While we sit waiting for the Cuban missile crisis to unfold, I find myself ‘twixt the devil and the deep (claret and) blue sea.
Having announced my intention of withdrawing from any further viewing of the Villa if this Cuban entity manifests himself, I had thought that the recent play might have prepared me sufficiently in my proposed withdrawal, that I would ignore the visit of Man U and use the time to perform other duties that ‘her indoors’ might appreciate. But what happened instead was that the missus was in a good frame of mind as a result of the fixing of the kitchen light by a certain contributor to this famed blog (thank you muchly, Deano!) and thus – bribed also by the promise made by Plumbert of seeing Villa youth given a chance – I weakened. I saw the match on the PC.
But Plumbert’s words and deeds were a mile apart (will I never learn?!). His enigmatic manipulations of the Villa squad knew no bounds as the usual players that remained available stepped onto the ground once described as a fortress but now more structured as a week-end resort, perhaps trying to emulate the Victorian days of the Aston Lower Grounds. The prawn sarnies served in the spectator boxes now provide the kind of mouth-watering satisfaction that used to be provided by the sight of Gordon Cowans in his hey-day, and the heady taste of Chateau Beaune makes up for the absence of a Hateley special. Even the sporting pictures on display in one or two of the Trinity suites are a pastiche, more akin to what you would expect to see in the Birmingham Art Gallery. It’s a bit late to recall Fred Rinder, I suppose, but he would know how it should be: how the Villa should have it’s feet on the ground and be a football club. But I digress.
So for the first 15 minutes we wondered which team was the home-team. But, in fairness, Man U did not get so close to goal in that time that there were apprehensions of they running riot. They were just – sort of – in control, spraying passes around as in a practice match, with Villa not even getting into the opposing half until about the 10th minute. And then, Villa got a free-kick within danger distance of the Reds’ net. The Man U defence had, of course, not even warmed up by that stage as the Villa had hitherto not made any kind of dent of note into their penalty box. So when the righteous man named Christian received the ball, the Man U players looked kinda hypnotised as the big man swayed right and left and manouvered himself inside a little to take aim. The Man U keeper – also hypnotised – remained glued to his line as a sweetly aimed and struck missile curled into the net. The keeper would have wasted his time leaping for it anyway – his arms would not have been long enough to keep it out. Yup, even Brad Guzan would have had difficulty with that one.
The fact that Stewart Downing (also still wearing a claret and blue shirt but a defector from Villa Park) scored a similar goal that same day, and one or two other players also scored from comparable efforts (all seen on Match of the Day), should not take away the chance of Mr. Benteke’s goal being the Goal of the Month.
The question then became – going by recent form – would Villa be able to hang on? The question was not, nor could ever be these days, how many more could Villa score, as recently we have seen Villa succumb to equalisers and even defeats after going ahead. And this was, of course, a match against the magnificent (but over-rated) Manchester United, who have never lost at Villa Park since they were hurt by the famous statement hurled in their direction, “you’ll never win anything with kids”, following Villa’s last-ever win against them at Villa Park in 1995. That’s 20 home league matches ago now, let alone those cup matches when they came from behind to win on each occasion.
The second-half started, in fact, with some promise as a a bombardment of the United goal saw the great Benteke leap and thunder a header towards goal. Alas, the Man U manager must have provided their keeper with smelling salts during the break as the keeper responded in an equally thrilling manner to turn the effort over the bar. But Man U managed to equalise soon after, with Master Lowton admiring ex-Villan (but seen as villain) Young and his ability to centre when allowed to.
For some time, the match became a bit enthralling as the two sides tried to out-think what the other might do. Then the referee saw red. A 50-50 challenge between Young and Gabby at full-pace was the cause of the referee consuming too much claret through his optic (after all Young was wearing lillywhite, so could not be the guilty party) and off trudged Gabby looking wryly amused as he went. He must surely win his appeal. The ref then became a double villain as he only yellow-carded a Man U player for a less heavy collision in another incident.
Well, the match was for the taking by Man U, wasn’t it? I recalled a home match against Man U a few years ago when Villa lost 1-4 after losing not one but two players to red cards. But after a flurry of 4 Man U corners on the trot – and especially after Plumbert had brought on Bacuna and moved Clark to left-back – the Villa had in fact looked capable of springing a shock win. But it was not to be. And the Villa youngsters were saved for another day.
The question now is, will Plumbert now see that the futility of bringing Zoggy into the fray? Against Man U he and Bacuna both came on as subs and it was easy to compare the two. Bacuna looked decidedly more dangerous, and why he does not start is a vivid question. With Gabby out for awhile (unless he wins his appeal) surely Bacuna must prevail? But we all know it will be someone else instead that fills the spot: probably Cleverley.
With the matches between now and mid-January looking decidedly winnable, the team is beginning to look as though it has some solidity and, importantly, some ability. What we are short of, however, is the creative element. Can Plumbert plumb deep to find that lacking ingredient?
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 147
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morning John, thanks for a nice read
I can see you are as bemused as I am by the the fruity ones thinking. we appear to have a team capable of better and the fact that the squad has been put together by him is even more of a conundrum. missing players seem to bring out the best in the rest but is Lambert seeing it as lucky break? I doubt it. you just know all his faves will be back in when fit and clarke will probably see more left back duties after regaining form at center half you have to marvel at the mans thinking.
on an altogether darker and sadder note here is some news that just puts are star worshipping easy life culture in perspective, we are without doubt the saddest sacks of shit to ever grace this planet.
http://www.naturalnews.com/048080_northern_white_rhino_animal_extinction_conservation.html
An entertaining piece John and a fair description of what happened as viewed on your PC. You will be delighted to know it is rumoured Cleverly is to be signed up.
It is indeed fortunate that the enforced loss of Vlaar and Senderos resulted in the effective emergence of Okore and Clark as worthy successors. Alas that was not the case with Hutton’s absence; why was Lowton played instead of Bacuna t right back?
I hope the red card will be rescinded – there would be no entry to the team in Gabby’s absence for a Grealish.
Tightened up at the back, one striker on target and a need for some creativity in the middle that could see us clear of danger by the end of March.
Best wishes to all ‘Lifers’ for the Yuletide season and for 2015, or 2558 as it’s known out here.
Hello John,
I don’t think we’ll concede many with this team and negative tactics but the only goals we’ll score will have to be by Benteke’s brilliance or from a right balls up by the opposition. Lamebert hasn’t yet worked out that goals win games, what do goals win ? that’s right dummy and we just don’t get enough of them. As you pointed out, we need some creativity in the team, cough, Grealish, Cleverley, and Westwood haven’t got a creative bone in their bodies and Sanchez plays too deep to be a playmaker. Obviously Lambert isn’t a fan of creative players despite his ramblings about a number 10 so i don’t expect to see one arrive in January only that supreme example of mediocrity Cleverley, Lambert really is poison.
PP,
Can you elaborate on your comments about Herbert refusing the Qatari approach before Lerner took over, i can definitely believe it, an ideal opportunity for a Blose fan to really bugger up AVFC.
I actually thought that Flabbies disgraceful assault on Young deserved five or six red cards, a vicious premeditated attack that deserves a prison sentence that takes up the length of his new contract. Four years on bread and water may assist any efforts to get his weight down. Would he be missed ? no chance, i’d bring back Heskey to replace him, far more prolific.
Hi Steamer.
I can not tell you any more other than that is what happened, and those were his comments after they came to VP and were keen to buy. Doug was never a great business man, and the chance was lost, but there are rumours that their are other members of the family looking to buy a premiership club.
Frem,
Hope you enjoyed the game….would have met up for a beer, but have no way of contacting you.
You must read some sh**e papers. If we buy Cleverley, the money we pay is £4million, but I am not sure he is worth that, but he could be a good buy, but we will not afford him ,if it goes to the end of the season, and he is on a free.
Bent scored again, and I am sure he could be putting more away, if he was up front with Benteke.
just been watching Villa beat united 3-2 in Nov 1976, when we had a real centre forward who had no fear….Andy Gray….Young player of the year…and Player of the year…look for the video on Utube…Carrodus, Cropley Little Mortimer..Gidman.Graydon…Budgie Nicholl…a team of Villa legends….and I had the privilege to be there…!
Alex Cropley, what a player.
Steamer,
What wonderful days…..what a great young team…If only we had a Carrodus and a Mortimer now, with little gray and Cropley thrown in for good measure..!!
I am going to Sunderland game, and hope to bump into a few lads in the lions club.
Just been trying to get a deal with Morrisons, and the fellow I was talking to turned out to be a Villa fan from Yorkshire, name of David. He was at the game, like me on Saturday, and we had a great chat about Villa, and he is going to see if he can do me the deal….How great is it being a Villa fan.,…Everywhere i go I meet someone…amazing how many I have found in Bristol, where my girlfriend lives..
I fail to see how Grealish will get any game time at the Villa.If he can`t get a look in,with the injuries and suspensions we now have,what chance will he have whan everyone returns?All he can look forward to is a run out against Blackpool in Jan.
As a wrote a while back,he should be asking for a transfer or loan.We are hardly a team which takes a 3 goal lead,enabling him to appear for the last 25 minutes.I am sure JG is as frustrated as the fans right now.
I am not suggesting Grealish is the answer to all our woes,but unless we see him and he gains some top flight experience,how will we ever know what potential we have on our hands?
B6toB,
I know everyone is frustrated about Grealish not playing, but I have the feeling, now the Utd game is out of the way, there is more chance of him appearing. The team is also in a more solid position, and the pressure is therefore not so great.
Hi JL,
It is interesting as always to read your comments and I agree wholeheartedly when you write ” the team is beginning to look as though it has some solidity and, importantly, some ability”.
It may be that I want to see something that is not there, but for me and my son that was the most rewarding and encouraging game we have seen in something like 3 years. Villa actually tried to play football and the team’s mentality was stronger than I have seen it for years. Team and supporters stood nose-to-nose, toe-to-toe with the most expensively assembled squad in EPL history and even with 10 men against 11 didn’t back down.
I won’t go through the performance of individual players, which has already been done on this site and in the media, but Sanchez, who initially was giving me a heart attack every time he had the ball, definitely grew into the role and was a great asset as United stepped up the pace in the second half.
It was great to see VP in full and strong voice, brilliant to see the team cheered to the echo as they went of at half-time ( a completely new experience for most of them) and wonderful to see the total commitment of the supporters as they stayed to the very end and applauded a brave performance. I believe if Hutton had been available, Young would not have got that cross in. I believe if Gabby had still been on the park, we could have won the game. We should remember that the opposition had just come off a 6-win run, including comprehensive victories at Liverpool and a fighting win at the Emirates.
There was sufficient evidence on Saturday to suggest that PL may now be close to knowing his best team. The programme notes referred to his new style of play and it worked in large part. Swansea will be a reasonable test and then we shall see what happens against Sunderland and CP. My son and I have a round trip of 240 miles for the game and the journeys home over the past 3 years have been pretty miserable. Last Saturday we sped home in a happy and positive mood. If the new style of football emerges, and his substitutions have more logic to them ( Bacuna good; N’Zog poor), then the second half of the season could be thrilling. As for the the future beyond that, much will depend on keeping Benteke.
One last point, van Gaal made his contempt for Aston Villa absolutely plain when he commented that his team should be coming “here” and expect, as of right, to beat “teams like this”. Hopefully Villa will shove his contempt down his throat, preferably on his own turf.
Yes, Frankfurt Villan, the comments of van Gaal seem to reflect in Man U’s play as sometimes I got the impression they were thinking to themselves, “we thought we just had to turn up to win … why is this team fighting back?”
Mind you, we’ve rolled under Man U too many times of late (and for 20 years at VP), so we did well against I side that we must remember is under transition despite their recent run.
——–
Thanks a lot for your comments, guys. I seem to feel a sense of positivity in the AVL camp, though we all know that future success is down to what kind of permutation PL puts onto the field. His pre-match comments clearly have little or no relevance to the team he actually chooses.
But as someone said earlier, we have to admit that PL has acquired a very good backbone in the side; particularly that it has shown against Man U that it’s ready for business. Ready, that is, when we have someone other than CB who can help the side get more goals than what we’re seeing.
PP,
That 1976-77 team you’re speaking of hit 5 against each of Arsenal, Ipswich (under Bobby Robson) and Liverpool, with the Liverpool match being hailed as one of the best ever.
Great days … (sigh)
John,
Good read but two things that really surprises me – no shocks me, one you let ST75 in your front door and two you let him work on your electrics, methinks you are a madman and I would make a very quick call to your insurers to make sure you are fully covered for any catastrophes.
Cropley was one of my favourite players of all time I can see a lot of him in Cleverley.
AVFC RIP
Can anyone shed any light on the CNZ situation, the week before Lambert subs him at half time and then on Saturday he comes on for the last ten minutes, I find it all very confusing or is Lambert some type of tactical genius.
AVFC RIP
SWV,
S’OK, S75 came with Steamer as my protection! 😉
SWV- yes I can shed some light on CNZ, he’s one of the worst signings for the money we have ever made, a disappointment of enormous magnitude, a one legged, half hearted, waste of space who when coming on cheers up the opposition. let me know if I missed anything.
sami hypia has got the push at Brighton and I’m scared Bennett will come back
little was my favourite from that team followed by all of them by a gnats whisker. its hard to describe how different they were to today’s crowd, they would probably win the prem they were that good.
van gaal means knob head in dutch
No
SWV
i think that with Saturday, it was all about using players who were fully experienced, and would not be overawed by the occasion, and that is the only reason he stuck Nzogbia, who also is still capable of producing a magic moment,although we have yet to see it this season. I also think that with Zoggie and Bacuna, they are capable of putting in telling crosses and beating their man, although only Bacuna showed anything like.I still think he has something to offer Villa, also, i have the feeling that Lambert is playing experienced players that he can offload at the right time, rather than creating a useless Bomb squad.
JL,
If Steamer was with him, I would definitely up the insurance…..Did they provide you with a fully updated certificate…!!
JL- I hope you wanted a dimmer IE when your kitchen lights go on the rest of the house dims 😉
paul- zoggie and cross in the same sentence you sure?
There were so many very good/outstanding players in that team it was difficult to choose a favourite. I remember one of Graders goals versus Ipswich was a superb volley. Against Arsenal we were a goal down, Brady. The ‘Pool game was surreal, we’d have beaten any team that ever existed that night. Think SWV and myself had a good gargle both before and after in the Wellington with a few verses of Gary Puckett thrown in.
SWV,
You won’t get me biting with that comment about Cleverley and Studs.
Nice to see Frankfurt again.
B6B,
Grealish is the new Wilson Briggs, this winker is destroying him.
Mark,
He got a dimmer, S75.
steamer- is he still using nails as fuses?
van gaal also looks like a stunt double for a tom and jerry pan fight
You have to ask WTF Lambert is all about, Roy Keane who has seen some talent in his time says that JG is the best young player he’s EVER seen, he got rave reviews every time he played for Notts County and is brill for our junior teams, when he came on last he had 18 passes, ALL of them successful yet he can’t get a game for this crepe team, Cleverley & Westwood may not even be Prem quality and Weimann is a striker not a MF, lets face it Jack you fucked up when you signed that contract.
Can somebody tell me what the rush was to get Scabby to sign his contract months before Lambert has talks with two players who are actually assets to the club ? Was it Fox seeking to make himself popular with the fans by signing up a ha ha ha legend ? whatever, it was wrong on so many fronts.
No he doesn’t use them at all.
Last time LvG was at VP he was with Antwerp in the first UEFA cup tie Villa ever played 1-4 away & 0-1 at home. Went to both, the end of Jimmy Cumbes Villa career but a good laugh.
Mar; [the 1976//7 team] would probably win the prem they were that good.
If you recall they finished that season in 4th place, beat all the top clubs around but dropped points against the bottom lot! Otherwise they’d have won the league that season.
I’ve just seen this case of a Man U feller and his two young sons being ejected at VP…
“I’m ringing to vent my disgust at how we were treated at Villa Park today,” the dad was quoted by the Telegraph.
“We were only allowed to stay in the ground for 53 minutes because stewards decided to kick out a seven-year-old and nine-year-old boy.
“I bought tickets in the Family Stand for a Christmas treat for the boys. Their mum is a Villa fan, I’m a United fan and they’re inbetween the two.
“We didn’t celebrate the Villa goal but when Falcao equalised the two boys jumped up in the air, super excited that Falcao had scored. I gave them a big hug. At that exact moment one woman from one side and one from three rows back jumped out of their seats to screech: ‘Kick them out.’
“Within a second we were dropped on by two stewards who without any thought whatsoever, no negotiation, no warning and telling us to calm down, said: ‘You’ve got to leave the stadium, guys.’ We weren’t asked, we were told … and booted out of the ground. I apologised to the people around, it brought my boys to tears.
“I said surely you’re joking? Can’t we just apologise and promise not to jump up again … do we really have to go? The stewards said ‘you have to leave now or do you want us to get the police?’
“The stewards as they were walking us out said ‘it could have kicked off’. We were in the family stand. They’re seven and nine. It’s not going to kick off.”
http://www.caughtoffside.com/2014/12/22/aston-villa-ejected-two-young-children-for-celebrating-falcaos-goal-for-manchester-united/
Though I understand the history behind this, I reckon that this kind of situation is OTT.
:
Many years ago myself and my mates went to Liverpool away and got the last few tickets to sit with the enemy, there was about 10 of us in two different groups that erupted following our 3-1 win, and everyone around us while annoyed about the result, could understand taking the opportunity to celebrate.
However, it was a bit silly to take young lads to VP to see Man U, his job is to bring them to Old Trafford if he wants to create new sheep
steamer- I see Joe Cockers joined the northern white rhino
Darren,
Fair point … but you sometimes think that little Hitlers are in operation at VP. It’s not the kind of memory of football that you want to impose on a youngster.
I think I’ve said it before, that I believe you would find it difficult to find a similar occurrence taking place at a rugger ground.
Or am I wrong?
Big fan of Joe, brill in concert and always had a top band. Bad year for heroes.
My nephew and niece went to Wasps vs London Oirish yesterday, no segregation.
Our stewards are crepe, love to throw their weight around. When Lerner gave his anti -dissent order they were in their element, bunging kids out. Mind you the stewards at OT and Anfield are total vermin.
Yes, Steamer, you’re right it’s not just at VP you get this stupidity.
Strange isn’t it? They call soccer “the beautiful game” yet it has a history of supporters’ problems … yet a comparatively violent sport like rugger seems to attract more sportsmanship.
It’s a funny old world!
bar humbug, more like an identity parade
http://metro.co.uk/2014/12/22/aston-villa-players-including-christian-benteke-ron-vlaar-and-fabian-delph-release-hopelessly-dreary-christmas-message-to-fans-4996717/?
John,
The best Villa team i saw was the one that beat Everton in the LC final, if Saunders hadn’t continued with Burridge attempting to justify his signing we’d have strolled the league. IMO it was way,way better than the team that won the league.
Several crepe ones too including the current dummies, Lambert is definitely the worst manager he deserves to manage this lot –
Gavan, Gage, Tiler, McNaught, Bennett; Carrodus, Westwood, Holman; Geddis, Heskey, Flabby.
steamer- surprised with mcnaught mate we’ve got worse now
Now you know why the team is boring. Hope PL doesn’t come carol singing round here at least the ones that usually do the chirping can do it in English.
Never rated him Mark, slow and crepe in the air, to think Saunders dumped Chris Nichol for him.
Steamer,
Be careful, I see that Heskey’s back! He’s become a Trotter I think.
Yes, the 76-77 team were marvellous, scoring more goals than any other top-flight Villa team in the last 80 years I think.
steamer- I see your point
Yeah , you’ve all got brownie points for putting up the outside christmas lights and it all looks nice , but no doubt you have an extension lead plugged into a extension lead plugged into a extension lead !!!!!! yea check your insurance cover and see if it says idiot proofed .see it every xmas . yes you sww .
well Have a great christmas all
merry christmas Jenny xxxx hope that bug has gone xx
Steamer – Are you condoning this plastic Manc taking his sprogs into home end?
And Steamers weren’t they the original Villa hooligan firm?
I’m sure back in the day you and your mates would have shook his hand, swapped hugs, kisses and telephone numbers as he jumped up and down in the Holte end celebrating a Man U goal.
Of course you would mate.
rotterdam- they would of given the kids a lolly and the dad a licking.
st-75 – here’s one safety tip: always plug your Christmas lights powered by several extension leads into your neighbours outside power supply. happy xmas mate and the same to all AVL er’s
Rotterdam82,
Welcome back, I can assure you the Steamers would never attack a bloke who was with his kids, we were just a group of lads that loved the Villa and followed them everywhere, the Steamers were never into gratuitous violence, they never smashed pubs up or caused damage to peoples property, football violence and tribal warfare was part of life back in the seventies and eighties, some people think you need to eradicate it completely from the game I sit firmly in the camp that if you lose that rivalry the game will never be the same.
AVFC RIP
MK -They go lads here’s a tip top now we have a top tip for your old man…
SWV I miss that atmosphere of yesteryear, I find it all just a little too sanitised now.
I took the Misses down last season the first time she’d gone to a football since her dad had took her down the sty in the 70’s, she was taken a back at how (as she put it) ‘Americanised’ football had become and to be honest she’s right, it’s lost some of its passion.
Rotterdam- that’s seating for you. there was something about nearly being crushed each week that livened things up. I’m still stunned that I haven’t seen a fight in a local pub for years, mind you I haven’t seen one full either
Rotterdam82,
Of all the firms around The Steamers were one that you couldn’t call hooligans, there were no bullies and the only times they looked for it was the Blose and that was a 100% win EVERY time. In fact there are a hell of a lot of Villans out there who would have taken a few slaps if if wasn’t for them. They totally transformed the Holte End with their songs and larking about, in reality it was like a social club, some fantastic characters who lived for AVFC and enjoyed a good laugh, shame its not like that now.
Like a number of you, I’ve had the AVST snap poll result delivered to my door.
So, more than three-quarters of 3,000 fans polled want Lambert out, substantially up on the end of last season.
Thing is, if Villa do well in this next 5-or-so winnable games, people will go back to sleep again.
The thought of a Cuban-owned Villa with PL still in charge sorta fills me with remorse…
just had a phone call off of a bloke claiming to be working for Microsoft giving me a very important call, I asked him if he was Bill Gates? he put the phone down. just giving folks the heads up on this scam 🙂
AVST’s statement http://villatrust.org.uk/?p=1042
Three members of your Board have now had an open discussion with our new Chief Executive, Tom Fox. Tom indicated that in his experience such surveys are often more effective at garnering negative opinions than positive ones and that the responses in this survey were very much matters that the club were aware of. He went on to state that they are committed to addressing fans known concerns in a planned way.
What then is the way forward?
Improved playing results are what we all wish to see and hopefully that will bring supporters back to Villa Park and cheer on our great Club.
We are informed that Randy Lerner is committed to putting the Club back where it belongs but we know that this will take time. Changes in the support structure on both the commercial and footballing side are being made and from our discussions we see much room for optimism that a basis is being built to restore our fortunes.
We have an understanding that the Supporters’ Trust is considered to be an essential part of the bridge between Club and supporter and we will continue to work to represent your views.
https://www.songkick.com/concerts/21106388-sweet-at-robin-2?utm_source=3286&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=facebook_tab&utm_content=414991
thought some of you boys may be interested….Wig Wam Bam…..
Excellent header JL
I have been of the opinion that we have had a good enough sqaud to be a top 8 to 10 side minimum
The fact that PL is trying to ditch the long ball , hit and hope style will help our cause
PL however is holding the club back and seems incapable of working out his best side and using the correvtly , he also doesnt seem to have a clue how to develop young talent
I wll give him some credit for clarke and baker as i was one who haveb never called for thm to leave the club knowing full well becoming a stone walt defender takes time and many games
i feel sorry for lowton ,bacuna , helinius and i thin they could offer the club a heck of a lot under the right guidance
We will have a comfortable enough season which means PL will not be sacked — the standards that RL has set for the club are so low PL is almost unsackable
st75 thanks for the prezzie -i will open it at xmas — -jen i sent you an email link to some tunes – holla if you have any problems
JL- as if by magic
http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-former-wigan-head-8334537?
Mark,
Mmmmm… “Last month the former agent was axed, along with manager Uwe Rosler and a large chunk of his staff, following Wigan’s poor run of form.” doesn’t sound highly impressive!
JL- I would assume he has contacts John, you would hope he’s not been given the job because he’s available
based on wigans youth team it sounds like a avarage appointment
you would think our name would attract better quality players than Wigan could I suppose, as to his qualities no idea, I have no idea of what the bloke at Southampton had done previously either and you would have to say he’s ok.
Steamer,
There are some nights that just stick in your mind forever and that night we caned Liverpoo 5-1 is one of them, the feeling when we were 5-0 up at halftime was very special and it could have been more we let them off lightly, you are right we would have beat any team that night the way we played, and of course followed by a few pints, I can still hear those lyrics being belted out as we put the jukebox on repeat ” Young Girl ” was our anthem at the time, happy and heady days.
AVFC RIP
Steamer,
Oh forgot to add about McNaught, we were up BH the day when Villa played a friendly against Doncaster or Oldham or one of the northern teams, when the Villa came running out of the changing rooms and I said to you “Whos that big blond bastard”, it was McNaught they had signed him that morning from Everton.
AVFC RIP
not easy to find info on him but at least he’s been around football apparently and on the wigan board
David Downes
David has been with Keysports Management since July 2006 after successfully completing his law degree at Leeds University. Coming from a football family, David is comfortable in the football industry and qualified as a licensed agent in 2008. David will recruit and manage players for Keysports.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJFVPxBpezk
For those youngsters who have never heard of Gary Puckett.
AVFC RIP
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZkomlreaWA
Another favourite of ours we used to go in the Ben Jonson boozer, Stearmer/ST75 did I dream this or was the Ben run by a woman called Mary Christmas, or was I that pissed everytime.
AVFC RIP
The statements coming from VP don’t actually tell us anything except Lerner, Fox & Lambert are full of shite.
Mark,
Downes has the advantage of being available and CHEAP. Nice to know we’re going for quality. One thing surprises me, if the best 19 yo in the country can’t get a game for this crepe then why have a youth policy at all ?
Yes John, iv’e had a gutfull too.
PP,
The chart hits of the sweet and the glam image were a total sham, if you listen to some of the B-sides they were a half decent rock band who just knew where the money was. The lead singers been dead for a few years now.
SWV,
Correct. They also had one of my all time fave records on the juke box.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-JI_qfvyeo
Woman was the main tune in the Welly, very good singer GP.
Yes mate Graham Parker brilliant tune oh the memories come flooding back, classic, good days on the old Claribel coaches.
AVFC RIP
So according to David Moyes “Spanish football is more technical than English football,” how did we ever let someone so astute leave these shores ? Mind, looking at his results it won’t be long before he’s back.
May i wish every Villa supporter a very happy Christmas and an equally productive New Year.
Hope every employee at VP receives the 2015 edition of the Guinness Book of Bullshite and Lies.
steamer- a mate of mine plays in a comedy band that cover the 60’s-70’s and he regularly saw the sweet around the holiday camps etc. he said they must have the world record for drug taking and the lead singer died an alcoholic proper band. your right their B sides were songs than the A’s. did gary puckett ever sing a song without girl or woman in the title? bit sexist if you ask me. shame that Fox declined the opportunity to engage just hope after the 41,000 against manure the gates plummet but I doubt it
erm better songs 🙂
steamer- thank god xmas wouldn’t be the same without him
http://sport.bt.com/sport-football/news/agbonlahor-red-card-rescinded-S11363951471206?
heres an article about Lamberts genius, decent team put up at the end of it though.
http://7500toholte.sbnation.com/2014/12/23/7438653/villa-1-manchester-united-1-tactical-analysis
Merry Christmas guys. A peaceful and prosperous New Year to all of you.
Hello John ,
An excellent read as always from our resident historian . I agree that LVG underestimated us and how satisfying was it to draw even when we finish up with 10 men ! Sadly I couldn’t watch as was on Christmas job duty … but looks like our defence did well to prevent them scoring more than one given the sending off and the quality of their forwards.
How much this is down to Lambert is the big Q. Considering Okore was looking to move just a month ago as he couldn’t get a game and injury has jettisoned him into the starting line up , you wonder whether PL really does have Lady Luck with him.
I see the programme notes mention the “new passing style” that PL is bring to VP. It’s only taken 2 and a half seasons – or has Fox said “the punters aren’t happy with the kick and hope take a leaf out if big Sam’s book “.
What Saturday shows me is that we have the players to perform well and we more than likely have or have had the players to do a lot better , Paul Lambert is a very lucky man .
Thank you Runtingz – will take a listen tomorrow as I’ve had a nightmare dentist experience today – with possible part 2 tomorrow !
Coincidentally John and Steamer , this appeared on my fb today
“Yes I loved the old Holt end.I used to stand four up at the right at the back of goal.I worked on the trinity road end of the new development.Done all the brickwork on the new boxes and interior.I watched Frank carradus work out there the one day,after a long injury lay off,and he started by running up the right side of Holt end along the back down the left and along the front to the right side and up again.When we looked again, in just under an hour,he was still at it.He was a very fit man and a gentleman at that.”
Those were the days , training on the stadiums steps – when men were men and no H and S neurosis . 🙂
Graham Parker – Hld back the night – excellent Steamer . As one comment stated , got a happy E street band sound to it .
Jen,
Thought you’d like it, my thoughts exactly. Good to see you again, bloody bugs.
“It’s great news for us and I said at the time I didn’t think it was a red card,” Lambert said. “Common sense has prevailed and it’s especially pleasing because Gabby is playing really well at the moment.
Is he real or what ?
Nice to know we will have Flabby back, I mean where will our goals come from over the xmas period?
In fact Young was the only thing he connected with during the untied game, and in fact when he had a proper opportunity to do the diving little shit he managed to fuck that up, cannot trust him to get anything right.
AVFC RIP
f something comes up and Randy thinks it is feasible and affordable and right for the club then I am pretty sure he will have a look at it, but we have to get into that position where we need a position filled.”
I repeat, is he real or what ?
I repeat, is he real or what ?
Who Father Christmas of course he is real you numpty, can you believe we have missed out on signing Heskey back on, Bolton have snapped him up while the whole football world watched and waited, a coup for Neil Lennon.
AVFC RIP
BWFC RIP
Yep, we missed out on a Heskey return.
I mean going by some of PLs signings, a return by Heskey must surely have been on the cards. He offers experience doesn’t he? 😉
But while this transaction has come and gone, I’ve been thinking on the fate of Bacuna. You know, that player that looks like a winger, who has scored from free kicks and looks a little bit … creative.
It takes me back to last season and how Marc Albrighton impressed to the degree that a Hammers fan asked, “Why didn’t he start [the match]?”. Well, we know what happened to MA.
Another thought … would PL have thought that Georgie Best was worth signing? In fact it makes you wonder how much he’d be worth today with the news that Bale is being touted for a £117m transfer to Man U.
Merry Xmas all
Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year to all Villans.
JL,
Its been obvious from day one, PL’s no judge of a player, would he even know who George Best was? he’d choose Westwood over him every time.
Are Villa in for Bale ?
A late mate of mine had a comment for fainthearts like Heskey, “stick a boot on his arse and he be a good player.” SWV & St75 know i’m talking about.
Oh well, nearly got through another year, Merry Crimbo Frem and all the other victims out there, see you in a few days.
PS,
1-0 to Swansea – Ki.
are the fa a joke or what,gabby red been overturned but villa are charged with not controlling there players the second red at home few weeks yes benteke lifted his hand but the 2 spurs done as much never mind vertogen tackle
johnl
think albrighton cannot get in a poor leicster team says it all the only thing going for him he came through youth teams and it must be only thing saving gabby
anyway no more ranting on xmas
wishing all happy xmas and new year and hope santa takes us new manager chairman
hold on folks double standards man here, how can we say another manager would get much more from Lamberts buys and in the next breath say he’s brought in no decent players? its simply not true. how he’s used them is another thing but there are a few gems in the players he’s bought. albrighton wasn’t great but I would of sooner seen Nzogbia go. Bacuna played most of last season don’t forget, decent player but hardly 1st on the sheet stuff. then again I would rather play his gran than Nzogbia on the right
George Bests price would still be the same 1 bottle of jamesons and a couple of blondes 😉
James G- makes you laugh considering the ref cocked up and caused the players to be pissed off
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL LIFERS, AND A HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR
OK, it is the time of peace … for a couple of days at least! 😉
So, in the spirit of things I’ll sign off ’til this week-end.
A very good Christmas to all AVL-ers!
Indeed, JL.
Merry Christmas to all Lifers and Villans the world over!
(I suppose I should extend that to humanity in general…)
A thought on Bacuna (if anyone cares)…
I remember him starting fairly brightly. He has good speed and strength, turned well, is relatively comfortable on the ball, and we know he can deliver a good cross or free kick.
Then he seemed to hit a rough patch, and after struggling a bit was withdrawn. And here he is back, looking much more assured. Which I think happens to a lot of young players.
The biggest issue is that instead of being able to slot these sorts of players in with a more established side, they’ve been trying to succeed with not only the pressure they’ll feel personally, but the pressure the club have been under. And while Lambert may or may not be good at developing talent, it’s difficult when you’re constantly scraping for results to have more than one or two players in the rotation that are trying to find themselves. Hard on results and hard on the players.
I know I’d like to see Grealish given a good long run. I think Bacuna is a making a case for more regular inclusion, particularly as a wide MF giving cover to Hutton/Lowton. Cleverly, though, generally covers a lot of ground, seems to be situationally aware and gets back and grafts. Delph provides much more impetus, even if he is a “lesser” talent than Grealish, driving, covering, organizing, generally all over the pitch.
So for me, Bacuna and Grealish are caught in a funny place. They’d be regulars in a championship side, growing and coming of age. They could be slotted in in a better side, and allowed to learn with more cover. At Villa, I think they’re largely victims not so much of incompetence or bias, but being in a side that’s always desperate for points and some degree of consistency and confidence (which overall context may well be an indictment of Lambert).
…and in Part Deux:
Gabby and Andi. As we know, neither is really good enough. We understand the work rate and experience, and I think that Lambert is wanting to see them take advantage of the attention Benteke draws and his ability to bring them into the play as was happening before he was injured. Gabby also gives the defense something else to think about, especially when there’s a real goal scorer in the middle, which ought to benefit Benteke.
Can we do better? I agree we can, yes. But I do think there’s been a method to the madness rather than just pure stubbornness. It hasn’t necessarily worked very well since Benteke’s been back, and Gabby and Andi certainly cannot and did not thrive on their own, but there was a lot of supporter excitement when that combo was working.
Yeah … same as above ….Happy & peaceful christmas , and healthy & prosperous new year to y’all.
Happy Christmas to all at AVL let’s all hope Santa has just one spare sack left for our esteemed manager.
merry xmas to all – health and happiness for the new year
Merry christmas to all , have a good one xxxxx
sww . hope all your easter eggs melt under the xmas tree lights
Jenny x special merry christmas xxxxxxxx
YOu have some good points there John and when thinking about it I agree with your thoughts. Here’s to a confident side in 2015, Perhaps Iginla can put on a pair of studs for a couple of games. 🙂
Have a good Christmas fellow lifers and Prince ST 75 Charming xxxx
happy Christmas to all and a happy new year
JC- I agree there has been more than your average pressure on this team and club for 4 years now. not an ideal growing environment. My father played in his local village team all youngsters coached by my gramp, they took beatings for a long while then suddenly it clicked and they won every honor going in Oxfordshire against much more established teams in higher leagues. footballers mature at different rates too.
Hope you all had a lovely day yesterday
Now for today, think Swansea might give us a lesson in football. Can see them catching us out trying our new passing game
Remember when the Berk said possession means nothing, now he’s on about trying to dominate it. He has no fecking idea what he wants.
Gabby and Wiemann better not start. Bacuna should and Grealish. You want to pass the ball, then play players who can play football and not two donkeys
Hope it’s 4 at the back and not 5. Just a waste of an attacking body. Clev is back so he will defo start with Sanchez and Delph.
Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year to everyone.
Nice to see your comments JC, and very much on the button for me. I also feel that these youngsters would have slotted in well in an accomplished side and been used. I am sure that it was Lambert getting his fingers burned and dicing with relegation in the previous two seasons that has made him so cautious. I am sure as we climb the table that he will feel easier about blooding one or more of the youngsters and letting them develop, but he knows he cannot afford to risk relegation, and that in part may have been behind his new contract. I have not liked his style of management, tactics, etc, but as long as he continues with some improvement this season, I will reserve final judgement. He asked for 3 years….He has six months left..
Let’s hope for a great result today and an even better one on Sunday. I will be there, weather permitting..!!
Wiemann finally dropped thank feck. Might be decent off the bench if played as a striker
Shabby still starts.
How can Bacuna and Grealish not get into a side that wants to pass ?
5 at the back to
Howdo all…
I’m just in to look over the parapet as there’s a match today. 😉
I broadly agree with JC’s comments, but they do not of course explain (and maybe JC wasn’t trying to) what has been happening prior to this season since 2011 (OK, with PL since 2012) and perhaps over the first dozen games of this season.
However, it’s probably much more constructive to look ahead as there is a better basis for the play now, but remembering that we do need to score to win, I’m not sure we have the necessary creativity. Hence why Bacuna and Grealish are needed to start i.m.o. in the absence of other creative players – or at least brought on early enough so that they can get into the match.
GABBY YOUR SHIT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lamberk calls this shite football. 5 at the back and not one creative player to b seen
Guzan again at fault. He’s bewn shite for over a year now
This ain’t passing football. So slow, the back 3 passing sideways and then back to Guzan
Need to change to 4 at the back. Take clark off, get Grealish on
Wiemann will be on soon
god but i hate lambert
he must be biggest gobshite ever
breaks up clark okore who look agood partnership best under lambert to take sicknote wantaway vlar back into team we have hutton playing as a winger delph back in right back to get ball
clevery is like the rest of utd castoff pooor players oshea bardsley brown etc him and westood don know its not rugby can pass forwad
gabbyhas only one thiing speed nothing else for what now 8 years playing professionel football PASS TO BENTEKE YOU KNOB HE HAS MORE ABILITY IN SMALL TOE THAN GABBY WIEMEN CLEVERLY WESTWOOD PUT TOGETHER
take vlar cleverly off go back to442 bacuna one side grealish on other and when someone crosses the ball to benteke others look for knockdown
sh**e set-up. Players not happy. Pat Heard giving good commentary on Free radio. Gabby not awake. Lambert needs to let them play a more natural game and set up better.Bring on Bacuna and Grealish…
clevely take a bow you knob
what a waste of free kick
Leopard and spots.We need a spark so he brings on a runner our very own Emile Weimann.We should have resigned the lump not Bolton,could not be worse than the Austrian.Lambert has real tunnel vision with Flabby and Weimann.Yawn.
Heskey has scored.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
why would benteke want to stay with gabby wiemen worse than heskey the 2 of them
Just waiting for CNZ to come on,say, 75th min?
Grealish on.!!!!!!!!!!!!!
how many matches have we conceded late compared toscoring looking like 1 goal in 3 again only thing lambert is consistant about that is been crap
Back to the same old shite
Lamberk never fails to amaze me, unfortunately never in a good way. 5 at the back is horrible
He keeps playing failed players in Gabby and Wiemann time and time again
he will say we were excellent
11 goals in 17 games
Frem,I am suprised you are suprised,if you get me.Lambert will never change,he has an unhealthy selection issue with Flabby and the other one.Why split up Clark and Okore just to accomodate Vlaar.I repeat ,he will never change.
frem
the commentators keep praising him,saying his change worked at half time well it did we drew the second half ,how cleverly gabby wiemen call themselves professional footballers i ll never know
keane was right them players couldnt score in a brothel
thanks lambert 3xmas football in a row ruined
I don’t know about you but I thought Villa looked as though they were stuffed 😉 (too much stuffing)
How you can have all that possession second half (that half it must have been at least 60%) and not score at least two goals against an average team I don’t know.
GABBY
In fact I thought he looked like the only forward Villa player who did much today until Benteke’s late effort.
Gabby was hauled back in open play 3 times and should have had a penalty when he was pushed as he tried to score, and then a reaction save from his header late on.
Gabby *is* worth playing i.m.o., but the overall play needs to shape up. Okay, at least they now pass the ball, but it’s too slow.
John
Fair comments re Gabby,but he is not good enough IMO.The fact that our selection is(normally)Flabby, Andi Heskey and 9 others speaks volumes for the shallowness of the squad in the final 3rd.They are confident in the knowledge that they are constantly selected and nobody is pushing them for their place.
An improvment in the passing and ball retention,but if we had really chased the game we might have won.Lots of passing but with a slow tempo.Vlaar has no right to come back in and alter the Okore-Clark combo.Strange set up IMO.Plenty of negative players on the field,and not one amongst them who can take a FK or corner.
B6,
I in fact think we’d see a better Gabby if the rest of the team was playing strongly. He did enough today to convince me of that. I’ve seen before he thrives when the team plays strongly … but the last time that was the case was yonks ago.
However, whilst he’s the best Villa forward (Benteke – sorry – remains an enigma for me), you can’t leave him out … can you?
Agree John
We can`t leave Flabby out,not because he`s great but because there is no one else.Damned with faint praise eh?
John- I’m surprised you say Gabby should play. You would have seen some very good players in the past playing for us and Gabby must be one of the worst players you’ve ever seen.
The Berk plays him in a creative role which is scary
He keeps bringing this 5 at the back out of the locker now and then. I’d didn’t work in his first season, it didn’t work in his second and it won’t work now hence the change of 4 at the back at half time
Wiemann and Shabby need replacing in Jan to help The Beast out. Can’t be easy for him having so many shite players around him. Sissy is useless to, they all are
Frem,
No, I don’t think that about Gabby. He’s got limitations, yes, but (as I said before) defenders seem to know what his strengths are and they use all means to stop him getting past. Today it happened 3 times and earlier against Chelsea our old c-b did the same thing when Gabby was about to get past his marker.
Benteke looks more like a sack of potatoes for much of the match and wasteful in his lay-offs, but we know he’s capable of that decisive score. Gabby is not that kind of player and he also gets better when the team as a whole plays better.
I’ve seen a lot, lot worse than Gabby. He’s still our best going forward, so how can you get rid of him?
May well be damning Gabby with faint praise, but I agree with JL…given what we’ve got, you can’t really not play him.
Shame we didn’t get something from the second half. Weimann fluffed his lines twice, two very good saves, and a penalty shout I thought was unfairly denied. I love good shoulder-to-shoulder strength, but it was a clear push as Gabby’s in.
Swansea did park the bus, fair play, we would’ve too…But Villa’s possession did look reasonable, and chances were created. They just weren’t taken.
john l
gabby is a waste of a player first half burst through benteke to the left in front onside screaming for the ball what does gabby do usual lose the ball trying to dribble passed swansea defender dont know how many times seen him do that he won t pass to benteke
yes it was a foul on near the end ,how long is he playing and cant go down when he pushed,free header6yards out straight at keeper
wiemen super sub what a prick 2 great chances especially second to pick some one out all he can do is mouth at referee
benteke
if i was him i would order agent to get him as far from lambert and 2 mentioned sure he didnt play well but very unlucky with header free kick when was last villa player to make opposition keeper make a save
LAMBERT sure is master taking vlar back in team breaking up best partnership under him cleverly what is his point easy sub taking off sissko just to keep vlar on bacuna looked good saturday no chance today
LAMBERT OUT
First if all , thank you to darling ST 75 for the Christmas pressie – and am so looking forward to reading it as it is no less than a signed copy of John’s book – too kind and I am well chuffed xx
The game .
1. The new villa passing game instead of hoof and hope. It is bizarre that it’s taken 2 and half seasons to attempt to play football . The players have been so used to the hoof and hope style that they now look nervous following the new orders to pass it around our half , having previously been told to do the opposite by PL – who admitted today these tactics were all his doing – the hoof it up and the new Guardiola way .
2. Benteke is looking increasingly frustrated by his team mates . Who can blame him. I agree with James Gill and it’s something I’ve noticed about Gabby before . He’s a greedy player . When he partnered Darren Bent he would rarely pass to him when DB was in much better goal scoring positions , preferring to fluff shots or do his usual run up a blind alley . Whether this was down to greed or the fact he has no awareness and can’t look up is irrelevant . It’s damned annoying for his team mates and it’s not good enough .
3. Emile Heskey scored on his debut – good on him
4. We are the lowest goal scorers in the league . We have to bring in creative midfielder in January to supply Benteke
5. Ten years ago Swansea were playing in the Conference
League. They’ve developed a style of play and are a decent Prem League team. What a contrast to Aston Villa .
Jenny,
(A big sigh!) I am not inclined to have any Christmas tiff with you whatsoever, lass! 😉 … about Gabby – who I did say has limitations, but has been known for supplying killing passes to Benteke … as I recall anyway. 😉 Perhaps age is causing my eyes to malfunction …?
Otherwise I mostly agree. Apparently Emile’s scoring caused a minor tidal wave of Twitters!
Jenny,
I wish you a happy reading of the book!
Have I missed something ? Did we actually win yesterday ? Could have sworn we lost 1-0 but I’ve just read our so called manger saying how brilliant our performance was, how excellent we were and that he’s proud
We must have won cus no manager would be proud of losing away to Swansea
No wingers, no number 10 in our line ups = no goals, no excitement, no danger. We didn’t have one corner yesterday.
As Jen says, The Beast looks so frustrated with the shite he has around him. Lamberk needs to bring in wingers and a number 10 in jan to Improve us. Zoggy, Gabby and Wiemann have past it
Thank you John , I will 🙂 . I agree that Gabby can cause concern to the opposition – his pace and occasional world class strike can’t be denied . I was harsh not to give him credit for this . When he first emerged onto the Football scene he looked like a potential regular candidate for England . He hasn’t fulfilled expectations IMO which is such a shame . I think it his inability to read the game and supply the other strikers as he has ploughed on by himself , head down , to lose the ball / opportunity . I appreciate though , he has been played out of position by past managers . He seems to have less awareness of what is around him than most other players at Prem League level. If only this aspect of his game could have been developed he would be twice the footballer he is today ie not just lethal on his own , but lethal for the team. That said , I would still have him in the team over Weimann , who works hard but rarely has much impact . He’s another one who three seasons ago showed great potential . I can fully understand Bentekes exasperation – he must look at other teams strikers getting loads of supply and think “I could be a 30 a season striker with that team” Unlike AV where he has to supply himself 🙂
With Irvine about to lose his job , what’s the betting Pullis will be gojng there . I reckon he will keep them up and get a performance out of them too .
Frem/Jenny,
VERY interesting match stats in the Mail this morning…
It shows Delph as being second only to the Fabregas in the number of passes stakes, and Sanchez fourth!!
And totalling up all the points it seems that Villa were the top team, over Man U and Chelsea!!
The Mail made Gabby top player … yes, over Delph and Sanchez.
There’s just one problem. We didn’t score!
Morning Lifers
Warnock gone from Palace.
It seems however we dress it up,better stats,more of the ball etc,we or Lambert is still seving up crepe albeit in a different wrapper.We keep losing football matches!!!!!!!!!
How many times have I read”,yeah,but we have a clutch of winnable games coming up……..”.but we keep losing.Albion-lost,Swansea lost.OK we manage to pull a rabbit out of the hat and beat a Chelski or Man Citeh,but the bread and butter fixtures we still get turned over frequently.
Also while I am in ranting mode,what right has Vlaar got to split up Okore and Clark?I should rephrase that what does Lambert see that we don`t that forces him to split those 2 up?
Jenny,I am being pedantic,you are correct about us being the lowest scorwers in the league,however we are the lowest scorers in the country.Perhaps that is what you meant,if so ignore this post.
Point 2 ,agree.CB`s body language says get me a different class of team mate,or get me out of here.7
Point 1,there is more passing,but the tempo is to slow,it seems an alien concept for these players to pass to a player in the same colours on the deck,but it`s a step in the right direction after 2 and a half years of battering the ball as far and as high as they can.
B6,
Well, the games are winnable, but the winning of them proves to be the difficult bit! 😉
On your last point, agreed, but one of the issues for me is that we have too many players of the same ilk … workaholics and capable, but not inspirational.
Hello All.
Thought the game was tonight-silly me. It’s a little depressing to see we’ve already lost already before I was expecting to watch it live online.
At least they didn’t embarrass themselves. They lost, though-not good enough. Gotta beat Swansea, surely. Lucky we don’t have to play Auckland FC:).
John
On the passing issue,it would appear that Lambert should receive a knighthood for the team`s improvement in this area.Our expectations have been lowered in the last 4 plus years to such an extent,that seeing a Villa side pass the ball should result in parties in the street and public holidays being declared.Yes,Lambert gets stick, sometimes unjustified but to praise him for the team passing and keeping the ball(with little end result)seems a little ridiculous IMO.Like praising the postman for delivering your letters-that`s his flippin` job.(Sorry to pinch that from Roy Keane,but I feel it is appropiate).
It’s as if we have only just discovered that there are two ways to get the ball down the pitch – long ball or selective shorter passing . It’s laughable that PL should get credit for this footballing innovation . We’ve wasted 2 and a half seasons playing the long ball way when this is what we could have been doing to start with . Even Worcester City try playing the passing game . It’s what Martinez introduced to Swansea many seasons ago and they’ve stuck with it and their fans can enjoy watching them.
As a result , our players look uncomfortable and yesterday it looked like they were passing for the sake of it at times – and in dangerous positions. It us a move in the right direction granted but why has it taken so long !
The stats are interesting john , but how many of those passes were in our own half ? I read a stat a couple of weeks ago where villa had the most passes back to a keeper in the Prem league .
As for the “we were excellent comment ” PL is growing into his parody double. I can just hear it “we aren’t supposed to be beating teams like Swansea ….. Rest assured , I’m working day and night to finish 15th ” 🙂
John C – how funny maybe that’s the way forward for us villa fans 🙂
B6 – yes I shoukd have said Leagues !
Sorry – I meant Trinity not John C – and sorry you missed the game but at least you were spared the disappointment !
Jenny
I was thinking the same thing:)).
Well, guess it’s time to turn in for the night.
Goodnight.
So even palace have more standards than we do. After a few months of bad results, the sack Warnock
after 2 and a half years of shocking results, our manager still stands
B6/Jenny,
It appears to me (but not just a “passing” thought!!!) that PL always seems to get one element of the formula wrong. Before it was (a) putting in essentially youngsters, then (b) mainly hoof football, and then (c) making footballers out of the hoofers and without the thought that maybe the players don’t have enough inspiration in them to get beyond just passing. Either he forgot to tell them they’re supposed to score goals or maybe that his team is too much of one type and can only think in one dimension.
But he says they’re brilliant, so he must know what he’s doing. Perhaps.
I think that’s spot on John . Add to that the fact they’ve been practising hoof ball in training for the last two and a half seasons and you get confused , nervy players with the end product missing when the tactic is suddenly changed . Peter Wit he described it as kamikaze passing in our own half and was completely baffled by what they were doing . You only have to look at how Bertrand suffered under the AV way and how much he has improved at the Saints . It will take time for our lads to get used to playing this way . At least with Sunderland we should get an opportunity to play with more confidence given their form and personnel .
H all – cheers st75 for my prezzie and written by our very own JL – a great read
some interesting comments firstly re gabby and tekkers – imo tekkers is a class above and is on a different wave length than player at villa apart from one or two that have a good football brain
Gabby – well you can’t fault the effort and on his day will help us get a result , but PL.s love for gabs means there is far too much importance made of gabbys constant presence in the starting 11
The problem the new passing style has for lambert is the cogs he puts into his team which is more workman like players with limited football ability and our most creative players being used sparingly
With PL’s record and other managers falling out of a job he must be the luckiest man in football knowing there’s no way he will be sacked which ollows him to say things like how delighted he was and how proud he was of our runout against the swans