So, here we are, finally, at a Monday morning that involves an Aston Villa win. In addition, we’re safe – thank God for that.
However, let’s make some honest evaluations now – this season may have ended in safety, but what of the future?
The squad, whilst capable of retaining a Premier League status, needs changes. Last week, and before the Hull City game, I was contemplating our starting eleven as though I was an coach having to define each player and how they look to me as a coach.
Now, of course, I’m no Pro license holding manager, but I know the basics of coaching, and I know when I see mistakes, and why they are happening. For Villa, many of those mistakes are a combination of players and tactics.
Some could say that the tactics are what should be held against the manager for accountability, but the reality is not that clear. Give me a team of superstars who are motivated, and I’ll have them playing a number of variations. Give me cheaper players, and I’ll struggle.
This isn’t rocket science, and that is where we’ve see the manager get flak. Sure, he’s had money to spend, but that doesn’t immediately mean that he hasn’t issues with how that has had to be spent – he most certainly has, and that’s reflected in the make up of some of the squad.
Getting back to my original thoughts, I was looking through my view of one of the first eleven teams, and I wanted to offer my (somewhat simplistic) views – they are listed below:
GK – Brad Guzan – A capable and physical goalkeeper. Willing to come out as far as the perimeter of his area to collect balls. Looks unconvinced of the capabilities of his defence, and this often bleeds in to how he reacts to needing to make clearances. In addition, a lack of true competition for the number 1 shirt is starting to show as he has retained his place almost regardless.
RB – Leandro Bacuna – A strong player who is best placed in a midfield role, but often occupies the position at right back. Can be prone to wander into more central areas in game which is potentially a reflection of his natural role and position in the middle. Capable and willing to chase back for balls and is fast enough to get back when needed to play a defensive role, but the fact Bacuna has had to play in this role says little for Villa’s other contenders for the right back role.
LB – Ryan Bertrand – Solid left back who knows the role well. Works well to provide width for the team and is regularly as far wide as the touchline. Brought in to provide competition for Antonio Luna and Joe Bennett. Bertrand is definitely the most capable left back in the squad at present, but may not be retained after his loan finishes.
CB – Ron Vlaar – Physical and deceptively fast centre half. A capable ball player who is happy roaming forwards to link up play into the midfield area, and shows excellent mobility. Often covers more ground than he would normally be expected to, mainly to cover weaknesses of his current central partners.
CB – Nathan Baker – Courageous centre half who will regularly put himself in danger in order to secure the ball. Can be prone to being dragged out of position, leaving gaps that force Vlaar to work twice as hard. Like fellow centre half Ciaran Clark, he can be guilty of defending that involves giving away yellow card – pulls on shirts, often lacks football intelligence to be able to judge how attacks will pan out.
CM – Ashley Westwood – Capable passer of the ball who excels in doing the simple things, and works well with teammates to ensure that the ball is kept ticking over. Due to tactical set up within a team with a flat back four defence, he does not track back as well as his role might suggest. Also would suit a role directly in front of a more physical defensive midfielder as he lacks the stature and build to acts a true DM.
CM – Fabian Delph – Arguably Villa’s best passer of the ball, working best in an role that focuses on attacking the ball and getting forwards quickly. Can be prompted into lashing out/late tackles and this is a regular source of yellow cards. Likely suits a formation with three midfielders (to enable him to roam forwards), most likely with Westwood besides him and a new midfielder in a defensive role.
CM – Karim El-Ahmadi – Similar to Delph, El-Ahmadi plays better in an attacking role, and is prone to similar late tackles/losing control on the pitch. Effective when utilised, but arguably too similar to Delph to be playing in the same team.
LW – Gabby Agbonlahor – Unquestionably loyal and exceptionally fast forward playing in a less-than-favoured wide role which has contributed to a less than favourable goal return for the season. Lacks a quality first touch, often meaning pace advantage over opponents has to make up for losing the ball when slowing down. Able to physically bully smaller defenders with speed and strength. Reserve player Jordan Bowery a similar player with a fast and physical game, providing coverage at a much cheaper rate.
CF – Andreas Weimann – Erratic forward who works well when occupying a central role. However, regularly has to play in a wider role due to preference for Christian Benteke/Libor Kozak in central role. Needs to develop a greater consistency but restricted by tactics to be able to play preferred role (same as Agbonlahor).
RW – Marc Albrighton – Enthusiastic winger who is one of very few individuals at the club who can naturally play in wide position, which could be effective if the team wants to play with a wider setup. Quick, but also prone to overthinking decisions, likely due to confidence issues and after effect of struggling to break through years early despite outstanding play during the Peace Cup. Contract up at end of the season.
To keep it simple, I’ve just looked at an example first eleven. Benteke, of course, has been injured recently, but he is undeniably a key figure for the team.
If it was me picking the team, I’d be playing a less fluid 3-5-2/5-3-2 formation as it means that the third centre half can stay in the role that Westwood appears to need to cover when we are defending. It also means we can deploy either Gabby or Andi in central roles where they are far more effective. Of course, many might consider such a formation too defensive.
So, with the analysis of the team above, and an understanding of our issues with losing Kozak, Benteke and Jores Okore to injury, can we say where we finished is unexpected? I’d predicted 12th at the start of the season, but the injuries incurred means we are probably about where I’d expect – I’m not angry in the context of what I thought would occur, but I am frustrated.
What’s for sure is things need to change in the summer, but the manager – in my view – has done well enough under the existing circumstances to stay in a job, though I’d wait till the end of the year to choose to renew.
The question now is this – what do you think?
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 194
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Matt,
A very fine analysis.
I wonder whether it’s a tad more useful to think of the overall shortcomings of the squad as it clearly is still a long way from a desirable standard.
1. As you’ve rightly suggested, the r-b position is not strongly filled at all. And will we have Bertrand next season?
2. There’s a definite lack of quality at c-b which might be filled by Okore.
3. There’s a lack of ‘punch’ in midfield – the need for a quality attacking midfielder.
4. Weimann seemed to show on Saturday that he’s been played in the wrong position until he, by default, had to take up the main striker’s position. This comment is more intended to indicate that in using he and Gabby as fast wing raiders, they don’t really suit the wing role: they’re not really wingers and for much of the season seem to have been confused as to what they should be. Therefore not really accomplishing much.
Therefore, to obtain a satisfactory side, those seem to be the areas to be addressed. To be talking about buying more strikers (as seems to have been fed to the media) when you already have so many strikers (who are capable – as strikers) on the books is sheer folly.
As far as the manager doing “well enough”, I would say that he is probably a manager that can do a reasonable job – somewhere, but not at Villa Park. Unless (perhaps) he has a good coaching squad under him. He doesn’t seem to be really able (or lacking confidence) to do what he’s there for – namely to manage. There’s a good indication that his erstwhile staff seem to have pulled a lot of strings.
And I’m the one that until just 3 months ago was saying that we should keep patience with him. That Culvergate affair really did it for me. He must have known what sort of fellers they were having worked with them for so long.
Hello Matt,
Particularly pleased that with all your probs we got a decent result, it must have given your entire family a boost.
Just talking to the fans you sense an air of optimism now that the three amigo’s are on their bikes, i’ve never known an atmosphere like it among the fans.
Obviously Lambert wants to stay at VP, but he has too much history and too little talent to manage any club above League 1, he’s got to go just on his total lack of principles, football or otherwise, basically he’s a lowlife.
Over the next two seasons i would expect to see an operation similar to the one activated by BFR when he took over from turnip, clear out all the rubbish who played hoof ball and introduce players of class and ability to raise the club to where the fans belong.
Matt Kendricks opinions ring true, hilarious what Weimann comes out with, he really is a knob.
http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/aston-villa-3-hull-city-7068218
A good summary of the players but disagree that Lambert should stay. It wouldn’t be the end of the World if he did stay, and I’d be expecting a slight improvement next year position-wise (challenging for 10th), and a dramatic improvement in player performance. At the end of the day it’s Lambert and his now non-existent coaching buddies who spotted these players, decided upon them and play them where they are. If they’re not good enough for the role they were purchased for they shouldn’t be playing there and other targets should’ve been acquired.
Guzan has been decent but is dwindling in form.
Bacuna, if he was purchased as a centre/attacking mid, has done well but it is on Lambert (and Lowton) that he has largely played right back – further pushing back his chance to improve in a midfield role.
Vlaar doesn’t appear to have improved in any form other than clearly adapting to the pace of the EPL. Still lacks tactical awareness although as you say, his centre back partners don’t help. Okore was clearly first choice partner so I’ll cut Lambert a little slack there.
Luna/Bennett are both huge failures and I’m not sure what was seen in them. To have brought in 3 left backs (and tried out a further 3 players) in 2 seasons shows it’s a problem position but again, Lambert chose them. Bertrand has been solid but I’d expect him to be either out of our price range or able to hunt slightly higher up the food chain.
The purchase of Westwood and the improvement of Delph are one of the few examples where Lambert has got it right, however the 3rd player in KEA/Sylla/occasionally Tonev has meant they don’t properly fit into the system they’d best be suited to. As you say, Delph and KEA are too similar and it leaves a lightweight Westwood exposed. A mix of Delph, Westwood and a strong physical defensive midfielder would strengthen this team unthinkably. Priority one.
Obviously they aren’t suited properly to the roles but Weimann and Agbonlahor being somewhat undroppable on the wings until Benteke’s injury is probably the strongest slight on Lambert this season. Both have been awful barring a few games (the same could be said of Cameron Jerome, the whole of Blues’ team, Jack Wilshire, the list goes on…) so should have been rested and rotated more. Lambert’s main principle was playing to win and picking the team who’ve shown they’re best up to do it. This has not been the case on many occasions this season at all.
Overall, sack Lambert and the new guy needs to fill these specialist roles immediately. The squad is capable of doing a job in their positions but very few have actually had the chance to do that. If they don’t fit into the system – sell them. Fortunately for Lambert, his purchases have not been expensive and will not be too hard to shift at either similar transfer fees or minor profit. Give him a pat on the back for dealing with what has proven to be a very difficult club to sort out, give him a good reference, thank him for helping us to financial security, and say good bye.
Think we needto go back to basics,go a 442 at home changing to451away.With that keep guzan lowton vlar okore delph westwood benteke wieman kosak bacuna for back up baker/clark gabby.we need a lb cb dm am winger to go straight in to team.Need to ship out given luna bennet kea herd hutton bent zog bowery albrighton,put tonev helnius on loan to xmas
Larry Ellison was being mentioned again last night. Most people are waiting for Randys statement now
There’s no way this club can get better with an owner who’s lost all interest, and a manager as horrendous as Lambert. He wants to stay, off course he does, we are a great club and could be flying if we get taken over.
Hopefully we will find out soon enough where our future is going
If Ellison takes over, or anyone with any ambition, 90 % of our squad will be off anyway. If Randy stays, then we will see the same crap EVERY week, as well as signing more tosh
Matt K makes a good point. Lambert always keeps saying he has a great relationship with Randy and speaks most days with him
But yet Lambert has no idea what is statement will be about, his own future or even if Randy is selling or staying
Close relationship I think is more BS from Lambert.
I nearly drowned once as a kid. I remember vividly the sensation of using all my energy just
to get my head above water and get ever dwindling gulps of oxygen into my lungs. The truth is that though I was’nt a strong swimmer i had more than enough to get me to safety at the bank of the river. Hell, with a bit of composure , I could have walked the short distance underwater to safety but fear took over , my logical faculties were suspended , I panicked and it was very close to curtains for young proxopera. The last couple of weeks felt like that to me for Villa , we could have comfortably ensured our survival a month ago and spent the rest of the season resting tired players and introducing young players , but we panicked . Our manager does’nt have the ability to bring Villa on and therefore should go . He has enough talent in the squad to better than we are currently are and I would’nt trust him with any more money.
The Manager
Interesting to read the virtually common opinion on this subject.
PL is ‘the manager’ in name but appears to lack that very ability. Not a man for a big club I’ve (eventually) decided.
You’d be amazed at the support Lambert has on the blogs despite all the evidence against him, i put that down to the sympathy culture that reigns in this country, either that or stupidity. How can anyone defend this clown ?
Steamer ,
The turning point for me was Lamberts plaintiff cry after the 2-1 loss to arsenal at VP , that ‘everyone could see we gave it a go ‘ . This sounded to me like a man out of his depth. In the same way , as Houllier showing inappropriate deference to the liverpool badge at anfield , there was no way back for him in my eyes.
Prox,
Nowhere near good enough in any facet of managership and as regards his human qualities ……… Anyway, he’s gone, as the great LT said “Confined to the dustbin of history.”
Matt – I agree. Lambert should stay but a change of owner may see him depart. If Lerner is retaining ownership then I think Lambert will get a new deal.
The squad just needs an injection of quality in 3 or 4 positions and the top half will be very attainable.
Droyd,
If thats the case you may as well wind the club up.
Think some people need reminding who they follow, i won’t say support, this is ASTON VILLA not Ipswich, not Bolton, not Stoke, ASTON VILLA.
I think the manager should leave. His attitude toward and the team’s dismal performance in the domestic cups changed my opinion from one of let’s give him another season.
He’ll leave a millionaire.
Despite a horrendous run of losses, my betfair account has £32 in it.
I’ve just avoided a £50-odd lunch bill thanks to a lapful of beer courtesy of a new waitress (their suggestion, not mine).
So, feeling a little mental, I’m making my last bet of the season. £80 on the Villa at 24-1 against Citeh.
Wasted money probably but the pressure is off, we’ve done ok against top four and I’ll probably cab out with 0-0 at half time.
I also saw City v Everton. Loads of space either side of the City centre halves. We’ll defend and might nick it.
Glad this horrible season is nearly over. Am 50-50 with Lambert. He did well to wrest the game back from Hull by switching back to 4-4-2.
Will we see Okore? He was training last week, wasn’t he?
Morning Lifers
Relief,not pride was my feeling after the win.
Weimann is a disgrace,yes if you are Romario,Ronaldo or Stoichkov,then you can adopt an arrogant stance when you score,but no not you AW,jog on son jog on to Sheff Wed or Hudddersfield.
I never claim to be Einstein but I have enough intelligence to pi$$ on the idea the Lambert does not know the content of Lerner`s statement,I believe he does know.I also have an awful feeling that Randy`s statment will confirm the fact that he is staying put.
Lambert can jog on too.I feel no animosity towards him and I wish him well.He deseves credit for last season,but blew it for me with Stoke 1-4,Holt and his (alleged) rent a thug coaching staff.I wouldn`t trust him with another penny,even if the funds available to him are subststantial,well,especially if the funds available are substantial.
S75-so you located Gerry,I should have known you would find him at the SH.
Sound analysis Matt.
Trin,
Its probably best if Lambert stays, our support seems to enjoy mediocrity and failure, possibly a spell challenging for honours would be too much for them, perhaps Lerner could approach the FL and volunteer to be relegated, therefore saving 12 months and satisfying our fans. The fuckin mind boggles.
B6B,
Standing in the beer queue at Sacred Heart, first time iv’e been there, told him you might be coming over, he asked about that £20 you owe him.
Steamer
But,but………er but……that 20 quid I gave to Mark to pass on to S75 to give to B62 to pass on to Rosco to give to Gerry when in was in Rocos`s boozer next.Who said that high finance was complex eh?The 20 quid I owe S75 I posted to the Square Peg staff to pass on to him via yourself.It couldn`t be simpler could it.
Steamer
I’d prefer Hull’s coach. Like B62B, I have no animosity toward PL. Good luck to him, but elsewhere, not at Villa.
steamer,
I think you’re right mate about Lambert staying.
37,000 had the chance on Saturday to approve or disapprove of his management.
They overwhelmingly approved, so we may as well give him a new 5 year contract and see what the standard of football we are playing in at the end of it.
Talk of the deal being completed by the middle of next week, Phil Anschutz being the buyer, perhaps he’ll be good enough to appoint Phil Brown, Billy Davies or bring back Ginger, i know the expectations of our fans are low but i’d take them all over this knob.
Muz1
I wasn’t there, but I think the fans were just relieved at the win and were jubilant that Villa have managed to stay up. If we’d lost Villa Park would have been a dangerous place to be.
Great piece Matt, I think 90% of the players are nowhere near good enough in my humble opinion Guzan is a number 2 at best , he has been truly terrible this year Given was hung for far less. Baker is League 1 standard , Clarke could be converted to a DM , Gabby and Weimann have regressed greatly a touch of the bigtime Charlie about them this year. Westwood has good control but he fails to pick a pass that threatens the opposition goal, Delph has improved to Premier League standards, KEA unfortunately does not posess the physical attributes to cope with English football.
Lambert has shrunken as a man with each passing month in the job it’s time he left but he has oversaw a transition that few managers would have done. Lerner has destroyed the club for me and history will judge him harshly.
Josh
your studying law , could l take these lot (who owe me £20) to the small claims court and if so would you represent me , there’d be a pint in it for you ,
if PL stays , then lm gone , will be doing the non-league circuit , and l know someone on here said its crap , but its honest crap
Steamer
where did l get them sausages from mate , was someone selling them in the pub ??
Talk of Lerner leaving a gift for the club, possibly connected with the North Stand, may even renovate it and call it the Randy Lerner Stand, bizarre if true, the two dickheads who have done most damage to AVFC in its 140 years and they both have stands named after them.
Steamer
Knowing what a disaster and by word for failure we have become,the stand would probably be named after Bosko Balaban.
Randys statement is apparently going to be about the North stand. People now think he’s going know where, and maybe get someone to help with investment
The North stand needs doing though. The Holte is lovely, the North stand looks a fucking disgrace out the back. Would be nice to extend it and maybe connect it the Doug Ellis and trinity stand
I don’t want Randy or Lambert to be apart of this club 1 bit come next season
St75.
Coleshill CB on Friday.
Steamer ????????????/
where you bought those bangers
Boys,
I think PL should be congratulated on his behaviour after his boys were canned, he kept his dignity and did his job. However the behaviour of his support team should not be under estimated, if this was there management style he must have known about it and therefore condoned it. This therefore must question his ability to manage without them and more importantly who he appoints next.
I don’t dislike the man I merely question his ability and if lucky enough to stay he needs backing and would perhaps benefit from a director of football.
That’s a generous statement to make ,Blade, but I dont believe he actually has the management skills in the same way that roy keane was a great player but has had to take the passenger seat in football management to progress his actual skills. He may someday , but not now, Villa need a leader to get them out of their current morass and Lambert is a busted flush in B6.
steamer
not them ones . the ones l came home with saturday .
got to say it , l cant believe people still want Lamberk next season. oh hum , off for a pint ,
I was at the game on Saturday with my two sons. It was my 5 year olds first game. He was blown away with the stadium, the fans, the noise when we scored , the visual experience, the winning feeling. Aston Villa is a huge football club. The owner and management of this club have absolutely no idea what is means to be a true fan of Aston Villa. We have just experienced four years of pain and disappointment. We need root and branch changes at this football club over the summer. Major investment is needed in this team because we have an absolute lack of quality in our current squad. This relegation battle and austerity measures cannot continue
The fans deserve better.
Richards,
What a match to take ’em to! And a first-minute goal to whet the young one’s appetite!
Terrific!
Have to agree with your comments.
PL must have nine lives . If Hull had put in a performance , instead of the “worst game they have played this season ” according to Bruce then most supporters would be insisting he should go. The players and PL knew that Saturday’s game was crunch time which is why all started the blame game . The players blamed their training and PL blamed RL for not giving him enough money. When the chips are down , you know who the honourable ppl are – and there’s not many if those at our club by the look of it .
It’s all rather pathetic that it has taken two seasons for the players to mention the poor training and that the manager didn’t have a clue (apparently) that it was so bad . Even though it was clear to 37000 villa fans who watched our players deteriorate and play with the skills of league one players half the time . Didn’t that suggest something was wrong – as the majority of villa fans said “what do they do in training ”
I’m astonished that when his two assistants , dismissed for bullying and who have form for it as long ago as the trio’s partnership at Colchester , he has seemingly extricated himself from their misdemeanours – notwithstanding he’s their close friend and held them in such high esteem.
It also begs the question what does the manager actually do ? IC was in charge of training , transfers , team selection and subs . Reports are now coming out that IC was taking on more of a managerial role which was causing friction .
So with out the two aides that have been advising him for the last eight years what has he actually got to offer .
Why would giving him more money work . He’s presided over a regime which has been detrimental to players’ development and broken every negative record going . Who is going to be his number two ? Ppl who have been forced into the job like Shay Given, the man who was told he had no future at the club and with no coaching experience ?
If we brought in more expensive players on what basis has he shown he can manage them or have the tactical skills to develop a competitive team in the Premier League .
RL made a rare trip over in the week. I find it hard to believe that PL’s job wasn’t discussed or the situation with IC and GK. If RL stays I don’t think he will trust PL with more money – there’s no reason why he should and every reason why he shouldn’t .
That leaves the players and they haven’t exactly helped themselves either . The new recruits I have sympathy for. But the Weimann’s of this world , who are vocal enough on the pitch and to the fans, seem rather slow in coming forward on the training complaint . Either they were scared stiff of PL too or they put up with it so long as their place was guaranteed on the team sheet . What were the older players like Gabby and Vlaar doing in all this. It doesn’t make sense .
This IC and GC affair and the bomb squad fiasco , together with the inability to be truthful (Nzog) demonstrates that management has failed. There has been no leadership and now we have PL with two assistants who seem to have been appointed in desperation . If he were to stay , would Given and Cowans remain . How does that work .
RL made a rare visit to VP . For what reason . I don’t believe PL doesn’t know what his future is . I would be amazed if he is still here next season and even more so if RL gives him substantial funds to invest. But then again, as the saying goes “a fool and his money is easily parted “. It would be madness IMO but given this last season , who knows .
Prox – that sounds so traumatic / it chilled me to the bone reading that .
St75 Aka Loverman .
Hope you behaved yourself without me there 🙂 🙂 🙂 xx
Stan Collymore said again Ellison wants to buy us
Probably BS
Well if there is a club sale they are legally bound to to reveal all employment claims , disputes etc so the Culverhouse suspension will have to be disclosed . Doesn’t look good from the management perspective .
What did Stan say Frem ?
Another owner with the name Ellis – distant relation who americanised it with the “on ” on the end ?!
Apparently he said it’s a case of him buying Villa out right or with like other people. probably is BS though Jenny
This Ellis is a lot more wealthier though 🙂 A hell of a lot
Someone saying Doug Ellis son is buying us. God knows what the Steamers would do if he did
Shame norwich are going down, only club we always beat! Get ellison in. Sign ash cole, sagna, lescott, forster.
And a new midfield.
After 4 years i want to dream again!!
Look at Palace – come back from 0-3 – to draw with the scousers .
Haha – Brendan Rodgers didn’t look that enthralled trusting his title chance to the mighty Villa beating Citeh . We’ve done it before , who knows Grant Holt to the rescue, 🙂
Could be Villa’s finest moment…The night the decided the title…and I have always said that this game would be the decider….Bowery and Weimann to make names for themselves…!!
I couldn’t help feeling a little sympathy for Lambert on Saturday. At the end of the game he directed the players towards the Holte end and walked off the pitch on his own.
Assuming he is off then I reckon history will treat him more kindly than some might believe.
He had a decent reputation but took us on when others had turned us down.
Our financial position was perilous: over 80% of income spent on wages and a loss of over £50m in one year (that’s around half our annual income)
we had no choice but to cut back dramatically and there was a very strong likelihood that we’d not survive the last two seasons.
Lambert has kept us up and I thank him for that. Will he still be here next season……I don’t think so
Well it’s nice to be wanted. That is if you’re Mark Albrighton, whos wanted at Everton by Martinez. Albri must have impressed at Wigan. At Everton, he’d be allowed to play his natural game.
Lambert plays too many people out of position too often. We’ll end up with a bunch of so-so jacks of all trades but no masters except Benteke as a target man.
Jenny y love xxx
l was good as gold saturday , steamer will vouch for that , l dont play away ,
Palace eh !! loved watching the arse suarez covering his face and Gerrard skulking off , sorry but l cant stand liverpool the team , had a few run ins with their fans in the 70s and it was the 1st time l saw the stanley knifes used , fucking cowards , l remember them disturbing our breakfast once at a motorway cafe , after we finished with them and their coach they never made their game , and l dont like chelsea , so its Man City for me , and they have the best pies , so no contest
got a mad week , with daughter on at old rep in Les Mis , few tickets left , the steamers are going friday (about 10 of them)
well thank phuk this season is nearly over , will have to sort a date for the meet up and the possible banbury trip to see marks band is july 12th , so will let you know the details if interested ,
have a good week all
Jenny xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Well, well, well , so the bindippers need a favour from ‘lil old villa. Hmmm, the one medal stevie me craves is now in the gift of a team he cheated many times by diving. Oh, the delicious irony of it , this season is actually ending on a high.
Iv gotta say, I loved the Palace comeback, Pulis has worked miracles there!! The great media Liverpool Love in has stumbled, Everton failed to get 4th and Liverpool have thrown away the title, when both were in the driving seat. And now they need us to do them a favour, the bookies don’t think we will, City 1/6 and Villa 22/1 draw 9/1.
The rumours are rife as to our future, the latest is that Lerner and Lambert could be staying, and getting outside investment rather than a full takeover!!! Rumours of the North Stand being renovated as well, I can’t see this, ST are already on sale, the original planning permission has expired, we are hosting the RWC next year, and why would RL or whoever waste money, when so much is needed to rejuvenate, this terrible squad, we need a massive turn over of playing staff. I’m still hoping for an outright takeover by PA or LE.
My thoughts as well B62
FFP is proved to be a toothless tiger, their punishment of MCFC is laughable, a restriction of 21 players in their CL squad, that will show them!!!! Let’s get a mega rich Billionaire, if you can’t beat em join them.
Also I’m fed up of the local press, and their huge coverage of Blues avoiding the drop on GD to the third tier of football, they had a 10 page spread Sunday, and their still banging on about the Peaky blunders dress up!! When actually most of their inbred fans just put a hat on without actually dressing up, the few that went the whole hog fair play, the rest just looked like pikies or like they were off to chelters in the cheap stand. The way they are banging in you would have thought the’ve won the league!!!embarassing
Hopefully Ellison takes over and we will join them
Take over talk as took a turn. As B62 says, Randy and Lambert could be staying to kill this football club for years to come. I’ve had a feeling it’s to go to be true that Randy will just be gone in a few weeks. His statement will praise Lambert, it will say he’s fully committed and that there is a plan for the future to buy more cheap shit
Gutted
Hmmm id be upset if we dont have a root and branch change. Just having investement is not enough. You need to right people at the club which we dont have.
Just seen Lambert’s latest PR statement re Saturday’s amazing win over Hull. Might be more believable if it had been Crystal palace’s performance last night!!
Let us see the team prove it’s true worth and beat Man City on Wednesday, then we may believe they are capable of better..!!!
Helloo,
First of all apologies to my fellow Steamers and any AVL representatives for my absence on Saturday unfortunately I was away last week and did not get back home till late Friday so it was going to be ambitious to get up and drive again on Saturday morning, I am not getting any younger although my boyish good looks tells a different story.
It sounds like the Steamers were out in force and a good day was had by one and all even to the extent of a visit to my favourite curry house in Digbeth where we have had plenty of free meals due to our ability to cover 800m in Olympic standard time.
Back to our favourite subject AVFC, I am glad the season is over and can only dream of a takeover and the removal of the three idiots who have conspired to get us relegated two seasons running and failed the useless twats.
It would be nice to have a relaxing summer without the worries of going into another year fighting to keep Leicester and Burnley at arms length but with the three stooges at the helm I am afraid that would be our future.
ST75 and Steamer I will be up to see you in the summer so you can buy me that drink with the change you scammed off me the last time I bought a round.
UTV
The last time you bought a round it came to 7.6p and that was for five pints and crisps, by that reckoning i owe you a farthing.
Andrew,
Yes mate we definitely need some footy knowledge at VP, i’d boot the lot, all the admin, PR, safety officer the full kebab, totally useless the lot of them. On top of which, how many would you actually trust ?
Three definite interested parties, Anschutz, Ellison and Saudi’s who Lerner has booted.
Steamer,
OK a farthing it is, I take all major credit cards, paypal or you can BACS me the payment, definitely no cheques.
UTV
I dont trust any of the buggers.
I wonder if in the next 2 away games the aways fans will still be calling for PL’s head now we are safe? Could be a good time to apply pressure to the board and management?
ST75, you can indeed claim that £20 back and I will represent you. Just finished my dissertation, 3 months work, 8800 words better have been worth all the hassle. Just an exam next Friday left to do and I’ll have a degree. Whilst these last 3 seasons have been shit, I’ve had a great 3 years and Villa can’t bring that down too much. Maybe if I do a Masters I can look into correlations between football results and resulting social behaviours.
http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-what-randy-lerner-7075533
Brilliant from Matt K. Lets hope it is something like this
SOS Ellison
Josh
well done mate and good luck with your exam on friday , and thanks for the advice , l hope these ejits who owe me are reading this ,
sww
no appologies needed , the lads were thankful you could’nt make it as it embarases them when you hang round the bar waiting for a freebee, please tell me your busy on the 12th july ,
Frem
will be in touch about shop lights and have you tried BT , they are going to need sparks soon ,
what the fuck is going on in this pistorius court appearance , the witnesses are screaming ???.
had a great song posted on my facebook about the scousers , it goes to the tune of the blues blunder against fulham , will get jessie to do this cut and paste thingymejig …….
Hello, everyone. Hope all’s well.
Well, it’s a relief to finally be safe…that bit of freefall was not enjoyable. Takeover rumors are intriguing. Can’t say I wouldn’t welcome a change.
Of course, it’s hard to say what the future holds in any regard. Have Villa reached the bottom? Is an upturn likely no matter who’s in charge?
I think all (well, maybe most) of us thought this season would be better than last, if not spectacular. And I can’t help thinking that a side with a fit Benteke would’ve done a bit better over the last few weeks. Maybe even Kozak would’ve been a help. But it was what it was.
I’m sure if there is a new owner with a lot more money, it could be much more entertaining and less nerve-wracking. And while I’d always thought the third season would be Lambert’s make or break, I’m not sure what can be done given how the squad overall has looked. Is there enough to spend to make a big difference? And with the recent business over Culverhouse and Karsa, I truly wonder what the situation is.
At any rate, good to see all the familiar faces on here. I do try and scan most mornings before I head out.
Whatever comes to pass, here’s to better times at Villa Park.
ST75,
Yep I am free on the 12th I will start saving up.
Clarky,
Good to see you back on I suppose a bit like that Turvey bloke just too bloody busy for us hourly paid workers who live at AVL.
UTV
Hello John, hope everything is well in your neck of the woods. Are you one of the interested parties in line to buy Villa ?
1000% certain Lerners gone, the BM wouldn’t have printed that two months ago.
Andrew: I wonder if in the next 2 away games the aways fans will still be calling for PL’s head now we are safe? Could be a good time to apply pressure to the board and management?
Did you sign up to co-sign the letter (going tomorrow)? Anyone interested, please write to me: john.lerwill@btinternet.com
You would have thought we have just won the league how Lambert is speaking. We beat a team who put in there worst display of the season. Well done
Notice how there wasn’t celebrations, or we are staying up songs, or Lambert songs unlike the end of last season. People were happy we were safe, but they weren’t celebrating it because they all know it’s not good enough just staying up because teams are worse than us ( Some how) Lambert probably thinks he deserves manager of the season
I like how Lambert didn’t bother coming over to the Holte at the end. I like how the fans didn’t chant his name. Nothing had to be said. The fans know he’s failed, and Lambert knows he’s failed the fans.
welcome back John Clark
John,
Sent you mail.
UTV
It`s a disgrace there must be an enquiry justice for Stevie Me.Palace fans should not be allowed to support their team like that,.The Pool sense of entitlement is sickening it doesn`t suit the media narrative for them not to win the League.
As for Stevie Hollywood pass Gerrard,well he brushed the camera away,there`s a 1st,he normally is seen running towards the camera and kissing it.
Why were the Pool fans crying?Were they thinking of the 39 killed at Heysel,or all the fans who`ve been attacked at Anfield over the years?Or maybe it`s regret for singing about Munich 58?
As for Brenda he recently said its a shame Carra will “miss out” on the League,well it ain`t over yet though.As for Alan Hansen”when Steve G, lifts the trophy”.Good luck to City tomorrow.
All tribalism aside Pool or City would be worthy champs,they have both played some lovely stuff.As a team Pool have done fantastic,as a media love in,no,no no please City come ,Glen J.makes Luna look like Cafu
J.C. great to hear from you.Josh good luck in the exam,don`t represent S75 in the Small Claims Court,he`ll loan so much off you,you`ll be in further debt,never mind the student loans.
B6B,
You want to read what Noel Gallagher put on Twitter about Suarez.
Very exciting to be a Villan at the moment with all the speculation about which multi billionaire will be buying our flags next year, of course some will be disappointed that the club may challenge for honours in the near future rather than just avoid relegation in the final weeks of the season, what will they do if we actually win something ? call for the manager to be booted and McKnob or McMumble reinstated, the happy clappers have done enough damage to AVFC under the guise of loyalty.
Cheers John, not signed it yet. What do i put in the email to you?
Andrew
Please just supply you full name, number of years a Villa fans and how long a ST holder (if appropriate).
If you know friends/relatives who would like to be included, please add the same details for each of them.
I’ll send you a copy of the letter to you when I receive your e-mail.
Just watched memory match from last season when we beat City in the cup 4-2
we played 4 2 4. Gabby, Benteke, Wiemann and Zoggy the front 4. Simple.We were excellent. Thats when Lambert and his selections were ambitious and exciting. You watch tomorrow it will 5 at at the back and we probably wont cross the half way line
There’s a suggestion that if AEG buy Villa they may acquire the NEC and build a huge new multi – sport arena there with Villa being the home club, opinions ??
hello John C nice to see a normal person on here.
steamer
would be a tug of war emotionally to leave villa park but if a new 100,000 stadium is what it takes I could warm to it eventually. would like to see villa park turned into a museum of football with John Lerwell as curator
anyone else had an e-mail off of ST75 asking for funds to pay josh to take me to court for the £20 I lent him?
hello John C nice to see a normal person on here.
steamer
would be a tug of war emotionally to leave villa park but if a new 100,000 stadium is what it takes I could warm to it eventually. would like to see villa park turned into a museum of football with John Lerwell as curator
anyone else had an e-mail off of ST75 asking for funds to pay josh to take me to court for the £20 I lent him?
anyone else getting mighty pissed off with the comment box? 😉
Matt Kendrick has picked up on Weimann and his herioics on Saturday
He cupped his hands to his ears in a celebration after the first as if to admonish his critics but he is kidding himself if he thinks those supporters have been harsh to vent their frustrations at him personally or the team.
With Christian Benteke long gone and Gabby Agbonlahor injured – and eventually forced off – by his effort in setting up his team’s first-minute goal, Villa needed Weimann to step up to the plate and he duly delivered with his best performance of the season. But it was a rare highlight in a poor 12 months, which did not really grant him clearance to offer a metaphorical finger-wag to his audience.”
It wasn’t just the hands to the ears and the finger wagging at the supporters which was out of order but also the fact that he didn’t come back out with the other players to thank the supporters in the “lap of thanks” (I’m not calling it honour)
I wouldn’t want to move from VP. Develop the North stand, make VP a 50 thousand seater stadium. We can’t move from VP
frem
but mate we could have balti prawn pies if we had more room for corporate types 🙂
jen
weimann didn’t come out as he sprained his finger and was getting treatment to remove his dummy
Steamer: There’s a suggestion that if AEG buy Villa they may acquire the NEC and build a huge new multi – sport arena there with Villa being the home club, opinions ??
This is *such* an emotive issue, isn’t it? After all the history and the events related to this neck of the woods, it would be perhaps one of the saddest things on earth for Villa to move it’s home.
Emotionally I would be against such a move, but one factor causes me to say “yes”. And that is the cultural situation in the area around Villa Park. It no longer has much of a link with Aston Villa, and it would even be better for the local population for the football to leave i.m.o.
The NEC would – in many respects – satisfy the future needs of Aston Villa, including the marvellous transport links. I doubt whether any other proposal could be a cause for Villa to move, however.
If we really want to compete with the European powers then we need 65,000 minimum. The NEC is convenient for motorways, rail and airport and with the other facilities could bring millions in sponsorship.
Surely VP can be expanded to a 60 thousand seater ? How can we move from the Holte ?I love that place. Knock the doug ellis stand down and the north stand and build big as stands.
Someone on a scum site has said AEG is buying them
NEC ……… thats fucking nose territory ………..behave steamer just because you live round the corner ,
Mark
they have e-mailed me mate . you onto a hiding , just send it in the post ,
why is Harry Potter on itv , has someone died ?
Frem
dont panic , were gonna need a bigger car park
hi Jennykins xxxxxxx
Villa aren’t big enough to need a new stadium. We’re not even at full capacity since they’ve moved the North Stand around in preparation for the development that eventually never came about. 42,000 full capacity, a North Stand redevelopment to add 6,000 and some more tweaks to the corners of the stands and you’re 50k+, 4th biggest stadium in the League until the Chelsea, Everton, West Ham moves and Etihad development. Even then there’s still plenty of room to make more seats but until we’ve got 10 years of European fame behind us we’re not going to fill 50k+.
The money and investment in the infrastructure is the important part. If a massive company come in and say their eventual plan is to move away from VP, so be it. As long as the stepping stones are in place first, like a functioning board of directors, an Academy which is worthy of being (apparently) the number 1 in the country, sponsorships to be proud of and which are financially rewarding, etc. etc.
It’s a long way down the road and it’s all hypothetical at the moment. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
Thanks for the support, St75 and B62B. Going out tonight in a bunny onesie so those of you who have me on Facebook are in for a treat. Major male cameltoe. Stupid Unisex sizes.
josh
you saw that physical threats now, anyhow with your cross dressing and public genital displays you might need your own lawyer 😉
I’d be very shocked if I were to leave this realm without a police record for flashing. Will definitely struggle to be a Criminologist when I’m on the Sex Offenders Register. What a stupid thing that is.
All sorts of rumours flying around, some are complete madness.
Some are now saying Lerner and Lambert are now staying, we all know blues are being taken over for £25m, I just hope the likes of AEG don’t think there a better option, due to the price and being in the same City etc freeing up cash for investments like the NEC.
B62
valid point there mate ,
Josh
You’re our very own Conchita, hope you can sing.
talk about us getting £75 mil from tv but so is everyone, there will be a massive scramble for players
By the way, has anyone ever heard of a player being told by his manager that he won’t play in the first team while he has his current hairstyle, true, wonder what club this happened at ?
Hope Grealsih starts tonight. A pointless game so will LAmbert for once give them a chance ?
Ha. Hell no. KEA, Holt, Wiemnann, Baker etc will all be involved. Bowery deserves to start. Lambert says we want to win the game, but he said that before palace and that turned out to be the most anti attacking match iv’e ever seen
Everyone now is just waiting for Monday for Randy’s statement to sell and Lambert to fuck off
——————–Given————–
Lowton———Vlaar—-Donacian—–Bert
Albri———-Westy——Delph——-Grealish
—————Bowery—-Wiemann——-
Would love to see Tonev and Helenius but as Lambert signed them, they won’t be playing
All the rumour and conjecture, regarding the future of AVFC is out of hand, there are ITK everywhere, but no one filling in the blanks, naming names etc. The latest ones are the most worrying if true, that RL , PF and possibly PL are staying put , but upping the investment slightly!!
This IMO would be a disaster, nothing short of the beginning of the end. All three have shown they don’t know what there doing, and aren’t up to the task at hand. There are other rumours involving LE the 5th richest man in the world, and PA head of AEG, and founder member of the MLS, both have massive funds, LE something like $56billion and PA well over $10billion. Either of these would be great, but a slight spanner in the works could be the vermin( I know there nowhere near our standing), but AEG are also interested in the NEC and surrounding land, so could by blues for £25m, saving £175m ( on our £200m tag), buy the NEC and build them a new stadium, so by the time HS2 is up and running they could be in the top flight with a new ground and wealthy backers, this is the doomsday scenario, as unless were also taken over by say LE, they will soon overtake us , a little bit like what City are doing to Utd. I hope this scenario never comes about, I really do.
The team should stay the same other than Bowery coming in for the injured Agbonlahor.
I have criticised Bowery in the past for being utterly talentless. However on Saturday he proved me wrong. The guy played really well and DOES have some talent to go along with his undoubted engine, strength and pace.
We won a game well. It would be silly to make changes. The defensive unit performed really well and I don’t accept that this is a meaningless game for us. It’s a chance for Lambert and the players to claw back their shattered reputations.
The extra prize money for finishing higher is not to be sniffed at either.
“PA new owner… hearing he has other backers with him… PA as main man though… all done… trying to get other names”
From another site who guys kind of trust on there. Why would he need other backers with him ?
and I hope he’s not the kind of guy to change our name, stadium name etc
Put money into us. get football people into the club
Glad to see Jordan Bowery getting a chance to play but also that villans are saying hang on a bit this kid hasw potentail which is something i have been saying for well over a year since seeing him play in a reserve match
I think some of pl’s buys should develop better under a proper manager
Droyd/Runtings
Spot on about Bowery. People often ran him down when he’d hardly had a run to be run down about, so let’s hope he has a good run tonight:)
Bowery reminded me of Stan Collymore!!
Who is PA?
I liked how against Hull our defence operated. The area that seemed to work really well was Clark and Bertrand. We have been weak on the left of central defence and left back all season but this seemed to fix it.
Bertrand played in a wing back position, whilst Clark played as if on the left hand side of a back 3 of centre backs. It worked well and helped Baker do his job effectively too.
It was strange because Lowton played as an out and out right back. I don’t know how I would describe it as a formation but it worked very well and I hope Lambert does the same tonight.
“PA” is Paul Anschutz…He owns a share of the LA Lakers, LA Kings (NHL), a couple MLS teams, and is the man “who saved MLS” by once owning several teams while the league was struggling to get started, and advocated the push for teams to build their own, football-specific stadiums (instead of playing to small crowds in 75,000-seat NFL stadiums).
Since he tends not to own teams outright, I could believe the scenario where he’s a part-owner with Lerner. Generally, most things he’s involved with turn out well.
He owns a lot of different teams then. Would he be fully committed us? I was hoping for Ellison
I hope he buys us out right. Don’t want Randy apart of this club really. Certainly don’t want Lambert to
chance tonight to play the youngsters, but he won’t
Frem,
Don’t think Grealish will play unless he’s been to the barbers.
Lerner hasn’t got the brains to be part of a sports club, he’s fucked up everything he’s been involved with including AVFC, total disaster who shouldn’t be allowed within a million miles of VP.
Steamer you do know that it was tuesday yesterday and monday was not sunday , just a thought , only l was sitting in the caff this morning , did ring you,
B62 , sorry about saturday , heard today l was off my head in the social . , l was on it from 11-30 am and l was with wizza !!!!
Re —- bowery .— l think someone on here would know that feeling of playing one good game , last game of season and because everyone was pissed he got chosen of player of the year !!!! step up our very own SWW, steamer got kitman of the year , because if you got sent off ,you washed the kit !! 9 out 16 games , still a record for a season , ind he did use Lenor in the wash , ))
off to watch my girl in Les Mis tonight , old rep theatre , FREM text me the score and keep it on silent mate , cheers
Lads i would be ok with a move towards the NEC..
Simply because we need to take this club forward.. a new owner with big money would want to be around an area where he could build casinos.. hospitality etc..
I just hope that come next week we have some very exciting news..
My slight concern is that after RL’s statement not one press report has come out clearly linking us to someone.. i would have thought something would have broken..
All eyes on us tonight – and the reds wanting us to win more than we do ourselves – amusing to see tweets saying “come on Benteke” from The scousers 🙂
You never know though – remember QPR last game of season in prem – City nearly lost the title unable to score – until Aguero scored 2 in the last 5 mins . Anything could happen tonight – cant wait . We could get slaughtered 8-0 or we could do a Robin Hood and nick the game .
Good to see you back John C .
Now where is Ian ? It reminds me of my favourite Shakespeare stage direction “exit Autolocus pursued by a bear ” 🙂 let’s hope that’s not Gibbo’s fate !!!!!!
ST75 – have a lovely time at the Rep (why do you call it old rep?) and hope your daughter has a wonderful time on stage . What an achievement . 🙂
Blimey Bowerys a world beater all of a sudden, jesus this guy could not even hold a place down on loan at a team that got relegated to league one, and don”t forget it was against a very poor Hull outfit who definitely had one eye on the FA cup final, yes I am relieved we won the game but lets put the result in perspective and also not forget how poor we have been for the last two seasons under Lambert, still cannot believe people still want him in charge next season is it a massive wind up.
UTV
Jenny , its called the Old Rep , its not the one on Broad street , its the one at the back of new street , next to the old Jacey picture house , few of the old uns would remember that place esp , PP and sww , thats where sww met his 1st love ,,,,,,no it wasnt , that was the back of Rackhams , sorry mate ,
yes jenny she quite good if l say so myself , surprised me where she gets it from, a lot of the steamers are coming friday , they seem to like it , as they came last year to Grease , back tomorrow my lovely xxxx
You serious about the hair cut Steamer ?
To be fair to Bowery, he came on and put in a better performance in 80 mins then Gabby or Wiemann have in 36 games. he deserves a start. Gabby, Wiemann and Albri are all doubts. Albri is of to Everton so Lambert won’t be playing him. 5 at the back
can you imagine the luxury of having an owner who would sack a manager during a season of shite ? Hopefully if we get a new owner, he will do
Frem,
Thats what his old man told Dewar.
New manager may not be Jeergan, probably Mancini.
S75,
I haven’t got a clue what day it is mate, bleedin’ Bank Holiday threw me.
Lionheart,
What with HS2 and the various motorway links the NEC would be perfect. In my opinion VP, although it has potential could never hold 75,000 no matter what extensions you put on. When Herbert destroyed the Trinity Road he also destroyed the mystique of VP, that something that elevated it above all other grounds, time to release the ghosts.
It was indeed quite nice to see Bowery show us what he’s capable of. Good on him. My old Chesterfield homies certainly didn’t rate him!! Living in the shadow of the twisted spire does strange things to folk, mind!! He had a lucky escape…
Just read that stuff about Villa moving to the NEC and nearly fell off my chair. Agree with Josh that we’re at least a decade away from outgrowing an expanded Villa Park. I hate the thought of watching Villa in yet another soulless out of town new build stadium.
Waiting for my lift to Man City. I’m expecting us to lose by 4 but I’ve had a cheeky twenty quid on us at 16/1. I’m getting a lift up there with a Man City fan. Bibulus, I’ll probably be phoning you for a lift back if we win.
By the way Bibulus, Booter reckons you may have cracked a smile on Saturday. She didn’t recognise you.
I’d happily take Manchini
Steamer . you in the caff tomorrow , l am , mothering law and some person claiming to be a long lost niece is also here so lm out mate ,
Frem
while lm doing the corner shop with Dewar , could you do the 2 fans in the hairdressers next door , will let you know sat night what day , cheers
do you think Danny Darko got Josh last night,
SWV the only world beater at villa possibly is tekkers but i was impressed with bowery a year or so ago when i went to a reserve game – he may not make it a villa but i thought he looked like he could develop into a good target man — i just think a lot of the young kids we have could have more of a chance to develop under a better manager — PL has brought some decent potentail but he doesnt have the confienence to play them or the type of gameplay to allow these guys to develop — so a lot of these guys may look a lot better under a different manager
Def in the caff tomorrow ( Thursday ???? ).
Who’s fans do you want Frem to do?
Frem.. not sure about Mancini..
have you seen how many points Galatassary are behind the leaders.. considering the money they spend that is a joke..!
Lol Steamer 🙂
You’d let me lose in a hairdressers? Jesus. Get the fire service ready.
LH- I haven’t mate no. Thats a bit worrying. Just presumed they have already won it
Grealish in the squad tonight apparently. Get Tonev and Helenius starting also. Please no KEA, or 5 at the back. We won’t string 2 passes together
Really glad to see young Jack on the bench,
Guzan
Lowton,Vlaar,Baker,Bertrand
Delph,Westwood,KEA
Albri,Weimann,Gabby
Although I would love to see Robinson,and grealish,Helenius they wont start HT hopefully we wont see Holt either on the bench,hearing that fella has agreed to buy villa aswell lets hope its Lamberts last game all but one anyway 🙂
Manchini is decent but far too defensive for me considering the types of players he has been able to work with
FFS sake Holt is on the bench what a shame
apparently PA want Ellison alongside him. Heaven
Whats the team ? Please not the same old dire shite ?
Give others a go. your fucking of any way lambert. None of this shit will be with us when we get taken over
Feeling very fragile today. Good night though.
I agree Andrew, there’s too much sentiment at Villa Park and this association with being a big spending club and therefore needing a 60k+ stadium has no substance. Chelsea still play in front of a crowd smaller than ours and they’re fine, through other financial means. Only St James (Sportsdirect Arena), Old Trafford, Emirates, Stadium of Light, Etihad and Anfield are bigger and 3 of those not by much. Continue with the redevelopment and we’ll be the 4th biggest stadium in the EPL, 5th after Wembley. As I stated before, we’d need incredible sustained improvement before we’d need to be punching above that, and I can’t see that happening.
Will be watching the game in a cosy pile of pillows and a duvet. Bliss. Reckon we’ll get slaughtered but it’d be nice to see us give it a proper go. Shame Bowery isn’t starting, although Agbonlahor was impressive before his injury rocked him. I know that was like 6 minutes in, but it was a good 6 minutes…
Guzan
Lowton
Vlaar
Baker
Clark
Bert
Westy
KEA ( FFFFFFFUUUUUUCCCCCCKKKKK OOOOFFFFFFFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!0
Delph
Weimann
Bowery
Painful read. No youngsters, no Tonev or Helenius. 5 at the back
Dear lord Lambert fuck of out of this football club
no Albri. of to Everton
We ain’t going to be causing many problems going forward
Oh, Bowery is starting. Sorry, thought TheVilla23 had the official line up. Good on ‘im.
Frem, who cares man. We are safe and most the players will be gone! So glad we are safe imagine how we would be feeling now!!
Scouser tweet of the night “@jonnylawlerx: need benteke to have the game of his life tonight!”
haha he might be having the game of his life but it won’t be at the Etihad .
Andrew- Makes it even more annoying mate. We are safe which is great, so why not give other people a go ?
5 at the back – oh dear it could be a drubbing if we set up like that again — strap yourselves in 🙂
frem
could be worth £7m if we move up or go down a few places thats why
we played the same on sat didn’t we? lowton sat and bertrand pushed on
ok maybe there getting used to it as the 5 at the back was woeful at palace — hull were real poor to be fair
Their weakest link is Demechelis . Can’t understand why Pelegrini plays him .
We ain’t got anyone to trouble him Jenny
Fuck the 7 mill. Give the youngsters a go
KEA has to be the slowest player ever
Parking the bus as usual.
Cant wait until we get a manager who actually attacks, has a balance side and can retain possession
frem
this is AV not fantasy league they’ll want the money. our team has 15 goals between them this is us having a go 😉
0 % possession in there final 3rd 25 mins in
The nerve our manager has. 50 quid the away fans paid. I swear Lambert said we want to win
frem
its going to be like this just one of their players is worth all of our team 🙂 I think they are doing ok all things considered
Done alright. wish Wiemann would have ran at Zambeleta and not of shot. Get him sent of
Hopefully only two more games of painful viewing and we will get taken over and get a quality manager in
classic pass the bus – we are frustrating thr heck out of them — woeful footy overall but one great move —citeh not done enough wth all the possession for champions this half though
Please hold on boys. Maybe even Nick it 🙂
shit.
Attack now Lambert?
Twat.
Go 4 4 2
FUCKING ATTACK
frem
nows the time to put grealish on nothing to lose
Get Baker and KEA of. Grealish and Robbinson on
Show some fucking ambition Lambert in one of your few games left in charge
Nice one Lambert. Keep playing a flat back 6
He makes Mcliesh look attacking
SOS PA and Ellison
weimann knackered get grealish on
Ain’t even put up a fight
5 at the back against Spurs. KEA in midfield
Would be a great day to give Tonev, Robbo, Grealish and Helenius a go
Battered
Without Marc, Gabby and Benteke the chances of a goal were always going to be slim… the players have put in a shift but we all knew the ultimate result! We stay up and hope for a new, more ambitious owner, new signings and renewed dreams! UTV
Hopefully we have a new owner on Monday
No Marc, Gabby nor Benteke… just a matter of time really with all that expensive, world class talent on display. New owner, money spent and more depth! UTV
toure what a player
he’s half decent
At least it’s another defeat on Lambert’s record. Closer to the sack
hope there is a takeover in the offing.
The first job will be to terminate the contract of virtually every fucker at Villa and start again. Keep Benteke. Thats about it
I thought the lads were really excellent tonight i couldn”t fault there work rate putting the four goals to one side i thought there wasn”t much in it we will go again — Mr Paul Lambert winning the prize for worst Villa manager ever.
UTV
Servive resumed as per usual.
4-0, exactly as most punters expected.
Am i the only one who thinks weimann is slow!
The statement on monday is learner wants to sell but no buyer?
My favourite player Ya Ya Toure – what a stunning goal – 90 mins played and to run up three quarters of the pitch and score – amazing.
Jenny
Ya ya is my player of the season. Frightening
Yes and Toure over looked as player of the year – Suarez brilliant but Toure is the master IMO
Ha – posted same time as you Andrew . Agree – how can a bloke the size of a tank move with such speed and agility – and his passing accuracy – reading of the game and composure is outstanding . Just heard he’s scored 20 goals – 2nd midfielder ever to do this .
Finally 2 years in charge Lambert said something true in an post match interview. Basically that he’s failed.
They asked him about the take over and he said he didn’t know what was going to happen
statement can’t come quick enough. if its a sale then great, if it’s Randy staying or saying we are for sale with no buyer, gutting
What a shit night on the pitch, and now it seems off it aswell , Collymore and others reporting there is NO takeover!! NO white knight riding in, were up for sale but no firm interest.
Looks like I’ll be sitting through more atrocious football every week next season, I fucking hate Lambert, Lerner and Faulkner, the’ve destroyed this club
27% possession no shots on target how we have fallen from grace with nothing but a whimper Lerner Faulkner Lambert hang your heads in shame you made me turn the TV over i could not watch my club get pissed over any longer .
AVFC RIP
In Jan we were 10th, Both Palace and Sunderland , were below us, Sunderland were bottom at Christmas , both will finish above us, Palace significantly so.
How has it come to this, Why is Lambert and the shite he’s bought still here?? I’d sack the fucking lot, players include utter shite from back to front, out of 25 players I’d keep 3 or 4, that’s how bad we are.
Relegation next season unless a takeover happens.
Both below us and in the bottom 3
Lambert says Randy statement will be ” different”. So he knows what he’s going to stay, although he says he doesn’t
Hes also said keeping us up is one if his best achievements. Dear Lord
Someone save us
Gosh. Even Sunderland have a better goal difference than us now.
Spurs up next, could easily be 4-0 again. Our players, like the supporters, probably wish the season was over, be interesting to see if they turn up at WHL.
How anyone still rates Guzan is beyond me !? My god he is rubbish , yes defensively the whole team is crap but Guzan has had a shocker of a season, he invites pressure with his dreadful distribution and failure to catch the ball.
I wrote my earlier comment to try to lighten the mood but this is what Lambert actually said:
“Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert: “I thought we did fantastic. I am really proud of the team and the nerves were starting to set in.
“I didn’t think it was easy for them, I couldn’t be prouder of my own team.”
And some people still believe he has done a good job and deserves to keep his job, words fail me.
UTV
Liam
a mate have of ( nose) said the same thing , (this lad still holds a record for most goals scored in a season), and he said when he played he watched the goalie for about 10/15 mins and got the level of him , and he also said it amazes him how players dont show much initiative on the pitch and some look completely lost , we have a fucking team of them and a manager to go with it , seriously l could’nt give a shit about last night , l was at a show last night watching my daughter and one of the dads who is a birmingham liverpool fan asked me if l knew the score and said ” l hope you lads done us a favour ” l said “l hope not l hope man city have done themselves a favour ” also “maybe if suarez didnt throw himself to the floor and dive all over the place against us l may have thought different ” l waited and waited and waited for a reply , he just shuffled off ,……the nob , and watching MOTD after , l saw we had one chance off andi weasel , and l lost count of how many they missed , l was going to spuds sunday , but lm staying put and going for a pint with steamer and wizza
I appreciate that our team is a different class to City’s. But blaming our performance and tactics on our injury list doesn’t ring true . We beat them 3-2 last time (admittedly with great luck ). Guess what – we didn’t have Gabby, Benteke or Okore then either but we still managed to get out of our own half on occasions – enough to score 3 goals – the scorers being – KEA , Weiman and Bacuna – the same players who played last night . Albi was on the bench and not used .
Jenny,
Lamberts statement that he thought we did fantastic when your team gets stuffed 4-0 and could have been a lot more tells us everything about the man, if I was the chairman and read that he would be clearing his desk, Aston Villa Football Clubs ambition to finish 17th in the premier league and after this weekends results we may have achieved our objective, sad times indeed.
AVFC RIP
Gabby’s been injured far too much over the last three seasons. I’d keep Gabby at Villa, but I’d ask him to take sabbatical leave of three months, on reduced wages, to get his body right. The trouble is that he’s never got a chance to heal right. The season’s too long and then they’re all back into preseason.
They’re doing this with elite rugby players. So far it’s really paid dividends for the likes of Richie McCaw the All
Blacks skipper.
We so desperately need substantial investment at Villa. Please help us, Mr. Moneybags out there.
Steamer
Don’t waste beer tokens going to Spurs mate, Andi Lugs Weimann and the boys are on the beach already. They’ve all had a nice few years of easy money courtesy of Loyal Villa fans can’t wait for the clear out , maybe chubby will stand on the wheely bin to push it down 🙂
Liam
my minds made up mate lm staying in a pub in brum , love the wheelie bin crack lol