Well, it’s been a record-breaking week for Aston Villa: first away win in 437 days, first back-to-back wins in 17 months. Astonishing. I think I’ve got a nosebleed.

However it’s happened, Steve Bruce has guided the side to 7 points out of 9, and Villa have started to put a little distance between themselves and the relegation zone. Indeed, on 17 points at 16th, Villa sit virtually halfway between the playoff spots and the bottom three.

So with 32 games left, Villa have it all to play for.

Since the game wasn’t televised, I had to make do with the radio coverage while taking the dog to the vet. Sounded like a largely frustrating afternoon, with Fulham playing the part of the negative side this time, and Villa having trouble finding a way through. However, it also sounded like the Cottagers were flirting with disaster playing in their own half, and the pressure they put themselves under by being so devoid of ambition is what ultimately undid them. The downside of negativity, shall we say.

Villa seemed quite willing once again to cede meaningless possession, but tallied 16 shots, seven on target. And down the stretch, Villa once again found another gear and could’ve had more than the one goal. Regardless, thanks to another disciplined performance—and just 10 minutes of having to stop Fulham actually trying to get something more than a bore draw—one goal was all that was needed.

Bruce had Tshibola and McCormack on the bench again along with Westwood. Gardner kept his place, along with Bacuna and Jedinak. I’m guessing it was a 4-3-3, with Gestede flanked by Kodjia and Ayew. Poor service meant Gestede wasn’t much of a factor, and was withdrawn for Adomah on 55 minutes, with Kodjia slotting into the middle.

And it was Kodjia with a fantastic finish on 80 minutes that gave Villa the victory—assisted by Adomah. Credit to Bruce for the substitution.

For me, Kodjia’s played his way into being the first name on the team sheet and is justifying his price tag. Whereas the question a week ago might have been how does Bruce set the team up around McCormack, it’s becoming hard to make a case for doing anything but setting up around Kodjia. McCormack did come on in the 73rd minute, signaling Bruce’s intention to find a winner, but so far, it seems to me that Bruce clearly thinks Kodjia is where the emphasis needs to lie. It would be hard to argue with him.

Moreover, with Gardner and Bacuna once again preferred in midfield, Bruce is trying to address the team’s greatest weakness. And so far, it’s working better than the two-man set-up with Westwood and Jedinak. Westwood did make an appearance as—for once—a tactically appropriate substitute immediately following Kodjia’s strike. Penalty-prone Cissokho rightly made way for Jordan Amavi. Also of interest is that with Elphick out, Baker again seemed to acquit himself well. Will Elphick automatically return to the side if Baker keeps playing well? I’m thinking he probably will, but will also be on notice. Baker will have gotten some valuable time in, and given his injury record and Elphick’s shaky run, we may well need them both in the position. Of course, Baker has also been playing behind a three-man midfield, which should help Elphick, as well.

It will also be more than interesting to see what Bruce does when Grealish is available again. We’ve done alright without him and I hope he’s paying attention. Bruce knows the kid’s got talent. The question remains as to whether he’ll always be a luxury or can make himself indispensable. Likewise, can Bruce turn Tshibola into the finished article? The kid’s got talent. With a bit more discipline and focus he could be a very valuable player.

All of this points to the fact that when a manager comes in and isn’t linked to any of the purchases he has a freedom to make choices that he might be reluctant to if they were all his signings. He can simply select from the menu options and build the sandwich he wants. If it works, it’s all good. If it doesn’t…well, same as with any manager. But a man in Bruce’s situation doesn’t have to justify purchases by persisting with them. He can make hard choices like sitting McCormack instead of trying to find a way to get all the attackers on at once.

Of course I’d like to see more goals. Looking at the table, this is the obvious difference between Newcastle and Villa. We’ve been no worse defensively in terms of goals allowed, but have scored only half as many. As we lamented every time, none of those late goals would’ve mattered if we’d taken our chances earlier. And if we’d been set up better in midfield, perhaps we would’ve been able to hold on to some of those leads. Kodjia’s doing his part. Now, either Ayew or McCormack have to step up to make us truly formidable. And we have to find a way to get Gestede into games. We’re going to need what he brings. There will be plenty of 1-0s in this league as the results yesterday bore out. But if Villa can take two or three chances more regularly, there’ll be far fewer nervy moments and much more swagger.

Regardless, no one can complain about vital wins and a set-up that’s making Villa harder to break down. They’ve now seen out two matches, scoring late in both. Beyond the simple fact that winning is the best medicine, the players should be starting to believe that they can go get a goal at any point. The work-rate, discipline, and application all seem improved, which are signs the players are onside. One hopes the winning feeling will also free up the players to take more of their chances.

So…I’m hoping that the pressure has eased, and confidence is growing. I’m going to remain grounded and not get too excited. Perhaps Villa were due a couple wins no matter what. It seems to me, though, that Bruce has changed enough around to be in line for some credit. Naturally each succeeding match informs the overall picture, but perhaps we might actually have an adult in charge who does know something about getting results. We’ll see.

But right now, it’s time for Bruce and the boys to give the supporters a massive lift with a win against the Blues and get on a real run.

Comments 169

  1. Thanks for the write up John.
    Possibly if the Doc had waited a bit longer we could have got Mourinho.
    At least the team is balanced, under RdM it never happened once.
    Could be an interesting January, Spud loves spending.

  2. John,

    An excellent write-up.

    Just two observations…

    * That with 16 attempts on goal and 7 on target Villa seem clearly able to get through despite the “difficulty” which you state. It’s Ayew’s profligacy which continues to concern me – he had a marvellous chance towards the end which Codger would (I’m sure) have put away – or any other striker who’s worth his salt. The B’ham Mail talks of his selfish tendency, and therefore nothing’s changed in his play since the start of the season. I’d say McCormack to start instead of him from what I saw on the TV highlights.

    * But though more goals are desired, winning is the first and foremost requirement for me just now.

    Oh – by the way – my 8th grandchild was born just before the Villa match yesterday, and the first of my line to carry on the Lerwill name. It’s taken a long time to get there! And just in time to make it a double-celebratory day!

  3. JL-

    Ayew does concern me as well. If nothing else, he may be trying too hard to make an impression, worried about getting overshadowed. Either that, or is he just truly selfish…which I’d be more okay with if he’d just produce regularly.

    Actually going to watch the highlights now (cart, horse, etc.).

  4. great write up JC thanks, pretty much agree with all of it. At the moment Gestede is getting a run but no service from the flanks as we played 2 forwards in that position, I wonder what Bruce will do come jan when two wingers may be rquired as the African cup rears its head and Kodjia, Ayew and Adomah potentially head out fro an eye watering 5 weeks. Green is on the bench and he may be needed along with a switch in play and dare I say it a fit Gabby may rear his head.

    its obvious to me that the “fitness” issue was just what Jen has written about, a confidence issue and all it brings coupled with a player or 2 short in midfield. Bruce has since backtracked on that very issue after saying it was part of he problem. Suddenly GG can run for fun and has been involved in every goal, attack, and pretty much anything we have done. Elphick coming back in I don’t think will be a problem his last game being the disorganised wolves game. With less to do he can get back to his best, thats not to say Baker should be ignored, clearly he has done well, we may well see Chester at RB instead as Hutton remains a weak point for me.

    Overall SB has impressed me so far.

  5. congrats JL a lovely gift for you 🙂

    I think Ayew has single handedly both got us and lost us points all season, been involved in important goals and prevented many more being scored by us IMO, he’s very talented but I wish he would put his laces through the ball instead of these curled efforts he keeps trying, so much potential so bloody frustrating.

  6. 1. Congratulations, John! And may he be a thoroughly Claret and Blue baby!

    2. Steamer: you wrote, “Possibly if the Doc had waited a bit longer we could have got Mourinho.” Hahaha! Brilliant! The Special One certainly isn’t looking very special right now, it’s he?

    3. If it wasn’t for Cissokho’s two dumb penalties, we’d have three clean sheets in a row … almost 300 straight minutes without conceding a goal from run of play!

    4. The Championship is Hutton’s ideal league level. He’s proving that though he’s not stellar or superlative, he’s reliably adequate at this level. Though we might splash the cash come January for a new RB, I think that between Hutton and Richards we’ll be okay till De Laet returns.

    5. It’s indeed early days, but Bacuna and GG seem to be linking well together our newly constructed midfield.

  7. Mark, Texas-

    It’s good to see Gardner playing well. Was hard to understand the positive reviews he’d been getting while out on loan. But he is finding his feet.

    And I’ve always thought Bacuna had something to offer. He’s athletic, strong, quick. Was never a right back, but often gave it a good shot. But the other qualities seem to be coming to the fore in his preferred position.

  8. Texas I just saw the highlights ( getting shorter by the match ) Hutton still can’t defend or stop a cross if he’s adequate for any league I’d be surprised 😉

  9. Yes JC Bacuna said on arriving he was a CM that had been played out of position because he coped, its good to see both him and GG getting a run, surprised Westwood gets on before Tishbola though

  10. Mark, though I usually concur with just about everything you write, I have to disagree about Hutton. Since Brucey turned to him to fill the RB role, we haven’t surrendered a goal from active play — and he’s played his role in that feat. I agree he’s not fantastic, I agree he’s not a superstar, but he does put in a thoroughly workmanlike shift, he does get stuck in, and he will block shots; he has, in my view, been reliably adequate. The sites that I read that do player ratings have given him consistently a 6 or a 6.5 or a 7 — which is exactly how I would rate him. Also keep in mind that however much stick that he gets from some Villa fans, Scotland certainly seems to keep calling on him for international duty!

  11. From th B’ham Mail player ratings article concerning yesterday’s match:

    “HUTTON 7

    Another solid performance from the right-back who is enjoying his football. Tough and determined as ever.”

  12. Texas- Scotland? don’t think he plays much these days, sorry he just does not fill me with joy defending or attacking. The only plus point is neither Preston or Fulham had a real go at his position. I agree he give his all but that ain’t much imo

  13. John Lerwill: concerning the “Villa Talk” player ratings which gave Hutton a 5 for yesterday — you failed to mention that the author also concluded that Hutton, “Did a decent enough job.” … which is what I’ve been saying all along.

  14. Great video on the bech when the goal went in. Literally seconds after. The goal went in and initial celebrations going on both bruce and his assistant ran to dug out pointing to westy to get warmed up and on. Halleulugha a manager with basic common sense! It been so long at vp we have had a capabale manager bruce seems like fecking pep to me.

    Surprised worried westy came on over tisch.

    Glad westy axed in main.

    Glad amavi now over cissokho.

    Kodga needs to play centre every game. Gestede is just a sub player.

    Worried losing ayew kodgia adomah in jan our bloody attack force!!

  15. B2B wins, players chasing down a ball on the 80th minute to get a goal. pleased with the result and the effort from the players.

    Spot on assessment from JC, must get very good commentary on the radio. I was left as usual with extremely sparse highlights on EFL goals.

    Sets us up nicely going into the next game against the shadows, game can’t come quick enough.

    UTV

  16. Back on line at last…!!!!

    Great article from a radio commentary, and congratulations to JL on a new Lerwill!!!

    Had a great day on Saturday, starting with some great beer in the new Tavern, on my first visit, since its re-opening. Got everyone in the right mood for the game.
    The gamde was a really good solid performance from a team with confidence and a new found freedom to play the game, no longer restricted by over coached tactics.,

    Hutton gave a very soid display, and for everyone in our gang Baker was the man of the match, winning every single header, and giving an extremely polished performance. Gardner and Bacuna were also outstanding in midfield, with Jedinak having more involvement in this game, than the rest of his previous games put to gether. Rudi struggled up front with no real support, but did what he could. Ayew had his moments, and is beginning to play more with the guys around him, while Kodjha and Adonah are going to become a great attacking force if they stay injury free.

    The day was completed by returning to the Tavern after the game and savouring the moment with so many happy Villa fans singing their heads off and getting warmed up for the ckean up in the Sty next week…!!!

    I shall definitely be drinking in the Tavern in future…!!! UTV….VTID..!!!!

    What a wonderful weekend….and finished the upgrading and new roof on my bungalow…so all is good with the world today…..Thank you Dr. Tony…Steve Bruce….The Villa team and all my mates that made it so special……..including of course…..the Chelsea hammering of the Scummers United…!!!! What a weekend….almost forgot the pleasure of Friday night and Nigel and the boys starting it off with the defeat of Small Heath….!!!!!

  17. think steamer mentioned a well done to bacuna. second that, I have gone from hating the guy to thinking he can do a good job for us in mid. He is taller than you think, quick and athletic. and tbf his main position is mid which we have never really played him there before.

    Shows what common sense management brings, all of a sudden we have 3 in mid and making sensible subsitutions. None of it is rocket, what the hell were rdm and Clarke doing.

  18. Many thanks to all on helping to welcome “the new Lerwill” into the world!”

    In fact, the photo shows him with his eyes open and a smile on his face, so he knows what’s up at VP! 🙂

  19. Congrats John L.

    Well SB is starting to get the job done exactly what we expected he will fire fight until January then hopefully strengthen to mount a proper challenge, Bruce and Warnock have been doing this type of job for the last few years, don”t expect champagne football but get results that’s all that matters.

    I think we can properly formulate a plan now and I think Tony and Round will keep SB on until he achieves promotion, I would then expect them to pay him off and get a manager in who can build a solid premier outfit, it is a nice feeling to win games and to see the likes of Kodija justifying his price tag, sunday is going to be a belter with both managers knowing what is at stake.

    SWV

  20. Jenny-

    Gollini saying that confidence may have been an issue…and I see that a team psychologist was brought in in the last month.

    Wyness talking about all the changes, saying Round will be key to club appointments for most backroom staff in order to create stability.

  21. John

    Just read that.

    Interesting the gk and fitness coach will be clubs (rounds decision). wants stabilitity if bruce goes. New head of recruitment coming in as well.

    Did not know about the phsycologist coming in…about time!

  22. so bruce will only pick clement the current first team coach and his assistant manager.

    Round also getting more scouts in.

    Did anyone see that sat was the 22nd October…and on the same date in something like 1988 tony daley scored pretty much an identical goal as kodgers from a chris price cross! spooky!

  23. I think SWV that villa will give Bruce at least 1 season in the prem as the first target is mid table safety. then they will hook him (if we ever get back)!

    Totally the man for the job in the championship.

    Looking at the prem I don’t fear it at all. The top 7 or 8 will take some catching but a lot of crepe in there.

  24. so the structure of villa to give us stability and people who witll stay regardless of manager

    The dr
    Keith – director
    little – advisor
    round – technical director
    ian atkins – chief scout
    new chap – head of recruitment
    the new psychologist
    new gk coach
    new fitness coach.

    If bruce went only himself, clement and whoever his new assistant manager is will leave.

    I like it
    new

  25. Employing the same staff must save a fortune in wages what with all the managers, physio’s, scouts and coaches being booted over the last 8 years or so.

  26. good point steamer. Makes so much sense to keep as much continuity as poss, football wise and financially.

    Think the piece said we have had a turnover of 20 odd coaches in last 12 months! that’s bloody mental.

    hmmmm not heard from jenny for a while…..

  27. Andrew
    lambert was sacked jan 2015
    Sherwood sacked oct 2015
    garde sacked march 2016
    rdm sacked oct 2016
    plus
    black appointed help
    kmac left as well
    Faulkner fox riley and german from arsenal
    lerner
    plus
    mervyn king wasn t someone else along with king from lerner last effort to sell
    frightening turnover of staff as well as players

  28. James

    Its crazy. Plus all he coaches that come and go with the manager.

    Mark. Exactly the balance in midfield helps massively. Not good enough to play 2 in mid ala spurs or arsenal.

    I do like the 343 chelea play

  29. First of all delighted for you John L : how wonderful

    John C – that’s interesting on the sports psychologist . Where did you read this as ppl on twitter talking about it but don’t know the source. Was it in Bham Mail?

    What Steve Bruce has said is very different to what the Dr Tony twitter account was saying Ie “the players don’t have mental pribkems”

    Steve Bruce said specifically that confidence was the first thing he had to address and pointed out that there was a problem with the mentality when he arrived .

    Dr Xia’s reaction was I think a knee jerk response to the headline – which was the Bham Mail’s not mine and pure click bait as it didn’t represent the content of the article . There’s a huge difference between having “mental problems” and having a “losing mentality” . It seems Dr Tony got confused : if he even got further than the headline which I doubt as the article was positive and ironically offered hope .

    Steamer – I’m still here – not at BMH yet : Guardian contacted me after the Bham Mail article about possibly doing a sports psychology in football video but it’s v much in the research stages . I will keep you posted : my girls reaction “omg how embarrassing ; are you going to be filmed ”

    Wasn’t Kodjias goal fabulous .

    7 from 9 points is amazing – it will be a different mindset going into the derby and thank goodness as without these wins I could see nothing other than a blues win. The pressure would have been too heavy on the AV shoulders so its with a huge relief that AV are going into battle with back to back wins and Gary Rowett lads with a miserable defeat . We have a better chance now but don’t underestimate Bham City : they have the confidence that comes with ‘punching above their weight’. On paper they shouldn’t be 7th but for last two seasons they’ve fought and believed .

    Best game I’ve seen all season was the Chelsea Man U game. Terrific football , theatre and drama. Love it .

  30. Jenny: “that’s interesting on the sports psychologist . Where did you read this as ppl on twitter talking about it but don’t know the source. Was it in Bham Mail?”

    I’ve seen it, Jen, but can’t now find it. It was most likely in a Brum Mail article.

    On the new family member – as he came out looking claret and blue and wearing a big smile then I think he’s pretty opti about the future.

    Actually, he was a week late so obviously wanted to see what progress Brucie was making before making an appearance!

  31. Jenny: “On the coaching continuity and overall football philosophy / vision / plan here is an article by Shelley. “

    Yes, it’s very interesting. Thanks for that.

    However, I can’t help feeling that it’s a premature article and not altogether on the ball, as it were.

    For example: “of the clubs Bruce has managed or got promoted to the Premier League, none of them has a secure footing in the Premier League now.”

    Well to that I would say that he’s previously not been in charge of a team at a club where there’s been great vision, and certainly not the potential that remains unlocked at VP. So to put that charge on Brucie is a bit unfair, i.m.o. It may be more that those clubs had got as far as they could go without special vision from the top.

    Let’s give Bruce his chance without qualification now he’s there.

    In short, it’s easy to talk … but I honestly think we should all just sit back and see just how far this new regime takes us. If it starts to come off the rails then of course we should be worried, but until that happens … and until we can see that the club has not developed a quality of football that is acceptable … perhaps we should enjoy the ride.

  32. Jenny, by the way, it’s clear that there *is* a long term plan now in operation at VP based on a structure that will not have to be replaced whenever a new team manager comes in. And you’re right – it’s been missing these last 5 or 6 years. But – again – surely they’ve got to be given chance to get on with it.

  33. Hi John
    The article is interesting IMO as it draws interesting parallels and observations . That said , I think the timing is premature as you say. I didnt read it as being anti Steve Bruce but more of a plea to forward plan as to draw another parallel , Sunderland and WBA have been very low on continuity and vision and won’t make progress until they do – unless they are content up bob along on the bottom of the prem each year .

    So far , Steve Bruce has done everything right IMO . Firstly he has identified the confidence problem immediately and his “keep it simple back to basics ” is exactly what is needed to cement the first bricks in the belief foundations . The defence do look more comfortable and suited to his formations . Unlike RDM where they appeared confused and fragile . Holli I had made some terrific saves and is clearly benefitting from having a more secure bank in front of him.

    In SB, the players see an experienced mgr who has taken teams up four times before . He is the ideal mgr for a team low on belief as AV were. I’d guess they’d stopped believing in RDM so change had to be made .

  34. John , I didn’t post the article because I ageeed with all of it : more as an interesting view point given the continuity comments steamer was making . I think it a great challenge to appoint a mgr to take us up and then improve our premier league style and positioning . The two leagues and objectives are so different IMO

  35. A Claret and Blue good morning to all!

    John: your grandson showed himself very wise in delaying his birth!

    Jenny: congratulations on being “discovered” … looking forward to seeing your wisdom in prominent media outlets –you’re making us all quite proud!

    So I’m nervous about derby day — cautiously optimistic but all we’ve known for so long is disappointment and despair. Can we dare let ourselves believe yet again?

    Though I think Jedi is slowly beginning to make his mark, I keep wondering if the new midfield three might be even stronger if we could infuse it with the energy of Tshibola, while bringing on Jedi to close out the game.

  36. Jenny: “I didn’t post the article because I ageeed with all of it : more as an interesting view point given the continuity comments steamer was making . “

    Oh, yes Jen, thanks for posting the link. It was indeed interesting, but I’m more in the mood just now of wanting to get out of the mire of the last 5 years! 😉

    And I think we’ve heard this week that AV are concerned about the matter of chop and change and seem to be taking steps to get stability at the club.

  37. I see we lost out to Wolve’s on signing a new goalie for the academy, the nine year old grandson of Andy Gray. On the subject of the academy, will they now be known as “Tater Tots” just a thought!!

  38. Jen,
    V/good article by Shelley O, enjoyed it. When i was a nipper the crowd used to burst out with the slow handclap if the game was a dud, can’t remember what effect it had on the players though. I bet not many on here remember it.
    Arch,
    Never rated Moyes or his boring football, shame for Slumberland, great club and great fans.

  39. Steamer,

    I don’t know how you could “enjoy” Sharon’s article, but then, maybe I don’t read the same way as others!! 😉

    I found this statement utterly baffling: “The high turnover of managers at Villa Park has also added to the customer led desire for instant gratification. Fans seem less receptive to a slow build and laying strong foundations and are needier for reassurance and comfort. This is why a ‘name’ like Steve Bruce arrived rather than taking a risk on a younger manager with a long-term philosophy.”

    Though I can follow the trend of this text when talking in general terms, to my mind it doesn’t fit exactly what was happening at VP. In short, we may well have had the wrong manager in RdiM. What was and is needed is to turn the club around from the mediocrity of the last 5 years and RdiM wasn’t showing signs of doing that.

    In a flash, Bruce has changed the atmosphere. I pray he goes on to achieve a lot more and – who knows – he may demonstrate he’s good for the long haul as well.

  40. Thanks Texas / next stop MOTD

    Canadian – Tater tots or little chips

    John – too soon to say on SB but I agree it’s great to see VP and the fans celebrating wins for a change !

    Steamer – I thought you’d like it

    Yes it’s the sack week – Heard the wolves fans on franksie tonight saying they want big Sam . I think he’s waiting for a prem league club : will he go back to Sunderland ?

  41. I agree with the Moms article purely because SB has never left a club in great shape for the future, they are all in the champs again or soon to be. He has ability but rebuilding a clubs identity is not apparently one of them. I agree though with JL that RDM was not the man either, another manager that did well with a balanced squad available to him but no good at putting one together on the scale we needed.

    Wagners rise at Huddersfield after rescuing them last season shows us whats possible, 12 players in to fit his system and many more out and all for £1.5 m net. I also agree with Jen that it will be harder to change our ethos in the Prem and we will be back to swapping managers and styles every few years.

  42. Mark,

    I agree that SB has a lot to prove, but….

    1. This is the first time he’s had a club of the potential of AV, and perhaps he was waiting for a club which he felt would give him enough backing.

    2. He’s addressed the “mentality” issue, despite initial denials and attributing problems to fitness. To be able to get the players to think positively after 5 years of the development of the worst kind of atmosphere at the club is no small achievement. That issue has a lot more to do with “identity” than meets the eye, i.m.o. If he continues in this vein then the identity thing will come. Of course, the key word is “if”.

    Jenny,

    It *is* too soon to say on SB in some ways, but I thought you were impressed with the way he’s already galvanised the team positively! And that, surely, is one big step for mankind … er … Aston Villa. 😉

  43. Thanks for the article, Jenny and the very best of luck for your future endeavours, it will be with some pride that we can say we(I) ‘socially media’ knew you before you became a big time charlie 🙂

    Have to say and this may come as a surprise to many :), that I agree with main points in the MOMS article, the irrelevance of football over being able to push opinion via many social media channels, the faceless nature of what can be personal attacks just because someone disagrees with an opinion has ruined the fan experience for me. But I’m a stuck in the mud of Dublin where you had to lap up every newspaper article about Villa and watch MOTD and the table to get a sense of how we were doing, now I turn on my facebook page and I’ve some kid telling me Jack Grealish went to a Justin Bieber concert.

    I’ve said it on here before RDM and after RDM, there was a chance to rebuild our football club, there are elements of it in the board room but at a football level, we’ve gone with ‘there ain’t no party like a premier league party’ so we have to get back at all costs. I don’t want to lose, I don’t want us to be relegated but I’d much prefer good football getting bums on seats, building a playing style at all age levels and making that a long term success rather than possibly becoming a yo-yo club or Dr.T buying his way to success (i.e. buying players to either appease fans or avoid relegation).

    I do agree with JL re Steve Bruce, the article was fine in its assessment of modern football and Villa without the need to mention him, he’s only in a wet day so deserves every chance to succeed even if my own preference was different but it’s not me stumping up the cash.

    I also believe she gives our away support a disservice in that it appears begrudgingly something to celebrate. Our AVFC media team if they exist should be selling this fact at every opportunity. The focus should have been our inability to sell out at home, at the point when the club needs fans most and with a decision to close part of the Trinity recognising that we wouldn’t sell out, this is more worrying to my eyes but with a complete understanding that many long standing fans have been put off by either the lack of good football or previous regimes. (I’d love to be an ST holder) maybe when I’m retired and my kids are grown up.

    I believe that Bruce has the ability to get us promoted this year, there’s something within the three games that shows me, there is a determination amongst the players and given their quality at this level should see us thru to at least the play-offs because one spot is taken already by the Geordies.

    Time to move forward, I’m on this Villa train as I am every year without any ability to influence it, so I’ll go with the flow.

  44. Morning all

    Thanks Darren : I won’t be joining the big time Charlie’s too soon though !

    I posted Shelley’s article because I knew it wd be debated sensibly on here . It upset me that she had to have a break from Twitter because ppl were calling her a c#{t and worse for daring to have a different opinion to theirs . The vitriol directed against her from Villa fans was shocking . Shelley has written some excellent articles in the past and is very intelligent , entertaining and has a vast football knowledge .

  45. Jenny, you should get Shelley to move over here, at least she’ll be accepted and challenged in a good natured way, we could do with more opinion and differing views on here.

  46. Jen,
    A good proportion of footy fans haven’t a clue, iv’e picked up on folk slagging of Guardiola’s record, one article finished with “he’s not managing in La Liga now” inferring that the EPL was not only a decent league but that it was stronger than the Spanish League, ridiculous. Another genius pointed out that Pep took Bayern backwards, he won the league every season including two doubles and has won six championships, Two Champions Lge, a UEFA CUP, four national cups, three World Club Championships, three UEFA Super Cups, three national super cups in EIGHT years.
    This is a generation who grew up learning about footy from Alan Hansen ffs. I suppose some of the idiots would prefer Spudhead to Guardiola if it came to a choice.

  47. noticed on twitter the stick shelly gets….pretty bad.

    Haha imagine questioning pep!

    its the same reason I wont question brucey in the championship. His record speaks for himself. long term in the prem fair enough but the man knows the champ.

  48. Just caught up again, and want to say thank you to Jenny. I think Shelley;s article is spot on, and she has it in a nutshell. I do not ythink that she was dishing our away fans at all, but pointing out that they are such an amazing bunch, that they had become more important than the team.

    It is true that the comaradrie amongst the fans had become more important than actually watching the game itself. It was so nice, as I said in an earlier comment to join in with everyone and celebrate what for us was a great win, in the Aston Tavern on Saturday, bringing back so many happy memories of years gone by, when we got and expected a Villa home win.

    Jenny, please tell Shelley for all the ones who have attacked her, there are many more to support her!

  49. JL- I have no problem with SB being the best manager we have ever had and winning multiple titles cups etc I just don’t think he has it at the top level. He says he’s never had the money but spent a fair amount at Sunderland including club record fee’s after 2 and a bit season he was sacked in nov after a poor run so team building? mmm I’m not sure. I’d prefer us to go the Southampton style route as a club until we are so rich its obscene 😉

  50. Sorry John,
    Sometimes i read upwards.

    Any Villans going for a gargle before the game, advice, don’t, all the pubs are like the ground and district, shitholes, a few years ago i nipped into one of their dives for a quick ‘un and there was a pig on the bar, i said to the gaffer “hey gaff, there’s a pig on yer bar” he replied “its ok he’s the air freshener.”

    The so called ‘big club’ can’t sell their tickets so why not save them the trouble and play both games at VP.
    See Rowett has denied being a Villan, i’ve read comments of his over the last 12 years and he categorically states without doubt that he’s a Villan, NO DOUBT.

  51. Mark,
    Agree, he’s spent (wasted) a good few bob in his time., he can’t build either a team or a club, if we don’t get promotion this year i’d sack him, in fact i’d sack him anyway, possibly Sunday night.

  52. Mark: “I just don’t think he has it at the top level.”

    I share your reservations, but all I’m saying is that maybe at Villa he might feel the club matches his ambitions.

    We’ll know this time next year a lot more about him, won’t we? Assuming he’s still there!

  53. So Rowett reckons the vermin should have won at VP last year, blokes deluded.
    Right Spudhead,no messing, our team is full of Johnny foreigners who have no concept of a Brummie derby so show them a few vids and instill some hate into their feeble heads, the blue trash will be up for it, they’ll kick us all over the shop if we let them, get yer retaliation in first or we’re finished. You can’t allow thugs to bully you, so slacken a few ribs early doors and then finish them off. No excuses, get the team up for this one.

  54. Steamer,

    Absolutely agree hit them hard first ten minutes definitely a game for Mutton to show his tackling skills, this game was ideal for Jack because they would have tried to kick him off the park, watched Baker play for Bristol against this scum last year and he put in one of the worst but in my mind greatest tackles on a nose I have seen for years he went clean through him from behind and only got a yellow although it was worth two reds.

    Lets see if they try to bully us off the pitch as well hopefully our lads will put their coach windows through.

    Them cockernees have got some money throwing two pound coins at each other.

    SWV

  55. SWV,
    That tackle was an obvious dive by the nose, he should have been sent off.
    Mutton against Robinson, two of the crudest pro footballers ever, i smell blood.

  56. Yes let the battle commence Bruce knows what is required in these games you need warriors on the pitch and no shirkers, this will not be a game for pretty football if you are not willing to put your foot in then sit on the bench, we have to be strong and physical no tippy tappy football this is the Derby game no room for cowards.

    We use to look forward to this fixture for months and we planned our visits to the Sty with military accuracy the result off the pitch was as important as on it, without rivalry the game is dead.

    SWV

  57. I think id play gestede, get the ball up to him quickly. Just has to hold the bloody thing.

    jedi and gg will be up for it for sure.

    Worried about ayew…he has a bit of darkness in his locker. could get red for summin stupid

  58. Yes mate, cards are a worry, the atmosphere will be electric, credit to Spudhead if he gets a result but who knows who the ace in the pack will be, or maybe the joker.
    I’d play Gestede too, Morrison is out and if he’s the first choice then the reserve must be a shambles.

  59. Bruce on the wage thief –
    “He’s only 30 and he’s played his whole life in the big league, so I’m not just going to discard him over what’s happened in the past.”
    Bruce has no standards or integrity as shown in several incidents throughout his career. The idiots were chirping about Flabby’s pace yesterday, its gone, kaput,and you don’t get pace back once its gone, that coupled with a complete lack of ability and the way he’s trodden the shirt in the mud makes it clear cut that he should be booted, but no, Spudhead recognises a kindred spirit, a clueless parasite, hope they’re both booted as soon as possible.

  60. Steamer- he’s defo got one eye on the africas cup if he’s thinking of playing nobby, He played for the U 23’s and when I read the write up he wasn’t even mentioned once, Murphy replaced him on 60 and tore the game up.

  61. People who have never been to these type of games cannot understand the ferocity of the match, the toxic atmosphere back in 2002 when Pete Enckelman decided to give them a goal, this will be a hard lesson for some of our players as they will never have played in scum/Villa derby, I mention the keeper and Gollini will need to stay cool under pressure, we all know what happened to Dublin when that scab Savage goaded him this is what happens in the heat of the battle.
    Roll on sunday.

    SWV

  62. Never a goal,the lino gave a corner, the ref, David Elleray overruled him and gave the goal from halfway down Digbeth High Street, Elleray was crepe even by todays p-poor standards.

  63. Glad you are getting everyone fired up for the Derby Steamer….Let’s hope the game now lives up to it.

    My finest memory of Villa /Blues was when Villa beat them at VP and the Expressway was still being built and it was a running battle after the game , along the expressway, bricks, etc in use, police on motorbikes, horseback , etc back to Lewis’s in the city centre, and not one bit ever reported in the press!!!

    Another good one was winning at the Sty and pulling apart a shack in the Villa crowd, using the bricks to through across at the Noses.

  64. Glad you are getting everyone fired up for the Derby Steamer….Let’s hope the game now lives up to it.

    My finest memory of Villa /Blues was when Villa beat them at VP and the Expressway was still being built and it was a running battle after the game , along the expressway, bricks, etc in use, police on motorbikes, horseback , etc back to Lewis’s in the city centre, and not one bit ever reported in the press!!!

    Unfortunately, will only be able to watch on tv this year.

    Another good one was winning at the Sty and pulling apart a shack in the Villa crowd, using the bricks to through across at the Noses.

  65. Never knew the full lyrics before someone put them on TVB –

    ♫♫ Wipe that snot off the end of your nose wipe that snot off the end,
    yes it’s long and green and it looks obscene…. wipe that snot off the end!
    Your off to Pakistan la la la in a caravan la la la
    wipe that snot off the end of your nose wipe that snot off the end.
    Though your blue and white you’re a load of sh1te, wipe that snot off the end…♫♫
    Not certain whether Harry Lauder wrote this version
    Is the Mail an employment agency for Lambert now ? He wants the Wolves job “if they ask me” Why exactly would they ask him ? total crepe, i see Karsa and Culverarse are turning jobs down left right and centre too, apart from being rubbish at their job i’d like to know why they were booted.

  66. “In three months it is not so easy to change the most difficult thing which are personalities. The style of play, even with mistakes, you can change here and there but at the psychological level it takes more time especially if you go against the nature of some of the personalities.

    “When you don’t have a very experienced squad where everybody knows how to win, what is needed to win, that consistency level you must have to cope with the routine of victories, because that is difficult to cope with although it is easier than the routine of defeat, that’s the most difficult time of the process.

    Steve Bruce? No the Special One himself!

    UTV

  67. Basically one team is assembled from lower division clubs cast offs and Mickey Mouse reserve teams reserves and the other is fairly average with a few talented individuals, there should only be one winner, AVFC.
    If by any chance we lose today i would expect Spudhead to get tf out of VP, don’t rate him never will, no integrity and a complete gobshite, certain players mention how good he is but all they talk about is him being “a good bloke” i don’t give a ff if beelzebub is our manager as long as he can do more than be “a good bloke.”
    Talk of the lowlife being sub and coming on to destroy the vermin, ‘effing grow up, FINISHED and if Spudhead selects him he should be booted before the teamsheet is handed in and replaced by someone who shows some pride.

  68. spudhead you need a result with your teamsheet
    wastewood starting
    fat fraud gabby on the bench
    clock is ticking bruce gabby past record does not warrant a place on bench ahead of anyone else at club

  69. all birmingham have to is lob ball down their left hutton useless plenty space
    then bruce your bench flabby takes up a space our winger gets hurt [no place for green murphy] we put on rcm a slow version

  70. Its another nail in the coffin of our academy, Bruce NEVER gives opportunities to younng players, all he does is waste millions on crepe with no sell-on value. Whats the point when a tw@ like Aghbonlahore keeps a talent like Russian off the bench, never mind the derby cliche, how old do you have to be to play in one 45 ?.

  71. Well Spud, there is a reason why you’ve never managed a top club, no top club would ever employ someone who plays a half fit slacker over a 5m striker and a talentless out of form MF over another 5m signing. SPUDHEAD OUT.

  72. Well I did I’d be happy with a draw from this game and I guess I can just about stick with that.
    Hope Adomah’s injury isn’t serious as he’s starting to show signs of being a good player for us.
    So chuffed for ‘the good’ Gardner scoring a really well taken goal.
    The criticism of Westwood continues to be way over the top. Hes no world beater but he works hard at closing down options for the opposition and creating space for Villa players in midfield. . . . boring stuff, but someone needs to do it.
    Whatever you think of Gabby (and I do get the view that he shouldn’t be given another chance), the vast majority of Villa fans will still have been hoping for him to score the winner.
    Unbeaten in four games, 8 points and up to 15th. . . . like it is not, it’s better than we’d have had under Rdm.
    At least there’s some hope now.

  73. Glad its done. Away to blues at 12 on a sunday was alays gong to be shite.

    Classic bruce set up. Get the point get out.

    8 points from 4 games, 4 tough games is decent.

    All about our rec at vp. Got to win he home games.

    What the hell has tisch done wrong.

  74. R0bb0 – totally agree with your comments re: Westy & Gabby.

    Marvellous play from the Jedi today.

    And was Blews first half “goal” a goal? I actually though it just went over the line before coming out.

    We had a bit of luck today and since Bruce arrived I’ve felt that luck has been more on our side.

  75. John replays seemed to show pretty clearly that ‘all the ball’ was not over ‘all of the line’. Not a goal.
    Agree about Jedi. He put in a really combative performance.
    Can’t help loving Baker’s commitment. He puts his head where others fear to put their boots.

  76. “What he’s done in the past, he’s paid a high price for it,” said Bruce. “He’s probably been in a dark place, a horrible place. But let’s not forget he’s scored goals in the big league all his life and I would be foolish to discard him. “If we can get the best out of him, he can be as good as any striker in this division.”

    HAS ANYONE EVER SPEWED SUCH ABSOLUTE SHITE FROM HIS MOUTH BEFORE. TOTAL BOLLOX AND ANOTHER PATHETIC EXCUSE FOR A LOWLIFE FROM ANOTHER LOWLIFE. HE’S PAID A HIGH PRICE HAS HE ? 60,000 A WEEK FOR DOING SOD ALL IS PAYING A HIGH PRICE IS IT ? HAD ENOUGH OF LOW INTELLECT GOBSHITES AT THIS CLUB.

  77. Steamer,

    C’mon mate … I know what you’re saying, but we’re all imperfect.

    To my mind he came on and looked to be wanting to play for the cause today. I think he always has but footballers on big money sometimes get a bit soft in the head.

  78. john l
    do not like arguing with my elders but how could anyone defend wastewood after todays non performance absolute garbage,excuse of midfielder just watch clip of ball cleared of line he wastewood looking at blues man standing not marked heading towards goal , then a fairly easy strike on goals totally balls it up,next rmc simple pass to left tries his normal holywood style that never come off, as for the fat fraud i thought the doc said he was done must be another record for villa a player coming on getting boos from both sets of fans unreal

  79. James, were you watching the same game? Westwood had a stormer and gave absolutely everything for the cause. He may not set the world alight but the ground he covered, passes he made to keep us in possession, tackles and blocks he made ………….. and even supporting the forwards when no-one else was.
    Hutton too was commited to the casue today even though he was given a suicide pass which almost led to them scoring ……. but he recovered and made two blocks……………..
    It’s quite depressing reading some of the comments on here these days – I can see both the good and bad stuff but I can also see – I think – that progress is being made. 2 draws and 2 wins in 4 games – is that progress, yes or no?
    oldvilla

  80. r0bb0: “replays seemed to show pretty clearly that ‘all the ball’ was not over ‘all of the line’.”

    Well, if you mean the tiny, tiny segment on the left of the ball didn’t cross the line then I suppose the decision was a right one, but for me that was as close to a goal as you can get.

    Aside from which I’m not sure the replay was from the ideal angle.

  81. oldvilla
    watched match wastewood was garbage as usual,its like playing with 10 men we won last 2 matches in which he was dropped yes he tries but he is useless

  82. Evening
    If it really was a goal John, doesn’t that just make it better that they didn’t give it !
    Steamer – good to see the world is still on its axis !
    So strange these days at villa park but we must go again.
    Grant Holt in the window anyone ? I hear he is banging them in up the road !

  83. I’m absolutely chuffed as I can be for Gary, and for it to be his first competitive goal for the Villa, and after all he’s been through! He just about set a new world sprint record as he raced back down the pitch to the away end to celebrate!

  84. Bibulus: “If it really was a goal John, doesn’t that just make it better that they didn’t give it !”

    The context in which I wrote wot I did was to illustrate that our luck appears to have turned (under Bruce). So, from that p.o.v., yes indeed it makes it better.

  85. John:”Well, if you mean the tiny, tiny segment on the left of the ball didn’t cross the line then I suppose the decision was a right one, but for me that was as close to a goal as you can get.”

    Yes it was close but it was pretty clear. We’ve hit the post and crossbar, what, 6 times so it’s not as if we don’t deserve some close calls going our way.
    As you suggest, maybe our luck has turned, and let’s hope Bruce turns out to be our ‘lucky general’

  86. Im with steamer on gabby. But football is a fickle game. If he scores a few goals most villains will love him again.

    Bacuna tbf has won me over a bit but seeing gabby , westy, hutton in a villa shirt deprsses me.

    Home to blacburn sat. Would like a convincing win next to continue bruce goid stsrt. When was the last time we ere 2 or 3 up and could relax

  87. How much better does jedi look in a 3! Would of lked to of seen the mid get on he ball more and play. Literally evrry first touch as a hoof forwards. Ross playing out wide was weird. No ayew sat but jacks back.

  88. Thanks to AVL’s writers for the great write ups in re cent weeks. I have been asleep most of the time recovering from heart surgery.
    Anyway, it is great to see Villa winning and good to take something away from St Andrews, but I feel they can do a lot better yet. It will be interesting to see who lines up forwards wise against Rovers.
    Gabby better score some goals to justify his inclusion.
    In the rugby NZ play Ireland in Chicago this weekend.

  89. Trinity,

    Hope you get better soon it is amazing the damage watching this club does to you.

    Well two local derbies and two points although we came second best in both of them, we have seen some improvements in the team notably Baker at the back looks more solid next to Chester although the full backs still look suspect barring one tackle Hutton put in to clear one of their lot out.
    I thought Jedi was our stand out player put in a superb performance although GG and Westwood put in a shift we need a lot more creativity from the middle something we are severely lacking.
    The front three were a complete mish mash I just never knew who was playing where and what their role was, it didn’t help Adomah going off but Ayew and Kodija were all over the place and things did not improve when the subs came on.
    Our strikers concerned me yesterday and I thought we made Shotton look like Franz Beckenbauer we need to find the system that works with all these offensive players at our disposal and hopefully that does not include the fraud that says he has claret and blue blood but let the club down so many times last season we lost count.
    Lastly I thought that this was probably the tamest derby between the scum and us that I had ever seen with the exception of a few tackles I thought the lack of passion off and on the pitch was there for all to see, even Bruce got off pretty lightly blimey we have given our own managers more stick than they gave him.

    SWV

  90. Trinity – welcome back and may you have many more heart strings to your bow! 😉 Get well!

    SWV: “and things did not improve when the subs came on.”

    Well, I thought that when Gabby came on we were suddenly more direct and he did give Mac a chance for a shot on goal, which went for a corner.

  91. rest up trinity, get well soon.

    Yeah is crepe but its the championship. The cahampionship is rubbish and so are we!

    Its just a results business then once up boot bruce before he leaves us for engeeerland

  92. Seedy recovery Trin – very best wishes

    well its defiantly anti-football under brucey – you don’t get anything for a pair – not in this game

    I thought it would be ugly under bruce but at least everyone seems motivated and the point tally under him is not too shabby – we may even scramble our way to promotion under him

    I cant see Ross M lasting past the next window if there is any interest as he just doesn’t suit the 433 we are now playing and he seems like someone that doesn’t want to stay in the box – maybe attacking mid og the 3 might suit him better

    gabby came one and ran his heart out at least which is something I haven’t seen from him in years

    agree with steamer that our kids will suffer big time under Bruce – hope he proves me wrong

  93. The only kid who has prospered under Bruce’s managerial nous is his son who is ‘effin’ dire and will soon be wearing a Villa shirt, crepe doesn’t cover this plank.

  94. Hope you are well on the road to recovery now Trinity, and agree with your comments.
    Not a great derby game, but at the end, glad to come away with a point.

    Agree about Jedinak, and his improvement in the last couple of games, and Baker and Chester are improving all the time, as is Amavi, and Hutton will always put a shift in, but we really need some creativity in the nid field, and some proper leadership up front. Still disappointed in McCormack, needs to justify his price tag.

    I also see the points about our young guns, but understand Bruce’s fear for a derby game, and at least Gabby did show his presence for the short time he was on the pitch, much more so than in his previous appearances.

    I do hope we are able to put out a strong squad for the Blackburn game, and that Bruce can continue to mold this squad together.

  95. Steamer: “The only kid who has prospered under Bruce’s managerial nous is his son who is ‘effin’ dire and will soon be wearing a Villa shirt”

    Apparently not so. When he arrived Bruce said his son wasn’t coming.

  96. SWV: you wrote,

    “Steamer,

    We need someone to be in charge of the Steve Bruce fan club are you available?”

    Sorry, but Steamer’s already taken — he’s currently the president of the Agbonlahor Fan Club …

  97. SWV: “A question to all our Brummyites what happened at the Yenton sunday afternoon.”

    I was going to ask the same thing. Sounds like all was fairly quiet in and around the ground ……. just maybe an ‘event’ at the Yenton.

    oldvilla

  98. Tex,
    I have plenty of hate to spread around those two.
    JL,
    He was on Twit saying he’ll see us in January.

    Old Villain,
    Noses were warned by police but as usual too thick and were baton charged, if you want a good chuckle go on AV hashtag and scroll down 4/5, scary.

  99. Canada,
    Red Bull makes me short tempered.
    Talking of RB remember the dissent when they were rumoured to be buying us ? 2nd in the Bundesliga now, beat Dortmund and a new stadium too.

  100. Andrew,
    But Westy was “terrific.”
    Same as Gabby “But let’s not forget he’s scored goals in the big league all his life.”
    Even his lies are outrageous.

  101. Steamer

    Theres talk that its just bruce creating a team togetherness. Getting everyone onside. I fecking hope its that and he does not really mean it.

    Apparntly rhm was great tonight 2 good goals. He has to be on he bench at least.

  102. Quality from Jedi which I did not see.

    Whilst everyone was celebrating gg goal jedi realised blues could take kick off quick as everyone was back in there own half. he stood alone in blues half and the blues players even tried to wrestle him out the half!

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