Written by Damian Monday, 29 March 2010 10:06
There is nothing I can write that hasn't already been written. There is nothing I can write that will make this any better. Instead, we look at what others have written and I will try to sum it up.
It really was the most humiliating day supporting Aston Villa that I can remember and that includes relegation. If I am wrong, someone please remind me, I'd love to wipe this memory, but that is just my opinion, it might not be yours.
What the Papers Say
Duncan White, telegraph.co.uk
Around the hour mark, Chelsea stepped up the tempo and, in the words of Martin O’Neill, Villa “completely capitulated”. Deco feinted inside James Milner and then slid the ball down the left channel for Zhirkov and the Chelsea left-back pulled the ball back for Malouda to convert.
Mark Fleming, The Independent
The first hour of the game was close, but Chelsea dominated the final third. The elegant Deco took control in midfield, Yuri Zhirkov started to resemble an £18m player, Malouda tore at Villa's defence with an insatiable appetite and Lampard's persistence was rewarded with four goals – two penalties and two close-range finishes – that took him past Peter Osgood and Roy Bentley into third place in the club's goalscoring records.
The Manager
Martin O'Neill
We were well beaten today and I wouldn't have seen it coming at half-time despite the concession of a late penalty. I thought we were well and truly in the game.
The Players and Some Stats
Big Brad, Luke Young, The Ginger One, Ricardo Dunne, Stephen Warnock, Gabby Agbonlahor (Beye, 71), Stiliyan Petrov (Downing, 62), Milly, Steve Sidwell, Webcam, John Carew (Delfouneso, 62). Subs not used: Guzan, Davies, Salifou, King Carlos.
I'm not looking at shooting stats or passing stats, just the one stat I looked at on Saturday at half time. At half time, Chelsea had 67.7% of the ball and we had 32.3%. We know it didn't get better in the second and that stat is direct form optajoe.
Man of the Match
This goes to The Fonz with 31.1% of the vote. I don't think it deserves to go to anyone else and I think it is an indication that some might want to see him play a little bit more and not just get thrown in at the deep end. Although, I don't really know why he got - that is just my view.
Final Analysis
I'm not sure what to write. The poll we have started today is just up to see what views are. We might have a post coming from Chris later, giving the other side of the argument on why we O'Neill should be fully backed, but the scoreline really does say it all.
Much like the games against Sunderland, Wigan and Stoke, it started well but much like those games, we ran out of steam and you don't have to be a doctor to know why. I don't fully understand why players can get so tired from playing ninety minutes of football, but I accept that they must, because we are told so often and if they do, surely ten minutes here and there must be important and they don't get many ten minutes here and there, let alone twenty or thirty or ninety.
It was a shocking day and one we won't be able to forget in a hurry although I am going to do my best to. I don't often hope to be wrong, but I really would like to be proven wrong this time and I'd love O'Neill to stuff it right down my mouth by winning the remaining seven games but right now, the only thing I am holding on to with any hope is we get lucky against Chelsea in the semi-final, although as long as we don't lose by such a margin, I suppose it will be seen as progress by some.
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william mcgonagall
said:
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... I recorded Match of the day but haven't been able to press the play button yet . |
RockSteady
said:
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... I was mortified to hear John Terry say that they knew we would tire in the last 30 mins and that they were waiting for that. All teams, from now until of the season, will play us like this cause they know we are tired. Sad really, a premiership team so obviously tired and lacking in stamima. Where would we be if we have had of had a run in the UEFA cup? O'Neill needs next season to show he can learn from his mistakes and start rotating regularly. |
ak_27
said:
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... MON would be far better off playing a second string side againest Bolton and giving the so many jaded players a rest to be ready for the semi final. |
DavidC
said:
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...It really was the most humiliating day supporting Aston Villa that I can remember and that includes relegation. If I am wrong, someone please remind me, I'd love to wipe this memory, but that is just my opinion, it might not be yours. Personally I felt far, far worse when we lost to the Dogsh&t those two times when they first came up. The 2-0 defeat at VP was viscerally painful. The first time I'd ever known us stoop to their level (on and off the pitch) in 30+ years of watching us. This weekends drubbing was strangely painless. |
ak_27
said:
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...I recorded Match of the day but haven't been able to press the play button yet It was live on Irish TV so i had the misfortune of having to watch the entire 90mins of it. |
ryan hobbs
said:
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... morning all damien, i have started a blog, mainly cos i design football shirts when bored!! i have written a bit about my opinions with the villa, tho not competeing with this blog on any level, wondered whether you and any regulars are interested in a read of it, and whether i could post a link. |
frosty
said:
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... Nice poll Damian... if you hate MON that is... For a start wheres the "Yes we have been to the league cup final and FA cup semi final and we're happy" option, also there isn't just a "yes" option which is ridiculous. To get balanced results could you at least use balanced questions? Ie.. Is the football getting better and is MON the right man yes/no Rather than the football is not getting better and he is not the man tick here.. |
frosty
said:
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... quote]It really was the most humiliating day supporting Aston Villa that I can remember and that includes relegation. If I am wrong, someone please remind me Reminder.. http://www.givemefootball.com/...n-villa--0[ |
vijay
said:
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... Yes we need to rest Milner, Gabby, Young , Petrov and Dunne for the Bolton game so they be ready for Wembley. Team to play Bolton Friedel Cuellar Davies Collins Young Albrighton Sidwell Warnock Downing Fonz Weimann |
Damian
said:
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... ryan there is a link to your site on the links page, but for anyone that is interested in visiting this is it: http://www.thevillablog.co.uk/...inks/24-7/ |
DavidC
said:
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...Team to play Bolton Ridiculous. Play that line up and we'd be looking at back to back 7-1 defeats. |
Damian
said:
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... frosty i dont hate martin o'neill - i dont know the man - difficult to hate someone you dont know if he isn't the right man, it isn't his fault. we are not all perfect and it is a stretch to think the first man would be the right man. as for balance - you do have the option to say yes he is or he has next season. i dont know how much more balanced i could have made it |
ryan hobbs
said:
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... cheers damo for the response, that isnt my one tho!!!!lol the link is http://www.thevillablog.co.uk/...t-designs/ thanks mate!! |
VillaDude
said:
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... Why is everyone so happy about reaching a final and a semi-final? We haven't won anything? Some of you will be happy with MON no matter how little he actually achieves... |
VillaForeverAndEver
said:
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...It really was the most humiliating day supporting Aston Villa that I can remember and that includes relegation. If I am wrong, someone please remind me, Last seasons match against Liverpool at Anfield wasn't my happiest day as a Villa supporter. But let's not list these memories - even if that's what I've just done. It just give us so much negativity, like that's what we need in here... |
mon 4-5-1
said:
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...Ridiculous. Have to agree... |
Richo
said:
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... Interesting results so far with the vote... I know there is still a lot of time to go but I was pleasently surprised with current standings. Not sure what else can be said on the topic of MoN right man or not, it has been done to death and will never end until the bloke goes or is fired or wins the title apparantly... so a futile discussion really. It is clear as day to me that the club has progressed as the vast majority seem to think 4th or higher and a trophy is something Villa should be doing... we wouldn't be debating this if we didn't believe the squad we have and the manager we currently have wouldn't be able to achieve that. Also on the last post you mention Lerner wanting to see a return for his money, but comments prior to this last few days has always been around net spending and Lerner not spending enough. It is too difficult to keep up with the mood of this blog & it's followers. |
nath888
said:
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... I've got a really bad feeling that the next transfer window will see us bringing in all west ham and portsmouth players!  |
Greg1981
said:
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... I don’t think the poll is fairly worded, Damain. “with his style of football’ is preemptive. He could ‘see the light’ and improve the team with a different approach. (There you go – something positive from me!). The point is – and here’s the irony – that the team isn’t that far away. But the missing link is absolutely crucial. Yesterday the team played with similarities to the way they did against Wigan (which was one of the most inept pieces of management I’ve ever seen in my life with Villa). I went to both games. We were overrun in MIDfield on Saturday yet again. Martin doesn’t understand that, even though he hasn’t got the talent, he at least has to put MIDfield players into MIDfield. Wingers won’t do the job. They run and gravitate to the wings and release the ball early. We need players to hold the ball. Why give Chelsea a numerical advantage in the middle when they already have a quality advantage? As I said: Wigan revisited. So boringly, for the umpteenth time on these pages, I’ll repeat the mantra: without a Sid or a Merse in the Centre mid we have no chance. But with one of those and Milner alongside then we’re getting there. That’s why – until we get the playmaker we need - our best team requires three in centre mid and only one up front. But you can’t pack it with strikers ‘dropping back’ or with wingers ‘coming inside’. It’s the most important position in football. And not recognizing this remains Martin’ big crime. A more defensive game also gives 1. Space for Gabs to run and 2. Pushes Dunne back. While he is a good defender in the box he’s woeful out of it when we are stretched and speed and mobility are required. PS: with a big rethink we can beat Chelsea at Wembley. If MON comes to terms with our limitations, and plays 5 tight in the middle, we can win. Perhaps, as Martin reflects on things, he might, by accident, hit on the best team. I also agree with AKs suggestion: we need to put out the reserves against Bolton. This semi is huge. |
The Droyd
said:
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... Vijay That team you have suggested for the Bolton game. That's just a joke isn't it? You wouldn't seriously play that team. Would you? |
CSM
said:
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...For a start wheres the "Yes we have been to the league cup final and FA cup semi final and we're happy" option, also there isn't just a "yes" option which is ridiculous. Damian I have to agree with this. You should have an option that says you are happy with MON. The option for yes says that you expect him to win the league in 5 years! I like MON however frustrating he may be but I happen to beleive that Aston Villa will not win the league under any manager. Unless a manager gets biven an unlimited budget (Man City, Chelsea, Man Utd) then it will be nearly impossible to win the preiership title now! (Arsene Wenger is the only one to have done this in the last 10 years). |
ryan hobbs
said:
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... villa dude i think the cup runs, regardless of success, have detracted from our league season, not because we have a small squad, but cos oniel does not offer any encouragement to our young talented players delph is just rotting at the moment!!! give them games |
frosty
said:
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... Damian, all I'm saying is yes/no/undecided is the norm ... any other poll is adding bias to the answers. Why is everyone so happy about reaching a final and a semi-final? Some of you won't be happy no matter what he does achieve, I don't know if you were there in the ccup semi final with the pitch invasion but I haven't seen anything like that in years, are you saying all of those fans were wrong to get excited? |
qashqai
said:
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... I remember Chelsea putting 7 past Sunderland earlier this season and can remember Arsenal putting 6 past Everton at Goodison recently,so it does happen. However,us Villa fans could see that in the last few games that something was wrong with the team by their lacklustre performances.Therefore,also surely the coaching staff would have noticed this as well. Last night Andy Gray was shocked that John Terry said that they knew we would tire after 60 minutes.This should not happen to modern footballers so their must be something in our training proceedures as well as not resting players that is very wrong. However,how come Rooney plays every game and never seems tired. I feel sorry for Milner as he will be knackered for the world cup at this rate. How are we going to cope for the semi final on that heavy sapping Wembley pitch? MON has to pick up the players for the remaining games and the fans must get behind the team as they did on Saturday. The lesson learnt on Saturday is to use the potential in the squad over a long season something that MON must come to terms with.Stop playing players out of position and for godsakes put an arm around the likes of Young and NRC and make them feel inclusive in the team. |
John Salter
said:
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... Once in a while every team gets a good spanking but I think the thing thats angering the Villa fans is that 'we' all knew the problems before the game, tired, injured or out of position players, players every game with no rotation. Thats all I'll say on that, lets hope MON has learned from the embarrasment! Maybe just maybe after the 'second' penalty, the players thought 'enoughs enough!' Villa did compete with them in the first half and a lot of commentators said they were the better team. JT's comments at the end should be used as ammunition for Villa in future games, dont blow your wad in the first 20 minutes, conserve energy and move the ball around, they can do this. The most important thing is that MON above everyone else learns from this disasterous result and it doesnt end up in Villa tumbling and Everton and 'you know who' overtaking us! The team can either get up off the floor and fight back or stay there and get a good hoofing. I know which I want it to be and I'm sure you do too! At the end of the season MON can be judged and at the moment he's sailing close to the wind with the fans but its Mr Lerners opinion that ultimatley counts. In the meantime we've got to stick with it, get behind the players, the manager and the club in general. If we do, Villa can have a great end to a long season and it will confound the critics if we're louder and more positive than ever before! Up the Villa  |
Damian
said:
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... CSM nobody can predict the future and nobody is going to remember this poll in 5 years time. if you are happy with o'neill and fully support him - that is your option i could create 40 options based on every potential outcome but i think the four above yes no he has to improve this season or win silverware he has to it next season really do cover them all sorry it isn't perfect, but i would need a questionnaire to find out the real views - i think the above is the best it can get with one poll |
Dan Blackwell
said:
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... Personally, I have full faith in O'neill.. yes we have been drubbed by a lethal Chelsea side, but imagine what we'd all be saying if it was Blues or Spurs that hammered us??! The end of season run-in yet again has meant Villa have become fatigued. However, MON always turns it round. I don't think there is a great need to bring in the reserves like some of you are suggesting ridiculously. But, I think sticking Sidderz, L.Young and Downing on to start will give some rest for key players building up to the semi-final clash. I really hope Gabby is still fit for Bolton, because I know he'll be hungry for goals after the injury. Come on lads, two appearances at Wembley and a number of England call-ups for our players not good enough for ya? UTV! Peace. |
CSM
said:
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...nobody can predict the future and nobody is going to remember this poll in 5 years time. if you are happy with o'neill and fully support him - that is your option Damian I see that you are trying to cover all bases, I just think you could have worded it better. I think there are a lot of fans who think MON is doing an ok job but could do better. |
Maindog
said:
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... Its amazing how a good season can turn sour within weeks!!!....The only person to blame is MON and the frustating thing is if he just used the squad more and played a little better football, we would still be having an good season! I just dont know what to think of MON now, and thats a little sad! |
Rowley Villain
said:
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... That poll is rubbish. The 4 answers given don't reflect my opinion in any way. OK we got hammered out of sight. Yes, I'm angry and disgusted but why is everytime we lose the gloom bigrade come out in full force calling for O'Neills head? Suppose the Chelsea result was Lerner's fault too? |
Villa Dave
said:
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... he should get to the end of the season to improve on 6th but do any of us really really think it will happen |
Damian
said:
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... Maindog it isn't really amazing is it - after all it happened last year and the year before? Rowley Villain what would have been your vote then? and it isn't just because of one defeat - read the site for the last 3 months - for all of the season if you want to see people asking why the football isn't getting better as with polls - if you can't find your exact answer, pick the closest to yours or dont pick. i mean - there really should be one there for you - what is missing? Villa Dave we all have individual opinions. it is possible and martin o'neill could use that defeat to inspire his players. you never know - he might finish 5th and if he did, i'd be happy |
Chiefy
said:
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... MON will use that to our advantage and i fancy us to beat them in the semi's now more so than i did before that spanked us. Doesn't mean i am your friend MON you have a lot of making up to do |
Nollaig
said:
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... Jezus People, It's time for a reality check for u Villa fans calling for MON's head, He has'nt been in the job for 4 years, in which he has had to offload a whole squad of dead weight from previous managers and build a brand new team. He's building a squad and it's going to take another few years to get there. It's not like he gets the same backing of the likes of spurs,city or the pool. Quit the bitching and get behind the team and the manager when they need it the most. |
Damian
said:
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... Nollaig - isn't that December? Anyway, he hasn't been in the job four year - you are correct but the squad wasn't dead weight when he arrived - most of that squad had finished 6th not a long time before he came. They were just not his players. Pretty much everyone that played on Saturday - are his players. But if you want to talk about years in management - how much time has Redknapp had at Spurs - they were not his players, but he has got them playing his way. It isn't about players. It is about football and using players is an excuse - a working man doesn't blame his tools |
Damian
said:
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... Just thought I'd throw this out there ... someone just emailed me and said that he had heard Delph has his leg in plaster. Not seen it, just heard from someone - he was quite specifically making that clear - so could be rubbish. |
Chiefy
said:
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...It is about football and using players is an excuse - a working man doesn't blame his tools and if the players where good enough we wouldnt have lost, they are the ones following out the instructions and if they cant do that correctly it means they are responsible for the loss |
Peen Vageen
said:
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...Jezus People, It's time for a reality check for u Villa fans calling for MON's head, He has'nt been in the job for 4 years, in which he has had to offload a whole squad of dead weight from previous managers and build a brand new team. He's building a squad and it's going to take another few years to get there. It's not like he gets the same backing of the likes of spurs,city or the pool. Quit the bitching and get behind the team and the manager when they need it the most. Its not us Villa fans lets get that straight, its only a minority. I agree with you |
frosty
said:
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...It isn't about players. It is about football and using players is an excuse - a working man doesn't blame his tools Do you think if Redknapp were in charge at Villa Park with our current set of players he would have us in the same position Spurs are right now? No rose tinted glasses - just an honest question. |
Nanwasafan
said:
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... So, from what I can see of the poll, the 20 odd percent think that MON will win the league in 5 years (which in my opnion, given the difficulties of just of breaking top 4, would make him the greatest Villa manager ever, and among the best in the world) Another 20 odd percent think we should get rid and the rest think we shouldn't call it until end of this or next season. That IS balance. What I especially like is that 1 in 5 Villa fans believe that we will win the league playing our current style of football (in other words despite Damian's deliberately agressive/negative wording). Imagine how high the figure would be if he just put we'll become solid Top 4 under MON in the next 5 years (which surely is our target as I believe even those super dooper clubs like Harry's glorious Spurs will need to finish Top 4 before they can go on and win the league) I was down. I had caved in to the dark side. For this I am sorry. I thank Robbo whose pride and depth of Villa feeling, restored mine. Fight Martin. We are with you. |
Monkeywrench
said:
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... Nollaig: "it's going to take a few years to get there". How many, exactly? Another 5? Jeez people, some of you must be on Valium to be that laid back. Once again, one word: Redknapp. |
fox-in-the-box
said:
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... i was talking to a liverpool fan last night on his way back down from the sunderland game at anfield, whilst he was delighted wuth the win it really underlined his and many other pool supporters frustrations with rafa. Everybody was mystified when week in week out rafa persisted with Lucas and played Gerrard out of position to accomadate him and low and behold they played really well with square pegs in square holes. Dont want to go on about the scousers just thought it was a very interesting comparison highlighting the stubborness of both managers. weve all had similar observations with MON this season!! |
ak_27
said:
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...Fight Martin. We are with you. Instead of fighting maybe he could use his head for once and actually start thinking? |
the sherriff
said:
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... 'i would rather lose 7-0 once than lose 1-0 seven times' i heard a manager say once. freak results happen, just ask wigan. it's happened, lets now focus on the next game. Me, i'm happy with have chelsea in the semi final because it gives us a chance to redeem ourselves. we'll give them one hell of a game at wembley.....mark my words. |
Panos
said:
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...Chiefy said: "Et tu, Brute?" |
Damian
said:
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... frosty what do you want me to say to a hypothetical? i am merely using redknapp as an example of what he has done in just over a season while people around us say it is going to take more years with o'neill for the record, i dont expect redknapp to finish 4th this season - i actually think liverpool will but my point is - if he succeeds or fails, it shoudln't take years and we shouldn't be in our 4th season wondering when it is going to start |
VillaDude
said:
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... I think the Bolton game is our biggest of the season, bigger than the semi final the week after. -It will be interesting how the players respond? -If the style or personnel is any different? -If we play the game trying not to lose, or trying to win? |
Nollaig
said:
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... Bad news on Delph if it's true... Anywho... No doubt that was his team out on Saturday and they are obviously all knackered. As I said it going to take a few more years to build a squad, but at the moment we have a wonderful starting 11 when 100%.I hope he gets the time to prove it. Patience is a virtue Damo, If he was to go, he wont be walking back to Scotland (as one of the options in the poll suggests).He would be among the favourite's for the next top job that becomes available. As for Arry's spurs, U or I could have got that squad up there. Juande Ramos and Martin Jol made great singings, just Ramos made a balls of things. Arry did bring a blast of his Pompy cup winning side too. |
Stantinio
said:
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...But if you want to talk about years in management - how much time has Redknapp had at Spurs - they were not his players, but he has got them playing his way. Has Redknapp won anything with Spurs yet? Until he does it's not a valid comparison. There have been patches in the last couple of games (obviously not the last one) where we have been knocking the ball around well. I would say that your negativity amazes me, Damian, but it doesn't anymore. Not all teams are going to win the league, and funnily enough only four can finish in the top four places. While you have to aim high you also have to realise that we don't have anywhere near the spending power of Man City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Man Utd due to wealthy owners or massive income. We're not going to win the league for at least a decade, (I personally think the season after next is more realistic for Chumps League) changing the manager won't change that. You point me to the last team that won the league with our budget, (post-Blackburn, and they probably spent more relatively). The league has changed. Obviously aim high but be realistic. If O'Neill were to be taken on by Man U he would win the league more times than not, we're bloody lucky to have him |
ak_27
said:
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...He would be among the favourite's for the next top job that becomes available. My arse he will. No way would a top club want him in charge in the CL where tactics is hugely important. Far more important then in the PL. |
fox-in-the-box
said:
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... No doubt he would be among the favourites with the bookies and pundits, just not the fans of these top teams! |
Damian
said:
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... Nollaig you say wonderful starting eleven but all 17 players that went on saturday are his players. take away gabbyy and the fonz if you want - they are all his are you tubbydunne in disguise? |
Villa_Chris
said:
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... In the words of Cheryl Cole.... "Fight, fight, fight, fight, fight for this love"  |
Damian
said:
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...He would be among the favourite's for the next top job that becomes available.this is a media myth i've spoken to a few liverpool and man utd supporters about this and when you ask them - none of them would actually like him as thier manager they appreciate it takes more than just all guns blazing football supporters are not stupid the FA hired second choice steve over him and that for me speaks volumes |
Stibbo
said:
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... I don't think we will ever reach top four with MON in charge, I'm not disrespecting him in any way, he's a good manager... but thats about it! We have shown massive improvement in the last 4 years, but do not look like going to the next level. We have also had good cup runs this year, although we have had easy draws (until now). Looking how Man U, Arsenal and Chelsea pass and move, we will never match that under MON especially with our squad. |
Christian1983
said:
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... It's Monday lunchtime and I'm still raging angry and thoroughly embarrassed. I wonder if Villa will make the same gesture that Wigan made when they got utterly spanked and didn't even bother to try? Wont make me feel any better, but just lets us know that the players and MON recognise that this was simply DISGUSTING. |
Chiefy
said:
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... We shall not we shall not be moved we shall not we shall not be moved we are the pride of birmingham we shall not be moved lets stand behind the team and club it this time of humiliation, lets not crumble and implode like some expect, we have the ability we have the manager lets be the 12th man lets go forth and conker leave the debating, negative drivel till the end of the season we changes can be made if need be to manager or indeed playing personnel until then lets give our team the extra support they need.  |
VillaDude
said:
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... Expect 451 against Bolton Carew is injured, Gabby to play up front on his own...bring back the good form we had with 451 last season. Cueller and Dunne as CB's, Collins to drop out.... |
gwatkins
said:
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... losing 7-1 is obviously a terrible result. However with my rose tinted glases on maybe it was a result we needed. Lets assume there was always a strong chance we would lose away at Stamford Bridge, a narrow defeat may have papered over the cracks, and maybe given impression we are closer to the pack than we actually are. sometimes a good hammering re-focuses the mind and gives the lads the kick up the back side they needed......or am I just looking for a positive that isnt there!!! |
r0bb0
said:
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...Someone asked yesterday if we could put up a poll about Martin O'Neill and if you supported him or not and while I'm not saying no, I am saying that it's not the right time. I have seen it on other sites, but I don't want to put it on this site right now because we have so much to play for and it is only going to breed negativity, simply because the question is asked. Yes Damian, this is what you said less than a week ago. What's changed? have you decided that the semi final is lost, there's nothing to play for so it's now ok to breed negativity? No..what's changed is that you opportunistically thought that after a 7.1 drubbing NOW is the time you could finally get a vote from Villa fans against Martin O Neill. Well, you were wrong again! Only 1 in 5 think it's time for him to go...and that's after the worst result most of here can remember! I remember a previous time you ran a poll when things were not going well and said that you'd run them every month from then on. Well the result wasn't what you wanted that time and as results on the pitch improved, surprise surprise you decided not to run one again. It's your blog, it's an excellent blog, it's your perogative to run a poll whenever you want, but please no more of the pretence over your motivation for running or not running a poll. It might also be nice if you were to pause for a second and question whether the majority of people who read your blog are stupid (how disappointing for you) or if maybe they are seeing something that you have so far failed to see for yourself. |
VillaDude
said:
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... gwatkins - I agree, if we lost 2-1, nothing would have changed, we would continued to be bossed in midfield by clubs like wolves at home.... Lets hope MON has a good look at the style of football, his use of squad, and quality of personnel at the club... We can only hope... |
Damian
said:
|
... r0bb0 whats changed? in fact - rather than quote what i wrote a week ago - had you read the post that was published with the poll - you would have had all those questions answered as for the results - they are no more or no less than i expected and also - if you want to go trawling the site from last week - you will find that they are exactly what i was saying he should get however - that is only 37% of the vote as it stands now 32% of the vote say he should go now or at the end of the season unless he gets us fifth - almost as many |
ak_27
said:
|
...Don't know whether to book tickets or not for Wembley?!? You should head down anyway. You never know Chelsea just might be over confident and if we rest those who badly need resting this sat then maybe we could catch them out on a one off game. |
CSM
said:
|
... Villa Training Ground 8am Monday Morning. The whole team is on the training ground and MON is talking..... MON - Right lads, you were appauling on Saturday, Not only did we lose but we lost badly!! As punishment in training today you will have to run, run and run some more. Richard Dune: "Boss I have a really sore Shin!!" James Milner: "Me to Boss!!" Petrov: "Me to Boss" Warnock: "My foot hurts!" Carew: "My back aches!" Agbhonalhor: "My Cow hurts!!" MON "Cow????" Webcam: "He means his calf" Mon: Oh!! (shakes his head in disbelief!!) I don't care if you only have one leg .....(Delph starts to look nervous as he stands there on crutches!)..... you are all going to run until you drop! Collins: Is this a good idea, we are all knackered!!! MON: When I was a player we used to play 3 games a week, after going out every night and studying for a degree! Did I ever tell you I studied LAW at university!! Everyone Mutters: Yes boss! Mon: Now you are all fighting for your places after Saturday so I expect you all to work really hard in training. Carew, Gabby if you don't work hard I will not hesitate in putting Harewood out there!! Everyone bursts in to laughter, including Harewood. Mon: Ok you lot get running I wil be back in an hour to make sure you are still at it. They all start runnnig off, including delph on his crutches. Mon shouts: Not you Emule, I know you have a sore toe, plus I have specail job for you!!! Heskey runs back towards MON , out of breath panting like dog!! |
Villa_Chris
said:
|
... Still don't know....I haven't got piles of cash and t costs around £120 for the trip. I was there the other month. Maybe I should give other fans the opportunity? Feel like Im not being supportive now though.  |
churchill
said:
 |
... David Sullivan- ex Blues owner – gave an interview this weekend about his views on the financial problems of English football clubs. He dwelt on the enormous wages the players get and what they give in return. He was particularly scathing about foreign players who show no loyalty or commitment to the club or fans, and are prone to feign injury to avoid playing. It made me think about O’Neill’s preference for British players – perhaps his experience is the same as Sullivan’s. My last comment was posted in the early hours, on a previous thread and was probably missed, so a little recap. R0bb0, that post (no 58 ), was inspiring. I’ve read it several times to digest the emotion, sentiment and wisdom. Someone posted a verse from Kipling’s “IF” in the same thread. It wasn’t the verse about Triumph and Disaster, the two imposters, but r0bb0’s post gave us the flavour of it. Six months from now, none of this will matter. In the face of calamity, some men rise to the challenge to show us the way. Thank goodness one or two of them are Villa fans. I loved this quote in The Times from Simon Barnes “That’s sport for you. It makes you care too much. That’s what it’s for.” He was talking about the British approach to leadership and how we keep screwing it up. We will now see what O’Neill is made of. Something good can come out of Saturday’s debacle. O’Neill’s defining moment approaches and his leadership will now be tested -he, and his team, need to reach deep inside to see what’s there. Once again, in the final analysis, it’s about character. If we win the semi, this beating on Saturday will be forgotten. Indeed, the defeat at the Bridge will be seen as an ingredient of the win the win at Wembley, if a win it’s to be. Another vital ingredient will be the support we give them. Give it unconditionally and if it ends in tears, we can have the Steward’s Enquiry at the appropriate time. Just not now. R0bb0 and Nan gave us some philosophical gems and eoin drew an analogy from Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Perhaps we should get thrashed more often? I jest. |
Chiefy
said:
|
...Mon: Now you are all fighting for your places after Saturday so I expect you all to work really hard in training. Carew, Gabby if you don't work hard I will not hesitate in putting Harewood out there!!  We all love EMULE we all love EMULE we all miss EMULE we all miss EMULE |
Chiefy
said:
|
...Another vital ingredient will be the support we give them. Give it unconditionally and if it ends in tears, we can have the Steward’s Enquiry at the appropriate time. Just not now. and after all that what we are SUPPORTERS we are not owners of clubs, professional footballers, football managers, pundits, fa spokes people we are SUPPORTERS and we should SUPPORT the club at this time. It is after all the club this is hurting the manager still gets paid, the players still get paid and they are both on fat salaries. The club how ever it hurts our image, our attraction factor for sponsors, our gates in general it all boils back to revenue us as loyal fans who are there through thick and thin need to now show what being a VILLIAN means and not turn our back when our team need us the most. |
DavidC
said:
|
...You should head down anyway. Like they obviously did earlier in the season at VP when we beat them? Semi will be tough, but in no way is it a formality. |
BrooksterMax
said:
 |
... I watched the entire game via a internet stream, all the pain etc. That is one of the problems of modern day football - you can see everything 24/7 and report on it etc. etc. 10/20 years ago would have just seen the score on Grandstand and maybe a few highlights if you were lucky. There are always bad results for each team, always is and always will be. Its just we are all are able to quickly respond to events. I am not majorily disappointed with things overall so far, one cup final and one semi final and a top half finish. There is a lot competition in the league, it is always going to be difficult. |
tom t
said:
 |
... in regards to the 'is mon the right man', who the f**k is gordo when talking about previous managers?? you can't just make up nicknames noone knows, it makes you look like a t**t! |
Chiefy
said:
|
... could be something in the Keane link, Javier Saviola, you know the guy we have been linked with since he was born, is apparently a target for the spuds. I am assuming that Welly face isn't just going Brazillian and having a team of strikers. Surely he will keep crouch, defoe and paylawhatsitface ?!?!!?!?! |
Villain down South
said:
 |
... Regarding O'Neil I honestly think you have to back him and the team and hope it all comes good. Moyes has had tough times at Everton but they stick with him and long term it comes good. We're a club with the right morals and should stick with him. Damian - not wanting to moan mate, but I work in market research and surveys are my business - that poll is hugely biased. It's written to really only get a negative result from the votes...it should be worded much more neutrally. Yes, No, Maybe, Don't know. The comments after yes etc that you give are the reason it's biased. |
Damian
said:
|
... Villain down South if you work in market research you will know then that i'm not going to get a definitive answer with just one poll and that it will always be grey - there really would really need to be a question or two after the first but this is very much - is he the man; yes/no/lets see what happens this season/lets see what happens next season i could take out the words that follow - but i'm not doing this for market research and it has no bearing on what actually happens and nearly 600 seem to have voted |
ak_27
said:
|
...It made me think about O’Neill’s preference for British players – perhaps his experience is the same as Sullivan’s But it's ok to pay 8/9m for average players like Davies, 4.5m for Harewwod(and he is not even average), 7/8m for NRC? Sorry whatever about the wages the money you have to pay for very average British players is stupid if you ask me. Take Downing for example. Is he worth 12m? Not a chance but because he is English his price tag is probably double what it should be. |
VillaNick
said:
 |
... My chin was on the floor and some of my mates were taking the micky big time - a crushing 6-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest 1986-ish. Roughly 1200 games & 24 years later, the Chelsea result feels the same. Thats how bad it was! |
Andy Rock
said:
 |
... Everton lost 1-6 to Arsenal this season and 5-0 to Benfica as well. Yet look at Everton now. Yes they've had injuries, but despite these results they're still competing and fans on this site think Moyes is amazing. Saturday's result was a freak result. We have still beaten Liverpool, United and Chelsea this season and did have the best defensive record. O'Neill is doing a very good job and with continued investment will help us compete at the highest level. |
vi11achar1ton
said:
 |
... If we are going to get technical about polls etc, we should also consider strike ballots. The people most likely to vote are those with a strong emotional reason to do so Obviously, after a 7-1 defeat many of us are hurt and embarrassed and those with an anti MON leaning will take the opportunity to put the boot in. those who feel he is doing OK but could do better have less of an incentive to vote, Couple that with a slightly biased wording to the question and you are going to need a large majority for getting rid of MON to convince me that that is the view of the average Villa fan |
Villa_Chris
said:
|
... Andy Rock Well highlighted mate. We could end up finishing the season strong. Football is a funny game! |
ak_27
said:
|
...Saturday's result was a freak result But was it really? If your team is too tired with 60 mins gone down to the manager running them into the ground all season is that really just a freak occurance? We lost 5 nil away to Liverpool practically at this point last season too. Was that also just a freak result at a coincidental part of the season? Or was it also down to a jaded football team? |
Headologist
said:
 |
... 5 things I learnt this weekend 1 To feel sorry for Just-Dom - he saw it in the flesh 2 We have lulled Chelski into a false sense of security for the semi 3 The 'L Young at RB' shouters were wrong 4 Abramovich spent £750m putting his team together 5 Even if we get 6th, that's consistency - one of the qualities required for a top team. 6 Villa away support is excellent - whatever is happening on the pitch 7 The Fonz is going to be very very good 8 MON needs another year 9 I get carried away writing lists |
deansaunderspermthatsperm
said:
 |
... i predict no change in management, style and results, as emule does for mon, mon obviously does for learner |
ak_27
said:
|
... Headologist i must say i thought Delfouneso looked good when he came on. Probably the only positive. |
nath888
said:
 |
... In a way the drubbing could be a blessing in disguise and has happened just at the right time. Alot of our success comes from MONs desire and passion to win. He has said he takes full responsibility after the defeat and knows how to get his team phsiqued up for a game. He will be more determined than ever now and this will obviously rub off on the team. I think the bolton game we'll see an outstanding performance which will run on into the rest of the games left. |
Damian
said:
|
... I've removed the poll. It appears we had someone playing silly buggers with it and basically the numbers were getting a bit silly. I'm going with the votes from earlier and I will try and see if I can see what IP number was doing all the voting and see if I can see how many times they hit the page and remove those votes. I think it a little childish that someone do this - I mean, it's a poll on a blog - it's hardly going to influence anything. |
Chiefy
said:
|
...does anyone even no i am here ?? that isnt what i asked is it if i could control my addiction or if i considered work more important i wouldn't be here either, i am getting better with the work bit though thats why i have long gaps between posts trying to ease my self of the blog |
Damian
said:
|
... don't know who was doing it and i dont know enough about the databse interface i have on this server (it is a new server - still need to add a few things) - i saw enough information and tried to remove the votes but then it buggered everything up and i think i buggered up the overall number so best to take it down i'm actually extremely surprised that someone thought it that important to manipulate figures of a poll |
Villa_Chris
said:
|
... Damian It is childish, I agree. Just want to add... I was only jokin about Chiefy, I have no idea whether it was him or not. |
The Droyd
said:
|
... VillaNick The very first Villa game I went to was in 1983 and we lost at home to Forest 5-0 with the likes of Mervyn Day and Steve McMahon playing. Is that the game you are thinking of? Strangely I wasn't as bothered by Saturday as I normally would be. Having seen the last 2 home games I had already given up on our league season. Pulling clear now in the Fantasy Football. Can any of you stop me? |
ak_27
said:
|
...if i could control my addiction or if i considered work more important i wouldn't be here either, i am getting better with the work bit though thats why i have long gaps between posts trying to ease my self of the blog |
Chiefy
said:
|
...Damian Nice one just blame the lad with the SNOOD why dont ya its all the same. So far Damo you are building these cases up for me Snood discrimination Your blog causing me to lose my job Ak and Chris ganging up on me I mean, it's a poll on a blog - it's hardly going to influence anything. wouldnt influence anything but give some out there more ammo maybe No one listening again discrimination of the SNOOD kind |
Chiefy
said:
|
...Chiefy when you find a good medication, give us a shout dude p45otics is sort of my drive at the moment and the not wanting to take any |
mon 4-5-1
said:
|
...Damian said: Damian maybe it was O'Neil himself who started buggering up the figures. |
GHitchens61
said:
 |
... I have been following Villa for over 50 years and have seen several instances where cataclysmic results have occurred under managements many, many times worse than the current incumbents. I am tiring of the we are in year 4 of the 5 year plan moans because it was clear from the outset that to achieve a top 4 position in the EPL would require an investment of 3-500 million pounds sterling in players and lord knows what in wages. Add to this that Spuss ManC in addition to Everton are also now involved and the size of the task becomes clearer. 5 year plans are too short term even in the modern business world and I feel that long term objectives backed up with short term milestones that are measureable are the way to success. It helps cut down the heartakes along the way. Talking of millstones-- Culprits must be sought out and punished severely so I think our emeritus life president should be banned from VP with immediate effect and his name expunged from the Witton Lane Stand and all documentataion at half time during the next home game to boost thge morale of the clubs supporters and players |
vijayd
said:
|
... Did you see how Dunne, Petrov, Gabby and Milner played (or should i say didnt play) on saturday? these guys are not machines, they need to rest, i rather lose against bolton and have a chance against Chelsea, but then again, only time will tell, i think we are in a pretty desperate situation......... |
Simeon
said:
 |
... We are often reminded that, in a democracy, a body of people get the government they deserve. As a body of people, we deserve the joke government we have, and we deserve to have no viable alternative. As a body of football fans, we deserve Martin O'Neill as our manager. This much is clear, both from the balance of views expressed on this site, and by the results of this latest poll. What a down-trodden, cowardly, pathetic bunch we are, perfectly represented by our 'glorious' leader. As a body of football fans, we deserved Saturday's humiliation. It is irrelevant that some of us are agitators and dissenters. We stand and we fall together. |
ak_27
said:
|
... http://news.sky.com/skynews/Ho...ASBOs_Fro m_1904 Im guessing their grand kids went on to support the blues. |
john doyle
said:
 |
... well i dont know where to start i tried at 4.30 am on sunday morning when we got back to hotel in london after having to get propley pissed after going to game. just looked at my blogg but fell asleep writing it so now i have recoverd will start again first the good points the fonz as i have said before is our best forwad at the club and martin might now start him well thats the good points over. hate to blame any of the others as they where all as bad as each other Luke young not fit through lack of games (whos fault is that) collins as i have said many times he aint good enough he just ball watches he has been the cause of all the goals conceaded in the games prior to sat and did no better on sat carlos is a far better player and defender at center back. why is it that when i watch the 2nd team againt chelski and wengers lot we played them off the park and that the 2nd team play proper football on the ground and through the middel and can pass the ball to each other our 2nd team players man for man aint as good as the 2 teams above but we beat them with a bit to spare. its got to be the way that they are coached it is as simple as that if martin decides to stay at our great club or randy dont wake up and sack him he needs to change the first team coach now to Sid Cowans because if he can get young kids to play the right way i am sure if allowed he would get the first team to play right the players that we have do not become bad over 15 months they are not allowed to play with confedence to get there foot on the ball and pass and move all the players we slag off every week need is confedence the likes of Sidwell when he plays there is to much pressure on him as he his only given 10 minns or the odd game here and there the same with all the squad who are not martins pets we all know who they are. so if martin stays then i would like to see sid brought in to coach the first team and work with the players there is not one of the current batch who where as good as him or who could pass the ball like him so make him first team coach and keep martin if you like but changes need to be made and Quick I dont know how much martin talks to sid but I do watch the 2nd team all the time if only the first team would knock the ball about like them we would have no worries we have the players here at the club enen the mule if coached the right way |
CSM
said:
|
... Damian maybe you should run a poll to see who ruined the last poll??? You could list everyone that voted and we could all vote to see who we think did it. |
ak_27
said:
|
...Damian maybe you should run a poll to see who ruined the last poll??? It was definately Chiefy. |
GHitchens61
said:
|
... On reflection I think we should determine who didn't do it and punish them severely. |
Villa_Chris
said:
|
...Some linguistic historians assert that craic was borrowed into Irish from the English language expression crack in the mid-20th century, and the Irish spelling was then reborrowed into English Put that in your pipe n smoke it!! |
CSM
said:
|
...Put that in your pipe n smoke it!! don't you mean put that in your Crack Pipe n smoke it!! |
Villa_Chris
said:
|
... Sorry Pancho, I'm being pedantic again. ak_27 started it though. New post lads |
ak_27
said:
|
...Put that in your pipe n smoke it!! I will not. The Irish for fun is Craic. Thats where it came from so you put that into your pipe and smoke it. So from now on spell it correctly. |
Villa_Chris
said:
|
... The 'Villa News & Record' has been given an award again. Apparantly its a Craicing read |
corleone
said:
 |
... John Terry is right. We saw it against Arsenal at the emirates earlier in the season aswell. We simply cannot keep chasing shadows for the whole 90mins of a game against a good passing side who can keep the ball, it's just too much. Our main problem is the midfield; we don't have technically good enough players- players you need at the top level. We cannot sustain possesion for any amount of time to relieve pressure or build telling attacks. I don't like to say it but Spurs are going the right way about it with their style of play. I'm knocking our style completely. It looks fantastic when we whip in beautiful crosses and score but you look at any real top team and they do not rely fundamentally on putting crosses into the box to score. It's quite easy to defend and very predictable, with a low goal success rate. The days of the big cf are over i'm afraid. Martin really needs to rethink his tactics if we want to push on. I'm a big MON fan. I like the man and he goes the right way about things and is a good embassador for our club. I have faith that our style of football will change with bringing in different personal. As for the semi against chelsea he wants to do a Mourinho and study that tape until he sees it in his sleep. Chelsea are not unbeatable as we well know and if our players have anything about them,(which I think they have)they will be busting their absolute guts to beat them and claw back some pride. It was interesting to read what James Collins put on twiter which was he was ashamed to call himself a proffesional footballer after the other day and he apologised, which i accept. Now is not the time to turn on the manager. I don't care too much about the league this season and in all honesty I'm not bothered whether we qualify for the europa league or not, I just want that F.A. cup. This will be a big summer for Martin and I have faith he will deliver. |
r0bb0
said:
|
... Damian, I tried to go back and re-read exactly what you said in the 23rd March posting when you said you wouldn't run another poll for fear of breeding negativity but I can't find it. Am I looking in the wrong place? |
DDT
said:
 |
... it's a case of deja vu..... http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/astonvilla/5039147/Martin-ONeills-Aston-Villa-masterplan-must-change-to-stem-nose-dive.html |
young villain
said:
 |
... I think the team will recover. O'Neill is probably the best motivator in the league and i fully expect him to have the players fired up for it. Chelsea will expect to walk over us but this time it will not happen. Its a one off game that means so much to everyone involved with Villa and the fact that Chelsea have humiliated the players, the manager and the fans only intensivies the occasion. O'Neill is a physco, he is unmovable and i hope he stays at the club for ages because he is such a great character and provides a great mentality. With the exception of saturday there is a never say die attitude that he has installed into villa and for that he is feared and respected by so many managers. The atmosphere will be electric. The players will be resentless and i hope that we play them off the park and completely humiliate them. WE WILL WIN THE FA CUP |
Danni B
said:
 |
... I'm with young villain! Come on the Villa!!! MON will guide us to glory Just re-highlighting the fact that there are 7 crucial games left, football is a funny game, and whilst teams above us play tough games, we can still hope to challenge them! UTV! |
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