Written by Doc Bowles Monday, 14 December 2009 11:01
As we all slowly come back down through the stratosphere to the reality of planet earth, isn't it worth taking a second or two to consider just what act of witchcraft has transformed our team from a battling, competitive difficult-to-beat side into one which can go to Old Trafford and - for long periods - outplay champions.
It's strange. There hasn't been a massive change in the molecular structure of the squad. Argue as long as you like about formations, essentially Martin O'Neill is relying upon the same fundamental elements. Athleticism, muscle, pace, commitment and high levels of kinetic energy.
So what the hell has changed?
I'm sure of one thing: Martin O'Neill hasn't gone back to the drawing board. He hasn't sat the team down with some footballing version of the Periodic Table and asked them to reassess the basics of Villa's approach.
So something else is at work here, and it clearly isn't incidental. Fluke doesn't see a team start to play more fluidly and more creatively, and to use space more dangerously for three games in a row. Many of the universe's bizarre happenings can be attributed to chance - but this, at least in my view, isn't one of them.
As a counterpoint, it may be interesting to look at the way Manchester City are stalling and stuttering. In terms of the composition of their team, it makes no scientific sense. It defies logic. Pound for pound, every player in every position is first class, and it stands to reason that they should be pushing their more glamorous neighbours and the Kings Road wide boys, not hanging around 4th and 5th with the likes of us dowdy Midlanders.
And this, I think, is where a little bit of magic comes in. Or, better said, quite a lot of magic.
We all sort of welcomed the £12m signing of Stewart Downing, without being bowled over by it. Firstly, he was injured when we bought him, which some of us thought made O'Neill look more like the court jester than Merlin the Magician. Secondly, that £12m tag sort of grated with us: it confirmed us a club who were always going to be in the second-most-expensive seats. You know what I mean: not also-rans, but not really pushing the boundaries of the possible.
Yet I'm beginning to think that Martin O'Neill has some powers of sorcery underneath that dour, Price Waterhouse aspect. Since Downing has come into the side, Villa's entire approach has changed. Milner, Young and Downing move and switch with each other so effortlessly that as an observer, I lose track. If I were Stan Petrov, I'd be livid: how the hell can he work out where any of them are?
To a certain extent, this can be coached on the training pitch. But on the whole that sort of fluidity demands players of immense intuition, players with natural coherence who play on each other's wavelength. And during the 90 minutes of a game, it relies completely on the intelligence and communication between those players.
James Milner, Stewart Downing and Ashley Young cost Villa £35m between them. They are all young, and all English. And they are playing football at a level right now which is approaching the scientifically unexplained. So much so that during a first half at Old Trafford, Sir Alex Ferguson didn't quite know what was going on.
And it proves a point. A really, really important point.
And that is (Mr Hughes and Mr Redknapp), that you can buy individuals all you like, and bankrupt clubs in the process. But teams win things, not individuals. And the greatest teams, all of them, have a little bit of "something else" about them. A little bit of magic. A whole lot of chemistry.
And that's what's excited me about the emergence of Stewart Downing in the Villa first team. Another England fringe player, signed for (in Big 4 terms) a modest fee.
But a superb example of one Ulsterman's sorcery. Because Downing has transformed the way Villa's midfield play, allowing Ashley Young to pop up in all sorts of unexpected places, and freeing James Milner to work as Villa's creative engine in front of Stan.
Managers with less imagination, and who aren't card-carrying members of football's magic circle, might think the way to do it is to buy loads of really expensive midfielders.
But we have an alchemist at the helm. And I genuinely believe that the entrance of Stewart Downing onto the Villa stage is turning James Milner, Ashley Young and also Stiliyan Petrov into gold.
You may look like an accountant Martin, but we're not fooled. It's Merlin, really, isn't it?
Because Doc sent this in and because I have a preview post to do for tomorrow and bit of regular work to get through today, the post-mortem is going to come late this week.
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rob hathaway
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... v nice doc I have missed you and your posts. we need to believe or we just wont get anywhere. |
croni
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... excellent piece where are the o'neill doubters now! liverpool, chelsea and utd! downing has really added another dimension to our play beating utd at old trafford, absolute majic! this season is getting better and better |
Andi
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... many have questioned MON, some accused him of poor subs, tactics and formations, some of his purchases have come into question and some have down right useless BUT it is now evident that our leader and commander and chief KNOWS exactly what he is doing. MON genius or crazy ?? isnt it said that there has to be a touch of crazyness in you to be considered a GENIUS ?? ( salifo to start tomorrow  ) Win tomorrow and a good old sing song saturday for the team and MON  |
tubbydunne
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... Congratulations to all concerned on Saturday what a day to be a villa fan, amazing. Lets enjoy it but I will say one thing, we should not get too carried away. Downing has made a huge difference mainly because his introduction has pushed Milner into center mid and this has improved us no end. However if we have an injury to any of our midfielders that will mean either Sidwell or Reo Coker back in the side and we look very very ordinary with any of these two playing. Hopefully Delph will step up and make the grade because we are lacking quality cover for center midfield. But anyway what a weekend. |
Darragh McGeown
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... Great post Doc. I honestly believe that Defoe will go off the boil and spurs will implode on themselves. We were in the exact same position last year and look what happened. In hindsight i beleive that year was a blessing in disguise. We are back, bigger and better than before, and I really believe we will push the top four all the way this season. |
jk92923
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... to the Irish fans - anyone heading to Murreys bar on O'Connell St for the Sunderland game?? great post Doc, by the way!! |
Enda
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... Dead right. Downing is turning out to be a player that does something so simple but so bloody important and something entirely lacking from Aston Villa FC: pass the ball. Not only that, he passes the ball and then runs into space and in so doing either becomes available again or takes an opponent out the game. It's such a basic thing that I remember being taught it when I was eight years old. But it has really been missing from Villa as we have too much of a tendency to hoof the ball to the big lad up front. That's fine at times, but with our pacy midfield we should be looking to pass the ball more. And Downing does that. His emergence could be as important to us as Petrov's was last year. |
Chris Harper
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... Excellent post Doc, gave me goosebumps!!  Its a great time to be a Villa supporter right now. If we win tomorrow night, Villa Park will be absolutely rocking on Saturday! We are going places and every man and his dog are aware of it! UTV!  |
Tommy
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... We've certainly looked a different prospect since Downing's introduction. Milner controlling central midfield like he's been there all his life and a quality delivery from Young - more of those once more would be very welcome. So a push into the top 4 this year? I think it's worth a bet, although millions of Europeans can't (http://cli.gs/9ESzdA) |
tubbydunne
said:
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... We are supposed to be interested in Graham Dorrans, W.B.A.s Scottish midfielder anyone know anything about him. |
Rios.Jockstrap
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... Nice piece Doc  In beating Chelsea, Liverpool and now Manure, we have shown that we can now compete with these clubs. However ( and this is not a criticsm ) i think the hard bit is yet to come. In that i think what we all want to see is a run of consistant results into the new year. If we can do that, and possibly reach Wembley, then i think we can finally say that Martins team is coming of age with only some fine tuning needed. If you look how the league is panning out, i think that if any team can now put a decent and long run together, then they will proberly be the team that takes that coveted 4th spot. Its going to be difficult. Man city have only lost one game all season and a few of the draws being turned into wins, then they could prove our main rivals. And does everyone still actually believe that Liverpool are incapable of putting such a run together? They will at some point soon, do so. Spurs will win more games than they lose since its how they are set up. And Small Heath? Well i only mention them cos we could all do with a laugh! If we can now find that run, then i can seriously see us being the team to break the monopoly, but its going to take hard a work, and a belief in the players that they really are good enough to do it. Exciting and very interesting times lie ahead! |
Andy Rock
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... Fingers crossed O'Neill doesn't revert to Cuellar at right back now that Collins is fit and Warnock is injured. Cuellar lacks the touch and passing ability to add balance to the team. I say switch Young to left back, Beye comes in at right back and for now Cueller/Dunne remain in the centre. |
Steve Badger
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... Good post Doc. You make a good point about the midfield. MON just lets them get on with it, which impresses me. First time I've seen Downing proper and he looks good, doesn't he?. Seemed to tire quite badly, but that's to be expected. How good can he be when he gets his fitness fully back? Having looked around a few Man U sites, it's nice to see their fans not bitching and moaning and accepting that we played well and deserved the result. Chiefy's boss's comment about us looking the real deal made me think a bit. And it's true, we did on Saturday. We attacked well, but more importantly never got ground down, which shows good mental attitude. If we can start beating the teams that we really ought to be beating, the possibilities are endless. Big one tomorrow, which might finally prove our credentials. Lets hope that Saturday hasn't taken too much out of the lads. PS, Neil57, I've nothing to get up for of late, so it's the natural body clock kicking in which makes me post late at night. |
daniel wheeler
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... nice read doc. we were great saturday,played some great football and went toe to toe with the champs and came out on top(for once). things seem to be falling in to place at the moment and we are playing much better football. bring on the gunners. 4-0 against the top 4 for christmas please santa UTV!!!!! |
John Flynn
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... Excellent post Doc. We really need to go at Sunderland tomorrow, dont want a repeat of the league cup game.! |
Steve Badger
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...And does everyone still actually believe that Liverpool are incapable of putting such a run together? They will at some point soon, do so. Maybe, but yesterday, they didn't look anything special to me. Our performance on saturday would have seen both of those teams off, imo. The Emirates hold no fear for me, put it that way. I think Arsenal are made for the Villa. And Small Heath? Credit where it's due. They've quietly gone about their game and are eking out wins. As much as it galls me to say it, that's the sign of a half decent side. However, it won't last (I hope). |
Daniel Wilson
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... I was browsing a Liverpool forum yesterday, you know, for a right good laugh and stumbled over a thread where someone had named who they thought were their world class players. Of course about 7 were mentioned who would apparently walk into any other top 4 team. As this thread progressed a few people started to mention the fact that it wasn't all about players but more importantly the team work. Villa got a big mention and Ash, Milner and Downing were discussed along the lines of being average players with a good work ethic who would fail miserably if put into an international side or one of the top 4, apparently like Robbie Keane did. I half agreed with the stuff I was reading, we do have a great team mentality, to run and work for one another on the pitch. But I also think we have 3 young players who could develop into world class individuals. There is too much emphasis placed on the top 4 thing and just because someone plays for Villa doesn't mean they can't be top end stuff. Mon should be applauded on bring in Ash, Milner, Downing, Petrov, Warnock, Dunne, Collins, Cuellar, hell pretty much everyone making our starting XI right now. He's moulded a fantastic young squad, which, if it continues to develop at the same drastic rate which it has been recently, could be something very very special given a couple of years. Nice article Doc. |
3piecesuite
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... That's exactly what I was thinking, since stewie's come in we've been immense, thats 3 wins on the trot since he came in and long may it continue. Also glad to see MO'N being refered to as an Ulsterman and not and Irishman as the media is won't to do. He was born in this country and played for it in 2 world cups so it kinda grates when he is refered to as Irish, he just isn't. And don't get me started on Darron bloody Gibson! |
Steve Badger
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... Oops, I forgot. Interesting chalkboard comparison of Milner's contribution on saturday and the 3-2 defeat; http://www.guardian.co.uk/foot...ston-villa |
John Samuels
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... Playing Cuellar at RB isn't a problem for me, it just depends on the context and what we need from our RB. When Warnock almost went off earlier in the game Beye got stripped off ready to come on, but wasn't needed. Towards the end it was Collins as we were on the back foot and needed an physical presence in there. This was proof to me that MoN doesn't really have favourites, he judges what is needed and goes with what he feels is the best option at the time. Downing has been a revelation as I knew he would be, and not only can he pass, he also doesn't give the ball away. I touted this as something we needed when we signed him and I'm glad to see I was righ about him. Good left foot, good ball retention, mobility and desire. A good player and a great signing for £12m. Sunderland is a big game, but this team must believe they can beat anyone now. The black cats aren't the best at the back and it'll depend more on keeping Reid, Bent and Jones quiet. Warnock will be a miss and he may go with Cuellar and Dunne again and Beye on the right to give us a bit more pace in the back four. I don't like the way Bent runs in behind and a touch of pace will be a good thing to have. Given the fixture congestion and the work the lads put in on saturday do you think there will be any changes to keep the players fresh for the weekend? We could rest a CB and bring Collins back in, we could also perhaps rest Stan and give NRC a run out. He'll be fine alongside Milner. Carew could start up front instead of Bruno too. It'll be interesting to see if we start utilising the squad depth we have. |
peter haworth
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... Good read Doc.Downing coming into midfield has transformed the team dramatically IMO.With our new back 4 looking so solid I believe we will not collapse after Xmas as we did last season. This result must give our players tremendous confidence going into the next few games. Also,it was nice to take the money from the Bookies!! |
Steve Badger
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...Given the fixture congestion and the work the lads put in on saturday do you think there will be any changes to keep the players fresh for the weekend? No chance, imo. If Warnock is anything like fit, he'll be straight back in too. And I suppose there is a case of "if it's not broke, don't fix it". As for Petrov being rested, I think he's MON's first name on the sheet. It's nice to know that we can rest a defender and have one of equal quality come in, but they don't tire in the same way as midfielders and attackers do, do they? Carew for Heskey wouldn't surprise me, but I think he'll stick with Heskey. It's the midfield where if we rest someone, the replacements are of lesser quality. Which is why I'm guessing we might go for Bentley in the window. |
John Samuels
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...Which is why I'm guessing we might go for Bentley in the window. I like this. He's like a right sided Downing, but with a crap attitude. Maybe not playing has humbled him a bit. Levy did tell Harry he has to sell to buy in January and Spurs may well be in the market for a defender. How much do you think he'd cost? £8-£10m? Do you think he is a player MoN could groom into someone who can play anywhere in the opposing half like Milner, Young and Downing? |
Michael
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... ur posts always bring a huge smile to my face doc and i cant help it! cant wait till ur 'weve finished 4th in the league' post in may. |
Andi
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... JPA -- if Bentley sorts out his attitude he could be quality, it wasn't to long ago he was the new Beckham and you dont just lose that type of skill |
Stathis
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... Hahaa Doc u rock!! Exactly my point, Downing has been a revelation, the best is yet to come!!! |
Dave
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... 3piecesuite - don't really want to get into this but as you've mentioned it. I think if you asked MON he would tell you he's Irish because he is he just happens to be from Ulster rather than Leinster, Munster or Connaught - Donegal and Monaghan are also part of Ulster which are in the Republic. I think MON actually rises above all the political crap but I'm pretty certain he'd call himself Irish simply because he is. |
Christian
said:
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... I don't think I've ever been so proud of our boys as I am today! That game was absolute torture. Simply unbearable. If I'd have been playing I'd have gone to pieces! The newspapers raved about Dunne and Young, but if I had to pick out one player in particular, it would be Stan Petrov. I thought he was utterly fantastic. He's really starting to dictate play, he's very vocal and at last he's surrounded by intelligent players who actually listen to him (Cuellar aside, but I wont be overly critical because he does exactly what a centrehalf says it should on the tin). A very composed performance and I thought he showed more legs and running than even Milner! I didnt think i'd ever see the day where we'd win at Old Trafford! In fact, I'd started to blame my own birth in 1983 as the reason for our torrid run Brilliant Villa. Thank You. |
John Samuels
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... Chieft, exactly what I thought. I was reasonably excited when we got linked with him in the summer, but Downing was a pretty good alternative. If we got him and Keane from Spurs in January I think we could really be looking at champions league football next year. They would really improve the overall quality and depth of our midfield and forward line. Bye Bye Harewood, Osbourne and Salifou. |
bertiebassett's wife
said:
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... Nicely put Doc, Well done Villa! two of my kids are United fans, well aren't all kids who nothing about football? Nice to shut them up for a while anyway. Keep the faith blogger's, we're still up there again giving everyone a run for there money aren't we! Don't think it would of been the same story under O'dreay would it. |
Darragh McGeown
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... JPA/Chiefy - I think Bob Keane would be a better acquisition than bentley. No attitude, talented and terrific play maker. I think bentley would come here with his tail between his legs and once he got playing again he would be back to his old arrogant self. Whoever it is, I do beleive a spurs player will be coming to VP in January. |
Steve Badger
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... JPA, How much do you think he'd cost? £8-£10m? Good question. I'd be well happy if we could get him for £8m, for the reasons Chiefy mentions. Melted welly face does have a knack of getting pretty good money for players though, so I'd guess higher. Depends who goes in for him I guess and I reckon Bruce would be interested. Bentley is a typical MON type player imo and I'd be surprised if we haven't made enquiries. As you say, MON would soon make him wind his neck in and if he was to get his head down and work at his game, he could be real class for Villa. Imagine a player of his quality having to fight to get into our team. When you look at it like that, it really demonstrates how far we've come imo and as much as I sometimes moan about MON, we really have moved on haven't we? Happy days atm |
John Samuels
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... Rocksteady, Bob Keane would be a good addition. I differ in that I believe Bentley could do a job too. It's safe to say that he wouldn't get a look in unless he was prepared to do his fair share of hard work, defending, tracking back etc. He is very good on the ball and has one of the best deliveries in the league on his day. I can imagine there is nowhere to hide in that squad when training. If you don't put a shift in and everyone else is working hard then I imagine you'd get a bit of stick and not just from the manager. The work ethic and team spirit at Villa might be enough to get the best out of him. It's a shame Dean Ashton retired, he would have been a perfect buy for us. |
Rios.Jockstrap
said:
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...Given the fixture congestion and the work the lads put in on saturday do you think there will be any changes to keep the players fresh for the weekend? Not on your Nelly Players only seem to get tired when they are on a bad run of results. The team is starting to bed down, so leave well alone IMO. |
Christian
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... How many Villa players do we think will get on the plane to the World Cup? We could potentially have 6-7. But I have a feeling it'll be just 3. Heskey, Milner and Downing. I really think Downing will steal a late spot. Unfortunately I think Ash will miss out, Gabby may have blown his chance, and Warnock has had a career full of heartbreak and near-misses and I have a terrible feeling Capello will pick Bridge simply because 'he's always been Cole's understudy'. It'll be a travesty. If I was Capello, I'd be taking Milner, Warnock, Downing and Gabby. I'm not Gabby's biggest fan, in fact I'm quite a critic, but who would you rather see come on with 20 minutes left trailing against Germany- Gabby or Owen? Only one choice for me. |
Darragh McGeown
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... JPA - My doubts are with his ability to stay grounded, not with his ability on the pitch. However, I agree with you, a grounded bentley would be an excellent addition to the team. |
Rios.Jockstrap
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...I think Bob Keane would be a better acquisition than bentley I agree. He would certainly be a better link between the Midfield and Gabby. |
John Samuels
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... Take all of them, I wish Luke hadn't retired, Johnson was bobbins yesterday. ----------Green------------- Young--Davies-Terry--Warnock Young-Milner-Lampard-Downing -----Agbonlahor-Heskey------ Not bad, no room for second raters like Gerard and Rooney. One thing i do believe is that Barry's place might not be as safe as he thought it may have been. Lucky for him De Jong is Dutch |
Rios.Jockstrap
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... When i looked at the oppossing team sheets Saturday, i asked my lad how many of our players would get into the Manure line-up. I could count at least 4-5! 3 years ago, there would of been none. This is the progress i like!!!! For the record, they were.... Luke Young Friedel Dunne Cueller Milner And possibly Ashley |
Christian
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... Haha JPA! I think you've overlooked Reo-Coker too and put Lampard in by mistake! |
Pete Hutton
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... great post Doc, good to see positive post from a blogger on here for a change..... |
jk92923
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... 3piecesuite - might want to check this link. although it doesn't matter where he is from, WE BEAT UTD...WOOOOO!!!! http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=martin o'neill irish&search=Search&sa=X&oi=spell&resnum=0&spell=1 |
Christian
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... Rio's Jockstrap, I agree with most of your list. But we can only really say one of Dunne or Cuellar. They're both better than Carrick, but Cuellar isn't Vidic by any stretch of the imagination! |
Rios.Jockstrap
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...I agree with most of your list. But we can only really say one of Dunne or Cuellar. They're both better than Carrick, but Cuellar isn't Vidic by any stretch of the imagination! Totally agree, but both are a better option than Wes Brown |
Darragh McGeown
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... Just out of curiousity, when is Curtis Davies back? I actually forgot about him over the past few weeks... |
Christian
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... Rocksteady, I think he's nearing fitness now. I read somewhere he thinks he may be ready for the festive period  I have a strong feeling he'll be sold ASAP for a number of reasons. He's got too much to say for himself, he isn't good enough, we've got 3 top-draw centrehalf's, we've got a young Ciaran Clarke who need more games and if Davies does play a couple more games he gets a new contract which isn't in anybody's interests. |
John Samuels
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...Totally agree, but both are a better option than Wes Brown Brown totally got caught ball watching for our goal, Gabby pi**ed on him. You don't see that happening in our defence!  They showed Gabby's movement on Motd and It appears he doesn't always gamble as much on crosses as he should, perhaps he needs to be a bit more predatorial in the box for set pieces. This is where I think someone like Carew would have been more useful in the first half instead of the second when he didn't have the service. A fresh Heskey would have been better second half. We should put Carew and Heskey in the teleporter from the fly, then they'd combine creating opur very own Drogba!! A ball winning goal scoring striker that can hold the ball up with ease!! |
Christian
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... JPA We should put Carew in the teleporter with Gabby and Milner! Then we'd have a giant, marathon running/sprinting beast up front! |
VillaJigz
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... http://www.physioroom.com/news..._table.php RockSteady - This is give you an indication well players are back |
John Samuels
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... ] Just out of curiousity, when is Curtis Davies back? I actually forgot about him over the past few weeks... January, he may start training before then, but he won't be match fit before mid Jan. Apparently the op was a massive success and he is progressing nicely. It'll be good to have him back in the fold. I think he could go on to be as good as the others, maybe even better with a boost of confidence and the tutelage of Dunne. I have a strong feeling he'll be sold ASAP for a number of reasons. He's got too much to say for himself, he isn't good enough, we've got 3 top-draw centrehalf's, we've got a young Ciaran Clarke who need more games and if Davies does play a couple more games he gets a new contract which isn't in anybody's interests. I disagree, I think he is a good player with a lot of heart who took a while to settle and then had a persistent injury. Much the same way as Cuellar did not appear good enough last year. Cuellar is now a rock after getting properly fit and playing alongside Dunne and I believe Danies is also capable of this. Clark is one for the future and will not become a consistent first team player for another 3 seasons (22/23 yrs old) if he prgresses and stays injury free. To have four top drawer CB's is a blessing and MoN knows a good player when he sees one. He paid a lot of money for him and there is a reason why. Davies needs to be given time to recover and play his way back in. The fact that he needs two more appearances will spur him on to get back in the side, as he won't get his contract until he does so. A good carrott for him and I fancy they'll all play a part this season. A three game ban for Dunne and a persistent groin injury for Collins and we will suddenly look vulnerable again. Davies should definitely not be sold. |
Andi
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... Christian 1983 -- you talk alot of sense, personally i cant stand Davies dont think he is as good as he thinks he is, think he has to much to say for himself and think we have better already playing. Some say he played through the pain barrier for us and i say OH WELL if we would have had anyone else he wouldn't have. We don't need him upsetting everyone because he finds himself on the bench, I think expected a host of clubs sniffing around him when he said he would leave if he didn't get a new contract. I think we will use him in a deal with SPUDS he is a SPUDS fan and King isnt getting a contract extension |
PaulMcGrathsGoneAWOL
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... I have to agree with this article 100%. I must also congratulate you on the avoidance of the term "x factor" it must have been tempting. Still a brilliant piece and at last people are starting to believe what I and a few others have known for a long time. |
Andi
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... Redkanpp has let it be known and has invited offers for KEANE, BENTLEY, Hutton and the russian this is in the media. CELTIC cant afford KEANE nobody wants bentley although MAN city had been interested at one point. KEANE is the one lets bring him to VILLA park MON |
Darragh McGeown
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... Keane in Jan, S. Ireland in the summer and it will be like the days of McGrath/Staunton and Townsend all over again |
stephen may
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... Dunne ,Cuellar, warnock , Collins , 2 brads, 2 youngs,Milner , Downing, Carew , Heskey etc etc... are we still going to moan about Mon in the tranfer market and cry out for Tuncay and the likes or are we gonna shut the f**k up and have faith in him and let him do his thing ! |
Craig Elliot
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... quote]flowershopboy said: ... Dunne ,Cuellar, warnock , Collins , 2 brads, 2 youngs,Milner , Downing, Carew , Heskey etc etc... are we still going to moan about Mon in the tranfer market and cry out for Tuncay and the likes or are we gonna shut the f**k up and have faith in him and let him do his thing ! exactly mate, thats what has to be learned |
John Samuels
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...shut the f**k up and have faith in him and let him do his thing ! Let him go and do it, as i've been saying for a long time. However, there may be a real possibilty that Keane and Bentley might be targets if they are available. We have been linked pretty heavily with both before and it will come down to how much we have to pay and what wages they want. Our club is a big enough draw for both and there is no doubt our current squad is crying out for someone of a similar build to Gabby to give us four experienced striking options up front. Two little ones and two big ones in HEskey, Carew, Gabby and Keane. Very nice. Keane will help us create in the final third also. Bentley is more of a challenging prospect, but another dead ball kicker who is good on the ball would be a good buy especially as we have effectively lost a right winger with Milner's move inside. Like you say, I won't be worried about whoever we bring in, even if it's no one as I trust MoN's judgement and could see what was going to happen for a while. I've been banging the Downing drum for quite a while. |
Carl Main
said:
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... Does anybody think MON will use our squad depth over the busy Christmas period? I hope he does as we will need to make a few little changes here and there just to avoid tired legs and risk of injury. I wouldnt play Downing tomorrow, just because he worked his socks off on Sat and has only just came back from injury. Id like to see this tomorrow. ...................Friedle................. L.Young.......Collins..Dunne.........Warnock .....................Petrov................ A.Young.........Milner............Delph..... ............Gabby......Carew.............. |
Andi
said:
|
... Villa Chris -- i never moan you know that always a bright side in everything even EMULE has a bright side to it |
Christian
said:
|
... Yeah we do need a new post. But at the moment, anything from the world of football is great I've just been handed a ton of paperwork to get through by the end of the day. Normally, I would tut, sulk, contemplate resigning/murder and then shuffle the bits around for an hour or so... But today is different, today I've just remebered that feeling I had at 7.20pm on Saturday!!!! We BEAT UNITED AT OLD TRAFFORD and now my boss can give me all the damn paperwork he likes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
tubbydunne
said:
|
... anyone know how badly Warnock is injured and will he be available tomorrow night |
proxopera
said:
 |
... Would'nt touch Bentley with a barge pole - he's your classic Spurs player , absurdly talented but inconsistent , lazy,egotistical,and no work ethic ...like Anderton , Kranjcar,Ginola , Gascoigne , Ricky Villa, Glen hoddle, and so on. Villa now have a very hardworking team from 1 to 11 , but I do think we are just not dangerous enough upfront and to me the type of player that would complete the current team is Van Nistelroy. Power & technique , the type of player that Luc Nillis would have been. |
Finally
said:
 |
... You guys have said all I wanted to say. Manure ground was rocking Saturday. Only just sobered up and got my voice back. Was in a few bars with some ManU fans after and they all said fair play to us. SOTC. One Very happy Villa Fan |
Norwood Villain
said:
 |
... This is like the dam has burst and years of pent up emotion are pouring forth. Somewhere up above someone said it's a great time to be a Villa supporter and isn't it just. It's amazing how much good will from other teams supporters we are enjoying. We have some real heroes on board. So, take great heart in a growing side and players that we haven't seen the likes of since Gary Shaw, Tony Morley, Sid Cowens, Peter Withe, Allan Evans and Dennis Mortimer. Dare to dream. But please remember this euphoria when we suffer the next painful reverse |
Rod Bentley
said:
 |
... We are not the only ones to think we are a contender for a top 4 spot http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2009/dec/15/villa-growing-menace-threat-liverpool |
JimmyVillain
said:
 |
... I stopped coming on here 3 matches in because I couldn't stand the negative reaction the players and manager were getting. I hope everyone can stay positive as we mount yet another challenge with a bigger squad this year. Please no more begging for De La Red, Mascrapoone or A.N.Other foreign saviour this year. Some tough fixtures ahead but if a few more results go our way, particularly Man City and Liverpool dropping points, we could have a real shout. The squad is in good shape and continuity is the key to success. Spurs prove every year that bringing in 10 new players doesn't work. If you look at their best new team, it's their best old team pretty much. Save the money, invest in the youth and exceptional talent, and may the road ahead be claret and blue. |
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