If some of this post confuses you or you're reading something and it isn't news, then that's just because the reality of where we are is that we don't know and it's no longer in just our hands. This weekend we need teams to drop points for us to be playing in the Champions League next season.
That said and as I wrote the other day in the build up to the Spurs match, European football is confirmed for next season and all things considered, we should be over the moon. Rangers are about to appoint Steven Gerrard again. Look at us now.
And let me be clear about everything that follows; Champions League is the goal and objective and what we all want. That said, European football next season, if it's not the Champions League, isn't that bad.
Arguably, if you look at who is playing tonight and in the Conference League final, we are going to have a better chance at winning a lesser European competition and maybe in fact I'll go so far as to say, that isn't a bad thing. And again, considering where we were a few season ago, there can't be any complaints.
It's actually a monumental achievement to have competed the way we have this season and although there is a chance we don't finish as high as we did last season, I think it's very fair to say we have progressed this season. But progress has many outcomes. And change is coming.
And we have to embrace what's in front of us. We are no position to be unhappy with not getting Champions League. Disappointed yes, because we came so close, but look at how far we have come. That said, to the change.
Emotions took over
So, it's starting to look a little like Emi Martinez is off and when that all started, I made the suggestion on X and here, that we should retire the number 23 shirt. If he had worn the number one, I'd not have suggested it and there is a part of me that thinks it wouldn't be such a bad idea. But I think there are better ones and I blame the wine.
That written, if he does go, it's not going do be nice. I don't remember a better keeper at Aston Villa. That said, this is prime value time for us and if someone is willing to pay a lot of money for him, he'll understand and he'll do what's best for Aston Villa, in the knowledge, he'll always be welcomed back and loved. I don't like this next part, but football is just as much business these days, if you want to be eating at the tables we're eating at.
And it's probably not just Emi. I suspect there will be one or two more leaving too. But I also suspect there is a list somewhere of players that we have already engaged agents for and likelihood of joining is probably based on what European competition we are playing in next season. I suspect our business for this coming transfer window is well and truly underway.
The reactions from Bailey and Emi at full time suggest that to be the case too.
United at the weekend
So, onto the business part of the post and we need to win at the weekend. Forest are one point behind us and if they beat Chelsea they increase their chances of finishing in the top five and if we don't win, they will. Forest and Chelsea is the match I'm going to be hitting refresh on the most I think on Sunday.
But beating United is not going to be a stroll in the park. Whatever happens tonight might play a part. If they lose, they're going to want to finish on a high. If they win tonight, they're probably all going to have an eye on the beach and maybe a new Club. All we can do is our best and I think if we do, we've got a very good chance. And if we do, that's all we can do.
And we want Forest to win. That gets us in. Forest will then want Newcastle to drop points. And we don't mind a Forest and Chelsea draw. As for Newcastle, I think we'd all like to see Everton win, but I fancy they've got it sewn up. As for Manchester City, they basically need a point at Fulham and it looks like they're starting to find some form.
It's not impossible that Manchester City, Newcastle and Chelsea all lose and we finish better than last season. How would you like those apples?