Written by Damian Tuesday, 12 January 2010 10:24
I've not looked for any speculation today as I'm starting to get the impression that some are actually giving up hope and that some have already given up hope, that we will bring in a real quality addition in January and from a conversation I had with someone last night, eggs seem to be getting placed in the Carling Cup basket. I know mine are.
Also, it wasn't me that questioned if the money was going to be available in January yesterday, it was Matty Kendrickson at the Birmingham Mail and I thought I made that clear as day. All I did was merely copy and paste his words, but I think we have to leave January now, until something happens.
But, to the Carling Cup and my statement that eggs seem to be getting placed in the basket of hope. I've got no issue with it, have you? Isn't football about winning silverware. It isn't about finishing fifth or playing in a tournament designed to keep us in check and very busy. Or maybe it is.
So, I'd happily give it all up for some silverware. Let West Ham win on Sunday, let's pick up the seven more victories that we are likely to get between now and the end of the season and let's finish exactly where we are now. If it means we can get silverware, surely, that is worth it. I mean, how many other teams are going to win silverware this season or this decade for that matter?
We are told that winning the League Cup will help us attract a higher calibre of player, so maybe, sacrificing our final position in the league to win silverware this season, will be worth it, as it will help us go higher next season.
The cynic in me says we shouldn't give up league position, that winning is habit forming, but half of me knows we haven't got a hope in finishing in the top four this season and that half of me wants us to win something. That half of me also worries that we seem to have put finishing in the top four on a pedestal and I don't like it, but I also don't like rain.
So, today isn't about that player that we are linked with or the targets set by Lerner or his expectations. It isn't about O'Neill and his ability. It is about the Carling Cup. I want to win this and we only have Blackburn to get past.
If we can get past Blackburn, anything is possible in the final and on our day, you just have to fancy that Martin O'Neill will get his players up for it. I'm not finished with the season, but I have, as of today, very firmly put all of my eggs in one basket.
We need to win the League Cup, if only for my sanity and a bloody good night out in London. So, on that, I'm going to go find a pub for the night before and the night of the final, because surely, we will get past Blackburn. Who fancies a beer?
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wkdvilla
said:
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... nice post damo, we need to win summin, its been to long and people keep mentioning 1996, which is now 14 years ago, and way way to long for a club of villa's size, in the naughties weve been woeful in the cups, so new decade, better run in the cups! |
Andi
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... " If we can get past Blackburn "  Come on its ours to lose, we have to much in the locker for Blackburn to cope with. This should be a regular occurrence, I should have a season ticket at Wembley due to the amount of finals we appear in, this is the season the tables turn I am positive of it !!! |
Chris Harper
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... Blackburn used to have the SAS, now we are going to have it.....'Silverware and SNOOD!' You know it makes sense!!  |
(uk3
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... Dude! Chill! It aint over till it's over! Rocky said that, so it must be true. You're sounding very defeated today, it makes for unpleasant reading. We are still in the chase for fourth, still in the FA cup and in the Carling cup semi's. This could be the best season we've had for years! Stay positive! Oh, and UP THE VILLA!! |
Damian
said:
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... Just in case .. there is a YouTube playlist here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...PL&index=2 Coca Cola Cup final 1994 |
John Samuels
said:
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... Why does winning the cup mean sacrificing our league position? It's only three games. Beating Brighton at home in the FA cup will start making things interesting too. We have a team that can beat anyone on it's day so you have to wonder whether a cup is a very strong possibility. I still think we will finish the league vey strongly this season. There are twn games we are certianly favourites to win in the second half and if we can take the odd point off the teams around us against the better opposition like Fulham, Arsenal, Spurs and Citeh we can seriously still hang on to the dream of fininshing fourth. Those ten wins will put us on 68 points and with a couple of tough draws or the odd win against a top side I reckon 70 or so points should be enough this season to give us a realistic tilt at top four. Honestly Damian, this team is capable of more than 7 wins between now and the end of the season. |
Rattus NorVillicus
said:
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... This is more like it Damo (or is it ? am I detecting a hint of sarcasm ?) Blackburn used to have the SAS, now we are going to have it.....'Silverware and SNOOD!'Time to get on the Snood Train Damo People all over the world (everybody) Join hands (join) Start a Snood train, Snood train People all over the world (all the world, now) Join hands Start a Snood train , Snood train The next stop that we make will be Blackburn Tell all the folks in B6, and Wembley, too Don't you know that it's time to get on board And let this Snood train keep on riding, riding on through |
Andi
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...Honestly Damian, this team is capable of more than 7 wins between now and the end of the season. in the words of Alexandra Burke "Alluah" positivity |
Damian
said:
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... Juan Pablo Angel we will have to see how many we win. i'm only going on last season and the season before and the managers win record all i'm saying is, as long as we win the league cup - nothing else will matter because football is about winning things and for me, as long as we win silverware - nothing else matters i cant see us getting top four and while you can say we are favourites to win games if we were to win the 10 of the remaining 18 games then you are expecting martin o'neill to suddenly put nearly 50% on his win record as manager of aston villa (equalling the win record of sir alex fersuon at man utd) and you are also not factoring in the likes of liverpool, spurs and manchester city 4th, is possible. much like winning the league is still possible |
Andi
said:
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...Hallelujah! Chiefy the first SNOOD goes to J Positivity A for correctly identifying my spelling mistake THANKS A LOT MATE !!! |
robb david
said:
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... It is becoming increasingly clear that our chance of getting into the top four collapsed last january. Just think where we would be know if last january, arsenal had brought in the hesk and we had brought in arshavin. This conversation would read something like: Should we rest players in the carling cup to concentrate on our impending champions league matchs against real madrid. Two which half of us would say 'we cant win the european cup, but we can win the carling cup, all out for the carling cup'. The other half of us would be saying 'No champions league is everything, it raises the clubs foriegen profile, it will bring in more money so we can attract more world calss players like arshavin, and van persie (who we brought in the summer exodus from arsenal as they hadnt made it into the champions league)' Instead because we brought the hesk, and arsenal brough arshavin, they are thinking about winning the league this year, where as our only hope of any progression from last year is to win the carling cup. My eggs are too in the carling cup, because climbing to forth looks like an mountain of everest proportions, Man city brought the correct equiptment, hired the best guides, and then started to climb, we on the other hand are trying to limp up the hill with a pair of rockports on, an old walking stick, and a tent with a hole in it. fortunatly we have a guide who is fabulous at bodging together useless bit of equiptment into something that can occasionaly bring us hope of getting to the top, but ultimatly is held together by gaffer tapeand a few rusty nails. |
John Samuels
said:
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...we will have to see how many we win. i'm only going on last season and the season before and the managers win record I know where you're coming from Damian. I just see it like this: Firstly, we have the best squad we've had under O'Neill and this really renders his win percentage for Villa redundant up until now because it was a different team with less options, which you have to agree with. Secondly, We have already amassed 38 points over 20 games including a few unlucky draws we could and should have won and a few defeats we should have drawn. We have to play the same teams we've already had to play so I don't see why the negativity. Thirdly, I think you will also agree the way we play has improved since the beginning of the season with the introduction of Downing, Milner proving he can do a job in the middle and Ash putting in a few better performances recently. Fourthly? We have the best back five we've had since the Gregory days of Bosnich, Ugo, Gareth and co and we have as good a chance as anyone of mounting a charge in the second half of the season. All it will take is a win in March to show the players they can do it and confidence could very well snowball. We have some tough games but they are broken up by runs of less challenging ones and I sincerely believe there are a lot of winnable points out there for us if we can keep going. The lower teams have been a problem recently like they were last season and if we can beat them consistently as we did just before xmas we only have to worry about the head to heads with the teams around us. Trips to the lane and the City of Manchester will be key, as well as home games to Arse and Man U. These could be huge. |
Jonesy
said:
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... Damo im down for a pint c u there lol. But seriously Damo If we got to the final and won it, I would not care if we finished 15th if it meant we put everything in finishing fourth for the last three months of the season. What does everybody think we won the cup which guareentees us a Europa Cup place which will then give us the springboard to make an assault on the top four. Where the likes of Spurs, Man City, maybe Liverpool wiil be looking over their shoulders and think about the Europa Cup places. So obviously winning the cup is a priority, but I don't think we should give up on 4th just yet. |
Andi
said:
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...Man city brought the correct equiptment, hired the best guides, and then started to climb, we on the other hand are trying to limp up the hill with a pair of rockports on, an old walking stick, and a tent with a hole in it. fortunatly we have a guide who is fabulous at bodging together useless bit of equiptment into something that can occasionaly bring us hope of getting to the top, but ultimatly is held together by gaffer tapeand a few rusty nails. Brilliant although I don't agree myself credit where credit is due and that is very funny |
Damian
said:
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... Juan Pablo Angel We are on 35 points - 3 points worse off than this time last season and while I think the play has improved, there were times last season when I thought the same. So, for the better squad and better football, we are actually worse off than last season despite the team at the top having exactly the same amount of points at this time last season. To top it all off, there has been so much talk this season of the teams at the top dropping more points. I'd love it, just love it however, if we finished fourth. All I am doing today, is putting my expectations on my sleeve. For me, this season is now about a Wembley final and a picking up silverware. Despite wanting to finish fourth or even fifth however, I don't get excited about finishing fourth or fifth, I'd just like to see improvement on the last two seasons. But - 18 games left. We will see what happens. |
John Samuels
said:
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... That's more like it Damian. Chiefy, I have one for you. My old man tells a story about when he was a kid. He lived on the coast and used to go fishing a lot. I have adapted it for you. One day two guys from the big (Man) city came down with loads of fishing gear and a flash boat etc and went out into the channel to fish. Their rods were the best money could buy, they had all the best rigs and reels and bait. After about three hours they'd caught no mackerel whatsoever. My old man and his mate who were about 11, were in shorts and bare feet in an old rotting dinghy, fishing with hand lines old hooks and tin foil. The city slickers had to watch as my old man was reeling in fish after fish after fish. The moral is that it doesn't matter if you've spent money on the best equipment, it's more about knowing your environment and what is required to succeed. |
Andi
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...The moral is that it doesn't matter if you've spent money on the best equipment, it's more about knowing your environment and what is required to succeed. Nice !! like that, like that a lot, another SNOOD for JPA ! |
John Samuels
said:
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...
So would I. If the lad establishes himself in the England side and they do well he could be in a position to ask for a lot more money from the club. It doesn't mean he won't sign a new one (I believe he has a couple of years left anyway) it just means he has a good agent. Also very astute of the club to try and get him on a new one at a modest wage before the tournament. |
Damian
said:
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... Juan Pablo Angel that is a great story about catching mackerel, but we are in the premier league fishing for sharks |
John Samuels
said:
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...Nice !! like that, like that a lot, another SNOOD for JPA ! I'm racking them up now! |
John Samuels
said:
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...that is a great story about catching mackerel, but we are in the premier league fishing for sharks If the league cup is Mackerel, then i'd like to see anyone catch it with Gerry Taggart involved. |
Andi
said:
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... on the subject of little stories and morals this one relates to MAN UTD, Liverpool, Man Citeh and Chelski: One day a bird was flying south for the winter when its wings froze and it fell to the floor, along came a fox didnt see the bird but did a big fat steaming dump right on top of him. The heat from the dump made his wings come free, with all the noise and movement a bear cam over cleared the dump away and ate the bird. Now the moral is whoever gets you in the s"£t is not necessarily you enemy but some one that gets you out the s"£t is not necessarily you friend  |
robb david
said:
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... But JPA the big city boys came down with the right equiptment the best boat, the works but had a terrible captain who would wildly steer the boat with no real direction of knowledge of what he was doing. The city boys see this as a problem and through the captain overboard, then bringing a new captain who has had muc success in other fishing ponds. This new captain is a wise (if not particully old) bloke, and he imediatly secures the help of a younger vice captain, who knows the waters, has had much success on this very fish pond. This new vice captain learnt from one of the best if not the best captain to ever sail in this fish pond. Our poor captain who was doing a stearling job leaning over the side of the boat and bludgening the fish with a large hesky shaped batton could only look on, tears in his eyes as the big city boys rammed his inflatable dingy into the rocks and their new captian began to real in hundreads of tasty fish. |
PaulMcGrathsGoneAWOL
said:
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... Ti be honest 5th or 6th does it matter? If we cant/dont finish 4th then we may as well finish 15th. So yes the cup competetions are everything, but on the other hand we had 35 points after 18 games. Double that and we have 70 points which may be enough to get 4th. The last time we won the league we got 60 points. Last season that would have got us 5th but in 06/07 wo points would have gotten us third. |
robb david
said:
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... JUst to put the record straight im not particulaly unhappy about the team, squad, management anything at the club, just a little disheartend after watching city in three of their last four games, and if we all look deep in our most optimistic of hearts we would all agree they have played better football than we have all year. They will score goals, lots of goals, and mancini seems to have found a way to stop them leaking in at the back, they look like a really, really good side. |
John Samuels
said:
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... ron, Because the new captain was so hasty to appoint hisnew vice captain from another pond he overlooked several of his own crew who would have been able to do an excellent job. The captain of the poor old fishing boat gave them a chance and didn't have to pay them very much money. The poor boat began to catch just as many fish and eventually ran the new captain off the pond with his own crew. |
Adrian Kilgallon
said:
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... I would love to win something but if we have a bad finish to this season again in the league and win the Carling cup that is not a get of out jail free card for Mr O'Neill. It would be great to win this cup but lets face it it would be down to lucky draws and the top teams not playing their first teams. The league is the measurement of our progress under MON and nothing else. |
John Samuels
said:
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...The league is the measurement of our progress under MON and nothing else. So the fact we haven't won anything since 1996 is fine then? |
robb david
said:
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... The new captain was careful he looked around his boat and saw that they missing an experienced navigator, so he went to possibly the best navigator ever to sail on the pond and begged him to come and work for him. The new captain did occasionaly look over at the poor mans boat, thinking to himself what a t*** that old captain was, throwing a truley world class leak reapair man over board, only to be saved by our old and wise captain, who gladly through an over paid, lazy, ex vice captain back to the old big city captain, laughing as when the old captain dragged him in from the water he spilt money all over the pond that our wise old captain scooped up. The moral of this tale is that if you pay peanuts you get monkeys, but equally no matter how many peanuts you pay a monkey, its still just a fat over payed monkey. |
Adrian Kilgallon
said:
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... Nope but the league tells us far more then a Carling cup win does and you know it. Like i said i would love it if we won it and we (the fans) deserve it, but what does it really tell us about this team? Im saying this as i can see a few already lining up this escape avenue for MON if we start to falter from here on in. In the grand schemes of things whilest i would love to win this comp it stands for very little in real terms. |
paul mclafferty
said:
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... i think realism is starting to sink in with many bloggers on here now, maybe that is a good thing as people can lighten up a bit when we lose a game, too many people wrote of man city and spuds early on in the season because they didnt want to believe money was going to win things! but the real fact is IT DOES. so now the claret and blue blinkers are comming of and realisation that we might not get top four is sinking in fast. at the beginning of the season i said we would finish in the top 8 and win a cup and i am getting closer to my prediction, i also said because of the good and improved teams this season then it would also still be a step forward under o'niell.. |
John Samuels
said:
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...The moral of this tale is that if you pay peanuts you get monkeys, but equally no matter how many peanuts you pay a monkey, its still just a fat over payed monkey. ak, I think both are good yard sticks of our progress. To win a cup would really give our players a boost, would help us keep the good ones we have and also help attract others to our club. The league is obviously very important, the most important in fact, but don't trivialise silverware. I think we have more than enough to keep going in both competitions and even the FA cup too. |
Chris Harper
said:
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...The moral of this tale is that if you pay peanuts you get monkeys, but equally no matter how many peanuts you pay a monkey, its still just a fat over payed monkey. Ha ha I love these little stories!! |
paul mclafferty
said:
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... after we beat brighton, which we will, we will be in the 5th round and a good draw could see us suddenly smelling wembley again!!!! |
Chris Harper
said:
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... We were going to have a BBQ summer and we got rain, we were going to have a mild,wet winter......we've got the big freeze. The moral of my story is, its difficult to predict what will happen in the future. Keep the faith people, we can still achieve this season! |
Adrian Kilgallon
said:
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... JPA im not trivialising it. Im just not also making it out to be a huge achievement for this club either. Its a very winnable compeition for a club like ours(especially considering the money we have put into it over the last 4 years its the least we could expect in a way). The top 4 don't play their full teams and we got nice draws (bar Sunderland away). Really tells us every little bar if we beat a City side in the final perhaps. also help attract others to our club. Have been hearing this statement said about everything since MON joined. First it was about getting into Europe and then it was about consolidating our place in the league. Money attracts the players and i can't see too many top plyers being swayed by a carling cup win to be honest. Not too many outside of these shores even know about this competition. A Carling cup win is more for the fans then anything and i will be judging MON on where and how we finish in the league and nothing else. |
Car Frost
said:
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...So, I'd happily give it all up for some silverware. Let West Ham win on Sunday, .... If it means we can get silverware, surely, that is worth it. I mean, how many other teams are going to win silverware this season or this decade for that matter? I sense sarcasm Damian following some of yesterdays replies. To be honest 5th or 6th does it matter? If we cant/dont finish 4th then we may as well finish 15th Prize money, player pulling power? |
tubbydunne
said:
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... A cup run requires a bit of luck and a few kind draws and suddenly you are in a semi final and you can smell Wembley. What started out as just the Carling Cup now gives us a chance of a big day out and the possibility of Silverware for the players the majority of whom have sod all. It's a welcome bonus in a season and has to be savored and enjoyed when it comes around. So if we make the final and remember two legs against Blackburn isn't a given go out and enjoy it and don't fret as it can only have a positive effect on what so far has been a very encouraging season. I can't understand this eggs in one basket mentality, we are having another good season, progression from last season is evident. It's the best of times in years to be a Villa supporter but still some people on here talking in tones of impending doom. UTV and best of luck in the semi's lads afterall a good slice of it is needed in a cup run. |
John Samuels
said:
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...Have been hearing this statement said about everything since MON joined. First it was about getting into Europe and then it was about consolidating our place in the league. I'm sure european football was a draw in enticing the likes of Warnock, Dunne and Downing to the club last summer. Qualifying for European football consistently, gives the impression of progress. Likewise if we win a cup and qualify for the europa again it may help in bringing another one or two players who are that little level above the average prem player like the few we already have. It may especially appeal to foreign players who have a limited knowledge of the league cup and see a cup win as a cup win and not a waste of time as you do ak. |
John Samuels
said:
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... We haven't even got there yet anyway and what makes you so sure that Man City will get there?? When we beat the team they have everyone was banging on about how it's only Stoke etc. When they do it they're suddenly title contenders. Give me strength. |
keith
said:
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... ak if we should win the cup based on the money we spent over the last 4 years i hope we dont meet citeh |
PaulMcGrathsGoneAWOL
said:
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...
Does it though? Will VDV Huntalaar Defour or anyone else come to us just because we finish 5th. Surely they will just look at the league and say there are 4 better clubs I could join. Outside the top 4 I dont think one club has an more pulling power than any other, other than club history, fan base or manager. And prize money must be less than a couple of £m either way probably less than we gave up by giving away our shirt sponsor. |
Rios.Jockstrap
said:
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... I know some really cool pubs in North London for a pre and post victory knees-up. And we will be made welcome too |
Adrian Kilgallon
said:
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...and not a waste of time as you do ak Your getting defensive JPA. Where above did i ever say that it is a waste of time? I said i would love to win it but its the league that is the real yardstick not the this cup. Like i aid im saying this as a few are already making statememts that who cares whjere we finsih if we win this cup. That annoys me. League position is the number one for me and it is what MON should be judged on at the end of this season. We haven't even got there yet anyway and what makes you so sure that Man City will get there?? When we beat the team they have everyone was banging on about how it's only Stoke etc. When they do it they're suddenly title contenders. Give me strength I said City because they will play their fisrt team in the final if they get there. Man Utd will more then likely not do that. Therefore beating a city first 11 in a final would be a better result then beating a (faltering) 2nd string Utd team. It has nothing to do with their current results in the PL but i really don't see us finishing ahead of City. |
Andi
said:
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... lets all chill and take minute to reflect on SNOODS and there importance in the modern game |
Vijay Daryanani
said:
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... Ive been saying all along that as long as we win the Carling Cup it doesnt really matter if we finish 6 or 7th, cos we're not going to finish in the top 4! No signings this Jan, summer is where Lerner will show if he really meant CL football in 5 years, or is he just another liar yank!! |
Rios.Jockstrap
said:
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... Kalishnikov said Money attracts the players and i can't see too many top plyers being swayed by a carling cup win to be honest. Not too many outside of these shores even know about this competition. Blooming heck mate, cheer up! I know what your saying but dont you think a victory against Manure in a cup final, that is backed up by a high league placing a signal to players that we are starting to establish ourselves, and that we might be a decent club to jion? Throw in a good FA CUP run aswell, and why not? |
John Samuels
said:
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...Like i aid im saying this as a few are already making statememts that who cares whjere we finsih if we win this cup. Well I can't say i'm one of them. I think we are wll placed to do well in all the competitions we are in at the moment. City are going well at the moment and are considered shoe ins for fourth by some, but before xmas it was us and before us it was Spurs. The likliehood is it will end up being fu**ing Pool. There are a lot of game sbetween now and the end of the season and who knows what will happen. If we finish lower than sixth I will be disappointed, but a cup will ease the disappointment. We shouldn't underestimate how good our team is though. We've done very well to be where we are at this stage of the season and now we need to kick on and win some games. West Ham will be tricky, but they don't travel well and then we have two huge games in Man U and Spurs. Wouldn't you love it if Man U dropped out of the top four!!! Ha ha. |
Adrian Kilgallon
said:
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... By the way i would still take far more enjoyment from beating a 2nd string Utd team in a final then beating City. |
John Samuels
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...By the way i would still take far more enjoyment from beating a 2nd string Utd team in a final then beating City. |
Adrian Kilgallon
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...Wouldn't you love it if Man U dropped out of the top four!!! Ha ha. It would be a dream come true for me. They really are a shadow of the team they used to be at the moment. Still though they won't drop out of top 4. Im not sure Liverpool have it in them to get 4th if Torres and Gerard are really in need of surgery. Also if they do need ops surely both international managers will try and force them to do so asap with the WC approaching? Right now i think City will take that 4th position. |
robb david
said:
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... Chiefy said: ... lets all chill and take minute to reflect on SNOODS and there importance in the modern game As i suggested earlier, its all about climbing mountains, i defy you to climb a mountain with out a snood. JPA told us it was all about fishing, well its common angling knowledge that all the great fisherman use snoods to keep the cold see air out. I summary without at least one player wearing a snood, we will never climb the mountain, or catch many fish, thus rendering us to a mid-table mediocrity. |
Andi
said:
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...I summary without at least one player wearing a snood, we will never climb the mountain, or catch many fish, thus rendering us to a mid-table mediocrity Tomorrows head line " Premier Club Invest Transfer Budget in SNOODS " today it has been revealed that MON has spent the entire transfer budget and offered EMULE to Laura's Fashinon's in Erdington in return for 32 SNOODS including a rare bullet proof one for SALIFOU. |
Car Frost
said:
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... As it's so quiet thought I'd post list, it's a list of our worst players over the past 10 years according to the Birmingham Mail .. Claret and B-losers: Gabor Kiraly; Aaron Hughes, Didier Agathe, Liam Ridgewell, Najwan Ghrayib; Wayne Routledge, Moustapha Salifou, Mathieu Berson, Eric Djemba Djemba; Bosko Balaban, Milan Baros Chiefy I'd have a word mate Salifous in there and Heskey doesn't even get a mention! |
robb david
said:
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... Breaking report: Early reports suggest that after Aston Villa's record investment into snoods book makers have slashed the odds of the premiership outfit winning the premier league to 11/46 on. A representative from paddy power remarked that 'with a paddy in charge and at centre back, they were alwasy going in with a shout. But with this unprecidented level of investment it is impossible to make them favorites for the league, the league cup, fa cup, the world cup and of course the african cup of nations.' On another related note a new favorite to win the african cup of nations has emerged, Mustafa Salifou has been seen with a rare bullet proof snood, which has resulted in biblical amounts of money being placed on togolease international to win the cup on his own. Salifou commented 'Its a dream come true, not only am i safe from gun fire but i can also realise my dream of dislodging lional messi from the worlds best player accolade.' Lional Messi was caught leaving barceona's training pitch: 'It's just not fair how can anyone compete with this level of snoodery, espesially in spain, its just too hot' |
Chris Harper
said:
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...Breaking report:reports suggest that after Aston Villa's record investment into snoods book makers have slashed the odds of the premiership outfit winning the premier league to 11/46 on. A representative from paddy power remarked that 'with a paddy in charge and at centre back, they were alwasy going in with a shout. But with this unprecidented level of investment it is impossible to make them favorites for the league, the league cup, fa cup, the world cup and of course the african cup of nations.' Jesus, this break of football is really going to our head now!! |
Andi
said:
|
...Chiefy I'd have a word mate Salifous in there and Heskey doesn't even get a mentio what does the mail know ? i mean come on hughes did a job i thought not the best but did what he was asked and as for putting SALIFOU in there its ok when he sees it he will go and take his revenge on the writer of the piece SALIFOU is a modern day legend and the sooner the media realises this the sooner MON can give him some game time, if he was to do it now SALIFOU would be like tazmanian devil and people could get hurt, MON is the only person ever to see SALIFOU's skills because they are that immense only MON's eyes can take it all in !!! |
Andi
said:
|
...Najwan Ghrayib I met this guy at the away coaches park at the villa he was the man remember him hahahahah HASAN KACHOUL |
Chris Harper
said:
|
...Najwan Ghrayib? I can't even remember him. Where did he come out of? His mother?? |
Chris Harper
said:
|
... Apparently he was the best Left back our chief scout had ever seen and you can't even remember him! |
Andi
said:
|
... livingston turned him down and he had a trial at Derby and they didnt want him either !!! you no things have got bad when things like that start happening |
James Clift
said:
 |
... I was at both final's in 94 & 96. I was 16 in 96 and so got drunk before the game and had a laugh but it was so long ago I've forgot how good it was. This year at the grand old age of 30 feels like its my year, to go to Wembley as an adult, with my adult friends, watch the mighty Villa win the cup and party for a week. Thursday can't come round quick enough. |
John Samuels
said:
|
...livingston turned him down and he had a trial at Derby and they didnt want him either !!! you no things have got bad when things like that start happening We won the fight with Ipswich Town to sign him!! Ha ha ha |
Adrian Kilgallon
said:
|
...Apparently he was the best Left back our chief scout had ever seen and you can't even remember him I hope that scout no longer works for our club. |
Andi
said:
|
...I hope that scout no longer works for our club. Although I love him ........... SALIFOU !!! I think he is still there add to that EMULE and it looks like he has been promoted never mind still there |
paul mclafferty
said:
|
... ronrabbit.... very funny what kind of team did big sam put out last night? if he was thinking ahead for thursday then it kind of takes the shine off the man city win me thinks. |
Andi
said:
|
...what kind of team did big sam put out last night? if he was thinking ahead for thursday then it kind of takes the shine off the man city win me thinks Robinson 4 Samba 3 Warnock 2 Jacobsen 5 Givet 12 Pedersen 15 N'Zonzi 17 Andrews 9 Roberts 18 Diouf 10 McCarthy |
Andi
said:
|
...what kind of team did big sam put out last night? if he was thinking ahead for thursday then it kind of takes the shine off the man city win me thinks. 1 Robinson 2 Jacobsen 4 Samba 5 Givet 6 Nelsen 7 Emerton 8 Dunn 12 Pedersen 15 N'Zonzi 17 Andrews 26 di Santo |
Chris Harper
said:
|
...I hope that scout no longer works for our club. smilies/cheesy.gif 1998-2002 apparently....we're safe. |
John Samuels
said:
|
... Didn't their exceptional LB sign for that Villa side? You know that excellent team in Birmingham. |
Andi
said:
|
... Fat Sam reckons he will struggle to pick a side says he has lots of injuries !!! Shame that |
paul mclafferty
said:
|
... chiefy.. that looks to be their strongest team just add diouf and i think it is, so we should be too fresh for them on thursday!! |
Andi
said:
|
... Now I dont want to seem cocky or over confident but when you compare their team to Brad (either) Young/ Beye Collins/Cuellar Dunne Warnock Young Milner Petrov/Coker Downing Gabby/Fonz Carew/Mule can you remind me why you are worrying ????? along with the fact blackburn have not won in 9 lost 5 and drawn 4 JPA confidence my friend |
Andi
said:
|
...that looks to be their strongest team just add diouf and i think it is, so we should be too fresh for them on thursday!! Skysports some of them took some knocks and fat sam worrying about if he can pick a team |
Chris Harper
said:
|
...Skysports some of them took some knocks and fat sam worrying about if he can pick a team Pancho will join me in this one....... WOOP WOOP! |
Andi
said:
|
... Can we also take into account the rest our lot have had and the hammering the northern fairies of had....... MY GOD IF WE LOSE THIS SOME ONE HIS GONNA GET F"£$££D and have their SNOODS taken away |
John Samuels
said:
|
...Skysports some of them took some knocks and fat sam worrying about if he can pick a team 'Ok Sam, first you'll need a goalkeeper. Paul is good at going in goal so why not put him down'. 'Now, next you're going to need a defence. Gael, Chris, Ryan and Michel are all good around that area of the pitch so why not pick those four'. 'That's right, use the blue crayon, blue for Blackburn, that's right'. 'What's that'? 'You need to potty'? Doesn't know if he can pick a team? The mind games have already begun!!! |
Andi
said:
|
... Togo bus attack update : Over 300 shots and only 3 on target....Angolan Police reported sightings of someone believed to be Emile Heskey leaving the scene couldnt resist |
John Samuels
said:
|
... To coin Badger's turn of phrase, If we can't go and get a win at Ewood park when they haven't won in nine and got carved open by Micah can't tackle, then someone needs F**king!!  |
John Samuels
said:
|
...jpa.... Oh, b*ll*x! Of course he was. I am officially a numpty.  |
John Samuels
said:
|
...Togo bus attack update : Over 300 shots and only 3 on target....Angolan Police reported sightings of someone believed to be Emile Heskey leaving the scene couldnt resist = Tea on the keyboard. |
Andi
said:
|
...The mind games have already begun!! My god its Blackburn, Fat Sam and the Carling Cup the only thing Fat Sam has on his mind is 9 games 5 loses and 4 draws, who does he think he is SAF, he had a big job got them relegated and is now back where he should be, bit late for him to start MIND GAMES |
Adrian Kilgallon
said:
|
...If we can't go and get a win at Ewood park when they haven't won in nine and got carved open by Micah can't tackle, then someone needs F**king!! Yes Chiefy for jinxing us.  Chris will do the f**king (the old jokes are the best). |
Andi
said:
|
... I got my SNOOD ready for Thursday I will be there and I fully expect us to hammer them, I reckon when we get to the final and we are beating city or utd not fused who with 1min to go SALIFOU should make a cameo it would be nice for the lad |
Rios.Jockstrap
said:
|
... AK I hope that scout no longer works for our club I can safely assure you that he does not. He does however still attend games at Villa Park after being promoted to Club President. |
Chris Harper
said:
|
...Chris will do the f**king (the old jokes are the best) Certainly, I personally will blame Megan Fox for the loss |
Andi
said:
|
...He does however still attend games at Villa Park after being promoted to Club President knew he would have been kept on in some form |
Adrian Kilgallon
said:
|
...SALIFOU should make a cameo it would be nice for the lad Would love to see that. And then he goes on a Ricky Villa run and scores. |
Rios.Jockstrap
said:
|
... Chiefy said got my SNOOD ready for Thursday I will be there and I fully expect us to hammer them, I just hope your not the first one on here Thursday night calling for the Gaffers head Theres optimism and then theres the blind faith optimism that tells us that Heskey will score a Hatrick. Thankfully you have not said that yet, so there is still hope that you may not have jinxed our whole evening |
Andi
said:
|
...Would love to see that. just think it would be nice for him, not been the best start to the year and the fact that some numpty signed him for Villa and he doesnt looklike remotely getting a game any time soon think it would be a nice thing to do, might push his value up past the packet of space invaders to include a panda pop as well |
Chris Harper
said:
|
...packet of space invaders to include a panda pop as well Ha ha my dream combination walking home from school!! Surely he's worth a couple of tip tops too? |
Andi
said:
|
...Surely he's worth a couple of tip tops too? you will get a cold in this weather but if thats what it takes ! |
Andi
said:
|
...Heskey will score a Hatrick. refer you to Togo bus attack update : Over 300 shots and only 3 on target....Angolan Police reported sightings of someone believed to be Emile Heskey leaving the scene couldnt resist 3 on target it all comes together. Heskey score 3 never mind in one game never!!!! 0-2 Thursday i can feel it |
dave210
said:
 |
... http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/h...453055.stm listen to that comedy gold, although I do agree with what is being said by Savage in the link |
John Samuels
said:
|
... Just over halfway and the signs are good. So, half the season is done. It’s flown by hasn’t it? Back in the summer, during the final few days of the transfer window there was much disappointment at the signings we’d made. A veteran, a relative unknown and three best of the rests were seen as what was needed by our chap in charge. There wasn’t a huge amount of optimism here after the Wigan game, although I say that as if it’s usually all sunshine and gum drops on here and the reality is wholly different (Where the h*ll is Taglor?). I wonder if, back in August, had Docter Emmet Brown pulled up in his Delorian and whilst uttering the immortal words ‘Great Scott’, begged us feast our eyes on a picture of the table with eighteen games to go; mentioned we were still in both cups and looking forward to a semi final against the weakest team left in the competition, would we have been as disappointed as many seem to be. For an optimist I try and be realistic and objective as possible and things really don’t appear as bleak as some would make out from where I’m watching. It appears that we are currently suffering from what I’ll coin as ‘transfer window blues’. Every window there seems to be a huge desire to sign someone, anyone, the final piece of the puzzle, the marquee signing. I don’t think it’s as simple as that. I am going to regurgitate something I touched on yesterday as many seem to forget where we were three seasons ago, who was playing for us then and constantly undermine the quality of the great players we have playing for us at the moment. We were relying on players like Jay Lloyd Samuel, Gabor Kiraly, Gavin McCann, Shaun Maloney, Craig Gardner. Now I know there are some players from that period that are still dear to many for whatever reason, but were they really good enough? I believe that the majority of our current side are good enough. The back four are excellent. The goalkeepers are excellent. Our midfield is close to being excellent and I think most will agree that if we could get Heskey and Carew in Jeff Goldblum’s Fly machine together, a world class centre forward called Johmile Creskew might pop out the other end. We are on the way gentlemen. There is half the season left and people are already writing us off, and let them. The underdog tag suits us. Everyone expects us to do what we usually do and capitulate (even we do), and that is why given our strong position in the league our excellent progress in the league cup and our good draw in the FA cup we continue to get sidelined by fans, pundits and everyone under the sun. What if we don’t capitulate? What if we gather more points in the second half of the season than we did in the first? We’re capable of it aren’t we? We haven’t hit top gear yet have we? We’ve seen flashes of it sure, but what if the Villa machine suddenly starts working properly like we all wish it would?. All I know is that the squad is bigger, deeper, stronger and maybe even better than last seasons despite losing two key personnel. I don’t feel we have to sign someone to have a successful season and despite being a second rate competition to some, I can assure you that should we win the league cup this season it may well be very important for the progression of this football club. It’s a very important couple of weeks for us, but if we get to this time next month and we’re in the final of the Cup, the fifth round of the FA cup and still three points off fourth place I for one am going to start getting very excited indeed. Also, I just wanted to say I am very proud of the way the club have reacted to the incident in Angola and wanted to wish Moussie all the best and let him know that he has our support and condolences. I sincerely hope all those injured physically or otherwise pull through. Can we start a collection for that bullet proof Snood? |
Stan Balaban
said:
 |
... This is the difference between us fans and the people associated with the club. Whilst some of us are already predicting who we'll be facing in the final, MON I'm sure will not even be mentioning Wembley. We have as cup game against Blackburn first, a league game against West Ham, a cup game against Blackburn etc.... The old adage of taking one game at a time. Secondly, why do we see a cup run and a push for the league as two mutually exclusive events??? Will VDV Huntalaar Defour or anyone else come to us just because we finish 5th. Surely they will just look at the league and say there are 4 better clubs I could join. Whilst some are banging on about the raising of the club's profile by winning the cup, do you honestly believe that "players are looking at the league"? Agents are the biggest influence in a player joining a club and they'll pick the best out of a combination of earnings, performance, club potential, 'guaranteed' playing time and a 1001 other clauses. A club's history means very little cos if it did we'd never of seen Ravenelli, Asprillia in the North East or Robinho at City. It's all about which clubs want to bend over backwards (and forwards) to have the big name star in their team. And my final point is that all (or most) of us have some sort of day job to go to in the week, yet we all seem to know what the team needs in order to push on. Remarkably we also seem to think that the man that has nothing else in his working life to do but to run AVFC, with agents phoning him daily, scouts at his disposal, a first-hand view of the training sessions, the inside track on who's available, who's a good influence off the field, etc and has been at the top level of football for all his working life can't work this out for himself! I don't know why MON doesn't go for RVN like Stoke are...? Cos he probably either doesn't want to come or MON doesn't want him. Simples!! Anyway, rant over. If you can't enjoy being in both cups and being ahead of Liverpoo at the halfway point then nothing's gonna please you! UTV |
Damian
said:
|
... Stan Balaban there appears to be little difference then - it was richard dunne, talking about winning the tournament and how it will help attract better players as for the league and the cup - they are not different. i for one actually think that success in one will bring success in the other. unfortunately, i dont think we are ready to do well enough in the league that would create a by product of success in cup competitions ... and you can bet your bottom dollar that they will be talking about it - just not publicly |
beh
said:
 |
... Wot jpa and balaban said. Just hope it`s not snood off on thursday ! ( ducks - as the glasses fly ) |
Oli
said:
 |
... I think the main thing for any club is to win some silverware. if we finish 5th or 13th there is no real difference apart from entering a european competition that we probbaly wont win anyway, and its a chase for a silverware anyway. whereas a maximum of only four english teams will claim silverware this season, and we are in a great position to do so. its not everyday we have the chance to reach a final..and we are blessed we got blackburn of all teams standing in our way. Also this is unrelated, but someone mentioned that this time last year arsenal bought arshavin and we got heskey, and look how our fortunes unraveled. well i dont know if us or arsenal will buy any players this transfer window, but let me suggest a player to you - Sergio Canales, take it from me this kid will be worth over 50m in around 2 years time. i know arsenal are looking at him, but he would be absolutely perfect in our team and dare i say it even get us into the top 4 this season. every big team in the world is looking at him at the moment, probbaly the best 18y.o around and i know there is no chance o'neill is looking at him but i thought i throw it out there anyway. p.s if anyone wants info on players i can help..watch all the major world leagues and youth tournaments. UTV |
stephen
said:
 |
... 4th place. win the carling cup easy Salifou and Heskey could do that single handed |
fastbackace
said:
 |
... so someone please inform me, if we win the up, does that put us in Europe? in the europa league? |
Rios.Jockstrap
said:
|
... Reading JPA's and Balabans post in succesion was like reading nine chapters of war and peace. Nice posts lads, but jeez.....do i need a lie down |
Steve Badger
said:
 |
... It has to be the top 4 for me, given the choice, absolutely no question. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to win the league cup, but it has become a bit of a joke, seeing as the top clubs only use it to give their kids a run out. That annoys me because I firmly believe you should play your best team for any match, but it's a different argument. Does it still get you into a europe place? If so, it'd be nice to win it just for that. But we still have 3 very tough games before it's ours and no way am I putting all my eggs into this basket. We'd be underdogs whoever we would meet in the final, even though we know we can beat anyone on the day. My point is, a lot of us are making assumptions, but it's not going to be easy. And as for it attracting better players, well, I laughed. CL and money are the only things players are interested in, imo. Of more concern to me is how we manage in this second half of this season. Whilst I don't think for one minute we'll witness the same sort of collapse as last season, I would be asking serious questions of MON if we did. I've said it before, but of the sky 4 we only have Chelsea to play away. As JPA said, the games at Spuds and COMS are the big ones now and if we can get something there, things would be very wide open. It's going to be tough, but it's by no means impossible. My eggs are definitely still in 3 seperate baskets. |
Andy Scarborough
said:
 |
... Damian. I will probably not be able to get to the final if we are in it. I am certain to want to meet up with some of my fellow members on here during the after match piss up. Best to wait until nearer the time for all that though. My eggs are always spread around the two cups, Europe and the Prem. I mean; where would a football supporter be without some disappointments? Fastbackace: As far as I know the League Cup carries Europa League qualification. Though they keep wanting to change things about, so don't just take my word for it. |
Rattus NorVillicus
said:
|
... Stan Balaban: Ya Boo, Sucks t'You. Since when was a Villa fan concerned with reality ? I firmly believe we are going to sign Huntelaar, and I'm sticking with it! |
Andy Scarborough
said:
|
... Pancho, we can't both be right. I am convinced we will sign David Villa towards the end of this month. |
James
said:
 |
... These twists and turns in the blog life are all rather interesting. The mood is shifting. Do I detect realism? |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... So the league cup does get you into Europa; In England, apart from the top four league places that lead to Champions League qualification, there are three spots for Europa League qualification: fifth place in the league; the winners of the Carling Cup and the winners of the FA Cup. Can't find the date of the final though, VillaBiker. |
Andy Scarborough
said:
|
... SNOOD? Why is everybody going on about a 1950s crocheted mullet holder? True Confessions: I actually got addicted to Snood for a year or two. |
Andy Scarborough
said:
|
... Nan; is realism something like reality? If it is then your average footy fan wouldn't know it if it bit his arse. |
keith
said:
|
... nan realism is we can still finish top 4, win the league and fa cup. realism is only 1 other team can do this. realism is manure and poo are in the brown stuff (no pun intended) realism is the BIG BOYS have signed viera and sol |
pete
said:
 |
... same as badger no sign of any date this grown man will be crying if i have 2 miss it. been to every final since norwich GRAYDON penalty |
stu
said:
 |
... what dya all think of mr dwight yorke wanting to manage villa? would you welcome him back. i wouldnt want him back as manager but a coach maybe. |
Andy Scarborough
said:
|
... Dwight Yorke as manager with Brian Lara as his assistant. I don't quite know what would happen on the pitch but I've got a pretty good idea what would happen off the pitch. |
Stan Balaban
said:
|
...Reading JPA's and Balabans post in succesion was like reading nine chapters of war and peace. Rios.Jockstrap, soz mate got on my soapbox a little. I just wonder what some peeps think MON does on a daily basis. The guy knows what he's doing and all is genuinely well in the camp I believe. If anyone's ever played against a proper professional footballer they'll know that they're probably a hell of a lot better than the best amateur footballer they know. The same goes for the managers. We're all armchair / champ manger experts but MON is Premier League for real. We're all fans and passionate about the Villa, but getting narced when MON doesn't sign RVN, VDV or Huntelaar is daft cos at the end of the day we're not at the business end of any decision and we all know f*ck all about signing a player. But we can probably teach MON a thing or two about Snoods |
fastbackace
said:
|
... league final i believe is on feb 26, my bday is feb 23... maybe a flight and a final ticket r in order. from america with dreams of a greater aston villa team! |
Stan Balaban
said:
|
...Stan Balaban: Ya Boo, Sucks t'You. Pancho, the optimism is all good my friend, it's the bitterness if we don't sign him that's daft. Having said that a certain Joseph Cole would be nice Anyone else heard about Piqueonne coming for the rest of the season from Pompey? Scored a cracker against Liverpool |
Andy Scarborough
said:
|
... Martin O'Niell called his old mate Steve Guppy; Steve, hi, it's Martin here.... Martin O'Niell - Wycome, Leicester, Celtic.... Yeah! That Martin 'Niell. Listen lad, I want a small favour from you, all I need is for you to sign this press release. It's all written, you only have to sign it. That's all. And I'll try very hard to get you a cup final ticket.... This is that press release; http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/Foo...7,00.html? |
beh
said:
|
... Piqueonne ? - Has a mon, slightly leftfield ring to it. Those pompey forwards have got a bit of talent. Could they step up ? Who knows. His song would be interesting though. |
Chrisodon
said:
 |
... I Think we'll go on an absolutely barnstorming run in the league and cups, Against Blackburn we'll SMASH them 5-0 over two legs, 3 Away 2 Home. Then in the Final we'll DESTROY!! City or Utd with our guile and pace, Gabby hat-trick in the final. The Premier League we'll go on a run of 12 wins 5 draws and 1 loss to take 3rd. Then the F.A Cup We'll Go on a streak of not conceding a goal in any round until the Final then in the 90th Minute against L'pool it'll be 1-1 The Milner will dispossess Gerrard and go on a driving run through the middle pushing past Mascherano, Sliding it past Skirtel and Finally nut megging Carragher before pile driving a shot in to the top right hand corner. Then We'll have arrived. If only Carlsberg done Football we'd probably be the best team in the world. |
Stan Balaban
said:
|
... Piqueonne, rhymes with MON, loan deal done, er....something something Mogadon. Catchy ain't it?  |
beh
said:
|
... pron: pick one. picky one. god knows  attendance at the sty this evening ( bbcsport ) 9,300 odd. probably quite a few forest, too. Almost feel sorry for mcliesh. |
pepsi head
said:
 |
... has anyone seen the adebayor interview on sky sports,he is wearing a arsenal shirt i think he must still be in shock |
Ash
said:
 |
... Hi guys, new to the blog here. Anyone know where i can get cheap tickets for Villa games? Ash Nice blog btw |
Stan Balaban
said:
|
...Almost feel sorry for mcliesh Almost, but not quite! Whilst I don't think we're in a position to sign a marquee player, I think what we're missing is an impact bench player. Out first 11 can be described as somewhat efficient but we don't really have anyone that can come off the bench that offers something different(think Carbone, Okocha even Chucho Benitez). By the same virtue, the very same player probably wouldn't be in line to start each game because they're not dependable like our first choicers, because you never quite know what you're gonna get. With that in mind, a little, cheap raid on Pompey could be just the ticket. |
darrenvilla26
said:
 |
... hi villian4life....no sorry but i know where you can watch some cheap football in sh*t conditions surrounded by knuckle scraping retards...small heath.....badum tisshhhhhhhhh |
david
said:
 |
... villain4life...i may be able to help this sunday as we may have a season ticket place going spare |
Andy Scarborough
said:
|
... Next time Big John plays will be his 100th for Villa. I just saw that on the BBC site. The fans MUST have a special song for it - just to piss off MoN. |
Matt T
said:
 |
... Chiefy, Bit late but deliberate mistake... Warnock plays for us, not Blackburn now Where's my SNOOD |
Andi
said:
|
...Chiefy, SNOODS are subject to terms and conditions, to all those that qualify please allow 31.5 days for Delivery of your voucher for you to pick up you snood |
Andi
said:
|
... Damo -- this website http://www.kaboodle.com/reviews/cafe-brown-or-you-pick-any-color--umas-custom-sized-to-fit-celebrity-crochet-snood-beret-tam-hat will do any colour SNOOOD you want, I can see a SNOOD competition coming on !!!! |
John Samuels
said:
|
...Whilst I don't think we're in a position to sign a marquee player, I think what we're missing is an impact bench player. This is something I can't help but agree with. He doesn't have to be Torres, he just has to be a different attacking option who offers soomething different and weighs in with a few goals. |
Andi
said:
|
...Whilst I don't think we're in a position to sign a marquee player, I think what we're missing is an impact bench player. SALIFOU ??? Seriously we all ready have him, the FONZ ??? why can he not be this man ?? to fast players on the pitch offers something different than the little and large partnership why do we always have to sign someone ?? especially when we complain that people like the FONZ dont get a look in ?? |
Spencer
said:
 |
... I think the Villa SNOODs come in either plain Claret, plain Blue or White. I think the Villa shop are selling a special Claret SNOOD with a Norwegian flag on it for Big John's 100th game though. |
Andi
said:
|
...I think the Villa shop are selling a special Claret SNOOD with a Norwegian flag on it for Big John's 100th game though. I have contracted my mother in law to create 2 special addition SNOODS, One home colours with the badge on and one away colours with the sponsor she seems to think she will have them done for WEST HAM game. GET IN I will post pictures so everyone can admire my SNOODS |
Spencer
said:
|
... Cheify - are you going to wear both SNOODs at the same time? That could be dangerous. |
John Samuels
said:
|
... I was just thinking, it's been a pretty tumultuous season so far for th lads hasn't it? Barry Left, the death of Andre Young, Nigel and Martin having a scrap and noe Moussie being shot at... I'm just glad things have turned out ok, can't help feeling for Lukey Luke though, poor chap. Anyone know if theres any news on the Togo keeper? Apparently it's Salifou's best mate and he got shot twice in the back. |
Adrian Kilgallon
said:
|
... Very quiet today. Could Giovanni do a job for us? He could offer that different option coming from the bench if we need some magic? Hull City are reported to trying to reduce their wages and id say he would be one of their higest earners. I doubt he would cost that much either. |
John Samuels
said:
|
... ak, Giovanni would be a good one. However, he'd almost certainly expect to play every game and he also have to take a wage cut I imagine. Can't see it happening as he is one of those players that throws his toys out of the pram over playing time and money. Isn't that why he left Man City?? Good player, would do a great job in midfield, on the wing or as a second striker. Good dead ball kicker too. |
Adrian Kilgallon
said:
|
... Yeah the not getting picked issue would be the one down side alright. he also have to take a wage cut I imagine Now surely we are able to pay far bigger wages then the likes of Hull City. If not then i give up completely. I doubt he is on huge wages in comparison to what we are currently paying a lot of our players. |
John Samuels
said:
|
... ak, you'd be surprised, I would imagine Giovanni is on quite a wedge. Why do you think he would sign for a team like Hull? We're talking about a player who was the next big thing at Barcelona, but he fell out with people there too. Stoke are paying Tuncay nearly £80,000 a week which is more than likely why he didn't go anywhere else. Big wages is the way these lower placed sides get the big players. Not necessarily in transfer fees but in wages. ak, You seem very keen to just throw money at players to get them in when they're contribution might not warrant the pay grade. MoN is very clear that you only get the big money if you are an exceptional proven talent or you warrant it based on performances. Giovanni is temperamental if he isn't starting every match and I think he's only really going to be an impact player for us due to his inconsistency and lack of work rate in other areas of the pitch. If he were to come in on a wage cut and deserve a raise based on excellent performance then he'd get one. Otherwise I can't see something like that happening. |
John Samuels
said:
|
... The very reason Giovanni may be off alongside Hunt is because they have too much on the wage bill and it's affecting their ability to pay transfer fees players they sorely need in other positions. |
John Samuels
said:
|
...we could pay him in SNOODS Of course, why didn't I think of that. Chiefy you need a Snood related banner so I can see you on TV tomorrow. |
Andi
said:
|
... Spurs have a wage cap of around 75k a week and Ledley King of all people is their top earner so its not like we are in the dark ages the attract people more so because they are in London |
John Samuels
said:
|
... Chiefy, this is why winning a cup, albeit the Rumblows cup, would give us a little more draw in the transfer window. Allied with a top six finish and europa fottball we might find we can continue to bring in good players to improve the side. We only need two of the right quality to compete. |
Adrian Kilgallon
said:
|
... JPA when he left City not too many were interested so i doubt he on much more then 30k a week at Hull. Now thats nothing in reality in today's game. You seem very keen to just throw money at players to get them in when they're contribution might not warrant the pay grade. Nope im keen at getting players in that are needed and that would fill current gaps in the squad and not let yet another good chance of 4th go yet again by not bringing in the neeeded players. I would rather pay him 30k a week to come on for the last 30mins of games when we need that bit of magic rather then pay the likes of Sidwell and others similar wages (in fact i would say he is on more) to come on and offer nothing different to what we already have. Giovanni is temperamental if he isn't starting every match and I think he's only really going to be an impact player for us due to his inconsistency and lack of work rate in other areas of the pitch. Its amazing but you could take out Goiovanni's name in that statement and put Boyd's in and it would be spot on also but you had no issue with his temperment a few days ago. |
Andi
said:
|
...Chiefy you need a Snood related banner so I can see you on TV tomorrow That's a great idea, I am going to create a SNOOD BANNER later today what shall i put on it ??? AVFC SNOOD CREW ?? BULLET PROOF SNOOD ?? |
Andi
said:
|
... Cant wait to the mother in law has finished my home and away snoods i am going to be the envy of the holte end |
James Collins is the ginger Paolo Cesare Maldini
said:
 |
... I'm praying the game won't be off tomorrow...I need a fix!! Also, my number one transfer target is still McGeady. Is a great little player, can play on either wing or off the strikers, is quick, skilfull and scores goals. Also give MON a chance to rest Young and Dowining at times. |
Andi
said:
|
...I would rather pay him 30k a week to come on for the last 30mins of games when we need that bit of magic rather then pay the likes of Sidwell and others similar wages (in fact i would say he is on more) to come on and offer nothing different to what we already have Sidwell will be on more, I see what your saying and I agree we could do with not someone that offers something different but someone who offers a bit of balls out confidence on the ball someone who will try to and pull off these little bits of magic and skill someone to get you excited i see now and i agree would love someone like that, someone with a bit of fire |
John Samuels
said:
|
...Giovanni is temperamental if he isn't starting every match and I think he's only really going to be an impact player for us due to his inconsistency and lack of work rate in other areas of the pitch. I have no problem with him coming at all. Just as I have no problem with Boyd either. The draw with Boyd is his age and price, we could make a few million with out even trying and that would finance his wage easily so it's a win win. I was trying to say that I don't think Gio would come without the guarantee of first team football and could quite easily just stay on a wage at Hull where he is a bigger player for them than he would be for us. If he fancies it then fine, get him in. I don't think there is a player out there who MoN couldn't geet some respect out of so the temperament isn't an issue in that respect. I just don't think he'd get many games and without a guarantee I find it hard to belive we could agree personal terms. Both players would give us something we don't have. i.e a goal poacher and a bit more flair in midfield tho. |
Andi
said:
|
...I'm praying the game won't be off tomorrow...I need a fix!! Please dont tempt fate, i have a ticket and i go away next week so will miss it if it doesnt get played next week |
Andi
said:
|
...Aston Villa star in the clear after police probe into stolen car Headlines like that dont help our quest to attract big names players either |
John Samuels
said:
|
... Osbourne needs to go I believe. He's the worst in a position we're spoilt for choice in. You think Strachan will buy him in the summer?? |
John Samuels
said:
|
... Everyone belives we should offload Sidwell, but he is better than Gardner, Osbourne and Moussie so shouldn't we be selling these guys first. If Sidwell is shunted down to fringe player when we gete someone else in it improves the strength of the squad. I'd rather have Sidwell as cover for injuries than Osbourne and Salifou (no offence chiefy) |
Adrian Kilgallon
said:
|
... JPA the differance for me right now is that i can see where you coming from with Boyd (as you know i don't rate him though) but i just feel we are not missing that many chances at the moment that aren't being created by either Carew's heading ability or Gabbys exceptional pace. We lack that ability to carve teams open with short one touch passes. Thats where i just don't see Boyd being a success. Also im not sure if Boyd would be that cheap as he wouldn't join the blues last summer due to wages and he has a bit of an attitude so i doubt he would sell himself short and would expect pretty decent wages. Giovanni i would take a gamble on as his danger is from much further out the pitch in area's where we are getting into and he is capable of doing something magic from 40 yards. But i do agree that he is tempermental and doesn't like sitting on the bench. But if it was sold to him correctly by MON then he would surely apprecaite being at a club like Villa even if it was only doing bits here and there. Im only picking Giovanni here as he might be available right now. |
Andi
said:
|
...Everyone belives we should offload Sidwell, but he is better than Gardner, Osbourne and Moussie Blasphemy SALIFOU offers more than any other player BULLET PROOF SNOODS !!!! dont you forget it |
Spencer
said:
|
... We're not ready to start paying our players in SNOODs yet - I don't think Randy's finances could sustain it in the longrun. Bigger picture we need a big SNOOD tycoon from Lapland to come in and buy Randy out. Then we'll be better placed to get a top 4 finish. For the banner how about simply "SNOOD Army"? |
Ash
said:
|
...... Hi r0bb0. email me with how much for a ticket etc if you still have a spare. ashy22@live.co.uk thx Ash |
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