When you’re weary, feelin’ small
When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all.
I’m on your side, Oh, when times get rough
And friends just can’t be found.
Like a bridge over troubled waters
I will lay me down.
Like a bridge over troubled waters
I will lay me down.
Yes, when times have been tough I admit that I have sought for inner guidance. And – boy – times have been tough at Villa Park. I sometimes wonder whether Randy Lerner seeks inner guidance as he certainly does not seem to have trusted anyone who should know amongst the Villa brigade. With one exception: one Gordon Cowans, the Golden One who has been brought out when just about everything else has fallen on its backside.
When you’re down and out, when you’re on the street
When evening falls so hard, I will comfort you.
I’ll take your part, Oh when darkness comes
And pain is all around
Like a bridge over troubled waters
I will lay me down.
Like a bridge over troubled waters
I will lay me down.
Gordon has said that he will not let Villa be relegated “under his watch”. Well, the truth is Gordon that it may well depend on everyone else as Villa just might not get any more points this season! Perhaps a draw on Saturday, but I do not expect more than that now.
But, because the others below Villa stand little chance of getting much themselves in their remaining matches, Villa do stand to survive relegation.
The only way then is up. But who to take Villa back to where they surely belong? I say “surely” as Villa do not have an automatic right to be ‘up there’, but Villa still remain as the leading club of the Midlands and has the infrastructure of a big club. It is fitted out to be ‘up there’, but it depends on good management to bring it about.
The Club needs to be brought back to life. The indication that the owner may sell brings hope, but whoever buys will need to have far more of a clue as to what is needed than what we’ve been offered in this past 8 years (and before). And the new owner will need to identify who is to be the Trusted One to manage the team’s affairs.
It seems to me that the language employed by Randy Lerner is such that he’s effectively recommending to any new owners that they retain Paul Lambert. But the decision on this is likely to be the yardstick by which we will measure the new owners. I feel that the retention of Paul Lambert would immediately start a feeling of mistrust from the Villa faithful.
On the other hand, if they retain Paul Lambert and the new season starts well (having, we assume, made some appropriate purchases in the summer), then PL might, just might, begin to win us over. I do suspect that he just needs to gain better experience as a manager, and the kind of experience he’s had this past two years will surely guide him in better directions in the future. Especially if he has a better backroom team at his disposal. And especially if a change-around in the Media Department takes place to remove the awful public relations activity that we have had to endure.
The only way
For me there is little else to say on this matter. I feel It’s now a case of meditating and praying for the right outcome.
Sail on children, sail on by
Your time has come to shine, all their dreams are on their way
See how they shine, Oh when you need a friend
I’m sailing right behind
Like a bridge over troubled waters
I will ease your mind
Like a bridge over troubled waters,
I will ease your mind.
I’ll ease your mind.
The song Troubled Waters written by Paul Simon.
The Author
John Lerwill
I'm a Villan of more than 60 years standing and an occasional writer on Villa history. For me there is only one football club worth supporting, but I am now wondering whether I will again see anything like the pageant that was paraded under Ron Saunders or even that by Big Ron and Brian Little. My glass, however, is always half-full! Click here for my Villa website.Comments 94
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A great article again John.
Just renewed my season ticket in the hope of better things to come, but I am going to trust Sid “Mr Aston Villa” that he will keep his word, and not let Villa go down, but as I have said in a previous comment, Steve Bruce owes Villa one for us getting him relegated with the Bluenoses, after Kevin Phillips scored the winner at St.Andrews.
Nice to see the Daily mail aricle on Phillips, and did not realise that he is the only English Striker to win the golden boot.
I’m not unduly concerned at this stage. However results this weekend could change that.
I will be going to the Hull game and I hope the fans treat it like the massive game that it is and get behind the players. Even if we go a goal down, the crowd have to get behind the team. The fans can play a massive part this Saturday and I’m confident that they will. When the players need the Villa fans, they usually come up trumps.
Our defence is a huge concern at the moment. Our midfield is ordinary and we are toothless up front. We have to be made hard to beat, so I would play a 5-2-1-2 or a 3-4-1-2. I’d leave options on the bench for us to change to a 4-4-2 if it doesn’t work out.
Agbonlahor and Weimann are the only credible options up front and we know at the very least they will work their arses off, so I’d play them together centrally rather than out wide.
I think it’s time to gamble and allow Tonev to play in the free role just behind the strikers. I know he has been appalling but I think he is worth throwing in as a surprise package and he can always be taken off at half time if he is shit.
My team would be:
Guzan
Vlaar
Clark
Baker
Bacuna
El-Ahmadi
Delph
Bertrand
Tonev
Agbonlahor
Weimann
Albrighton, Lowton, Holt and Westwood on the bench to replace anyone not performing.
Droyd: I think it’s time to gamble and allow Tonev to play in the free role just behind the strikers. I know he has been appalling but I think he is worth throwing in as a surprise package and he can always be taken off at half time if he is s**t.
Sorry, Droyd, but I have to quickly come back on the at one!
I don’t think that Tonev has shown much sign of being a creative player, so to put him in such a vital position seems to be lessening Villa’s chances of breaking through. We thus have the potential to go 0-2 down at h-t! *Then* changing him seems a retrograde step – to me, at least.
Best to leave the team selection as it has been the last match or two i.m.o. – let them take the responsibility for their past and present actions.
John – Tonev hasn’t shown any signs of being anything really. I think he is a dud.
The reasons I think he is worth a gamble are:
1) This is the position he was played in during pre-season, so it is one of his positions.
2) Our strikers look completely isolated with the midfield as it currently is. He would have to be the link between the midfield and the strikers.
3) Surprise element. Hull will not be preparing to be facing this.
4) He has got something to prove so should be fired up. He hasn’t been part of the team much this season so his confidence shouldn’t be as shot as some of the others.
It’s a gamble for sure but one worth taking as our current methods aren’t working and are highly predictable.
3 central defenders would give us the solidity (in theory) that would be needed to compensate for dropping Westwood. I think the cover Westwood gives the usual back 4 is highly questionable anyway.
Lambert needs to change something because whatever he tried the last few matches hasnt worked. And the person most in need of replacing is Baker, way too many costly mistakes lately – take him out of the firing line put Clark in. Hull will play a 3/5 at the back since they will sit deep and invite us to break them down, something we are horrible at. Also getting players wide will be difficult with the lack of space. Our best hope is to counter their counters, esp down their right as El Mohamady is their most attacking wing back and gets caught out from time to time.
Id play 2 upfront, Gabby and Weimann, Holt is not up to the job. Weimann has been pretty crap but he hasnt played much in his preferred position this season, this may be the time to do it. Also Gabby on his own upfront does not work, he needs a partner or he needs to go wide left.
Id play 4312
Guzan
Lowton
Vlaar
Clarke
Bertrand
Bacuna
Westwood
Delph
Albrighton
Weimann
Gabby
Id play Albrighton behind the front 2 not because I think he’s clever or creative enough to be a no 10, but because he can look to exploit either wing from there. Plus defenders are not used to wingers running at the centrally, as Stirling has done for Liverpool, it would cause panic. Also, Huddlestone plays the ‘Gerrard’ role for them, deep playmaker pinging long balls to runners, Albri has the enthusiasm to get right up in his face.
Id also say that Tonev behind the front 2 would be a gamble. He hasnt been effective all season, to throw him into our biggest game of the season would be too much for him. He doesnt look like a player who can handle pressure.
Baker definitely needs to be taken out, he’s actually more of a hindrance now than an asset to the team. If he plays you can expect him to make a mistake that knowing our luck would lead to a goal.
I’d be pretty happy with that Ree. It’s a well reasoned line up. Something has to change.
I have reservations about Albrighton playing anywhere other than on the wing. Lambert tried him centrally against Stoke and he was dreadful there. We really don’t have any credible options in this position with N’Zogbia out but someone must try it.
Apparently El-Ahmadi used to play in this position and could certainly get in Huddlestone’s face. He did this to great effect against Gerrard at Anfield. The downside is his technical ability. He has not a creative bone in his body.
Baker has indeed been garbage. Our worst player recently. I think Clark has to come in for him unless we play with 3 central defenders.
Droyd
Wasnt it Weimann who played that role against Liverpool? Id say he could be effective in that role again against Hull but who would play alongside Gabby? Holt? No thanks. Also feel like you have to play form players esp in games like these. Albrighton needs to play.
I have a feeling that Lambert will just stick with the same formation and lineup that hasnt worked these past few games. If he does that, then I would lose virtually all my patience with him.
Hello all.
John, you’re right to say that if a new owner were to keep lambert on, Villa people would be highly suspicious because it would indicate a lack of ambition and imagination. And, as you say, consistent wins would be the only way to win the fans over.
I think Clark is better than Baker. I’m of the camp that believes Clark is more of a defensive midfielder. He’ll score goals, too.
I agree with Droyd, it’s time to give Tonev a go from the off. He’s quick and direct. Him and Albri on the Wings will at least give us some energy
I’m sick of KEA, Wiemann and Holt getting games. They just slow everything down. KEA will be ok in s 4 4 2 centrally but not basically as a RM
I’d go
Guzan
Lowton
Vlaar
anyone
Bertrand
Albri
Delph
Westy
Tonev
Helenius
Gabby/ Robbinson
Hi John, Like this post – I am sure our fate lies in the hands of Fulham; as I have previously commented I would be devastated if Bent scored the goal that saved them and put us down.
Following the Simon and Garfunkel theme – ‘Ask me Why’; Bad News Feeling’; ‘Sound of Silence’
However a bit more of ‘Keep the Customer Satisfied, and ‘We’ve got a groovy thing going’ would be acceptable.
I see us getting one point from Hull and then hoping the rest faller.
On the Tonev issue. I think he should be in the squad, if only to introduce an element of change at some point in the game.
UTV
I dont rate Clark as a DM at all. I rememeber he played there under Houllier for a while and maybe under Mcleish for a bit? But I think he got found out. He cant [pass the ball at all, and I dont mean that in a sense that most DM’s are not great at passing, I mean that he is useless at passing the ball without 10 yards of clear space in front of him. Also he is not clever enough to get in those positions to snuff out attacks and does not have the drive/energy to get around the pitch. He would just be a presence, thats it. May as well play Baker in there for that, at least you know that his mistakes would not be directly punished.
Frem
Helenius has not kicked a ball in anger in how many months? How would he be effective in such an important game?
Clive
You’re right it is pretty much down to Fulham. I did the maths! If Bent scored that goal then it would be a travesty.
I have a horrible feeling Fulham are going to win. Will be Stokes last game at home so fingers crossed they will want to finish with a strong performance?!
And i dont trust any of our players to do the jub. Its going to be bloody nerve racking Sat afternoon!!
The Maths!
Probabilities using percentages derived from bookies. As they see it these are roughly the odds of the relegation matches as a % – Home win / Draw / Away win (discounting Sunderland as Fulham, Norwich and Cardiff are the ones that are significant)
Villa – Hull: 40/30/30
Newc – Card: 48/27/25
Stoke – Ful: 42/28/30
Chel – Nor: 81/14/5
Man C – Villa: 84/10/6
Card – Chel: 20/25/65
Ful – Pal: 61/20/19
Nor – Ars: 20/25/55
Tot – Villa: 75/15/10
(These are rough probabilities, bookies odds dont always add up – they have to make their margin too!)
For Cardiff to overtake us we would have to lose all 3 games (19% chance) and they would need to win both theirs (5%) = 1% total probability
For Fulham to overtake us, we would have to get 0 or 1 point (44%) and they would need to win both (18%) = 8%
For Norwich to overtake us is a bit more complicated. If Villa get 0 points (19%) Norwich need 4 points or more (5%) = 1%
If Villa get 1 point (25%) then Norwich need to win both (1%) = 0.25%
If Villa get 2 points (6%) then Norwich need to win both (1%) = 0.06%
So realistically, Cardiff and Norwich only have around 1% chance of overtaking us while Fulham have a 8% chance.
I know its only numbers and what matters is the performances on the pitch, one of the best things about football is the ability for any team to upset the odds. But the numbers give me more reassurance than the team does right now!
Ree
The number look good on black and white but they dont say we are the worst form side in the prem and it does not factor in the footballing Gods!! The season has been exciting and unpredictable and i have a feeling it wont be all over till the last day 🙁
His biggest season at Villa so far came during Gerard Houllier’s 2010-11 reign.
Clark scored his first two goals for Villa in an enthralling 4-2 defeat to Arsenal in November 2010.
The first was a powerful volley which deflected off the bar before bouncing over the line. The second was a dominant header which dragged the score back to 2-3.
Another important goal came in the now famous 3-3 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
But that wasn’t the end of Clark’s scoring escapades, as a dazzling run full of stepovers followed by a perfectly executed left-footed strike against Bristol Rovers in January proved.
Injuries unfortunately prevented Clark from a full 2011-12 programme, but he still managed to score two goals in 18 appearances.
His time under Houllier wasn’t so bad.
About Clark
Yes, I feel a bit more +ve about him rather than Baker. He seems to have lost his goal-getting ability though.
Ree,
Very good posts, mate.
The only weakness in them i.m.o. is the selection of Albrighton in the support slot. I also feel much happier with him on the wing.
We do have a creative problem in midfield, don’t we?
Andrew
We’re not actually the worst form side in the prem over the last 6 games, that honor goes to Newcastle with a grand total of 0 points. We are that much better than them on 1 point!
And you’re right anything can happen, im just pointing out the fact that it will take something monumental for us to go down. This weekend imo is the most significant in terms or the relegation battle. Cant see Norwich getting anything against Chelsea even if they’re tired/weakened from the CL game. Cant see Cardiff winning at Newcastle. The one Im most concerned about is Fulham. Im praying for a draw or loss for them.
John
Id agree with you there, he is more effective on the wing. But if you play him there you’re losing either a striker or a midfielder, I dont think thats the best way. Also I would expect Albrighton to be you classic no 10, just get in the face of opponents and look to exploit any opportunities that may present itself on the wings. Just my opinion. Like I said before I think we need 2 strikers as Gabby as the lone striker is not working.
*would not expect
This new website design is fancy, ain’t it?
Honestly unless the owners get it perfectly right I can see us still struggling next season. Get the wrong manager and we’ll struggle to motivate a poor squad with diminishing resale value. Buy too many players and we’ll disrupt the squad. Buy too few and we’ll be left with too little quality. If the players don’t settle into new management, new tactics, new country (if they’re foreign), etc. then we’re left with another year of players getting to grips with the Premier League. A league where we’ve already been found wanting for the vast majority of the season. Get the backroom staff wrong and the coaching continues to be underwhelming. Get the infrastructure wrong and we’re still in a risky position financially.
Every single aspect of the club needs changing. Lambert took on the same task two years ago and has taken us backwards. Backwards from where we are now is a guaranteed slump into the lower leagues. As such, I would be keeping the expectations of next season, no matter what the input of new ownership is financially, to the bare minimum of surviving. Think of Stoke in Pulis’ first season. We need to consolidate our Premier League stability before anything substantial can take place. I think this is where there might be growing concerns amongst the fanbase next season, as once the knowledge that a club has a bit of money becomes common, everyone seems to be convinced top 6 should be the target that season. It’s going to be an even longer overhaul of what is now an even worse squad than when McLeish walked through that door 3 years ago.
The key is to get the right infrastructure in place so that progress, however slow, is not limited. If new owners are coming in their end goal should be the League title otherwise there’s no point being in sport. Whether that goal is aimed to be achieved in the next 10 years or 50 is largely irrelevant at the time being, but without that ambition there’s no point them being here. If the infrastructure is correct, the management and coaching needs to be a step in the right direction (let’s face it we’re not going to be uncovering our League champion manager at this stage). Give the fella in charge a good amount of leeway financially to streamline and tweak the squad which is so poor and give him a rolling/2 year contract to keep performance at the maximum.
Most importantly, no QPR style spending please. Don’t be bringing in ‘names’ in some hope that because they got 1 England cap when they were 23 that they’ll do the business now on an overinflated salary. Liverpool is the model to follow.
After looking at all that, I can’t say I’m confident it’ll all come together, but if a few things are done right at first at least there’s something to look forward to in future. And if we go down first season after attempting to fix this rotten club, whilst it would add to the difficulty of the task, there’s no shame in that. AVFC is so close to falling to pieces that perhaps just focusing on staying as a business and an entity is all we can achieve for the short term, and I’d much rather have that than blow it all in a splurge and cripple ourselves further.
hi people
I think it will be all over Saturday, we will get a point at least and Fulham will struggle to beat stoke, I even fancy palace to do them on the last day. Norwich have had it, Cardiff might get a draw at Newcastle but that’s it for them.
my tactic would be to lie holt in front of the goal
Bob Hoskins has died 71
josh
its like a boudoir. would expect a season of transition even if new owners appear. 5 decent players tops in to go with the core we have and grealish etc then see were we are crinbo/summer and go from there
Unfortunately we’re stuck between a rock and a hard place, Mark. I’d say 5 is too many but then we don’t even have 5 genuine PL quality players at the moment. Hopefully with clever squad management, making space where we’re inflated (Striker, centre mid, GK) to gain some balance positionally we could do it.
I’d keep
Guzan, Siegrist, Steer
Lowton Vlaar Clark Okore
Bacuna Albrighton Delph Westwood El Ahmadi
Benteke Kozak Agbonlahor Helenius
Leaving a quality left back needed, either Bennett or Luna staying on as understudy maybe
Right back cover needed although Webb and Bateman from U21s are could be okay
Wingers/Attacking mids aplenty – Probably a left winger of proper quality (Ince/Redmond maybe) and a guy who can cover wings and the hole along with Grealish
Depending on Helenius/Agbonlahor then a quality striker as I wouldn’t be confident with Kozak for 4 months
Get those purchases right and we would hopefully have nearly a whole starting 11 that is of decent PL standard.
josh
I agree with your choices weimann is a waste of space. would be tempted to get a right back and let lowton be the deputy if he can learn to defend. would really like a Beardsley type to complement tekkers tho. a class def mid and an att mid at minimum. got high hopes for grealish
Hello all,
Whatever the selection is i have absolutely no confidence that we will get another point this season. I reckon that we have possibly five EPL class players in the current squad, coupled with bad tactics and no motivation then its a big nil points.
Fulham, IMO will win both games.
For Lerner to assume that he can influence the new owners choice of manager shows what an arrogant knob he is, why should anyone take the advice of an ignorant imbecile ? Lambert could be given £100m but he’d still buy shite and if he’s anywhere near VP then gates and ST sales will most definitely be negatively affected.
I find discussions on Clark playing in midfield completely baffling. He was thrown in for a few games when we simply had NO-ONE else.
He barely has the athleticism to play centre back so why people think he would be a good midfielder is beyond me. He has too many donkey traits to go there.
At centre back he is a better option than Baker even though they are both Championship standard.
Whilst Okore is extremely raw, young and will make mistakes, at least he has the attributes to make it as a top defender. If his injury hasn’t diminished him, then he could be a big player for us next season. Clark and Baker don’t have the basic talent to improve any further.
Clarke is not a Midfielder. He has no attributes in that position. Could be an ok back up cb. Baker needs to be sold.
Okore would be better than those 2 currently crippled.
I agree Droyd, Clark lacks physical ability and doesn’t make up for it with positioning sense, good anticipation of attacking moves, or even being a typical ‘ball playing’ centre back. I’d keep him above Baker simply so we have some form of cover, at centre back, left back and at a push in midfield. Baker has the physical qualities and absolutely no footballing ability. With a high quality manager I’d keep them both as back-ups and work them hard in training as Clark could make a decent Agger type and Baker a Vidic type. I don’t subscribe to the notion that once you’re over 22 you’re basically done with your footballing education – look at Gerrard’s huge improvement in a new role – so perseverance with these two could pay off with the right staff, but I don’t expect us to get that level with Lerner or a new owner and therefore I’d let at least one of them go.
Josh – Gerrard is a natural born footballer so he can adapt.
Clark and Baker just lack the ability to develop. They can be filed in the same category as Ridgewell. Might one day be good enough to play for West Brom.
Okore will make mistakes but will probably be a fine player one day. Baker will never be a top Premiership defender as long as he has a hole up his arse. Same for goes for Clark.
I agree that we should keep Clark as back up and get rid of Baker. We need someone like Lescott in the summer as Baker’s replacement. Our quality needs to improve not our quantity.
Gerrard has had to reinvent himself rather than adapt. He couldnt play that attacking buckaneering midfield role anymore so he’s had to re-invent himself as a deep lying playmaker which he’s able to do pretty well mostly because of his long raking balls and his experience. Most top players have to re-invent themselves in the latter part of their careers. You have to give him credit for that.
Okore as little as we’ve seen him looks a much better prospect than Baker and Clark combined. I used to be hopeful Clark could make it as a top player like Cahill did, but not so much now.
Agreed. Clark looked a real prospect at one stage but hasn’t kicked on. Baker has only ever looked like a donkey.
I’m Donacien comes good as he showed real defensive qualities pre-season. athletic, not the tallest though but a good reader of the game
Donacien is alright. I think with the right coaching, mentally, physically, tactically and technically, any player could massively increase their potential. Obviously, there is the element of natural talent and physiological factors that sway things in favour of certain individuals but within the boundaries of a specified role any player can flourish. N’Zogbia, for example, lacks any of the mental or tactical ability to play under an authoritarian defensive minded manager, however under Martinez, who embraces fluid play and creative freedom for forward players, he was marvellous.
With Bryan Jones retiring at the end of this season, whoever is in charge of the club at the very top needs to be putting a strong emphasis on Villa’s youth infrastructure. And I’m talking 8yo+ youth. Invest wisely and strongly in these years up to U21 and Villa can be become a self-sufficient entity down the line after what will hopefully be a large initial investment on the first team. It’s areas such as these where I’d like to witness Villa leading the line and changing the modern game. Barcelona with La Masia and the long-term footballing education have completely rejuvenated what was an under-performing senior squad. Villa can and should follow in these footsteps.
Sorry John for going totally off-track from your (very good) article. I’ll bring it into relevance by stating that Gordon Cowans would be a very good shout for our replacement Head of Youth Development.
Josh,
Don’t worry about me … I’m just here to make up the numbers! 😉
Us parks teams find it difficult to get a team together sometimes!
Well John – I went to meditation last night with a budhist monk – the object being to empty the mind of stressful thoughts so thoughts of AV have been banished . I don’t think Fulham will beat Stoke / and I think we will cross the line relying on other team’s misfortunes .
Tayls was discussing the last game lap of honour – and suggested that it would be better not to have one given the disappointing home performances . He also said the noses shouldn’t have one either . Come to think of it neither should the baggies .
A very good morning, Jenny!
Well, with “thoughts of AV being banished” that may explain you not being on AVL when we need you! 🙂
Yes, in certain ways there are much greater things to be truly concerned about … the list of disturbing things going on in the world seems to exponentially increase by the week.
But just returning to AVFC for a moment, a disabled responder to my e-mail appeal for support (to the letter to RL) just told me how he finally got to VP earlier this season after years of absence, only to be told that he couldn’t park himself and his wheelchair in the disabled zone as it was reserved for STs whether they attend or not.
Actually, there was a survey done recently about how good football grounds are in providing for the disabled and Villa Park did not come out very well as I recall, in common with quite a number of other big clubs.
Hello Jen,
i tried a Buddhist monk for my Villa related depression, he told me to sit down and tell him whats getting me down, by the time i’d finished he was throwing 40mg of Citalapram down his Gregory Peck.
I see the PR department has moved into overdrive, Hernandez, Holtby and Lescott, it’ll more likely be Larry, Curly and Mo.
Lots of debate on what team McMoron will select, as long as it doesn’t include any of our players we’ll be ok. Apart from one or two they’ve all had numerous opportunities and been found totally wanting in ability and attitude, getting rid of this tripe will be a lot harder than it was to sign them. The current situation reminds me of when Lazio had a poor spell and on the Monday a few hundred ‘Ultras’ stormed the training ground and gave the players a kicking, knowing our lot as soon as we get relegated they’ll be up BH happy clapping them.
Steamer – I am doing a course on meditation with a friend. He has invited us to go chanting on the Malvern hills on Saturday. I am not a buddist – but you will know where I am if I go missing on Saturday – you can only guess what I will be chanting 🙂
John, Thank you for your e mail which I have just received, together with copy letter.
I have to say that you have crafted a brilliant letter John and I would like to be added. I have also asked whether my friend and his Dad can sign, as Andy’s Dad has supported for 80 years .
I was horrified to read about the callous attitude towards the supporter requiring a parking space. Having people with mobility problems in my family, I know first hand how vital these spaces are. This issue is of vital importance and I would support any action which is going to redress these problems. This is where the club’s moral obligations have to be scrutinised and exposed – as they should be putting their supporters requiring assistance first. Please let me know if I can help in any way.
Envy you Jen, Malvern Hills, beautiful, when my gasket started blowing i used to shove the growlers in the car and have a walk around the Malverns, best therapy going.
The people at VP really have no decency, they’re not even remotely likable never mind trustworthy,it makes you wonder if its worthwhile.
Morning all
As sat gets closer, the more fearful I am about the result of our game and perhaps even more importantly, the results of those below us. If we lose and one or more results go against us we will implode against city and spurs. I agree with Steamer, getting rid of 15 or more crap players is going to be extremely difficult, the quantity over quality route has possibly done as much damage as it’s the more expensive bomb squad that went before it.
I really hope we stay up and get real investment and a new manager.
Congrats to Jack Grealish on his nomination.
The new kit designs have benn allegedly seen by a bloke on Villa Talk , and a few mock ups( best guesses) have been knocked up. Unfortunately it’s still Macron and we still have this abortion of a crest, away kit is white 🙂
Hello all
Jenny
I once stayed a month in a Buddhist temple to study Zen martial arts. The monks and orphans they’d adopted were phenomenally fit. In the old days, when Korea was invaded by the Japanese, Mongols or Manchurians, the monks used to form into armies to fight them. In the nineteenth century, the government oppressed the monks, and the martial aspect neally disappeared from Buddhism Korea. Sadly, Korea was annexed by Japan in 1910.
The discipline was good. Every morning, we got up at 0430, walked up a small mountain and trained etc. We trained twice a day. We also had to do manual labour. The food was great, all vegetarian; though, so on Sundays after the morning tea ceremony, this Dutch guy and myself would go into town and scoff up large on eggs and whatever protein we could get our hands on.
I found out two things about myself by doing the training. I’m no Buddhist and I’m no vegetarian.
I dropped six kgs that month. I remember the day after finishing I had a cold, but I wanted to walk up this 1600 metre mountain. I walked up that mountain and when I got to the top I was amazed at how easy it seemed. A month’s full time martial arts training had really improved my fitness levels. The next day I walked up another mountain.
Is it worrying that probably on the eve of our biggest game in a long time that at the moment I couldn’t care less about Villa. I’m not worried about it one bit. I can’t get excited or even fearful over it. Ire like I’ve accepted we are down
Grant Holt saying he’s open to staying at Villa probably has something to do with it. The fact Lambert is still here probably has something to do with it. The very realistic possibility that both will still be at Villa next season destroying this club certainly has something to do with it
B62
Well if we still have the same sponsor on the front, I won’t be buying one this coming year either.
Frem
Villa isn’t down, yet. The couldn’t care less thing is the same with all of us. It’s just the mind’s way of dealing with consistent disappointment and what almost seems inevitable.
Trinity
I don’t who the sponsor is TBF, I presume it’s the current one, unless Fatty only managed to get a 1 year deal, or we go down.
Frem
Have you renewed your ST? Iv sorted mine for next year, I’m still in the 10 day period where you don’t sign FA, so if it looks like we’re going down I may not sign up!!!!
I’m not renewing my season tickets unless we are indeed signing players like Hernadez, Holtby and Lescott.
If it turns out that we are signing more continental dross for £1 million a player then I have better things to do than watch such crap.
B62- I haven’t renewed yet. I will though. Waiting as long as possible to see if any news comes out
Its all quiet on the take over talk.
Droyd- Hernadez would be a dream. No chance if RL and PL are still here, but maybe with ambitious owners and manager it could happen. Plenty of top teams will want hi though.
Droyd
Can’t blame you for not renewing. People can only take so much and Villa’s fans are pretty patient in general.
Proberbly Vlla;s biggest game since the european cup final === it is vital to the clubs future for the team to remain in the prem — if we fail there is no chance of a takeover and randy will be stuck with something he neither wants or knows how to manage
It is hard to speculate on new players simply because we do not know who will own the club in the summer..
Someone like Kiyotake i can see coming in.. if Lerner is still in charge..
IF we do have a takeover a player like Hernandez is a good target.. Holtby too.. Lescoot is would say not so..
John would you be able to email me a copy of your letter draft? I’ll happily add my name to it.
joc26@aber.ac.uk
Definitely not going to be able to afford a season ticket for next season, do any of you guys sit next to non-STs that only go sometimes? Would be cool to go to at least a few games next season and even better if it was with some of you lot. Obviously I’ll have to track down the Steamers in the pubs.
Trin,
An old mate of mine spent a couple of years studying martial arts in Asia, he was unbelievably supple, he used to tie his football boots up with his foot on the managers head.
trinity
travelled around India for three months and took in Darjeeling 6000ft up in the Himalayas, damper than ST75’s undies. went to a few monasteries didn’t see any warrior monks though, scariest thing I saw was Indian driving.
In spiritual terms villa are being given this hardship as a lesson to tell us something about ourselves, I think its “your shit and you know you are” 🙂
Mark,
Was that you in ‘It aint half hot Mum’? singing Whispering Grass ?
steamer
no I’m not that tall mate, was that your turd I stood in on the malvern hills or your dogs?
matt
when I post all the comments disappear and I have to refresh the page, is it personal 😉
In spiritual terms villa are being given this hardship as a lesson to tell us something about ourselves, I think its “your s**t and you know you are”
Mark
I don’t understand what you mean my dear man, not being the spiritual type myself. I went to India 3 years ago, wouldn’t go back. I got Delhi belly big time, couldn’t wait to get out of there.
You wouldn’t see warrior monks in India. Zen’s practiced in Korea, Japan and China.
“We’re not going to hide away from it,” said the 27-year-old.
Like you we didn’t hide away against Stoke, or Fulham, or Palace, or Swansea ?
“Every player in the squad knows that it is a massive game.
So were our last 7 games and look how they turned out,
“We know we’ve been up and down and inconsistent”
Erm, no. Its been all down and you haven’t been inconsistent. You’ve been consistently crap. To be incontinent it would be good game, bad game, good game, bad game. Its just been bad game, bad game, bad game etc
“All the teams down at the bottom now are trying to get good results rather than focus on playing well.”
Oh thats a relief. we aren’t focusing on playing well now
inconsistent
Seems like if we are safe the new owner will be Bob Anschutz and manager will be Jeergan Klinsman.
Apparently Larry Ellison DID make a very serious enquiry but ……….
Greggs are the new sponsors, their very impressed by Holt and Faulkner.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2617869/Paul-Lambert-says-Aston-Villas-position-unacceptable-need-players-like-Chicharito-Lewis-Holtby-Joleon-Lescott.html
Something def fishy is going on.. when has PL talked like this before…!!
Steamer- Would be happy with that ?
Bob Anschutz obviously into his football in the USA and would be impressed how JK has done with the national side
josh
is that your personal e-mail.? quite a few games l get a text asking if i want a season ticket as they have something else to do , so if you want next season ,if l get offered one l will get in touch , steamer also gets offers , and most of the times you’ll be sitting next too a steamer ,
Mark
when we come down to see you in your band lm gonna throw a pair of my pants at you , a pair that l will have worn for at least 2 weeks and l am a crack shot with a brick so they will be no problem hitting you in the mush !!
Frem did you get that message l left on your phone about BT ,
l found a T-shirt l had printed a few years ago for the blues game , it had BCFC and under the letters it had ,” Blue -cunts-fucking-crap ………….think l will wear it saturday , were bound to bump into some in town later on, will say though one thickie in the Aston social thought l was a nose when l wore it against them (5-1) jeeez had to explain about the drop down letters ,
steamer
will drop in cafe tomorrow to sort out about saturday , maybe we could start a meditation session during breakfast , lv got some bells and an orange T-shirt ,
trinity
India don’t need warrior monks with their deadly arsenal of bowel disrupters. had it too mate lost 11/2 st. still loved the trip though. my monks were Buddhist but that was Zen they might of changed 😉
st 75
good luck with pealing them off, perhaps jenny will help you
think Lambert is tired of taking the flac
That’s my University email, ST75. It’ll be inactive once I finish up here so email to joshee14@hotmail.co.uk for things regarding tickets. Thanks for the offer man that’s well nice of you. If we meet up for a drink or something sometime in summer I’ll give you my phone number so it’s easier – just don’t wanna go planting it on the ‘net, I get enough spam as it is with Morrison’s employee data being nicked last month. Always fun giving fake names and info to telemarketers, at least.
Steamer, I wonder if Lambert will use his Jeerman coaching badges to beg for a job under Klinnsman?
Something is definitely going on as Lionheart implies, think it’s more Lambert using the old “I’ve hardly had any money to spend” line so he’s slightly more employable after all this reaches it’s conclusion.
ST75- No I didn’t mate. Voicemail don’t work on my phone
Lambert saying Hernadez and Holtby is the level of players a club this size should be going for
Don’t think Randy wants to see that.
Thanks Lambert, but leave it to the New owner and manager. You wouldn’t have a clue what to do with a bunch if quality players anyway
Fuck off to Celtic and get them second in a 1 team league
Eff me Randy can you just get one thing right?Accounts up to 31st May 2013 show ratio of wages to turnover 85.7% with all the “savings”(buying dross and giving away Ireland etc) 85.7%,so all the suffering and misery of the last 4 seasons has not been worth it,not one iota we are still incompetent off the field as well as on it.I know Ireland isn`t included in these accounts but FFS Randy,leave and take your logo or badge with you.In fact just leave,don`t even sell,just shut us down and sling the keys in a cana.l
Its embarrassing, but enjoyable, watching the weasel grovelling for his job, he really is a pathetic aerosol, he treats people like dirt and then kisses Lerners arse, toerag.
I have been laughing out loud reading these comments – anyone new to reading this blog will be “dazed and confused” as Robert Plant said (sorry he’s wolves isn’t he )
Were the growlers you took up the Malvern hills ST 75 and co 🙂
Frem – still smiling at our “incontinent ” players – let’s hope we get Little Pea then 🙂
I can’t see Hernandez fitting in to the hoof it up and ring a bell style we’ve been playing though / unless they give him growth accelerators .
I feel like the last two seasons have been a bad dream so it’s ok after all . PL didn’t really say we will dispense with the experience and go for young hungry did he .
My friend wants to go to India to a budhist retreat . I told her not to be so daft – Trin and Mark’s experience confirms my “in continence ” worries .
Just realised – no wonder Helenius can’t play – with incontinent players you can’t afford the risk of them having their shorts pulled down 🙂
Right off to feed Bertie the rabbit – life in the fast lane eh .
Speaking of which – hello to my other bunnykins. St 75 xx
By the way Frem – I’m not having a go – I know the auto correct changes inconsistent into incontinent 🙂 🙂
Haha 🙂 Shit. didn’t realize what incontinent even meant Jenny. Just had a look. Well at least we know why Helenius ain’t playing now
Lambert is trying to save his ass saying we need more moeny. We know randy ain’t going to give it him so he’s proably hoping the new owners are listening
Well I’ve done my bit, 3 upper Holte tickets (108 quid ) I have a horrible feeling Mr Potato Head will screw us over . Oh and the kids were that naughty the other week as a punishment I took them down the villa !! They cried and cried but are good as gold now !! Hahahh
Just read a quote with Phillip Lahm saying Jeergan Klinsman did very little on tactics and the players had to sot it out them self’s
He’d fit right in where Lambert doesn’t do tactics, but our players aren’t even at the level yet where they sort it out.
Mark , bet you looked well losing all that weight , 11 and half stone , phuk , slimmer of the year there mate , and l wouldnt need help getting the kegs off , l always carry a shoe horn mate , and do you do a version of “Im in the mood for dancing ” by the Nolans ??
Frem
will email you later , are you dropping in the holte suite or social after the game ?? and steamer can tell you loads about incontinence and show you his leak proofs ,
B62 , are you making an appearence mate ,
josh
will be in touch about tickets mate , no problem ,
got to adit lv been looking at the site earlier in the week and thought it was still having problems , didnt know it had facelift , doh!!!!
Jenny my cutcheekoo xxx
if you had seen any of the growlers Steamer has been with and had to have them on a lead , especially the one who drank him under the table and smoked massive cigars , didnt see him for 5 days after ,
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
as anyone else tried that sponsored link advert “fitness singles ” meet running singles ???
dont bother ….. l couldnt keep up with the one l was introduced too , .too fucking fast
Bet Hernandez and co can’t wait to get down the Villla – can just hear the tel con – RL “now how many season tickets did you say we’d sold Paul ? “. “Don’t worry boss – they’ve fallen for the “eying big signings spiel the last four transfer seasons , we will get Lescott out again ” 🙂
ST75 went to Zumba class last night with my daughter – after 5 mins she was shouting “tone it down Mom!” Just preparing for the Lifers meet up 🙂 🙂
Jenny
l heard thats hard work , that zumba , will have to sort out a day for the meet up , a few of us are down saturday if you can make it , were on about going down to see mark in his band as well , just sorting the dates , xxxxx take care my love xx
Christ on a bike!
Whats going on on here – Kingy and Trinity are going off on Buddhist retreats, ST75 is going to zumba with Jennys daughter and Steamer is laying cable on the malvern hills “with growlers”.
Gibbo et al where are you? Come back quickly i think the pressure is beginning to tell on this lot.
Can’t make Saturday but would be good to arrange a proper lifers do – and also see Marc’s band too if localish ! Yes Zumba is torture but great music . Daughter didn’t appreciate my interpretation of Pharrel Williams ‘ “Happy” said she wouldn’t go with me again 🙂
It’s not called Aston Villa Loonies for nothing Bib . Yes where is Gibbo – we are missing his quiche and tales of the outback ! It’s quiet now – the nurse has done her rounds and it’s lights out – I can just make out Frem mumbling something about Incontinent wingers in a 4-4-2 formation 🙂
Hey Bibulus! lol mate.
Hope a bear or cougar hasn’t made a feast of Gibbo.
Not a lot of confidence in Lambert’s pre-match interview with the press, and as usual the sound is crap until he is interviewed by Jack Woodward.
are the comments being lost again????
Not that I can see Mr Pears – only change is comments are now in multiple pages so scrolling isn’t as arduous on mobile…
Hi All Ians fine , l had an email off him , he’s sorting his drinking water ect out, if any of you has seen the pics of where he’s moved too you will understand this , he takes his water straight from the lake and has had to fit all kinds of filters to clean the water ,and looking at the pics the pipe he must have laid must be about half a mile long , no phoning severn trent up over there, and the Bears are waking up now , he sent me a great picture of a bear looking into the kitchen lol, well off to meet steamer in the caff for our meditation session or is that medication session , its one of them anyway sounds the same .
dads dancing tonight at a breast cancer charity night and we got to wear a bra outside our T-shirts ect , tried it on last night and nearly strangled myself trying to get it off , lost me touch methinks , little flick days seems to have left me , oh hum
have a good weekend all ,might see some of you tomorrow ,
Jenny xxxxx
matt
the comment box is missing on jasons article mate.