Written by Gavin Monday, 21 December 2009 11:42
Nine months ago we were sent a test. When Glenn Whelan equalised in the 91st minute, we failed that test.
On Saturday that test came again, only this time we passed. And there can be no denying that this time around we look stronger and better equipped for the fight. Last seasons loss of Laursen was huge and without him we looked vulnerable. But the strength in-depth and form of our current defence looks worlds apart from last season’s backline. No more Knight, Shorey, and NRC as a makeshift right back anymore.
However, we are far more than just a solid defensive unit. We are now capable of posing a real attacking threat to any defence in the world.
Martin’s transfer activity this summer did a lot more than add depth and quality players to the squad. He added something else, something that has only recently become apparent. He has added another dimension to our play.
We had become one dimensional and teams had worked us out. If they sat back and doubled up on Webcam we didn’t have the creative ability to break them down.
Many of us, my self included in a post earlier this year, have called for Jimmy to be given a chance alongside Stan. Downing coming back has enabled that to happen and we now have more dimensions than a sci-fi novel. The slick interchanging and passing we’ve witnessed of late, is more reminiscent of football enjoyed at the Nou Camp than at B6.
In the Doc’s excellent P = MV post, he said the Stoke match would be the “defining game of the season”. I would venture that the true test still lies ahead.
You may be expecting me to put forward the back-to-back games against Arsenal and Liverpool as the biggest test of our credibility to break into the elite. As massive as these games are, there is something that will be of even greater importance come the 9th May.
And that is how we react after those games.
Bad results and we will need to dust ourselves off and have the strength to re-ignite the momentum. Good results and we’ll need to overcome our collective ‘upper limits’ and continue winning. With the players showing the mental strength to deal with the pressure, ignoring their sub-conscious as it whispers to them “you’re exceeded expectations; it’s now okay to lose”.
I for one believe and will continue to believe even if the road becomes bumpy along the way. That next season, the Champions League will be graced with the presence of the great Aston Villa.
Gavin goes by the user name MerryMan on the site
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Damian
said:
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... I love the positivity .. but this time last year, after 18 matches, we were third. Okay, we are one point better off now than we were last season but despite everyone else having a torrid time, we sort of have to expect them to get better. Let's see where we are at the end of March. If we are still 4th, I will start to believe - but I just think it important to remember, there is a long long way to go. |
Mike Carter
said:
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... Question to everyone - if this Villa team qualified for the Champions League, how far do you think we'd get? Answer honestly. In my opinion, if we drew one of the bigger teams in the qualifying round we'd struggle. If we got into the group stage we could do okay if the draw favoured us. My point is it would be very difficult to juggle a successful Champions League campaign while trying to match our previous outcome in the Premiership. Having depth is fine (though we still need more) but it's quality we need adding. If Randy hooks us up, we can do it. |
Gallie
said:
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... Your right Damian, there is a hell of a long way to go, but by god are we enjoying the ride so far....keep it going lads. Nice article Gavin |
Gavin Merriman
said:
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... I think we'd be odds on, not to even make it past the qualifying stage. However Leeds had a fantastic first season in the champions league so you never know. If we did make it then we'd need to spend a good £50 million to maintain league and cup campaigns. |
Adrian Kilgallon
said:
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... I was becoming confident until i read the match report on the game on Sat. Now i didn't get to see the game but by all accounts they dominated for long periods. Now there are positives from this in that the best defense in the league stood firm again i would also perhaps wonder why a decent team (they are no more then that in fairness) can take control at VP for such long periods of a game. Maybe still question marks over the midfield? Maybe just tired legs as we had played a game midweek and they had not. Still it has raised a few questions in my mind t least. My main worry is (like i said i didn't get to see it at all) is that once we were put inder the cosh we reverted to long hopeful balls out and this just added to Stokes possession stats instead of us trying to actually keep the ball and take the sting out of games like this. Anyone who was there am i right in this or did we try and pass it? I hope we just had an offish day at the office as i would expect our midfield to be able to command games at VP againest the likes of Stoke. |
Mike Carter
said:
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... ak We didn't play that well, anybody who watched us would have to agree. I said in the match thread it was a performance that came right out of the catalogue of our "lucky wins" from last season. No fluidity or consistency, snuck it by a goal and didn't really deserve to win. We did try to pass it but it just didn't come together very well. The long balls crept in more and more as the game went on. Stoke sliced our defenders apart on a number of occassions and Tuncay espsecially terrorised us. By about the 70th minute I was shocked we hadn't conceded yet. But as everybody keeps drumming into our heads, the mark of a good team is to win when you're not playing well. This was our case for pretty much all of last season. I disagree with it slightly, the mark of a good team is to play well AND win. We played extremely well against Man United and played pretty well against Sunderland, so why not against Stoke? Stoke are a much more physical team but that still doesn't explain why we didn't play well in my mind, we have the better players after all. This is why the next two games are so massive. Play like we did against United and we have every chance of taking 6 points and being in the race. Play like we did at the weekend and we won't win, even against Liverpool. |
Andi
said:
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... Ak - 27 -- I was there mate we did try to pass it yes, but we looked at little nervous to be honest. We where the home team and we had/are on a good run yet the atmosphere was pants and even nervy making the team nervy perhaps not sure. Would be nice for the atmosphere to come back and not just when BIG JOHN comes on or gets the ball or warms up !! |
Mike Carter
said:
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... The attendance was shocking - 35,000? A week after our biggest win in recent memory? Why can't Villa pull the crowds anymore? |
Andi
said:
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... Villa are sold out for pool, the attendance just before xmas ?? i dont know perhaps some thing they have seen it before or perhaps some just cant be bothered all i do know is the fans that are there dont make much of a noise anymore apart from when BIG JOHN comes on warms up or even looks in the direction of the holte end |
Mikey18
said:
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... I think the thing with villa is we can get ourselves up for the big games! i.e liverpool and united away chelsea at home, we are un-beaten at the emirates etc. So i think this attribute would help us make the group stages, but after that i'd think we'd struggle. We didn't exactly set the europa league alight! Hopefully if we were in contention for champions league we might be able to attract some higher profile players. Although i do think obsessing about potential transfer targets is bad and was to attribute to a lot of the negativity on here before the start of the season i also think its a natural part of being a football fan. I'd like Berbatov (who is good mates with stan and is having a torrid time at utd) and scott parker (english hard working better than sidwell and NRC). We do have the best defence in the league, 3 of the most excited young english players and 3 capable strikers. I'm more concerned of the challenge from Tottenham that city, but i think theres 2 spots in the top four up for debate with arsenal not looking convincing. |
Adrian Kilgallon
said:
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...The long balls crept in more and more as the game went on This is where we need to start improving on. If we can just get on the bll more at the end of games we can stop inviting teams onto us as much. Like i said i think we need another striker who can hold the ball up better to help with this. Watched most of the first half of Arsenal game. They really didn't empress me at all. They are not half the team without Fabregas and Van persie. They look to be there for the taking on Sunday. Will Fabregas still be out? |
Gavin Merriman
said:
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... We didn't play well but we still had a number of good chances. It could easily of been 3-0 if gabby and carew were a bit sharper in front of goal, they both missed two good chances each. Dunne also spooned a header over and sidwell had a couple of late cracks. We can't be expected to play fantatic every single game. Not even utd and chelsea fans heap such expectation on their teams. Stoke are a good team and difficult to play against. This was a massive test and we passed it. We now have a week to rest the tired legs and can go into the next 2 games with more confidence and less pressure on us. |
Rob
said:
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... Reading this blog is so depressing, over the last few days it's been hard not to throw my computer out the window reading what some people have said. We've had our best week in a long long time so people being positive would be nice. 4 straight wins, 4 straight clean sheets! What more do you want!!!! Downing is improving game by game, Milner is in the form of his life, Dunne is an absolute rock, Cuellar has been immense and Young has shown glimpses he's getting back to his best! Team spirit looks as though it's at an all time high, we're right up there keeping pace with the big boys. Yes there will be downs between now and the end of the season but for f**ks sake, enjoy the last week we've had! |
neil57
said:
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... Lots to say. Took break, expected my Bellamy idea to be thrown out  I dont like him,but, he destroyed Rio v Man U in a game Citeh should have won. BTW, Owen? NO WAY We will not implode like last time as we have 3 top central defs + 3 other not so bad ones. The v solid defence is better in depth than anyone. I would be delighted with Joe Cole and Craig B. Prob wont happen  We just played 3 v tough games, Old Trafford is a fortress, it aint Craven Cottage. We can win the Carling Cup. My bet is Gareth's City. It is in Dunne's hands to win it. It has to happen. WRT the Chumps league, there is some crap in it. Should be 2nd in group then the world is our oyster. Going out now, back pm. All the best UTV |
Andi
said:
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... Looks like Coker is off in Jan and Sidwell is staying, Sidwell did look ok when he came on and was unlucky not to score |
Mike Carter
said:
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... ak I believe Fabregas will be playing, according to what I was reading yesterday. Whether that means he's fit or not remains to be seen, if Wenger wants to rush him back prematurely that's fine with me. But you're right though, Arsenal weren't convincing at all against Hull and 3-0 did not reflect the game at all. Plus they practically cheated anyway. If they repeat that performance I'm confident we can get a result. |
Mike Carter
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... Rob I don't think any of us aren't enjoying it. But we're not just here to sing songs and praise the team about how brilliant they are. Some people like being analytical - so we beat Stoke, big deal really? I'm more concerned about how we play, and as it turns out we didn't play that well. That gives us something to discuss and debate. If everybody was positive it would be boring  |
AaronStud
said:
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... Damian-Surely position shouldn't matter as mucbh as points? All we can do is improve on our points position, whereas we rely on others failing to climb the league table, one point extra from last season is still progress as far as I'm concerned, we've done our bit. Besides, positions and points aside, we can clearly see the progress being made, we've brushed aside 3 of the top 4 and have a good chance of beating Arsenal, and most importantly of all, our response after the United game was fantastic, last season we'd have taken just the one point from these last two games in my opinion had they followed such a victory as the one at Old Trafford. |
Andi
said:
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...But we're not just here to sing songs chance would be a fine thing, unless BIG JOHN comes on, warms up or looks at the HOLTE END |
Car Frost
said:
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... Can't remember the last team that made Stoke look poor. vivavilla - I think we should be able to get past the group stages in the CL even now if we played our first XI, we are sat 4th in the best league in the world.. if we could avoid the Spanish clubs in the qualifying I'd be positive. If we do make it we will probably sacrifice a few positions in the Premier League though... the sweet and sour of success. |
Mike Carter
said:
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...If we do make it we will probably sacrifice a few positions in the Premier League though... the sweet and sour of success. Exactly - therefore making our stint in the CL a one season wonder. I'm sure we'd all rather become an established top 4 team as opposed to becoming the next Everton. That would take an awful lot of work, luck and most importantly £££! |
Damian
said:
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... Competition winners for Liverpool on December 29th have just been emailed. If your name is Pamela, Ciaran or Dave - please check your emails! |
Andi
said:
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... the reinvestment of the money from qualifying over a period of time would, if done right, allow us to maintain our place in the top 4, we have now got the foundations of good team and to maintain or top 4 position would need the adding of the "glamour" signings. The money that would be earned from t.v rights, league position and qualifying for the C/L would allow us to sign such players in closed season and thus allow us to maintain our push for league and champions league success. |
Damian
said:
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... AaronStud our points total is a positive however, even with more points than last season we are still not as high as we were last season and i am merely pointing out that even though we are doing better and apparently the 'big 4' are doing worse that even with more points than at this time last season, we are not doing as well that and there is a long time to go ... we are in a fantastic position and things are certainly looking up now that milner is in the middle and downing is in the team but we still have a long way to go |
Peen Vageen
said:
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...Damian said: I love this blog but sometimes it makes me want to kill myself, it can be really kill the buzz of winning anything at all |
Andi
said:
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... Big Ron reckons McLeish could become Man Utd boss  remind me what BIG RON does now ?!?!?! |
Gavin Merriman
said:
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... 4 wins 4 clean sheets Beat chelsea Won at old trafford Won at anfield Held spurs & city to draws Exciting squad that will keep improving Competition for places And up until this weekend, we've even been playing fantastic football of late For a villa fan, life doesn't get much better. Enjoy it! |
James
said:
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... To be fair, we'll probably get battered in the Champions League next season. But hey, if and when I get to bed Megan Fox, I'll probably shoot too soon. Doesn't stop me wanting a crack at it, or dreaming about it every now and then. |
proxopera
said:
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... Took the time last week to check out at least two blogsites from all of the top 10 premiership clubs and guess what , they're all as neurotic & insecure as us ! It seems The bigger the club the bigger the paranoia . Some of us see a half full glass and some see a half empty glass ,its just the nature of football fans . Anyway , I'm optimistic about our chances despite history , but what pleases me the most is how the club is developing ,and the type of players at the club. City & spurs have too many talented muppets to be consistent . Dont think we would be great in champions league but having said that , in the last three months we have beaten 3 of the four finalists in the past 2 finals . Now theres a stat for you. |
James
said:
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... Oh and just in case Santa's reading... I'll take 'Villa CL Footy' over 'Fun with Fox' any day of the week. |
Car Frost
said:
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... Nan beautiful words. Chiefy - I think he works as an extra on wifeswap these days and prints flyers at home for the bnp party. |
Vijay Daryanani
said:
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... I dont think we'll make it to champions league this season, we need to strenghten in midfield and attack with top players, we dont have the money thats clear and that could end up being the problem, like it always is, but the players have been great, downing, dunne, milner, my 3 favs this season, they have given thier all, mon cannot do anything else, he is the best manager around, but doesnt have top dollar to spend and take us that one step further |
Gavin Merriman
said:
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... I agree we shouldn't get carried away. As damian rightly says, there is a long to go yet. We should surely be able to enjoy what we already achieved though. Anyone would think we'd lost the game judging by the mood on here today. Our players and our manager deserve some belief, positivity, and support from their supporters. |
tubbydunne
said:
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... If we can finish fourth it would be an unbelievable achievement. I wouldn't be too worried how we fare out if we qualify for the C.L. It's all about getting into the C.L. because that is progression for the club. That would increase our standing in Europe and in turn make us more attractive to big name players and give us more funds to improve. It's all about progression and top 4 is the next step for us although winning silverware in a cup competition would be exciting. |
frem
said:
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... it says we are in pole position to get robbie keane. i want it to happen but i cant see it happening. |
david
said:
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... I just read a forum thread from a couple of weeks ago asking fans how many points they thought we'd get from the next 5 games starting with the Man Utd game. The general consensus seemed to be between 6 and 8. Based on that, we're already ahead of expectation and anything from Arsenal and L'pool will be a bonus. It's the second half of the season when the quality teams tend to move away from the rest as their greater depth of squad enables them to maintain momentum when others lose a few key players and results start to drift. We do have a better squad than last year (would like to see a few more players getting a look in mind you) so shouldn't fade as badly as we did before. |
david
said:
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... Ak27. I was there too, and yes, we did largely fall back on our old style of play in the second half. There were some wonderful, precise through passes to players in the first half though, so we did again get glimpses of the way that MoN wants the team to play in future. |
Dan Clinton
said:
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... I just ignore the negativity now, and let it gloss over me. Occasionally I just give up if the thread seems to negative. Granted that hasn't happened a great deal recently, but if we do slip up I wouldn't be surprised to see people calling for MON's head again. Perhaps my experience from the summer of MON's genius prevailing will help me deal with it and get less angry with the habitually negative and the more fickle of us. That's my moan over now, and I am confident that we can get atleast 4 points from the next two games. Arsenal is a winnable game, as has been shown by our favourable results away at Arse since they moved to the Emirates (perhaps its our lucky away ground). Having said that, as far as the top $ - sorry I meant top 4, excuse the keyboard related pun - go I do have a soft spot for Arsenal so I wouldn't be too unhappy with a point. I still think a win is a possibility, and I genuinely think Liverpool are there for the taking. I still cannot believe they got beaten by the BOTTOM club of the league, not only that a club who were STILL bottom even after beating them Up the Villa!! |
david
said:
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... I was disappointed when we got into the ground and saw all the empty seats on Saturday but I do wonder if our ticket office has anything to do with it. I tried for 3 days to get through to them to book my Carling cup seats but just could not get through at all. Someone on here was vehemently complaining that he wasn't able to get hold of a ticket. They really ought to invest in an overflow call centre for when it gets too busy. An organisation the size of Aston Villa really should be able to provide an excellent ticketing service at all times and the current service simply isn't good enough. |
proxopera
said:
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... Damian ,thanks for the finance link , you should post it up in every transfer window , it makes very sobering reading. Its clear that Villa dont have the money to invest heavily due to modest turnover , so its clear that we need to 'blood' the talented young fellas we have , and bargain hunt in the january sales. Still dont think we have enough 'stock' to sell until end of season. Again thanks for clarification. |
Vijay Daryanani
said:
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... We need to bring in someone like Robbie Keane, he could be the difference betweening us getting top 4 or not, Lerner hasnt got big money to spend, he has problems in america with his team, i wudnt be surprised if we actually lost someone like NRC to balance the books alittle this january, maybe in the summer we might spend 15-20 million quid, but not much more to be expected, we are a top 6 team, if we can get good cup runs, like this season, then that is the most we can expect, man city will spend big in jan, and in the summer, so will spurs, we cannot compete financially with them, i dont think mon can take us any further than this, not his fault though |
Gavin Merriman
said:
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... Robbie keane would be great, we need someone who can link the midfield and front line. The hesk and jimmy have been doing a great job of doing it recently, but we need another option in case injuries or dips in form. |
Rios.Jockstrap
said:
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...Villa are sold out for pool, the attendance just before xmas ?? And heres me, been to every home game this season, including the UEAFA and Carling Cup games when nobody else bothered, without tickets for the visit of the scouse because people have now decided to bother... I better have my Carling cup final tickets if we get there, otherwise im going to implode  On another note..... I see Bellamey may be surplus to requirements over at eastlands. Would he make us a more fluid unit by playing as the link between Gabby and the Midfield? Back to tickets.... Looking for two tickets for both the scouse and Arsenal.... This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it |
Rattus NorVillicus
said:
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...Robbie keane would be great, we need someone who can link the midfield and front line. Good shout - and Keane is a seasoned professional - just the man to steady the troops in the run-in. |
Vijay Daryanani
said:
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... The problem is that we dont have the money, it will be really sad if all this is hard work is wasted because the owner doesnt want to put his hand in his pcoket, im told that mon has to sell...... |
Rios.Jockstrap
said:
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...The problem is that we dont have the money, it will be really sad if all this is hard work is wasted because the owner doesnt want to put his hand in his pcoket, im told that mon has to sell...... Who told you that? I think the truth proberly depends on where we sit, amd whether MARTIN wishes to wait for the better players in the summer, when more options will be available? |
robb david
said:
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... seriosly if we went in the champions league, the worst possible group we could get would basically be: Barcelona inter besiktas us which does look pretty grim, but inter and barca would not be relishing playing us, and it would not be out of the question to finish above one of those teams, i mean liverpool are seeded above inter. the best possible group would be: sevilla alkmaar dinamo kiev us which we would all fancy our chances of winning that group. These group assume we would be in the 4th pot, which given our lack of recent european involvement i9s probably where we would be. Point is yes their are good teams there, but we have beat man u, chelsea and liverpool this year who are 2nd 3rd and 4th seeds, we can beat anyone, and it would be massive for us to get to the champions league, let alone through the group stages, but it is not out of the question. On keane i dont think he is actually that good, he didnt play at liverpool for a reason, the spurs fans hate him and prefer crouch, i think he is very over rated, i think bellamy is a better player, although wouldnt want him in the dressing room, f**king things up. |
Car Frost
said:
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... Jordi Gomez for me, 24 years old full of flair and great technical abilities & looks like he gives a s*it unlike a certain Robbie Keane. Don't know what Wigan value him at but I can imagine he will be at a big club in the next couple of years. |
Gallie
said:
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... Robbie Keane? As an Irish man I have very split loyalities on him. On one hand he scores the goals which can't be denied but he has a very bad first touch and for my money he is certainly not a link man between midfield and up front. He's the bad influence that the dressing room doesn't need. I mean as Captain of the Spurs team, he took it on himself to organise the team christmas party in Dublin because the manager did not want them drinking. I mean did he seriously think that no one in Dublin would notice them??? The point is though that he's the bad egg that we don't need. Yes he can score goals with the right man beside him (a big Niall Quinn type that Villa certainly have in John Carew) but he is not the link man that some of you seem to think he is. |
Vijay Daryanani
said:
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... we always think that mon doesnt buy in jan because he will buy top players in the summer, that hasnt happened yet! the only thing we can hope for is that IF we get in the champions league then we might get a better quality player. This summer is world cup year, all the stars will sign for man city, the other for madrid, barcelona, chelsea, the other for man u, liverpool, spurs and then the rest we might have a chance!! |
adam
said:
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... i think the reason MON has come out and said theres no new players coming in Jan is in case we DO qualify then the pennies will be spent so we can make a good go of the champs league. loving the positivity UTV |
HT Sweden
said:
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... I think experience is what we need, experience of winnng and competing for titles.Bring in someone with that experience. I still think Freddie is someone realistic - and yes i now he isnt what he was 5 years ago, but he got wisdom. |
Mike Carter
said:
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... I'll keep shouting it - Scott Parker. Twice as good as Reo and Sidwell. Put together. |
Gallie
said:
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... VivaVilla, I think your right about Scott Parker...absolutely brilliant at what he does, as good as NRC in breaking the game up, but far better with the ball at his feet, only problem is that he is so committed and therefore he gets injured too easily and is definitely vulnerable to the odd yellow or red card. |
Mike Carter
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... Gallie You're right, he certainly isn't shy. Maybe that's perfect for us though? A bit of aggression in the side, someone not afraid of showing the opposition his intentions. You're right about his passing too. Plus I reckon he'd come fairly cheap, West Ham appear to be in pretty bad financial shape. Ticks most of the boxes for me. |
Geoff
said:
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... If they quality for the CL, theyd get a big boost and would be able to add a big name player or two. However, just in its current form, this team - playing its best football, and depending on matchups - could probably reach the last 8 or the last 4 of the Champions League knockout phases. I really, honestly believe that WHEN and IF they are in TOP consistent form - given the depth and talent they have, they can do some damage in that competition, or any for that matter. Theyd inevitably run up against like Inter or Barcelona, and I dont think they are good enough to beat those two teams. They could sneak up on someone like Real Madrid (who have a history of choking up in the knockout rounds of that competition), theyve shown they can beat the Red Devils, but itd be a lot harder to do it over a two-leg round... teams like Bayern Munich dont really scare me that much because the Premiership is light years ahead of the Bundesliga. Out of Juventus, Fiorentina, Milan, Roma, and Inter - Inter are really the only team I think that would wipe the floor with Villa. Those other teams really - of you look at it - dont have the depth of a top 4 premiership club... Liverpool doesnt count, they flunked out big time this season. Out of all those teams, how many in the knockout rounds of THIS years CL are really THAT much better than Villa, Chelsea, Man Utd, or even Arsenal and spurs? Not many, maybe two, three can beat them in a knockout round, but the Premiership is the best. Thats why every season there are two, three English sides in the last 8, last 4 of the CL. |
John Clark
said:
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... I actually think we'd give a good account of ourselves in the CL based on what I'm seeing, and given that we'd have to show a lot of mental toughness and maturation to finish in the places at the end of the year. Still early days, of course. But we're virtually halfway there, and the team seems to be coming together and reaching a new level of composure. Having such a sold back line certainly doesn't hurt. It's all coming together from there. It's certainly time to believe it's possible, and that if it were achieved, we wouldn't be undeserving. |
Mr T
said:
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... found this posted over at redcafe.net (boring day at work). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...r_embedded lolz |
Mike Carter
said:
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... Just looking at the league table on Wikipedia (which is different to most because it shows the combined home & away records as opposed to separate which generally annoys me), it's clear that the only thing stopping us from really stepping it up is goals. 29 we've scored so far. Not bad at all, but it's less than Man City, Liverpool, Spurs and the 3 teams above us. You could argue that an improved midfield will see this increase, and maybe it will, but I just can't help the feeling that one player could change it all for us. |
John Clark
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... viva: It's true, one real impact striker would make a huge difference in our conversion rate, the sort of player who terrorizes defenders and pulls things out of shape and either scores or provides lots of scraps for others to flow in and feed off of. Personalities notwithstanding, a Defoe or Bellamy would, to my mind, be a perfect complement to Gabby. |
Paul Theiss
said:
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... I'm getting beat down by the constant comments that Villa lacks money and that Lerner needs to put his hand in his wallet. We've spent a good deal of money since Lerner bought to the team---to suggest that he hasn't backed us fully in the transfer market is to do the man a great disservice. Will we buy anyone in January? Given MON's recent comments, I doubt it. But if we do, City certainly wouldn't sell us Bellamy, who has been their player of the season so far. As for Keane, I don't understand the obesession with him. He hasn't exactly set the Prem alight over the last two seasons; he can't even get a game at Spurs right now. Will we finish in the top four? I don't know---there is a good chance that we will, and there is a good chance that we won't; we have a lot of season left to play. But, damn, ain't it fun to be in the league hunt? Ain't it fun to be in the semis of a cup competition? |
Damian
said:
|
... Villain-from-Texas the money thing is never going to be clear cut but martin o'neill did tell us last summer that he would spend everything he had so we can only assume that he did as for lerner and his backing well, that will always come into question but we have a net spend of just over £20mn a season since he has come in, we now have debt to the tune of £70mn and there was also a whopping increase in TV money i'd hazard a guess that he has spent what the business can afford to spend, i.e. what the business can pay back. sure, he might have put the money in but dont be fooled that any of it is a gift. he'll get his money out one day |
John Clark
said:
|
... Indeed, Villain-from-Texas...I don't think RL is due any criticism. We can all speculate why this or that player hasn't come to us, but RL has shown a steady commitment in terms of money, good patience, and let MON get on with it, and MON's ideas are obviously starting to come good now that he's been able to start fielding the sort of team he's been wanting to. We're only going to get better if we just let them keep at it. |
neil57
said:
|
... Bellamy is one of the dissenters along with Given, at MC. I think he is a possibility. Parker too. UTV |
John Clark
said:
|
... Damian- Randy will get his money, but there's obviously more to be made by becoming a CL team. I think, regardless of figures, that money has been prudently spent. Our goals as fans, and his as an owner, do coincide. |
John Samuels
said:
 |
... Damian, can you block Vijay. He just talks the most s**t i've ever read and he pi**ed me off in the transfer window with his bulls**t speculation and fake leads. No time for you Vijay you messer! |
neil57
said:
|
... JPA, Vijay knows, he has vast insight. Look at all his predictions that came to fruition in summer. Duck All He lives in that wonderful community, Cloud Cuckoo Land, which is situated near Anfield. I believe the Gateman is one Senor Benitez UTV |
Car Frost
said:
|
...29 we've scored so far. Not bad at all, but it's less than Man City, Liverpool, Spurs and the 3 teams above us. You could argue that an improved midfield will see this increase, and maybe it will, but I just can't help the feeling that one player could change it all for us. vivavilla - I think we are not scoring as many because of the mentality we are sent out with ( a mentality which is about spot on to be fair and I hope it continues ). Reading Downings interview earlier he mentions all of the extra work our midfield is doing in tracking back, I think a lot of people tend to miss how much effort Ashley Young is putting in lately in his own half. |
robb david
said:
|
... Scott parker wouldnt get in our first team, he is not as good as petrov or milner, and what exactally is the point in buying more squad players, when we have reo, sidwell and delph on the bench who are all ok if not brilliant bench warmers. we need a link forward, like robbie keane, but better, tevez would be the ideal player but that is obviosly not going to happen, bellamy is a bit old know, and man city wont sell to us because we are their rivals. Ive got the feeling MON has some scouts out in russia looking at Krasic, or that might be what i do on championship manager. |
Paul Theiss
said:
|
... Damian: You've beat the net-spending drum for a few transfer windows. And, with all due respect, I don't put any more stock in it now than I did then. You will correct me if I'm wrong, but I seem to recall that we have the fourth highest net spending over the last two or three seasons. What more do you want? What more can you reasonably expect? To be sure, we can't yet afford 17 million pound flops like Nani and Anderson. I would like to get to the point at which we can. But, at the moment, we've progressed rather well with 5-12 million buys like Milner, Webcam, Warnock, Cuellar, Dunne, Collins, et al. |
Mike Carter
said:
|
... Frosty I don't see any reason why we can't defend just as well and score more goals. If it means changing the mentality, it's worth it. ronrabbit Why have a first team of 11 players? Title winners always have a large number of often equally-good players to choose from. How do you think SAF juggled Carrick, Hargreaves, Scholes, Anderson etc? All play in the same position, yet they all play. There is nothing wrong with competition for places. At the moment the competition happens to be poor. Replace a Reo-Coker with a Scott Parker and you have an instantly better team, and one which allows you to rotate the players more often because the fringe players are just as good. For the record, I think Parker has been better than Petrov this season. That's no downer on Petrov, more a glowing review of what I've seen of Parker. |
Steve Oldaker
said:
 |
... parker better than petrov you must have watched a hell of alot of west ham games to come to that awful conclusion still it is your opinion |
paul mclafferty
said:
 |
... i keep reading bellamy and keane on here but i have one question:- does anyone really think mon will spend 12 million on any player who is knocking on the 30 year old door?, remember there will be no return in profit for these players! |
Dan Clinton
said:
|
... I've said it before and I'll say it again, Vijay is a tool, with his inside knowledge and "somebody told me" rubbish that actually, in my opinion, makes him look like a complete fool when time after time its clear he is talking out of his ass. Also, I wouldn't say no to Keane but I am MORALLY OPPOSSED to signing Bellamy on the basis that he is a scumbag. |
Geoffrey Littleton
said:
 |
... I'd like to see Grant Holt... He's got a Milner-like motor, and he might be less expensive. JMO |
Dan Clinton
said:
|
...I've said it before and I'll say it again, Vijay is a tool, with his inside knowledge and "somebody told me" rubbish that actually, in my opinion, makes him look like a complete fool when time after time its clear he is talking out of his ass. I could have written that better: I've said it before and I'll say it again, Vijay is a tool. His inside knowledge and "somebody told me that..." rubbish is not worth the time it takes to read or skip past his posts. Vijay, do you realise you look like a complete fool when you suggest you have insider knowledge on imminent signings when it is soon evident you have nothing of the sort and you are just pulling names or nuggets of information out of your probably oversized ass hole?? |
Dan Clinton
said:
|
... I mean, seriously, do these brown nuggets of 'insight' just slip out of that over sized ass hole and onto the keyboard and post comment button? I seriously recommend you seek medical help; perhaps have a prostate examination...   |
Cian Donaghy
said:
 |
... again with the lerner bashing damian id love to see the quote where o neill said he would spend everything he had did he not say he would use the backing of the board? completely different me thinks your talking through your hose pipe there i really dont understand the keane idea. the player go on about the excellent dressing room. why would we bring in the spoilt petulant keane? oh and give me a break, you only play keane as an advanced front man. his whole game is playing the last defender, il give it to him he is excellent at that. bu this is not football manager mon has worked with bellamy before so if he feels he could handle him great. but he wont get him, why would he go or they sell?! couldnt agree more with villain-from-texas oh and is that an attempt at irony being opposed to signing a scumbag and calling yourself a fenian?! |
Cian Donaghy
said:
|
... id like to see how recent this quote is http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/113495/No-new-faces-at-Villa-warns-Martin-O-Neill/? in that case, that closes the book on january for me... |
beh
said:
 |
... Bellamy is a no no. Heard recently he`s a medical marvel, one injury away from hanging up his boots, allegedly. Talksport interview, so i think pretty reliable. |
Dan Clinton
said:
|
... Celtic Villain, to an extent I respect your view but, apologising for going off the topic of football, I don't see why identifying myself as a scumbag should make me a scum bag. I don't think Wolfe Tone, Robert Emmet, Patrick Pearse, James Conolly and many, many others to be scumbag just for believing in and acting for (what I believe to be) a cause. After all, its not like I call myself IRA villain. I am entitled to my political belief that Ireland should be a united country not under the sovereignty of the UK, as all of you are entitled to oppose me even if I find your views distasteful. Rant over, essay over. That is all. |
Cian Donaghy
said:
|
... i concede that i lumped such a name with its modern day connections ie ira - i should not have done that. though let this be a lesson to an extent. many will make unfair judgement such as i did and judge you. fine for a faceless internet site. but coupled with some of the things you have said in the past on this site, you could find yourself in trouble its moreso things youve said than your name thats suggests to me that you're a silly boy. but a scumbag i have no idea, and i apologise for that |
proxopera
said:
|
... What is all the fuss about Bellamy? He's scored six goals this season with practically a dream team ! He begins well with every club and then reverts to type , which is a whinging little bollix ! He's bad news , I would'nt take him on a free transfer. Would'nt take Keane either , he just would'nt add anything to the front line and i dont think MON would change the system to use his talents. You may all laugh , but a more consistent version of the Harewood supersub model is what we're after? Nugent perhaps ??? Dont know enough about Parker to comment . |
Andy Scarborough
said:
 |
... All change at the Euro Bazaar! We are none of us sovereign countries now. We've been sold out by our treasonous governments, If they wanted to, the European Parliament can tell us to dissolve our Parliaments and just be governed by the unelected Regional Authorities. To the Central and Eastern Europeans in the EU; I hope you enjoy being under the yolk of the European Supreme Soviet. Sorry about that little rant. I just couldn't resist it. UTV - that's what unites us here. |
Andy Scarborough
said:
|
... Did I misspell misspelt? If so, sorry. Is there an English Teacher in the house? |
proxopera
said:
|
... Celtic ,fenian & andy 5759 , Unless Wolfetone , Gerry adams or Josef Stalin , can net us 20 goals a season and be got for an Osbourne straight swap , they're of little use here. Get back onside. |
Paul Theiss
said:
|
... As long as we're playing fantasy football, I must say that I would prefer the likes of Rodellega or Chucho to Bellamy or Keane, especially when you couldn't expect land either of the latter for less than £10 million. |
beh
said:
|
... Second guessing mon`s wishlist, especially as he`s said " i don`t expect new faces in jan" is just plain daft. So here goes: if it`s 1 in, i`d expect a striker. He won`t be a big lump (got 2) He won`t be young and up and coming ( got 2 ) He won`t be box office signing ( got 2 be joking ) I`d put a few coppers on: keane. Outside bet the misses coppers) Hines - west ham, or one of the pompey frontmen. The latter are young and up and coming but it`s the misses money. Not personal preferences necessarily just second guesses. |
frem
said:
|
... why are people saying we need a link up striker ? we need a striker but one who is always in the box and runs through the last man from feeds from milner or petrov. a defoe type of striker. |
proxopera
said:
|
... Remember Agbonlahors one on one with Kuscak ??, the player we need would have scored there rather than look for Young . How 'bout Anderlechts Lukaku , reckon he's the next Drogba . |
neil57
said:
|
... Conclusion: There is not one decent striker that we would all agree on, never mind mindless politics. It is foolish to label oneself Just listeneed to radio 5. They think we will make top 4 and not run out of steam Also, Milner a cert for SA. As I say, Warnock best LFB in prem. Dunne at his best. Good times to be a villain UTV |
Martin Clabon
said:
 |
... Bellamy is not only a scumbag but also even in his own words is one injury or 2 to 3 years away from retirement - so no go I get a bad feeling about Keane, he might do ok for 2 years but he is on the turn, lot of miles on the clock and we have already seen the best of him. I don't think he would do well for Villa although I admit others know more about him than me Parker I like but not sure he is what we need. Any way, expecting nothing this Jan window and indeed not interested in anything other than top drawer players now unless we sell so rather have nothing than journeymen |
Andy Scarborough
said:
|
... Keane would have been welcomed at VP by most on here if he came immediately after his stint on the benches at Anfield. Not so sure now, I tend to agree with the comments above. I didn't know about Bellamy's injury problem, you wouldn't wish that on anyone - shame. Mon has raved about the potential of the Fonz in the last couple of weeks, which could have been a bit of "calm down - you'll get your chances" man management, but whatever, the lad is going to be big in the Prem. As for the midfield, we have Albrighton coming through along with one or two others who may make the grade. This time next year we may see quite a bit of rotation going on with all these "new" existing players. I don't expect anyone in during January, and doubt very much if there will be much action in the summer either. |
proxopera
said:
|
... Andy , are you a regular at Villa park , if so , exactly how good are the youths coming through ? I can only go on what I'm reading on the villa website and on this post! Are we talking man utd circa 1995 kind of breakthrough or more Luke Moores & Liam Ridgewells ? |
Andy Scarborough
said:
|
... I've just thought of something! Titter ye not madam. What happens if Fernando Torres is not happy playing in the Europa League two seasons on the trot/ Might he prefer a move to the sunny midlands? Might he like a serious trophy or two with Villa? We must dream the impossible dream if we are going to dream at all. |
frem
said:
|
... we need a striker in january, its a simple as that. if we dont get one are chances of getting top four will go down. heskey always picks up injurys and gabi will get burn out by end of feb or march and simply they wont get 15 to 20 goals a season. delfonz is not yet good enough to fill in but i want to see him more. so getting a striker like keane, vagnar love or tuncay will help massivley for us. |
proxopera
said:
|
... Frem , agree with you on the striker thing but I have problems with your suggestions keane - Scored 6 goals in last 18 games ,4 of those in a single game. Tuncay- not really a striker, he's just a more accurate Dirk Kuyt Vagnar Love - sounds too much like a porn star to be any good. |
marty
said:
 |
... I hate this stupid title. It has always been the time to believe, last year we were unlucky to get a career ending injury to our captain and our defense wasnt sorted out.....By the way, everyone comparing points to last year are so retarded that they should be shot. The league is different each year and comparing points is so stupid that only marketing majors could ever think of using a more pointless stat. The thing we have to remember is our goalkeepers have been a major suspect every year and martin oneil finally got it right not once but twice with getting the brads. Guzan is a winner btw. Our defense has the most competition and any first team injury could be replaced by collins and even baye. I havent even mentioned curtis davies who is suspect of ball watching. Our midfield is the best in the league and with african cup of nations coming we can only look to catch up to chelsea....I do think we need to drop the ginger ninja and let the young ones have a go for the subs......We need to have a better rotation so we dont get burnt out but oneil is so afraid to sub! WE ARE DOING IT THIS YEAR....4TH is ours! (if we buy a striker and use collins as a defensive midfielder we could win the league) |
beh
said:
|
... Andy - or David Villa. Imagine the back page of the mirror : David Villa succumbs to nominative determinism. back page of the sunday mirror: David Villa sucks and comes on a determined native. I`d enjoy watching mon explain those scenarios. |
frem
said:
|
... proxopera- fair enough but what other strikers would you suggest. if on skysports news (or whatever) it said " Aston villa sighn Robbie Keane from Tottenham for 12 million pounds " would you be peed of ? |
Rios.Jockstrap
said:
|
...I get a bad feeling about Keane, So do i. I would like it to happen but keep getting the same questions. Why cant a player of his ability get into the Liverpool or Spurs side? And.... Why was he bombed out of Liverpool so quickly and now it seems, Spurs? I know we get a few Spuds fans visiting this blog, so maybe they can enlighten us. However, there does seem to be a whiff of a personality problem? |
Rios.Jockstrap
said:
|
...I've just thought of something! Titter ye not madam. What happens if Fernando Torres is not happy playing in the Europa League two seasons on the trot/ Might he prefer a move to the sunny midlands? Might he like a serious trophy or two with Villa? Im not sure what youve been smoking, but please bottle it up and send me some Nice to dream, but i think we are a little off making a signing like that. A trophy this season will certainly send the right message along with our league progress. |
proxopera
said:
|
... Frem , I would be peed off if we paid 12m for Keane but not so much if we got him for 8. I've watched Keane since he and Duff pretty much won the U16 European championship on their own, and he has something special which I just cant put my finger on ...he has no real pace , he's not that skilful, he has no power, he rarely strikes a ball cleanly but heres the thing, he scores from the most ridicously tight positions at times and they are usually at crucial times. I think the personality issue that most people seem to have picked up on is the reason for this . He fears abso -f**k**g- lutely no one ! He's selfish , arrogant and is worse than roy keane for arguing with refs . His goal to shot ratio is not good but he gets a lot of shots off at goal . He's got 42 goals for Ireland and Ireland have never lost a game in which he has scored.....if villa were playing the champions league final tommorow night and we could have him on the team ...I'd have his name first on the team sheet because he'd win it for you ! (he'd have the scored the one on one with Kuscak!) However, he just does'nt fit the Villa model of hard work & no bullshit , we cant afford to carry anyone and we dont create that many chances to accomodate Keane. Finally , and i know i'm flopping all over the place with this post but.., Richard Dunne is like Keanes big brother and he would knock the edges off Keane if he got out of hand , the two of them are good mates, perhaps if Keane was to shine anywhere it would be at Villa . I still say no , we dont have the money to experiment on the rehabilitation of Robbie Keane. Theres no obvious strikers in England that would suit us , I'm leaving it up to MON. |
Mark
said:
 |
... There is just no pleasing people, and ironically alot of people who don't turn out week after week. i was gutted to see about 5000 empty seats against Soke, yet some of you think we should be pushing to win the league. Despite this MON has produced a magnificent squad at far less cost to the big guns and Spuds and Citeh. As a Villa fan, I have never been so eager and get in the car to go to each and every match with real expectation. Even if we finish 10th I won't give a flying f**k cos MON has invigorated this once great side. It is a team to be proud of. you cynical w****rs who say he should be doing abc have no real clue. The master is at work and already proved to be successful. He is Dunne in comparison to Lescott, he is by far andaway the best manager on the planet. He takes shit from nobody, he is afraid of nobody, he is a winner!!!!! |
Steve Badger
said:
 |
...Why was he (Keane) bombed out of Liverpool so quickly Pure politics, imo. FSW didn't want him (he was signed instead of Barry by that p***k Rick Parry) and hence wouldn't play him. Hence the showdown that got (the pure money man p***k (do you get the impression I don't like the bloke?)) Parry booted. Torres to Villa? 2 hopes when citeh could double or even triple what we could pay him. Nice thought though. |
Steve Badger
said:
|
...Apologies, I'm pished! And your problem is???? Your points are still valid. As for the crowds, I suspect the recession is hitting hard. It certainly is for me anyway |
Mark
said:
|
... Badger, I'm sure you've been a loyal follower for years. Are these not the most exciting times since the 80's? I feel like a kid again and people are still not happy. What do they want? |
Mark
said:
|
... Just heard that Barry is considering putting in a transfer request as a result of the sacking of Hughes. Personally, I'd offer him to pay us £25 mil to sit on the bench behind Stan and Milner. |
Steve Badger
said:
|
...Badger, This is better than last year mate, because we aren't going to collapse the way we did last year. NO WAY. It's the Villa though and people are naturally wary. My concern is not being able to beat the good teams, it's being able to beat the rubbish (meant with the utmost respect of course). As for if we got into CL, why wouldn't we do any good? We've beaten pool(admittedly shite) Chelski and Manure??? |
Andyb
said:
 |
... I also think we need another top striker to really finish us off, but would like to see us sign Collison in the summer from West Ham, he is a good link player between midfield and attack and would be prepared to be a squad player as we don't always need someone in that role. That is why I think we will never sign a VDV or like, because they would rarely play for us in our current setup and why would anyone spend that sort of money on someone who won't play. The only big money signing we may make is for a striker. |
Andyb
said:
|
... I think we should be Collison from West Ham as the attacking midfielder. We cannot go for a big name in this position because we cannot play him every game with our current structure and can't see MON changing our structure for a 30M man. Most likely any big name signing will be a striker in the summer and I personally would like Santa Cruz, can't see him being required at eastlands after thier spending spree's to come. |
Andi
said:
|
... Bellamy has out in a transfer request and Barry is considering it, Liverpooo want Barry for 15million anyone for an 11 MILLION bid for BELLAMY ?? |
is curtis davis the new face of VILLA or something every morning he is in the press
Mark
said:
|
... Chiefy said: ... Bellamy has out in a transfer request and Barry is considering it, Liverpooo want Barry for 15million anyone for an 11 MILLION bid for BELLAMY ?? Definitely, provided he stays injury and temper - free! I'd also take Stephen Ireland if he's not happy. |
Andi
said:
|
... Ireland is a good shout, reckon we would face competition from Arse if all is to be believed |
Andi
said:
|
... Shay Given is also considering quitting CITEH dont you just love it when things back fire hahahahaha There has also been reports that the owners are unimpressed with being owners of a football club, they cant see the return and it takes to much effort what little return they get. Wouldnt be a shame if they pulled the plug |
neil57
said:
|
... Mostyn, keep up the medication, like it Now there is a thought, Bellamy and Ireland in joint swoop. Liverpool has no chance with Barry, he doesn't fancy Cloud Cuckoo Land. I looked at table, amazing Fulham, on a roll, could beat Spurs on sat. Brum fan on 5 last night said downside of their success was that we are way above them As for comparing this season with last, tosh. Mostyn said it, best defence in prem, 2 great goalies, good midfield and not too bad attack. Far superior side to last season with depth. Stop the moaning and enjoy the ride. I am miffed. Going to emirates on sun, good seat, apparently. Wanted to go to Liverpool game, sold only to those THEY THINK have a history, what tosh Still hoping to get ticket. The phone line bit is hopeless. Why couldn't it have been some team like Stoke, I may have been able to go ? UTV |
Mark
said:
|
... I wonder what will happen to the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool once their English stalwarts finally hang up their boots? Will they adapt as well as Arsenal, or will they lose their soul? |
Andi
said:
|
... mostyn - I reckon Chelsea will cope quite well however Liverpool cant adapt to a change in weather never mind losing influential team members it will all go pete for them. Chelsea will buy there way out of trouble when it happens if needs be and Liverpool will probably be in the fizzy pop league by then |
JimmyVillain
said:
 |
... Same old blog aye boys?! Villa will run out of steam, no chance, need to spend 50 million, need a striker, blah blah blah. MON Has already said not to expect any signings, we have a reserve squad flying high. The last time Clarke played for the first team he was immense, beginning of the season no one could stop talking about Albrighton. The options all over the pitch are good and with the exception of one or two players, I can't see us making many improvements. Damion complains that we are only one point better off than our exceptional start last year, someone's glass is defintiely half full this Christmas! |
JimmyVillain
said:
|
... I doubt any of those boys will leave City and actions speak louder than words. If you wanted to leave you would hand in a request, not tell the Telegraph that you're thinking about it. Even if they do they certainly won't be sold to us. Why would City sell us their best players at cut down rates given we are their biggest competition for the Champs League right now? If any of them does hand in a transfer request, considering no-one will pay even half of what they are on now, they will have my respect and I'll also eat my shirt. |
Mark
said:
|
... Lol! I think Chelsea will be throwing Harry Enfield sized wads around in January. I really hope they don't win the league. Can you imagine? Ancelotti will be deemed to be a failure so they look for another manager. Hmmm! we've used up all the best managers in the world over the past decade yet we're not winning the PL every year, we've still not won the CL despite spending more than Paris Hilton in the Beaverbrook's sale, and we're not even in the League cup this year. How long can Abramovic keep it up? |
Andi
said:
|
... Roman will eventually get bored if things dont start going his way, but could a sensational return for Munrhino be on the cards if Ancelotti cant cope ???? it seems the only way the Roman will get the cups he wants. More interestingly is the Liverpoo saga while it is as clear as day to every football fan in the country that Liverpool is destined for doom and misfortune the scouse lot still seem to think they will be signing Villa, Silvia, Milner and alike in january they seem blinkered almost to the fact that there manager is a clown, their owners are mad and to cap it all off they have no money to spend on pitch whitener never mind DAVID VILLA. Liverpool bringing Comedy back into Football !!!! |
neil57
said:
|
... Torres will not go to Citeh. It is a club in turmoil. The Arabs are disillusioned and may sell We are a very happy and content club. Downing seems very content. You seem to forget the MON factor. TBH, I only want a star buy in jan, not a bench warmer. UTV |
neil57
said:
|
... Imagine. Sell Harewood, buy David Villa Villa 9 shirts would sell like Beckham's did UTV |
keith
said:
 |
... bloody hell chiefy, i hope your wrong about pool. have you seen te price of lovking wheel nuts now |
Mark
said:
|
... LFC - sponsored by William SMART. I can see them turning up for training on really rusty bikes with a springy seat and buckled wheel wearing bowler hats with green hair coming out of the back and massive shoes. |
proxopera
said:
|
... Mostyn & chiefy, Stephen Ireland quit international football because some of his team mates slagged off his new hairplugs !! Bellamy & Ireland ?? Why not barton,savage & Hartson while you're at it. |
Darragh McGeown
said:
 |
... Kind of off the topic but rumours are rife that Shay Given is furious at City - maybe a cheeky bid in January as a replacement for Big Brad? |
Gallie
said:
|
...proxopera said: proxopera, Robbie Keane missed a carbon copy of that chance in the key world cup qualifier for Ireland in Paris...he took a VERY heavy touch and the ball ran out for a goal kick!!! |
Mike Carter
said:
|
... Blimey, Mancini is setting himself some pretty tough goals isn't he? Top 4 this season, league champions next? Can't help but think he's setting himself and the fans up for a lot of disappointment. |
Darragh McGeown
said:
|
...Can't help but think he's setting himself and the fans up for a lot of disappointment. I completely agree. Despite what Cook says, there are a group of players that are very pissed off at Hughes sacking. I think it will take time to get thier minds right again and then expect some big signings in January which will further disrupt things ( Hopefully they buy a world class left-footed midfielder) |
Andi
said:
|
... I think Mancini's plan is to buy the Inter Squad that would help him and them settle in a little quicker |
Andi
said:
|
... Does Manicini honestly believe he can come into a league or even a country, in which he last sampled football at Leicester, and start making big promise's like that, has he not just seen a manager that has spent millions and while not having the best results in the world was in line to deliver top 6, the target as reported, was that not the manager he has just replaced. Man CITEH the new poisoned chalice money to burn time for nothing |
Mike Carter
said:
|
... It'll take time for him to get used to things. For starters, he doesn't speak English at a good enough level to be able to give a team talk yet. Another overhaul of the squad in January will take further time to function as a unit, add in the disruption it causes to the current players who will be upset at getting dropped (I'm looking at you Mr. Barry). I just can't see how he's going to crack the top 4 this season. He should have set his goals back a year if you ask me. |
Andi
said:
|
... Viva - totally agree, the dust is going to take time to settle more new faces, systems and tactics. Half of the squad will be different by the end of January and unless he buys half of another team it will take them a while to get us to how they play. Wonder what the odds are on him being out of a job by the summer ??? |
Andi
said:
|
... proxopera - Chelsea are banned from the transfer market in january ,arent they ? No their ban got set back for a year I believe and they have been linked with a 55million double swope for Augero and someone else and yesterday was linked with gerrard and torres. |
beh
said:
|
... chiefy - sacked by when ? I do love it when the bookies mess up. 1/18 by next october, i`d still be half tempted ! |
Andi
said:
|
...Roberto Mancini must finish the season with Manchester City in the Champions League places for him to keep his job, it has been revealed. Poisoned Chalice 18/1 sod the £5 its a £10 for me |
Mike Carter
said:
|
... Chiefy I'm in like flint with you there mate. If they are genuinely planning on ditching him if he can't make the top 4 there's money to be won. |
Andi
said:
|
... Viva -- the quote was taken from tribal football although it is quoting the timesonline.co.uk. Somehow we have been linked with UPSON: According to the Telegraph, 'It is understood that the England defender would be available for around £12 million and is keen to leave, with Tottenham, Manchester City and Aston Villa likely to be monitoring the situation 12 million surely we dont need him lazy jurno's ? but have they not realised we have the best defence in the league with Davies, Collins and Clark on the bench ? |
Andi
said:
|
... viva - full article here http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/manchester_city/article6964616.ece |
Andi
said:
|
... a quote from a citeh fan Roberto is reminding me of Rafa Benitez! A lot of talk before the action. I think someone needs to tell him about football is not just talk the talk but you have to know how to walk the walk! Will wait and see his actions before final judgment. Two in one league really ?!!?!?!?!? match of the day will never be the same again |
Andi
said:
|
...Bookies have slashed the odds on Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini being sacked before this weekend's game against Stoke after the Italian's winless streak hit the 24 hour mark. City owner Sheikh Mansour is reportedly flying into England today to hold talks with Mancini and the Italian is set to learn his fate immediately after introducing himself to the backroom staff |
Andi
said:
|
... viva - skybet have changed there odds to 9/2 for him to be gone by the end of the season |
Andi
said:
|
... Mancini is 12/1 to be the next manager to be sacked in the prem with Megson favourite |
proxopera
said:
|
... proxopera, Robbie Keane missed a carbon copy of that chance in the key world cup qualifier for Ireland in Paris...he took a VERY heavy touch and the ball ran out for a goal kick!!! Yeah gallie , you're right , the little bollix did miss it , i'd mentally blocked that one out ! His positioning for the goal was good though . |
Magicnick
said:
 |
... Call then pessimists, ney-sayersm call them what you like, their presence on this board in both undoubtable and indelible. And love it or hate it, I will defend their right to say those things to the hilt, as there is no firmer believer in freedom of speech than I. But before we speak, let us recognise that our actions may have consequence, and should this happen we have to accept it. "Our" continual failure to get behind the team regardless of results renders little player loyalty. Torres recently said he would never play for another English club out of respect for Liverpool, can we imagine this being true of any of our players. Now,player loyalty is rare regardless of fans, and I don't think this is an issue we face at the moment. Players will stay so long as we meet thier demands on and off the pitch. But it is not the players I worry about. One person that may well leave us is Martin O'Neill. Look at the devotion that Celtic still have for this man, it continues to outweigh our affections for Martin as he echoes in this;our most succesful era in a decade. In the next few years Liverpool, Manchester United and City will be hanging the "Manager wanted" signs in the window. And if we are to believe the press' one man heads the queue; our manager. If we don't genuinely get behind him, and have a little faith, then he will have no qualms in leaving us, and we will only have our selves to blame. So let me leave you with this, a quote on faith from the Miracle on 34th Street, it seems appropriate. "If... you can't believe, if you can't accept anything on faith, then you're doomed for a life dominated by doubt." Happy Christmas |
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