Wednesday, 20 July 2011 10:38
Just a quick post today and probably nothing more, unless the club up the bid for Charles N'Zogbia by £1,000,000 and match what Dave Whelan wants, as I'm feeling a bit energetic and think the grass needs a cut.
So straight to the point is going to be my mantra for the day and I'll start with fantasy football and we've created a free league at the free to enter DreamTeamFC website, managed by The Sun.
Now, The Sun isn't my favourite paper but I'm cheap and the fantasy football game they run is actually quite good - I do prefer it to the one we used last season and it only takes a few minutes to set up. So the details are very simple - the league pin is 163802 and the password is blog1234 - click here, create your team and add it to that league.
I don't actually know who won last year as I didn't log in that often and lost interest in the game, but I wont this year, as this game is a bit easier and there is less need to be making changes. So, if you win, you win the shirt and maybe a signed photo of yours truly.
The manager talks, or does he?
I read something on Twitter last night about the manager saying there was only going to be one more top player coming in this window and it got quite a few people flustered. I say, well done, because that is all we need and I wrote about it recently. But I'm not entirely sure if he did actually say it, because I've not actually read it.
Yes, in an ideal world we would have two top players competing for each position, but in an ideal world the game would be fair, we'd be playing Champions League football every season and be in with a shot of winning the league, but it isn't fair any more and we do not need to have two top players competing for every position, but in some positions, we already have that.
What we need is hunger and desire. What we need is a belief that it is possible and what we need more than anything is a way to play football that doesn't involve hitting it long or a feeling that everything rests on one player. As things stand right now, we could start the season with a player in each position, playing a variation of 4-5-1.
We need to believe that the Academy at Aston Villa is producing. We all think it is and there is talk it is and we've seen glimpses, but none of us really know with absolute certainty and we will only really ever know if they are given a proper run.
Sure, Marc Albrighton looks the real deal and Barry Bannan, if given a proper run this season, will also have his chance to show us and we've got the likes of Fabian Delph, Ciaran Clark, The Fonz, Jonathan Hogg and Gary Gardner who are also all desperate for the chance to show us they are capable and I'm not even including the likes of Eric Lichaj, Andreas Weimann, Nathan Baker and Chris Herd who are also close.
My point is, to do it organically, we have to have absolute belief that it is possible and that means throw away all your doubts, because they are, for the most part, unfounded. Just believe it is possible and if we have a team, based on five or six players from our Academy, then add the spice from outside, that is our engine and that is our desire.
I know I sound like a broken record, but it isn't going to happen the other way - this is the only way it can happen and if the manager was given enough money to bring in four or five players - that is only going to take us backwards and throw us into that cycle of it never going to happen. This is the right way. It might not work this time, but it is the right way.
On that, I am going to leave you with a reminder.
Fantasy football
Just a reminder. Click here, register your team and add it to the AVFC Blog mini-league. The pin code is 163802 and the password is blog1234.
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Comments (178)
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D Sparks
said:
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... Would be great to see the younger players start to come through and get a chance see if they're as good as we all like to believe. I assume it should probably be Gary Gardner it that list rather than Craig though. |
Damian
said:
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... D Sparks no idea what you're talking about - you must have rad that wrong .. okay, thanks. fixed |
Jeddy
said:
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... I agree with you Damien, I like the fact we're not going to go crazy in the transfer market. Infact, doing so can be quite destructive. I really like the fact that AMC is giving everyone a chance and that if players like Warnock and Ireland don't perform then he can make the appropriate decision at the right time. I fancy we'll see a core developed over the next 12 months, by which time the management team will have a very strong idea about which positions need strengthening and where we can add real quality. There seems little point, in my humble opinion spending 30M on a player where success isn't gauranteed and displaces/disprupts a player we already have. We don't have the money of Man city and the pulling power of London clubs, so why should we try and follow suit when we can be unique and really support our academy and bring players through properly, which previous managers have completely over looked *Gives MON a dirty look*. Balance is key, we have a good group of footballers and if AMC can commuincate his message, get the right attitude and believe in the team then there's no reason why we can't have a good season. UTV. |
Bahamavillan
said:
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... RayK, from the last post. I think we should sign Jeffren instead of N'Zogbia. |
Bahamavillan
said:
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... Damian, Just believe it is possible and if we have a team, based on five or six players from our Academy, then add the spice from outside, that is our engine and that is our desire. You hit the nail on the head. That is exactly the philosophy we should follow. Key word, spice. We need a bit of spice. The academy can provide our British backbone. |
Luckynumber7
said:
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... Damian - he did say it live on interview. He didn't say 'top player' though. He said we're only likely to bring one more player in.... then some stuff about it's time for players to step up who were being paid last year but didn't play (Warnock, Beye, Ireland) one would assume. |
Irish Villian
said:
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... One of the biggest clubs in world believe in there academy and youth and that's why they are that big.. Barcelona. I'm not saying at all that we are like Barcelona, but it could pay off to work on the same principals at them.. believe in developing the youth and bringing players through and they will show some bit of loyalty which a lot of clubs don't have. Just my opinion. I hope we sign two more players. A winger and central midfielder who has some bite... I'd be happy with that. One thing that would concern me though is that if DB gets injured do we have another goal scorer? UTV |
Celtic_Villan
said:
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... yeh i said as much as your last paragraph in a post yesterday damien, its the only way we can make a real push. lets do something different. its clear we wont buy the league. we need to beleive in the young guys like wenger has in his, as this group have shown they are every bit as good as the arse kids. |
steve in ireland
said:
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... One more just seems a bit light, need to replace one of the sold wingers, need a central midfield enforcer and possibly cover for DB. Of all I think the central midfielder is the most important as it is unlikely that AM will play with two wingers anyway. Don't think we will get all three and possibly only one if AM statement is true, disappointing. Still we will find out if all that money spent on the academy has been worth it cos' the EPL will soon sort the weak from the strong. For those old enough to remember replace Joe Mercer with McLeish's Minors |
paco
said:
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... Damian. Do I detect renewed vigour lately? The posts seem to be coming thick and fast which is good news. I think he will only buy one more player due to the 25man limit. Eck will want some youth in there so I imagine beye and heskey will go pre season or at the Xmas window which allows us to buy another player or add another youth player into the team. If Eck can get the best out of Warnock and Ireland then that's like two new signings anyway. I'm starting to get that pre season warm fuzzy feeling which 3 weeks ago I didn't think I'd get, so things are looking more positive. Right, I'm off to have an excited poo then back to my desk for more work. Up the Villa |
Damian
said:
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... paco you have to play with the cards you are dealt and i've long had this hope that there is a secret plan at the club and while we will never know if there is or isn't .. i'd like to hope that there is a little more thought gone into things the last year or two and if thought has gone in, for me anyway, this is the conclusion that they must have come up with ... so, i live in hope |
Luckynumber7
said:
Wiggz
said:
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... OK, I'll bite. I agree that the only chance we have of eventually competing is by putting faith in our academy and growing some seriously good players.....but keeping them! I disagree on the "1 more top player" though. Here's how I see it. GK - sorted.. Shay first choice, Brad second. Defence - Dunne, Collins, Cuellar (for now) and Clark (play him in his proper position!) at Centre Back seem fine...albeit they need to be shaken up a bit. Perhaps Shay can demand that. Warnock for me can only improve...he's quality and he needs to re-find his form at left back. Luke Young....I have my doubts but I'd play him there every day of the week ahead of what else we have. For me this is where a right back (Hutton?) wouldn't go a miss. Midfield - Albrighton as an out and out winger will do the job, Petrov, Delph and the crew will do us a job in the centre of the field. The big plus for me is Ireland staying under a manager that might just give him what he needs. I believe we need another quality wide player here to allow us to shake up formation throughout the season. Attack - No problems for me, Bent and Gabby, on their day are absolutely lethal...just need motivating in Gabby's case. Fonz will be pushing, as will Andreas. So 2 players for me and I'll be happy. Not impressed that we let Curtis Davies go..I still can't let that one go. He could have been the Rio to our Vidic (Dunne) given the right coaching. He always looked awesome alongside Martin Laursen. |
davidc
said:
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...Damian. Do I detect renewed vigour lately? I'm the same. I wasn't happy with McLeish. I was definitely unhappy with the disaster that was Houllier. But at the end of the day, how many times do you bang your head against a brick wall before giving up????? Personally I cannot change anything at VP in real terms. I can write on forums, buy or not buy a season ticket, write to the board. But it has no meaningful effect. So, why whinge? Why not enjoy it for what it is. I'm one of the lucky, privileged few who had the good fortunate to be born into a Villa supporting family, and who's Dad had the foresight to take me to VP when I was a kid and get me hooked. Yes it has its downs. But I tell you what, I'd rather be a Villa fan than a Man U fan, a Bareclona fan, a Man City fan etc etc. Its in my blood. Its a link to my childhood and my friends. Its a direct, continuous link to my Grandad, my Dad, my uncles, my Great-Grandad and my Nan. |
steve in ireland
said:
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... DavidC Know exactly where you are coming from, it's in my Genes too! Childhood memories with Grandparents and Great grandparents who go back to the times of formation of the club so I know exactly what you are saying. And its great to be a Villa fan and come from a Villa family, however we know that the club can give us some down days and at least by coming on to sites like this it enables us to get rid of some of the frustration that we can't have any direct or meaningful effect. From one lifer to another UTV |
Damian
said:
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... Wiggz how about Eric Lichaj .. I'm telling you, he will be a star and he needs to be on the bench every game this season as our second choice right back. His chance will come and he will take it ... we'll be needing cover for him in a season or two |
taglor
said:
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... Thanks for dream team link Damo. It looks much more user friendly, actually more excited bout this than other football news at the moment! |
John Salter
said:
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... Eric Lihaj - He looked good to me every time I saw him last season. AM's saying now that he'll go to plan B if Villa don't get N'Zogbia. Perhaps they're not willing to go to ten million! |
RayK
said:
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... I have to admit I do like Alex McLeish's openess when speaking with the press. It's very matter of fact and straightforward which makes a refreshing change from the rhetoric of the MON era to the often lost-in-translation musings from Houllier. http://www.birminghammail.net/...-29086077/ Of course, he'll keep a few cards close to his chest and some of it is lowering fans and other clubs expectations of how much we have to spend, but overall I think its pretty spot on. |
Chanchan
said:
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... Good post Damo, Although nobody's going to be happy that the board have sold some important players, it is important to acknowledge that the system as a whole is ridiculous and lacking in appropriate regulation, hence the fact that it's impossible to be competititve if you don't have an oil tycoon as an owner, how boring..... Better then to look at the positives, which are that Albrighton, Gardner, Delph, Bannan, Clarke, Lichaj, Delfounsou at least get enough of a chance this season to show if they have what it takes. I think a number of them do, and agree that Lichaj should be battling young for the right back slot. As others have mentioned, if these lads come through together, there's a chance that we could build a team that want to play with each other and for the club. That is something we can all believe in and support, even if we're not getting into the chumps money league. |
rocky
said:
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...Not impressed that we let Curtis Davies go..I still can't let that one go. He could have been the Rio to our Vidic (Dunne)  |
RayK
said:
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...Bahamavillan said: If we went down that route I also think we'd need an experienced winger as a loan signing too. Jeffren has tons of potential but he may take a season to settle in the EPL. N'Zogbia may not have as much potential but he is proven now in the EPL. |
RayK
said:
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...how about Eric Lichaj .. I'm telling you, he will be a star I get the feeling that we'll see more of Beye this coming season than we will of Lichaj. Lichaj is a difficult one to assess - if was a Leeds player he'd be touted as a £3m player but as a Villa reserve the tops we could expect from him if we wanted to sell him is about £500k I reckon. |
Greg the VillIain
said:
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... i think mcleish sounds great, hope he can get warnkock back to playing the way his did, and get ireland playing like he did that year under hughes |
davidc
said:
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...I get the feeling that we'll see more of Beye this coming season than we will of Lichaj. Lichaj is a difficult one to assess - if was a Leeds player he'd be touted as a £3m player but as a Villa reserve the tops we could expect from him if we wanted to sell him is about £500k I reckon. I've got a mate at work who's a big Leeds fan - season ticket holder - and he's had nothing but good words to say about Lichaj since he's been there. He rates him very highly. In fact he rates him far higher than he rates Bannan. Who and I quote "will never make it at PL level in a million years". |
RayK
said:
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... Also, I don't know what the fuss is about the 'one more player' quote from McLeish is as if you read what he says its all prefaced by 'at the moment'. That means after the pre-season tour he may feel that its necessary to bring another player. If either or both Cuellar and Heskey both went then I'd expect to see McLeish strengthen the squad further at that point. |
RayK
said:
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...In fact he rates him far higher than he rates Bannan. Who and I quote "will never make it at PL level in a million years". If that's the case Villa will no doubt flog Lichaj for next to nothing and try and build a team around Bannan!  |
word
said:
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... last year i couldn't agree with your "transition season" thing and this year i can't agree with your wish to sign only a couple of players. football's a competition and if you don't compete properly you'll get squashed- there's no half measure and we can't wait until the youth players step in to fill gaps. if there's a player who'll get into our first XI and will fit into any sort of plans for the next few years then we have to sign them. and if the youth players have to work harder to get a game then good because it'll be better this way than giving them a gift and making an excuse out of them when we lose. we're fairly loaded atm and both our team and back up is pretty weak- saving money for a rainy day would only make us completely unattractive to any player when we did get round to signing one. strength on the other hand leads to strength. |
RayK
said:
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... Word, you make some fair points but as I said a few days ago it has to be a balance between 'now, now, now' and the longer-term best interests of the club. For example, if McLeish had a £50m to spend and we didn't have Benjamin Siegrist coming through the academy / reserves I'd have put a lot of money on McLeish going for Ben Foster rather than Given. As we don't have £50m transfer budget and we do have a top prospect in Siegrist, Shay Given is by miles the better signing. The point about 'now, now, now' signings is that they tend to be the more expensive ones (as the selling club always has the upper hand) and I think it creates a cycle of 'now, now, now' signings which leads to the problems we now have in terms of wages/turnover. |
Damian
said:
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... word and you have every right not to agree - but if anything, looking back shows us that last season was a transitional season - just because i said it at the time doesn't mean it wasn't the case as for football is a competition. you're absolutely spot on - but we know, right now, that we are not going to win it. it isn't fair any more and you say it yourself - there is no half measure. so if we know right now, today, that we are not going to win the competition, what should we do? if this was a board game, lets say monopoly, would you go out buying every property you landed on or would you wait and buy the right properties and have a strategy? you'd have a strategy, because the person that goes out buying anything they land on is usually the first one out of the game the one with the strategy is usually the one that competes - something you are asking for so we have to have a strategy and knowing right now that we are not going to win the league - means we have to be strategic and bringing in too many players right now will only rock the boat, not provide any chance of continuity and also not enable the properties we have right now, that we have strategically developed over years to come fruition you cant have a strategy one day and then the next scrap it for another. sometimes, you have to believe and put all your faith into one. hopefully, that is what we are doing now |
taglor
said:
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... Good analogy Damian and to continue it we would be the dog as this season will be a dog's dinner of one. Or the boot as this will be what AM will be rewarded with by Christmas. |
word
said:
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... i'm not sure if you are being sarcastic or not... i assume not  perhaps my analogy would be passing the baton onto younger players- sprint teams who slow down to make the change will lose, even if their runners are faster on paper. you just can't slow down in sport. if man u in the 90s found that their "youth" team were losing would alex ferguson have persisted with them? of course not. and scholes and beckham wouldn't have gone on to be world beaters if they got used to losing either. anyway- i have to get back to work now,,, that's just my wuppence worth. |
Damian
said:
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... word not trying to be sarcastic but to use your analogy of the relay race - we'd not make the final race - we'd be knocked out in one of the the semi-finals that is the reality of it and we'll never know what ferguson would have done because it did work out for him and i'm not saying it is all about youth - but a few and the only way to do that is to try. if the manager can bring in more players, then they will never get the chance and one thing is for sure if that happens - we will never know |
Villa by Birth
said:
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... Damo, Word Taglor Sometimes you have to believe in better, just for once give the mgmt team (no laughing) a chance - have they in fact stumbled (operative word) a formula (secret plan) that may just work. I wonder how many clubs in (we will call them) the lower 16 wolud love thta facilities and future building that AVFC have? How many can reel of the following Albrighton, Gardner, Delph, Bannan, Clarke, Lichaj, Delfounsou and many more I for one think that and to use another posters comments the "future is bright the future is Ginger" but to be built on our own developd youth. & FTR Lichaj is going to be good |
RayK
said:
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... VillabyBirth I do agree with you. I think the future is pretty positive IF we can hold on to that group of players but also, over the next 6-12 months, bring in good quality around them. Our academy is great but we can't rely on it for everything - we need McLeish to spot more of the Scott Dann type targets (from either the Championship or abroad) so that we can rely less on making the Darren Bent type signings. |
Bahamavillan
said:
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... The thing that does worry me though is that we don't have that midfield general that can drive our team. Petrov isn't it. |
Damian
said:
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... Bahamavillan what really is a midfield general? many said it was roy keane at manchester united - and i'll agree that he was a determined player - but what happened when he left? scholes is no 'midfield general' and not very vocal. only recently has ryan giggs gone into the middle and again, he isn't a 'midfield general' if by that you mean someone do push the lads on i'd actually argue, that you dont really need that and that the game has moved on from having that man in the middle driving the team on what you need is a group of people that believe, if they all work together, that the opportunity will present itself and that if they work like that as a team for 90 minutes, they'll create several chances and some will go in i'm not sure we need what is perceived as a midfield general and i'd say we haven't had one for years |
Villa by Birth
said:
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... Guys this is worth a read and backs up Damo's point http://www.twohundredpercent.net/?p=13911 one quote headlines warning of impending doom and gloom make for high reader numbers than less dramatic stories, but if Villa have successfully managed to level themselves, financially speaking, then that is progress of sorts which puts them in a better position to get back towards the top end of the table in the future than they would be otherwise. There is little question that they are capable of getting back to where they were several years ago, but this year may be a little too soon. Better that, though, than to adopt the boom and bust methodology that has conspicuously failed at so many other clubs, and there are plenty of supporters from clubs that used to be their contemporaries who can attest to that Tend to agree with this |
DSVilla
said:
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... Trevor Brooking made a comment some while ago about the England U19 team going into the Euro championships (in 2010 I think). He pointed out that only Jack Rodwell and Nathan Delfouneso had featured at all for their respective Premiership teams, while at 18 he was starting to get regular pitch time at West Ham in the old Div 1. Premiership teams have almost stopped blooding their own youth players as the cost of failure is so high (for the Club and the Manager). Last year was tough, but at least we got to see some of the young players get a bit of a chance. Maybe the problem was that we had to play too many at one time. I'm really looking forward to the new season whatever happens. I hope a few of them can make the step up. |
Villa by Birth
said:
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... Bahamavillan, Damo I agree said as much to DB on twitter last night - we need a team not individuals |
Bahamavillan
said:
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... Ok, maybe I used the wrong words in 'midfield general'. I think our player was Milner before he left, when he played centre mid. He drived our team forward. We didn't have that last year in the centre of the park. Maybe Ireland can be that guy. Someone that picks up the ball and makes things happen. Plays with a sense of urgency when we need to. We sorely missed that last season. |
sai
said:
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... Its time to use Petrov a just a squad player. If you ask me Hogg would do a better job than him in breaking up play. Also its very important for Makoun to get used to the PL very fast. Irish Villan One thing that would concern me though is that if DB gets injured do we have another goal scorer? My money would be on Weimann. I think he would be what Hernandez is for Manu. He hides behind defenders and would appear infront of the post to tap in goals. UTV |
Bahamavillan
said:
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... Mcleish: "But Randy`s got a plan and fans should trust him." I actually can't praise Mcleish enough for communicating with us. He did this far more than MON and Houllier. We now know where we stand. And we now know the direction the club is going. We are banking on the academy. |
Villa by Birth
said:
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... Bahamavillan MON didn't need to communicate his plan it was simple 1)"play Carew at 70 minutes change him to Heskey" or the opposite way around 2) buy players for too much pay inflated wages and sit on the bench. Option 2 was for MOTD to say look at the depth of the squad sat there on the bench |
Robbie
said:
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... I tend to agree with Bahama on the midfield man...there was a time when getting the ball to Young would make things happen. Jimmy was amazing when he used to drive on with the ball from midfield at times. Delph could potentially have that quality, and we'd like to think that Ireland will do it, though I'm not going to get my hopes up on that guy just yet, he's a good talker but I haven't seen any product for 2 years. I think that player costs a lot of money, and we've got to look within the squad for someone to provide that 'scruff of the neck' quality that someone like Gerrard has in abundance. I agree that Stan Petrov is certainly not this player. |
Richexiledincoventry
said:
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... OK but we still need a CAPTAIN. Someone who not only commands respect but also a regular first team place. Should have kept Reo. Accepting SP is too expensive, any suggestions? Although I can't stand the bloke, Joey Barton (would have to change the 'commands respect' to 'commands respect as a footballer!)?? Who should be captain from the present squad - Shay? |
Bahamavillan
said:
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... Richexiledincoventry, I'm not sure he'll strip Petrov of the captaincy. I can imagine there would be a fair amount of discontent in that dressing room if he did. Besides, there's no one else who can do the job. Dunne and Collins were trouble makers last season, no chance of either of them being made captain. Although I'm far from convinced, Fabian Delph seems to think Petrov is a good captain and role model for the players: http://www.birminghammail.net/...-29063662/ |
RayK
said:
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...Bahamavillan Bahamavillan said: It's an interesting question. ManU haven't needed the Roy Keane type of player because (i) their defence has improved and (ii) they've had a bunch of midfielders who are comfortable in keeping the ball - and so don't have a particular need for a ball winner. We don't have that luxury (although hopefully our defensive unit will be a lot tighter this year) and so I'd be quite happy if we at least had the option of a ball-winning midfielder in the Patrick Viera mould. As it happens we're being linked again today with someone Houllier was apparently interested in, McDonald Mariga from Inter. As for the Milner-type player (going forward at least) then I think its a case of step forward Stephen Ireland. |
Bahamavillan
said:
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... I'd be ok with Petrov in there, as long as he's in a 5 man midfield. Petrov alongside Makoun/Delph with Ireland in front would be nice. I still struggle to see where Bannan fits in. People compare him to Scholes, but I don't see it. Scholes had a mean streak to him, and wasn't afraid to dive into tackles. He got sent off many a time. I don't think Bannan has that in him. |
taglor
said:
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... I'm fed up with football and the premiership is a corrupted no contest money competition now, we are not going to win 1 thing this coming season too BUT..... I really really really can't wait for kick off now!!! |
dazvilla
said:
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... just seen this come up on znogbia tweet In Hale Piccolino having Lunch with @Vi_Deluxe, my Last 2 days before the Trip hopefully ☺ |
RayK
said:
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...Petrov alongside Makoun/Delph with Ireland in front would be nice. I tend to agree with that for this season, at least at the start. If Delph steps up though my preference would be a midfield trio of Makoun - Ireland - Delph. I still struggle to see where Bannan fits in. I think its limited to being cover for Ireland in the AM role. |
RonnieBiggsakatheRioVillan
said:
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... We don't need 4 or 5. We need Nzogbia and Parker, I don't see anybody else who is ready and Ian Taylor agrees with me. |
Bahamavillan
said:
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... RonnieBiggsakatheRioVillan, We're not going to get Parker. Not while Petrov is still here. I think its limited to being cover for Ireland in the AM role. I think he's more suited to a deep lying playmaker role. But he does need to develop a bit more bite to his game. Maybe that will come with time and confidence. I hate to make comparisons, but Scholes didn't move into centre mid until 1997, when he was 23. Before that he was used all over the place. Maybe Bannan just needs to be in and around the first team, and we'll gradually ease him in. |
RayK
said:
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...dazvilla said: Question is does he mean a trip to Austria (with Wigan) or the Far East (with Villa).... |
Richexiledincoventry
said:
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... Bahamavilan ...but should SP be in the team onm merit. I'd personally prefer to start with Makoun and Delph (or Hogg) as the middle two of a 5 man midfield. Agree that if he has to play, it must be a midfield five. |
long insane
said:
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... We have to accept that the only long term way forward for the club is to bring players through the ranks. The results of our first few games are vital to our whole season. The players need to be raring to go and hit the ground running from day 1. If we can get points on the board then the team gains confidence. If we don't, heads will drop, particularly the youngers players. We would then be struggling come the January window. Our support is needed more than ever right from the start of the season |
Bahamavillan
said:
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... If you scroll down on that N'Zogbia tweet, he says he's in New York (18 hrs ago). So I'm guessing the 'trip', means the UK. |
Richexiledincoventry
said:
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... Ray K the word 'hopefully' is the key. If he was refering to Austria it is not needed. |
jame5y
said:
 |
... I am for one quite happy with just one more player. We're cutting loose the deadwood, reintroducing some of those frozen out, bringing through the youth. Is this not what everyone was screaming for over the past two years?? Martin O'Neil (and don't get me wrong I loved him initially) basically led us down the same destructive path that he led Leicester down, and Celtic down, players that were on too high a wage, for too long a time, and were too old to get any decent return on them. He may be a fantastic coach, absolutely fantastic, but as a manager and 'chief purchaser of talent' he is way down there. Thankfully, (and I can mean the discontent from others already at this statement) Randy Lerner stepped in and said no more. Randy Lerner may have created a rod for his own back by getting rid, but I am much more optimistic about the club's long term future again than I was two years ago. It is almost that O'Neil knows one way of doing things, and when that doesn't go his way, the toys come out of the pram, the media know it but won't say it, just like they won't say a bad word about Venables because him being the sports writers darling. Think about it. Why has O'Neil not been snapped up by another club yet? None of the big teams want him, West Ham wanted him (nuff said) and there was the rumour about Fulham, but Al Fayed being as tight as he is with Randy obviously knows something more about the situation, but it was more the media and agents being the 'source' to those rumours, rather than the club. Also, he had a whole squad at his disposal, and how many others sitting at Villa Park used to be screaming for a substitution still on 80 minutes when the tired legs were visible, when we started getting hit on the counter like I was? He had his favourites and that has harmed the team, and the team ethos at the club, and i'm glad someone like McLeish was appointed because he has already shown his willingness to get the team back together on the same page, and he seems to be open to using his squad, bringing through the youth, and building a proper club atmosphere again. We don't need big time charlies (ala Downing) to come for a season and rock the boat, we need these lads to knuckle down and show us all their potential. Dunne and Collins will benefit from having a great keeper behind them, yes Brad was good, but if you listened to Talksport the other day they would have had you believe he was never prone to mistakes, and was one of the best keepers last season.....well have a word lads, he was fantastic in a few games, but an absolute liability in others, flapping at crosses, bad positioning, being beaten at his near post way way too much. Add into that, his first game for Spurs, he decided to turn up as Peter Enckleman. Put your faith in the board, management and players, give them some support and they may just surprise you. But if you go down to the first home game and boo then you effectively creating the negative atmosphere yourselves and I wouldn't blame the players leaving the club for a team where the supporters would appreciate them. Sorry if any of this sounded harsh. |
RayK
said:
|
...I think he's more suited to a deep lying playmaker role. I agree that Bannan won't perhaps play as forward as Ireland does and so I think if Bannan comes on for Ireland, Delph will have more or a licence to get forward / into the box. Either way I think Bannan's opportunities will be limited to when Ireland is substituted/injured/dropped. Or put it this way can't see Bannan in the same midfield as Ireland. |
RayK
said:
|
...Richexiledincoventry said: I guess, unless he is showing Martinez-like loyalty! |
paul1969
said:
 |
... Bahama - I'd be very glad if Bannan doesnt learn how to tackle like Paul Scholes - great footballer, awful tackler! |
dazvilla
said:
|
... piccolino is a restaurant in hale,cheshire why wld he be coming back to the uk when he is already here ? |
paul1969
said:
|
... I do believe I'm feeling some positivity on this past from the majority. Very good post Damian. |
Bahamavillan
said:
|
... paul1969, I just think Bannan needs a bit of bite to his game to cope in the PL. |
dazvilla
said:
|
... no worries mate could be a positive thread/leake for us will have to wait and see |
RayK
said:
|
...I just think Bannan needs a bit of bite to his game to cope in the PL. By virtue of his physique his bite will always be more terrier than rotweiler but he doesn't lack aggression or passion. |
Fatkevss
said:
 |
... You are right why buy more than 2 players when it will be kick & rush at best, any player any postion here we go At least we have a GK as long as we water the pitch well to protect his shoulder |
RayK
said:
|
...Fatkevss said: And darkness descends once more... |
Fatkevss
said:
|
... I hope we do not get Zog big fee & wages only to be sold on if he develops (thats a laugh with AM) |
jame5y
said:
|
...Fatkevss said: So how do you know that's how the team will play? Have been watching the training? Have you been involved with getting the tactics over to the players? Have you been working with McLeish as a special trolling advisor? Have you scouted the club and its tactics out for another team? Are you Mrs McLeish who has been looking at Al's tactics folder over breakfast? Unless you are one of the above can you please stop being so bloody negative around here, we get it, you dont like Lerner/Faulkner/McLeish/his perceived tactics. Now we've confirmed that any chance of not bringing it up every topic?? Cheers. |
dingbat
said:
 |
... Err did I dream last season? Did we not flirt with relegation? 7 players out 2 in and we are going to be better than last year? Dream on! |
paco
said:
|
... Fatkev. reading your comments are more depressing than watching eastenders! What a happy person you are. Bundle of joy in the pub no doubt too. |
paco
said:
|
... Fatkev. If your happy and you know it clap your hands. If your happy and you know it clap your hands. If your happy and you know it and you really want to show it, if your happy and you know it clap your hands. |
Nigel
said:
 |
... Man Utd were struggling one season and their fans wanted SAF out. They gave the kids a chance and the rest is history. Everton nearly got relegated with Kendall, and won the league with him the following season. Why shouldn't we dream? |
bass
said:
 |
... a good investment for anyone that is not wearing claret and blue tinted glasses..... invest just £50 and get a return of £700 in just a few months and you wont need to do any work, alex mcleish and randy lerner will do it all!!! aston villa to be relegated is 14/1. |
Raz
said:
 |
... Am I the only one who is a bit f**king annoyed that randy has pissed all his cash up the wall on things like the holte pub, the free travel fir supporters to Chelsea in the cup. All that s**te is great, but where is te money now!!!????!!! Seriously, their commercial team is pisspoor and now were seeing how pisspoor they really are. We've sold our two best players and the cash... Well it's going in randys back pocket to cover the massive f**kig hole. Jesus Christ we're clueless |
steamers 75
said:
 |
... paco you aint gona be able to watch coronation st for much longer now they got them actors from eastenders , l didnt know people still watched it , thank f**k lm a brummie , bring back crossroads, l think fatkevs sits in a pub in coleshill, never has a go on the cards but eats all the free sausages & chips , LOL |
.vogra
said:
 |
... Check this out, good review on Given and an absolute awesome video on Given that's a must see http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2016763/Shay-Given-A-real-coup-Aston-Villa.html |
Raz
said:
|
... One more player? That 14/1 bet on us going down is looking like a bargain IMO. Seriously it would make me sick to put a bet on that but if this is randys "grand secret plan" we are f**ked, I tell you, f**ked! We survived by the skin of our teeth last season, why the f**k would losing half the squad and signing two players (one a goalkeeper) help? |
FatkevsSs
said:
|
... At least I balance out all the yes we can b******s on here Nearly relegated destitute scum manager fibbing owner Yet all is great Villa park is for supporting fans site are for discussion |
Rake
said:
 |
... Jame5y,very good comments,but for all O'Neill's faults,we did finish 6th three years running.If Lerner had funded more than the measly £3.5m to sign Heskey in the January,when we were well clear of Arsenal in 4th,we would have qualified for the Champions League,which would have justified the outlay.Add to that the fact we would have won the League Cup with an unbiased ref,and possibly the F.A.Cup if the ref hadn't screwed us against Chelsea,and i think O'Neill did remarkably well with a relatively modest budget compared with some.While Lerner is there,we will get nowhere near 6th again.We need to prepare for another desperate relegation battle. |
mintvilla
said:
 |
... Rake Relatively modest budget? While mon was at villa, only man city spent more in the same 4 years. |
paco
said:
|
... Fatkev....alcohol is the worst thing for depression. I fear a Stella might tip you over the edge ... Until I see us play and see what Eck has planned ill stay positive |
Bahamavillan
said:
|
... Rake, If Lerner had funded more than the measly £3.5m to sign Heskey in the January,when we were well clear of Arsenal in 4th,we would have qualified for the Champions League,which would have justified the outlay.Add to that the fact we would have won the League Cup with an unbiased ref,and possibly the F.A.Cup if the ref hadn't screwed us against Chelsea There's alot of if's in there. No point regurgitating what may have happened in the past, especially when it didn't happen at all. And paco, maybe alcohol is Fatkevss happy juice  The positive posts were good while they lasted... I have to say though, this has been one of the best posts I've seen on this blog. |
steve in ireland
said:
|
... I'm not defending RL, anyone who reads anything I have posted on this site since the debacle of the start of last season knows I am one of his biggest critics. However 7 gone possible two in. Well lets looks at the 7 and see if we had kept them would we be any better off Big Brad- Past his best and wouldn't come out to catch a cold Isiah and Salifou- I'm sure the kids can make a cup of tea and cut the oranges Carew - Didn't want to be here anyway Hokey Cokey - I'm sure that Hogg or one of the youngsters can pass a bit further than two yards without losing the ball SD - Traitor nuff said Ash- Would have loved him to have stayed but at least I won't have to watch another over hit free kick or corner. As long as we get a class replacement for Ash I think we can do as good as last year. However to progress and improve on last year still think we need a couple more and would love to see some more dead wood gone ie Heskey and Beye |
jame5y
said:
|
... Cheers Rake I don't think O'Neill really worked with a 'modest' budget really, he spent £120m over his time at Villa!! But I do agree with some of your points, and yes, like I said he was a fantastic coach and 'man-manager' but you have to take into consideration every season post January we slid down the form table, he didn't take good enough care over the management of the players fitness, probably due to the fact he wasn't on the training pitch all the time and even some of the players pointed out when Houllier took over that they were expected to be training a lot more, which you have to say paid off in the last third of the season as we pulled some fantastic results out of the hat! We could have signed more in that January transfer window, but if my memory serves me correct Heskey was O'Neill's only target, and seriously if your main target is Heskey, I would myself be wary of ever handing that person money ever ever again ahaha!! I think we finished 6th by the same virtue by which we finished 9th last season, other teams having good/bad seasons. We always seem to be that anomaly team that is just unpredictable win against teams we're not expected to win against, then lose to Wolves. Like i've said before, between 11th and 9th is where I think we'll end up and it will hopefully put the team back on an even footing, steadying the ship because I fear there are a couple of teams in the Prem that are going to burst at some point.....and I don't wish it to be Villa. |
Rake
said:
|
... When i say relatively modest budget,i mean the sum averaged out per season,which is about £30m.Man Utd,for example, spend more than that on one player! |
Leroy
said:
 |
...FatkevsSs said: Damian, so by broken record you mean fatkevss |
Rake
said:
|
... I remember when O'Neill became manager,General Bulls**t said that 'world class players are coming to Villa',and 'If necessary we will spend £30m per transfer'.With the exception of Bent,where the hell are they????!!!! |
Fatkevss
said:
|
...Until I see us play and see what Eck has planned ill stay positive Good on you Ive seen/heard it too many time from owners but this one is the worse by a long chalk I love putting hope in youth but we know any promise & they will be sold so there is no light anywhere just survival |
Leroy
said:
|
... You see, its not so much the fact that fatkevs, taglor and faccundo (surprise, surprise is missing when we havnt lost a game) are negative.....its the fact that none of them suggest any solution... If you dont want to suggest a solution or at the very least discuss from time to time, you are indeed a part of the problem..... |
Villa by Birth
said:
|
... Rake, Jame5y Guys please nuff with the MON s**te, he was a good aman manager for the people he liked, why dont you aks the talent he let go or those on the bench for no apparent reason. Please the guy is a ONE trick pony. Move on he has gone old news,chip paper i bet he didn't e ven get phoned hacked. Has anyone noticed his lack of tv punditry? is this because thye all no how to make one substition. AAAAArrrrrrgh |
Villa by Birth
said:
|
... On a positive note - Taglor seems to have perked up, perhaps we should send him to Fatke5s Coleshill tavern for a reckoninig!!!! |
Sasa
said:
 |
... I know it's not his fault but I'm hating McLeish even more. 1 more player? Are you f**king joking?! Guzan, Warnock, Collins or Dunne, Petrov, Heskey. Get rid, we have enough s**te we don't need to keep funding them anymore. We need a LB, preferably a RB too but L Young can do a job. We need a CB to partner Cuellar - How the f**k can we get rid of him over Collins and Dunne?? We need a left winger, and a right one too. Albrighton has the pace, but I find it a little scary to be relying on him as 1st choice week in week out winger. We need another striker. This is just to get a decent first XI, let alone squad. Given Zhirkov, Cuellar, Lescott, L Young N'Zog, Makoun, A Johnson Ireland Bent Defoe or Kalou Change to 4-5-1 and put in Delph instead of Kalou when under the kosh. Use Gabby for Albrighton/Ireland last 20 to run when needed, and lose some weight so he can run quicker. Collins cover for CB injuries/red-cards. Clarke can be used across the back/DM when needed. Zhirkov - £7m Samba/Lescott - £10m Zog - £10m A Johnson - £13m Defoe/Kalou - £7m Ok, CB and RW bit of a luxury, but that's £24m for 3 players and use Dunne and Albrighton for the other positions. Get rid of them slags Heskey (£40k) and Petrov (gotta be at least £45k). That leaves a usable bench of Collins, Clarke, Delph, GK and Gabby. 1 more player? f**k off. Unless he pulls a miracle out of the hat, I'm not contributing to that c**ting manager's salary, no f**king way. I'm getting more angrier by the day. Thank f**k I'm away on hol in Aug, help me calm down not getting involved in Villa. I know you lot are getting on with but I'm feeling like that time when Stern John scored, that took about 6 months to get out of my system, it was so horrific. |
jame5y
said:
|
... at this point in time I encourage people to go and read this article from 2006 http://www.guardian.co.uk/foot...ory.sport1 and this one from August last year, the last couple of paragraphs are quite enlightening......(the rest of it show you how much the sports media kiss this guys arse) http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2010/aug/09/martin-oneill-aston-villa?INTCMP=ILCNETTXT3487 |
Leroy
said:
|
...Villa by Birth said: or maybe an intervention |
Villa by Birth
said:
|
... Sasa Glad to see the clinic let you in at short notice - have fun and we may hace some good news for you when you get out. By the way do you have the 47 million for that lot |
jame5y
said:
|
...Villa by Birth said: This was my point...... |
Sasa
said:
|
... Yeah VBV, I know £47m is asking for too much (though in reality a net spend of £15m on the basis that Milner covers Bent). But is £24m that on 3 players that bad? We all know Lerner purchased Bent to protect his investment, and trust me in Jan he will pay over-inflated prices if we're in the same situation. It's clear the £10m is availbale. Another £14m may mean a comfortable league placing Jan so no need for signings. An extra 1.5k average home attendance + auxillary match day sales. Also to mention Villa fans having decent hope for the start of the season. I know we can't complain that McLeish has come out and said it's budget cuts. Yet the bloke is getting £2m odd a year and compo paid for him, done after shelling out on GH and MON. Whoever is business partnering Lerner (ie Faulkner) is a frigin joke. |
doomie
said:
 |
... re the fantasy league . who's going to own up to picking zero Villa players in their side ??? |
Fatkevss
said:
|
...its the fact that none of them suggest any solution... The solution is easy The owner must stop putting us futher in debt & appointing poor managers(throwing away millions in settlement) Paying off the debt his stewardship has put us into then Sell up because he is out of his depth We have no future with him in charge, we must get new owners before no one would want the club its only players at the momment |
Leroy
said:
|
...Fatkevss said: not happening, so lets all be miserable p***ks together |
jame5y
said:
|
... Fatkevss I hate to point it out, but who is realistically going to come and buy the club? Honestly, I don't know what people are thinking, because really after 20+ years of Ellis in charge, you really think this guy is all bad??? Lerner isn't going to bankrupt the club, he is trying to safeguard his investment yes, would you rather have a 'Malaysian consortium' that end up being corrupt? Or the Indian chicken owners who look as if they have are having to find change down the back of the sofa for signings at blackburn? Or perhaps a random Russian who claims to have money (think back to Portsmouth)? Or an Arabian consortium (again Portsmouth)? Or an English owner who 'values the club' and 'respects the history of the league' but has little money to spend on transfers, selling on their best players, or not really investing big money (Everton, Wigan, Wolves) or an Icelandic consortium (West Ham) or two guys who made their fortune from porn and who's only claim to footballing greatness (in our eyes at least aha) is undermining Birmingham city ever being a decent club? Then relegating West Ham? Jeez. |
Villa by Birth
said:
|
... jame5y I know but fire needs oxygen and if you starve it then it may only smoulder for a while longer |
Sasa
said:
|
... Lerner is a legend in my book, just badly advised. I have no idea on American Football but I've heard he has similar problems with the Browns, but I can't really talk about that cos like I said, I'm clueless on US football. |
Raz
said:
|
... I think one player you could put in your fantasy league at this stage would be shay given, beings as he's quality and will have shots rained on his goal because we have f**k all outfield players to stop our opponents. Seriously, if the penny hadn't dropped before, it has now. We have no money, we are in debt, it's damage limitation. The fact mccleish has admitted it would be hard to ask the owner for 10mill and were after 1 more player is clear as day that we are scraping the barrel. Very dipressing start to this season. I'm not going to Walsall tomorrow night but can we have a good match report please so atleast I can put my mind at rest to who is going to put some effort in this season. For me, the only highlights will be darren bent, shay given, some very heroic defending in some games and well that's it. That's my prediction as it stands for the season |
cuddy_sotc
said:
 |
... I was starting to think mcleish would take us somewhere when he signed given and.now he just shot.himself in the foot.... what a f****** idiot, 1 more signing, even I could make.more signings quicker and better than our club, we.need a.cb, lb, cm, and winger maybe vargas too.... the.hierarchy in our club, I.e. lerner and Faulkner are making our club a mockery, I don't mind because the krulak, even though he does sound like a soviet dictator |
Sasa
said:
|
... Taglor I am a big Lerner fan. He put us back on the map when we were on our last legs. I'm pissed off now because ironically it was him that came in and raised the bar. Think 1 day before O'Leary left, if were in that state as of today, no-one would be that pissed as we knew we had a s**t team, s**t manager (well a manager that had every sap of energy drained by Herbert) and a chairman who would include wages when he announced a transfer amount. We were bascially f**ked. It'd be a bit brutal to only measure Lerner on what we've won, he's provided the dollar, just needed to pick the right manager in 2006. Most were happy with MON, but in reality anything over D'OL would've been called the messiah at the time. I don't see many folk looking to buy Villa, there was that QC bloke and his consortium, and the ex-Man City player who were interested, but they had loose change compared to Lerner. Randy has earned the right to be able to just about get away with this horrendous decision to hire McLeish (something Deadly would never had done). It's the idiots around him on the Board that don't help. |
.vogra
said:
|
... Quote from Darren Bent in the Daily Mail today "Everyone wants to play in the top competition, which is the Champions League.' hmmm, wonder what's going to happen if he has a great season...bye bye |
villarobin
said:
 |
... i said this last year , the only way we will have a chance of breaking the top 4 is to bring our own team through. We cant attract the top players and we cant pay the wages. We need at least 4 5 6 7 homegrown players . Its not been done since fergie did it but we should give it a go. It may fail but hopefully shouldnt result in relegation.. |
paco
said:
|
... Damian.... Is the dissident an angry ex girlfriend? Lol.... I think i'll safely say even if an ounce of that blog was true no one gives a toss to be honest. If I ran a blog or owned web assesses I'd make money too. If me posting a comment, having banter with others and reading other peoples views which i enjoy makes you money then fair play to you. It's called a business mind. Actually, I don't suppose you want to buy a football club do you? Ha ha |
Damian
said:
|
... paco im not sure if he or she is an ex but i think they are most definitely my bitch now but they have hidden their name and email address ... so what am i supposed to do but i have removed the comment only because it was clearly not related to the post above so anyone thinking paco was mad, commenting on something that nobody else understood, he wasn't |
Raz
said:
|
... I'll put my bank card details on this blog with the pin number if darren bent sees out his footballing days playing for Aston villa. He'll be next on the conveyor belt. It's gonna get alot worse before it gets better |
ianm
said:
 |
... What a tedious nonsensical rant from someone who isn't even fractionaly as intelligent as they believe themselves to be. The bible referances (Proverbs 26:1-11) were just copy and pasted for effect then the rest of the babbble degenerated into poorly constructed and unpunctuated drivel. What was the point of such a cowardly snide attack? |
paul1969
said:
|
... Rumour in the Telegraph N'Zogbia plans to go on strike!.. Didnt think it would take too long for him to get impatient. If this is true, then N'Zogbia will have to put in a transfer request, saving Whelan some money. This was always going to be his aim. Force N'Zogbia into a transfer request whilst trying to drive up the price. Like Villa did with Downing. Wouldnt have mattered if we had bid 9mil or 12mil it would still have played out like this in my opinion. |
RonnieBiggsakatheRioVillan
said:
|
... Apparently we're interested in Corluka, could do worse as he can play fullback or centreback... remember a couple of seasons back when AYoung was terrorizing a flash fullback and Arry switched it up at half time and stuck Corluka on him and that was the end of AYoung for that match. According to Benty, Ireland and Warnock are both flying in training and would be great if they came good this year,like two new signings. Warnock was terrific in his first season bombing down the wing then after the injury, shin splints I believe, he was never the same that season or since. Let's hope they're both rejuvenated, would be a big boost! |
paul1969
said:
|
... Ronnie - Yeah, I remember that game!.. good defender but I just think with Young and Lichaj with have decent options there at the moment, even with Cuellar if he stays. Good to hear that Ireland and Warnock are buzzing again. Both had their problems with Houllier, Warnocks goes right back to his Liverpool days. And maybe that was our big big probelm last year. Warnock and Freidl were bombed out by Houllier at Liverpool, Dunne and Collins had problems with him, so we had a massively unsettled back for all season and that showed! I think with AM there will be more unity and I think he will not try to put square pegs into round holes.. Young at right back and Warnock at left back for the first game of the season for me. |
Bahamavillan
said:
|
... taglor, you put Downing into your fantasy team?!?!?!?! Also, I didn't think we could look at each others teams until the first game of the season? If we sell Bent at the end of next season and make a handsome profit, we'll all be laughing. He's a fantastic player, but if we got £30-35 million, I don't think anyone could complain. |
FatkevsSs
said:
|
... but who is realistically going to come and buy the club? There are always people looking to buy clubs We have been downgraded from a steal when learner took advantage of Ellis with his bulls**t but people do buy clubs in a terrible mess We can only hope, the damage from this coming season will make it harder |
FatkevsSs
said:
|
...Lerner is a legend in my book, just badly advised. I have no idea on American Football but I've heard he has similar problems with the Browns, How can ruining two clubs make him a legend There is nothing remarkable in failing to compete |
Villa by birth
said:
|
... Bahamavillan Taglor has used him for all the assist that he will get for the gypo |
FatkevsSs
said:
|
... Rumour in the Telegraph N'Zogbia plans to go on strike!.. And we want a player that acts like that? |
Tristan
said:
|
... N'zogbia has always been a stroppy boy. Temperament like that comes with flare and creativity! He'll come, be dazzling, and leave in a storm. As the French say - it is life. Brace brace - incoming. |
Villa by birth
said:
|
... FatkevsSs probably just Whelan using it as a way to save face after no other clubs wanted to wade into his bidding war |
paul1969
said:
|
... Tristan - Ha.. I'm with you on that!.. will be very suprised if he doesnt come now... |
dazvilla
said:
|
... znog will be ours i think today or tomoz he realy wants to come to us which is great news |
Tristan
said:
|
...dazvilla said: Very much looking forward to it. Will be good to see our new signing/s; Given (Warnock and Ireland) |
.vogra
said:
|
... Are these reports true that N'Zog is going on strike?..If it is do we really want him?.. what happends if we sign him and he has a magnificent season and then Arsenal or Chelsea for example want him, how about he wants to go..will he go on strike with us? |
f****eFan
said:
 |
... dazvilla said:
Yep I'll be there! Lets see how many arm chair fans who are slating randy and are saying we're doomed for failure turn up! w****rs! |
RayK
said:
|
...vogra said: We sell him for £20m and move on. Get over it. |
f****eFan
said:
|
...Are these reports true that N'Zog is going on strike?..If it is do we really want him?.. what happends if we sign him and he has a magnificent season and then Arsenal or Chelsea for example want him, how about he wants to go..will he go on strike with us? Who gives a crap? It looks like we're finally about to sign him! Think positive my good man! |
taglor
said:
|
... f****e.fan you say armchair fans?? The ground holds so many thousands of people yet Villa have millions of fans. Are you saying all the millions that do not attend are fickl.e? |
f****eFan
said:
|
...f****e.fan you say armchair fans?? The ground holds so many thousands of people yet Villa have millions of fans. Are you saying all the millions that do not attend are fickl.e? Whatever mate! If I was saying let's all have a protest tonight you'd probably be supporting my comments. Unfortunately for all you doom and gloom merchants (Not saying you’re one of them kid, but it’s funny how you’ve piped up when the word f****e is mentioned), there are some villa fans who actually have faith. Blind faith? Maybe. You know what? I can’t be bothered. See you tonight lads!! |
Deke Dastardly
said:
 |
... No 4, 8 and 10 shirts were left vacant so I'm optimistic we have earmarked quality players who can step straight in at that level. Also No6 now of course. I know shirt no.s are a bit meaningless these days but there's still something special about holding down 1 - 11. Nothing irked me more than seeing Harewood wearing our No 9 shirt for three years, or not seeing more to the point. |
RayK
said:
|
... http://www.mirrorfootball.co.u...73291.html Funny if that lad Fofana that we tried to sign at Christmas ends up at Real Madrid. |
Father Ted
said:
 |
... I think the most important factor for us this season is that we have a striker who can score goals for fun and we have got him right from the start, as long as DB hits the ground running and he gets the service he will do well. Also, the Gk Given very happy with this signing he is a class keeper. Looking forward to some pleasant surprises this season feeling optimistic. UTV |
ak_27
said:
 |
...Funny if that lad Fofana that we tried to sign at Christmas ends up at Real Madrid. Wouldn't be funny at all as it would show that GH had the right idea and plan for this club long term. We could have got him for 1m if i remember correctly. And he plays in a position we now badly lack players in the squad. DM badly needed this summer. |
ak_27
said:
|
...Looking forward to some pleasant surprises this season feeling optimistic. If you look at the first 11, make the assumation that AM will sort the defense out, that he will sort the out the heads of Warnock, Dunne, Collins and Ireland, that he will also play a more attacking brand of football then he did at Birmingham then yes. That's a lot of hopeful thinking (which im also beginning to follow at the moment myself to be honest). But all it will take is a few injurys for it all to fall apart. We have massive gaps in this squad that we appartently are not going to address this summer and i fear it will cost us big time as the season goes on. |
Robbie
said:
|
... Worryingly positive words from DB9 today...'want to be here for the long haul', 'terrific football club', 'more than happy to be here and play for Aston Villa'. Only a Villa fan can see these comments and be worried, but I am. |
ak_27
said:
|
...it was a sarcastic funny..... Sorry missed that. I think i must be one fo the few that really wished we had GH for another season to see what could have happened. |
Father Ted
said:
|
... We dont need a massive squad of players to be fare. You know if we were actually going to put a squad together to try and win and compete on all fronts then you would have a point ak27. But the reality is we are not that team anymore if we ever have been, just look at the players that we have had thru the villa revolving doors recently how many of those players no matter how good they are actually helped us win anything - answer Zero. I think we have to be Shrewd and work within our means, buy players who actually want to play for us and be successful at our club. Success will come from a solid first team who respect each other and the gingerman calling the shots. |
.vogra
said:
|
... RayK Funny if that lad Fofana that we tried to sign at Christmas ends up at Real Madrid. Id probably laugh to be honest....then curse our luck evertime we see him play superbly for Madrid...we'll see |
davidc
said:
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...I think i must be one fo the few that really wished we had GH for another season to see what could have happened. Yup, you are |
ak_27
said:
|
... Father Ted ok here is the first senario i'll put to you. Makoun goes off to the ANC. Who do we have left to play as DM? Petrov? The guy who's legs have been gone for 2 years now? You think he will be better be fitter this season then last now he is another year older? Hogg - Sorry but not PL standard Delph - Has shown very little to say he can do this role. So basically we would be left wide open in this area and that is a key position on the park. Senario 2 - Bent get injured? What then? 3 - Albrigton or N'Zogbia get injured? 4 - Warnock is still as s**t as usual or gets injured?? Sorry but we are very very short in certain area's and it will come back to haunt us. |
mon 4-5-1
said:
 |
...RayK said: Yes funny that - don't let Droyd hear you say that, after all he thought Houllier was completely useless and did not know what he was doing. |
Deke Dastardly
said:
|
... To think Houllier was frustrated in his attempt to sign Fofana as his wages would be higher than our own emerging 'youngsters'. Wonder how many of them Real are sniffing around now. |
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