I’m not sure where to begin for this weeks addition, simply because so much has happened over the course of the last seven days with the new kit being launched, the 2012-13 fixtures being announced, further player speculation, and the Euro’s providing ever-more drama for football fans.
I think it’s best that I start with a little moan and then as D:Ream once famously but rather cheesily proclaimed, ‘things can only get better’. What a tune that was.
The new kit manufactured by Italian company Macron – can someone in God’s name tell me what’s all that about? Italy is home to the fashion capital of the world Milan, and yet we get stuck with some overly baggy 80’s throwback for a home shirt. Don’t even get me started on the away kit, a fluorescent yellow shirt with a navy blue shorts. The person(s) responsible for this monstrosity were either blind or had swallowed far too many Smarties.
“Chanting ‘We’re Aston Villa, we glow in the dark’ will be hilarious next season! #AVFC #LambertsLimes” @earlavfc
My thoughts seem to be a personal preference thing though, because the club have come out and said that the initial sales figures for the new home shirt are the best they’ve seen in a decade. Not bad considering the country is still in the midst of a recession with an economy that doesn’t look like perking up anytime soon. I can only presume the reason for the extra shirt sales is mainly down to the freshly found sense of optimism sweeping across the B6 area because the design certainly didn’t push any of my buttons.
The Monday just gone saw the release of next seasons head-to-heads and this time around we begin with a trip to newly-promoted West Ham United before taking on Everton the following week in our first home match under Paul Lambert.
“West Ham away first game of the season. Looks like we’ll be sporting our horrendous lime green away kit to try and blind our opponents. #AVFC” @Mr_Morgan1990
I’ve analysed the fixtures and if truth be told we have a real opportunity to put some real points on the board early doors before we hit a gruesome block of matches in November against Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal. Looking at the run in (April & May) I’m rather content with it: Stoke City (a), Fulham (h), Manchester United (a), Sunderland (h), Norwich City (a), Chelsea (h) and Wigan Athletic (a).
Transfer speculation has intensified over the last few days. We’ve been strongly linked with AS Nancy’s 19-year-old left back Massadio Haidara and rumours continue to circulate that we’re aiming to bring in Kyle Naughton who was on loan at Lambert’s previous club Norwich City last season. And although nothing is set in stone as yet it is pleasant to read that we shall be looking to strengthen both full-back positions this summer.
“Who the hell is Massadio Haidara?” @kenmareavfc
My thoughts exactly. I did however carry out a little bit of research on the unknown quantity on Football Manager 2012 and my scout assured me that this boy is a talent worth taking on. Job done.
Unfortunately this article had to be submitted for editing prior to kick-off in Kiev, but I’m obviously hoping England avoided defeat and are now through to the quarter-finals. As for the two Villa boys who were in action at the Euro’s – Shay Given and Richard Dunne (Republic of Ireland) – well they were taught a real lesson, shipping nine goals and losing all three group matches.
“Time to look forward to the new season. Let the revolution begin. #AVFC” @Ballyd100
Up The Villa!
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