For a long while, Aston Villa fans have been asking for Randy Lerner and Paul Faulkner to leave. This morning, via official announcement, it has been confirmed that Faulkner has gone.
So, with Lerner in the process of trying to sell – a less than quick process – and Faulkner gone fans should, by all accounts, be happy. The reality though? Far less clear cut.
Instead of Villa ending up in the hands of new owners, all that appears to be occurring is an increasingly large whirl of entropy, with Villa’s future looking even more ad-hoc.
Part of where we are is a reflection of the past – running like a sine wave from splurges to austerity – and it is that past that still continues to constrain things. Add in a chairman who clearly has a desire to sell up as soon as possible, and we’re left getting by on the bare minimum.
Some think a sale could be imminent, but the reality is Lerner trying to sell the club has been going on for a long while, albeit in a more private context.
With that in mind, why is there an assumption that it is on the horizon? Hope?
I say that because there is little else but hope that could dictate that we are going to be bought in the near future. Everton have been on the market for a long while, and which squad would you rather have? Newcastle United are also indirectly on the market – are Villa a better deal minus the claret and blue tinted spectacles?
Forgetting for the moment that a sale would require due diligence and other points to be completed even if a deal was agreed, there’s little evidence to say things are changing.
And, if they are indeed staying the same, will the club manage to get by with fans who will likely be as aggrieved now as they were before, even though their “dream” view of getting rid of the chairman and chief executive moves forwards.
In short – be careful what you wish for lads as change isn’t always the same as improvement.
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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While I am not a big fan of Lambert’s tactics last season, I side with those who think sacking him now will be dangerous if not disastrous. But Faulkner brought nothing to the table and was definitely out of his depth. Good decision, whosoever it was.
Yep, Villalore, it’s difficult to see what PF contributed that was of great value. He was learning on the job and it rather showed.
But one thing about this matter has me wondering. RL gave a vote of confidence to his CEO a little while ago and now this matter has happened. Does this indicate that negotiations for a takeover are closer to the finishing line that we think: that PFs departure was a condition? The fact that it has occurred so soon after PLs latest statement on the selling status makes me wonder…
Interesting that within hours of Keane taking up his appointment that Faulkner is down the road.
How much will change over the next few weeks as his influence is felt at management level, perhaps he may eventually become caretaker manager, if Lambert moves on too.
Nice to see Nzogbia was in training with Bent yesterday.
John,
Yes I think the word Matt used was hope, in the fact that a takeover may be close although I feel this is just a case of Faulkner jumping ship, he has probably been looking to move on since RL put the for sale signs up knowing his days were already numbered, although why the new owners would not keep him on after brokering the Macron kit deal god only knows.
UTV
I would agree with JL, that a takeover is imminent, and the announcement will probably fall in with previous statements, that an announcement would only be made after the end of the World Cup.
Certainly, a lot of preparation work has now happened to clear the decks and also let the players know where they stand with regard to there future.
Paul,
That was not CNZ training yesterday, Lambert has said he is injured and will not play at all next season but Bents cruciate is healing and will make his comeback in 2017.
Long live the bomb squad.
Free the Bodymoor six.
UTV
On the recent band theme i had a rethink — these are the best bands/artists of all time imo
The glitter band
Rolf harris
Edwin stardust
Dumpy’s rusty nuts
Zodiac mindwarp
Gedwood
Peters and Lee
Stiff little fingers
Eek A Mouse
The Band Formerly Known As Sausage
Runtz,
Very droll indeed, some people say they were surprised when Rolf Harris was accused of kiddie fiddling can I just take them back to listen to his number one hit “two little boys”, I rest my case milord.
UTV
Matt,
I see you’re still trying to flog Everton in advance of Villa!! 😉
Perhaps … but as a former businessman as one of my ‘hats’ I’d say not.
Anyway, all will come out in the wash…
SWV
The word I have is that PF was pushed. But, hey, what do I know…
spot on JL. The statement clearly says that he and Randy could not agree on a future for him….
The thing is that for the last two seasons we’ve had the three major figures at VP not only NOT contributing in a positive way they’ve actually been damaging the club by their decisions and actions and two of them are paid astronomical amounts to do so. The new owners should make sure none of the above ever step foot in VP again.
JL,
Very alert mate, Lerner said something yesterday that gave us a little hope, can’t be bothered to look it up though.
Welcome to the site Villalore, if anyone called Mark King, St75 or B6B asks you for £20 leg it.
Runtingz,
Think Zodiac Mindwarp was one of St75’s nicknames after his marlies blew.
Faulkner was very much like a David Brent character I could just imagine him hiding Lerners stapler in some jelly and saying to Lambert ” I”ve thrown a kettle over a pub what have you done in your life”.
One down three to go, I call that progress.
UTV
John,
You may be right about Faulkner being pushed but the story reads like this and I would very much appreciate some translation from someone very clever ( ST75 you are omitted from this thread ) :
“It’s understood that Faulkner had discussed his re-engaging with the Chairman’s broader business while remaining involved with Villa in a non-operational role, but an agreement could not be reached.”
What the fuck does that all mean, surely ” you are sacked” was easier.
UTV
Thanks Steamer, I’ve been following the discussions for a while now, great place to get opinions on Villa and other less important things in life.
SWV
lerner: fatty will you do the job for nothing for old times sake hey buddy, pretty please?
faulkner: no
I suppose mr lerner will be taking the reins himself, heaven help us
Mark,
Many thanks for the translation but I feel you may be wide of the mark, I cannot believe Faulkner being that decisive, as for Lerner taking over god help us that dumb ass could not run a bath.
UTV
JL
I’ve read and watched lots of mr Bradens work and deepaks all very interesting but like most mystical/spiritual work it deals with the unseen. life on this planet is both I think, spiritual can exist without the physical we are told but then why have the physical at all? if its all about learning lessons we are pretty poor at it.
Did you know there is a direct link from your gut Biome to your brain? as the microbes produce most of the serotonin in the body they have a massive impact on your psychological well being. have a read of Bruce Lipton’s work on epigenetics about how the environment including thoughts and emotions effect our cells fascinating stuff. somewhere in the middle there is an explanation for it all but on a purely spiritual level there is no reason for any physical thing to manifest, you can say its all a hologram as we are energy at the base level but then why create anything? kind of trivialises existence doesn’t it?
SWV
Faulkner is decisive when it hurts his pocket, he’s tighter than ST75 , allegedly
Aye, welcome to the site Villalore – hope you enjoy your time here.
villalore
welcome mate, do you know the answers to the mysteries of life? or the harder question the mysteries of villa? oh and can ST75 lend £20
Mark,
That £20 note of ST75s is on a piece of string, Topcat learnt all his tricks from him.
Matt,
Welcome to the site.
UTV
Odd timing I’d have thought
Runtingz and SWV 🙂
http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/sport-opinion/aston-villa-comment-mat-kendrick-7390672
MK writes about Faulkners replacement Russell:
“Russell is a whizz with figures and a charming chap, but has no real interest in football and wouldn’t know a 4-4-2 from a 4-3-3,
Sounds to be a like for like replacement.
UTV
PF has been hired by BCFC. The only club I can think of with more trouble than Villa right now.
Mark go eat a big Mac. That will get the probiotics working overtime.
Not one 20 pound note in the mail. Bastards
SWV
Robin Russell is mad about motorbikes though. That’s his mode of transport.
Mark
The problem with mankind, mate, is that we think too much. We use our brains far too much.
We should be asking what the great masters have been trying to tell us since Atlantis and before … there has to be a reason for their teachings and not for their words to be turned into malicious ends by literalist religionists.
Er, I should have said we use our intellect too much. The brain contains a lot more mysteries that the intellect can’t fathom.
Mark
When there is a need an answer comes…
Just now, right after I posted the above, I received an e-mail which summarises the issues between materiality and spirit.
The task … is to use the available energy flow to release the soul principle imprisoned in all material form. Form is necessary for manifestation but matter can and must provide a vehicle for the soul to use. Energy … can be directed in meditation towards building the “new materialism”, defined as the right use and development of all the material resources of the planet for the welfare and progress of the whole human race.
Keep it quiet but, my local chippies, window cleaner knows a bog cleaner at BH who’s also related to Herberts psychiatrist’s neighbour, he tells me that Faulkner left because he wanted to be player/manager.
JL
but to what end/purpose my friend? that puzzles me. isn’t it all a bit convoluted? if you want to build a house you design it, buy materials and build it. you don’t set out with no idea at all , maybe there is no reason for anything.
“The task … is to use the available energy flow to release the soul principle imprisoned in all material form. Form is necessary for manifestation but matter can and must provide a vehicle for the soul to use. Energy … can be directed in meditation towards building the “new materialism”, defined as the right use and development of all the material resources of the planet for the welfare and progress of the whole human race.”
That paragraph in itself says loads but explains nowt to me, it could be from star trek . Why do all the great spiritual teachers speak in riddles? why don’t they say “oh, enlightenment, do this” I suppose you have to find your own way but again why? and to what end?
Ekhart Tolle talks about living in the now which is sound advice but taken literally nobody would plan the schedule for the next football season or know when to turn up but I suppose they would be happy enough anyway.
please don’t think I’m having a go I just value your opinion.
Ian
get thee hence Satan ( that’s my gut Biome talking) MacDonald’s should change the big mac to the GMO still taste nice though, when pissed
SWV
the thieving git that was my string
Matt
the new bloke is probably better at asset stripping than porky and costs less to feed. the show must go on and oh how it goes on
lv just spat me coffee over the cat . loooooollll , John lerwill !!!!
“we use our brains to much ” looooll
lm still trying t figure out what Steamer and sww would be using there brain for , other than the useless information they come out with, thanks for giving me the best laff for ages .
Frem you would have seen electrical horrors today mate , unbelievable what some people do and somethings you will come across , a whole kicthen wall being live !!
steamer lv told you about that bloke ,… even Bella walks off when you meet up with him ,
off up the pub for some Barnsley chops and a few ciders methinks
Ian you sure the $25 l sent you has’nt reached you yet ?
jenny XXXX
Midlands Today now , one of the steamers ( Cridgey )who put that sign up in Brasil about the cost ,
Mark I suppose you have to find your own way …
That is the only answer I can proffer.
but again why? and to what end?
That is the inevitable question, but I’m not sure anyone but the greatest masters have a clue as to the absolute answer.
It is said that Jesus rose through three stages of spiritual evolution before he achieved what some have called nirvana, or moksha.
And it’s said that he had summon up great faith and single-mindedness to achieve that end.
The Buddha was the same – different approach but still requiring the same essential qualities.
But I don’t believe that what they went through is what is required of everyone. The masters (Jesus, the Buddha etc) offer examples of extreme faith (and method) to give strength to others. Only by taking a prescribed path can anyone (I believe) *begin* to know what it’s all for. It would seem that understanding can only come from spiritual practice/experience.
Dogs have it right. Either eat it, piss on it or fuck it. No need for intellect there.
I flagged the postman down. No luck but I trust you ST75. I’ll be waiting by the mail box in the morning.
JL
think you’ll like this, guy finley is a good speaker too
http://www.guyfinley.org/free-content/writings/special-lessons/5373?src=KL&lyid=143947582&klsid=sid0000_KL
Ian
after the dog analogy I wondered where you were going with chasing the postman 😉
I had it on good authority about six weeks ago that RL wanted PF to leave VP and go to the states to take a position within RL’s financial empire. Faulkner however has considered the move but decided that his family were better suited over here, so he has turned it down.
The fact that this decision has happened now may suggest that Lerner has fallen out with PF because he expected him to go and he instead declined so Lerner feels let down.
Either way it’s a start whoever or whatever the reason. 🙂
Mark
Yes, it’s a good summing up of man’s condition i.m.o.
And it all begins and ends with ourselves … including players on the pitch in Brazil! 😉
If we could remember that we are all one – that we are essentially the same. To harm others is to harm ourselves.
What is within everyone is the same essence and ability to recognise that and activate it. If we want to.
JL
if you say so but its a bit worrying to think I’m the same as ST75, steamer, B6B and SWV . so when they rob me blind there only robbing themselves, somehow it doesn’t comfort me 🙂
We want Bentner ( free agent)
I’ve fallen out of love with football
Cole, Sendeross and Bentner
No you haven’t Frem. You have fallen out of love with 15th place
Why is he packing us with strikers again?
Kosak, Bentner, Wiemann, gabby, Robbinson, Benteke. At least two of those will be wasted most the season or played on he fucking wing
Left backs next
John, isn’t that a lot like turning the other cheek? Especially when all you want to do is……..
Ian
after what you did to the postman I’m keeping my cheeks firmly against the wall
frem
four giants up top! we are going to try and use their heads like a pinball machine
Guzan kicks ping! ping! ping! ping! goal well that’s the plan, Roy thought of it
Bendtner – brilliant . We will have Bendtner, Bent and Benteke ..
St 75 enjoy your ciders – I will be joining you xxxxx
Pretty much Mark yes. HOOOOOOF!!!!
We will have strikers on the wing, we have 6ft 4 guys up top to launch it to
ffs
He’s probably just about an improvement on Gabby and Wiemann, just about
OMG lets do a sweepstakes for how many goals i’ll take 6-2
Oh no – 4-0 after 22 mins poor Brazil .
Fair play Germany.5-0
Watching Brazil is like watching us defend
I can see an 8-0 here. Defending worse than us . Luiz def better in midfield .
its like watching the villa …………………..Brasil that is …………..
hi gorgeous xx
Is Lambert sure he done German coaches badges and not Macedonia’s instead because I can’t see any resemblance between us and Germany
HOOF!!HOOF!!HOOOOOOOOOOOOFFFF!!!!
I an a little sad for the wife and my friends…………but……the Brasilian arrogance has blown up in their faces.I have said for 4 months Brasil are decent but nothing special.I was shouted down and ridicuiled,they though No. 6 was a forgone conclusion.The continual mantra of “we are the best, we are the best ,we will win the sixth” has worn me down,so the minimum sympathy from me.All the other nations have been overlooked and are seen to be just making up the numbers.If Argentina win it in their own back yard ,well.that is every Brasilian`s nightmare.
S75 a friend in Rio got me your glass,it cost £70 plus the £120 you owe me,so call it £150 and I`ll expect it in the post Sat.morning,Cheers.
Aren’t Brazillians some kind of haircut?
Frem Macedonia–hahahaha
frem
he’s got a blue peter badge, a 50m front crawl and a help the heroes.
Yes Ian,a very special cut too……
FRED the Brasilian Grant Holt.
Pele,Ronaldo,Zico,Rivaldo,Rivelino,Jair,Fred,Ronaldinho,Neymar,Cafu,Tostao,Bebeto…spot the odd one out.
The country will turn on this team in about 40minutes.
There is a saying over here”who do you support?”The answer is “Whoever is winning”.
that discussion we were having about one player not making a team, what about two?
B6B
you’ve hit on something, Brazil don’t have enough players ending in O
Everton have just signed Gareth Barry .
St 75 🙂 xxxx
Mark
After tonight they have plenty ending OH NO.
Steamer
You,like me,admire the Argies,and Holland.Who do you fancy tomorrow?
At least we can sing ” it’s just watching Brasil” at VP next season and be right for once
Barry isn’t good enough for mr Lambert Jenny. kEA is though
I thought this game would be Klose,but Brasil are being Mullered.
If Luiz is worth £50M what is Baker worth?Don`t answer that.He has plated just like Sideshow Bob. 7 nil.
Telegraph saying a take over ain’t remotely close, and more worrying, Randy is taking a more hands on approach now PF has left. Feck
Well done Germany. It’s how football should be played
Can’t help but feel sorry for the Brazilian players comjng off in tears so deflated . The biggest humiliation of they’re playing careers ever .
Their I meant
Jenny
Luiz is on national TV in tears,the way he played I would be in tears too.
Even if they win in Russsia this result will follow them to the grave ,they will be reminded of it for the rest of their lives…….but on the side of the coach it says”be prepared for the th win”.Their arrogance was breathtaking.Scolari promised the nation they would winNow the search for scapegoats begins However Brasil had already lost their mystique before tonight IMO
Ronaldo is doing his bit on TV here he is visibly ashamed
Excuse me
My last post should read “brace yourself,be ready for the 6th win” on the Brasilain coach.
Not sure if you’re watching same channel as us in UK B6 but Oscar is sobbing too. It’s going to be pretty volatile on the streets tonight over there I’d guess . This could end up in more tears .yet .
Yes Jenny
The post mortem has begun.I don`t feel for the fans in the ground,many of whom are watching their 1st-and last game of footy-I feel for the poorer people.This sounds terribly patronising.I don`t mean it to be,but they are in shock.They have been humiliated tonight,and now, only now,will the debate return to,should we have spent all this money on the WC?.
The whole nation will be behind Holland now.
Some media reporting Villa are set to buy Nicklas Bentner!!!!!!
Now he IS shite – Ibrahimovic’s arrogance with Heskey’s ability.
Quite a drubbing. It’s nice to see a slaughter sometimes. All behind the Netherlands
Maybe Randy doesn’t want to sell anymore ?
Bentner will be converted into a winger
Zoggy, Grealish, Robbinson. Carruthers , Gabby, Tonev, Wiemann, Kosak, Benteke, bent , Bentner
11 wingers/ strikers there
What does he plan? Youngsters to be loaned or rotted away on our bench again. Disgrace if so. Or Zoggy, Tonev, bent and gabBy have no future
some funny pics on F/B comparing us to Brazil,
B6Brasil
could’nt agree more about the fans , the real ones were outside the ground and l can see more trouble over there now they’re out and the money spent , was there a gallon of champagne brandy with that shot glass and is it solid gold ?
Ian John, isn’t that a lot like turning the other cheek? Especially when all you want to do is……..
Straight answer: … Yes! That challenge is part of the game. As Brazil have to accept the enormity of their defeat. They can’t point to anyone else – they have only themselves to look to.
It occurred to me that David Luiz may well have played in that match for Chelsea when we lost 0-8. Now he knows what it’s like!
But in all seriousness, I felt demolished for Brazil. So so sad. But at least it’s a big signal that they can no longer afford to be complacent.
Morning all,
The secrets out then, Faulkner got a job with PSG and negotiated Luiz’s £50m transfer.
Mark,
Who’s these four Chinese strikers we’ve signed ?
Scolari was talking about the final on Sunday !!! bet the fockers bombed all the chippies too.
B6B,
Argentina will be buzzing now, this result and AdS death, far better all round class of player than Holland and of course MESSI.
Perhaps the envelope never reached the ref.
Jen,
If thats humiliating imagine playing for Blose.
B6B,
Wasn’t that John Lennons wife ?
JL,
Think he scored a free kick.
After England beat Germany 5-1 in Munich the Germans, like Belgium, took a long hard look at their game and based the future on youth and coaching, while England thought they were the dogs goolies, is their any chance of England changing tack ? Sorry, we’ll get even worse, we don’t have any talent at coaching, admin or playing.
S75,
With a bit of luck you may see Lerner mooching around Coleshill, use the size five bat.
B6 I feel for the poorer people. This sounds terribly patronising.I don`t mean it to be, but they are in shock. They have been humiliated tonight, and now, only now, will the debate return to, should we have spent all this money on the WC?.
VVG point mate.
But it just shows that this is yet another example of an event that has shocked the world. These are challenging days fro all the world’s people (especially those in direst need) and something will move over the next 2 or 3 years, I am sure, for the matter to be resolved.
Perhaps we may have to give up a few things that we still take for granted. Perhaps it will be the Second Coming.
Steamer: After England beat Germany 5-1 in Munich … England thought they were the dogs goolies…
Yep, and we bought Invanhoe as a testament of that!
Jl
l think world war 3 is on the way , was talking about it yesterday , over population, Ebola, polio , ect on the up again, and the medicine companies are not looking for stronger anti-biotics , except for the top 1%. l just see a human cull on the way ,
Lambert getting the lies in early saying Zoggy can be a big player. We all know he was fit towards the end of last season and that really he wants to sell him
Looks like he’s overloading our forward line and pushing the youngsters down the pecking order
Lambert’s as familiar with the truth as David Luiz is with a tackle.
Bentner the bent foot stiker that once claimed he was going to be the best player in the world – i hear cesc used to ask him if he was the worlds best player yet everday at training
Joe cole – a good player who’sd legs are no longer at premier lge speed and Senderos a defender with even more mistakes in him that david luis —- happy days — great stuff lambert
I just can’t see what Lambert is planning
We have Cole and Grealish to play behind a striker, but then we have about 6 strikers who won’t want to sit on the bench
We are going to have strikes on the wing again, no midfielders and shite full backs again
If he was planning on getting Baker and Gabby out, then Dross and Bentner would be improvement squad players. Gabby and Baker are probably staying though, so we are just adding shite to more shite
Sylla, Luna, steer, gabby, baker, KEa, herd, Hutton, bent , Bennett need to go. Then there’s players like Wiemann who a poacher but won’t get to play there so he might as well be sold. Be
It’s a mess
Frem even Wieman scores more goals than Bentner — it’s not an inprovement
I think Gabby may have a shock coming, if Villa don’t offer him another ridiculous contract then his options will be –
1) Accept a much lower offer from Villa.
2) Move to another club, probably Championship.
3) Do what he did last season …. retire.
Maybe not Runtings. Bentner maybe, maybe has potential to be better. He’s tall, decent pace. Neither are very good though
I don’t see the point in us signing him with Kosak, gabby, Robbinson, Benteke and Wiemann. Just more shite filling the squad like Kea and Sylla in midfield
Frem,
Nobody can see what Lambert is planning that’s why he has got jeerman coaching badges and you haven’t .
As for Bendtner what do they call it when you have scraped the bottom of the barrel and there is no barrel left, its called signing a useless donkey that no other premier club would even look at, Hull sign Ince we sign Cole.
Bring on the new season I just cannot wait, have the STs broken through the 10k barrier yet, how does the saying go a fool and his money.
AVFC RIP.
Steamer-hope to god he doesn’t stay, even worse if he gets a pay rise. We don’t need him, especially if Bentner is coming. Fuck Gabby, give Grealish, Zoggy and Tonev a go. We have a few talented players potentially, let’s use them. It’s time to move on from Baker, KEA, gabby etc
SWV- what do you think our style of play will be this season ? First season we tried to pass, last season we insulted football with how we played, wonder what’s next ?
Sooooo many stikers – some of which do not get a chance to play — any manager that feels the need to bring the holts and senderos’s to villa should be shot
Randy has failed at villa because he can’t even work out how bad his manager is —- what a waste of money – i think our formation should be 3 – 2 – 5 based on the players pl has brought to date
Frem,
I think calling it style might be stretching things, most of what I saw last season would not pass for football at any level, we now know that any player worth his salt at AVFC will be straining for a move away, Vlaar, Delph and Benteke when fit will all be on their way, I think Bent and CNZ will again be frozen out until buyers can be found.
We are already looking a shambles and must be one of the favourites for the drop, mind you it sounds like the cavalry is on his way in the form of big John Wayne Lerner, the saints be praised we are saved Randolph will sort it all out, yippppeeeeee !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AVFC RIP
Carry on Cowboy.
Watch what your doing with that sabre private ooh eer missus sorry can”t do the funny voice, its good that we can laugh at ourselves before the season starts because once we kick off then the angst will take over.
AVFC RIP.
Really baffling to what is happening at Villa..
it seems no one has a efing clue on how to go about things…
We have a manager that is making a complete d!ck of himself.. banged on and on about the young and hungry model and yet two seasons in is doing a complete and utter 360 on it..
I thought we were trying to reduce the wage bill and yet are adding turd to the squad.. either players who are injury prone or shite or both..!!
Let’s just say Bentdner does come in.. that 60K a week spunked on those three players.. why don’t we use that money better.. or do we just not have the nous to do that.. there all going to be on two year contracts.. surely we could find the RIGHT player or two on better wages who would cost the same budget wise rather then buying quantity over any sort of quality..
Unbelievable what is going on at the Villa.. complete and utter shambles…!!!
So once everyone is fit.. we will have Benteke Kozak Bentdner Gabby and Weimann all vying for probably two starts.. that’s some set of wages for a club trying to cut back..
Clueless…!
Dont jump on the Bentder is rubbish lazy media bandwagon.
Take time out to watch him at arsenal and when he was a nose….he aint that bad….free as well.
Not saying his the next messi before i get shot but i bet he ends up doing better than gabby and weimann.
Football brain
Think with Bendtner your still talking about potential, he’s a stupid big kid with talent, but what with him and the pitbull at the same club their could be a problem with team spirit.
Really hope Lerner reads the Villa blogs in his hotel in his spare time.
Lionheart,
Perhaps Lambert knows more than he is letting on, we know Bent is on his way, if Gabby is on his way to Madrid and Benteke is off to play in Laandaan village then he will need some more crap players to fill their boots, but yes I agree clueless would not cover it, even Faulkner could not find a part to play in this comedy of errors, our fall from grace is nearly complete under these morons, the mighty Aston Villa being ridiculed by the football world.
AVFC RIP
Fairish point Andrew – there’s a lot of lazy media coverage of Bentner but – he does require a load of chances to convert one.
Also – he doesn’t seem comfortable on his own or in a three – only a two up front and he’s no real use on set pieces or for crosses.
He’s not woeful but at £0 – he might be a good deal. Time for him to step up.
I’ve been dwelling on Matt’s final words of his thoughtful piece: “change isn’t always the same as improvement”.
Those words contain wisdom, but my final reasoning is that we have to have change to stand a chance of any improvement. As a lot of us have been saying for some time, the chairman and his CEO (who in turn hired the various misfiring managers we’ve had these last 4 years) have not demonstrated an ability footballing-wise to discriminate who is a good manager. Further, the chairman seems to have steadfastly baulked against the idea of having a suitable qualified football member of the board.
The chairman even lost two good (on paper) CEOs before he finally and sadly put his money on Faulkner. Nice feller that he may be (people say), you cannot learn on the job as CEO of Aston Villa FC. And he’s now gone.
So, yes, there’s no guarantee at all that it’s going to be greener on the other side of the fence, but change must take place. We await the next chapter – all gnarled and chiselled – after the experience of the previous 32 years.
To be fair to Lambert, he’s in a really difficult situation. He needs someone to cover Kozac and Benteke while they recover. He can only afford out of contract players willing to take a pay cut and thats going to bring in more Bendtners than Alex Sachezs. He cant gamble with other league players either (see how that turned out for us). Hard place to be but he’s still sticking with it.
Thanks all for the warm welcome!
Watch out, watch out, there is a Randy Lerner about…..
It would appear that Randy has had enough of his staff and decided to come to B6 and have a hands on approach for the near future.
Lambert and Keane will now see just what sort of a boss he is, and so will the players and staff.
It may only be until negotiations are complete during the next week or so, or it may be that he wants to ensure that the fiasco of the past 2 seasons are not repeated.
Andrew,
I never take any notice of journos when it comes to players I prefer to use my own eyes, every time I have seen him play I thought what a useless 6 ft 4 inch bag of shite, his career figures in 9 years at the Arse is 24 goals scored not even 3 goals a season even Gabby surpassed that, to be fair to Bendtner he scored goals for the gypos in the championship and perhaps that is his level, lets be fair he could prove useful next season.
Last time he made an impact on a football pitch was when he had Paddy Power all over his under crackers.
AVFC RIP
ST75==A culling of people off this planet. I’ve been thinking of that since the ’90’s. Maybe it will start with Villa.
Actually it’s going to start with everyone picking up on Mark’s diet. Not enough food to go around when we all turn organic.
The Bendtner situation could be interesting. We as fans didn’t want Adebyor last season, and look what a revelation he turned out to be, and how would we have faired if we had had him in part -ex for Benteke….
Paul surely there can be no comparison between benders and adebayor – i don’t remember us having a realistic chance of getting him but dispite his faults he is head and shoulders above benders in footballing terms
Grant holt – Benders theres not much difference for me – they are both not good enough for this lge
Ian,
The time to panic is when theirs not enough beer.
Culling list –
mmm
1 – Blose fans
2 – Cockenees
3- Scousers ( sorry Mark, she’s got to go ).
4 – Jocks
5 – Yam Yams
6 – Tories
7 – Politicians
8 – USA Republicans
9 – Any surviving Blose fans
10 – Coleshill
Steamer,
Any chance we can move Coleshill further up the list ideally just under the dirty gypos.
UTV
It’s a pity that most of the comments on here are just pure whingeing. I hope those of you doing this find it therapeutic because it is dreadful to read.
Soz Droyd 🙂
Isnt it fantastic what randy and mr lambert is doing for our club — great signnings so far – i reckon we will make europe and religation is almost impossible with the talent we have spent that 60mil or so on in the last 2.5 seasons
Randy and Lambo must stay so we can continue to enjoy the fantastic footie we are so privalaged to pay £40 to watch — it’s so good being a villan
Droyd,
I think its a case of the guy who goes to hell when he rolls a seven and he has the choice of three rooms to stay in, the first room the devil shows him there are blokes up to their ankles in shit, he says can I see room two, in there the blokes are up to their waist in shit, he says can I see room three, in there the blokes are up to their necks in shit, he said fuck this its room one for me, so in he goes and the devil says ” right you lot back on your heads”.
UTV
Droyd
The problem is there’s no reason for any positivity coming out if VP. It’s chaos, the club is imploding through incompetence, no sale/takeover in sight, Lambert still here after last years abortion of a season, no transfer funds to speak of, CEO done a bunk without a decent replacement, poor squad, shit ST sales, etc etc etc The list is endless, it really is. I think we will go down , I really do , we are that bad, coupled with the disarray off the pitch we will get some Brazil style thumpings. If there wasn’t the whinging as you put it mate, there would be hardly any comments at all on here, hopefully things will get better ,but I’m not holding my breath, VP will be toxic and then empty if things go as I expect. These are the darkest times I can remember and that includes the relegation in the 80’s
Apparently Manu have bid for Delph
randy is in Italy. Hopefully getting Courtese
bloke went to the doctors ,” Doc every time l raise my arm its hurts ”
Doctor – “dont raise your arm then”
Droyd — simples …. dont read it .
Girl says to her girl friend: Everytime I sneeze I have an orgasim. Ooh says the girl friend are you taking anything for it?
Yes says the girl: Black pepper.
Girl goes to the vet and says: Every time I get home my dog starts to hump me. Well said the vet we can always neuter him. Oh says the girl, I was hoping you could trim his nails and fix his breath.
Apologies Jen
Frem
Don’t torture yourself mate, MUFC aren’t going to buy Delph, he’s nowhere near good enough for their midfield, they operate on a whole different level to us, a level we will never reach.
Randy isn’t in talks with Cortese, pure fantasy speculation by desperate fans clutching at any straw going, such is the depths we are plummeting.
Hey, perhaps the Brazil team is going cheap now?
droyd
EH?
Ian
that culling idea, already under way, we will be the first generation to out live our kids since ww1 and ww2 trimmed the population. cant feed the world or won’t? 🙂
I`ve set up a hotline for depressed locals here
0871 71 71 71 .
It didn`t go down too well when I told the Mrs at 5.30 this morning,as she was nursing a hngover.
Sebderos fine by me,Cole fine by me,but Bentythingmejig?.
Seriously chaps and chapesses what sort of signings were you expecting?.Short deals low £££.I don`t feel enthused about the signings but I understand them……mostly……..I think.
B6B
why was your mrs moaning and asking me how I like it when I called that number?she also wanted £20
We are lucky to have Vlaar. Hopefully we can keep him and get Okore alongside him
Lambert will be copying Hollands 3 4 3 next season. No width, no speed
I can see where droyd is coming from to be fair.
If learner had said he is here to stay and pl signed a 5 year deal then id be hanging from the rafters but he wants out, pf has gone and pl on borrowed time.
Things getting better!
Sorry Frem he’s a gonner
“Aston Villa striker Nicklas Helenius has returned to Aalborg on a season-long loan deal, the Premier League “. Talk sport
We have strikers – we just don’t play them . They’re either cast into bomb squad or mysteriously ill like Helenius was.
Bendtner is classic narcissist – he thinks he is wonderful (nice story Runtingz) and it is all about him – not the team. Not the ideal choice for a squad cobbled together from the remnants of a discarded young and hungry and latterly experienced and cheap.
Now we have a stop gap CEO who has no interest in football I wonder what the next surprise is for us.
But the OS site tells us not to worry as Nzogbia is returning and will have “a big part to play next season and PL is delighted to have him back “. Is that the same Nzogbia who was not allowed to train with the first team and not given a shirt number ?
Hello ST 75 more ciders tonight ? Xx
Ian – that’s an old one 😉
Argentina playing some nice football – Just need a goal . Messi such a nice bloke . Stays two hours after games to sign autographs .
Vlaar playing very well 🙂
Yeah it is old. Funny though.
Messi–does he charge for autographs?
Frem, Holland is close to winning it all. Isn’t that what it all about. Working with what you have. Why not copy them?
Vlaar has been phenomenal tonight. Top top class. Could be great with Okore
Andrew- things aren’t getting bette
Any credit to Lambert for signing Vlaar for £3 million? You know,the guy that currently has Messi in his pocket. No didn’t think so.
Please amuse me by saying it was someone else that signed him and that Lambert is actually Lucifer in disguise.
Or better 😉
Ian- I just think the 343 is horrible to watch. No width, no tempo. Holland have top class players in it as well
I’m a big believer in a simple 4231 or 442. I hate 3 or 5back at the back formations. Champions don’t ever play with 3 or 5 at the at the back. It’s always 4 at the back
We got Bennett for 3 mill also
Lowton Westwood Vlaar and Benteke. Well done Lambert. That’s All your getting from me,and that’s All you have done good in 2 seasons.
Going to wash my mouth out now
Even Lowton and Westwood divide opinion
Culverhouse did the scouting so PL said – so by that token Droyd he deserves the credit really . I also read that Benteke was scouted by AM’s team – not sure how true that is though .
Good on Villa’s capatain, Ron Vlaar on a mom performance. He was the outstanding footballer today. He’d be gutted about the penalty, but that’s football.
It’s good to see something positive about an Aston Villa player in the world’s press.
Trinity,
Yes absolutely Vlaar looks a different player in the middle of a back three, looks composed passed the ball well, cannot take a penalty, a few millions on his price tag, you can guarantee some teams will have a go for him.
UTV
Vlaar took the first pen because other players refused
Jenny- lambert did nothing by the sounds of things. IC did the scouting and training. If Lambert was left to do just the tactics then it’s worrying. Awful awful manager. Wouldn’t wish him anyone
Apparently we have 7 players listed, all the ones Lambert signed actually. We need near to 15 players to go. So much shit at this club
Given, Gabby and KEA should be moved out as well
Let The youngsters have there chance
Lambert will listen to offers for £3million defender Joe Bennett and Scotland international Alan Hutton, plus a number of last summer’s signings including Aleksandar Tonev and Antonio Luna. … And Lambert is also keen to shift fringe players Yacouba Sylla, Chris Herd and Enda Stevens…
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/aston-villa/10958016/Aston-Villa-manager-Paul-Lambert-ready-to-offload-seven-players-to-raise-transfer-funds.html
So, who’s going to play l-b then? Baker or Clark?
Vlaar played well but did a Southgate in the true villa centre half tradition.
if Lambert sells that lot and gets say £15m tops for the lot (some hope ) we will not have a squad as he wont replace them for the money we will get. unless he is truly is pinning his hopes on youth and codgers. if Vlaar stays now he is a true gent
Ian,
The time to panic is when theirs not enough beer.
Culling list –
mmm
1 – Blose fans
2 – Cockenees
3- Scousers ( sorry Mark, she’s got to go ).
4 – Jocks
5 – Yam Yams
6 – Tories
7 – Politicians
8 – USA Republicans
9 – Any surviving Blose fans
10 – Coleshill
————————————————————————-
Steamer
I hope you know you’re culling a large chunk of villa fans with no.5
Why would you want away with your more intelligent, better looking, personable and funnier neighbours? We make the Midlands bearable!
Tongue firmly in cheek before the warriors descend 🙂
Vlaar had 2 good games at a World Cup, lets not get carried away.
He was appalling at times last season, not helped by Tweedle-Dum and Dee, granted.
He’s a decent centre half, but people get carried away with World Cup performances.
Rowley Villan: He’s a decent centre half, but people get carried away with World Cup performances.
You’ve hinted at the probable reason why Vlaar fumbled occasionally last season. It does make a difference (I would have thought) when you’re playing with colleagues who you can trust to do a reasonable job. Otherwise you’re not only thinking about your game (and, in his case, as skipper) but your colleagues as well.
Welcome, Rowley, btw! 🙂
So Lambert wants rid of Bennett, Sylla, Tonev and Luna.
All his signings plus Herd, Hutton and Stevens.
Think you could throw in Baker, Clark, El Ahmadi and Given.
But with the likes of Cole, Senderos and Bendtner? replacing the dross we won’t be in any better shape.
WBA have signed 2 better bosmans than us (Gardner and Lescott, not Baird!!)
Never been so underwhelmed at pre-season.
I’ll stop posting now and let someone else have a go 🙂
Good point, John.
I agree to a certain point, I just think Vlaar is limited and no Mellberg, Laursen etc let alone Sir Paul McGrath.
He’s done well at the World Cup, but even against Australia he looked very ordinary.
Shock announcement:
Lerner instructs Lambert to sell most of the players he signed, and then hands over to new owners, who appoint Martin O’neill as manager, with Roy Keane his deputy, then Paul Lambert leaves the club.
Rowley villan . hope you dont mind me asking , is the Rowley part because your from Rowley Regis ?
or are you the ejit that has moved into Acocks Green , that me and steamer know personally and me and steamer will be seeing saturday ?
steamer is off line as he stepped on his laptop yesterday , l was showing him some northern soul dance moves for the BBQ saturday …should be back soon
cider tonight Jenny xxxx … actually l have a couple most nights as it help me sleep x
Welcome, Rowley.
Football can be cruel
Spare a thought for Dutch centreback Ron Vlaar.
In the biggest match of the 29-year-old Aston Villa defender’s career he was the best player. Forget Lionel Messi, forget Arjen Robben, forget Robin van Persie, this was Vlaar’s night. He won 100 per cent of his tackles, 100 per cent of his aerial duals, he made 11 clearances, six interceptions and had 92 per cent pass accuracy. But all he will be remembered for is missing the Netherlands’ first kick of their penalty shootout loss. Who decided to give a centreback first crack anyway?
(New Zealand Herald)
He’s not perfect, but when was last time a Villa player played well in a semi at a world cup?
Trnity He’s not perfect, but when was last time a Villa player played well in a semi at a world cup?
You know, I was racking my brain the other day on this topic…
Vlaar is a first in respect of the semi-final bit, but I think the last time any Villa player made a sizeable impression at a World Cup finals was Peter McParland way back in 1958. He scored 5 goals and was only just behind Pele in the scoring stakes.
Richardson set for Villa.
Acocks Green? Now tell me you live in Metlin Grove
Hello Rowley.
Steamers75
From Rowley Regis, hence my disgust at steamer’s suggestion at a culling of ‘yam yams’
Andrew
Richardson? As in Kieran?
Can’t think of another.
Are we just signing players that showed a glimpse of promise 9 years ago?
Kieran Richardon… WTF..
When’s Damien Duff signing?
May as well be Meg Richardson!!!!
That’s Crossroads for all you kids..
JL
Good for Peter McParland. And thanks for the info.
I welcome him.
I am in a good place mentally with villa. 0 expectations. My only aim is survival. Every point gained and goal scored will be a bonus to me. Its like going to war. Im well up for it.
I want Bentder in the mix as well. Fight fight wherever you may be……..
Agree Andrew
KR is the level of player we can atttract,small outlay in wages and a short term contract if he arrives.Senderos,Cole,KR. Roy Keane, I wish you well at our club.All the best to Paul F. in the future too.
Good times are ahead for Villa,if it`s worth having,it`s worth waiting for.
Can’t have the same optimism, but I hope to be surprised.
On another note, I see Curtis Davies is doing himself no favours again.
I always liked him at Villa and thought he could be a future captain, but it seems he likes to talk and I’d guess he’s badly advised.
Thought he’d learn his lesson not to go to press with his grievances.
Love him back all the same.
Back to Villa, and surely we’re after Andrew Johnson?
Out of contract, used to have potential and, above all, done nothing for 5 years.
Ticks all the boxes.
I don’t know about you lot but I just can’t make my mind up who’s name to put on the back of my shirt, wish they could sign Ken Dodd that would make my mind up
welcome Rowley
steamers opened a sweepstakes as to when you’ll have your first on-line spat 🙂
Mark
That’s why I gave it a rest on here for a while. I was 1 of the few to comment in this site’s early days (after being banned by the tyrant on that other site).
Love a good ‘debate’ 🙂
Kieron Richardson!!!!!
I’m getting on the blower, I want my ST money back 🙁
This is the lowest iv ever felt going into a new season, it surpasses Dr Jo, GT, D’ol, even AM and the relegation back in the 80’s. I’m embarrassed to be a Villa fan, No ambition, No hope and No fucking Idea, Iv got to the point where I’m actually beginning to hate the Villa ( in its current incarnation) more than the vermin and Sandwell Town scum.
I agree with their taunts, I can no longer defend our beloved once great club. RL has killed AVFC assisted by cretins like PF, PL, AM, GH etc etc.
Welcome back Rowley
Mark
I’m not gonna get a shirt this season, wearing a Villa shirt these days is as embarrassing as wearing a ‘Jim Fixed it for me medal’
Lamberts 4th attempt to buy a left back in just two seasons. Not even sure if KR is a defender.
welcome Rowley
Well i posted some comments just before the world cup saying man u will more than likely be after Vlarr once he plays in the WC
I rate him as one of the best defenders in the prem and without him we would have gone down
Droyd nothing personal in my comments , we all see things through own view of things
For me Lambert is yet another really poor manager at the club and dispite having a few top players and a few decent younger ones plays some of the most dire footy i have ever seen at the club and its been aweful for 4 or 5yrs now
Richardson in Alrighton out — if i am not mistake they are at simular levels but alri is younger , and loved the club at least until the club turned there back on him
Lambert never fails to both baffle and waste money
Thanks for all the welcomes!
Runtings
Agree with you on Albrighton, absolutely baffling. He has his level, but to let him go and sign older, arguably poorer players is a disgrace.
Disagree with you on Vlaar.
He’s had 2 great games. Watch him vs WBA at home last season, you’d think it was an imposter!
Should he go to Man Utd, he’d do a job, in the same way Johnny Evans does. Ok, but no Vidic or Ferdinand. Not for me, anyway.
Lambert has told WBA Hutton isn’t for sale
WTF?!?!!
Steady on Frem he means give away. You couldn’t get a bag of magic footballs for Hutton
I think the only way we’re getting rid of these shit players , shit, manager and absolute wanker of an owner is to extend the culling list.
It’s obvious there’s no takeover , and the club are happy to spend nothing to stay up, if that is truly the case and Lerner is actually happy to take the TV money and parachute payments, we will get relegated and deservedly so. Our recruits this summer show the level we are aiming at, Joe Cole, Sendeross, and being linked with Bendtner and Richardson show we have raised the white flag, my only hope us that after all this Lerner is left penniless and alone and Lambert and Faulkner are shown up for the incompetent shites they are and spend the rest of their miserable lives on the dole.
The only 2 things we need to do is support the team and get vp rocking again after years of it being a library and pray a good buyer is found. Enough with the learner and lambert hating its zzzzzzz and pointless. There dead men walking, ignore them.
Agree about vlaar rowley. Solid cb and is crucial to us but he had his game of his life, never done it before and wont do it again. In fact if we get offered silly ££££ id take it.
Andrew- all due respect, I hate it when people say fans need to get behind the team etc etc. they have. We have the best away fans in the league, they travel in great numbers and do not stop singing through out. Does all there singing help the players though ? No. They won what, 4 away games all season. Shite. At home, 30 odd thousand still turn every week to watch the shameful bunch break the worst home record in history.
Spot on as usual B62
Matt K saying we will struggle to keep Vlaar 🙁
Andrew
With less than 10k ST sold I doubt VP will be rocking. And why would it be? Last season we were atrocious at home and shite away, given we are recruiting freebie cast offs at the end of their careers , and still have Lambert running the show, I think we will be worse, and it’s a very distinct possibility we will go down, and deservedly so.
Frem
True, away fans make me proud.
Vp fans however frustrate me. And this is before learner and lambert with our home record.
Man city, toon army would be 35k plus and they did go down! A club of villas stature, main team in the 2nd city should be 40k every home game no matter whats going on. And it should be loud.
VP can be much better for sure, but the players have to do there part. Man City fans, just glory hunters now. We would get 60 thousand every week if we had there money
Frem,
Both City and the Geordies, have tremendous home/away support, a lot of clubs sell out there away allocation, were not the only ones. I agree VP can be v Poor, but give them something to shout about and it can be fantastic, unfortunately we have been dire in the league at home for years, especially under Lambert last season, recently to add insult to injury we have been taken to the cleaners by the likes of Bradford, Sheff Utd in the cups. It’s a nightmare that seems to have no end.
True. The end isn’t getting closer either. A takeover won’t be happening in 2014
True
I feel we will be having the same discussions next season, moaning about not being able to be sold as aural asking price is too high for a championship club
Man city packed out when they dropped a division. Cant label them glory hunters.
No doubt our home form is a disgrace. Has to change surly!! Bring back running out to we will rock you. Smaller pitch and old school nets. Done!
Given
Okore vlaar senderous
Bacuna mid delph richardson
Cole
Tekkers nzog
Evening all and St 75 xxx
Welcome Villalore and Rowley Villan .
Looks like the surprise I wondered about was Kieran Richardson. Team mate of RK at Manure and played for him at Sunderland . I wonder if PL will do a MON or has he been paid so handsomely not to . Recapitulating over the bomb squad , buying older players and having an assistant with higher profile than him is the opposite of everything he set out to do. Think there will be a few more shock departures before the season starts .
Nice to see some brighter comments coming from you Jen.
Welcome to Villalore and Rowley Villan.
Last season everyone was crying out for some experience for the team, and now that Paul is giving you just that…You are not happy….always be careful what you wish for….
I really cannot join in with all this depressive attitude… We really have got so many more players, who are now fit, and will hopefully be available for most of the season, as well as a good crop of young players, why are we so depressed.
Last season, if we had had Nzogbia, Gary Gardner,Okore,to add to the team, along with Joe Cole, we would have been much happier, and now we are all bemoaning our fate, plus we have Bent, back, who is a deadly finisher between 12 and 18 yards from goal, which is exactly the guy who is the Golden boy of the World Cup….
In a few weeks Villa Park will be rocking, and most will have forgotten all the depressing thoughts of the close season…..Just wait until Benty is banging in two or three per game ably assisted by Ashley young, Joe Cole and young Andy Weimann, while the defense with Ron Vlaar, Hutton and Sendeross is rock solid….While Liverpool will be wondering what life is like without Louis to get their goals…and Chelski is suffering another defeat due to another failure from David Luis…
Hi Paul
Agree entirely.We now have experience with ability,especially Cole.Bent and CNZ back,we are stronger now than the end of May.That`s not saying much,but as each day passes,a new era gets closer.Good times ahead for AVFC.
Paul/B6,
I tend to agree, so long as the playing m.o. is sorted. There’s a bit more something to be looked forward to this coming season, without them rising to great heights.
PP
you moved out of brum …yes ?
l dont think lm depressive , lm just fucking sick of having shit thrown at me by our knuckle dragging neighbours now , 4 fucking years and whats changed , seems the 5 year plan was to get us in the championship , reminds me of the fucking management coming on the telly saying were doing well while they drive out of brum , us minnions have to put up with the shit at work ect, and maybe at my age l should have known better but last week l wanted to knock a nose’s fucking lights out , it was only a another nose (TC) that stopped me , the only time we had decent OLD experience and got away with it was Big Rons Era , you honestly call this lot good experience .
steamer . l think we better meet in a different pub tomorrow , not in a good mood ,
ST75,
When the time comes when you get fed up of chinning noses then I think it will be time to hang up those martens.
Still surprised by the optimism after the latest signings and how we are going to get rid of most of the shit that we call our squad, if you was looking at our club at the moment and seeing how it is being run (down) you would probably put your money straight down the shitter because the prospects of a return would be slightly higher.
We are a shambles and that’s being polite, the talk about Bent and CNZ mystifies me, why would they sweat blood and tears for Lambert after the way the club has treated them, I can see Vlaar,Bent,CNZ and Benteke all leaving in the near future add Delph to that lot and we are left with a bunch who are absolute shite.
B62,
Best of luck getting your money back but you may just find they have spent your season ticket money on Sendergros”s signing on fee, yes all £560.
AVFC RIP
S75 you honestly call this lot good experience .
Speaking for myself I’m just grateful for small mercies!
What’s been put together now is better than was there in May, so going by the last 4 year’s performance I reckon we’re making some kind of progress. Albeit painful progress.
SWW
cheers mate . hope all well down there ,. still an arse though . were at a steamer BBq tomorrow in noses area lol
JL
l wont be holding my breath mate