The re-arising of the Villa Phoenix seemed to have taken a backward step, but at least the result courtesy of the flat-bottomed Hull gave us something to ecstate about on an otherwise glum day. We live to fight again – and only three months since we thought all might be lost!
It’s that fact that, in 13 games prior to yesterday, the Right Honourable Sherwood had induced the same squad of players to play a level of footie that has been great by comparison with what went before. Not only are Villa now safe from relegation, but we also have another important fixture at Wembley to attend.
This most recent result (and the method by which the match was surrendered) may have seemed bad at the time. However, all considered, perhaps we should just accept it as a salutary reminder that it’s not all fixed at Villa Park just yet! And a reminder that our new manager is also relatively new in this level of job. At this stage his report card might state: “A wonderful understanding of the footballer’s psyche, but lacking caution in defensive tactics.” Whereas Lambert was overly cautious about the goals conceded side of play, we now have a manager who’s view is polarised differently. He likes to attack.
But maybe the problems seen in the last match will all be rectified if the defence is given a makeover during the summer.
Meanwhile, this coming Saturday we have the opportunity to give our team a great send off for the forthcoming Wembley fixture where, despite all, Villa just might upset the Londoners in Villa’s first ever meeting against the Gunners in the last four (let alone the last two) of the competition. In 110 years of competition against Arsenal and considering the status of both clubs over that period (even though Arsenal’s has been mainly higher than Villa’s these last 80 years or so) it is quite amazing to my mind that they’ve been kept apart. I have to add that despite Arsenal’s record these last several decades, they have still not (let us not forget) won the European Cup! But they keep trying – bless ’em! Let them have this season’s European Cup qualification as a consolation for not winning a trophy!
I have to say that after witnessing what an aware Southampton were able to do against a square high-line defence, I am a little in trepidation that Arsenal might try the same ploy. So, forewarned, this is an opportunity for our manager to delve into his medicine bag to find the antidote. I am moved to remember another Villa manager of an attacking bent – Big Ron himself – who found a cure for keeping the Man U wingers quiet in the 1994 League Cup Final, and yet despite player-marking concerns Villa still won handsomely. With that memory, I wait to see this Cup Final with baited breath and a great wish for success after 58 years – a match that I also saw. It’s easy to say (as I have) that we should just enjoy the day, but 58 years has been a long time.
Anyway, win or lose I would mainly like to see Villa give a good account of themselves, and a performance to show us that what has happened since our manager took over is no fluke. More, to sustain our hopes for next season.
UTV
The Author
John Lerwill
I'm a Villan of more than 60 years standing and an occasional writer on Villa history. For me there is only one football club worth supporting, but I am now wondering whether I will again see anything like the pageant that was paraded under Ron Saunders or even that by Big Ron and Brian Little. My glass, however, is always half-full! Click here for my Villa website.Comments 160
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Hello John,
Relieved that the league season is almost done and dusted, i couldn’t stand another year like the last four, the sooner Lerners gone the better.
I’m still confident of Villa bringing the cup home, apart from Walcott they won’t run through us like Soton did, and at the end of the day TW is pure crepe. Tim’s got a lot of thinking to do over the next fortnight and i don’t envy him.
I see Lameberts still in denial, “we’d have been OK if CB had been fit,” forget that he was fit for most of the season Paul, the bloke is a fraud, he ignores all the negative records and dismal anti football and still believes he did a good job at VP, sorry to bang on about him again but hatred is a powerful emotion.
I think Saturday would be a decent game to experiment, i’d go with –
Guzan
Lowton
Vlaar
Senderos
Richardson
Bacuna
Gil
Cleverley
Delph
Grealish
Benteke
Subs
Anyone bar Gabby.
Did you see that Arsenal have already organised their victory parade ?
Wonder if QPR and the others will get a fine for pitch invaders. Looks like the Olbyon got off with their violence, at least ours was relatively good natured, perhaps Lineker and Lawrenson should contribute to the fine.
Jen,
I get the same problem on the PC when I log in it is just a white screen but if you click the back arrow top left of your screen it comes back to the home page with you logged in ok.
I use safari on my iphone and have no problems so cannot help with that one.
AVFC ITWT
A first class piece JL.
A minor failing by TS,where should have relied on the tried and tested Lowton at left back, instead of Hutton, who did not have a clue, and was off the pace altogether. Sinclair would have been a much better choice for Grealish, to back up Lowton and Delph on that side of the pitch as well, and it may well have been a different story then.
Excellent comments Jen on TS at the end of the previous article….You have summarised it perfectly.
Steamer,
Fortunately Villa have made some arrangements for a victory celebration as well..!!
Only saw the 57 final on the tv, so this one will be a biggy, and my first ever…!!… and I am sure Tim and the boys will not let me down…
Steamer
you read the tom dross article havent you , we should be booking the route as well for if we win it , its just our club and council cant see it , remember the noses , no one gave them a cat in hells and as such could’nt get their horse and cart out the shed , its called planning !!!
Runtins /Brasil /
will be dropping in that same pub before the game then going down to that irish club , then l go to the ground , there will be a lot of lads staying in there to watch the game if you fancy it , and then back there after game , coach leaving london at 9-30/10 pm . well someone’s got to get Carl Chinn home ,!!
B62
where you going before game ?
since l dropped kicked my laptop out the house lm using this old desktop and l have none of them problems , has to get new phone yesterday , was told these new phones can get a virus on them , played safe and got this sony experia thats waterproof , just got to wait for my daughter to show me how to use the bloody thing ,
Morning Jenny xx
Good piece John
It’s the one time a 6-1 defeat can be forgotten pretty quickly thanks to staying up anyhow.
Looking forward to the sale going through and TS rebuilding us. Fingers crossed this is the last time for a long time we are in a releagtion fight. i expect us to challenge for 8-10th spot.
The cup final is a great day out for our glorious fans and hopefully a new start for us. Can’t see us winning at all i’m afraid. Arsenal will love the big pitch and can keep the ball for fun. If Sanchez, cazorla, giroud are on form then we are in trouble.
Morning All,
Long time no see 🙂
Ref the Southampton game, personally i think we were just trying to hard and when we went behind it almost felt like desperation crept in to get back level. I cant see that happening again…
My only slight niggle is when we were getting thumped Sherwood et al just sat in their seats and didn’t do anything to change what was happening… Hopefully just an oversight and they will learn but something to keep an eye on.
Anyway good to be back here and know we are safe again
UTV
Nice write up John.
Have to agree, we just have to chalk it off as one of those games but not ignore it completely, learn from it. This is what we should not do in the cup final. Arsene would be rubbing his hands at that performance. They must be thinking all we have to do is let Villa keep possession, play a high line and then counter quickly when moves break down. And Arsenal have already seen us commit suicide like that earlier on this season. But I’m confident the final will not be the same, we need a performance of the 94 league cup final variety. I can vaguely remember the match as I was quite young and pretty much just about started supporting the Villa, but looking back at it, it was a epic performance to beat Utd at a time they were flying and no one gave us a prayer. It is by far our biggest game since the last FA cup final at the old Wembley.
Jen – great comments about Sherwoods post match TV interviews. As much as I wanted him to lay into the players at h/t and f/t, on reflection it was a sensible thing to do not to lose his cool. Dont believe he was totally calm tho!
Steamer – I think he will experiment to an extent but probably not with his back line, they need game time together to be at optimum level for the cup final. Our LB spot is a problem, and as much as I dont rate Richardson this season, he has improved with more game time under his belt, we do need him back as our best option there.
I do think to win the cup we need to play at our best level and/or we need Arsenal to be complacent and/or we need some of their key players to be out. If any of or key players ie Benteke and Delph get injured then it will be a monumental task.
Agree on TS. Great comments by him in public but judging by his deminor on the bench i would not of liked to of been in the dressing room half time.
Given needs to continue to play on Sunday, just in case any of you are in VP on Saturday :), very little to be blamed for on Saturday
Interesting dilemma for TS, does he rest players to protect from injury or give outsiders a chance to impress for a position in the first team/bench for the final.
I’d give some of the kids a run out on Sunday so Arsenal can’t learn anything from our style of play or what TS’ thought process is on resolving the issue of a high backline in the saints game.
Can’t wait for the final, been dreaming about my team lifting this trophy, we’ve gotten close on a few occasions but like JL, I’ll absolutely except a performance where man for man each and everyone put their bodies on the line to win the game. Can’t ask for more. Sure the league table doesn’t lie but our league really started in February, we’d be very different under a full TS season.
UTV
Well I have just sold my soul to the devil and purchased a Club Wembley seat. Good news is that I will be there for the final!!!
Couldnt miss out on the chance of seeing Villa in the FA Cup final, who knows how long it will be before they’re in one again? Can’t wait now!!
Pretty much agree with JL, Ree and others that we treat the Soton game as a one-off. But like Ian, I wondered what TS was doing, just sitting there as the goals were hammered home. Certainly if it had been the previous incumbent I would have been going mad, asking why wasn’t he changing formation or personnel.
I am concerned that due to injury we have so little to choose from for CBs. I think Sendros has to play on Saturday to give him some, not much, match practise. With that caveat, and the warning not to play a high line, I think we can do a job against the gooners. They have some excellent footballers, but are often mentally fragile, especially on big occassions. I quite fancy our chances.
Frankfurt I think theres only so much he can do from the sidelines. Maybe he could have done more, grab hold of the defenders and tell them to sit deeper, but then that ruins the whole shape of the team you have worked on all week, it needs more tactical changes in midfield and attack too. I know people hate when players feign injury but it would definitely have been worth it if one player went down with an injury giving Sherwood a minute to speak to the defenders and organise better.
As for Senderos, he did play pretty well for us at the start but after half a year out or so I doubt he can regain match fitness in 1 match. We need to stick with Okore and Vlaar imo. I do agree that Arsenal can be mentally fragile at times esp big occasions. The semi final was gifted to them, looked like going to penalties before that huge error. They should have lost last years final being 2 down, but once they get back into a game they are so dangerous. They also have the addition of Sanchez this yr which is a huge boost in terms of tenacity and willingness to make runs. Ramsey has been brilliant of late too. The odds are aginst us definitely but we can overcome!
Congrats Ree on getting a ticket, hope everyone else on here got one too.
someone pointed out a couple of coincidences at the weekend –
1) The last time Falkirk got to the Scottish Cup Final and won was ….1957.
2) When Ipswich won the cup they lost their last league game 6-1 to Villa and beat ARSENAL in the final.
I’d also say that Arsenal were crepe against the vermin in the LC Final and also Vs Hull, stay calm.
Matt any chance you could do a one off and let us put our wembley final pictures up
Hello people. Ree’s right about Arsenal’s fragility – they didn’t play well against Hull or Reading and they only beat Wigan in last year’s semi on pens – but if we defend like we did on Saturday it could be embarrassing. I’d stick with Vlaar and Okore and hope they’re on it.
Before Saturday the last time I went to Southampton for football was towards the end of the 1986-87 season when they did us 5-0. I expected that one at the time but certainly didn’t see Saturday’s coming. That said, before Lambert was botted we looked like we were already buried so I’ll happily take a humiliation at Soton and Premier League survival.
Still got my contacts in London village on the lookout for a ticket but I will not be that upset if I miss out, unfortunately the Lerner / McLeish/ Faulkner / Lambert era has taken a bit of the shine off of AVFC although I still love the club some of the passion has been kicked out of me, in fact I think it may well be football in general and the way the game has changed and veered towards high finance and less towards the man on the street.
I will be there watching and hoping we can put one over the gooners, its a one game shoot out and TS hopefully can get his tactics bang on for the day, I watched them play Untied yesterday and to be fair they did not look that brilliant so hope springs eternal.
AVFC ITWT
Andrew P: ” Ree’s right about Arsenal’s fragility ”
Darned right! If Villa can pressure them as they did Everton then we’ve got game on.
Oh, btw, I believe I’ll be making a fleeting appearance on ITV Midlands News on the 27th, talking about our “wonderful defence” (Help – then came the Southampton result!) and that we’ll sneak it – against the odds – 2-1.
ITV Midlands News will be putting up something about Villa from the 26th to the 29th.
nice one JL i will be looking out for you – could you post a reminder closer to the day as i am senile
would like to see TS play as many players as he can then he isnt thinking of starting in the final to see if they can impress— especially gil
well if we needed a wake up call we deffo got it
st75 i am hoping to come to the pub again but some mates are having a barbi for the final – liverpoo supporter who invited me to his barbi before the semi — haha
jen if you press refresh button the blue arrows pointing up and down at top of the page this will clear the blank screen and log you in also
Nice JL!
If we get about Arsenal like Utd just did or Swansea did the other day then we can reduce them to an average team. Trouble is its hard putting that kind of pressure on all game long.
I don’t worry about Arsenal, i do worry about the crepe ref the idiots have put in charge, dire, still it could have been worse, could have been Clattenburg. The last time vs Chelsea they got the winner off a non-existent free kick.
Arse are terrible in the middle of defence and with CB we’ve always got a chance of a goal, i also think they look a better team than they actually are. Of course our fans will make it a home game as well, how can we lose ?
Still trying to work out how Lerner got a ticket, no booking history for three years, wtf ?
JL thanks for the post Mate, Southampton game well and truly forgotten except we managed to add yet another record to this dismal season, At least its one we already owned 😉
I think if Gil doesn’t get on the bench in front of Weimann I’m afraid its curtains for him.
I’d be tempted to play Sinclair for Nzogbia to gee him up after Saturdays display and maybe give Sanchez a run out. Got the feeling we will see gabby and Benteke up top Saturday though.
http://7500toholte.sbnation.com/aston-villa-transfer-news-rumors/2015/5/18/8620309/nicklas-helenius-told-to-find-new-club-says-agent
http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2015/05/18/gardner-and-robinson-start-for-aston-villa-under-21s-looking-to/?
http://www.shoot.co.uk/category/news/villa-and-west-brom-battle-for-signature-of-manchester-united-star/
Evening John and all . A measured and positive response to Saturday in your article John, just like the gaffer’s. I would even go further and say maybe Saints did us a favour – as if that demolition job had happened at Wembley it would be too awful to contemplate. Both mgr and defenders have experienced what can happen with such high line tactics and are now forewarned.
As for TS not changing it, the pundit said after the second or third goal that he was gesticulating to Given to organise the defence – which to be fair to Given he has done admirably on his return – even organising the midfield at times against Everton . Not so on Saturday it would seem though .
I would agree – play our cards close to chest and give Arsenal no clues how and who we are going to play. I can see us winning – if Small Heath can do it I’m damned sure we can .
A final thought on the 6-1 . Tim Sherwood has rejuvenated and turned us into an attack minded , exciting team in an incredibly short time . The number of goals and chances created compared to Lambert’s time is stunning . It may be that we are going to have to take a few beatings like this on the way . I’d much prefer this than the “playing not to lose” former style . It is the pay off for watching your team go for it wholeheartedly each week . When you think the way they play is the polar opposite of what went before , I don’t think it’s surprising .
Thanks for the advice SW and Runtingz – it’s worked 🙂
Evenjng ST75 – I haven’t progressed lap tops yet – far too advanced for me ! Xxx
Runtins
ok mate , enjoy the BBQ and give them stick ,
jenny . l was given the laptop and had my own F/book page set up as l was abusing all the noses on jessie,s and tracey,s page , now l have my own l abuse to my hearts content ,
saw on one of the F/B villa pages that they are putting their wembley seat/block number to see if your near anyone you know , good idea ,maybe people on here can do it ,
Arsenal fan by me . been gobbing off since the semi , reckons he,s a ST holder , but l heard he,s not going !!! lm going to do his car over on the friday night before , he,s gonna need a lot of T-Cut when lv finished )))) being old has its advantages as people dont look at you as the culprit , feel a butlins moment coming over me ))
steamer
load of the old Quinton mob going , seems a villa invasion bigger than the semi is gonna hit london,
Sinclair signs – very happy with our first bit of business
Great news on Sinclair signing, statement of intent for the summer I hope. And relaxed FFP rules shortly to allow owner investment whoever are new owners are.
Good moaning all,
I see Baker played for 81 mins in the u21 game, possible option for Burnley but i have a feeling Senders will play, i don’t think TS is a particular fan of Okore. I’d like to see Sanchez in there somewhere but again, i don’t think TS rates him.
Dunno about Sinclair, if we really want to challenge for top eight you have to wonder whether he’s good enough, ability, yes, but enough of it ???.
It really is a shame for Clark, he finally establishes himself in the team with some outstanding performances and the misses the CF.
Delph is certainly growing into the captaincy, not afraid to voice his opinions about Saturday, well done.
At least under TS the players have to fight for their places, who’d predict our CF starting line up ? I’d still like Gil given a chance instead of Gabby who’s had numerous and wasted every one of them, he doesn’t deserve to play and he’s not good enough to play, waste of a shirt.
Danny Ings anyone ? statement of intent.
would love charlie austin steamer
my team for the last prem game
guzan
lowton senderod baker cissy
gil sanchez gardener robinson
gabby wieman
Concerned ts does not see sinclair playing in a no10 role, more than adequite imo.
Nzog has improved but Sinclair is more of a goal threat and rapid pace.
Id love to see a front 4 of
Gill Grealish Sinclair
Tekkers
Dont think Gardner can play Runtings.
Be interesting what the line up will be like.
The summers main objectives is to keep tekkers and get new owner.
Would also like 2 up top….Ings or Austin alongside tekkers would be potent!
Cleves Gardner Delph
Grealish
Austin Tekkers
One thing is for sure young Jack will prob have the team built around him. Next season Goals is a must.
Steamer, when I met Delph after the Everton game, he said he doesn’t treat the captaincy any differently, not that it isn’t an honour but it’s his natural game to lead, he is a natural captain imo, one that we’ll have the best years of bar a top 4 side snooping but most of those operate in the European market for midfielders.
I was behind enemy lines reading an Arsenal blog about taking Villa seriously for the Cup, but then all the comments were about Wenger not taking Villa seriously and that if they don’t attack early they’ll be in for a hiding from Benteke, just love being so relaxed pre cup, sure I want us to win but I want to enjoy being in the final too.
Back to an old gripe, but where is Villa PR to shoot down rumours of Benteke wanting to double his wages and play for the bindippers, sure double your money is fine, we’d all love it but for the love of god can’t Villa PR come out and say Liverpool aren’t good enough for Benteke or some politically correct version of the same.
Not too pushed about getting players from relegated teams, to me it means they just look good in a crap side and Villa should be aiming for players above that and hopefully new ownership can put us in that market, even if TS is all about player dev, I want us to be fighting for the players that Spurs would go for (picking them because they have the financial means) or Southampton because their scouting network is fantastic.
UTV
steamer you are right about scabby the kick up the arse he had has soon worn off and he is back to normal 1 good game in every ten is not good enough like to see sinclaire play there if it is true that he has signed
Afternoon folks,
I heard yesterday that they are looking at relaxing the FFP. I wonder if there will be any teams looking to get some compensation? Part of Lamberts efforts had been to lower the wage bill to comply. Surely if it was all for nothing we have sold or dismissed an awful lot of players for nothing. If I was Lerner I’d be asking for some compo.
The down shot of this is the the big teams will be throwing the money about buying lesser teams gems up and loaning them out.
Think we should stick with giving decent youngster a go. if we don’t get a buyer I can see Benteke being sold to bankroll the summers buys too.
Looks like Gardener and Robinson impressed in the U21’s Gardner clipped the post with a free kick. Also Baker came through ok so he may start with Vlaar on sunday.
The only player Id really want from the relegated sides would be Fer from QPR. He has shown quality with 2 teams that have gone down, but he is still very much a rough diamond with a penchant for the spectacular. I see him more as a box to box player similar to Delph, although maybe more attack minded. I looked up both their stats and they’re very similar. Not quite the work rate of Cleverly but more intelligent and better player overall imo, although I do like the way Cleverly and Delph provide balance to each other. If Cleverly goes, he is a great option.
Besides him I like Ings, but he will probably go to Liverpool esp with Sterling leaving. Trippier has impressed at RB but we got plenty competition there. Cauker is decent but not better than what we have already imo. Philips I rate and he has been on fire lately, our system atm doesnt suit but a good squad player. I like Austin but if Benteke stays I cant see them both playing together. Nobody really at Hull i rate, although I do like Ben Arfa I dont know why he has fallen off so much the last year or so. At time when he was at Newcastle he looked like a world beater.
The relaxing of FFP might have a effect on any takeover for us.
Id love Trippier, fullbacks need overhauling. Bacuna a great squad played but liability defending.
How about cashely cole lb? Richards would be awesome rb
Expecting takeover talk to escalate anytime now we are safe.
http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/aston-villa-u21s-1-brighton-9286132?
Steamers75 – blimey, the old Quinton mob turning out at the CF eh? Some of them must be even older than me! They saved our bacon a few times back in the day …….
Still no ticket for me although I’m keeping tabs on a few places but it’s difficult from over here in Greece ….. And now the CF adrenaline is already starting to kick in …….
it would be good to see Gil get a run out on Sunday and hopefully show what he can do …… Which I think is quite a lot ……..
this is a bit of a strange one, looks like TS may not of sanctioned sinclair moev or it could be bullshine of course
https://www.clubcall.com/aston-villa/sinclair-switch-a-shock-to-sherwood-1769818.html?
Old Villa, Gil isn’t even making the bench, if he doesn’t this time now we are safe, he never will IMO. whereabouts in Greece? love the Islands, Kefalonia my favorite.
Hi Mark K, in halkidiki at the moment – great hotel that we booked ages ago just for a complete chill out. Although it’s about 28 degrees today! Doing absolutely naff all – the staff come round the pool and even clean your sunglasses for you lol …….
Tend to agree about Gil, but just think he could be a very good player for us …..
Glad we are safe as from here I go to Switzerland and don’t fly back until Sunday afternoon at the precise time we play burnley. So would have been frantic for score updates if we needed to get something out of the game ……
Mark – Im not sure TS would have sanctioned the move if as reported we are obliged to buy him. Sinclair is a good player and has done pretty well when called upon, but I do get the feeling there might be better options than him in his position ie Philips or Sakho on a free.
Andrew – We have Hutton, Lowton and Bacuna right now in that spot. Bacuna has done really well from that position for the most part, sure he has lapses of concentration but his quality on the ball is there for all to see. 5 assists in his last 10 games, most whipped in crosses to Benteke’s head but also that perfectly weighted through ball to Cleverly for his goal against Everton. His athleticism is phenomenal and he takes a great free kick. Given more time in that position he could really hone his game and become one of the best RB in the country imo.
Our problem position is at LB and Richardson in our best option, hopefully he will be fit for the cup final. Otherwise it has to be Lowton not Hutton.
Will be interesting to say the least how the summer transfers play out.
Old villa, proper jet setter mate 🙂 I like Gil and for the life of me I can’t understand him not playing, enjoy the sun, we have sunny rain here.
Ree, seems like a strange clause, you can loan him, but only if you buy him if you stay up? what if he was crap? or his leg fell off? sounds iffy to me as Sinclair is essentially on a free in the summer and stands to make more personally.
Cheers mark, I have to fly a fair bit as my other half lives in Switzerland, so backwards and forwards quite a bit at the moment to see her. Which is the main reason I didn’t get a season ticket this year as I am out of the country so much.
Enjoy the rain mate
Ree, agree about Sinclair and maybe there are some better options out there, but Sir Tim seems to think there is something about him so …… ITWT!
old villa, any chance my mrs can move in with her? 😉
Mark that’s very interesting and could be very telling re sinclair signing
if he didnt know the deal for scott surely whoever is set to take over don’t have tm in mind long term
surely they would keep in a little more in the loop than that if they did
he doesnt even play sinclair – may have a punt on rafa and klopp for villa manager next season
either or that is not both
runtingz, never thought of it that way although I find it hard to believe we signed a deal like that, at £2.5m he’s a steal for nothing much better
heres our goals of the season, all under TS I think bar one, no surprise there
http://www.101greatgoals.com/gvideos/golazos/here-are-aston-villas-goal-of-the-season-contenders-video/?
Oldvilla
re the quinton mob .
funny thing is we were all villa but there was a bit of rumblings between us mobs at the time we were the The small heath mob (unbelievable l know ) but l came from small heath and a few from the meadway , with Steamer The snob ,
one day it was heard Pete the greek wanted a ruk with Boots and funnily enough he was standing next to him when he said it , Boots just said lm Boots , pete shrunk with a thick lip and head, after a while we seemed to get on ok , and for some reason our lot became known as the dougle !! mad fucking lot )
same about the tickets , lv had Curtis asking me to look out for him , (only good thing about facebook ),
whats it like in Greece , as to the austerity over there ,
Feck me BBC are going FA cup mad on the 30th
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3088161/BBC-announce-dawn-dusk-coverage-FA-Cup-final-day-30-Arsenal-face-Aston-Villa-Wembley.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490
Runtings,
Sorry, I’m not with you on the logic of Sinclair not being played.
He was out injured for awhile, and meantime TS got a formula going which I suspect he didn’t/doesn’t want to change – up until now at least, now Villa are safe.
If he had been chopping the team around it might well have fouled up the Great Escape act.
Sinclair has been on as a sub at least once, just to keep him in the loop I imagine.
ST75 I don’t think Old Villa is suffering much austerity he’s got his own glasses wiper, god knows what happens if you have to pick something off the floor
JL and in one sentance you go a blow my conspirisy theory 🙂
st75 love the storys jl please help him write a book
JL/Runtingz Think TS has said Sinclair comes in handy if we want wingers but doesn’t suit the two number tens we are employing.
Mark,
Hansen, Brooking, Motson & Lynam what did we do to get those slimeballs ?
Surprise, surprise,Tessa Jowell going for Mayor of London, should be a shoe in after getting them the National Stadium.
The way i read it was that if we stayed up then Sinclair WOULD sign. Still, he seems enthusiastic and a half decent player too, good luck to him.
Switzerland ? isn’t that where St75 keeps his cash ?
Andrew,
Read somewhere that Richards is on a free, think he’s a Villan too.
http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aston-villa-winger-scott-sinclair-9291400?
Steamers75, I always remember the Quinton mob as being the main opposition to the baggies smethwick mob. Villa were always disorganised mobwise and had several different good mobs – if they had all joined together we would have been unbeatable. PtG was a legend and saw him in action many a time in the weirdest circumstances lol ……
Austerity in Greece – lots of half finished buildings, shops closed everywhere ……. But where we are, we are hidden from it all. As Mr King says, we have sun glass cleaners and everything else so we don’t really have to worry too much. And yes, if we drop something then you can bet someone will rush and pick it up for us. Only issues were a tattoo’d Wolves fan who rather fancied himself ….
Runtings – I think the book has already been written!
Steamer – I remember hearing that Richards was a Villa boy, not sure how true that is though. Be a good purchase though if we can afford his wages and bling ……
Jenny
“… if Small Heath can do it I’m damned sure we can”.
Too right! I still remember sitting in a Warwick pub watching that game on telly.
I think the thrashing in the weekend is only relevant, as Peter Parland said in his AVTV assessment of the game, if it signals the beginninjg of a general slide. We’ll know soon if that’s the case.
I still remember Villa kicking the 2010 PL season off with a win then getting a severe thrashing from Newcastle Utd. Villa never really recovered well enough to survive until the eventual arrival of Darren Bent. Fortunately, he scored the needed goals.
Runtings: “st75 love the storys jl please help him write a book”
Hey, that – in all seriousness – is not a bad idea! 🙂
Steamers! How about it?
Charlie Austin at 15m, Runtingz must have TS’s ear.
To be honest all these books about the negative side of footy in the 60’s – 90’s get on my tripe, if you read any of the Blose books you’ll know they were published on fantasy island, at least the Villa books were honest. Believe me the Blose are a very, very weak joke.
JL ”Steamer adventures” would be one heck of a read oldvilla if there is a book out there about those times i would love to check it out
Just to raise a smile, you all might like to see an image I’ve just put up on my blog…
http://aston-villa-views.blogspot.co.uk/
Pete the greek
was playing albion and was in the mitre pub and pete came in and something just didnt look right, then l saw it , he had bought one of them items off the back of TNOW paper , Hair restore ! he had sprayed it on and must have used masking tape on his forehead as the line was so straight , l got hold of him and dragged him in the bogs , “what the fuck is that?” l asked and he explained , l told him to wash it off as their fans will rip into him like fuck , bit of explaining but he did it , paid £15 for it , a fortune in those day ,
for mad stuff, Groombridge took some beatings , last game of the season the other year at wigan , he came up to me and asked about any tickets for the game , l found him one but he needed 2 as he had his son with him , well !!! john got 2 tickets ok …………..in their end … and if you was there you may have seen the ruck that started . when l saw him in the pub after , he told me he could only get 2 tickets for their end and it kicked off .. l said “what about your lad ?” ” was he ok ?” ( he was about 12 yrsold) ” well he got to learn sometime aint he ) he’s not everyones cup of tea but l love the bloke and glad he was on our side , had some great laffs and rucks with him ,
After one of the blues games at theirs in the 80s . we was walking to town and decided to go to a pub of theres called the brewer and baker (camp hill) me ,my brother Roff, Granny and Groombridge and pete, was nearing the pub and was crossing the road by the traffic lights , a driver decided to try and frighten us by driving at us ,(bad move) the lights changed to Red!! and he came to standstill, Groombridge tapped on the side window and the Idiot rolled it down how he managed it l dont know , but he got his head inside and dropped the nut , the car never moved , pete for some reason was headbutting every lamp-post in sight ,
JL
we have thought about it for a while and l know you could do a great job, the book that was done a few years ago IMO and a few others thought the same that it became a book about the other group mentioned , the good times were during the late 60s early 70s when we were the small heath mob/ doogle, the steamers started in 1975 and l know that as the name came from a beer 6 of us was drinking in Newquay , called Newquay Steam , and a certain John Britton came out with the words , “Im steaming now ” after we spent the day down there drinking it for about 16 hours , fistral pub disco , how did we ever find our way back to the B&B l will never know , and those millwall fans …lol
Runtings – Villains, the inside story of aston villa’s hooligan gang. That is the book I was thinking of. It covers the steamers, and c crew eras and is the whole truth and nothing but the truth! And a great read ….
Yep .. I’ve seen that “Villains” book around but not read it.
Is the view that a new book is called for?
True story about the blose book .
when they were doing the cover photo an ex of mine’s new bloke was asked if he pose with the others as not many had turned up . now he did look rough but he was not into football , cricket was his game , and the ex told me he said to her “fuck that being on the cover ,” what if ST75 and his mob see it ” lol
matt l think you need to make an app or whatever they are to put pics on here , that thing JL has done would look great as a header , . just a thought , mind please for the rest of the AVL bloggers , block any picture of SWW , no one deserves to be subjected to that , he abuses the word ugly !
and no doubt there will be some pics of wembley ,
Runtins
The balloon idea came from a mate called Big Pete , he’d been to a party the night before and was to pissed to blow them up and found them in his pocket on the holte , gave them out and thats how it started , the following week was Derby away and if you look for the pics you will see how it took off, mind you it got about 10 us in a tight situation at Stoke whilst on their End , ))
JL
will have a word with the lads about knocking up a few tales , the villans book got a lot of steamer stuff edited so think it would work , will be in touch ,
S75,
OK mate … I look forward to hearing more! 🙂
Charlie Austin…yes please. Hopefully a partner for Tekkers and not in place of. Still if we loose tekkers not bad to have austin and ings to go for.
Not sure if Austin and Tekkers would make a good combination, Id say probably not. If Benteke does leave then Austin is a good replacement (although nowhere near that level). I do think Ings and Austin would make a great combination.
Loved watching the goals of the season on AVTV. We have had some great moments despite the turgid crap we had to put up with for most the season. Tekkers goal against Palace was pure individual brilliance, his goal against QPR is arguably the most important goal of our season. Loved the counter attack for the Sinclair’s goal against the Baggies. Both goals in the FA cup semi had great build up play, not sure if Id say they were the best. I would give it to Benteke’s goal against Utd if only it didnt take the tiniest, hardly even noticeable nick off Evans along the way. So Instead Id give the Villa goal of the season to Gil for that brilliant curled finish against Bournemouth.
Stats look good for Austin in comparison to Benteke and service may be better under TS but i’d prefer the beast to stay and give him the 100k a week and improve defence first, it’s Clark plus 3 for me with backs ups as Lowton/Okore/Kinsella so far, Vlaar should go has he is crocked, Baker should go so he can get game time.
This week is dragging roll on Sunday, get a win to sign off in front of a sell out crowd, no doubt a few more bursts of ‘where were you when we were shit’ will be sung.
Wish I could add pics too, not of me, you don’t need that but the new Irish Lions jersey is a bit special, look it up on facebook or send a friend request, Villa could take a hint. Speaking of when does Dafabet and Macron deals end.
UTV
Darren – Iv seen those stats too and they look good maybe even better, but there’s no denying that since Sherwood has come to Villa Benteke has been the best striker in the league bar none, only Aguero comes close (11 in 10 vs 8 in 10). Compare that to the 2 goals he scored in the 18 previous games and the transformation is huge. Compare the form to Austin who has scored only 2 in the last 10 and 17 overall. Benteke is a much better striker no doubt.
ST75,
You have got some neck calling me ugly.
Groombridge was a top lad only football hoolie to have played in a FA cup final, for others on AVL don”t ask.
Loads of stories although some seem to blur into one, remember Millwall at home one boxing day when that box van pulled up and they got out with butchers coats on with the tools to go with it.
AVFC ITWT
SWW
l never called you ugly , l said you abuse the word ugly,
D O R
l wouldnt worry about them singing that , water off a ducks back mate . most of them were’nt in their dads bollox when l started going down and possibly their dad wasnt in their dads bollox either and some you just wish their mom had swallowed them instead ! )))
nice song chelsea sang to the 6 fingered lot down the road last week , ” you only sing about the villa ” class
Macron & Dafabet got a bargain when they sponsored Villa didn’t they ?
Apparently there’s going to be a nice big flag to show our appreciation of Steven Gerrard, any friendly ties with our Northern pals will be suitably severed.
Groombridge is as mad as a box of frogs, good lad though. That game at Kenilworth Road was classic JG.
I wouldn’t swop CB for any CF in this country, Harry Kane = 40M – CB = 100M.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVGxa8-SM3I
Was watching some of tekkers goals last night and thought wow this guy will become world class in a good side
hopefully we can now match teks ambition but if not then we will not deserve to keep him imo
hopefully the next faze of his career is with a progressive aston villa —– fingers crossed — different gravy Tekkers
hello hooligans,
I’d say tekkers is the best out and out centre forward in the world, they are a dying breed, but he can play too, very rare. We all seem to have forgotten Kosak ( Who?) he might work a lot better with someone like Austin, would be nice to see him play in a decent side after all his leg problems. I think weimann must be off, and I don’t understand why he’s on the bench instead of Gil? unless he’s first in line to go?
Right the book lads it will keep you out of trouble, at least until the police read it
or write it even 🙂
nobodies mentioned clarkes diving header??!! that was not easy
some of these are chants are actually funny, villas lets pretend we scored a goal is at the end 🙂
oops
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpVds0hDMUc
looks like all the villa fans at wembley will get another scarf, still havent opened my other one off learner ,
Evening steamers et al, just thought of a name for the book if it is going to be steamer based – “Following the Villa – in esteamed company”
I now have copyright on this and expect 30% of all sales
Steamer,
Luton was a belter John conned his way onto a stretcher and was carried around the ground by St.Johns ambulance peeps and as they passed their fans he jumped off and steamed into their lot, you couldn’t write this stuff bloke was a proper nutter but you had to love him.
I always loved the line by Reggae Ray when asked how he had got to an away fixture by train or coach and he replied — “By Balloon” I still laugh my taters off now.
AVFC ITWT
Steamers can you believe it grand daughter came home wit nits rember the nit nurse would not bother you now steamer
£22 for nit shampoo how things have changed
talking of the old days i always rember catching the coach from the hole in the wall to all the away games in the old 3rd div who else does
this is about Jack Grealish the most fouled player in the prem
http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2015/05/20/how-aston-villas-jack-grealish-is-getting-some-of-the-premier-le/?
Some great goals from Tekkers in that video Runtingz, I seriously think people dont realise how good he is… apart from Villa fans. Its frightening how good he can be. Its inevitable that he will leave at some point, I just hope he gives us another season or two before he goes.
Btw I thought it was great comments by Sherwood about Benteke needing to play regularly to ensure that Euro 16 spot. If Benteke leaves for a bigger club then he probably wouldnt play as regularly meaning he wouldnt be on top form. Its a straight fight between Lukaku and Benteke for that starting spot and imo Benteke is way ahead of Lukaku in terms of quality, but if he doesnt play then his place is in jeopardy. I think he will stay another season at least.
JD,
The nit nurse wouldn’t bother now thats for sure.
next seasons strike force if tekkers goes, charlie Austin, Kosak, gabby, Darren bent and
Robinson? it could happen
http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aston-villa-comment—charlie-9293440?
Mark,
Gabby’s gonna be a striker next season then ?
Ree,
Agree about Benteke, 30m? down payment in my book.
OldVilla,
20 quid like all the others got.
Yes steamer he’s going to striker camp in america.
£40 mil is the starting point for tekkers.
I’ve got a title for your book ” the steamers, £20 stealing bastards”
villa given 800 more tickets
JD
brains going mate , we didnt use the hole till 75, used the Imperial Hotel till then ,
JD
steamer had nits because thats the only pet he could have then
One other book that you may or may not have heard of or read – Oi Ref by Joseph Gallivan. There are some great descriptions of villa and blues having a go back in the day ……. I heard from a c crew lad that Gallivan was one of our lads at one point, not sure how true it is though. Certainly describes a villa vs blues ruck pretty well though.
The book is on sale at Amazon for one pence plus postage lol ……..
oh Gawd , Jessie asked if she can have a Jack grealish shirt with his name on , good player you think , , yea but he’s hot , just like my sister in the 60s cutting pictures of Georgie Best out of my mags , and she nearly went wild when l said ask your cousin Chris to get him to introduce you to him , Girls eh !!
JD , sealandair coaches , how the fuck did we ever get home in them charrabangs ,
oldvilla , been in a few of the villa /blues rucks so interested which one , lm not a big fan of some of the c-crew members , after the incident with Portsmouth one evening game ,
ST75,
The old Sealandair coaches were beauties remember the Claribel ones feck me proper charras, cannot remember the driver we used to have always wore a Vikings mask driving down the motorway a proper loon.
Remember a night match at the sty walked back into town through the back streets and bumped into their lot in the carpark in dale end guess who came second they were only saved by the OB turning up I got chased by a copper up corporation street managed to give him the slip I was pretty nifty in those days.
Pompey on the main road by that car place think it might have been Ford bloody memory is gone, naughty lot but lets be honest there was no need for weapons one of ours ended in a real bad way.
The Old Imp was just one of our haunts we had loads of drinking holes all over town and we was kind enough to let the mealies have the Guilded Cage only because if we fancied kicking their arses we knew where to find them, the good old days never to return.
AVFC ITWT
ST75, I should have said that the book I was talking about was fiction but when it came to describing villa vs bloose ruck it was very life like and seemed like he knew what he was talking about. A decent read about football, life and villa rucking ……
And yes, I’m aware of the bad blood between steamers and c crew but thought all was sorted now? C crew lad I was talking to was grant.
OldVilla,
St75 will no doubt be on shortly for a character assassination of Grant, he absolutely loathes him.
Had to drive past VP yesterday and have to wonder whether the council are doing an Arsenal and closing the roads for a victory parade only a fortnight early, disgrace, twenty minutes to get from VP to Lichfield Road. I’d suggest that anyone going on Sunday should start out at 6am and leave VP five minutes after ko to miss the holdups.
The hooligan groupie.
OV,
The Blose books are fiction too.
Steamer, I never even bothered to read the bloose books as I think we all knew what it would contain. Never been done blah blah blah ……. Villa always in our shadow blah blah blah ……. Etc etc ……
Liked the villa ones because it was my era and I was there and it told the truth …… Like we did actually admit to getting done, sometimes in the most unlikely places.
Never got my £20 though lol ……
Just seen the Engerland team, is this a joke, Vardy, four goals, Wilshire, played half a dozen games andis rubbish anyway, Mason a champs player, Lallana admits he’s been crepe, Henderson & Sterling, crepe and outclassed by JG and Clev at Wemberlee, Jones, another champs player, ye gods are the muppets at the FA TRYING to destroy English football ? Get Hodgson out now.
Andros Townsend can’t even get a game for Spuds and they’re CREPE.
Steams, my mate, the morris dancer, can swing us some Club Wembley tickets for the England game at 500 quid a pop. How many shall I put you down for?
I’d expect to play for 500 quid mate.
Haven’t watched an Engerlund game for probably 12 years. Won’t watch a game at the industrial estate and may not even watch the CF down the club.
steamer some thing never change victor Meldrew all over still you have your memories rember the old quiz team two gone to the sky rember old barry coles and of course old boots what a quiz team happy days
Not that I care but its ridiculous how Hodgson can include out of form players like Townsend and Barkley when Cleverley deserves a recall. Shows that Hodgson is loyal to his players (is that a good thing on the international scene?). Same with Walcott getting in even tho he’s hardly played. Surely a friendly and an easy qualifier would be a good time to experiment. Looks like his experiment is Vardy… Seriously? And no Young…
Young must be gutted, Walcott is a champs player but of course, like Wilshire, he comes from Laaandaan, did i ever mention that i don’t like cockenees.
JD,
We won the Villa supporters club quiz both times we entered. Barry could name every Greyhound Derby winner in order, amazing.
Just voted on the OS for player of year, must be Gabby, just cracks me up.
Voted for clarke and grealish for young player steamer
Voted for Delph and Grealish but special mention for Clark most improved and the Beast, keep those goals coming.
Non-football question there was a shop I was in in B’ham city centre sold mostly t-shirts called something like grumpy old men but I can’t find it online, any ideas, it was across the road from Waterstones
Morning people. Darren, Delph and Grealish for me too. Did the shop sell those ‘Old Guys Rule’ t-shirts? Too young to wear them myself but I’ve seen them.
Cards close to your chest TS – we will accept a last game fiasco if we win the cup – me and John, who were there, and Paul, on the telly have waited a long time for this. Many of you have waited long enough and the memory of Wise on the steps with his kid still rankles.
Darren – I don;t believe it!
Steamer,
I hope you are down VP queuing to get me one of those tickets you should look after your old mucker, or are you tucked up in bed you lazy sod.
AVFC ITWT
DO,
St75 has some gadget that prints T-shirts, mugs etc and he reckons he’s gonna bring out a range for the new season, in the meantime i’ll keep my eyes open when i’m in town. Possibly an AVL collection.
SWV,
Its a five game booking history mate.
All this talk of grumpy old men, are you suggesting that i lack the happy gene ?
Actually voted for Clark & Grealish.
Andrew P – thank you, it is Old Guys Rule, my mind is young/immature but the body is getting on a bit, coming out of retirement to play a game of footie for charity in June, my father in law died of cancer earlier in the year so trying to do something for the lrish Cancer Society.
Well done Darren!
Clive – no, I only saw the ’57 Final on Telly as well … Couldn’t get a ticket to be there even though I’d been to pretty well all the earlier rounds. Visits to Turf Moor and Molineux stick out in my mind.
Voted for Delph and Grealish – who else?!
Morning all,
Delph and Grealish too. If you split the season into Lambert and Sherwood then Clarke was the one consistent performer early on and if he didnt get injured then may even got my vote for player of the season. Delph was disappointing under Lambert, wasnt helped with injuries and the fact he was out for 3 games cos of a red card. But since he signed the new contract he has been brilliant. Benteke has scored a crazy amount of goals under Sherwood but overall Delph has been better.
Well Delph and Grealish won so we are collectively brilliant at picking who was best for Villa this season, in a season of lows and one big high to be concluded on May 30th.
went for Clarke as A, I thought he deserved it going from an so so player to arguably captain material. and B, thought it might compensate a little for missing the cup final, sentimental I know.
I once won players player and managers player but was awarded only the managers award, got told afterwards I’d won both but the manager didn’t think it was fair?? 🙂
Steamer and st75,
where is Geds do going to be and what day/time? and who’s going and whats on? trying to convince the mrs 😉
Mark,
I’ll get St75 to facebook Ged, i think he usually puts on a couple of do’s a year, really enjoyed the last one, tidy little band belting out the Doobies, you might want to sing al….. maybe not.
DO,
Just seen a pal of mine who wears Old Guy’s Rule gear and he buys it in Stratford, 15, High Street.
http://www.oldguysruleuk.co.uk/
Someone told me that Inter Milan have bid 42m for Benteke.
42m euro is just shy of 30m gbp, opening bid on an auction, we can’t under sell our prized asset if he does have to go. 30m plus player or 40m cash is the bottom line for me
mark
l dont think subuteo counts
think geds do was around august , l will get in touch with him
grant ………..the bloke haunts me , if he was a c-crew member then l was a lulu warrior , if its the same bloke , is limahl a clue Oldvilla
st75- It does and I’ve got the trophies to prove it , you’ve got to flick to kick, bet you think player of the year is an award for the bloke with the most hits on grab a granny night.
steamer just as well if there handing out doobies I wouldn’t remember the lyrics
Darren: “30m plus player or 40m cash is the bottom line for me”
You *are* going to share the proceeds aren’t you Darren?! 😉
Darren totally agree, in today’s market he’s worth no less, hope he goes abroad, bayern would suit him
Pardew having a laugh
http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2015/05/22/alan-pardew-wants-palace-to-challenge-with-these-three-premier-l/?
The Tim legend grows further
http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-wont-partying-unless-9312936?
Carew is doing a Vinny
http://www.whoateallthepies.tv/aston_villa/214655/john-carew-is-playing-a-henchman-called-igor-in-new-norwegian-gangster-movie.html?
Mark,
I’m afraid that the perception of Villa among Southerners is a club on the level of Colchester,you only have to look at the England squad to see how out of touch they are, Jamie Vardy, Jack Wilshire, Adam Lallana, Jordan Henderson, all being touted by Hodgson as a new ‘golden generation’, arf,arf.
I’ve spoken to some Londoners and the look they give you when you tell them you support Villa, nothing exists beyond London derbies, Manchester/Liverpool, let’s hope we can mark their card sunday week and show them what a league would be like with a strong FA cup holding Villa team next season.
TS is right mid table next season is perfect progression but let’s not jump ahead, there’s a big transfer season to get through, money needs to be spent on this team
Have a great weekend Lifers
UTV
I have been in london for nearly 30yrs now and when i first got down here the natives had a fair amount of respect for villa but as time as past it became either sympathy or a p take for them
i think paedew is very under rated which has only recently become my view — for me guys like him , TS and the likes should get a chance for the big jobs
think they would shock a few if able to work with top class players
well i am off to bless the funk fstival – have a great weekend all
what about this for a get together
http://mostlyjazz.co.uk
There’s a jazz festival on in Solihull this weekend too.
If you like funk,especially the AWB go and see these,bang on –
https://soundcloud.com/philheathcock/final-funk-medley-1
Steamer I thought at first he’d left Delph out because of the cup but he hasn’t, so why not cleverly he’s certainly been on form? when Grealish makes his mind up and I’m sure woy has contacted him or why be thinking he will take Wiltshires place. Would love it if Gardener fulfilled his potential and got in too.
Their good steamer would love to sing in a similar band, its nice doing your own stuff but
that would be like a party every time you play.
Seen them loads and they are good, Phil is also in a Jamiriquoy tribute and their very, very good too.
Agree about your own stuff, it has to be really good to get noticed, satisfaction doesn’t get you gigs.
A mate just told me that he and his grandson’s ST for next year are 300 quid dearer.
Steamer-People are put off by your own material but like anything you have to get to know the songs. we are starting to get a small crowd now who come to see us regularly.
Got a gig in October in a local pub that has blues/folk bands from all over the world so can’t be too bad they’ve heard the album 🙂
I thought they might began to raise prices its one of the only variables they’ve got to produce instant cash. if we win the cup they will justify it somehow, could also mean new owners who want to invest but not cripple the club again?
Just listening to TS on the villa site and he says there are a few players who are playing through injury, he especially mentioned Vlaar and Okore which explains a lot. Okore seems to have lost a yard of pace IMO
Steamer you’ll be massively glad to know that TS has said Joe Bennett has done really well since he’s come back. He’s looking forward to seeing him in Pre-season!!!!! I hope the Lads defending has improved because he is decent going forward
Mark,
Either that or Fox thinks Brummies can afford Laandaan prices.
Joe Bennett…. Sherwood out.
Looks like Vlaar is staying, good move IMO, apart from a couple of games he’s been reliable, that’s all you want.
steamer that’s odd as he has spoken about getting in players who are more reliable injury wise
could mean he has to sell to buy too as three of our major signings will prob be cleverly, vlaar, sinclair. so maybe no buyer after all
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