Its been a while since I’ve been here, my teams ups and down have gone hand in hand with troubles in life. The parallels I can draw upon, needless to say I don’t want to go in to my personal issues but what they have given me is a perspective, reason to believe, to find the positives.

When things look as bad as they have done, not to focus on the negative… that’s not to say complete ignorance of it, but just a reason to look forward, a reason for hope… a not knowing whats round the corner.

Thankfully I’m in a far better place now, the rug was pulled from beneath my feet in life, so I decided to completely redecorate the house, see what the worst life could throw at me.

Even with this scary unknown in front of me, I’ve found that the most amazing things happen when you let them, when you don’t temper them with a constant focus on pessimism.

So what better time to come back to AVL then when the season is about to start? A New season, the slate is clean and we have every reason to hope for better right?

Lerner is still hanging around, much like my ex wife, trying to rinse every last pound from the situation but Faulkner has gone. A figure much criticised by the by the Villa faithful, yet a man plunged in to the deep end when it seemed no one else wanted to do the job set out. Commercially the man was a success, the rest left much to be desired.

On the pitch Lambert is still there, trying to put a positive spin on things, he’s been given one objective… Premier League survival, so far he’s achieved this! It hasn’t been pretty though!!!! But we have seen flashes of what this team might be capable of under him, memorable performances and results. The Liverpool game at Anfield last season for instance, a game where we managed to dominate and, at times, make a team who would challenge for the title look average. Their class shone through in the end but we did not look out of place. Sadly these performances where too few and far between.

Its time the team stopped being considered “young”, they’ve more than had their time to gain experience, learn and up their games. They know what this Premier League football is all about.
Are they good enough? can they improve on the pitch?

Can Lambert find a system that allows for entertainment, a system that provides an unpredictability for the opposing teams as well as the Villa fans?

I’m not Lambert’s biggest fan, but I do feel for the guy. The amount of muck continually thrown at him around miniscule decisions he’s made. For instance the recent resting of the of most of the first team for a friendly loss… a nothing game, where he played the younger members of the squad. When protecting his No.1 for making a horrendous error on his first game back after extended leave? Where he dared to talk about the impressive Grealish? He got dogs abuse.

I’m still of the thinking that there needs to be some middle ground found between the fans an Lambert. Our support and the atmosphere we create can be as important as the formation Lambert sends out there, it’s a cliche but there is a reason commentators often say the “crowd has lifted the team”… does that happen anymore at Villa Park?

The negatives are out there, look through this site (or any of the other Villa sites) you won’t have to look hard to find it. But lets have some hope, something to look forward to… lets not willingly throw our selves in to a spiral on discontent before the season even starts.

Young Jack looks to be someone who could make a big impact. Vlaar and Delph seem to closer to signing new deals. Benteke will be looking to dominate and bully teams again. Okore to build on his brief yet impressive appearance in the team is back and eager to prove him self. N’Zogbia seems to have found his mojo again. Bacuna should build a on decent first season.

There is a core there that if they can stay fit, if they can perform, if they can form a cohesive unit could dictate the style of play on the pitch. Could bring a confidence to the rest of the team to pass the ball about.

Lowton, Westwood haven’t lost their ability, they seem to have lost their confidence in their ability. Can they come good, refind the form that had them talked about as future internationals?

Lets hope the influence and experience of Keane can help the player grow, have pride in their performances and strive to be the best they can be. One thing Keane has said in the past, he doesn’t get frustrated with players best they aren’t world class, he gets frustrated when they don’t push to become the best they can be. In recent times we’ve had academy player of big potential that have been caught in the “hype bug” and not kicked on in their careers. I think Keane could help with this.

There are weaknesses in the team, but you find a team outside the bottom 7 or 8 that don’t have weaknesses. Weakness that could be massively improved with a couple of well positioned buys. A DM is a must before the season starts.

A solid season is what we’re looking for, a core of a team that looks strong and fans base that is passionate and supportive… suddenly the clubs looks more appealing to prospective buyers… we could be sat here next season with a Bill Gatesesq owners, having paid a billion £ rights deal for the newly named Microsoft Bodymoor Training Complex… Jack Grealish as the hottest property in World Football… With Benteke the first man in Villa premier League history to hit 30 goals in a season… With our eyes firmly fixed on Champions League football… they’re all what if’s, but i’ll tell you what none of it has a chance without our support… lets at least do our bit.

We are Aston Villa, proud history, lets not make it a abject miserable future before we’ve given it a chance… Onwards and upwards… its the only place we can go.

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Graham O'Gara
Follow me on @WorldClassAV A Football and Villa addict, opinionated and argumentative, I say what i see and you may or may not agree. I currently hold a FA Level 2 coaching badge, but have held the Uefa B License. I look forward to sharing some opinions and banter with you all....

Comments 203

  1. Frem

    Sorry to here about the troubles your having Graham. Good to see you back though

    Honestly, 45 mins against Liverpool was tho only time I watched us last season and thought fair play. The rest of the season was one of the worst in our history

    It is time the team is stopped being considered young. that tine was up last season as well but Lambert still used in as an excuse, and will again this season even though hes added experience

    He deserves the stick he gets. Chesterfield was disappointing, we still had our first team keeper and two full backs who have played many Prem games. The Dutch team was shocking performance. A sign Lambert is not going to change things. Same tactics and player selections that nearly got us relegated. Wallsall was no better

    crowd has lifted the team”… does that happen anymore at Villa Park?

    Not really no because we are normally already losing before most the fans take there seats. then you see KEA is in our midfield tasked to create things, as well as Gabby in the number role and we are camped in our own half hoofing it and Lambert is standing there applauding everything. It’s impossible to get motivated at VP with how we set up. Most the time you sit there in shame with the away fans taking the piss because they have never won an away game until now. west Ham, Fulham, Stoke

  2. southwestvillan

    GOG,

    I echo Frems thoughts and hope you are well and the bulk of your troubles are well behind you I also applaud you for having the balls to come on here and write a piece that could see you take some stick.

    I like every other Villan want the club to succeed, we would love some style but firstly a winning mentality is vital, we always look to the manager to direct the players in a way that gives them the best possible chance to achieve that goal, I fear in Lambert we do not have that person, I look at some of his signings and it makes me cringe, too many sub-standard players have come to VP and it looks like they continue to do so, Cissoko is another that seems to be struggling at this grade of football.

    I understand the financial aspect at VP but it was not that long ago when we considered ourselves a cut above a team like Everton, sadly that club seems to go from strength to strength making quality signings and also making their loans into permanent deals, put alongside that the calibre of young players like Coleman,Stones and Barkley and you can see just how far we have slipped behind them in the space of a few years.

    I look at someone like Ashley Westwood who does not seem to have made any progress under Lambert, you do not need any ability whatsoever to pass the ball backwards or sideways but to play passes forward that causes the opposition defence some trouble needs skill and class, lets hope Keane can instill that ability into some of our midfield players because it looks unlikely we will buy one, and anyway you do not get much for £10m these days.

    Heres hoping to a positive season ahead but my head tells me we are looking at more troubled times.

    UTV

  3. Roderick Seel (Sam)

    Graham,
    Unbelievable attempt to get sympathy before writing such an optimistic piece!
    Seriously though, isn’t it funny how even through the dark times we always find our safe place, somewhere we can just be ourselves.
    Welcome back from the the problems you have faced.

    I always start the season in an optimistic frame of mind, I always put a fiver on villa finishing in a European spot and I always give a nod to the footballing gods pre kick off.

    Trouble these days is that so quickly my dreams and hopes are dashed and it soon becomes a reality that we are in for another shit season. The major disappointment for me is not that it has happened but that I knew it was going to, but allowed myself to dream.

    Yes, we all hope that we will do well, everyone who has ever supported a team hopes that. For most there will be some crumb of comfort that they almost made it, but for us season after season reality hurts!

    No my friend, life in the Villa ranks will not be shedding any sunshine this season, the lion still sleeps, waiting to be aroused from its slumber. Until our future is sorted our present remains perilously seated at the foot of the league.
    I am lucky enough to have witnessed some fanatic moments in our history
    European and domestic, but they are fading into the sands of time, yesterday’s newspaper rolling in the gutter.

    I will always have hope I am a Villain!

  4. Mark King

    well said graham,

    nothing is ever accomplished with negativity other than more negativity and miserable outlook on life. you can look at any situation and find the good in it and your mind will be in a better place to push on. Take stock of the worries, woes and problems because they are real but they have no say over your mind unless you let them.
    sorry to hear about your personal problems but sometimes these chapters in our lives are godsends and send you on a whole new path. if there’s one thing that has always been true in my eyes is you never know what’s around the corner. plan all you like and planning is essential but then life isn’t really bothered about your plan is it?

    to be honest half way through last season I was reasonably pleased with our form injuries apart, the final 10 games was when it really fell apart. if we had mustered 2 more wins and a couple of draws it would of seen us comfortable and looking at reassessing staff and players from a better financial position then mr Lerner drops the big one thats life eh.

    As for this season people should be happier than last as they have got what they have asked for except a quality DM and the hanging of the management. if we keep vlaar and add a decent DM or two they should be delirious . after all we have got rid of players we didn’t rate (apart from albrighton) have brought in experience if not quality (yet) and are looking to use grealish, Gardner and robinson more often. the much bemoaned and apparently missed bombsquad bring in more experience and goalscoring talent, people on here wanted these victims of circumstance included and now they are. we also have mr steel in Roy Keane to counteract Loony Lambo’s ideas jobs a good un.

    Are they happy? are they fuck 😉

    personally I can’t wait to get tekkers and kosak back, together with a decent DM we might surprise ourselves and others

  5. Mark King

    SWV

    westwood can pick a pass, its the people around him who can’t or don’t make the right runs or find space. played further up field with a quality DM running the ship I can virtually guarantee you’d see a different player. he has done this at times last season and in pre-season.

  6. Ross Andrew

    Hi all
    I’m another one who hasn’t been on here for a while due to apathy but a new season always inspires.
    Early season hopes are simple. Please mr lambert.
    Firstly players played in their correct position. Especially Weismann as a centreforward. Good to have bent back but he is always going to be the past Weismann could be the future. Also Clarke and baker are CB not fullbacks or DM. If not good enough move them on.
    Secondly let your defenders defend. Don’t look for your fullbacks to be to creative. Give Stevens a decent run in some competition.
    Thirdly put that 10mil into two midfielders. Don’t really care who. Holtby, Ki, frimpong, cambiasso would all improve us. Starting season with kea delph and Westwood is asking for relegation.
    And finally why would you keep picking a CF who I don’t think (not looked at stats) 15 goals in last 3 seasons. Sorry gabbie but its time for a fresh start some where else’s.
    Right bring on the new season

  7. Paul Pears

    A great article GOG.
    I know where you are coming from, as a few years ago, I was in a similar position, but I knuckled down and changed things. i rented out my beautiful home, moved into an old and poor property, i used to rent out from time to time, and now it is my dream home, set in its own grounds. I have no debts and money in the bank, and I only have women for friends. During this time I have become a Villa season ticket holder again, and have suffered some of the most dire footballing moments, but have re-discovered the comradeship amongst Villans, enjoyed the much improved facilities at VP and met many of our legends, and hope I have made a few friends here.

    I do have sympathy with Lambert, as he is still in a learning situation, but he has had the guts to stick at the task, and now having seen his latest piece on Gary Gardner, and how he sees him being a major part of the team this season, maybe we may just see the right blend of youth and experience carry Villa forward with the excitement of all sorts of combinations to come when Benteke and Kozak return, along with hopefully a good run of form from Bent, Nzogbia and the the blooding of Grealish.

    I am on the positive side unless Villa collapses in the first six weeks, but some how I doubt it, and am looking forward to the game tomorrow.

  8. Frem

    Agree with Mark on Westwood. He’s actually probably the only player who can spot a pass in this side. When you have Gabby and wiemann in front of you, your better of passing it back to Guzan then to those useless big headed over paid twats. They don’t move in the right areas

    I don’t know if he will have the pace or agility to be a more advanced CM player though. He’s not good enough as a DM so I don’t know what Westy does now. last chance to prove he can stay at this level

    Sanchez from elche is the latest link. A DM

    Squads a mess though. We have two left backs, 3 left sided LCB, 3 right side RCB and two right backs. One midfiled player ( delph) and one striker ( Benteke) We have 10 defenders and that’s about it. Lambert will be cramming them in behind the ball

  9. Heroes-and-Villans

    With Richards playing left mid Gabbys time in the startin 11 could be up (thankfully).

    Just use gab as a sub when you need some legs up top last 15.

    2 Midfielders as said above is crucial for me. Ki and a dm along with cissoko would give me a little hope of staying up.

  10. thevilla23

    Nice to see you all ready for the new season…
    These are my hopes for some of the defenders this season.

    Guzan-Keep a few more clean sheets decent keeper all in all
    Lowton-looks like hes going on loan ? If he can recreate his first season then it will have been a relatively successful season if he is a villa player…
    Hutton-Looks like he will be first choice right back having returned to the fold I hope he can help with a few assists and keep them out the other end
    Vlaar-To sign a new deal!
    Okore-TO strike a good partnership with Vlaar and stay fit because he looks like a good player
    Baker/Clark-To make the step to premier league defenders…they are truly awful though
    Senderos-To help Baker and Clark mature into premier league defenders with his experience because watching him in the world cup he was utterly woeful but his experience could be vital
    Richardson-To chip in with the assists aswell and play the ball on the ground because i dont have high hopes for the other defenders who like to fire it forward aimlessly
    Bennett-To Learn from Richardson especially when it comes to defending however he is a good crosser when he gets forward
    Herd-To channel his aggression worryingly hes had far to much pre season games for someone who is described as a utility player

  11. Frem

    Andrew- Gabby, We should be selling him. Get him out of this squad, and a few more

    Richardson played RM and Lm so far pre season and he’s looked crap

    Ki apparently staying so Sanchez could be our next target.

    We need a DM and a creative winger. With someone like Sinclair coming in, Bacuna, Richardosn and Zoggy we should have some width. Grealish and Cole fighting for the number 10 role behind Benteke, Kosak as back up

  12. Mark King

    I’d like to see gabby come off the steroids and slim the fuck down, he’s slow and injury prone and carrying too much timber.

    it seems clear we are going three at the back if pre-season is anything to go by unfortunately if those three are baker, clarke and sendeross we will be shredded. four at the back for me as our wingbacks don’t have the know how or engines to make a 3 work even if those three weren’t like tortoise

  13. Frem

    My hopes for the defenders this season.

    1) Learn to defend

    Bennett- Sell
    Baker- Sell
    Herd- Sell

    Lowton- keep to compete with Mutton

    Guzan- Learn to save a shot. he forgot last season

  14. Frem

    Mark- better not be 5 at the back. Just watch Wallsall first half again. the players didn’t have a clue what to do in that system

    4 at the back second half, they actually played football. Lowton and zoggy lined very well

  16. Frem

    —Guzan————-

    Hutton———Vlaar———Okore——-Sissy

    ————-Sanchez———delph————

    Zoggy—————–Grealish————Sinclair

    ——————–Benteke——————–

    Subs–Lowton Dross westy Richardson Bacuna Kosak

    Cole and Wiemann pushing for a place on the bench

    starting 11 ain’t so bad, good balance. Obviously our manager doesn’t like a balanced side and KEA and Gabby will be starting but hey ho

  17. Frem

    We will have a lot of unhappy players this season who will be left at home most weeks. Even the subs bench players will want to be starting, then there are players like Gabby, bent, Clark and Baker who won’t even be on the subs bench

  18. Frem

    bent will be the one up top which he can play, he did it for years at charlton.

    only if he gets service. The way Lamberts sets up, he won’t get any. He could start in the 4231 above but Lambert won’t play that

    Kosak, Benteke and bent. not the worst from 3 options if supplied

  19. John Lerwill

    I very fine attempt at positivity, Graham! To be applauded!

    However, I’ve been through the mill myself in the way you describe (though 40 years ago this year!) and understand the need to find positivity. I hope your life develops as you want!!

    But in a nutshell (speaking of which please see about this!) the big dagger that’s hanging over Lambert’s head is mainly as a result of the utterly pathetic run of home performances these past 2 years. The disease started under McLeish I know, but Lambert seems to have been clueless on how to stem the remorseless run at home.

    But … we do have Vlaar and Benteke … and Okore, and now a revitalised Hutton … and Gardner and Grealish … and….Cole and Richardson (2 who may or may not click) … and …

    Yes, there are some +ves. Question is, will PL be able to organise what he has to make a substantial improvement on what’s gone before?

    For me the jury is out ’til October.

  20. southwestvillan

    Well we can agree to disagree about Westwood, I was a midfield player albeit a shit one but the last thing I ever looked to do was pass backwards, there was so many times that all our midfield players went the wrong way mainly because they have neither the skill or confidence to drive forwards, lets hope Keane can change things although I doubt he has the ability to make a poor player a good one, the other point is if you are blaming this lack of offence because we did not have the players to pass to then take a long look at your manager and the formation he selects.

    UTV

  21. southwestvillan

    First time I have heard Coles name mentioned for a while, you remember him the West Ham reject who was going to be our No 10 mainly because we could not get Hoolahan, well I would stick Grealish in there and give this kid a go, who knows we might have a diamond, we will never know about Carruthers and Johnson as they have been shipped out.

    UTV

  22. John Lerwill

    Graham: Our support and the atmosphere we create can be as important as the formation Lambert sends out there, it’s a cliche but there is a reason commentators often say the “crowd has lifted the team”… does that happen anymore at Villa Park?

    It wasn’t so bad during the MON years I know, but haven’t we noticed that since the old Trinity went (and the floorboard stamping) it’s never been quite the same nor as easy to generate atmosphere.

  23. southwestvillan

    Lovely insight into our proposed new signing:

    “The Frenchman’s CV – which also includes Porto, Lyon and Valencia – is impressive and the supposed £2million fee is a snip when you consider he went for £12m five years ago.

    But pedigree only counts for so much. French football expert Alex Gibney predicted he would struggle in England and Cissokho was unimpressive in his 15 appearances for Liverpool, particularly when Villa tore the Reds’ defence apart at Anfield in January.

    That day, The Sport Review said he was ‘horribly out-of-position (and his depth) for [Christian] Benteke’s header’, while Bleacher Report described him as ‘awful on the ball’.

    UTV

  25. Frem

    PP- He won’t get a look in. Lambert was talking up tonev a few weeks back, now hes on his way.

    He won’t play GG over KEA. he loves him.

  26. Frem

    Astu going Palace West Ham or Swansea

    Are we anywhere to be seen on a talented player or just happy to sign left backs ?

    apparently we can’t/ wont pay the 4 mill for Ki. what a joke

  27. Mark King

    SWV

    nobody gets there own montage of shit moments if they are decent, he looks a rights lemon for the combined price of luna and bennett, gawd help us

  28. Mark King

    SWV

    formations got sod all to do with lack of positional sense mate, a good player can soon be made to look ordinary if the players around him are on a different wave length, I’m not saying like some did that he is international standard but he is much better than made out. if he had delphs athleticism he’d be some player he hasn’t and needs to play further up the field without fear of being caught out. he’s not a dribbler but he knows how to pass and move and tries to keep the ball moving, except with us its hard to move as nobody instinctively covers you, they all run up-field with their backs to the player with the ball

  29. steamer

    Hello GOG, as someone once said, always look on the bright of life, i’m still looking for the knob who said it. At least you’ve got the Villa to cheer you up… oh dear.
    Think the bomb squad will remain just that, can’t see Lambert admitting his mistakes so just very occasional appearance for Zog and Bent, also the young players will be ignored as usual.
    Lambert is proof that miracles do happen, name me another club where he wouldn’t have been booted months ago ? he has nothing, in fact he’s a handicap.
    Keane, having seen the set up will be looking to get out of it, i bet he can’t believe his eyes. I don’t know whether to have sympathy with you folk who will watch this suicidal shite or just laugh, all i know is AVFC is bolloxed under these lowlife vermin. ‘Fraid thats as positive as i can get.
    By the way, can anyone explain why barmy bollox is signing yet another mediocre LB ? Siss is no better than all the other crap LB’s he’s signed, if he’s no better why waste the £££ ? We’re doomed, i won’t bother picking a team because whatever permutation it would include at least six players (??? ) who i wouldn’t let sell pies at VP never mind play.

  30. Steve W

    Graham – sorry to hear about your troubles and I hope things are looking up for you.

    I’m afraid the lorryload of “if” “might” and “could” in your article doesn’t make me feel that positive for the season and if Westwood was really once talked about as a future international then I suggest his mother keeps her mouth shut for fear of embarrassing him any further.

    The one positive is that some of the experienced players we already had who have at least played reasonably capably in the Premier League may take precedence over the dross Lambert signed. Might as well, we’re paying them in any case.

  31. proxopera

    Graham,
    i admire your optimism and you’re right in a lot of what you say however I just dont think Lambert has the necessary management tools in his locker to do the job at this level. That does’nt mean he deserves the really infantile abuse heaped on him at times by some of the posters on here but even accounting for the villa park circus he just has’nt displayed any signs of him being fit for purpose at this level. Thanks for your efforts Paul but the job is beyond you.
    As for the team /squad, even playing consistently at 60-70 % potential should see them easily mid-table but thats not going to happen under the current conditions and even if they do stay up (i think they will) the future is a concern for me for this group of players.
    I would also like to add that from a personal point of view this site is becoming a real pain in the arse to visit , and some of the posters would do well to remember the way matt turvey set up this site as an intelligent and pleasant alternative to sites like TVB and its ilk!! Yes , things are not good at the minute with villa but for FS ,at least consider not spilling out every little piece of negative rhetoric that enters peoples mind when your on here , make your point and leave it at that . Repeated abuse is not doing anyone any good and its not changing anything.

  32. Paul Pears

    Just hope the trip tomorrow to VP is not just a waste of time….

    I could be enjoying the sun here instead and some nice cool beers…!!!

    Work now….time to earn another crust..

  33. Frem

    Not even going down to Villa tomorrow. first home game iv’e missed for god knows how long

    sissy having a medical. Lambert ready to cram the defenders and midfielders into our own half

    Still no news on a quality CM player, even after 6 transfer windows

  34. runtings

    GOG nice write up

    Best wishes from me also in getting over the hurdles of life

    I guess this is the least optimistic the general season has been at the start of a villa season for many years

    It is impossible for me to get excited or optrimistic with the club both in limbo and with a manager that is so wrong for the club

    The key thing now thou is to stay up and i guess us doing that will create some excitement as well as some embrassment at times

    Still as mentioned we have tekker vlaar zoggy glealish gardener that have the ability to bring glint of sunshine to us the supporters — VTID

  35. Heroes-and-Villans

    Cissooko is a whatever signing, we need midfielders signed to give us hope.

    P Colley says we are keen on Ki but not paying silly money. Got a feeling it could go to deadline day!

    Cissoko and richardso down the left hand side it is then. Better than bertrand and gabby?

  36. southwestvillan

    Well we certainly look like we are building a squad to challenge the top four and with Lambert and Keane at the helm we can definitely see that silver lining, our defence looks solid with a plethora of classy midfield players to support it, add to that our strike force and what could possibly go wrong, international call ups beckon for the bulk of our team and the only negative is fending off the bids from Real and Barca for our top stars.

    The future is claret and blue and in Lambo we trust.

    UTV

  37. Mark King

    SWV

    cider or whiskey?

    prox

    quite right its not his fault someone employed him as a football manager 😉
    does make you wonder if a rodgers or martinez would get anything out of them or would they have just cleared the deck and bought completely different players. after all it doesn’t seem to me Lambert has had much say in the picking the squad at times, so would they have suffered the same fate or bought similar I’m guessing not 🙂

  42. Ian

    Hey Graham I always thought it was a shame when a couple splits but welcome to the club. Too many of my friends have been down that road-me included. Things improve and usually for the better. My wish for Villa.
    Yeah, I too think we are too negative and disparaging when it comes to things Villa. Not once have we looked at any of the positive attributes of a player or manager. Even MON got muck flung at him and he was a top 6. I really think it’s a problem that the citizens of Birmingham have about life in general not just their favourite football club. It reminds me of my uncle. At 5 years of age he told me I would end up in prison. Walsall was his preferred team as he didn’t expect anything from them. His beer was always flat. There is a brighter side of life you just have to look for it just as there is a brighter side for Aston Villa only no one looks for it.

  44. Ian

    Mark, you’ve been to prison? The Debbie downer syndrome slides into your life without you realizing it. An abrupt change usually snaps you out of it. Maybe we are related. 🙂

  45. rogermuffin

    Graham, Paul and John,

    good to know you’ve faced real heart/head aches and come through it, PMA is always the way to go!
    even in the darkest days , keeping positive will get u through it.

    Negativity just makes things worse.

    being married, with one young boy and another on the way, i haven’t had time to really feel like walking out the door sometimes.

    Plus i can’t afford it or can’t be arsed really , its the easy life for me at the moment,

  46. rogermuffin

    ian i think you are right about brummies being moaners,

    i took my boy to his first villa game last year in the north stand – supposed to be mainly for family and there were 2 blokes in the 40s maybe 50’s ( in full villa strip mind) ,moaning about how carp we were from beginning to end, and this was the friendly last year when we beat valencia, at least i think it was valencia.

    my boy won’t every forget that game either as i shut the car door on his finger – luckily he was ok – just a but of bruising, that some ice cream stopped.

  47. Mark King

    ian

    my nan complained about the quality of scrap metal she got from German bombs and their lack of accuracy in missing the neighbours 🙂
    a good way of finding out your level of negativity is to record yourself talking, if on playback you find yourself yawning or wanting to leave the room, your quite negative, if others leave with you kill yourself 🙂

  48. rogermuffin

    there has been a lot negativity on here the last few months. some of its been quite satirical, even funny.

    A lot does seem to moaning just for sake of it though. which is why i thought i ‘d restart commenting – a bit of randomness breaks it up!

    EVERYTHING IS AWESOME!

  49. Frem

    Cissoko and richardso down the left hand side it is then. Better than bertrand and gabby?

    It’s a tough one. Reading about sissy, sounds as though he’s as good on the ball as Gabby. Richardson doesn’t have the pace to be a left midfielder, we need Sinclair there, Richard as back up.

  52. Mark King

    frem

    Cissoko, sounds too much like a clowns name for me, Cissoko the clown, Cissoko’s circus! has a ring to it. I suppose he’s quite big and they’ll have to go around him as opposed to straight over like luna and bennett

  53. Ian

    Mark, hilarious! and I know exactly what you mean. LOL
    Why on earth was Cissoko worth 12 mill just a few short years ago? He must have shown some talent. Even when downgraded to 5 mill that’s still some worth. And now he is dross? Why would he fall so far so quickly? Anyone thought that Rodgers didn’t use him correctly? Hasn’t fit into the Prem yet? He’s 26. Give him some slack sometimes a change in scenery is a tonic. Let’s see who he is paired up with and decide after a couple, 3 games. Confidence is such a fragile state of mind. These guys aren’t bad footballers. Past efforts prove that. Let’s wait a bit.

  54. Mark King

    ian

    did you see the video of his efforts last season? he played against us at there place and had a mare. that’s why I’m amazed we have bought him. By all means give him a chance but on the evidence of playing for the near champions and coming up very short he seems like a sylla signing possibly worse than Luna, I hope not

  60. RichardS

    Let’s face the facts – we have experienced four years of misery as villa fans – last year was unbearable. However – we still have Benteke and he is class. And Vlarr looks awseome, Okore is back – Delph was great last year and I rate Zoggy.

    We are desperate for two new midfield players – i do hope that Lambert spends the 10 million wisely – Holtby and Moses would be great signings.

    The season starts next season and I will be at the first home game. I have promised to take my sisters children to their first villa game – they don’t have great health and have spent large parts of their lives in and out of hospital. They are incredibly excited about going to Villa Park – and i am going to share their optimism, buy them a new shirt and tell them we are the greatest team in the world!

    Up the Villa

  61. rogermuffin

    richards – good on you.

    Mark – still ain’t seen the second half of sabotage yet – got disturbed by windows updates , supper, the missus and boy. so far its 8 out of 10
    – it is really quite good. arnies got lots of good young actors in it with him. sawyer from lost , sam worthington, i thin eric bana’s in it, actually thats it,

    braindeader, is it stella and vody? if not whats the name for that , on my second one, think it will be my last.

    john bishop funny fooker bbc 1

  65. rogermuffin

    gabby should use his bulk up front as the new emile , or trim down and use what pace h has left , or jog on as not scoring or creating , – hope fully roy keane will help him decide. or punch him in to deciding. lol.

  71. John Lerwill

    The Lions Clubs Issue

    See http://www.espnfc.co.uk/blog/espn-fc-united-blog/68/post/1977723/villas-code-of-conduct-highlights-growing-gap-between-clubs-and-fans—-rory-smith

    The article’s summing up:


    Villa will feel they need a code of conduct to apply to their most high-profile fans because it sets an example. The fans will feel that they do not appreciate being told how to behave by their team — journalists will sympathise. There is no conclusion to this, except, perhaps, that it is a phenomenon that will keep growing. The team you support is ever more distant. That connection is being broken. It wants you to think in the right way, but does not trust you to know how.

  74. Paul Pears

    did not realise the problems with some of the supporter clubs and and can now understand a little about the code of conduct…it always changes things..when you get both sides of an argument.

    Glad to see so many bloggers back here and enjoying commenting once more….Have to agree about Brummie pessimism, as I suffer from it myself from time to time…..One of my work colleagues sometimes smiles and says “Are you alright today?”….which immediately makes me realise that I maybe need to snap out and smile too…!!!

    Hoping today will be a great day to smile….on Cissokho.. he says that when he played at VP last season it was his first game from arriving in this country, and he just loved the Villa atmosphere….maybe he just needed sometime to settle in.

    Looking forward to a couple of beers in the Holte End later….

  75. Jenny Truman

    Thankyou Graham for your excellent article : a positive mental attitude , or optimism is key to leading a happy life and we can largely choose the way we think . The players and coaches will need it in bucketfuls given the neutrals odds on fighting relegation this year.

    As for supporters , well , we have no control over how they will play, the tactics used or who will be selected . All we can do is interpret and assess our chances on the limited info we have on the past performances and manager’s tactics , choice of personel and general management . It’s nothing more than feedback as these are matters beyond our control . It goes without saying that positive mental attitude for the players and manager is vital : and so is accurate feedback on what is going well and what could be improved . We all know that carrying on doing the same old thing will get the same results .
    There have been changes with Roy Keane and the inclusion of more experienced players . We need a fair few games to assess how these changes will affect our performances .

  77. Jenny Truman

    Agree – very good article John . Was the code to stop abuse between fans or was it to silence criticism . Ian Taylor and Matt Kendrick weren’t abusive and the welcome mat has been taken away from them . The extent of abuse towards Alex McLeish was far more serious with death threats , revolting photos and shocking intimidation towards him and his family . How did the club protect him ? The answer is they didn’t they just his behind him .

  78. Jenny Truman

    It’s difficult Paul as it’s up to the individual how they support the club. To continue paying for what is an expensive day out for most , when the club are arguably giving little back in return is ask.

  79. Clive Evans

    Anyone got a stream to watch? – other than the club one of course! Rugby League Challenge Cup semi to warm me up first.

    Let’s start off the season with a clean sheet; remember 4 things never come back – the spoken word, the sped arrow, time past and the wasted opportunity ; we can not re-live the past and need to concentrate on the future, so let’s get back to supporting or club.

    I remember the days when they reckoned 10,000 turned up to watch the players’ shirts dry on the line! The negativity here, from some, is terrible; I cannot recall this level of unrest in the relegation days, albeit the internet was not as accessible then. The worst I recall was one of my neighbours on the Holte shouting out for all to hear ‘Come on Villa – we have to live round here!’

    Come on Villa!!

  81. Clive Evans

    #AVFC subs: Given, Vlaar, Bennett, Okore, Clark, Bacuna, El Ahmadi, Herd, Bent, Gardner, Lowton, Grealish. #AVF

    Aston Villa FC ‏@AVFCOfficial 2m

    #AVFC: Guzan, Hutton, Baker, Senderos, Stevens, Westwood, Delph, Richardson, N’Zogbia, Agbonlahor, Weimann. #

  85. Frem

    Glad I stayed home for that. God so bad the commentator started talking about mcliesh and floodlights for a bit

    I went to Wallsall and we dire, same again today. No spark, no creativity. Going forwards we are lifeless

    Only positive was Jack Grealish when he came on. changed the game. Got to start against Stoke. Came on for Richardson who is useless going forwards at LM.

    Graham Taylor new CEO apparently. Hopefully will sack Lambert straight away. We need a couple of wingers in this month. Gabby and Wiemann started and are just awful players

  86. John Lerwill

    Sports Mole report: Villa have shown plenty of energy, especially in midfield, though the tone of their overall display has been one lacking in imagination and drive.

    Mmmmmmmmmmmmm…… “lacking in imagination” crops up yet again.

  87. runtings

    Frem i only saw the last half hour but i thought we looked comfortable

    zoggy grealish vlaar hutton all seemed to play well and guzan was passing it out

    i still think the players aint getting the benifit of decent coaching but thought there was hope we will stay up

  88. Frem

    They were comfortable as well until Grealish came on. He has to start

    Both sides Were not troubled one bit defensively. Westwood looked lost though, hopefully a new DM in this week as well. Hutton is doing well

    Its going forwards where we are beyond useless, like last season but Lambert never does anything about it or the CM area. Just buys left backs all the time

  89. runtings

    very true frem — we have struggled to find a forward pass since pl began and a at least one forward thing midfielder is desperatly needed —- even gardener was going backwards

  91. Ian

    Glad to see you are thinking Runtings. 🙂
    As far as pre seasons go, it was OK. Lots of subs, a good look at just about everybody, competition for positions. I expect PL and RK have their minds somewhat made up on the starting 11. I’m looking forward to Stoke and expect some pleasant surprises from several players IE: Hutton, N’Zogbia, Cissoko, Bent, all players who have something to prove. That they can get back to the level that they have shown in the past. And not forgetting Given who is going to make choosing a starting keeper difficult.

  92. runtings

    🙂 Ian some people would consider it dangerous for me too start thinking

    we do have competition but if some had said too me at the end of last season that we would go out and recruit Cissokho cole and senderooss i would have said they are on a wind up

  95. Mark King

    haven’t watched it yet but not to much negativity in the write ups I’ve seen, comments like this

    “Unlike in the past, Villa actually kind of sort of played football today. While the runs weren’t necessarily the greatest in the final third, Villa by and large kept the ball on the ground and tried to play a possession game.”

    grealish again lights the play up, this lads got the talent and confidence to really make our day please play him Lambert and start bent until tekkers is fit.
    you have got money to spend so please go and get 2 midfielders of Ki’s quality.
    stoke worked hard for another draw, still think we will get a point there

  96. @RonnieBiggs

    Graham, well done, thought I’d come on here to see a Doom and Gloom post so refreshing to see some positivity in its place. If you look at the team yes we need investment and could still upgrade in several areas but we are also it may be suggested are stronger in several positions than last year and do have a better mix of youth and experience as a result in part of reincorporating some of the bomb squad. Keane so far has had a positive impact on the club and may be wiser than he once was and he and Lambert may make quite a good partnership. We need to get off to a good start in the first 3 matches because after that we’re in tough and what better way than to stuff Ireland who for me is the biggest disappointment we’ve had in a Villa shirt for some time. Until we’ve actually kicked a ball you won’t hear me bashing either the manager or players. Let’s hope some of the vets find their game some of the players on the rise maintain their level and that some of the prospects show what they’re capable of and you just never know where we’ll be sitting at Xmas. UTV

  98. Paul Pears

    Hutton had a good game and should have been man of the match, certainly not Delph.
    Sendeross kept good command of his defence in the first half. Baker was average and committed an unnecessary foul. Guzan had a good game. Westwood needs to be stronger. Richardson played well, and showed promise. Weimann and Gabby were the worst of the team. Grealish and Bent both gave bite to the attack once they came on, and Bent must start in future. Bacuna could and should have done better. Bennett looked better than Stevens, who was poor. Vlaar and Okore both were ok, and should start against stoke. Gardner and Clarke came on too late to make any impression, but we did actually see most of the squad in action at some time in the game. Grealish had he started earlier would have been MOM, and it was a nice touch when he came to the Holte End at the end of the game and applauded the fans.

    Should on this showing just hold our own at Stoke.

  99. @RonnieBiggs

    Paul, thanks for that, for those of us unable to get access to all the matches that’s a nice lil summary. Encouraging about Grealish and glad to hear Sendeross was sharp. Cheers

  100. Graham O'Gara

    Good Morning Peeps… How are we all?

    So I watched the Parma game and saw an improvement in the way we tried to play the game. It wasn’t total football by any means, but we did try and control the ball, and used the long ball sparingly.

    Westwood looked like a little lost boy when we didn’t have the ball. But when we did have it he was always looking to show for the ball, and move it on quickly. It would have been far easier for him to pass it forward if Gabby and Andi didn’t insist on holding the hands of their opposing defenders and actually showed for the ball or found some space.

    N’Zogbia I thought looked half decent. He’s an enigma tho, hes not a consistent smart player but is likely to do something unexpected and catch team on the hop.

    Grealish tho… what a player he could be. Pure excitement. My only fear is that he will be an easy target to shut down as we don’t have many threats across the field, so allows other manager to double up on him. If Benteke and N’Zog perform well, grealish will have a good chance to shine.

  101. Mark King

    graham

    my thoughts exactly, grealish could get the same treatment benteke was given last season, unfortunately we don’t have the players to capitalise on them doubling up on him and the risk for injury for him is high. when benteke is back I think this will change as he demands their attention too. bent makes good runs usually so I’m hoping he will capitalise on the space grealish creates. with our current available squad I would play grealish and nzogbia wide with licence to roam and bent and one of weimann/robinson /burke through the middle. Robinson and Burke know grealish’s game well as does Gary Gardner, who if given licence to get forward would also distract defenders. I hope johnson does well on loan as I think he will be an asset sooner than later.

  102. Graham O'Gara

    It would be interesting to see Gardner given the advanced role in the midfield with N’Zog and Grealish flanking him and Bent or Benteke ahead of him.

    Gards times his runs in to the box, can score screamers but is also technically gifted enough to keep the ball up top to and distribute. Without the burden of being tied down defensively the kid could show translate that promise he’s he’s show in to first team performances.

  103. Paul Pears

    Morning GOG

    Looks like we agree on the Parma game re the forwards. You did not make comment on the other players, so what did you think, re Hutton etc.

    Looks like we are in for Sanchez now that we are losing interest in Moses and Ki. Tonev to sign for Celtic today on a season long loan with the option to buy for £2m.

    Looks like most of Lambert’s signings will be gone, or gone on loan, by the start of the season, with the exception of Westwood, Bacuna Vlaar Benteke and Bennett, which really for the prices he paid, is pretty good deal, for Villa. He has not exactly broken the bank.

  107. Paul Pears

    McCleish’s comments seem to be accurate, and fair, at the same time as confirming the financial constraints placed on him and Lambert.

    What we desperately need is to find new owners who will take Villa to the next level. Lerner has made Villa Park a pleasure to visit and enjoy the facilities, and must be one of the best in the country. The same is true of the training facilities, and at the end no-one will remember. They will remember the MON days of glory, followed by the disasters, and he will join Doug as a bad memory for most fans.

    Lambert is now in his final season, so it is up to him, until, or unless we do get the new owners we all dream of.

    Maybe with the references to Rhianna, perhaps her mate that is sharing the buy-out is Justin Beiber and his Villa mad mate!

  110. Jenny Truman

    Morning lifers.

    I think we have the players to do a decent enough job – not world beaters but then we are treading water atm. It is now down to the manager to play the right ones and in the best formation. Can we adjust our tactics to beat other teams and not churn out the same old same old.

    It reminds me of the Eric Morecombe retort to Andre Previn who ridiculed his rendition of Greig’s piano concerto. Previn – “You’re playing the wrong notes.” “No I am playing all the right notes but not necessarily in the right order”. Brilliant – watch it here “any problem with the violins” 🙂

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zHBN45fbo8

    I still think we can play Bent and Benteke together at times. Benteke has now become the danger man that Bent was before. So having both on the pitch will mean opposition defences will be drawn to two not one . Also, please please please do not start with Weiman and Gabby – who have done nothing in the friendlies or last season (nine goals between them !) to justify their name in the starting line up. Like Mark said – play Bent and allow Benteke the right time to get fit. Give Zog a go and let those two earn their places back. Gabby is a great impact sub to bring on when oppo defences are tiring. I am going to Mexico on Saturday – so will be desperately trying to find wifi to get the starting line up and result. UTV ST75 have a happy Monday xx

  111. Jenny Truman

    Also I like the look of that CIsokho fella. He didn’t settle at Liverpool but just maybe, with a club like Aston Villa he will feel less daunted and comfortable. He has been good in the past for Valencia I read – so let’s not write him off yet. With the right manager and coaching he has the raw materials.

  114. Paul Pears

    Biabiany and sanchez…..Villa could be looking like ateam then….

    and maybe Keane will become another United legend at Villa, following the steps of Scheimkel and McGrath…!! and produce the team of the season…!!!

  116. Frem

    I just hope Lambert adds a quality winger as well

    I will really like the look of our defensive side of our team of Hutton Okore Vlaar Sissy and Sanchez in front. All 5 are tall and powerful players. No more weak links like Bennett and Westy

    Going forwards we are desperately bad though. We need to move Gabby on, Wiemann ain’t much better but Lambert will start them against Stoke. Richardson ain’t no winger either.

    Spurs want to sell Chadli. Get him in

  117. Paul Pears

    Frem

    Hopefully we will get one before the window closes. Grealish, Nzogbia and Bacuna looking ok, and KEA when he came on really put in the effort, knows he is playing for his place. Hope Gardner is going to get used this season fully.

    All in all, looking much more hopeful.

  118. Paul Pears

    Also FRem,

    some sound business being done with loaning out players who have not made the grade yet. Seems someone has a bit of financial nouse, is now organising the finances, as there is very little wastage now, and Villa should become a very strong financial prospect in the future, much better turnout for the friendly than most expected, with many fans turning up on the day and having to queue for tickets right up to the kick-off.

  119. Mark King

    just read this a little worrying

    “Financial Fair Play, was implemented in 2013 and any club that loses £105 million or more over a 3 year period will be docked points and possibly be hit with a transfer embargo, this wont take effect until 2016 but during the first year Villa lost £52 million which means we can only lose £53 million over the next 2 years.

    Nobody is going to touch Villa until the finances are under control, increased TV revenue and reduced wage bill are going to make things better over the next 2 years but that massive £52 million is a huge weight around the neck. The lack of investment in playing staff is out of a necessity, we simply cannot afford to keep losing money”

  120. Graham O'Gara

    Paul. I thought Hutton did ok. Think Lowton and Hutton both had positives to their games… but neither are going to be the solid RB we need. Hutton will not be bullied like Lowton was last season… however I do think we’ll miss Lowton in an attacking sense as I do not think Hutton is a good a footballer.

    Baker I really do feel could be developed in to a good steady CB given the right stewardship and guidance. He has some footballing ability, he has all the physical attributes to be a solid CB but his positional sense, and reading of the game need to be completely overhauled. However with the right partner he could become the defender who attacked the ball in the air, wins those arial battles and physically intimidate opposing strikers, much like John Terry has done at Chelsea (tho to a lesser extent) along side a more astute defender who can read the game and clean up the second ball and pick up late runs.

    Clark for me has lost his way, he’s never really improved from the kid that came in and looked so impressive alongside a strong CB…

  121. Graham O'Gara

    4 Hutton Vlaar Okore Cissoko
    2 Bacuna Delph
    3 Grealish Gardner N’Zogbia
    1 Bent/Benteke

    This is how i’d see the team now. If we sign the “rock” obviously that would change and we’d probably see Bacuna at RB again.

    The Back 4 is a big unit, with pace. They might not be the best ball players in the world but if they can keep their shape and get some protection from the midfield I think it’ll be an improvement on last season. It’s also important being that they are not ball players that the midfield show for the ball and provide and easy out ball… otherwise we know the hoof will come.

    A midfield with Delph and Bacuna will have energy and bite, neither are afraid of a tackle. Gardner does his best talking with his ball at his feet, but his height also will help Villa win headers in the middle of the park. He too is a hard worker, maybe without the pace of Bacuna and Delph but he’ll put a shift in and as Lampard has shown throughout his career, its not the speed you run in to the box its the timing of that run. Gardner has been a master of this at all previous level. All 3 can put their foot and the ball and find their man too…

    Out wide Grealish and N’Zogbia. Both enigma’s both as equally likely to produce brilliance or frustrate on the the pitch, but are exciting in full flow, both will be greedy at times but I wouldn’t call them selfish players, if these to perform well they’ll pose a threat to any defence.

    Up top, its got to be Benteke… on form the man is one of the best in the League. An absolute beast. With the added threat of the two wingers he should get more room through the middle and not constantly have two defenders at his back and a DM in front of him.

    I’m not saying this team is brilliant, but it should pose question and has a nice balance to it.

  122. John Lerwill

    ESPN site http://www.espnfc.co.uk/blogs/75/post/1981096/predicting-the-premier-league
    says (about how things will end in May):

    Aston Villa avoid the drop by a single point after a narrow last day victory over Burnley. As the players celebrate on the pitch, manager Keane watches silently from the mouth of the tunnel, bows his head and turns his back on them. His work here is complete. But somewhere, there is another city that must be saved from itself. Evil has no off-season. Righteousness has no summer break. Even in a non-World Cup year. Keane sighs, drops a smoke bomb and disappears into the mist.

  125. Ian

    For a minute I thought I had wandered in on an other Villa blog. You’re a happy bunch this morning. 🙂 Whatever you were drinking last week end, send some over.
    It definitely sounds much brighter for the start of the season. I don’t suppose Lambert had anything to do with that. How about a 4-1 score on the week end and a couple of digital beers for a bet?

  127. Mark King

    GOG

    I like that lineup but I think okore has more to his game than his athleticism. he carries the ball well and has been known to play the odd defence or midfield splitting pass on the deck no less.

    heard Tonev described as a play-maker earlier I had to laugh 🙂

  129. @RonnieBiggs

    Nice to feel the positivity for a change.

    GOG some good stuff here but it’s a bit early to call Grealish an enigma when he’s only 18 I’d say.

    Mark I had the same reaction when I read the Tonev playmaker line… if you call firing the ball at the corner flag from 35 yards out making a play then it can’t be that hard to make the premier league in this day and age.

    I’m certainly cautiously optimistic with an emphasis on cautious mainly because Benteke is only just coming back and without him I’m less confident of getting a win in our first 3 matches and if that doesn’t happen then the schedule is merciless for almost 2 months so we’re in bloody tough lads and Jenny.

    Let’s hope the Rock signs and we get a few surprise performances from unexpected sources… nothing is certain with this team but at least it has the potential to conjure up some skill when you least expect it.

    UTV

  131. Frem

    Mark- That is bloody worrying. I feel Randy will still be with us come next season 🙁

    Graham- like the look of the back four. Still not sure on Okore though. Think Dross might start. Just hope it’s not 5 at the back

    Grealish isn’t to young to start. The lad has confidence and actual football ability unlike the shits Wiemann and Gabby who are utterly dire football players. What have they been doing? Last season they were dreadful, this pre season even worse. Don’t start them Lambert, and park the bus against Stoke. Attack, pass, entertain. You know, what football should be ? Not put 11 men behind the ball and still getting hammered 4-0. Twat. And sign a winger or two and sell A few players

  133. Clive Evans

    Apart from watching some excellent rugby league games from both hemispheres I’ve been considering the Gulf War; not the one dominating the media but the gulf between the top 6 or so teams in the EPL and the rest.
    Admittedly in ‘friendlies’ Liverpool scoring at will and looking dangerous, Chelsea looking dangerous going forward but not scoring while, at the same time leaky at the back. Doesn’t tell you much with the multiple substitutions other than these sides have strength in numbers and ability in their squads.
    Man City hardly put up a show against Arsenal, who were flattered by the scoreline; however the introduction of what must be Wenger’s first eleven after HT showed the improvement from his new signings.
    Meanwhile I watched Luke Moore score the winner for Toronto v Columbus Crew in what would be Championship level; something we are used to watching!
    Anyway, the point is that Villa is never going to reach the top 6-8 and will struggle to keep out of the bottom 6 in my view. There is a swelling sense of optimism that I might be proved wrong and I hope I am. I’m not banking on a win against Stoke but the next couple of months will tell. I’m looking forward to the new season.

  134. Ian

    Don’t bother with the top 6 and the league is very competitive. It’s the quality of the top six that make the bottom 14 look very ordinary.

  135. Graham O'Gara

    Ronnie, I don’t think it’s too soon to call Grealish an Enigma… We don’t know what we’re going to get from him, he is a young kid and will struggle to find consistency… We do know he has ability and we all hope he can help lift the team to the heady heights of mid table mediocrity.

    Mark, yeah I’ve hear that but not actually seen it yet. He has looked a bit twitchy on the ball. Only time will tell.

  137. Mark King

    GOG

    I’m not surprised we haven’t seen it when you think how unstable our defence has been, would you go on a surging run when your right back Lowton is already up with weimann ? lowtons defending is enough to make anyone stay put. plus pre-season he has been paired mostly with baker and senderos and in a three so again no surprise. I think its more our lack of ability and tactics plus injury that have kept him cautious. in a strong back 4 with vlaar I think we will see the best of him.

    as for grealish he has really shone pre-season but also hasn’t had a lot of time on the pitch. I don’t think he has been in a first half selection yet, in fact our first half performances have been much poorer than our second when unsurprisingly Grealish and nzogbia get involved.

  141. Trinity

    Hello all.

    Good to see you writing again, Graham. I hope those problems get sorted soon.

    I’ve been in the wilds these last couple of weeks, so haven’t kept in touch.

    I don’t think we’ll go down, either, but like everyone else I’m under no illusion about the relative poor state of of the club. The fans have every right to demand better results and should.

    That said, I expect a good result for us on Saturday.

  143. Heroes-and-Villans

    The straws well and truly broken for me re Lambert but i must give credit to wheres credit due.

    Every manager makes bad buys but the secret is to not be stuborn and keep them for the sake of it.

    Bowery, sylla, helenius, luna, tonev gone. thats good news. Cissokho, sanchez and richardson in for under 7 mill is ok for me considering we are in turmoil. If we get Ki in ill hold some hope of staying up.

  149. Graham O'Gara

    Right so reading in to the situation, the player needs to pay a fee to Petxina Events , which holds 25% of his economic rights… what ever that means… this pretty much can be over come by paying a signing on fee to the player of around £600k.

  150. The Droyd

    I’m more optimistic heading into this new season than I have been for quite some time. Last summer Lambert made some poor signings but we know he was hugely restricted in what he could get done in terms of transfer fees and wages. To his credit he has recognised that most of these players are either duds or simply not ready for The Premiership. Also to his credit he has rightly identified where we are weak and has rectified appropriately.

    What Lambert got right last season was our 4-3-3 counter attacking brand of football played away from home. Until our horrific injury and confidence crisis struck late last season, we were mid-table almost exclusively because of our away form.

    At home this type of football only succeeded against the top teams. When we had to break down crap teams getting 10 men behind the ball, we were utterly bereft of ideas, ability and end product. Our defence was atrocious for most of the season. Our results at home were an absolute disgrace.

    We still have the personnel to play the 4-3-3 away from home. A possible loan signing of Victor Moses or Scott Sinclair would further enhance that. The defence looks a lot stronger and more experienced now and in Grealish, N’Zogbia and Cole we finally have players that have the ability to break down teams at Villa Park. Yes Cole is a gamble and doesn’t have the legs he used to but that won’t stop him picking out a killer pass. We literally had zero creativity last season.

    Sanchez is looking likely and a quality, experienced defensive midfielder will only help make us more solid whilst giving those creative players the platform to express themselves.

    At home I can see us lining up something like this:

    Guzan

    Hutton
    Vlaar
    Senderos
    Cissoko

    Sanchez

    Westwood
    Delph

    N’Zogbia/Cole/Grealish/Richardson
    Bent/Weimann
    Agbonlahor/Weimann

    Away from home:

    Guzan

    Hutton
    Vlaar
    Senderos
    Cissokho

    Sanchez
    Westwood
    Delph

    Agbonlahor
    Weimann/Bent
    Richardson/N’Zogbia

    Whilst Benteke and Kozak are injured, I think the only credible centre forward options are Bent and Weimann. I would prefer Bent when we are playing at home and more on the front foot but I would prefer Weimann’s work rate when we are away. Gabby is also an option on his own up front but his poor finishing would make him 3rd choice there for me currently.

    Westwood and Delph are essential and we will see them improve even further once someone like Sanchez arrives.

    I think the defence now picks itself with a strong, quick and experienced look about it. We are better off putting Senderos in the team instead of Okore. Okore has loads of potential but is still very raw and is coming back from a horrific injury. He will get his chance at some point and then it is all about taking it and staying in the team when that chance comes. Senderos looks like a good talker, a good passer of the ball and strong. The worry with him is that he has historically been error and injury prone. Let’s see how he goes in a Villa shirt.

    Richardson is an excellent bargain of a signing. He can cover Cissokho at left back, he can cover Delph and I would say he has got a great chance of being 1st choice when we counter attack away from home as his back tracking is far better than N’Zogbia’s.

    Hutton is like a new signing. He has impressed in pre-season and will fill a void where we were utterly bereft last season due to Lowton going off the boil and Bacuna’s inability to defend.

    We look far stronger than this time last year and I am optimistic that we can challenge for mid table.

  152. Graham O'Gara

    Good Summary Droyd.

    I’m not that down beat about Cole signing… £25k a week is nothing and if he can come on an make difference in the final half hour of games at home and unlock a few doors it’ll be worth it.

    I’m not sure about Sendross… Okore to me would be the better option.

    Its interesting how AVL boards have become far more balanced in the last few days

  154. The Droyd

    Thanks Graham. Okore has the most raw ability out of all of our defenders and I certainly wouldn’t be upset at seeing him start. It’s just a personal preference to get that shambolic defence looking more experienced.

    Looks like Lerner has made the world aware that he is prepared to sell but isn’t going to get what he wants for the club. Therefore he is trying to make a stab at improving us and it looks like Lambert will have a lot more scope to work with now.

    A defensive midfielder, a 4-3-3 type wide forward and maybe a striker will probably be added before the end of the month.

    I say a striker because the number 9 shirt is currently vacant and it would surprise nobody if Bent was to depart in the next few weeks.

  155. Mark King

    GOG

    I think that the recent attempts to secure ki and sanchez and maybe another, along with us looking more solid if not spectacular has given people pause for thought. Scoring goals seems to be the issue and I’ve no doubt we are one bad performance away from resumed hostilities though 🙂

  156. Mark King

    droyd

    senders is slow and turns like an oil tanker, wouldn’t fancy him to cover the fullbacks in a 433. would love to see us get Troy deeney from watford

  157. Graham O'Gara

    We’ll only get another striker if Bent goes.

    Holtby I don’t think would be a bad buy. Can play through the middle or on either side. And twitter feeds suggesting we might be back in for him. £4m. Wages might be an issue…. £50k a week.

    But then if Bent goes is free’s them up.

    QPR are always in the market for over paid players? If we call him Darren “Triffic” Bent surely he’d buy him?

  158. The Droyd

    QPR would be a likely destination for Bent. The only doubt I’d have about that is the falling out he had with Redknapp after ‘arry publicly slated him for a glaring miss.

    Troy Deeney sounds like a decent shout Mark based on his goalscoring record as well as his strength and pace. I must admit I haven’t seen much of him though. It’s bad enough watching most Premiership fixtures in terms of the appalling standard, let alone the division below.

  159. Paul Pears

    Morning lifers

    Pretty well agree with what you have said Droyd, and feel that Sendeross, may be the better bet to start with, over Okore, until he has had more time with the squad.

    Sounds like Lerner has decided to have another go at being involved with Villa this season, and therefore may give more to invest in the team.

  161. Frem

    King Carlos was not a 7 million pound defender though

    Deeney would be a good buy to replace Bent and Gabby. Those two have limited ability, one is a poacher and nothing else, the other is quick and god awful at everything else. Deeney has a bit of everything. Height, power, pace and ability. Still though a DM and winger are vital. No point in Benteke bent And Kosak if they don’t get service and at the moment, we have near to know one to to that

  163. Mark King

    GOG

    surely the fact he’s Bent will be attractive enough for ‘arry Triffic.
    frem/paul
    personally I think Vlaars presence has to make either dross or okore better players, okore is far more athletic for me and the way we commit fullbacks can cause problems. okore has been paired with baker and herd I’d shit myself in those circumstances.

  164. The Droyd

    I think we have too many defenders now. Bennett, Baker, Lowton, Bacuna, Herd and Clark look like just pure back up now.

    Whilst we need some back up and they are all relatively young and on low wages, I would expect a couple of these to go before the end of the window.

    Baker would be first out the door if it was my decision.

  166. Graham O'Gara

    Guillermo Arango ‏@guilloarango 41s
    Desde España informan que Carlos Sánchez está muy cerca del Aston Villa @AVFCOfficial que pagaría unos 3.500.000£ (4.400.000 €) al Elche.

    Guillermo Arangoguilloarango 41s
    From Spain Carlos Sánchez report that is very close to Aston VillaAVFCOfficial would pay about £ 3.5 million (€ 4.4 million) to Elche.

  168. Frem

    Droyd-we have an over loaded squad now. Baker. herd, Bennett kea gabby we should be looking to move on

    Sounds good on Sanchez

    Redmond would be nice

  174. Frem

    He’s already at Chelsea ain’t he ?

    Where your read that Graham ? I’ve read his name in hope but no info

    He would be great though

  180. rogermuffin

    gog – i never been on twitter and don’t plan to.

    but i hope its less than 90% reconstituted bovine waste!

    sanchez looks good – the dm we need – i hope!.

    gabby needs to b suppersub from now on – never scored enough except b4 he cam in the 1st team, although was quite good with big ol john carew.

    hutton will be soild enough –

    Overall the side seems to be solid than in a while – just need to add thouse missing goals

  184. rogermuffin

    Mark,

    my head was ok the next day.

    Stella and small amounts of vodka,in small amounts gets you to bed just fine.

    and then i stayed there most of sunday, watching films and not much else.

    i don’t know why but i am quietly confident we won’t get thrashed….. more than twice this season.

  186. rogermuffin

    if vlaar signs then, woo hoo!

    although it may just be to make sure if someone comes in the will have to pay a good whack for him, this summer of next .

    No harm in covering those bases though.

    If we can get though to xmas with 25-30 points , and then do the same in the second half of the season , we could get a nose bleed from the height we have reached in the table.

  190. Graham O'Gara

    Cen Def
    Vlaar Sendross Okore Baker Clark

    Full Back
    Lowton Hutton Bacuna?
    Bennett Cissoko Richardson?

    Midfield
    Delph, Sanchez, Westwood, Gardner, Bacuna, Richarson, KEA

    Attacking/Wide
    Gabby Grealish Cole N’Zogbia Weimann

    Striker
    Benteke Bent Kovak

    We at least have options… One more half decent play for the attacking wide roles and we’ll be looking ok.

    If only we had Hoddle as manager

  193. Frem

    Still need a quality wide man in and a few out to make room. We don’t have an out and out wide man. Richardson and Bacuna have played there but done nothing useful there

  195. runtings

    looking much better – this is the kind of buying that should have been done from day one——– seems by the activiaty that we are not even close to being sold ,hence long contracts and a little spending

    agree frem we need a good few more players out to allow for some quality in

    if only lambert was more like hoddle and insisted on playing good football he could do so much better at this huge club
    dispite the well mentioned restraints he has spent around 70mil – lets start getting our monies worth

    Jen have a great holiday – sounds like a good destination and don’t go splashing out too much on my prezzie 🙂

  196. runtings

    in regards to Jack Grealish

    He has to play as much as is physically possible for him
    imo he is the most exciting british player in many years

    if the keeps his feet on the ground we will be dealing with bids from the worlds most elite clubs for him

  199. @RonnieBiggs

    Great stuff on here today lads! Tinting I sure hope ur right mate about Grealish. Wouldn’t say no to Holtby. Personally I’d play okore as sendeross looks a Vlaar knockoff and backup to me. As much as I love bacuna he’s a worry at fullback positionally and agree with mark that cisokho was a strange buy under the circumstances and could be a hit or a miss and it’s far from certain he will solve the leftback situation. Would rather see Hutton and Lowton at times and I NEVER thought I’d welcome Hutton back to villa. Super summary from the Droyd. If we can get 3 more good players in I’ll be well pleased. Is Keane perhaps influencing some of these signings or has lambert actually learned something from his time in charge. UTV

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