIS SEASON, WHY NOT TRY AND GET SOME SILVERWARE THAT WE HAVE A CHANCE IN?? I'm off to put some money on Veinna

Comment 16, made on August 20, 2009 at 9.30 am

Chiefy1 said:

... The window is not shut yet crying out loud everything and everybody seems to be so negative, yes i know its frustrating yes i know we love the club yes i know MON is leaving it late AGAIN ! but cant we look on the positive side of things for once ?? perhaps then the mood of fans will change, the mood of the players will change, everything starts looking rosey again. We are known for being incredibly fickle and i agree we seem to be, I know its not that we are fickle its cause we love the club but do you Man UTD fans are calling for Fergies Head cause they lost to Burnley ??? lets be positive for once and look forward to what will or wont happen cause we dont know the answer to what will or wont happen and until then we cant make a informed desicision on anything can we

Comment 17, made on August 20, 2009 at 9.32 am

Darragh McGeown said:

... Damian - would you pay 9-10m for upson or is that still too much?

Comment 18, made on August 20, 2009 at 9.33 am

Spencer said:

... £12m for Upson would be a bit steep but think we're at the point where if we pay a bit over the odds for a player who definitely has quality and will improve our squad then so be it. Just bloody get him in. Distin would be nice aswell. 1-1 tonight.

Comment 19, made on August 20, 2009 at 9.34 am

welsh villan said:

... is the game on tv anywhere please....

Comment 20, made on August 20, 2009 at 9.35 am

ak_27 said:

... I think when you just look at that list of defenders up there after nearly 7 transfers windows it realy shows how poor MON is in the transfer market. I would say that is the worst set of defenders i can remember in the last 15/20 years.

Comment 21, made on August 20, 2009 at 9.36 am

Chiefy1 said:

... welsh villan -- dont think on tele but if look at my earlier post there is a link to stream the game

Comment 22, made on August 20, 2009 at 9.36 am

DavidC said:

... Rather than focus on the price, I prefer to focus on ability. In that respect I think Upson would be a good signing. Three centre-halves (Davies, Ceullar, Upson) would be acceptable if you ask me. If I was being really greedy and you threw in a Sol Campbell/Distin to the mix, that would be more than an acceptable mix. As for tonight, a 1-1 would be a good result. Won't be easy, but in some respects would be preferable to if we sneak a 1-0 win and then get over confident and play a weakened team in the 2nd leg and suffer the consequences.

Comment 23, made on August 20, 2009 at 9.37 am

Damian said:

... RockSteady i don't know how much i'd pay for a £30 year old. if my name was mark hughes i'd spend it but if my name was martin o'neill i'd probably rather go for distin and campbell over upson but if you want a price, i'd say, £5mn only because he was worth £6mn two years ago at his peak so why should we play more for him now?

Comment 24, made on August 20, 2009 at 9.38 am

Darragh McGeown said:

... ak_27 - don't forget that we have Bouma and Young injured and if you add two new CB to that (which i expect him to) then it doesn't look bad at all, quite good i'd say

Comment 25, made on August 20, 2009 at 9.39 am

clarkamus said:

... chiefty1 i like your optimism long may it continue

Comment 26, made on August 20, 2009 at 9.39 am

JohnnyMcleod said:

... Reckon we can come away with a nil nil tonight but that leaves the problem of having to win at VP in the return, what chance of that on current home form ? Anything but Carew up front tonight will be asking for trouble. As for Gabby running the channels, I'd sooner see him swimming the channel to lose that extra stone he seems to have put on this summer. Please not Sidwell, Petrov, and Reo Coker in central midfield, all falling over each other in the centre circle. I'd go with Petrov, Gardner, and Delph.

Comment 27, made on August 20, 2009 at 9.40 am

Biriani said:

... Despite the excellent blog yesterday about lack of information coming out of Villa, perhaps it's time for O'Neil to keep his gob shut. Saying it will be good for the youngsters if we get in the group stages is just absurd. Who does he think we are ? Arsenal ? Doesn't the man realise we have a first team that has been badly struggling for the best part of a year now ? Get your priorites right MON !

Comment 28, made on August 20, 2009 at 9.41 am

Darragh McGeown said:

... Damian - a point well made. I think most people on here (myself included) just want a decent center back to organise the defence and we'd be happy to pay a bit over the odds for it. Let's see happens

Comment 29, made on August 20, 2009 at 9.43 am

Chiefy1 said:

... Clarkamus -- Positive mental attitude is the key everything will be fine i am positive of it. I reckon we will win tonight 2-1 big john and Delfunso i reckon, and i reckon the team will play a blinder,

Comment 30, made on August 20, 2009 at 9.44 am

rob hathaway said:

... I think we shall win 3-0 tonight. and everyone will be a little happier. I would also like sir alex ferguson to be sacked because man u lost a game to Burnley and that makes him the worst manager ever. also he has not spent any money on transfers so the board should be sacked and alex ferguson is obviously inept in the transfer market because he has not signed ronaldos replacement! What is the guy doing? Brain dead. The glazers hearts arent in it they have put all the debt on the club and wont give the manager any money. ferguson also got the formation wrong against burnley so he should be sacked for that reason as well. Rooney missed a sitter. He should be dropped and they should sign a new striker. The board and manager of man united need to be sacked NOW or they will be going backwards. If anyone disagrees with me I want to see proof that ferguson is a good manager, that rooney is a good player and the board have money and are committed.

Comment 31, made on August 20, 2009 at 9.44 am

Faccundo said:

... Damian, What do you think of the following: Diego Lugano Lucas Neill Mattheo Spiranovic They are more affordable and arguably better

Comment 32, made on August 20, 2009 at 9.44 am

JohnnyMcleod said:

... As if things couldn't get any worse Damian has just let it slip that Deadly Doug is back on the scene !!!

Comment 33, made on August 20, 2009 at 9.46 am

ak_27 said:

... Thats true Rocksteady. I can't see us getting 2 CB in now to be honest but i would take one CB to replace Davies and another LB also. Warnock would do.

Comment 34, made on August 20, 2009 at 9.46 am

Damian said:

... Faccundo i have to tell you i only know of lucas neill and whhile he's a decent player he's also quite old ..

Comment 35, made on August 20, 2009 at 9.46 am

Chiefy1 said:

... like it Rob H

Comment 36, made on August 20, 2009 at 9.49 am

Tom said:

... Rob H I was thinking the same thing. How long has he been given now? Fergie out.

Comment 37, made on August 20, 2009 at 9.51 am

Jonathan said:

... Like it Rob H.

Comment 38, made on August 20, 2009 at 9.52 am

Darragh McGeown said:

... Thats true Rocksteady. I can't see us getting 2 CB in now to be honest but i would take one CB to replace Davies and another LB also. Warnock would do. ak_27 - there's optimism inside you somewhere - don't fight it

Comment 39, made on August 20, 2009 at 9.53 am

ak_27 said:

... rob h you must be struggling if that is your only way of trying to defend MON. Open your eyes to his many flaws please? I too believe we will win tonight but don't for a second think we will finish any higher then 8th this season unless MON has some major signings lined up and also has gone on a tactics and training course over the last week.

Comment 40, made on August 20, 2009 at 9.54 am

simo 09 said:

... load of bollocks as always lol

Comment 41, made on August 20, 2009 at 9.55 am

ak_27 said:

... RockSteady yes there is optimism in me but it is over powered by realism normally. I haven't had my head buried in the sand ignoring what other clubs are doing and also ignoring the glaring flaws of our manager that he has shown over the last 2 years.

Comment 42, made on August 20, 2009 at 9.57 am

Richie P said:

... im always optimistic about o'neil and give him the benefit of the doubt but now its starting to get abit old now, i like o'neil and is prob one of the best managers weve had but his tactics in the transfer window are terrible. he needs players in quick or we will struggle to finish 8th or above this season, teams who finished below us last season like spurs, man city ate have all improved. with him letting knight go i thought he would of had someone lined up to replace him straight away and all this talk from the villa site before the transfer window about the scouts been abroad checking out targets, well where are they. if he has targets lined up why does he always leave it till the last few days of the market to get them in. i think its gonna be a big season for o'neil, if it doesnt go to plan i think fans will be on his back wanting him out. id take upson tho, 10mil for a 30 year old bit pricey but hes better than what we have and we have no cb back up

Comment 43, made on August 20, 2009 at 9.58 am

Altan Kargaci said:

... Neven Subotic is a 20 year old 6ft4" Serbian CB playing for Dortmand . He has scored 5 goals in 35 apperances and is winning rave reveiws each game he plays. Just made his debute for the national side too. Surely this is the sort of up and coming player we should be looking to sign. Instead we're looking to spend £12mn on a 30 year old injury prone ex bluenose !! We will be lucky to get a draw tonight , I think they beat Liverpool in a pre season game . 2-1 Rapid , Carrew UTV

Comment 44, made on August 20, 2009 at 9.58 am

clarkamus said:

... positivity is the key for sure chiefty1 and after the booing on saturday the players are gonna be worried now about playing at home and if its not going our way it will happen again we should get right behind them and raise the roof

Comment 45, made on August 20, 2009 at 9.59 am

Darragh McGeown said:

... I know mate - was only having a laugh. If the situation is the same come the end of sept and we haven't started playing well then i'll be the first to agree with you. I personally think its just a bit early to start slating him.

Comment 46, made on August 20, 2009 at 9.59 am

Tim Wood said:

... ... Faccundo i have to tell you i only know of lucas neill and whhile he's a decent player he's also quite old .. And a complete idiot!

Comment 47, made on August 20, 2009 at 10.02 am

ak_27 said:

... RockSteady i know you were but i had immediately posted something not so positive after you had posted your message and said id better reply.

Comment 48, made on August 20, 2009 at 10.03 am

mikee benz said:

... Quality Rob - Cracking comment!

Comment 49, made on August 20, 2009 at 10.04 am

Darragh McGeown said:

... http://www.sundaymercury.net/m...-24488553/

Comment 50, made on August 20, 2009 at 10.08 am

Jeddo said:

... Rob H What a pathetic post. Trying to be clever about Manu's result last night doesn't excuse the debacle against Wigan on Saturday. Wolves beat them on Tuesday. Why don't you use this game as a reference point?

Comment 51, made on August 20, 2009 at 10.09 am

Deano avfc said:

... If Distin is worth 5m (that is what we'll end up paying) then Upson is worth 10m, simple. Upson is a class CB, even at 30. Its just the price you have to pay in the current financial market because of knobs like Man City. UTV

Comment 52, made on August 20, 2009 at 10.11 am

Daveyboy said:

... everythings gonna be fine we'll win tonight 3-1 ashley young will have a blinder

Comment 53, made on August 20, 2009 at 10.12 am

rob hathaway said:

... AK-27 I did not say I was defending mon in that post anyway. You assume that. I was merely seeing things from a man u fans point of view. After all, all fans are the same arent they? fickle lot? If the results of early season are anything to go by temas are going to take points off each other all season and this could be the tightest one for years. For the record. I do still believe in mon and lerner and the club. You can say this is blind faith, get real bla bla bla. But does it make me wrong if I believe? I donot have to take other peoples views. It is my view. I like my views. I will give mon my unwaivering support until I feel there is just reason for me not to. and therefore I stand by my belief and comments made back in june that we will finish in the top4.

Comment 54, made on August 20, 2009 at 10.13 am

simo 09 said:

... clarkamus its ok u saying that we shudnt boo the team & that it mite worry the players wen @home but after the run from feb especially @ home not including sat just gone villa fans were patient & i think that just rolled on 2 saturday with evidently not a lot happening 2 improve the situation, there 4 i believe that the fans believe that mon has had since feb 2 address the problem & he hasent in a lot of fans eyes.with that, since feb dont u think that although being patient the fans were worried bout wat kind of show they have paid 4,worried that there hard earned money was 4 nuffink again!! just so u know mate ive neva boo-ed any player in claret & blue neva will (oh with the exception of savo wen he spat @us). im just hoping that mon can sort this out & do it quickly,although in my heart i dont believe he will & it will b the downfall 4 the best manager weve had in sum yrs. UTV

Comment 55, made on August 20, 2009 at 10.13 am

Richie P said:

... if we get upson and distin things will look alot better, could still do with a few more tho

Comment 56, made on August 20, 2009 at 10.14 am

ak_27 said:

... rob h that is fair enough. I will say that many on here are not responding to one poor result but rather a continuation of last seasons poor results. Still im with you on thinking that we will get a win out in Vienna tonight. I hope he goes with Clark and sticks with Delph.

Comment 57, made on August 20, 2009 at 10.16 am

bring back john gregory said:

... villa to lose 1.0 mon to get the sack.only 2 wins since feb and OUTCLASSED by mighty wigan at the weekend,i also nearly fell off my chair when mon said on talksport he never knew villa used the least amount of players last season in the premiership even though the whole world knew.THIS MAN MUST GO NOW!!.UTV

Comment 58, made on August 20, 2009 at 10.16 am

leight said:

... does anybody know where can i see the game tonight please

Comment 59, made on August 20, 2009 at 10.16 am

Damian said:

... NO CAPITALS PLEASE

Comment 60, made on August 20, 2009 at 10.17 am

Deano avfc said:

... Rob I'm with you bud, I think we'll finish in the top 4 also. along with the Europa League cup. UTV

Comment 61, made on August 20, 2009 at 10.18 am

Daveyboy said:

... simo o9 no offence intended however do u not feel you are beng a tiny bit negative no offence but it is a new season and a new team i feel a bit more positivity is in order i just feel that dwelling on last seaso is not going to help us especially when he still has almost 2 weeks left to address these issues

Comment 62, made on August 20, 2009 at 10.20 am

simo 09 said:

... ROB H fair comment mate but other people will differ with there views so that dont make them rite/wrong either.as a mon fan i just wish i cud share ur optimism but unfortunatly right now i just dont see any, hopefully sumfink will happen 2 make me change my opinion, god knows i want 2 !!!!!!! hopefully com away with a draw 2 nite & finish the job @vp. UTV

Comment 63, made on August 20, 2009 at 10.20 am

leight said:

... is the game on anywhere 2nite

Comment 64, made on August 20, 2009 at 10.22 am

Deano avfc said:

... Damian, I'll buy you a Balti pie at VP if you ban this gentleman -bring back john gregory Pure negativity, doom and gloom... And who would you want to replace him? Maybe you'd be better at the helm? UTV

Comment 65, made on August 20, 2009 at 10.22 am

Vijay Daryanani said:

... Mon hasnt got a clue about anything at the moment, he's got 7 working days to sort this mess out!

Comment 66, made on August 20, 2009 at 10.23 am

Damian said:

... leight channel 5 i believe and on the net avfcforum.co.uk

Comment 67, made on August 20, 2009 at 10.26 am

vogra said:

... Given the state of our defence, I'd quite happily pay £12m for Upson without giving it a second thought. It's become a neccessity. well said vivavilla Exactly what i think, he is a must, we could get easy 3-4 years out of him fit....but that would be doubtfull, but desperate times calls for desperate measures.

Comment 68, made on August 20, 2009 at 10.26 am

simo 09 said:

... DAVEYBOY im with u mate in wat u say,i just feel that its not just the start of the season thats all,i & the majority (i wud think)of fans wud b worried with that run only because there has been no evidence of improvement,ie:playing staff,performance,effort, now again just my opinion but theyve had the summer 2 work sumfink out & here we are 2 weeks b4 the transfer window shuts in a worse position than b4.unfortunatly yeah i am a little negative (i dont want 2 be)but i cant find anyfink 2 get excited over just yet & the performance & attitude & effort on saturday just compelled wat i was hoping wudnt happen. no offence taken mate,its gud 2 talk sensibly

Comment 69, made on August 20, 2009 at 10.27 am

simo 09 said:

... sorry bout the capitals damien it will b amended

Comment 70, made on August 20, 2009 at 10.30 am

steven the toffee said:

... hey guys you all seem really down i feel the same to be honest.never mind villans its only one game 37 more to go.you will win tonight.

Comment 71, made on August 20, 2009 at 10.30 am

croni said:

... Upson is way better than either Distin or Campbell. Very good reader of the game and excellent organiser, which is what we need most. Having said that I wouldn't pay more than 9-10 million. I'm particularly worried about central midfield. We definitely need a real dynamic midfielder partnering Petrov.

Comment 72, made on August 20, 2009 at 10.30 am

BARRY said:

... Morning, anyone know how we can see the match tonight its not on the channel 5 listings.

Comment 73, made on August 20, 2009 at 10.32 am

leight said:

... its gonna be the same old story, we will all be watchin ss news on the last day of the window waiting for some big breaking news, then the deadline will pass, we will all look at each other thinkin wot the fuk cos we signed no1, then mon sayin he tried his hardest 2 sign players. it happens every window so we need 2 get real we need 4 players minimum 2 compete in the top6or7 this year never mind break the top4 and as much as it hurts me 2 say it..... it just aint gonna happen folks. mon should of known 6 months ago what he needed this year 2 progress then dipped straight into the market n bought them so they can bond during pre season, his transfer policy is ridiculous.... i hope im wrong folks but thats just how it is... does any1 know where i can see the game 2nite.... villa forever

Comment 74, made on August 20, 2009 at 10.33 am

leight said:

... cheers damo!!!!

Comment 75, made on August 20, 2009 at 10.35 am

warwick villa said:

... not on five so you will have to see it on the comp

Comment 76, made on August 20, 2009 at 10.36 am

bring back john gregory said:

... deano you are nob,why should i be banned for stating my opinion on mon which you dont like?mon has lost the plot for the last 6 months and has taken us as much as he can.ps back to school for you in 2 weeks

Comment 77, made on August 20, 2009 at 10.38 am

steven the toffee said:

... damo what does ldv stand for when you say europa ldv league.

Comment 78, made on August 20, 2009 at 10.38 am

George Bryan said:

... I think MON should look into signing Niko krancjar,as it looks like we wont be getting wesley

Comment 79, made on August 20, 2009 at 10.39 am

vdv said:

... mon f**ked up on sneijnder and vdv. im worried that we r not improving in what we buy. defour or kranjar now then and tuncay

Comment 80, made on August 20, 2009 at 10.41 am

Eoin Greene said:

... Is Upson better than our current , for want of a better description, 'center halfs'? Is Upson better than the ' they are young, they are english, thay are overpriced underskilled and played a part in getting their team relegated' brigade that we are linked with? The answer to both is a resounding yes. Is Upson better than Distin and Dunne? Again the answer is yes but I'd like both as Upson's ......partner. Is Upson overpriced at 12m - especially seeing as he is 30. Probably but then again Wheater and Taylor at 6-8m, Knight at 4.5m and Davies at a staggering 8.5m - and he is on a different planet to those players so maybe its not too bad value after all. And as VivaVilla says - who cares what the price him, considering our shambolic defense - I think he would be a great signing! Then again stup up the extra 3 million for Haageland and that would be an even better signing! Then again sign them both!!

Comment 81, made on August 20, 2009 at 10.41 am

John Reynolds said:

... I have to post on here as you are all barking up the wrong tree guys... it's not Upson that he's tabled a big bid for, it's Brede Hangeland ! He made an enquiry for him in January but got re buffed and has held dialogue with Roy Hodgson for the past month ! The £12M was made formally on Monday 17/08 and from my information he'll be in the Villa starting XI on Monday night at Anfield. A deal involving Nicky Shorey to Fulham was mooted however, this won't be happening - unless O'Neill gets the green light to sign Distin (a more than capable left back). If this doesn't happen I'll not tender further detail as there's enough wild speculation on this site already.

Comment 82, made on August 20, 2009 at 10.43 am

leight said:

... if your talking 12-15 mil then gaz cahill back from bolton, should never of been sold in a million years....

Comment 83, made on August 20, 2009 at 10.45 am

jk92923 said:

... nothing on channel 5 tonight unless you know somethign we dont Damo? if it is on, happy days but i fear its streaming from the internet tonight. a fwe sites might help if not on T. www. .myp2p.eu .asiaplate.com .live-foott.org hope this helps chaps...

Comment 84, made on August 20, 2009 at 10.46 am

jk92923 said:

... sorry....www.live-footy.org

Comment 85, made on August 20, 2009 at 10.47 am

jk92923 said:

... John reynolds.....i hope you are not stirring the pot and are actually right about this.

Comment 86, made on August 20, 2009 at 10.49 am

Chiefy1 said:

... http://www.rajangan.net tonights game is being streamed on here

Comment 87, made on August 20, 2009 at 10.50 am

steven the toffee said:

... does anybody know what damo means when he says LDV europa league.what does the LDV stand for.

Comment 88, made on August 20, 2009 at 10.52 am

Vijay Daryanani said:

... steven the toffee haha

Comment 89, made on August 20, 2009 at 10.54 am

Trezzy said:

... john reynolds, why would you cum on and say that? arsenal are in for him if he was allowed to leave

Comment 90, made on August 20, 2009 at 10.54 am

steven the toffee said:

... you ok vijay

Comment 91, made on August 20, 2009 at 10.55 am

Deano avfc said:

... - bring back john gregory.... Yeah back to school for me, I've just bought a new aston villa pencil case, with claret and blue pencils and a villa park pencil sharpener because you see, i get behind our club and support them. you my friend, dont seem to realise that Martin O'neill is the best manager we've had in a long time and if we sack him who would you want him replaced by? Martinez?? Get behind MON and more importantly, Aston Villa Football Club. UTV

Comment 92, made on August 20, 2009 at 10.56 am

Chiefy1 said:

... west ham have till monday to sign that striker they want, they have no money they sell upson to us for 12 mil that striker is 7.5 that leaves them with 4.5mil for their debts makes sense

Comment 93, made on August 20, 2009 at 10.57 am

Mozza said:

... If upson and distan arrive soon I think our 6th place will be ours again! Though both are 'old' I think a CB comes into their prime at about 30. Upson should be bought for under 10mil but MoN does like to pay over the odds for English players? Distan I would hope we get for about 5mil? For 15mil we could have a real force at the back, so MoN get on with it please and get them for Liverpool away!! 1-1 tonight and 3-0 at VP.

Comment 94, made on August 20, 2009 at 10.58 am

Chiefy1 said:

... Deano AVFC like it I with you although where di you get the sharpner from ? been looking for one for ages

Comment 95, made on August 20, 2009 at 10.58 am

Nathan Dawe said:

... I will be adding all of the links that are avaliable for tonights game on my site, http://footyfansforum.co.uk as always

Comment 96, made on August 20, 2009 at 11.01 am

Deano avfc said:

... Chiefy1- My mam bought it for me as a going back to school present.. Its awesome! UTV

Comment 97, made on August 20, 2009 at 11.01 am

Ted said:

... It's got to the stage now where we are going to have to pay over the odds for any player that we buy, particularly any defenders. So why not pay a bit over the odds in July, get players in early and let our defence gel? Everyone is slagging off Beye but he only had 2-3 days to get to know his team-mates and it's not easy to form a defensive partnership in 2-3 weeks, let alone 2-3 days. He'll be a good player for us, he just needs time to get used to playing with the rest of the defence. Unfortunately it appears that the defence will be chopped and changed a lot over the next few weeks as we will be hopefully buying 2 new centre-backs and a left-back. So it looks like we will struggle for the next month or so. But long-term I am convinced that things will work out - we lost one game and everyone is going mad. Everton lost 5-1 at home - yes to better opposition, but still a thrashing. Man Utd have just lost to Burnley. Let's just have a bit of patience (we may as well get used to slow transfer windows), let's get behind the team instead of booing every result that isn't a convincing win and hopefully things will turn out well by the end of the window. If not then I agree - let's moan as then it will be deserved. At the moment it isn't. MON's transfer policy doesn't make sense, but for the sake of a couple of weeks we should give him the benefit of the doubt.

Comment 98, made on August 20, 2009 at 11.03 am

Chris Harper said:

... Im with clarkamus on this one... Who gives a monkeys how much we pay for a DECENT CB?? If you have to go n watch the villa, spending a small fortune on a season ticket and watch the major flaw in the team (defence) then trust me, you wouldn't care about us paying £30 mill for a 30 year old. Our defence is our main problem. If we had a bit of composure from the back, we good maybe pass it out of defence, instead of the good old hoof. Anyway.... As ever I predict a win, but im known to follow my heart, not my head. UTV!

Comment 99, made on August 20, 2009 at 11.04 am

Matthew Smith said:

... anyone know what channel the villa game is on tonight?

Comment 100, made on August 20, 2009 at 11.04 am

Chris Harper said:

... I meant £12 mill on a 30 yr old

Comment 101, made on August 20, 2009 at 11.04 am

nath888 said:

... o.k don't shoot me down for this but I've heard from a very reliable source (this is not b*llocks that we are still after Jenas. Apparently we've offered him more money than Spurs but the problem he has is his ex misses will get half anyway as they have a kid together. His agent is trying to push things through but he's stiil not sure what to do.

Comment 102, made on August 20, 2009 at 11.07 am

leight said:

... did'nt mellberg go olympiakos for 2mil?????

Comment 103, made on August 20, 2009 at 11.07 am

Chiefy1 said:

... nath888 who is the source ?

Comment 104, made on August 20, 2009 at 11.08 am

Christian said:

... I can't understand how so many people on here keep saying 'it's only one bad result... look at united getting beat... everton got thrashed... etc etc' No, no, no, it's NOT one bad result. It's been bad results since February. It's been relegation form since February. And our disgraceful performance against Wigan indicates that nothing ahs changed, if anything, we've got worse over the summer. So, for the benefit of the fans who can't understand the fuss after being beaten by Wigan, this is where all the negativity and concern is coming from. He's got 11 days to rescue a rapidly sinking ship. Let's keep the faith, but that doesn't mean we can't question and fret about what is happening in front of our very eyes.

Comment 105, made on August 20, 2009 at 11.11 am

nath888 said:

... My friend who works with someone very close to the family

Comment 106, made on August 20, 2009 at 11.12 am

steven the toffee said:

... does anybody know what ldv stands or in the ldv europa league or is damo just taking the piss out of the competition.

Comment 107, made on August 20, 2009 at 11.13 am

gregdavillain said:

... faccundo What do you think of the following: Diego Lugano Lucas Neill Mattheo Spiranovic They are more affordable and arguably better faccundo they are super players mate, u should get ian storey moores job, i bet he doesnt play champ manager, hes a waster. good shout mate. NOT

Comment 108, made on August 20, 2009 at 11.14 am

Damian said:

... steven the toffee it is a piss take on the europa league. as in the old ldv vans trophy

Comment 109, made on August 20, 2009 at 11.15 am

Christian said:

... Nath888, if we get Jenas I wont be overly excited, but, at this satge we really do just need numbers and anyone who is relatively decent is welcome! If this rumour and the Upson one are true, it'll mean we'll have spent approximately £34m on Downing, Upson and Jenas. Hmmm, its not my money, but if someone has said we'll make a £34m triple swoop this summer I'd have hoped for a little bit better... Still, all 3 of them are decent enough, so no complaints really other than the fees.

Comment 110, made on August 20, 2009 at 11.17 am

Chris Harper said:

... As Damian said, the game will be on avfcforum but you'll have to pay for it. Well worth it though as the quality is superb (in comparison to Justin.tv etc)

Comment 111, made on August 20, 2009 at 11.18 am

steven the toffee said:

... thats what i thought damo but im not being funny but i bet you would love to see villa lift that trophy wouldnt you.

Comment 112, made on August 20, 2009 at 11.18 am

Rob The Villain said:

... I have to post on here as you are all barking up the wrong tree guys... it's not Upson that he's tabled a big bid for, it's Brede Hangeland ! He made an enquiry for him in January but got re buffed and has held dialogue with Roy Hodgson for the past month ! The £12M was made formally on Monday 17/08 and from my information he'll be in the Villa starting XI on Monday night at Anfield. A deal involving Nicky Shorey to Fulham was mooted however, this won't be happening - unless O'Neill gets the green light to sign Distin (a more than capable left back). If this doesn't happen I'll not tender further detail as there's enough wild speculation on this site already. Hmm, interesting! Where'd you get that from? Would be awesome if we could get both Hangeland and Distin. But at this point I'd accept any of Upson, Hangeland or Distin! I can't see Arsenal wanting Hangeland now. Looks as though Vermaelen (gutted we missed out on him!) and Gallas have struck up a good partnership and they have a few back ups in place. On Shorey, thought he was going to have a good season, he looked good in pre-season, cool, calm and covered his area well. Then we played Wigan and he was a complete disaster! Still can't wait til Freddy comes back! Any news on Freddy? I still think we have something up our sleeve in terms of a center midfielder. Defour rumours have gone quiet, think we may still be interested.

Comment 113, made on August 20, 2009 at 11.18 am

leight said:

... christian1983.. dont worry bout the 34mil, downing will have a good season then man shitty will offer us £62.5mil for him....problem solved...

Comment 114, made on August 20, 2009 at 11.20 am

Stephen Gilligan said:

... Can someone please tell me where the improvement is from say Feb/March until now,as a football team. People keep saying with have improved maybe as a club but not as the main issue to us supports the football side.

Comment 115, made on August 20, 2009 at 11.21 am

Christian said:

... Ron The Villain, I have a nasty feeling that Freddie Bouma is finished. He doesn't look like he'll ever regain full fitness. And if he does, playing at Premiership level again is another story entirely. Shame because he was popular, albeit very medicore in my opinion (but a worldbeater by Shorey's standards).

Comment 116, made on August 20, 2009 at 11.21 am

Christian said:

... LeighT, Haha, nah Man City will go broke trying to negotiate a fee for Lescott- isn't the current bid £650 trillion or something?? I don't even think they want him that much, its just the principal of it now

Comment 117, made on August 20, 2009 at 11.24 am

leight said:

... rob the villain i took my lad down bodymoor last friday n we saw freddie, i asked him if he was gonna start playin anytime soon, he laughed n said i need 2 start training 1st..... so think we can safely say he might be spending a bit of time with downing between now n crimbo which is disappointing.....

Comment 118, made on August 20, 2009 at 11.26 am

Juan Pablo Angel said:

... If Upson was not English no-one would have a problem. No one would care about signing a 30 yr old Italian player on the fringes of their national squad playing for a mid table serie A side. If it was Marchena, or Grosso etc no one would care. What is the problem with English players? People on this blog seem to think the grass is always greener. The less they know about a player obviously the better he is. Upson is proven in our league and came through one of the best academys in the history of the English game. He is constantly in and around the international set up and would play every game if it wasn't for Rio and Terry (two of the best CB's in the world!) £12m is steep but you pay for quality. Like I said if he played in a foreign league and we'd seen him play the occasional international for Italy or Spain or Holland every one would be knocking one out at the thought. He is a good player, when can you remember him giving away a goal or making some huge gaff? I can't, at any level even for England. Get him in and sign another on too. If we had Davies, Cuellar, Upson and Wheater I would be more than happy that we'd have the defence to cope with a long season. A nice mix of youth and experience with a decent amount of height and pace. Upson will already know Curtis from England duty and this could be his chance to really assert himself as a top top centre half.

Comment 119, made on August 20, 2009 at 11.26 am

Simon said:

... Damian Lighten up man. We win the peace cup and all is great. we lose to Wigan and we are finished. Make your mind up. If all is to be believed and MON has lost the confidence of the players, then no matter what he does today, the guys wont perform (just like after the Moscow debacle which is why i feel we dropped out of top 4). However, if it is all rubbish and Ash can actually play a simple pass rather than try to beat 3 players, then i think Villa will be too good for RV. So, i'm going for a 3-0 away win, possibly 3-1 if Shorey plays.

Comment 120, made on August 20, 2009 at 11.27 am

leight said:

... y not play heskey at the back he aint 2 bad in the air albeit with a 50phead, got a bit of pace about him, just needs 2 be tought the offside rule..

Comment 121, made on August 20, 2009 at 11.32 am

steven the toffee said:

... exactly damian

Comment 122, made on August 20, 2009 at 11.35 am

Graymo said:

... becoming clear as day that doug ellis has put martin o'neill on a budget Damian, I have to disagree with this. I think it shows the opposite. If MON can blow £12 Mill on a 30 year old he must have money to play with. I just wish someone would spend the money on MON's behalf. He's cautious in the way that he buys average players who he knows are average but that he might be able to make slightly better, instead of risking buying good players from other leagues. I think he's just scared that they might be flops in the prem or xenophobic or something. I say take some risks on some young South American technical wizzards. We need some magic at villa and more importantly, we need a hero.

Comment 123, made on August 20, 2009 at 11.44 am

mikee benz said:

... Just found out I've got a meeting at VP tomorrow with the facilities dept. I shall keep my eyes peeled!

Comment 124, made on August 20, 2009 at 11.44 am

RudeFish said:

... This transfer window has driven everyone mad! and us villa fans are quickly getting a reputation of being moaning bastards. It's driving me insane... Its all "we need a proven CB" then we are linked with a proven prem international CB and its "ooo no his too old and that's too much money" f**k off!!! And this whole thing about us being broke is a load of shit. For once this season can we just get behind the team and MON, or shall we go to the game tonight and booo them for 90 mins. Pull ya f**kin heads in.

Comment 125, made on August 20, 2009 at 11.46 am

steven the toffee said:

... and i bet if villa got knocked out by rapid vienna you would write a big article about it damo and ridicule your team.ok this isnt the champions league but id rather be in this than be in nothing at all.

Comment 126, made on August 20, 2009 at 11.55 am

Steve-o said:

... Agree With You Graymo we never replaced Paul Merson let alone gareth barry we need some creativity and magic!!!! as well as centre backs of course!

Comment 127, made on August 20, 2009 at 12.02 pm

mikey18 said:

... We've had a string of bad results....not bad performances. Good performances and bad results last season: Man U 3-2, were 2-0 up. Stoke 2-2, last minute equalizer West Ham 1-1, last minute equalizer Tottenham 2-1, they were more clinical upfront but we played a good game. Everybody goes on that we have been shit since feb, but we haven't we've just been unlucky! MoN is the same man who finished 6th consecutively.

Comment 128, made on August 20, 2009 at 12.06 pm

mikey18 said:

... are defense has always shipped goals, even with laursen in it. Its been are biggest problem. Not laursen has gone i think we shud capitalize on the opportunity to turn the defense into a unit rather than a one man band!

Comment 129, made on August 20, 2009 at 12.07 pm

Darragh McGeown said:

... Well said Juan Pablo Angel!!!

Comment 130, made on August 20, 2009 at 12.07 pm

robvilla said:

... Juan Pablo Angel has hit the nail on the head there, Upson is a dependable, solid and consistent centre half and yet people seem to be rubbishing him because he's english. Or is it because he's played for Small Heath? Either way, he's exactly what we could do with at the moment alongside another and I'd happily see any two from Upson, Distin, Hangeland, Turner or Shawcross in the shirt. But not Richard Dunne. Vivavilla has been banging the Wes Brown drum before now and I tell you what, he would be a fantastic signing for us if at all possible. People may not agree with the Warnock rumours either but he's a great player and the type MON likes in that he can cover a number of positions, though we need him straight in at left back if Bouma is some way off and after the way Shorey played against Wigan. Failing that, if West Ham need the money we could do far worse than go in for their congolese left back Ilunga. I know he only officially signed for them earlier this summer but he impressed me on loan there last season...

Comment 131, made on August 20, 2009 at 12.10 pm

clarkamus said:

... birmingham mail say we have distanced ourselves from matthew upson and have not bid for him at all. hope there talking b0ll0cks

Comment 132, made on August 20, 2009 at 12.15 pm

Juan Pablo Angel said:

... Cheers rob, I agree about Ilunga, he's a real quality player. i see what some people say, in that why aren't we taking chances on players like him to start with i.e on loan etc, but i think we have a manager who has improved us and finished 6th twice in a row doing it his way. I say let him carry on. Rocksteady, Sign me up. I'd play.

Comment 133, made on August 20, 2009 at 12.16 pm

Peter Dragoonis said:

... it will be about passing, creating space i cant see it myself. Agbonlahor doesnt have a football brain and just stands still, making no runs. and none of the other players run into space and look for the ball. weve relied on two tactics for 3 years; 1) hump it long and hope for the best, 2) give it to young and hope he creates something.

Comment 134, made on August 20, 2009 at 12.16 pm

Peter Dragoonis said:

... All in all its hopefully bloody villa. we dont create anything or make defence splitting passes

Comment 135, made on August 20, 2009 at 12.19 pm

Steve Badger said:

... Fully confident for this evening. A Villa win by more than one goal

Comment 136, made on August 20, 2009 at 12.19 pm

Peter Dragoonis said:

... sorry, Hopeful Bloody Villa!

Comment 137, made on August 20, 2009 at 12.19 pm

Jonathan said:

... What times KO?

Comment 138, made on August 20, 2009 at 12.21 pm

steven the toffee said:

... badger my friend do you take this europa competition seriously or do you agree with damian calling it the equivalent of the ldv vans trophy.

Comment 139, made on August 20, 2009 at 12.24 pm

Steve Badger said:

... Steve the toff. I'd love to win it mate. But by the same token, I can see why MON did what he did last season. I don't necessarily agree, but I can see it. He made a call and got it wrong. I would have liked him to come out and say he made a mistake, but there you go. Damian only takes the piss because it is a very poor second to the CL. I think Damian's of the same opinion of me ie he thinks the CL has been ruined. I very much suspect he'd love to win it.

Comment 140, made on August 20, 2009 at 12.29 pm

robdabank said:

... reckon that we will beat them... also reckon we all need to calm it down a bit... still time till the window shuts

Comment 141, made on August 20, 2009 at 12.32 pm

taglor said:

... I notice rob h has finally surfaced.

Comment 142, made on August 20, 2009 at 12.34 pm

probinson said:

... http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_5502360,00.html Looks like Sneijder is finally going to join Inter. At least I can stop dreaming about it now.

Comment 143, made on August 20, 2009 at 12.35 pm

Carl Main said:

... Still not feeling optimistic lads!...its pi**ing me off now!...I just want to be loving football with no fear like this time last season!

Comment 144, made on August 20, 2009 at 12.38 pm

Villa4life said:

... just announced on SSN that MON has distanced himself from the Upson bid.... He said that we have not made any suck offer...... ah well...... but he did say that Carew has flown out with squad.....

Comment 145, made on August 20, 2009 at 12.40 pm

Dema said:

... I fancy Delfouneso might have a good night tonight.

Comment 146, made on August 20, 2009 at 12.40 pm

Juan Pablo Angel said:

... With regard to Damiens comments about the Europa League I have to say I disagree slightly. A good cup run in any competition would be great for the team in terms of confidence. it's an opportunity for the younger players to play in europe and gain useful experience and if we can make any sort of progress it potentially could help raise the profile of the club in europe. This could result in the ability to attract better players next summer and create more revenue for the club. I agree it could be better as a competition and has its flaws, but if we were to win it or get to the final, which is possible, Rangers got to the final FFS! I'd have to say I can recall winners and finalists over the last few years and so too can football fans all over europe I presume, including players. A little more high profile than the LDV Vans trophy. Damien, can I ask if you were excited when we qualified for UEFA last year after a 9 year absence? If yea whats changed? Is it because all of a sudden us Villa fans have a devine right to play in the CL and sign the best players from all over europe because we were third for a period last year? Hull were third for a period last year. I think a realistic look at where we are as a club and some more patient and realistic expectations I think are what is needed.

Comment 147, made on August 20, 2009 at 12.42 pm

steven the toffee said:

... the champions league is more of a farce as far as im concerned mate.i agree with damo to an extent but last year we got drew against a great standard liege team who had WON their league.they knocked us out of the competition but they never should of played us they never should of played liverpool in the cl play off they should of automatically been in the champions league after all that is why it is called the CHAMPIONS LEAGUE and standard were the champions of their league.i think uefa as a whole is a joke.my point is damo would have been moaning if villa werent in this europa competition so he should really get behind his team and support them no matter what competition they are in.i disagree with MON'S decision though to put reserves out against cska last year purely for the fact that MON didnt take a second to think of those fans that paid hundreds of pounds to fly out to moscow to see a reserve team i thought that was disgraceful to be honest mate.

Comment 148, made on August 20, 2009 at 12.42 pm

Villa4life said:

... One thing that annoys me the same as MON's transfer policy is....... Why are the Europa games not live on TV any more??????????? Last year C5 showed them, as with ITV3 and ITV4. This year not even a sniff???....... has all the TV money gone on CL??........ what a joke as i have to watch it on internet

Comment 149, made on August 20, 2009 at 12.47 pm

VillaDude said:

... I am preying Fonz plays really well tonight - He has to start infront of Gabby..that guys is totally useless!

Comment 150, made on August 20, 2009 at 12.48 pm

Rob The Villain said:

... Cheers Leight and Christian for the answers. It's a real shame, it definitely looks like he's struggling to get back. I think we've missed his last ditch tackles and blocks, he may not be the best going forward but I thought he was an awesome defender. Shorey looks like a school boy compared.

Comment 151, made on August 20, 2009 at 12.48 pm

Damian said:

... Juan Pablo Angel Don't get em wrong, I'm keen as mustard for us to do well in this tournament, when I say it's a bit of a joke, it's mostly referencing what FIFA and UEFA are doing to the game. On another thing, I think its fair for me to ask if the club are going to take it seriously this season before I start spending money on getting interested in this tournament after what they did last season.

Comment 152, made on August 20, 2009 at 12.50 pm

simo 09 said:

... sorry 2 say lads,dunno if this is true according 2 daily mail weve put a bid in 4 james collins (west ham)£5mill 2 hijack his move 2 stoke,not sure how 2 put the link on but by all means check it out.

Comment 153, made on August 20, 2009 at 12.52 pm

Steve Badger said:

... steve the toff, I'm speaking for Damian, but we've had this discussion before. No doubt he'll correct if I'm wrong, but his views are similar to yours. He wants the CL as it was, for the champions. The fact that those who fail to qualify drop down to the europa annoys him too. He sees the league thing as purely a money spinner which perpetuates the sky 4 and ruins the game. All sentiments I agree with, by the way. As JPA says, it's got to increase your profile so is definitely worth having.

Comment 154, made on August 20, 2009 at 12.54 pm

Steve-o said:

... wtf james collins, how is he going to improve our defensive unit? we need quality at the back we are desperatly lacking it Upson and Distin would be a good start!!!

Comment 155, made on August 20, 2009 at 12.54 pm

probinson said:

... Sorry, Sneijder story http://www.football365.com/sto...60,00.html

Comment 156, made on August 20, 2009 at 12.54 pm

simo 09 said:

... graymo totally agree with ur post (123) no harm in trying is there &the risks r less if u spend less i wud of thought

Comment 157, made on August 20, 2009 at 12.55 pm

steven the toffee said:

... thats exactly the point ive just made damian MON was bang out of order doing that last year those fans who travelled over to moscow must have been absolutely gutted when they seen the reserves run out onto that pitch.

Comment 158, made on August 20, 2009 at 12.55 pm

VillaDude said:

... James Collins !?! Who the f*ck is he? This better be a rumour!

Comment 159, made on August 20, 2009 at 12.55 pm

Juan Pablo Angel said:

... Damien, fair enough mate. Personally whether the thing is a joke or not I'd rather be in it than not as you say. Personally I think FIFA and UEFA are a perfect example of the way money is ruining football. God damn high and mighty to***rs. Blatter should be in a mental home and Platini needs to poke his big fat French conk somewhere else. To be honest if MoN finds himself in the same position this season he'll do exactly the same thing and we all know it. Fotrtunately with a couple more bodies and the kids in the squad I think we'll have more than enough to cope this season. Imagine qualifying for the rounds after xmas and then chucking Downing into the mix, it'll be like signing a quality international in the transfer window and might be enough to push us on.

Comment 160, made on August 20, 2009 at 12.56 pm

simo 09 said:

... steve-o tell me bout it,did u look at the article,just so i know im not losing me mind and it is actually there!

Comment 161, made on August 20, 2009 at 12.57 pm

Steve Badger said:

... Steve the toff, and there you go, he's just made my post redundant Villa4life, Ch 5 and ITV4 have the rights for the Europa, with Ch 5 having the final exclusively. The return leg will be on Ch 5 next week, but they've for some reason decided not to screen this leg. God knows why, as you'd expect the away leg to get a much better audience. No doubt it has something to do with money.

Comment 162, made on August 20, 2009 at 12.58 pm

steven the toffee said:

... to be honet badger with the size of the squad weve got it might not be a good thing that we qualify for the group stages.although i prey we do.

Comment 163, made on August 20, 2009 at 1.00 pm

simo 09 said:

... http://www.dailymail.co.uk/hom...l+Reporter hopefully this is the link i could of done it wrong ,if i have i apologise

Comment 164, made on August 20, 2009 at 1.01 pm

Rob The Villain said:

... There is no James Collins rumour on the daily mail, it's all about Stoke. Although it does say the deal for Distin will be done very soon, how long is this bastard transfer going to take!

Comment 165, made on August 20, 2009 at 1.02 pm

simo 09 said:

... just checked that it worked,lets just hope that this is bulshit cos this will b very unerving if this is true!sorry 2 b the bearer of bad news

Comment 166, made on August 20, 2009 at 1.03 pm

simo 09 said:

... rob check the link i just posted

Comment 167, made on August 20, 2009 at 1.03 pm

Steve-o said:

... The post is there guys hijacking james collins who is on his way to, no wait 4 it, Stoke. absolutly says it all we are hijacking a bloke who is headed for bloody Stoke City!!! Im losing the will to live!!!!

Comment 168, made on August 20, 2009 at 1.06 pm

Andy Young said:

... I hate to say it but I think Fulahm are possibly a more attractive club for new players than we are at the moment. Hodgson seems to have a very settled team these days. I'd be very surprised it Hangeland wanted to leave them to join us.

Comment 169, made on August 20, 2009 at 1.07 pm

VillaDude said:

... heres the link http://www.dailymail.co.uk/spo...l?ITO=1490 typical mon signing? he always has to have a dodgy centre back!

Comment 170, made on August 20, 2009 at 1.08 pm

simo 09 said:

... cheers steve-o u confirmed that in fact im not going insane but mite just do so lol

Comment 171, made on August 20, 2009 at 1.09 pm

Damian said:

... Badger spot on .. i think the champions league should be for the champions and europa league can be for everyone else basically it worries me, where the game is going. wenger said the other day that he thinks there will be a european super league in 10 years and i agree. you'll have two leagues of 14, 16 or 18 teams, the biggest 36 teams in europe, six from england, italy, spain and then other leagues will have less ... we will be in, but we'll be floating from the second division and the occassional season in the top flight or maybe we wont mkae the cut but everyone will want it, simply because of the money it will generate and when it does, i think it will kill the game for me i hope it doesn't .. it just feels like that is the way it is going, hence all these new owners coming in ..

Comment 172, made on August 20, 2009 at 1.09 pm

VillaDude said:

... Hodgson has very good links in europe - especially scandanavia. MON struggles and looks at relegated teams and top 4 rejects.

Comment 173, made on August 20, 2009 at 1.09 pm

Steve-o said:

... No worries Simo and I think I already have gone in sane m8!!! This is bloody unreal.

Comment 174, made on August 20, 2009 at 1.11 pm

simo 09 said:

... its possibly scary mate,of all the players out there is this the best we can do??????????????? please please tell me we can do better,any1 please!!!!

Comment 175, made on August 20, 2009 at 1.12 pm

Steve-o said:

... Is nobody worried about the fact we have fallen into the same market as Stoke City to make a signing. I seriously think that MON has lost the plot!!!

Comment 176, made on August 20, 2009 at 1.13 pm

Anthony Laud said:

... if we sign collins and upson MON can just f$ck off! up to his old tricks like with luke young of paying over double what he could f for upson 2 years ago! does he have no talent in finding players himself!!

Comment 177, made on August 20, 2009 at 1.18 pm

steven the toffee said:

... everton set to sign their first player THANK THE LORD.

Comment 178, made on August 20, 2009 at 1.19 pm

Rob The Villain said:

... Ok, I take it back, it is there, oh dear! I'm Welsh and have seen him get done many times for Wales by very average players. All of a sudden I'm hoping the Upson rumours are true!

Comment 179, made on August 20, 2009 at 1.19 pm

Steve Badger said:

... Damian, I've been predicting a european league for years. It's bound to happen, as that's the whole idea of the CL, imo; to get us used to the idea. It would be great for those involved, but what about everyone else? The thought of Britain becoming a nation of glory hunters not supporting their local team depresses me. Not as much as the prospect of James Collins though I don't see how he offers anything over what we have. Not that I know much about him, but I'll bet Upson makes him look better than he is. It says it all that I've hardly heard of him. My unshakable faith in MON is starting to become er, shaken. What an absolutely uninspiring signing If it's true, of course.

Comment 180, made on August 20, 2009 at 1.19 pm

jk92923 said:

... heres the link http://www.dailymail.co.uk/spo...l?ITO=1490 typical mon signing? he always has to have a dodgy centre back! jesus, thank God, its only the Daily Mail!!! phew...i was worried for a second!

Comment 181, made on August 20, 2009 at 1.25 pm

Sean said:

... Quite possibly the most tedious transfer market (from a villa perspective) I have ever experienced.. PLEASE JUST END!!!!!

Comment 182, made on August 20, 2009 at 1.32 pm

Biriani said:

... James Collins ? Somebody kick the chair away, I've lost the will to live.

Comment 183, made on August 20, 2009 at 1.38 pm

Steve-o said:

... Why with very little time left again are all villa fans begging for signings, surely this should have been sorted before pre-season started mon nknew the gaps we had to fill and hasnt done it yet. Why are we left with the dregs and s**t of the window every bloody time?????

Comment 184, made on August 20, 2009 at 1.46 pm

Matthew Clark said:

... If we lose to vienna i'm gonna off myself

Comment 185, made on August 20, 2009 at 1.49 pm

steven the toffee said:

... tell you what you dont half moan youve signed 3 good players how do you think we evertonians feel we havent signed a single soul.

Comment 186, made on August 20, 2009 at 1.51 pm

robdabank said:

... please god no... not james collins... where is MON's scouting network?? what the hell is going on??

Comment 187, made on August 20, 2009 at 1.54 pm

kieron said:

... F**in hell doom and bloody gloom. Yes we seem to be struggling in the transfer market and it would me more reassuring with two half descent centre backs instead of chuckle brothers. BUT weve only played one game, so please stop being so fickle and get behind the boys and support MON. Otherwise you will just drag this club down with you.

Comment 188, made on August 20, 2009 at 1.55 pm

Daveyboy said:

... JUAN PABLO ANGEL Agree with you mainly gd points however i cannot see upson playing everygame if it wasnt for rio and terry i would say carragher would play every game and would have never spat out his dummy (retired from international football) if one of them were not around

Comment 189, made on August 20, 2009 at 1.55 pm

DavidC said:

... Tell you what, there's some daft comments on here today. Fulham being a more attractive destination than we are FFS? MoN not being able to spot a player (what about Young, Millner, Petrov, Carew I say?) FFS. The worst transfer window in memory FFS - what about the Ellis years??? Sometimes I despair of being a Villa fan. I just do. My thoughts on Europa League. Probably is inevitable sadly. I'd like to think the FA have the guts to say no....but they won't/haven't/will never.

Comment 190, made on August 20, 2009 at 1.56 pm

ak_27 said:

... I personally like the way the CL is. I want to see the best play each other. As for the Europa league i still think this is our best chance of silverware as outside of Everton i don't think there are any really good teams in it. Saying that our style of football probably becomes even more of a hinderence agianest Europeans teams when we constantly give them the ball. Badger i agree with you on MON's decision to play the kids. Hindsight is a great thing. At the time getting 4th had to be the priority and he made the right call. What i do put the blame on MON is he was totally at fault for not having enough of a squad to compete in Europe after being in charge for long enough to get a squad together.

Comment 191, made on August 20, 2009 at 1.56 pm

kieron said:

... Well said DavidC, i really can't understand Villa supporters at times. Makes me sad

Comment 192, made on August 20, 2009 at 1.57 pm

Steve-o said:

... Ronvilla We wont only be struggling in the transfer market unless we get some decent players in m8. We need to replace the Chuckle Bros otherwise we will be struggling in the league.

Comment 193, made on August 20, 2009 at 1.58 pm

kieron said:

... Steve-o Ive just said we need to replace the chuckle brothers. But its one game mate, and yes it was a poor display but we certainly won't be struggling to stay in the league. You need to believe and support the team, and not boo them like some mindless fans think is acceptable.

Comment 194, made on August 20, 2009 at 2.01 pm

Charlie Littlejohns said:

... This is making me depressed... not along ago we were getting talked up as being top 4 canditates now we are supposedly after James bloody Collins, not even good enough for West Ham. Has O'Neill had a body double created by some evil blue nose, tryin to bring the villa down???

Comment 195, made on August 20, 2009 at 2.01 pm

WOODYO said:

... well said steve-o, mon is a small minded, uninspiring manager and always has been, i have said this umpteen times before.... name me a class-act player he has ever signed in his carreer, and even if he did he would'nt know what to do with him, probably have him selling programmes or marking the pitch out. it's too late now, he should have been given the boot at the end of last season when the writing was on the wall, i know all the mon love children will be saying 'here we go again' another mon hater & 'christ we finished 6th last 2 seasons', but you have to look beyond the claret & blue mist and see what is actually going on. firstley, if he was a so-called great manager, we should have finished in the top 4 last year, given the start we had, but yet again he failed in the jan window. but over & above that, how many games last season can you say ' we completely desrved all 3 points today' not many!!! our style of football has become stereo-typed and any manager can suss us out, even a novice prem manager like last week, and such is mon incapacity no be tactically aware of what's going on in games we will always struggle. even if he gets a few better players in, i don't think this will change, because i think he concentrates on our play and completely misses what the opposition are doing. in my opinion he is and always been an average (at best) manager so i think we are in for a titanic struggle this season. bye the way, we still need 2 centre backs, he's known that for 8 months. we still need a quality left back, he's known that for 15 months we still need a midfied maestro, he's known that since 3rd of june. we still need a proven goal scorer, he's known that ever since he's been here (or he should have) mon OUT OUT OUT OUT give kevin mcdonald & sid cowans a go, have you seen the football they play, brillient to watch, not like o'nies mind numbing dross.

Comment 196, made on August 20, 2009 at 2.02 pm

kieron said:

... Sorry Damo but i'm going to be giving up on this blog soon. Too bloody depressing, and its only one game into the season.

Comment 197, made on August 20, 2009 at 2.02 pm

Juan Pablo Angel said:

... Davey boy, see what you're saying mate. Carragher is very good, would you say Upson & Carra would have been a pretty decent pairing if Terry and Rio weren't about? Distin has to be the number one target for £5m but Upson would be a great alternative. Why can't we have both Martin, i've been a good boy this year. I reckon the Collins link is tat. We spoke to West Ham yesterday enquiring about Upson and someone is trying to con Stoke out of a bit more money I reckon or try and get him a move to a better club. Really can't see MoN siging him as he isn't what we need in a CB.

Comment 198, made on August 20, 2009 at 2.03 pm

Vijay Daryanani said:

... James Collins is just the mon type of player, and just beating Stoke to him!! maybe now, only now, will people agree when i say that we are in a mess!

Comment 199, made on August 20, 2009 at 2.06 pm

kieron said:

... WOODYO Oh my God, you have just shown in that immature little essay just how little you know about football. I don't want to mix with numptys like you on this blog, you give the Villa a bad name. So thats it for me until someone can offer a sensible comment. Enjoy your depressing banter lads, but lets hope you aren't season ticket holders!

Comment 200, made on August 20, 2009 at 2.06 pm

Steve-o said:

... ronvilla I personally dont believe in booing the lads, but every person in that ground on Saturday had paid good money to get in and see that shower! As Villa fans surely we are entitled to better than that we need players m8. Friedel is past his best, The back line are awful, Delph shouldnt have started it was too much too soon, young tries to beat to many players at once, and Gabby is lazy as hell. I think we deserve better than the current team and its all down to one person MON, His team his tactics his style of play!!!!

Comment 201, made on August 20, 2009 at 2.06 pm

Steve Badger said:

... Steve the toff, tell you what you dont half moan youve signed 3 good players how do you think we evertonians feel we havent signed a single soul. I know what you mean and even my mostly optimistic self is being dragged into it. But it's that bad that there are some Villa fans calling for us to put a 19yo kid in as CB. We're desperate for a good, quality CB.

Comment 202, made on August 20, 2009 at 2.06 pm

jk92923 said:

... and what is worse ronvilla...there will be legions agreeing and saying "well said" etc. In a way i agree, we were herendous on saturday, we dont look to be going forward (based on collins rumour, if true) and watching them can be frustrating and worthy of scremaing at the telly or the lads on the pitch. but i am with you that we should be behind our club and our clubs decisions considering we are not battling relegation as of a few years ago. patience is key and in todays football, noone has any. we want more and we want it now. i'm afraid you wont sway the lads here, to them(us) we are not a top 6 team...we should be a top 3 team and MON may not be the man to bring us there.....but i am absolutely confident he is key in our journey to the upper echilons of the premier league and we need him now to deveop the players who will be lifting trphies for us in a few years down the line.

Comment 203, made on August 20, 2009 at 2.15 pm

KingoftheLions said:

... Can some of you young ICT whizkids tell me the best way to follow match tonight witout downloading dodgy software. The best I have come up with is West Midlands radio ,but I can not get the BBC i player to work on West Midlands radio. I do not live in the Birmingham area anymore so can not get it other than on the internet. Come on guys help an old fogey out, I'm desperate.

Comment 204, made on August 20, 2009 at 2.18 pm

Steve Badger said:

... ak_27, I personally like the way the CL is. I want to see the best play each other. But that's the point. You're not. The CL should be just that, for championsof each nation. The old format was better. The champs were in there own tourny and the second third and fourth were in another. This is why the Uefa cup became so devalued when it was an extremely prestigious trophy to have. Tell you what, how about we have a cup for the teams that finished 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th? and another for those that finished 11th, 12, 13th, and 14th? And so on..... I'm not taking the piss, but I'm sure you get the point. The point is that the whole thing has been devalued and you can win the Champions league even though you weren't champions in your own country! It's also this system that has made competition virtually impossible. Years ago it was possible for a team to be promoted to the top division and win it. That was the beauty of the game, in that it wasn't a closed shop, as it is now. Any club could aspire to winning the league and that was how Forest did it, by having a brilliant manager. And not a massive self perpetuating pot of money.

Comment 205, made on August 20, 2009 at 2.18 pm

Chris Harper said:

... kingofthelions There will be links put up by fellow blog posters on the live thread on here later. Most of them are just websites that you simply click on and watch- no need to download any software for this.

Comment 206, made on August 20, 2009 at 2.21 pm

IrishVillan said:

... Steven The Toffee, The difference between Everton signings and Villa signings, is that at least you lot go out and take a chance on a Feillaini or this Banega guy who I presume is the one your talking about, and pay the money for them, and get the fans excited. With us it's the same thing year in year out. I have no problems with the players we bring in, it's just Young and Carew apart, no-one has lit the place up, or even justified their fees. Delph we will see about. Just one "big signing" would be nice, now and again. Or every 6 years.

Comment 207, made on August 20, 2009 at 2.21 pm

jk92923 said:

... kingofthelions - sopcast is safe software you can download but the stream will have to be pumped through that software and its not always. on www.myp2p.eu, you can see waht type of player they are playing it on and in some cases there will be "media player" and you should have that if you have windows anyway so no dogy download......i know what you mean though, TVants etc dont apear to be very trustworty....doesn't stop me though...iots Villa or the safety of my PC....i choose Villa

Comment 208, made on August 20, 2009 at 2.22 pm

ak_27 said:

... But Badger the top 12 teams in Europe are in 3/4 countries and that is it really. The champions of many European leagues would struggle to stay in the Pl. I know where you are coming from but im really looking forward to Man Utd getting Real madrid in the knock out stage of the CL this year. Now that couldn't happen in the old format. I actually think the CL is far more competative now then it was during the old format. I guess the one point which could be argued is that it really is the main root cause of the widing gap between the likes of us and the top 4 as that extra revenue each year is giving them a big advantage.

Comment 209, made on August 20, 2009 at 2.27 pm

clarkamus said:

... james collins will not be joining villa come on this one is just nonsense

Comment 210, made on August 20, 2009 at 2.29 pm

Steve Badger said:

... kingof the lions, Go here; http://www.myp2p.eu/broadcast.php?matchid=46625&part=sports Anything that says media player should just play. Don't bank on any of them working though.

Comment 211, made on August 20, 2009 at 2.30 pm

Abdul Kashif said:

... KingoftheLions, follow the match on www.iraqgoals.com. Great site for free football and they show virtually every match that's worth showing! I'd just like to add to the discussion. I just think, along with many others, that this is O'Neill's most important transfer window to date. He has 10 days to show his cards and by 1st of September, we'll know exactly what his intentions are. We've got so many areas of the team that need improving so it's up to the gaffer to sort it out. We've lost Barry and Laursen. Two players that could play in any of the top four teams, in my opinion and yet they haven't been replaced. Why? Liverpool lost Alonso and replaced him with Aquilani, almost instantly. He's a quality player and while he is unproven in England, at least he will fill the void left by Alonso. I am getting sick of the right back/left back situation as well. OK, we've got Luke Young and Habib Beye, but how much will someone care to wager that Young will play on the left again this season?! We need a two centre halves, or at least 2 defenders that are top quality, a midfielder and a striker, but with O'Neill's record in the transfer market so far, who knows what will happen in the next 10 days... We can talk about who we want to sign, but no one can predict O'Neill's next move! P.S - Upson for £12M would be a joke! If we got Distin and Upson for a combined 10-12 Million, then that wouldn't be too bad, but we know that won't happen! The clock's ticking so let's wait and see...

Comment 212, made on August 20, 2009 at 2.31 pm

Steve Badger said:

... http://www.myp2p.eu/broadcast....art=sports

Comment 213, made on August 20, 2009 at 2.31 pm

Abdul Kashif said:

... Whatever happened to signing players on loan..? Come on M.O.N, bring us another Benito Carbone!

Comment 214, made on August 20, 2009 at 2.35 pm

ak_27 said:

... Any Villa fans living in the Dublin the game is being shown live in Murrays Bar (used to be Frazers) on O'Connell street. I guess if any bars in Birmingham show games at 3 on sat via some foreign channel they might also have the game on??? http://www.murraysbar.eu/sport/

Comment 215, made on August 20, 2009 at 2.35 pm

Billy7 said:

... Good afternoon, there seems to be more and more negativity amongst Villa fans, i was as pissed off Saturday as anyone. But i am still feeling positive as we WILL sign a Centre Back, a creative Midfielder and a left back i'm sure. When they're in place we will AGAIN challenge the top 4-6, depending on the quality we sign. Also, look at the positives, REO looks hugry and determined, SIDWELL is fit and hopefully back to his best, Milner is better than we thought, Gardner is fighting for a place, Delph will be world class, Ash IS world class, Carew is Carew, Albrighton looks very promising, Little Brad WILL be number 1 by xmas, Downing will be a great player for the club. Add a commanding CB (Hangleand)and a good LB (Warnock) and a creative MID (Defour) and we'll be up there.

Comment 216, made on August 20, 2009 at 2.36 pm

andrewvillamadj said:

... Look out for me in the fulham game the whole world will see what we think me and a few mates will have a big white banner with black write saying 2 wordss ....

Comment 217, made on August 20, 2009 at 2.39 pm

Steve-o said:

... 2 Words?

Comment 218, made on August 20, 2009 at 2.40 pm

jk92923 said:

... ak_27 - only 5 minutes from where i work. how the hell are they showing it? happy days! if you want to find me, i will be wearing the red coronation andn drench-coat! happy days...pint, villa, decent smoking area...!

Comment 219, made on August 20, 2009 at 2.42 pm

KingoftheLions said:

... Thanks for the tips gents, but are these links O.k i.e I just click and they will not bugger up my new expensive computer?? Thanks for helping out an old computer fogey, but I am long term passionate about the Villa

Comment 220, made on August 20, 2009 at 2.42 pm

Steve Badger said:

... ak_27, But Badger the top 12 teams in Europe are in 3/4 countries and that is it really. The champions of many European leagues would struggle to stay in the Pl. I know where you are coming from but im really looking forward to Man Utd getting Real madrid in the knock out stage of the CL this year. Now that couldn't happen in the old format. You miss the point entirely. When we won it, we were very big underdogs. Bayern were a massive club then with years of experience in the European cup. It was the first time we had entered. What happened and why? Well we know what happened But it was because it was 2 legged games and not a league. Which means any club entering has a chance! Granted, it still favours the really big clubs, but as I say you had a chance because it was a cup and not a league. That was the reason the FA cup has gone from the most watched and respected cup final in the world to second best in comparison to the CL. Question? If we were to qualify for it next year, where would we be expected to reach? If you're honest, the answer would be we would like to get to the group stage and that's all. We'd have absolutely no chance of winning it whatsoever.

Comment 221, made on August 20, 2009 at 2.44 pm

Steve Badger said:

... king of the lions, they won't ruin anything, they should just play after a minute or so. As I said, don't expect many, if any at all, of those links to work. And almost certainly don't expect English commentary either. Other posters will post hopefully working links on here just before and during the game, so stick around.

Comment 222, made on August 20, 2009 at 2.49 pm

andrewvillamadj said:

... oneil out

Comment 223, made on August 20, 2009 at 2.50 pm

andrewvillamadj said:

... only joking but we need some decent signings i was chuffed about upson yesterday but now its all gone quiet and error prone distin and west ham reject and stoke target james collins are being linked im a shocked villian i think all of us would do a better job than oneill this summer hes been great through his villa caraer but this summer hes lost it so im afraid he should get the sack

Comment 224, made on August 20, 2009 at 2.55 pm

vogra said:

... Any of you guys got a tip for the 3.25 at York, the big race of the day, i'm like MON at the moment, a complete loser..

Comment 225, made on August 20, 2009 at 2.59 pm

ak_27 said:

... jk92923 they show all Villa games. They have every satellite know to man and basically if their is a game on any channel anywhere in the world they will have it on in Frasers. They have 4 3 o'clock live Premier games every saturday. Im heading up tonight so if you are there we'll have a pint.

Comment 226, made on August 20, 2009 at 2.59 pm

ak_27 said:

... vogra no tips for the horses but i think Villa are very good value tonight at Even money.

Comment 227, made on August 20, 2009 at 3.00 pm

Steve-o said:

... Maybe this would class as a signing? http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10265~1761988,00.html lol

Comment 228, made on August 20, 2009 at 3.08 pm

jk92923 said:

... ak-27 - good man! i will probably be the only other villa fan there ...very small following over here...well in pubs watching the games anyway. the jerseys are everywhere...

Comment 229, made on August 20, 2009 at 3.09 pm

DavidC said:

... "I just think, along with many others, that this is O'Neill's most important transfer window to date" I disagree. I think this transfer window is no more (or less) important than any other. We're just falling into the trap of the modern age (ie "biggest ever", "best ever", "most important ever" etc). Classic example being last night's win for Burnley was suddenly billed as their most important result since 1960-something. What a load of tosh. Was it more important than the win that kept them in the football league in the 80s? Modern toss. Thats all it is.

Comment 230, made on August 20, 2009 at 3.15 pm

joelvillasmith said:

... Just signed up for 1 trial day on the AVFC forum, only 1.50 for 24 hrs. My p2p links for tonight don't look great!! Does anyone else on here use AVFC forum regularly for the Villa games? If so, is it reliable?

Comment 231, made on August 20, 2009 at 3.17 pm

Chris Harper said:

... It says on the Villa site that ko is 5:15pm BST?? Thought it was 6:15 BST?

Comment 232, made on August 20, 2009 at 3.20 pm

Tim Wood said:

... I'm with ronvilla I've had enough of all the neigh sayers on this site, it is truly pathetic!! Enjoy whats left of the season or at least try! I just hope you boo boys are not sitting next to me!!

Comment 233, made on August 20, 2009 at 3.26 pm

ak_27 said:

... Villa_Chris its on at 6.15

Comment 234, made on August 20, 2009 at 3.27 pm

Geoffrey Littleton said:

... Ha! Fergie's losing it. He totally threw Carrick under the bus over that penalty. Funny stuff.. Maybe we can get him

Comment 235, made on August 20, 2009 at 3.28 pm

Jonathan said:

... Anyone know why channel 5 aint showing it this year?

Comment 236, made on August 20, 2009 at 3.29 pm

leight said:

... just found a promising site for the footy later... it is laola1.tv

Comment 237, made on August 20, 2009 at 3.31 pm

Smyth said:

... My head hurts. In my humble opinion anyone who has been negative on here has every right to be so. However i think we should all relax, do some yoga breaths and wait till september 1st. Oh and i think we'll be beaten tonight.

Comment 238, made on August 20, 2009 at 3.32 pm

joelvillasmith said:

... leigh - try: http://www.myp2p.eu/broadcast....art=sports

Comment 239, made on August 20, 2009 at 3.34 pm

Vijay Daryanani said:

... I would be surprised if mon spends 12million on Upson, more likely to be: Collins 5 mill, Distin 5 mill, Warnock 5mill and that will be it!!

Comment 240, made on August 20, 2009 at 3.34 pm

ruffy said:

... Why Channel 5 aren't showing it? Let me guess, because they gave Villa the bog build up, assured the audience that Villa were taking the competition seriously. And then were made to look like t**ts when MON sent the reserves to Moscow. Could that be the reason? drrr

Comment 241, made on August 20, 2009 at 3.34 pm

OzVillan said:

... My prediction is John Carew will play and score for a 1-0 win. Does anyone know how many games VIlla have won since Heskey was signed in January? It can't be many?????

Comment 242, made on August 20, 2009 at 3.34 pm

Vijay Daryanani said:

... 5 showing return leg at VP!

Comment 243, made on August 20, 2009 at 3.35 pm

simo 09 said:

... timmyrara maybe there is a few people on here fed up of those so called fans who cant see past there claret & blue tinted specs & actually see things 4 wat they are!!!!! at the end of the day mate they take it 2 the extreme eitha way, eitha they think there is nuffink 2 worry bout at all (yet its there that there is sumat 2 worry bout) or that were totally incompetant(yet were in europe 2 seasons running),i myself just sits here & takes both points of view & try & stay positive but its becoming more & more difficult.

Comment 244, made on August 20, 2009 at 3.37 pm

ruffy said:

... Joel, I wasted £1.50 on that the other day as well. O l e o l e football is useful but the links were rubbish for wigan, guys normally post links on here

Comment 245, made on August 20, 2009 at 3.38 pm

leight said:

... ozvillain...... probably pompey away when he scored n we won 1-0, other than that i cant even remember him scoring never mind winning... and cheers for the link joelvillasmith....

Comment 246, made on August 20, 2009 at 3.38 pm

joelvillasmith said:

... Ruffy, cheers mate. Use myp2p normally but fed up with choosing between slow jumpy streams or dodgy spanish commentary. Was hoping the 1.50 might mean a decent watch. Ah well, glad I did not sign up for the year then.

Comment 247, made on August 20, 2009 at 3.41 pm

OzVillan said:

... I can't remember either Leight. Heskey can't be blamed for the form slump since he joined, I think it is more to do with the change in formation to accomodate Heskey. 4-4-2 isn't cutting the mustard.

Comment 248, made on August 20, 2009 at 3.42 pm

joelvillasmith said:

... leigh, always found the sopcast link is the most relaible on my p2p. you can download sopcast free online anywhere.

Comment 249, made on August 20, 2009 at 3.45 pm

leight said:

... 4-4-2 is good if u got a player who can drop off the front n pick the ball up deep like rooney does... we have in ash but mon wont play him there, carew is a target man who holds the ball up well n gabby likes it over the top or down the channels neither rarely drop deep so we dont link up play very well therefore we need ash playin central or we need a CM who can support the front 2 like a (dare i say it) sneijder, think that sidwell could do will in this role if only given a chance...

Comment 250, made on August 20, 2009 at 3.50 pm

jerry said:

... We're just falling into the trap of the modern age The blog extends a welcome to a poster who can step back, take a breath, and consider the wider view. I take it you're not ready to kick the chair away because of some silly rumour in a newspaper.

Comment 251, made on August 20, 2009 at 3.51 pm

leight said:

... cheers joelvillasmith i normally look on atdhe.net but for some reason it isnt on the listings for tonight???????

Comment 252, made on August 20, 2009 at 3.52 pm

simo 09 said:

... churchill i actually like wat u put ,bought a smile 2 my face in these roumer ridden times

Comment 253, made on August 20, 2009 at 3.54 pm

Vijay Daryanani said:

... Look at this article! http://www.footballfancast.com/blog/aston-villa/has-time-come-villa-fans-forgive-and-forget/15966

Comment 254, made on August 20, 2009 at 3.55 pm

simo 09 said:

... on a positive note i think we'll win 2nite,3-1,curly 2 score curtis 2 score & little nicky,that shud b enuf 2 satisfy sum people

Comment 255, made on August 20, 2009 at 3.56 pm

simo 09 said:

... mayb im being 2 hopefull

Comment 256, made on August 20, 2009 at 3.57 pm

Vijay Daryanani said:

... i dont care who scores!!

Comment 257, made on August 20, 2009 at 4.00 pm

Jae86 said:

... Please tell me m not the onlyyperson worried that we aare about to spend 5m on somebody ive never heard offrom west ham who could be sidwells brother. (had to wikipedia him)

Comment 258, made on August 20, 2009 at 4.03 pm

leight said:

... ive just googled knee replacements n come up with a plan..... we could raise the funds for laursen (about £8,500) for him 2 have the op then we could have him playin this time next year. just a thought......

Comment 259, made on August 20, 2009 at 4.03 pm

Tim Wood said:

... timmyrara maybe there is a few people on here fed up of those so called fans who cant see past there claret & blue tinted specs & actually see things 4 wat they are!!!!! at the end of the day mate they take it 2 the extreme eitha way, eitha they think there is nuffink 2 worry bout at all (yet its there that there is sumat 2 worry bout) or that were totally incompetant(yet were in europe 2 seasons running),i myself just sits here & takes both points of view & try & stay positive but its becoming more & more difficult. But what is there to worry about? We do not have a divine right to be top 4. We are one of 4 clubs fighting for the minor honours which we have done well for the last 2 years. We are never going to sign the top european talent, not because we don't have the money or RL and MON don't have the vision but purely because we are not in the Champions League and we don't have the pull of being a London Club. I honestly can't understand why people can't see that! It does my f***ing head in! Without building a squad of good saleable talent, the worst thing Villa could do financially is qualify for Champions League. Dropping out of the CL could and will bankrupt clubs like Man Utd, Liverpool and Arsenal what do you think would happen to the Villa!! Those of you that want instant success are just the type of people that has put this country into recession by wanting the biggest and best now now NOW! We have a club that we can be proud of and will be proud of for many years to come. So we lost to Wigan we might as well top ourselves now because life is simply not worth living!! Wake up and look at the bigger picture people please!

Comment 260, made on August 20, 2009 at 4.05 pm

KingoftheLions said:

... Can we please do a Spurs v Hull and knock the living daylights out of them with pulsating attacking football. When was the last time we did that???? Everton away???-that seems along time ago now.

Comment 261, made on August 20, 2009 at 4.15 pm

KingoftheLions said:

... p.s the laola.tv link looks particularly promising

Comment 262, made on August 20, 2009 at 4.16 pm

ak_27 said:

... Timmyrara i think you are missing the point. MON is as far as i can see taking us down the wrong road to sucess. No we don't have a divine right to be a top 4 club but we also have to have that as our goal. And as far as i can see under MON stewardship that will never happen. You seem to completely ignore the basic tactical errors he makes and more imprtantly he has missed out on the right players at the right price when they were available to him. He is now after Distin. Why wasn't he after him when he was on a free 3 years ago? Went Knight who cost £3.5m instead. Why sell Gary Cahill? Why didn't he sign Defore and Diarra when they were both at VP looking to join? Why didn't he go for Glen Johnson when he available on loan from Chelsea and we urgently needed a RB? Why didn't he go for Palacious last Jan when he was available when it was obvious he would lose Barry this summer never mind the fact he would have walked into the team at the team. Just put that team together and it will come out at far less then MON has spent and it was attainable with the right man in charge. Redknapp in fact could see it and did it. You will not get this type of calibre player avaialable too often and whenever they have been avialble he has failed to see the potential.

Comment 263, made on August 20, 2009 at 4.30 pm

leight said:

... just been watching some highlights on laola1.tv, pic quality looks very good so am hopeful of good pic 2nite, the website is austrian also.....so fingers crossed

Comment 264, made on August 20, 2009 at 4.39 pm

leight said:

... when it comes down 2 signing overseas players the 1st person that watches the player is normally the scouts, maybe our scouting system is kak??????

Comment 265, made on August 20, 2009 at 4.42 pm

simo 09 said:

... timmyrara i dont want instant success,where have i sed that i do???? ive only eva sed that we neva take that final leap 2 achieve wat we all want,& its becoming more & more frustrating knowing theres players out there which can help us achieve that with out (as u say) bankrupting our club,so if my memory serves me rite: colins - distin? hangerland - wheater? van de vaart - huth? i know which players id rather have 4 roughly the same amount of money being quoted, and i wud of thought the majority on here wud think the same yet y are we settling 4 2nd best! with regards 2 building a squad weve had nearly 30yrs 2 build a squad 2 replicate our finest moment so y cant we b ambitious & go 4 it,we wont bankrupt our club wiv certain purchases so dont give me that crap,i feel that u dont understand the bigger picture wen the thing we want is rite in front of our eyes & wiv the squad we have that u say ur ok with y we cant just push that little more,we moaned we didnt speculate 2 accumulate under ellis yet were in tha same position yet our objectives are more real now ! wat little extra we wud spend 2 achieve it we wud get bk if we achieved it.

Comment 266, made on August 20, 2009 at 4.44 pm

Juan Pablo Angel said:

... ak, would Distin have signed for us after we finished 16th? Correct me if i'm wrong but i think Pompey were probably a more attractive option back then. Knight did ok and we made a profit on him, he played most of last season and we did well although we faded at the end. Getting rid of Cahill is the one that stings me, but if the lad wanted to go what can you do? I'm sure Wenger would have liked to keep Upson and Man U would have liked to keep Rossi but sometimes players want to play every week and MoN felt he couldn't promise that to Cahill with Laursen, Mellberg, and then Davies at the club, he brought in Davies and Gary wanted to leave, that's it. In Hindsight I would have kept him, but I think Davies if he can sort his shoulder out will go on to be a better player. Sure Chaill stands out at Bolton, but aren't they a bit w**k? I would have liked Defoe and we were linked with him, I think he just snubbed us for Redt**t to be honest mate, I know it sucks but that's it, as for Diarra MoN would never sign a player who'd describe the club as a stepping stone. Johnson is one I would have liked, so I agree with you on that one. As for Calibre of players, we have Young and we've just signed Downing so there is some quality coming in. Love you and your negative spin ak, do you write for the Daily Mail?

Comment 267, made on August 20, 2009 at 5.03 pm

rhymez1 said:

... i think MON doesnt have any scouts,he just watches youtube at home with his missus! i mean,....youtube could even make me look like bobby moore!!! anyways...if laola.tv's not a good site try justintv.com. 18:15 p.s. james collins...? is martin taking the piss out of us? he's definatly an undercover agent for the blue scum now im convinced! pps KRANJCAR!!!!!!!!!

Comment 268, made on August 20, 2009 at 5.25 pm

kohoutek, home now and name still not working properly said:

... steven the toffee said: ... tell you what you dont half moan youve signed 3 good players how do you think we evertonians feel we havent signed a single soul. Welcome to the Villa. I enjoy the banter about formations, etc., style of play, but really, so much of the rest is just over-the-top spleen-venting nonsense.

Comment 269, made on August 20, 2009 at 5.36 pm

kieron said:

... Now then, the news is Care misses tonights game with a virus. Correct me if i'm wrong but I thought he was having problems with a toe injury. Seems abit fishy, hope theres nothing in it but it does seem a little odd!

Comment 270, made on August 20, 2009 at 5.54 pm

kieron said:

... Sorry, "care" was obviously meant to be CAREW!

Comment 271, made on August 20, 2009 at 5.55 pm

Geoffrey Littleton said:

... Shorey is just plain awful..

Comment 272, made on August 20, 2009 at 6.35 pm

Vijay Daryanani said:

... Steven Taylor in talks with Everton, another one bites the dust!!

Comment 273, made on August 20, 2009 at 7.53 pm

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