“How do ya’ think your boys will get on this year?” “Villa will be alright this year, don’t you think?” “Gonna’ be a tight one this season. Think you have enough to survive, yet again?”

The same three questions – or those of a similar ilk – were thrown at me day after day by friends and work colleagues over the past week or so pre-Bournemouth.

In true man form and that typical of a supporter of the Villa, through good and profoundly bad, I muttered the same spiel to each one of those persons. The content was very minimal and it went something like this: “Yeah, we’ll be alright.”

On the evening before the Bournemouth encounter I began thinking about this a bit more in depth. A link in my mind soon developed; all these people who’d chosen to strike up conversation about the Villa just so happened to support clubs with greater form and success then ours. Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and, rather inevitably, the success craving children of the late 80’s/early 90’s ‘fans’ of Manchester United. The swines were only being inquisitive of our fortunes or indeed failures through sympathy. A feeble attempt – consciously or not – to take the ‘what to expect from our teams this term’ bragging rights from the comfort of their high and mighty armchairs.

It got me thinking though; what can we as fans expect from this season? Have we, the club the size of Villa, a club with rich tradition and with a highly respectable standing in the English game, really got to the point of half-hearted groans?

Regardless of monies spent and personnel finishing 16th, 15th, 15th and 17th – as we have in our last four campaigns – is not synonymous to the Villa I love. And neither is hearing chants from the faithful of, “how (explicit word meaning rubbish) must you be, we’re winning away.”

Although we haven’t exactly had master tacticians at the helm in recent times, the buck primarily lay with the players when they stride over that white line on a Saturday afternoon. Earning twenty, thirty, forty or fifty thousand pounds a week plus to do something that we all long to do for free. We, the punters, who spend good hard-earned money to watch them play, put our full unreserved trust in them to fulfil our ambitions as to where we see this club in the Barclays Premier League hierarchy.

When you consider the likes of Southampton who were playing League One football as recently as 2010/11. A club that had have had many of their successful academy graduates poached and seen many of their best players move on over the past twelve months. And what about Crystal Palace – who were placed into administration a little over five years ago. Darn I even remember attending the old Division Three play-off final at the Millennium Stadium in 2003, Bournemouth v Lincoln City.

Three Premier League clubs and there are many further examples of my point; my point of how easy Villa have had it. Of how simple, in comparison to many others, it should be to restore Villa to where we belong. Competing with the top six.

The match at the Vitality Stadium over the weekend wasn’t particularly appealing on the eye but as the old saying goes, a win and a clean sheet and so there can be no complaints.

Micah Richards allay my initial fears and came good over the course of these 90 minutes. Gueye shone in midfield whilst Rudy Gestede let his forehead do the talking to see us through to a 1-0 victory. We’ll take that.

Friday night brings us Manchester United – Villa Park being their second home. Having not beaten United in our last nineteen attempts on home soil let’s hope that twenty is the magic number.

Bring it on! Up the Villa!

Comments 117

  1. Nicely put, Ryan.

    We have something there for sure,, but with only one player on view who started at Wembley in May, the team has taken a *huge* makeover. Players have been bussed in from far and wide in a big attempt to boost the Villa’s profile, and it all got off to an acceptable start against the Cherries.

    But with Micah Richards showing signs of being able to lead the defence through thick and thin, with deputy Clark next to him, the rest of the team have something to build upon – and anything is possible on Friday.

    All we ask is that the team does not let us down … that they pitch in against the Reds and let ’em know they’ve been in a real match. A draw would be OK. A win would be luverly – especially given that it’s 19 years since our last league win agin ’em, as you rightly point out.

    UTV!

  2. Hello Ryan

    This game is more up in the air than the last, TS said the new players in last wouldn’t feature they did, TS said Grealish and Gil are not fit yet? we are another week in on the fitness front and apparently about to sign Adama, what’s the chance he will play? wahts the chance Gil or Grealish will play?
    the answer is blowing in the wind and I think the result of this match is too.
    No stigma for most of the team as far as records are concerned and I hope no-one tells them.

  3. Hi Guys,

    I must say Mark, I find the Adama deal a little bit strange. I personally don’t see the need for another creative winger/forward type player. As you say we have Gil and Grealish still to come back into the fold and what with Ayew, Sinclair and Gabby we have a fair bit of depth there. Then again I am not paid to judge what we have at our disposal! Still surprised there was no Kozak in the squad on Saturday too.

    Although Richards and Clark looks solid, as John says, I’d still like to see us gain another centre half. Midfield is the last place we need it both from a defensive and attacking perspective. A young talented centre back that can lean on the likes of MR and grow in stature and make our own.

    And John – if you gave me a 0-0 on Friday right now before a ball is even kicked I would snap your arm off! A win would be insane. Mind you look at how we started last year! πŸ˜‰

  4. Well, I like Baker as a backup c-b, but I know some are not too sure about him. Certainly if he and Clark had to play together for any reason. we might be weak. But, hey, Okore is due back in a month or so.

    Adama? Well I think we lack a true winger (and I assume that’s what he’s best at) … I don’t see Gil or Grealish as real wingers. Now, if we could get a clone of Tony Daley (well, one who could centre reliably!) then I’d be happy.

  5. I hate the dumb office banter with the smug glory hunters. Its why I love to revel in the misfortune of Utd and Chelsea, not a lot tbf. Liverpool and Arsenal always good fof a few laughs but compared to Villa its nothing. The plastics love to take the piss.

    Where do I expect Villa to be? I expect us to be doing better than the likes of Stoke, Swansea, Sothampton and Crystal Palace. Course we have no divine right, but for a club of this size and stature we should be competing with the likes of Spurs, Everton and maybe Newcastle for a top 6 finish. Is that too much to ask. Due to circumstances and bad management we’ve become relegation battler for 5(!!!!) long years. Thats ridiculous. Even in previous bad spells wed always bounce back after a season if two.

    Lets just hope the struggle is over and we can begin the long road back to where we belong. Maybe we can have a few moments of glory.

  6. Ryan- Adama is not a winger in the true sense for me but as TS likes to let his FB’s to cross I think he likes the cover Adama gives the fullback plenty of protection, (something he’s very good at apparently) plus his own threat going forward. Considering we have been shoe horning Weiman, Gabby, Nzogbia in (who can’t cross with his right foot) a right sided player of this lads talent will be welcome because apart from Gil we don’t have a true option outside the U21’s.
    I am starting to feel some of our own will miss out in the mix but hey if they can’t step up in this company and make their mark maybe its for the best.

  7. The more I see of Adama the more I like. I do prefer your typical 10 type players but it does not hurt to have different options. If Sherwood goes 4231 eventually which looks likely, then there is room for Grealish, Gil and one other. Adama would give us different qualities, I think it would be a very good signing if at the supposed buy out clause of €6m – not so much at Β£12m which has been mentioned!

    Mark hes not your typical winger as in run down the wing and cross, but who does that nowadays anyways? He is a powerful dribbler capable of going past players and creating opportunities. Doesnt look like he has the best end product atm but hes still young. Bit like Bolasie in his unpredictability, more powerful less tricks. Bit like Milner in his powerful running but better dribbler and faster. Similar to Stokes new boy (how did they pull that off?) but less end product.

    Btw why werent we in for Shaqiri? Would have been a real marquee signing and signal of intent. Was the deal too rich for us (but not Stoke!!)? Anyways, i do like the prospect of Adama, seems a real hard worker too, tracking back and making challenges. Could fit in well with our new personnel. Also wouldnt impact the squad numbers game due to being under 21.

  8. ree- don’t know how much Shaqiri was/is but I think maybe TS has about Β£20-25 m max so I think he will go for 3-4 targets than 1-2 no evidence other than lerners average spend and our need for depth. I think he’s done well so far and trust him to get some more surprises in. Shaqiri would probably upset the villa wage structure.

  9. Nope – Adama isn’t your ‘typical’ winger. Granted. But like many and the vast majority of wide men he is much better and there – essentially – to take the game to the opposition, drift past players and create. Do we really need another one of them? We’ve mentioned a number of options we already have there.

    As Ree stated I suspect that Sherwood will go to 4-2-3-1 which I don’t so much mind away from home but in your own back yard you’ve got to look to take the game to the opposition and play two up top. Talk about room for Grealish and Gil… with posibly Adama in the mix. If you’re going to play those two + Adama and one up-front (presumable Gestede) then it still leaves you Gabby, Ayew and Sinclair. All of whom are capable of pusshing up to play alongside the big man.

    We saw what has happened with Kozak… he played and notched goals in pre-season after 18 months out. Did Tim not select him because he still doesn’t see him as ‘competitively fit’? I thought that was what pre-season for. To get the momentum going fitness wise. Surprised he didn’t find his way to at least the match day squad over the weekend, mind, perhaps he saw Kozak and Gestede as too similar?

    Will we see the same with Carles Gil? He looked sharp in the run-about in pre-season before getting injured. But will the manager leave him on the sidelines like he did when he came in? Is he genuinely in his plans? We don’t know yet. It’s early days and still up in the air from a fans perspective. A real guessing game.

  10. Its going to take a month or two to settle but hell any new young exciting signings are ok with me. After 4 years of buying shite im excited,

    Still in for townsend and adebuyour according to percy

  11. excellent RP

    to your main question – i am more optimistic than i have been for a good few years but cauttiously
    we are linked with a very good defender for me and a very promisng winger – if he pulls off adebeyor as well things are looking good
    on clubs that progress and amazing turnarounds – all these clubs get there by being well run and that have very good management
    if villa can do the same success will come – but while randy is still around it remains to be seen if the club will be allowed to operate in the best way for success

  12. I see what you’re saying Ryan, bit like me having concerns over Gestede while we have Kuzak and looked like getting Adebayor. What would he bring to the table other than heading. He would limit the chances of others, as it is im glad we didnt sign Adebayor and hope we dont because of this. Maybe I was looking at it the wrong way, maybe Gestede is just as good as Kuzak in all other departments but much better at heading. We’ll find out.

    This Adama situation is different though. We only reallh have 2 wide midfielders / wingers at the club – Sinclair and Nzogbia. Course Gabby and Ayew can do a job there but I feel they’re much better utilised up front. Ayew only really started realising his potential when he was given a chance up front. Its conter productive to put him back on the wing, he’ll do a job but wont be so effective. Sinclair and Nzog both like to cut inside in ther stronger foot, Nzog is more of a 10 really. Grealish and Gil can both do a job wide but are 10’s really. Adama will give us proper width.

    Also in the whole squad we have only Gabby, Sinclair and now Amavi who can burn people for pace. Adama will give us that too. Couple in his dribbling and work ethic you have a lot he brings to the table. He also gives us more options in the way we play, switching up styles/formations whatever.

    Kozak may well find his opportunities limited jnder Sherwood, but thats his job to assess whos up to the task. The player Id like Sherwood to use more this season is Gil cos the kid has talent, but again its Sherwood’s call. I think and hope he’ll get plenty game time.

  13. Gabby cant be trusted because he is crepe. I like sinclair a lot, but if we are going to be any good can be a bench player or someone to rotate with.

    Nzog is offski. Reckon ade will come in and kozac sent on loan to get fitness back. As much as we pray jack and gill to be decent they have had hardly any game time and cant be expected to see us through a season.

    After scoreing 31 goals last season and losing tekkers i am all for attacking players coming in and creating a strong squad. We have just gone 4 years of just having gabby, weimann, benteke and nzog as our only options!!!

  14. Ryan i think tim is buying more complete and rounded players who have a mature game for their age. Adama is an upgrade going forward and defensively on the others mentioned. We are looking to be dangerous from all areas imo whilst being able to be disiplined as required. Thats something we have done poorly in lamberts time. These foreign lads are also more tactically aware.
    Compare most of our young players they seem just that boys yet they are of similar age and 2-3 years behind in their development.

    Kosak for me is atotally different player to Gestede, the only traight they share is height. Not to say Kosak isn’t an asset but he’s lightweight compared to gestede

  15. Thanks, Ryan.

    Andrew-I think you might be right about Kozac being sent out on loan to get fitness back.

    It’s interesting times. Can’t complain that we’re getting more of the same old tripe. There’s so many comings and goings.

    Lord knows what’s gonna happen on Friday. These young Villans might just be up for it πŸ™‚
    VLV!

  16. looks like not too many on here see the value of why tim would love adebeyor but i certainly do

    just look at his premier lge goal scoring record – coupled with how good he plays under tim and for me its a no brainer to loan him for the season

    kosak is the one that i believe won’t make it in tims new villa setup

    townsend rumors resufacing – yes pls

  17. Yes to townsend too!

    Massive yes to the cb Mark mentiioned we was linked with though.

    If we can just get Learner to spend some of his money on another 3 top players we will be well away.

  18. agree Andrew

    i get why people dont like adi – but if he comes in and scores 15 ppl wiill be happy
    yes the french centre back is possibly better than what we have – so adi – townsend – barca winger and the french centre back and maybe preat we would have the beginnings of something to be proud of imo

  19. I can’t see us getting Praet. Gill & Grealish will take the no10 role.

    We really need another 3 biggish money signings imo to elevate us to mid table safety and maybe springing a surprise.

    A left winger from Lazio linked now.7.5mill…fingers crossed Learner has released the purse strings!

  20. Id want a CB or RB. Looks like a CB and i reckon Richards will be used at RB sometimes.

    A GK but dont think will happen this window. Certain TS wants one though (his commetns on Guzans kicking)!!

    2 wingers and a striker

    Sell Nzog and hutton please and baker and kozac out on loan.

  21. i would be suprised if we buy a right back this window as no one will buy hutton and i think bacuna is in ts plans to this season – agree preat is unlikely but would love to have him before he kicks on to a level that the top clubs start circling – we would then have a good amount of creative options – which is something villa havent had in many a year

  22. The thing about Adebayor is its a risk on so many levels. He’s on big wages, 100k a week which would work out Β£5m over the season – not exactly a freebie. If we can get Spurs to contribute 40k a week its worth it financially. Then you have to look at whether the guy actually wants to play or just wants to pick up a pay check. The deal could have and would have been wrapped up by now if Adebayor really wanted it. As it is he wants it on his terms, still living in London etc, and that doesnt sound like a person willing to fight for his team. Ayew gave up a big chunk of money to make the move to Villa happen, he really wanted it. Adebayor does not. Plus he’s getting on a bit and he wont be a regular imo. Throw in his own personal family drama into it and its a crazy cocktail.

    He can still score goals and we know Sherwood gets the best out of him, but we have others capable of that too and who we will benefit from in the long run if they get proper playing time now. Might be good for some people to learn off him but for me its just not worth it. The guy has ‘selfish’ written all over him when we’re building a squad of players who put the team ahead of themselves. Really do not want this mercenary at our club. Let him pick up his pay check at Spurs.

  23. Andrew I dont see us buying Praet too although would love it if we did. I really cant see us making too many more signings this window. 1 maybe 2 max. God knows we’re being linked with everyone under the sun. I think Nzog will be on his way once we find a suitor. I dont rate hutton but Tim does for now, if we wanted a Rb we should have gone for Trippier in the summer. Tim passed on that. Bacuna is the future imo. Sure defensively he is pretty bad but hes got great work rate, great crossing and great set pieces. He is as dangerous a RB going forward as there is in this league. Decent passer too – that pass to Cleverly for his goal against Everton was probably the pass of the season.

    The squad numbers game means we still have to get 2 or 3 out.

  24. Squad list:

    GK: Guzan, Sterr, Bunn (3)
    DF: Richards, Clarke, Okore, Baker, Senderos, Bacuna, Hutton, Crespo, Richardson, Bennet (10)
    MF: Westwood, Gueye, Vertout, Sanchez, Sinclair, Gil, Cole, Nzogbia (8)
    FW: Gabby, Gestede, Ayew, Kozak (4)

    U21 players: Amavi, Grealish

    Actually adds up to 25 atm, U21 dont count for squad registration purposes. Adama would be good in that respect. We dont have any problems with homegrown.

    Am I missing someone? I did this before Sissoko left and I swear I had 2 people too many

  25. Andrew – for me the only thing that guarantees goals is the creation of chances. As long as you have halfway competent forwards they will score, if they’re any good they will create too. thats why I think we need more goal creation in midfield rather than goal scorers in attack.

    Rondon may be a great signing for West Brom but i dont think he will score so much cos they dont create that many chances. Most of their goals come from set pieces. Lambert will create a bit himself but their squad is lacking in creativity, and when they have someone with a bit of flair like Callum McManaman, Pulis leaves him on the bench cos he prefers players who can defend.

  26. Oh yeh Gards! The man who cant catch a break unless its somewhere in his body!

    If he doesnt go out on loan himself then we need to get rid of one player. If we bring in anybody else over the age of 21 then we need to get rid of more.

  27. Boilesen, Praet, Adama nice additions even 2 out of 3 would be most welcome.

    I’m confused by Adebayor on two levels, all that skill and lazy as feck and a team (us) prepared to take on his wages and give him football and one of his issues is not wanting to leave London. We all commute to work why is it such a biggie that he can’t stay in London just means an early start on the drive up. The other reason is purely subjective and that is I’m liking what TS is doing building a relatively young but highly technical team that has loads of potential but pursing a lazy 31 year old that would only ever be for one season, I don’t get it.

    is it Friday yet, way to early to assess where we stand in the scheme of things but still want to see how clever we can be against Manu and what problems we cause them if any.

  28. Rags – no point paying their wages if theyre not gona play. Get them out asap, even if on loan.

    DOR – Think we can cause Utd all sorts of problems judging by their performance against Spurs. Sqwuaka did a feature on Gestede and Im inclined to agree

    http://www.squawka.com/news/villa-vs-man-utd-how-gestede-can-fellaini-van-gaals-side/438612?

    He can cause Blind all sorts of problems in the air, plus we know Smalling is scared of big physical forwards. Think we should go 4312 with Veretout in the hole and Gabby and Gestede upfront. Gabby’s pace will be effective in behind , Utd like to hold a high line. Blind charges into midfield trying to nick the ball leaving gaps. Veretout can cause all sorts of problems inthe hole, as Erikson did. Esp if we press hard from the front as Spurs did, win the ball back early and break.

    Utd dont look sharp to me, esp Rooney. Young will be up for it, Depay needs more time imo. Mata will cut in at all times causing Amavi no problems. Schneiderlin and Carrick are two experienced players so I feel we need 3 in MF, so we can stretch them. They dont have a lot of legs between them. Hope they play Schweinsteiger tbh but they wont.

    I cant see them winning tbh.Think we can/will cause them way more problems than they cause us.

  29. Nice article, I’m pleased Fellini is out. Think Young and Mata will cause us problems and probably a dodgy ref. Rooney always scores against the Villa too. The refereeing in the prem is utter shite. Saying all that I am feeling more confident than normal.

  30. Good thing going into utd game is we have 3 points on board from our away game, takes a bit of prsssure off.

    First home game of the season, first game on a fri night on sky, full house, mosaic in the holte end. Its got a receipe for some magic to happen.

  31. I rate Westwood, think he has stepped it up a notch since Sherwood arrived. Not sure I can see him getting into the starting 11 when all the new signings have settled. But he’s a good player to have around. You can depend on him to do a job.

  32. Found out a relative on my wife’s side is going to the game on the corporate side, he’s a glory hunting manc fan like most Irish sheep so I’m guaranteed a programme and hopefully we can ruin his day.

    I thought Sanchez would takeover Westwood so to be fair to him, he’s took on the challenge and improved as a DM, mostly out of being under so much pressure given Lamberk’s tactic of lowest possession possible. Might do him good to have better defenders behind him and better technical midfielders in front of him keeping hold of the ball.

  33. With all the 5 year contracts looks like Fox’s plan is happening, we may lose a few for a profit Like Amavi or Gestede if he bangs them in but we will be on the Β£20 mil a player gravy train, next window spend it on 3 decent palyers, jobs a goodun’ πŸ™‚

  34. Morning all and Ryan – thanks for reminding us : it’s easy to forget just how far Saints and the like have come in such a short time , so being a big club , our re-ascendency can be relatively speedy.
    Runtingz , I’m with you on Ade – you can’t ignore what he’s done and how he can play. He’s similar to Berbs (what happened there !?) he can be brilliant with seemingly less effort than most . It was worrying to read he was reconsidering because of the location – but maybe there were other wrinkles to be ironed out , who knows .
    We lost out on Shakira , hips don’t lie but it’s so exciting that potential Messis , bigger versions are coming to VP.
    Friday – Vp will be rocking – and those new recruits are gojng to get a real high . Playing United – the Villa faithful in full voice – it will be the stuff of dreams for then . I hope they can cope with it – I’ve no doubt Rudy will be energised to it and can’t wait to see him running up to the Holte ! I’m very confident of a win – more pressure on United to beat “lowly ” Villa but we’ve already scored more than them πŸ™‚ I don’t count Walkers OG . If I hadn’t been gojng on my hols on Sat Is be there too .

  35. Okore 23 today – would really love him to do well – I remember him digging us out when it got tough last season by giving his all . The Okore smile is warming up the Villa πŸ™‚

  36. Probably the first time in a long while I have been genuinely excited about a Villa signing , Traore looks a real prospect although playing mostly reserve football he looks like he can play, he looks strong mainly right footed, to be fair if he had a decent left as well we would not be getting him, all he knows is to take players on and get past them, this could be the signing of the summer fair play to Villa if they can get this one over the line because I would have thought plenty were looking at him, Graham Hunter who knows his Spanish football reckons this kid could be a big star.

    AVFC

  37. Swv he can play either wing apparently so looks like we will playing the old switcheroo a lot . any sign of the steemers returning got the feeling they may have thrown the baby out with the bath water

  38. I rate Fonte as a player but not sure if this signing makes sense. First of all who does he replace? Richards or Clark? Secondly, he’s the wrong side of 30. He’s been better than Lovren, who cost a hell of a lot of money, for the past few seasons but I think his best years are behind him.

  39. I was reading Football365 which quoted James Smith (Man City scout/head of dev or something) and he advised the Dortmund model was the one Everton should follow.

    Where you develop a player who sells for 15m and buy 3 for 5m each and hope one develops into another 15m player and so on, keep reinvesting and you get to the point you starting paying 20m per players. This is the model AVFC should pursue, so that precludes looking at Adebayor/Berbatov/Fonte.

    Take the possible 5m in wages for a years worth of Adebayor, better to invest in an upcoming player. Adebayor strikes me as being considered out of fear that the strikers on the books won’t score and Adebayor is a ronseal job.

    UTV

  40. Mark,

    The Steamers will probably reappear once the season gets truly underway i.e. against Manure, Steamer was taken into a care facility during the close season which in itself does not sound that bad but ST75 got the job of his carer so they have been dining out on cocktails of Brandy and Cider to swill down their medication.

    AVFC

  41. Darren, isn’t that the MO of Arsenal? Develop and sell? Re-invest and move up the ladder.

    I would have liked to see Berbatov but I think Villa will be fine with what they have ATM. Maybe keep a few dollars in reserve in case things go a bit sideways in January.

    3-1 Villa

    The Steamers will be back. They’re just re-loading for the upcoming season.

  42. SWV- Just asking as Steamers dummy landed by my house when he found out we were not getting sold, which one was the carer again?

    Ree- are you taking the piss? most of us can’t remember our names! anyhow JL will win he’s the Villa historian.

    Ian- Arsenals plan is to scour the European countryside for athletic looking Babies, steal them and put them in a football incubator ( yes there is such a thing Patented by A.Wenger ) until they are worth Β£50 mil then keep the proceeds in a huge pot and never spend it even when you nearly win every season.

  43. Mark

    Diao would be another great signing……fingers crossed.

    If we sign another this guy adama and 1 more would make the transfer window the best we have ever seen.

    Ill judge it at the end and how much learner has spent (not the tekkers and delph money)

  44. Jenny and gentleman we have our Villa back! Really feels like exciting times are coming back to VP. Every morning we’re linked with a new player, good fun! UTV

  45. Mark, that sounds about right doesn’t it. I’ve thought that Aresenal do it right. A good business plan, good scouting, and good coaching.
    It won’t be long before they start breeding footballers like race horses.

  46. Mark,

    It amazing me how a sports journalist will state the bleeding obvious as if somehow no one else had considered the possibility under discussion.

  47. rags- its like programmes on the tele that explain what’s gone on every 15 mins like we are goldfish.

    Apparently Warnock said on talk sport that Benteke will cause problems for Manure on friday!!! well he is in the know πŸ™‚

  48. It’s a long time since I’ve been so excited about a game but the new signings , the fact it’s a sell out and as Ronnie says , we have got our villa back. Even the bookies are catching on to the villa fever as they’ve shortened the odds for a Manyure win. So I was delighted to see this snippet

    “David De Gea will not be recalled to the Manchester United side against Aston Villa on Friday, Louis Van Gaal has confirmed.”
    I guess it’s too late for Traore to play now as i haven’t heard if he’s signed – but that is something very special for us to look forward to .
    I have no hesitation in saying Villa 2-0 .
    I’ve read about Ray’s problems Mark and Rags – I think it’s brave of him to go public on this debilitating disease .
    The Ade saga looks like it’s ending – wants to go to WH or CP. Can’t see CP needing him though .
    I wonder if it is possible for the club to delay the announcement of Traore so we can play him at short notice to surprise LVG ? Or is this just a severe case if wishful thinking ?! I’m sure another club has some this ?

  49. Good news jen.
    I’m amazed how many pundits no nothing of our players? One stated that bournemouth lost because they didnt play well. Gestede gets mentioned because he scored and thats it. We then get the tekkers, delph left villa will struggle bollocks

  50. With Traore being unveiled to night , de Gea not playing and Tim issuing a warrior let’s go to battle pre match interview , it’s going to be fantastic at VP Mark. LVG sounding very uncertain for him. Why do they pay these pundits when they can’t do their homework . Neil Warnock thinking Benteke still at villa when he was headline news for weeks is extraordinary

  51. many on here predicting a win but i am not so sure the lads are ready to win such a contest right now — if they do we are in for one hell of a season — you cant do anything with kids πŸ™‚

    jen hope you have a great holiday and don’t go splashing out too much on my prezzie πŸ™‚

  52. Great signing Tim! The team is taking shape nicely now. Cant wait for the game tonight UTV!

    P.S. John – I know you’re old but you cant have been around in 1874…. right?

  53. I have to confess that I am encouraged/excited by the signing of Adama Traore .

    It appears Tim strategy is to buy young talent with huge potential from across Europe. With Gil and Grealish in the squad we now have a team with plenty of creative options up front. I would still like to see us buy another striker, I wonder if Tim has one more surprise signing before the end of the window.

    It will be interesting to see how Tim lines the team up to play against Man UTD. With a full house and an electric atmosphere I am sure he will encourage the team to get on the front foot,play through the thirds and attack.

    It’s time to unleash Rudy. His power and ariel threat will cause problems for Blind and Shaw at the back.

  54. The burning question is will traore be able to play tonight . I think he’s been around VP for some time . Papers reporting yesterday that he had to sign by midday yesterday to play tonight .

  55. The Traore signing certainly is exciting. Villa have done some good image building/repair over the summer. If something good happens on the pitch as a result, we might have a future after all.

    Tonight’s game…I’d love to say Villa win, and perhaps the odds dictate it has to happen. But I’m not sure which United shows up, and I don’t know whether we’ll have the required cohesion and composure over 90 mins, given all the changes.

    I do think the team will be up for it, I just hope they can channel the energy and excitement, stay within themselves while still playing on the edge…if that makes sense. Playing United at a sold-out Villa Park is the sort of game many of these new players signed up for. Be very interesting to see how it all plays out.

    That said, I am feeling positive about a result, and I don’t think a win is impossible by any means.

    This is me hedging my bets, in other words.

  56. Leaving for VP shortly. The chaos around Junction 6 on the M6 is likely to be unprecedented. My idea is to get parked close to Victoria Road just after 16.00, so that I can have a reasonable chance of making it back onto the M6 after the game. At the Everton and WH games, we were stuck in a jam for close to 2 hours. And it will be a far bigger crowd tonight.

    Great news about signing Adam Traore. Really hopeful, indeed confident about tonight. But even if we failed to beat them, it doesn’t matter – we have really started a new and exciting journey under Sherwood. This season promises so much.

    We will be travelling up from the south – alongside all the red cocknee glory seekers!!. We’ll have Villa scarves and flags flying from every car window!! Can’t wait for the action to begin.

  57. Jenny,

    Will be amazed to see him play tonight, think even if registered it would be unlikely. Given the team would have been training all week and preping for the match. I’d love to see it though!

  58. Well it must be big news if the Himalayan Times are reporting Adama Traore’s signing πŸ™‚

    Can’t wait for the game, I’ll be flying home from work donning the jersey and bringing the scarf and flag to bring to my wife parents house (Man U fans), one of my girls will be cheering for the Villa, the older girl doesn’t want to upset either parent so cheers on Dublin in GAA, poor little thing, she’ll be in VP before she even sees OT.

    Typical crap Irish radio reports that Manu have a chance to go top tonight, pandering to the sheep when we could go top as well. Manu weren’t great v Spurs and we’ll have a packed house cheering on the team and a team full of potential and not having any fear, beating Manu would be brilliant.

  59. Ree: “John – I know you’re old but you cant have been around in 1874…. right?”

    Haha! You’re sure about that…?

    You’re right of course but my granddad was and his dad before him, and they supported the Villa and communicated something of what they saw in all the years to the time I was born.

    And if you’re inclined to read my books you will see all kinds of indicators that some of those oldsters were no mean players.

    For example…
    Billy Walker (1920-1933) still holds the club’s total scoring record (244);
    Harry Hampton (1904-1920) still holds the club record for the most league goals (215);
    Pongo Waring (by far) still holds the club scoring record for one season (1930-31) 50 league & cup goals. Eric Houghton (a winger) scored 30 goals in that season when Villa scored 128 league goals in 42 matches … that’s still a top-flight record;
    Archie Hunter (1878-1890) still holds the record for the most FA Cup goals scored in a career (34);
    Until as late as David Platt (60 years on), Billy Walker held the club’s record for the most England caps and at a time when England played no more than 3 or 4 games a year;
    Eric Houghton holds the record for scoring from the longest-distance free-kick (50 yards)…
    etc .etc.

  60. Some amazing photos of Traore on OS
    Note – in training – fully kitted out – TAKEN YESTERDAY – (weather conditions).
    My theory – he’s been around some time – signed before deadline and villa have held the announcement back – add to excitement – surprise the Mancs – and he will be playing tonight . Big dose if wishful thinking but maybe !!!

  61. The friend I go to VP with and is gojng tonight has just texted me

    “guess what the first home game then in 1995 was against Man Utd and we beat them 3-1 Beckham scored on his debut that was the last time we beat them at home the omens are looking good for tonight ”
    To Frankfurt and everyone else going to VP tonight – dead envious of you !

  62. I actually don’t fear United in the game this evening. It’s a good time to play them and I think they are weak at the back. Tim will try and exploit this.

    I expect a high tempo game with Villa looking to exploit them down the wings and feed Rudy to create chaos in the box.

    It would be great if Traore is in the squad for the game.

  63. I remember that 3-1 well. Was a kid but that was the year I really started following the football and was so excited about the result. That season was probably the last great season we’ve had… which is a travesty.

    Some great stats John, I just hope some of those stats can be replicated in the future

  64. I really back us to win tonight, but we cant expect Traore to play. Getting a bit carried away with the signing…. He will bed in soon enough, like Tim says he still has a lot to learn. All the potential around VP atm is brilliant. This may well turn out to be the best transfer window Villa have ever had in the PL!

  65. Yep, Villa won 3-1 and Hansen said “You don’t win anything with kids!” (meaning the United team of all the young talent). Just like Busby’s Babes, they went on to win the championship that season, with – obviously – that nudge from Villa to learn from their ways!

    Hansen learnt as well!

  66. Ree,

    Post-war, only Trevor Ford, Gerry Hitchens and Tony Hateley (and Benteke!) have come anywhere close to showing the scoring prowess of those before them, and none of them stayed long enough to challenge the career records of old.

  67. Frankfurt Villan Get off at junction 5 Castle vale and go along the fort parkway/Heartlands parkway and park up in Star City which is a ten minute walk to the ground. You can jump back on at Junction 5 to go back home and will save you loads of time.

  68. In all honesty, I am actually excited about not only seeing us play, but what is happening at Villa at the moment.

    TS has the Delph and Benteke money to spend, but it looks like there some funds available, and the buys are a million miles away from what PL or AM would have bought given the money!

    Also long term contracts for new and existing players, blimey, it looks like we might be turning back into a football club who have the first clue about what they are doing!

    Am I expecting us to win the league? No – but I do think the team will grow over the course of the season with a strong finish. Watching us should be a damn sight more interesting, with a bench that doesn’t make you roll your eyes!

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