Aston Villa Football Club are delighted to announce the appointment of Tim Sherwood as our new manager.
Tim, 46, joins after a long and successful coaching career with Tottenham, culminating a short but successful period as manager, and has agreed a contract that will see him take charge until the end of season 2017-18.
The club are excited to have secured the services of one of English football’s most highly sought after managers.
Tom Fox, Aston Villa chief executive: “Randy and I are really pleased that Tim has decided to join the club.
“Tim had a fantastic career at Tottenham, not only in his brief spell as first-team manager but, just as importantly, in the role he played in developing young talent.
“We are determined to build a football operation with a long-term vision and a commitment to youth development.
“We strongly believe Tim has the qualities to get the best out of our current squad and help us build and develop for the future.”
Tim Sherwood said: “It is a great honour to manage one of the biggest clubs in English football.
“I can’t wait to get started and I’m really looking forward to the challenge.”
Villa chairman Randy Lerner commented: “While being forever conscious of the frustrations that we all suffer, we feel that a change that offers a positive, fresh approach will be very good for the club.
“I know that Tom and many others at Villa worked very hard to recruit Tim in the face of severely limited time constraints and pounding pressure.
“More importantly, I know further that internally we remain focused and committed to challenges we face, and I am deeply appreciative for that.”
The Author
Matt Turvey
Matt is the owner of, and chief writer for, Aston Villa Life. He is also a columnist for the Wolverhampton Express & Star, appearing in the Kick Off pullout on Saturdays and the Final Whistle pullout the Monday after Aston Villa play, as well as every Thursday as a blogger on their website. He has previously been featured as a writer on Football365 and Life's A Pitch, and was a regular pundit for Sports Tonight TV on Sky.Comments 205
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
As I said good luck to him.I wish him all the best.A gamble,but aren`t all appointments?
If he can do to the beast what he did to adebayor then we will be fine
I’m just looking forward to seeing a new Villa now and better football with our youngsters
Pray he keeps us up and build in the summer
Sherwood has a tough task, but best of luck to him, he should bring that freshness that we all crave.
Nothing personal against lambert but I’ m relived he’s gone, a cloud has lifted for the moment at least
Welcome Tim. Very pleased you have joined us. Regret the circumstances under which you will initially have to work. Had the executive management one their job properly, the previous incumbent would have left in December and you would have had the January window to strengthen the team, as you saw fit.
Anyway we have a new manager now, so let’s all give him and the team our full support. The next few months are going to be exciting. Just to be free of negativity is worth a few points by itself. Its like a breath of fresh air already.
Bent and Gardner score
And lambert will be wondering why he’s been sacked
My heart sank when I saw that Sherwood’s appointment had been confirmed. It sank further when I saw it was a long term appointment.
There is however a good chance that he will give us a bounce with winnable games coming up so as with all Villa fans I’ll be falling in behind him and wishing him all the very best.
So it is now confirmed, and it is on a long term(ish) deal. Not my preferred choice, but I can fully understand why Aston Villa have struggled to recruit from the top table, given our fragile league position, and lacklustre ownership. If you are a top gaffer, why would you go for a job where relegation is a distinct possibility, and the absentee owner is tighter than a ducks arse.
However we feel about TS, we simply have to get behind him and the work shy players, and make sure we stay in this league!!! Once safety is assured we can focus on rebuilding for next season, and hopefully a season clear of any relegation fears.
I’m very confident that we’ll avoid relegation now that Lambert has gone, Sherwood actually seems to have a personality.
3-1 tomorrow with the fans giving their support to TS. Never forget though the club is still in shambles mode and will be while Lerner is here.
Not my number one choice just never took to him from watching his interviews but i wanted Lambert out and felt anyone would be an improvement.
So good luck Tim I think you are going to need it working for Lerner and his rabble, I hope you have the good sense to surround yourself with people you can fully trust.
AVFC A GLIMMER OF HOPE
Not the biggest fan of ts, but something had to change.
I also like my villa managers to have a big personality/character like big ron and jg so good luck tim
The main positives are:
1. The players should be able to understand his accent;
2. He won’t mince words and we’ll soon find out whose fallen foul when we see his teamsheet;
3. He’s got a good football spirit in him as seen in his combative play;
4. He’s played in a championship-winning side and is a player’s role model;
5. He’s not defensively minded;
6. He’s clearly ambitious.
Yes, he’s mainly unproven, but he could well surprise us all.
Cor luv a duck I think he’s the first southerner ever to manage Villa.
Erm … no, Barton and Gregory were from the south.
Well those two did well for Villa, so let’s be +ve.
I’ve a read a couple of articles on Tim from Spurs fans and listened to a few interviews he’s done after games. Straight away I love his honesty instead of the Lamberk lies.
The articles. The first one was basically a spurs fan saying how there players under AVB were bored to death by at tactical power points, and there attacking players were so restricted under him.
Them Sherwood took over and was so much more attack minded and the players enjoyed it. 442 sounds like his preferred system which is great and will suit us so much better. They said TS is much less on the tactical side and just likes players to go and express them selfs
The other article was his down falls. He played. High line at Spurs at times, and at times it was a disaster.
Secondly, Lorris was a lot more direct with his kicking.
They left a lot of space In between the lines at times.
He likes two box to box centre minds Instead of just one sitter who can’t do anything else. They said this was good against the lesser sides but against the big boys it was to open
They used inside wingers which wingers which used at first but then teams came at just say very narrow and nullified it.
Don’t get me wrong, he has a lot to learn but I like his passion. It will be a breath of fresh air
Evening each;
haven’t posted for ages…so hope all is well with you fellow Aston Villa addicts…sorry there’s no cure.
Tim Sherwood ……I feel he’s a bit green to be honest….but the fact he’s got confidence in his own ability is a positive….if he can fire up the lads for the critical games….which I think he can…we’ll be ok….the nucleus of the team is enough to keep us in this division, I’m sure.
Bring it on Tim show us what your made of…..reminds me of John Gregory…good luck to him…good luck to us
I’d say if not the best available then at least one of them and God willing he keeps us up then yes a good long term choice as well if he focuses more on player development. Just gotta hit the ground running and get a win for him from the get go. Would love to see a great show of support at the Stoke match. I think he’s the got the charm and the fight and the offense-minded focus to get us out of the hole we find ourselves in. I’m not sure who PL’s PR person was but he sure came with high expectations (based on his rise with Norwich and the good 1s season they had in the Prem) that he didn’t live up to. This looks to be the best appointment since MON but not hard to do given the bizarre appts of Houlier (age, health), McLeish and the underwhelming performance of Lambert. Hope lives on… UTV!
Archie again….Also its going to be a refreshing change ….I think the squad had lost confidence in PL ….didnt./.couldnt do it for him anymore. In any working environment, once you lose confidence in the gaffer …its all over.
lets see what happens…interestingly enough my Baggies supporting pals were slating Brown Idiey (you know who I mean), he can’t stop scoring now…new manager ..new input…. it can only be better…lets see what happens
I hope Sherwood keeps us up as much as every Villa fan, but I don’t buy this idea we have a good squad who ended up not playing for Lambert. There isn’t a decent fullback at the club, Vlaar is the only competent centre half and the midfield are woeful apart from Gil. Weimann and Gabby shouldn’t play again…Villa are in the predicament they are in because they have a terrible squad. I believe sherwood has been appointed to rebuild the team from the bottom, in the full knowledge that it will probably be in the Championship.
Disagree, there are good players but we need a manager with some imagination to get the best out of the squad given the particular players we have.
I would play 3-2-3-1-1 with Benteke as the ‘false target man’ and Flabby on the shoulder of the last defender looking for juicy flickons from the bigman.
My team vs Leicester and perhaps vs Stoke if it works well:
Guzan
Okore Vlaar Clark
Delph Sanchez
Gil Westwood Sinclair
Benteke
Flabby
That’s a creative formation with decent players imo.
Also if we have Zoggy, Weimann, Bacuna, Grealish and Lowton to sub off the underperformers at halftime then it’s also quite a strong bench as well.
Fresh ideas are needed and we need to take a few calculated risks. If it’s me in charge I use Leicester to experiment with a new formation and if it works I try it against Stoke in the Prem.
We need to start creating more chances and score more goals soon!
UTV
In that formation Gil and Sanchez are tasked with staying out wide and playing as true wingers and always providing an outlet for their teammates along with route one to Benteke in a deepish number 10 role mixed with Target man where he holds the ball and plays in runners with one twos or ficks on to Flabriel who still has some speed it would appear…
UTV
I believe sherwood has been appointed to rebuild the team from the bottom, in the full knowledge that it will probably be in the Championship,
paul whiting
l think your right with that comment ,
lets just hope eh !
Fresh ideas fenders for sure but I’m not a fan of 5 at the back. Hate it in fact
I do hope Gill Grealish and a Bacuna cagey a lift
Paul- We do have a staid that should be 10th place no problem but agree with you, we don’t have a decent all round full back. Sissy I’ve concluded is dreadful. Hutton can defend but awful going forwards. Lowton the complete opposite
A lot of work is to b done for sure but I think he will do it
Lambert was terrible and the squad he assembled is bang average, his tactics made them look worse than they are, and I believe he did lose a portion of the dressing room, through his poor man management and stifling footballing ideology. Sherwood will have his work cut out keeping this lot up, and we still need a serious overhaul of the playing staff if we want anything other than another relegation battle next year( if we stay up). We all wanted a high profile, proven winner as a replacement for PL, what we have is Tim Sherwood, and no matter what we need to get behind him to ensure survival, and then progress next year when hopefully RL will sell up, and we get real investment once again. We need VP packed and loud for ALL our remains home games.
Frem, have to disagree about Hutton. Most of our goals conceded involve him jogging back at half pace to try and fill the space he should never have left. He was dumped last season for a very good reason…he’s shit., and Sherwood will have to play him…the fucker can’t cross the ball either. The table very rarely lies.
think sherwood can be very good for us clean sheet for everyone plus free game tomorrow to give some players last chance
sherwood usually plays 442 with 2 wide players
lambert destroyed young and old players maybe zog can even get his finger out now and if fox is running things now no more of this buddy buddy with chairman would like to see this teem tomorrow
guzan
hutton
sissko
vlar
clark
sanchez
delph
zog
grealish
gil
benteke
subs
lowton baker
bacuna
westwood
sinclair wiemen
sherwood on the bench and which ever marshall done press on friday pack his bags
Paul- To be fair Hutton, it’s the job of one of the 3 compact defensive midfield players lambert played every single game to cover the space when the full backs get forward. You can’t blame Hutton for getting forward, someone needs to. It’s Lamberts tactics and our centre mids who are to blame for that. Baring in mind lambert wouldn’t let them cross into the oppositions half way line you’d think they would be good at covering
Surprised by how many people aren’t happy with TS on twitter. What were people expecting? Moyes and Rafa ? Hahhah. We are 18th with no money and an owner who wants out. TS is the best we could have done. Dyche and Howe wouldn’t leave, nor would Pullis. They’d be moaning if we got Warnock
Agree Frem
We could have done worse or better,but not mid Feb.Randy should have pulled the trigger November or Decmber.Looking forward to seee what TS does.I have watches some interviews of his,and it`s clear he won`t put up with shirkers,and weak characters.
COYVB.
Evening all .
Darren Bent has scored again today – meanjng he has scored more than AV team have in 2015. Our safety depends on Teckers finding his form . I wonder whether Sherwood will recall Bent (if there is recall clause in his contract ).
Am expecting a big performance from our players tomorrow – they’ll be wanting to prove point and impress the new manager . This is all good. I believe we have a good enough squad and we will stay up .
im happy with new guy at least he will get them fit and sort flabby out i hope he does go in with the big stick attitude as they have all had there ar ses wiped for to long non of them work hard enough firs thing is to kick them Lambert amateur fitness coaches out the door
We might have had McCoist!
Well, that’s an item in the press … yet another Scot. Steamer would have been be pleased. 😉
As a personality I would have liked McCoist, but he’s had no experience at all of English football. Still, that hasn’t happened, so let’s move on – and beat Leicester by at least 2 clear goals to restore some real hope for something for TS to work with. We have Stoke next week and they will be sore having been beaten by Blackburn yesterday.
Ally McCoist is the Scottish Redknapp, 700,000 per year and assembles a squad full of very highly paid players and lose to Forfar etc who are paid just enough for a decent fried Mars Bar and chips supper. Who would his assistant be, Sue Barker ? If Fox actually considered this dummy he should follow Lambert out of the door.
Hello Villans
I expect Tim Sherwood to have an immediate effect on the team in terms of attitude and motivation. I’m not expecting much in the long term, unless Lerner provides decent funds to Sherwood.
I wish TS well, he’s got a tough job. Hopefully he can get our players to gel and he relates well to us, the fans.
I’ll be in New York tomorrow, should make for an interesting change of scenery from rural Korea.
Hope all you guys going to the Leister match or watching it from wherever you are in the world enjoy a Villa victory.
UTV
JL,
Yes mate, Stork are just the sort of team we don’t want to play while we’re taking on new methods.
Agree about today, very confident.
It seems that the TS appointment was, as suspected, virtually put into place a while ago. While not against the appointment i find it strange that he was on a short list of one with his lack of credentials, whether this was because he was a pal of Fox’s or because Fox doesn’t actually know anything about the game is now irrellevent, he’s here and we should give him a go before knocking him ( IMO ).
Good luck to AVFC this afternoon and i hope our fans aren’t disappointed.
Trin,
Ditto, have a good time.
Steamer,
I’ve been reading fans’ opinions of TS on Vital Villa, and it’s a real spread of opinion too…
What concerns me is that some people are worried that he doesn’t have coaches badges! Well, as has been said, neither did Big Ron nor Ron Saunders. I’m happier with that actually … such managers won’t be so fixed in their head about systems and more concerned about basics … and haven’t we not been playing basics a lot of late! We had coaches *with badges* yet they couldn’t do basics! How bizarre is that?!
Hope the feel good factor keeps going
Haven’t looked forward to game in a while but am today. The Berk should have been sacked 2 years ago after Bradford and millwall
Steamer,
On your point about TS being on a short list of one, I agree with your fears. I’m damn sure Fox doesn’t understand too much footie-wise but maybe he’s a shade or two above the ability of the previous CEO.
Just to make it clear on my thoughts … I don’t exactly welcome TS with open arms but he *might* be the answer to Villa’s needs. The end result could be anything… We can only live in hope.
But what is the major issue is that it would seem that purely for financial reasons (his compensation) they didn’t ‘lose’ Lambert a couple of months ago. That policy has robbed Villa with the chance of being a bit more choosy on who came in as the new manager.
Hey ho … it’s done now. UTV! Onwards and forwards…
Its a shame that the folk who run us aren’t so clear with their ‘vision’ of the club.
Did anyone see Gods comments on Vital Villa yesterday, the bloke loves this club and personally, i found his words honest, correct and inspiring.
Yes, Paul’s got his heart in the right place!
If only people like him and Taylor were fostered more closely by the Villa. But as Krulak once wrote (seriously!) “…what do players know”. He wrote that in the context of setting up a museum with help from old players (Charlie Aitken in particular), but it struck me it gave away the mentality of the board.
I hope with his rep for bringing on youth players grealish and maybe even Gardner will get a chance. Delph and Gardner are most like to him in style. Will reserve all critsism until I see his team perform, we will soon find out how much was truly lambert fault. I think lambert lost belief in himself.
Jen it’s ironic that the manager most villa fans refused to embrace and ultimately stopped coming here, Steve mclaren, is playing the best football in the champs and getting the best from bent. I think it was very poor judgment on the fans part all because the The press had labelled him a wally. A manager that went to the Dutch league and won no less.
Gabby Agbonlahor, Carles Gil, Jores Okore, Scott Sinclair “rested”.
Do they want to win this game?!!
I don`t think we can examine TS`s Spur`s short tenure too much.Yes we saw what he was all about to a degree,but he was only keeping the seat warm for a new manager.
A Spurs mate of mine believes his hands were tied to a degree,as the shirkers and wasters,knew he was only the gaffer until in the short term and acted accordingly.
Now he is a permannent manager,the fellas on Easy Street are in for a huge shock,in terms of training,being selected on merit and attitut.Here,here say I.
Not me Mark – I’d have been happy for McLaren to come to VP – and look how much experience he’s got compared to our new appointment .
John – odd team choice I agree !
I think it’s a case of concentrate on the league looking at that line up.
Well leaving out Gil,is ridiculous,A wonderful opportunity to move into the QFs and we WEAKEN THE TEAM.
Is Lambert selecting the starting 11?????????
oh dear marshall using his mate lamberts tactics – he dd say he would call him for advise 🙂
I’m afraid so, maybe Gil is knackered but at least grealish is on the bench can see him coming on and making an impact
Benteke will score today I am sure !!
interesting to hear delphs dissapointment and admission that the players are to blame, we are about to find out how much
Gil and Gabs injured in training apparently
mark dont think we will know untl sherwood selects the team – this is a lambert set up thou more direct tody
Ideal game for Grealish to come on – Leicester defence aged – he could cause problems .
I know mate, the movement is still poor but at least tekkers is getting involved
When the B4 play the ball between themselves,nobody from MF comes short to receive…………ever.
brasil same goes when the miids have it, no movement. Just lipread TS saying I resign to Tom Fox
good job they are trying to impress the new boss
Is that Frem in the Holte with the “Sherwood Out” banner?
Not scapegoating-honest-but I`ve seen at least three examples of how awful a footballer AW is.He`s not alone though.
Least Teckers scored – he’s still got it – shame it was off side but will still give him a boost in confidence
TS just mouthed FFS and put his head in his hands, hopefully he’ll go into the dressing room and gee them up. whats happened to delph? no leaders at all, ron vlaar plays well but he’s no captain and is leaving. same old clueless play
i dont believe they are as bad as they still look – we are set up as per which doesnt siut the players we have —the only team in the lge that dont play with natural wide men is the lambert legacy
sheerwod will at least set up with wingers which i believe on its own will make a big difference to our attacking capabilitys
Two god damn awful sides and they should be beating us it is abysmal just seen TS leave before half time i think he might have changed his mind, jesus what a job he has taken on if thats the sort of reaction for a new manager we are down.
Just heard TS in dressing room i hope he is giving them the biggest bollocking of their lives.
AVFC ?
could some one explain what cleverly does and who at man u gave him a 75 thousand a week contract he would nt get in sunday league team
westwood and wiemen cleverly bye bye please lets see sanchez grealish cole for secomnd half
not a bit wonder villa parkis empty
As alan shearer and dion are saying – it must be a nightmare fir a CF playing in this team . I hope TS Has gone to dressing room as the pundits say he has – but after that performance he it’s more like he’s heading to the bar – mines a double
zog not on bench
all cleverly had to do was play ball quick to benteke but he does not know how to do that play it quick plus forward
should do runtingz but is’nt it worrying that these players still display no desire whatever the formation? someone needs to grab the
game by the scruff of the neck and tell trhe otheres what to do, same crap, fearfull, lacking belief and not taking personal responsability.
I would put Grealish on for one of the centre mids and say have a go Lad
only thing i can say in our players defence is they are n a rutt through poor managent , lack of direction and game plan — they need to be giuded to sucess as all teams
When CB wins the ball in the air,there are no runners or MF players within 15 yards of him.A good finish by him even if it was OS.
They just need guidance – fitness -and confidence . Sherwood will be able to give then this – any change can be better than none sometimes .
does anyone remember the last cross field pass to a winger we had? must of been when Barry was playing.
Agree Jenny,just a change of mentality around BMH will give them a boost.
Jen if I was TS I would order a lorry load of prozac
Mark we started the 1st have looking to play diagonal balls in behind.they stopped this and then Vlaar began carrying the ball forward,then we just became a mess.
I don`t agree with Sherwood not being in the dugout,he`s now the gaffer,he should be calling the shots from there .
Jeeeeezzzz I long for the day when we can cause problems from a set play,not score,just work the keeper maybe,scoring would be good though.That`s how low my expectatios have become.
totally agree brasil I think he’s probably thinking the same, dont think marshall will last two minutes now
Another deadful wasted FK,is it April 1st?????????????
Brasil I meant a sucessful cross field pass 🙂
MF hang on to the ball tooooooo long,no movement though.Is Weimann still on???????
So slow in thought and deed,delivery shocking.Good Luck Sherwood.
Great from Bacuna – always liked him and his free kicks
Well done LB.
superb goal from the only player in midfield who’s looked to play the ball forward
Mark the only player who has done anything positive.
Given did well there.
Weimann what can you say?He is on the pitch after all.
Craberly off.
Sinclair,I hope he run at their B4 like LB.
brasil they were going to sub him before he scored, says a lot, low risk minimum ambition
grealish thats more like it
AW you try your best mate ,but like the fella who left on Wednesday,you ain`t good enough.
Vlaar MOM for me.
We are dropping too deep again.
OG or Sinclair`s goal.?
That is not like Schwarzer at all,a good keeper.
Can’t cope with all theses goals !! This is more like it !
Vlaar or bakuna for me, although benteke has woke up and created space for runners at last, he’s been much better today
Great header,quality delivery,but unchallenged.
unfortunatley brasil you can’t play grealish in that position, not strong enough but hutton should have done better. Vlaar brought a stability that okore as well has he’s personally played didn’t, the back four are a unit
Good to hear Given saying TIm Sherwood was very positive and up beat in the dressing room – going in with both barrels could have destroyed them even more – 2nd half so much better .
jen I like him and thats purely because he smiles. if he can get our lot smilling too so much the better. we have so many players on loan for him to access who could be big for us, gardner, even helenius if the lads recovered. luckily he’s seen bakuna and he should start the next game along with gil will get us going forward.
hutton vlaar clarke sissy
bakuna sanchez delph sinclair
Gil benteke
that team should produce goals
playersratings
given 8 keep him in
hutton 5 poor no better replacement at fault for goal today again gets in to many petty squabbles
clark 8 went to sleepfor goal but excellant great tackle early second half
vlar 7 rusty but made first goal
sissko 6 not much to say not good not bad
westwood 2 awful deadballs are a joke never stopped moaning at ref passes back or sideways really poor
delph 5 poor does not know where to play seen him at left back withh sissko ahead of him needs to get a grip of himself he s showing why no big club wanted him
cleverly 3 improved second half wouldn t be hard don t know what he does on team does nt go forward assist tackle what s his point
bacuna 7 brilliant goal needs a run of games which lambert didn t give him definitly one to start
wiemen 4 stop moaning at officials stay in box not back at halfway line or taking ball of benteke time for a spell on bench
benteke 6 missed couple chances speed seems gone needs to wake up to offside rule the one good finnish but at least second half when winning the ball midfielders where closer to him
subs
sinclair 7 got a goal plenty of hard work needed but already has as many goals as gabby since 11sep and only played 3 bits of matches
grealish buy heavy set of shin pads keep working
mark k
like that team
Ilike that 11 to start Mark.
With Sherwood we will see MF players getting into box,this was evident in the 2nd half.
James Gil would of torn leicester a new one today, he is going to be major for us. Grealish if played out left will combine well with him but would give sinclair the nod and keep giving grealish 20 this season. two more rounded full backs would see us improve further bring on the summer
Btw Mark that is a starting 10,not 11.
Which GK?
brasil Delph is capable of that but I hope cowans points TS towards Gardener, he is the best i’ve seen since taylor in that role
I would stick with Guzan as he commands the box better than Given, its Givens big weakness, he’s always been a shot stopper but is stuck to the floor and his line. has better distribution generally though
Shocking first half
Glad Sherwood spoke to them at half time. Never need to play Gabby again. Fair play Clev, his best game by far. Westy very good to
First job for Sherwood, Change the bloody formation. 1 up front at home is horrible. Go 442
Oh, and fuck Lambert for not playing Bacuna
Mark
Difficult to judge on tele,but do you think Given was carrying-as John Gregory used to say-“a bit of timber?”
carrying a bit of timber I meant.
7Clark`s tackling spot on again today,he played well.
brasil I think him and gabby are secret lemonade drinkers mate. I love it when clarke does that, he could quite easily get booked in todays game though, its ridiculous
frem what was the atmosphere like seemed quite flat and empty
right that does it, I really want TS to do well and Lambert take over at spurs
http://sabotagetimes.com/reportage/tottenham-fans-slate-sherwood-first-villa-win/?
I would think that TS will work wonders in the short term if he can have made such a difference in one half-time talk! 🙂
I hear he made a big difference to Adebayor’s game, so maybe there’s a good chance that he’ll do the same for Benteke, who seems to have lost ‘something’.
Well, the match vs Stoke is really a ‘must win’, but so long as they put more gumption into their game and ‘play up’ they will get the crowd behind ’em.
Good to see some spirit and 2 goals in the second half, but there’s a lot for TS to work on.
Hear a lot of hype about Grealish and Gardner, hope they can live up to it.
Steamer
Thanks.
John
Good to see Benteke getting into the right positions and challenging again, think he’ll come right soon.
Mark- I was in the trinity today which was annoying but ye, only 28 thousand there and very quiet.
Nice to see Sherwoods celebration on the big screen when we scored our second though.
He needs to change to 442, get someone alongside Benteke p, get a centre mid ripening into the box
Still today we only played one up front against there 3 centre backs
Very poor first half which was disappointing because i thought they’d want to put a show on, Leicester could have had four, thought the second half was entertaining though. Clark badly at fault for the Leicester goal. Had Vlaar as MotM but Given did ok too.
Still obvious faults but at least now we have a chance.
Nice team Mark, good balance and blend.
We’ve what Gil and Bacuna can do cutting inside I to there strong foot. Start those two wide, Delph and Westy in CM. Get Benteke and Wiemann up front playing of each other
John,
Not sure where people would be suggesting that TS doesn’t have his coaching badges – you can’t manage in the Premier League on a permanent basis without the UEFA Pro license so I would foresee that Tom Fox would have asked for that…
We made hard work out of that game – this is a Leicester side at the foot of the table – but glad we scored some goals, and that we were singing “We’re Aston Villa, we score when we like…”
I agree matt. its going to take an awful lot to turn this lot into a marauding goal scoring machine. Gil will make a big difference when trhe other players get rid of the yips and start venture forward with purpose
Matt,
Re: Coaching badge. Would have thought so, Matt, but there have been suggestions from a number of sources that this is the case. I am not particularly bothered one way or another – so long as he is able is the most important thing, surely.
Paul Ince said he’d get them when he joined Blackburn, he’s managed two clubs since and still hasn’t got them. Perhaps he could buy Lamberts Jeerman badges, can’t see him needing them again.
Sherwood is going to ditch the awful sideways backwards passing and get the ball quicker to Benteke instead
In ain’t rocket science Lamberk
Bet he watched that today at home on his sofa wondering how Clev played so much better and wondering what the two things were when a pink round thing went in between 3 posts and hit a net
Frem,
You ‘re absolutely right about the former manager’s passing tactic. Lambert was a midfielder himself, but I can’t remember him playing that way as a standard.
I loved a comment on Vital Villa by a fan who said that Lambert was able to find some of the right ingredients but could not cook! 🙂
It’s a relief someone is in to change the playing policy … for now I’m relaxed but hope I still will be in 12 months’ time.
Sherwood clear to manage Spurs in Premier League despite not having Pro Licence
That’s what it says in a December, 2013 article: Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2525803/Tim-Sherwood-cleared-manage-Premier-League-despite-not-having-Pro-Licence-coaching-qualification.html#ixzz3Rq2chXTK
Dunno what the latest status on that is for Sherwood.
Really doesn’t matter if he is fully qualified or not. Lambert is fully qualified but yet is the worst manager in our history
John- the next 3/4 games are massive. The most important run of games in a long long time. We need a minimum of 4 points from Stoke and Newcastle
Frem,
Yes. Last week (in my post) I said that we needed to take full advantage of the next 6 games and get a minimum of 12 points. Well, we’ve lost one that we should at least have got a point from, so the number of games are reducing quickly. The next 5 games have got to produce at least 12 points unless we somehow strangle points from the last more difficult games. But I now think we’ll get ’em.
yes folks lets see what a week of uncle tim can do for are misfiring team. If they perform the way they did for Lambert I doubt uncle tim will be giving them a cuddle. I hope he pulls them together , whether he has the long term staying power and the ability to build a side is in the lap of the gods, its an unknown with him.
Sherwood did get Adabeyor scoring again – he believed in him and played him . As the cliche goes , class is permanent , form is temporary or vice versa . One Teckers gets a goal the floodgates will open Im sure . He has looked lost most of this season . Once Tim Sherwood gets them passing forwards and gets him back in the box supported , he will get the goals .
Hope Bacuna has impressed enough to be given another chance . Also , I hope Okore gets an opportunity too – he was one if the players when the chips ere down who really put his body on the line .
Switching back the theme to the old one until I have some dedicated time to fix issues with it – probably next Sunday…
Thanks, Matt … I can see once more! 😉
Seriously, this format (for me at least) is virtually ideal.
No problem John – just got in so I’ll have a look at some of the issues you mentioned and I’ll drop you a line in the week mate…
I like Okore too Jen but as good and him and Clarke have been physically they lack that bit of know how Vlaar and senderos can bring. Benteke looked a million times better today although nowhere near his best, thats how poor he’s been. I’m hoping Sanchez gets a run as he has the physical side to his game to allow others to get forward, and can do the same himself when needed. Its nice to have some hope again
Brilliant second half this afternoon, Lambert well and truly found out. When even Alan Shearer can articulate why we looked so toothless in the first half today you have to wonder.
So impressed with Cleverly in the second half. I think Lambert subbed him off at around 60 mins in every game, maybe he was proving a point there.
Mark on Sanchez, I have serious concerns about his ability to play in the prem in a side that don’t just keep the ball for the sake of it. IMO he always looked our best player after Lambert slowed our tempo right down, the obvious exception being vs Arsenal when they dictated the pace of play. Before that he looked like he couldn’t cope. I think in the Italian league he’d excel, but for me he needs way to much time on the ball to flourish at Villa under Sherwood. Really hope to be proven wrong though, and its harsh to judge him after one year.
Rags- Great point on Sanchez. I don’t think he will make it with the Sherwood style which will( hopefully) be 442 and very fast and open. I don’t think he can play in 4 man midfield.
I’m hoping Sunday will be 442. No need to be cautious against Stoke
would keep vlar clark together for now hope clark okore are future
hutton was at fault for goal messing about wonder how he got on with sherwood at spurs
a lot of our problems have come down huttons side chelseas 2 goals his fault
like to see sanchez back in team westwood was running with leicster player ended up giving foul away dangerous area he is not good enough or big enough to make up for it
cleverly maybe played well today for 20 mins still not good enough when you see bacuna finnish has cleverly tried that in 20 odd matches why did lambert bench bacuna
hopefully sherwood will go 442 sinclair bacuna out wide maybe zog gets fresh start
anyone read moxley in people take on laurel hardy lerner lambert good read
Grealish did not have much time but he has to start to impress when he gets on the pitch……so far i have seen nothing that warrants boy wonder tag.
Not too hung up playing 442 as long as we play with more pace and directness is main thing.
An up to speed sinclar and gill in the team should be much better.
Very revealing article.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/paul-lamberts-reign-aston-villa-5166505
James- I thought Westy did his role very well today. He kept the ball moving most the time and won second balls, drop downs and made a few interceptions. Thought it was his best game in a while. Clev, what he did well was get stuck in a win the ball the back. He’s still useless on the ball though. Agree with the 442, but Gil and Bacuna should be on the wings for me. Sinclair not yet.
Andrew- The early games of the season Grealish gave the crowd a lift when he came on. He’s had pretty much no game time so I can’t wait until he gets a run of games
Great article Steamer. Read it earlier
Yes Steamer – pretty much sums up what we’ve been saying particularly about the bomb squad . But it’s taken the sports media nearly three seasons to work this out as up until very recently , with the exception of Matt Law Daily Telegraph, they were very much on his side and his “young team” excuses. I’ve always said it was personal with Bent and co and now the truth is out. He wanted a new young team as he feared the older, senior ones may suss him out it would appear . Randy Lerner has to take the blame for being taken in by the demands for a “new young team”. Didn’t he ask why the record signing was told to train with the under 21s .Whilst Krulak eventually spoke out , it was too little too late and they stood by and let it happen. Why wasn’t this incompetent regime questioned .
Paul Lambert never had a solution or even an explanation why we were struggling other than “it’s a young team …..injuries”.
rags i would tell sanchez to win the ball and lay it off something he can do well. The way TS sets up we will need some protection in front of the defence. I’m sure TS will cure him of his lack of awareness and don’t forget our movement has been very constipated lately, better passing options should see less aimless and sometimes downright wrong selection of pass we seem to make regularly. but I know what you mean.
Steamer- interesting article and I’m sure time will tell whose telling porkies, the fact the wage bill had to be and has been reduced substantially by more than just Lambert (mcleish was told the same) and newcomers restricted to low wages says a bit more than Krulaks outburst for me. The rest sounds pretty accurate.
Where was Gil tonight, picked up a knock? Great to see Bacuna back in and scoring, we’ll need him to bag a few timely goals in the run in if we’re to stay up! Agreed that Grealish needs some more game time and it’s nice to have Sinclair as an option as well. Will Zoggy come out from the cold, hell why not give him one more chance, he saved Wigan singlehandedly one year! UTV
Glad to see that Frem, like those who were at the game, appreciated the difference in Cleverley today.
He had his best game for Villa today, and Westwood also played a great game. Delph was way off today, giving the ball away far too many times, and what a difference, Sherwood’s team talk made at half time. The difference started with Clarke getting stuck in, and then the rest followed. Glad that Grealish got a run out, but he was off the mark. like Delph. The worst part of Villa’s game now is the constant lobs into the box, which are useless. Bradford gave a lesson today, and Arsenal, about how to put a ball into the box. I am sure within a couple of games Villa will change up front dramatically, now that Sherwood is here, and we will see quality balls into the box, and what a difference with the number of players getting the box to attack the ball.. Like most of the fans, I am really looking forward to being at Saturday’s game. The atmosphere should be electric….UTV..VTID…
Gil had a knock, and Gabby burned himself in the kitchen…!!!
lads i went to Leicester and let me tell you we where 10000% better today good old tim and tom
I enjoyed the second half – i.e. post half-time team talk. One more thing TS needs to teach the players is how to hang on to the ball in the closing minutes when winning – we had a few nervous moments there at the end that shouldn’t have happened.
Let’s hope the positive approach stays with them,
Very interesting comments all round.
Yes, Jenny is absolutely right in the way the board just letting things happen the way they have. It will be interesting to see how it goes with TS now in. But at least I have more faith in TS to get it right.
The players…
Grealish comes on and plays (in my opinion) with far too much immaturity. People can argue that he needs games. Well, we can’t afford to start him right now as things are desperate and we can’t risk him. Not unless TS sees what to do with him and gets him sorted.
Bacuna Glad to see him back – and score. He’s not the world’s best but he’s good enough for this team just now and might well improve. I like his attitude.
The remainder of the midfield Cleverley seemed refreshed; Delph had his moments but I’m waiting for him to do better. Westwood is a good player – except in the covering department. He regularly gives away needless fouls, but I feel he is otherwise an asset to the team. Which brings up the matter of Sanchez … He covers well and though not a speedy player, links up well i.m.o. I like him and would prefer to see him in the team, notwithstanding the fact that he went off form in his last 2 matches. But in place of who? I would say Cleverley unless he maintains his apparent improvement showed yesterday second-half.
Benteke Well, am just now waiting for TS to do his Adebayor work on him! 😉
Andi and Gabby With Gil probably back this Saturday and Bacuna looking bright, I feel these two should take a long rest. Maybe bring ’em on as subs when needed.
Given What a shot-stopper!! But Guzan does take control of his area somewhat better, and has also saved a few.
The defence Nothing much to add than what’s been said here and before. Clark is the shining light for me with his determination and old-fashioned pride.
now for the hard question:
if we are going to rain quality balls into the box who’s going to supply them? in three seasons since downing went we have had Lowton and bakuna who can whip a cross in. don’t know about sinclair and grealish yet but there hasn’t been any evidence to date to say thats their forte. set plays have been poor generally too, now thats not lack of confidence thats lack of ability.
On beneteke, I’ve been banging on for weeks about his lack of movement, finally yesterday he got on his horse and moved the defence about, what a difference that made for the team and him! players once given the go ahead by uncle Tim began to venture forward into the space created Yay! people point to poor old tekkers and his lack of chances created for him as Shearer did, but seriously if your being marked by 3 players take them where they dont want to go! it ruins the defences set up vs holding hands with them. Benteke appears slow because he has stopped creating space for himself and others hopefully this has ended and he can be a threat again. please dont tell me they hit him early, they probably did but he was hit in space, with time to use the ball because he moved, not closed down because he didn’t.
not convinced on the 3 midfielders delph cleverly and westy yesterday, they were not appalling but without Gil they went through the same old recycle the ball routine, rarely did they come for the ball off of the defence either. the fact Vlaar had to step up and make things happen for Bakuna says a lot. Westwood tried a few decent through balls but delph looks like a different player and cleverly worked his arse off but to little effect.
totally agree clive should of been good night vienna at 2-0 instead on came grealish in the wrong position instead of Sanchez to see it out. if we are going to give Grealish so little time please make it in his preffered position.
Can’t wait to see what Uncle Tim will do with them, lets just hope it doesn’t take them forever to learn as it appears to have done under Lamberk.
has the draw been made yet?
John,
Agree about Grealish this is not a good time for him although I think the lad had talent coming into a struggling side will not benefit him.
Just to repeat myself TS has taken on a hell of a job keeping this lot up and his choice of Assistant will be crucial, we got the result yesterday but not a great game to watch, thought Given Clark and Vlaar did well, our full backs are poor very poor, the midfield is too samey and needs sorting quickly, agree Cleverly played better but none of them fill me with confidence it will be vital to get Gil back in there.
Wiemann runs around like a headless chicken and Benteke looked like he could not be bothered but improved in the second half.
Sherwood needs to find a formation that works and unfortunately he does not have time to experiment thanks to Lerner and Fox, the cups a bonus but the hard work starts this weekend and now he has a full week to sort this shower out, good luck Tim you are going to need it because on yesterdays first half performance both those teams are going down.
AVFC ?
SWV I agree mate uncle Tim had a hell of a squad at spurs and he did get them playing, we are nowhere near the quality of that team. A gungho approach could see us get hammered and I await to be convinced by our toothless attack. I short I dont think we will be winning lots of games 4-3
I’ll be honest my initial Facebook status update on hearing of TS’ appointment was less then friendly, I felt we’d scraped the barrel and then added a long term contract.
It didn’t appear that any thought had gone into it, if TS was the best long term option available to us and still doesn’t have his pro-licence (come on Welsh FA). 5 months managerial experience, media dariling because he gave red tops sound bites for column inches. Just felt like a young Harry Redknapp.
Overnight, I can see that we are in such a predicament that available managers are in short supply, given the regime they’d have to work under and who in there right mind would sign a 4 month contract.
I’m worried that postives being identified consists of personality traits as opposed to tactics or success rate, but like everyone else the change was needed and has brought a breath of fresh air to a very stale situation. And I’ll back the change win, lose or draw.
In terms of the game, due to family commitments, I didn’t start watching until the 65th minute so great timing on my part and I take a lot of credit for cheering on the team to get the first goal 3 minutes later, very well taken and great set up by Vlaar.
From watching the highlights as well
World class from Given, not just that first half save but also the fumble and the palm away, nice bit of bravery.
That tackle from Clark, rightly praised for the intent it showed, the Leicester lad looked bewildered.
Scoring two goals, great to jump around like a mad man twice in one game, scared my daughters in the process.
I’m coming over!! scheduled the Everton game, if there’s a Lifer’s meeting house, let me know, i’ll be the one in the Villa top
UTV
Mainly positives from yesterday, i think once all the negatives and bad coaching that this squad endured under Lambert have been erased then there’s at least another 20% to come from the group, a lot of the team are mentally scarred in my opinion and now have to acclimatise to proper football again.
Shocking tackle by Konchesky, Clattenburg has always been a crepe ref.
I’ll get s75 to sort something out Darren.
Mark,
The 6th round draw is tonight, before the Preston vs Man U game.
Mark,
On the quality of the team, I wonder.
I have that feeling that Lambert’s approach squeezed the real ability out of them and that it will take someone like TS to get them to perform to their best. If TS can have just a couple of minutes talk and get such a change in the second-half then imagine what he can do on the training ground this week!!
Not that I’m expecting miracles … So long as they put in a sterling performance on Saturday vs Stoke then we should learn how it may go for the rest of the season.
Looking forward to Sherwoods press conference and what our plans are.
Hope we get Bradford to make up for what happened last time, or WBA to shut them twats up
I just want to go to Wembley
John don’t get me wrong I think he’ll improve them no end but the worry for me is the seeming lack of the basics we have had for a while now, is it nurture or plain not good enough? we have had little effect from corners or free kicks for seasons now.
I was listening to talk-sport and they were talking about tiger woods, this former great now has a mental block generally described as the yips. in practice you don’t have a problem, under pressure your technique goes to pot. I’m willing to think this could be the case as we have had plenty of players arrive and look impressive only to sink to the level that surrounds them. time as always will tell
we have a slightly better than 50/50 chance of avoiding a prem side in the cup if manure get through
Mark – your comment about Tekkers taking the big defenders out of the box rings a bell with me. It was one of the ploys adopted by Peter Withe in the 1st Division Championship/European Cup wining side and often left the way forward for Gary Shaw or a late arrival from Evans or McNaught.
On the concept that good players were dragged down to the same level as the rest, it happens all the time. Didier Six, once he found the others were on a different wavelength stopped playing the penetrating through balls as no-one got on the end of them. Hopefully the players buoyed by the success of the second half approach work will play off each other now and reproduce that level of commitment again.
Even the much maligned Robbie Savage made this point on BBC just before Tekkers played the through ball that set up the second goal. I was pleased that Shearer and Dublin disagreed with Savage on the ‘penalty’ he said should have been awarded to the Foxes.
What a difference a manager makes!
Mark – so long as we don’t draw Bradford away!
clive they are a nightmare with the 2 big lads up top, reading is our best bet
1st half by Lambert, 2nd half by Sherwood.
Well my first chance to get on since the “SherwoodAffect”…
I have to say I wasn’t convinced by the appintment, however, after the little chat half time he already seems to have got a bit of life out of Benteke.
That second half from Villa was far from perfect, but was a massive improvement to what has been served up of late. Who’d have thought just a few words of encouragement and the license to get forward would make such a big change to our threat going forward? That second half was hectic and not always pretty but fuck me at one point I saw all 3 of our midfielders in the the box… I have to pause and rewind to make sure my eyes didn’t deceive me…
Bacuna as always offers the ridiculous and the sublime, he reminds me a bit of Gabby in that when he gets time to think he fluffs his lines, when he runs on instinct he can produce touches of real class….
Sinclair has a worse first touch then me, but he’s a willing runner and got in behind Benteke every time he dropped deep when he came on.
I’m exited to see the way we set up against Stoke, I’m excited to see us probably attack a team with tempo… It might not be pretty, but I think this ride is at least going to be entertaining.
I’m not sure where Gil was this weekend, tight Hamstrings I heard, but not confirmed, but I can’t wait to see how much license Sherwood gives Gil… does he put him in behind Benteke flanked by two wingers? Doe he play him in behind a front two backed by Delph, Cleverly and Westwood?
I thought Cleverly had his best game for us yesterday, Westwood was poor and his floated in corners/freekicks are woeful…. why has everyone in our squad lost the art of wrapping your foot round the ball and whipping it in… we just seem to chip balls in with no pace and little direction!
A ball with pace on is far easier to score from with a header… anyway…
What a tackle by Clark…. CRUNCH!!! although I worry cause some weeks the ref would have pulled him up for that and booked him… even though it wasn’t a foul… against a Chelsea player with the inevitable yelp and cry toward the ref, the 16 rolls across the ground and the mob surrounding the ref that could have been a very different conversation.
Its just nice to have some positivity around the Villa…. eve though we don’t quite know what we’re being positive about.
I don’t like Sherwoods comments thought. Villa will be fine… it was even made after watching us…
Few questions, we Sherwod have the same blind spot previous managers have had about Weimann and Gabby’s ability to play on the wing? Will Grealish and Gardner get a chance? How much money has he been promised for transfers in the summer if we stay up? It’d be naive to suggest that won;t have been talked about.
Graham I don’t think they will have promised him loads but they might have told him there is half a team out on loan. sometimes you have to wonder how many youth players have been allowed to go under Lambert, easily half the next gen winners
Mark, if United get through isn’t there 4 in 7 (57%) chance we’ll draw another Premier League side? If PNE win it flips the other way. Much better second half yesterday. Higher tempo and forward passes – it might even catch on.
I’m not saying they would have offered him loads, but I think there would have been a conversation, I bet Sherwood would have his eye on a few of the Spurs youngsters and I bet they would come such was his relationship with them….
Will Bent get offered a new contract at Villa? I doubt it.
I’ve seen a few comments saying Sherwood is trying to get Teddy Sherringham in as his No.2… Any news anyone else?
Was it four vs two when Weimann tackled Benteke in the first half ?
Clark put one in at Hull too, fair do’s to the lad he gives it everything and you can’t ask for more can you ?
I think Cole may come into the equation,we don’t have a genuine playmaker and i think he could link nicely with Gil. Certainly more options now with the more open mind of Sherwood.
Sherwood is exactly the right character for us now. Whether he is going to be good enough as a long term manager is open to debate, as he is largely unproven.
If we stay up then of course he deserves the chance to progress us next season. The way the squad is and the way the wage bill has been reduced, Lambert has left the club in a healthier state than he found it. However, the decision to remove him was the correct one because it had got to the stage where he couldn’t get anywhere near the best out of the squad. The Christmas fixtures were the beginning of the end. If we couldn’t win those fixtures then the future was bleak under Lambert. It did not improve after that either, so falling into the relegation zone made the decision a no-brainer.
The next few games are crucial. We must pick up many points from these games and we have a better chance with a new manager. He will be more positive and that should get more bums on seats at Villa Park. Benteke will liven up as soon as he is hit earlier from our midfield.
I thought it was the same old shit in the 1st half. Loads of possession whilst the poor opposition looked more likely to score. 2nd half was more direct and Bacuna (who had been dreadful up until that point) scored a beauty. I can forgive his awful general play because he works hard, is a genuine threat from a free kick and has a goal in him. Sinclair’s confidence should be good now after his fortunate goal.
Okore is unlucky to be dropped but Vlaar coming back in was a positive. I think Given deserves to keep his place in goal for The Premiership fixtures now. Guzan has been a bit ropey of late and Given put in a superb display. He is mates with Sherwood from their Blackburn playing days too, so it’s possible.
Cleverley was excellent. Although like Westwood and Sanchez, he is a sideways passer, he has a lot more tenacity than those two and puts himself about. Every midfield needs a player that can do that.
I’m now a bit gutted that I’m in London next weekend and will have to miss the Stoke game.
Morning all. Shocking first half performance followed by great second half. Apart from the opening few minutes we were the worse side playing against the bottom side in the league at home. Saying that Leicester’s new look front 3 caused Arsenal all sorts of problems and did the same to us, they played with a bit of confidence hopefully we have knocked some of that out of them! But seriously poor first half. Second half it became a bit more get the ball up quickly, push the midfield and defence up and win those second balls, make runs off the ball etc. Its regressive, percentages football but its proven to work, especially in relegation battles.
Players showed much more heart second half, that tackle by Clarke! Its what we need going forward, hopefully we have seen the last of that lifeless no fight football we’ve had most the season. Vlaar deserves a special mention, that ball recovery and assist for the goal. He was solid all game though, made one great goal denying block.
A lot has been made of Benteke’s lack of movement, but for me thats more down to the lack of runs from midfield. If Benteke goes wide who is up front to play the ball to? Pundits have picked up on it time and time again yet the players nor Lambert could not rectify it. Thats why for me, as much stick as he gets, Weimann has to partner Benteke. He is one player you can count on to consistently make runs, and this not only gives Benteke more space but allows our more creative players like Gil more options.
This is one major thing we have been missing, options off the ball, variations to the play. The opposition the past few weeks pretty much found us out, let us keep the ball passing sideways and wait for us to make mistakes. Exactly how Leicester played first half, second half they werent so comfortable because they didnt know what we were going to do, go long/go wide/ pass short. It kept them guessing and unsure and because of that we dominated.
andrew P quite right mate but I was dismissing the boggies as prem 😉 was thinking more of the real prem top 6
graham I hope he gets sheringham he would show our forwards so much. cant see bent being favoured as he didn’t have a great time at spurs but you never know the doors still open and it would suit bent to stick it up Lambert.
steamer I cant see how cole would get in as TS likes a 442 and he’s no winger these days. don’t think we could afford to be that gunho
Steamer, Clark put in another cruncher against them in the league game. Think it was Leicester anyway. The ref didn’t even give a free kick and their player went off injured. They started preparing to take a free kick and Gabby picked up the ball and threw it to the touch line and told them they’d got a throw in.
Just hope he saves those challenges for the weekend and doesn’t practice them at Bodymoor Heath – did he do Benteke and Kozak in training last season?
Leicester were shocking yesterday.
Fingers crosssed we can use the 2nd half as a positive for the stoke game….we need wins fast.
Mark, be nice to draw Reading and hope that 2 of the 3 decent teams left draw each other in the quarter finals.
Ree, I think youre last part is summed up by the “It does matter what type of ball you play as long as its the right one”… I think the most dangerous teams keep you guessing, you don’t know how they’re going to use the ball, it’s very difficult to set up and defend against a team that is unpredictable… this is why Ferguson was so successful even when his squad wasn’t as good as other teams. His teams attacked in all ways, he teams always had commitment and a work ethic.
I’d love to see what he’s doing on the training pitch today…. What he’s go them doing…. I heard that while at Spurs one of his training sessions was a tricks and flicks session to give the players confidence to use them in game to break down teams… I’ve never heard of any other manager doing this…. We’ll see what happens perhaps some of the people closer to the club can find out of this is true?
Andrew, Leicester were shocking yesterday, but so were Hull and Palace and Sunderland and QPR and Albion, and all the other teams who we have failed to beat recently.
Ree we have been waiting for weeks for our poor crossers of the ball to hit one mans head has it worked? Bentekes first season is worth watching he often drifted out left leaving gabby space to cut inside and weiman to come in at the back. movement creates space, forwards need to run onto a ball in space, standing like a statue waiting for the bus doesn’t cut it. all top strikers have great movement, take defenders away then make your run back in.
Funny enough I can see more of a Blackburn in us than Spurs. More solid with good pace. Gil for Gillespie benteke for shearer. Maybe not 🙂
I also think Clark is better with Vlaar in the team, he doesn’t make too many mistakes.
Is our name on the cup ? have you noticed that every time we’ve won it there’s been a 1 in the year and also Villa players have scored the winning goal, you know it makes sense.
Hard choice between Guzan and Given, i don’t think he’s one for ducking a decision.
Wonder if he’ll sign Cleverly and if he does would he have to pay a fee because he’s a free agent at the end of the season.
Hope thats the last we’ll see of GA, themost stupid contract ever ( after Lamberts ).
Frem,
You won’t be saying that about Wemberlee when you’ve paid 25 quid parking and taken two hours to get out, 2-50 a bag of crisps same for a Mars bar, typical cockenee spivs.
GOG,
Plus the refs gave them every key decision because the tw@ always trapping off at them.
I thought the game yesterday was very symbolic. A game of two halves representing the end of Paul Lambert – the first half was a reflection of his old style of play and the second half represented what TS wants to do with the team. Be more positive, get on the front foot, play to our strengths – Benteke and start winning football matches.
TS was not my first choice but now he is the manager of Villa I will back him. There is enough talent in the Villa squad to stay in this league. They just need the belief, motivation and style of play to win enough of our remaining matches.
A good summary of TS’s first press conference…
http://www.myoldmansaid.com/tim-sherwood-quotes-first-villa-press-conference/
I like the fact TS brought through Kane, although it would be hard to ignore how good that lad is. With are new scouting system and maybe TS’s contacts it might work out but we were never going to attract a headlining manager.
The new deal by sky if it doesn’t bankrupt them is a supposed 10 mil a game!!! No wonder Lerner got fox to flip that coin
Mark im not saying that forwards should not make runs off the ball, Im saying that given his lack of support and the poor quality of service its understandable how he has lost some of his mojo and as a consequence make less runs. Hopefully that has passed now, it was good to see him back somewhat back to his old self in the second half. I think all he needs is a goal and it will get him on to a goal scoring run, he showed a great touch and finish in the first half for that offside goal. He probably should have done better when one on one with Upson in the second. From what Iv hard about TS half time team talk he told them to play to Benteke’s strengths which should give him confidence if this carries on. Better service and more support is the order of the day.
Straight up no bull stuff, the first improvement. One thing he got wrong is its about winning full stop
John he does reming me a lot of John Gregory when he got appointed. I cant remember exactly but I think he went on an unbeaten or close to unbeaten run to the end of the season? The major difference being that Gregory was already at the club and knew the players well. Sherwood doesnt but that might not be a negative, the most important thing for me is that he has to bring in good tactical staff and hopefully a Villa presence in there too. He knows Ugo Ehiougu from his time with spurs.
Ree I totally agree, you can only imagine that lambert has been telling them the same. What became alarming was the number of times our players look up and see nobody to pass to and tekkers isn’t exempt from this. I would think a lot of our players were hoping he’d save the day only to watch him shamble about with no conviction and generally blame others. I want our tekkers back even though he’ll go when he clicks again, it’s more in his hands than others imo
Ree,
Yes, there is similarity of a kind between JG and TS … perhaps they both play guitar? 😉
My feeling is that TS is the kind of catalyst for the players to start thinking about playing football that can win matches … that he does not know the Villa players should not be a hindrance for someone of his ilk.
That TS was a combative and attacking player strengthens my view that he will be good for Villa – short term at least.
If Delph, Gil, Sinclair, Benteke, Vlaar stay fit and find good form this is not a spine of a bottom of the league team…. Even Benteke clicks as long we’ve also improved our league position there is no reason why we can’t keep him for a while longer… I would hate for Lukaku to leave Everton cause you know that spanish tit will come knocking for him…. Spurs now have Kane and the rest are only interested in big name players now…. He wont leave to go to Swansea or Soton… they’re on short upward stints and will soon fall back being unable to sustain their positions… look at Koeman already preparing to move on to a bigger club. God how I wish we had a proper infrastructure and a crop of real young talents like Soton have had… they’ve been really lucky with their player development, as United where and as many teams before them have been…. it’s our turn soon… surely!!!!
Graham I was surprised that Southampton nicked Allan’s from Bournemouth
I haven’t seen his interview yet, will when I get home but I like a few quotes I’ve read
” Tactics are simple”
indeed. 442.
” We need to get more body’s into the box”
Indeed. The two strikers, the winger at the far post and one of the centre mids making runs in around the 18 yard box
I think it will go either way. We will won’t win a single game or we can’t stop winning
Or even lallana bloody ipad
Nice to see lots of positives, but would point out to MK, that JG came on BEFORE the second goal, and almost cost us one….but he will improve, given some game time. Shay was outstanding yesterday, and just needs time with the defense to realise that he does not come so much as Guzan, and opposite footed, which is why the cock-up nearly happened. He is, however, a good calming influence on the defense.
Glad to see you happy at last Steamer….maybe we will share a beer soon..!!
I hope everyone here will now be more positive and give Sherwood and the team, the backing they need over the coming weeks. It will be so great to see Villa players in the opponents box, and fighting for the ball. Players are definitely going to be fighting for places now, and it will be on merit, not who is willing to kiss my a***e.!!!
Steamer – I thought it was Spurs who won when there was a 1 in the year. The last time Villa won I was there and it was 1957!
1 is in 1957 too 🙂
Paul p indeed he did but at that time Leicester were getting forward down muttons side so not the best idea to put the lad there was it? he generally plays on the left
Not a great substitution.
Anyone else think that Sherwood looks like Jeremy Kyle after sniffing lighter fluid all night on a park bench?
Hmmm just as i thought – it doesnt take a genius to get a lot more out of what is at least a top 10 prem squad — one half time team talk and already massive progress on the pitch
as Frem said its great also to see someone who can smile and enjoy the challange — the mumblers has gone long live the smiler
Clive,
Used to see Peter Mac in the Holte pub after most home games, Going for Goal was the first football book i bought.
Runtingz,
It does make you wonder what we could have done with someone with some football knowledge pn the board, like ANYONE.
PP,
HappIER mate, still got a little bit of nark to get rid of but Lerner hopefully will be gone soon. Hopefully we’ll all be meeting up at the Everton game. B6B is coming over in August too so another opportunity possibly.
Steamer,
I did tell ’em about you re: board appointment. Or did you mean *bored* appointment? 😉
Steamer to say the people in charge of affairs at villa are a bit slow on the up take in regonising who to employ and when they are flogging a dead horse it putting it politely
Remember when Lambert took over and was saying the same things, vp a fortress, play good footy etc.
I cant get excited until we are away from this bottom 3.
so happy Jack will now get a chance to develop at this level — those who say he is not ready are wrong – he is ready to be developed but he needs first team action for that to happen as do all young talents
Runtings,
It’s not that Grealish doesn’t have the ability. But take yesterday for example, he twice let the opposition have the ball unnecessarily and the second one brought about their goal.
Mistakes everyone makes, but I have seen nothing yet to indicate to me that he is another Brian Little or suchlike.
On the other hand, TS might just get the best out of him I hope so!! … Maybe Gary Gardner as well.
JL my opinion of Grealish is he needs match time, sub appearances don’t seem to help him much as he takes a while to get involved and up to speed, unfortunately we don’t have the margin for error this season. all his best work is done in the last third but rarely finds himself there as we are usually on the back foot and he’s being asked to take us forward in a tired team. Its a tough call but can’t see him getting starts this season. haven’t seen him with Gil yet though
Mark,
Precisely – that’s a major point. Now is not the time to throw in a fledgling unless he has a huge ego, Rooney-like.
JL,
There’s plenty of old players who would act as consultants if asked, Withe,Teale, Collymore and Taylor have all offered their services in recent weeks, why not tap into their knowledge ? It seems that Villa isn’t part of Birmingham anymore just a colony of London/USA.