You go on vacation for a few days, and Nathan Baker leaves, along with Aaron Tshibola and Jordan Veretout. Can’t say it upset my long weekend. But as with many recent departures, I wish Baker all the best and thank him for his time with Villa. Tshibola’s season-long loan to MK Dons might help him develop, but after his last loan spell, one wonders what happened to the brightness we saw when he first played for Villa.
I think the first thing that comes to everyone’s minds when we talk about Baker is Ciaran Clark, Baker’s erstwhile partner on the back line. No one has ever doubted either player’s commitment, but neither ever seemed quite the answer. Apparently Clark improved since he joined Newcastle, and spoke up about a lack of coaching during his time at Villa. So maybe that’s why neither he nor Baker ever realized their potential for us.
At 26, you can’t blame Baker for wanting first-team football. And recent comments have made clear that Villa are looking to sell players other teams actually want, and in positions where they think they can get away with it.
The issue his departure raises for the club is that it moves Richards further up in the pecking order at CB. Even though Richards is a bit of an adventure at CB. Perhaps Terry and Chester can help him learn. Or even Samba.
The bottom line here seems to be that Richards, who we can’t seem to move on, might as well be trying to earn a paycheck. Baker, who we could move on, goes because…he could be moved on. Might be the same for Ross McCormack and Gary Gardner. One could imagine that bringing Ross back into the fold might have as much to do with us saying, “No, really, his attitude is great. We’ve just got too many strikers,” rather than “We believe in you.”
That’s my take on it, anyway.
Jordan Veretout, of course, has now left for Fiorentina. Jordan Amavi, following the Sevilla silliness, is said to be attracting the attention of Marseilles and AS Monaco. It appears the French revolution at Villa has come to an end.
Formations and Patterns
Beyond all that, we had a somewhat credible outing against Watford at the weekend. Once again we failed to score, but did rack up another clean sheet.
The pattern of play, noted by many of you, hasn’t seemed to change. Villa want to get out wide quickly, but as a result we tend to get spaced out, and the forwards available at the moment aren’t really the sorts who thrive off high crosses, and no one, apart from Doyle-Hayes and Elmo, can seemingly put a ball into feet where the striker wants it. Maybe Lansbury can do it further up the pitch. Or even Whelan, when Jedinak comes back. Hourihane? Doesn’t seem like we know what to do with him. Grealish, sadly and obviously, is not going to be an option for a while. I wish him all the best in his recovery.
Right now, it looks like 3-5-2 was some sort of fantasy, and we’ll be playing 4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1. With Kodjia out, I’m not quite understanding Gabby in a 4-4-1-1. Or 4-4-2. I know he runs around, I know he’s gotten in scoring positions. But his conversation rate is abysmal these last few years, and his first touch is generally shocking. He can’t be counted on to take the ball in tight spaces and deftly involve others.
Anyway, with the season opener rapidly approaching, the Watford match won’t necessarily change anyone’s mind. We’re close, we’re far away. We can’t score, we’re tough to beat. Gabby has a purpose, Gabby has no purpose. Steve Bruce is….well, I’ll let you fill in those blanks.
As with all things, we’ll see soon enough. Someone asked where they thought we’d finish. Right now, I’m feeling 3rd-6th, mainly because I think we’ll be dropping points for not scoring enough. We’d all rather be in the automatic spots, but if we really do grind out games consistently and not by riding our luck, then that can serve a team well in a playoff-type environment and maybe it won’t matter.
I’ll address all of this in greater depth as we approach the opener against Hull.
Speaking of Hull, a Favor to Ask
My son (22) has been studying in London the last few weeks. He’s got a ticket for the home opener, and it will be his first time to Birmingham and Villa Park. He’ll be coming up on the train that morning, booked a place to stay overnight.
Wondering where would be the best pub for him to go prior to the game to help maximize the match-day experience.
And if anyone going might be willing to meet up, let him buy them a couple rounds and show him the ropes, that would be a true favor. He can certainly navigate on his own, but a little company always makes for a better day.
Anyway, you can message me through the site or leave advice in the comments. I can pass on his email when/if necessary. I’m truly grateful for any guidance or assistance you can provide. I know he’s in good hands with the Lifers.
Over to you.
The Author
John Clark
John is co-owner of AVL, and has followed the Villa since the '70s. A journalist by trade, he is, by most accounts, a very nice person. You can follow me on Twitter @JClarkKohoutek. It's an astonishing experience. Or a complete waste of time.Comments 180
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Hello john.
seeing as your lads getting the pints in ill let you know if im going:) not sure yet as its on tele.
Just read bruce saying grealish would of started against hull as wants to build team around him!!!
Music to my ears but devastred and frustrated hes injured! God damn it.
The genuis at huddy wagners team is 2 down.
Cheers, Andrew!
And as I say, if nothing else, a simple guide to the best place(s) for a first-timer can do wonders.
That’s gutting about his plans for Grealish. I’d be very tempted to start O’Hare up with Hogan.
And I’ll spring for the ticket if anyone’s on the fence. 🙂
My son is in the Doug Ellis, closest I could get him to the pitch (without being too far down).
andrew
one thing is for sure if we had got wagner when rdm was sacked we wouldnt be playing hull this week, we would had another weeks holidays,or signed 5midfielders and still not have a settled side,or be talking about will 1 goalayear be leading the line
John,
Glad you came back! 😀 I thought you had gone … gone…
Interested to hear about Gabby’s “conversation rate”! Does Gabby gabble a lot then? 😀 (Just trying to be funny!).
Anyway, the injury news from Villa is that Johnstone is back this week-end … Albert sounds like 50-50 … Jedi not for a couple of weeks … Codger probably won’t be back in the first team for a month … However, reading between the lines I feel that Jack won’t be back in the first team in 2017.
Haha, JL…No, still here to waffle between positivity and negativity. 😀
My apologies to all, just had a helluva time getting things squared away at work so I could do a family reunion. Which, as they often are, was rather chaotic. Good, but chaotic.
I will get a preview up before Hull, will try to do the double, season version and match version. Course, I think we may have already done the season version to death already!
John,
You talking about our forwards not attuned to high crosses. Do you remember the understanding Ashley had with Gabby? Gabby nodded in some beauties from Ash.
So, that’s why we should have got Mr. Young back! Perhaps. Or maybe that Messrs. Elmo and Green have got to learn to adjust their trajectory sights.
JL,
A lot of does come down to understanding, agreed. They need to be crosses the forwards can come onto and attack (set pieces with all big guys excepted), put in places the forwards are trying to get to.
All rocket science, of course (my brilliant analysis, that is). Basically, just seems like there are no real understandings yet. Elmo’s near-post set-up for Hogan in Germany is what things are supposed to look like. Suss the opponent, and then keep playing where you think you’ll have joy.
JC,
Yes, well I’m not so pessimistically inclined on the scoring side given that we’ve now got Whelan and Elmo, with Green hopefully getting back to the form he showed last season.
We won’t score a lot, I admit, but that defence will keep the oppos out.
JL,
I do think Whelan and Elmo will help. I also think Hogan needs to be the lone striker…he’s just going to convert a higher percentage of chances. Going 2 or 1 in terms of forwards dictates the playing partner, but to my mind, I just wouldn’t have Gabby starting in either role.
Bring him on as teams tire, bring him on to change things up, but never as a lone striker, at least not starting.
In most games, I would think 2 goals will be enough. And we do have to take early chances. It will obviously make teams play much more into our hands.
Hi JC, I could not believe my ears when SB said he has built this team to get the best out of Grealish? why completely Bypass him by playing to the wings or over the top for Gabby to chase and ignore Hogan the more obvious partner for Jack? Bruce has also said when asked if we will get a replacement that he has got two youngsters in mind and because of FFP they are being considered, fingers crossed he picks O’hare and Hogan and takes the credit 🙂
Against Watford when the ball was on the wing gabby and sometimes a midfielder would run into the six yard box a yard out , the winger would have to be like sniper to hit them on th edeck and the high ball is easily claimed. They do leave acres in the penalty box for a player to arrive that though but they never did, the timing is terrible, either cross it earlier or time your runs. We seem to be moving the ball out to the wing quick then slowing up, oh well perhaps we will fix that in the jan window 🙂
PS The Witton arms used to be ok or the Aston Tavern I think is home fans only but don’t take my word, robbo might know.
Mark,
Exactly.
When you say Aston Tavern might be home fans only, you mean season-ticket holders?
JC: “Bring [Gabby] on as teams tire, bring him on to change things up, but never as a lone striker, at least not starting.”
I accept your p.o.v. of choosing not to have Gabby in the side, but you seem vehemently (like others) against it and I for the life of me cannot see why!
Of he and Hogan, only Gabby is likely to win headers for starters! And as we’re playing 2 wingers (by the looks of it) it must mean that Gabby has to play. Aside from which Gabby did pretty well vs Watford, winning headers in the middle and generally ‘playing up’. He looks as though he’s getting on song to me.
Sorry, John, I suspect we will all have to accept that Gabby will be in there – no other option of reality as I see it given the way the team seems to be structured.
JC- no I mean people who won’t punch you 🙂
Bruce Villa’s new heading coach?
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11897618
JC- I would not be surprised if Trip advisor have ratings for pubs near grounds either.
JL your right in the sense that the ball over the top suits Gabby and that is where we are going it seems as the main direct ball to the forwards. Hogan is much more about playing off the shoulder further up the field (edge of Box) I have to wonder why he bought him when he had RMC who thrives on the same balls. He played thenm together early in the pre-season with no support, then brings in grealish who other than the youngsters is a lock picker, but drops both, puzzling.
Mark,
Haha…That is indeed where I’d like to send the lad. He wasn’t planning on going until recently, so I didn’t send him with any colors, but I’ve instructed him to pick some up before going anywhere and just taxi it until he finds the friendlies.
Of course, I’ve explained all the dynamics from my time (which I’m guessing was rougher in the 70s?), so yeah, just looking for a crowd of claret and blue.
JL,
You’re certainly right that it seems Gabby will be in there, and I hope he does come good. I’ve no desire to see him fail, would much rather be wrong about him. And obviously Bruce is encouraged by something.
But right now, I just have no faith in him. Rather obviously. 😉
Iana- wait until the law suits for brain damage come in from animal lovers 😉
Mark,
Yep. And I am also puzzled about the Hogan signing given the team structure/selection that’s likely.
JC- teach him the songs he will hear them first 😉 I haven’t been for a few years but away at reading was fine, don’t think you will get aggro unless you look for it
Perhaps RMC’s issues were evident enough early on to bring in competition like Hogan.
Mark,
Cheers…All very helpful. They closed the Holte, didn’t they?
wonder what Jedinaks return will bring? as we seem to be going with one striker could be 4231?
A Big Joke
I actually was invited to apply for a position as trainee prison warder today! 😀
Me: age 73. Mind you there was the option to train as a dog-handler.
still chuckling at this? ”
“My system in pre-season was geared around Grealish and how to get the best out of him,” said Bruce.”
One how? and Two , he wasn’t available to try it much 🙂
JL- Blimey are they making the pensioners work now mate 😉
Mark,
I suppose “pensioner” does rhyme with “prisoner”! 😀
The terms might even be inter-changeable!
JC- the Holtes been done out its a restaurant and the beers expensive
The Holte
Came across a piece of history the other day that said it was first opened to the public in 1865.
And – as we probably know – it was hugely modified in 1897. And 2007.
“As I have said many times we are on the cusp of Financial Fair Play and we still need to get more out really,” he told Sky Sports.
“Of course I am like any other manager and would love a huge amount of money to spend, of course I would.
“But at the moment I would like to box a bit clever. The one thing you can’t do is be on the thick end of Financial Fair Play. I am aware of that.
“There are one or two bits bubbling along.”
JL- surprised mortgage doesn’t rhyme with prisoner 😉
Mark: “Blimey are they making the pensioners work now mate”
In fact I have my c.v. registered in case any short contracts come up for Technical Authors. How that equates to “Prison Warder I’ll never know!
Did an interview at JLR the other day. On exactly the same site I worked at for Chrysler over 40 years ago!
Thanks, Mark. I knew they’d redone it, but thought I’d read somewhere that they’d closed it down again. Or maybe that it was only open on match-days now.
I think the latter, JC.
Thanks, JL.
I’d think at the very least that your time on here would qualify you for either position.
Mark
Couldn’t find a transgender sheep or sheep from a minority breed that could head the ball, only the majority romney. Expect to hear from the SJWs soon.
JL
I actually think, you’d be useful in the prison service.
JC
Thank you for the leader. It helps clarify recent happenings at Villa.
Andrew
I wonder if Bruce is being disingenuous about JG.
Iana- lesbian sheep then surely? 🙂
disingenuous a great word although I prefer bullshitting 😉
JC/Andrew,
Mmmmm… Well they’re worried about the heavy use of drugs by the prison inmates … to keep ’em quiet I think I’d supply ’em with extra! – but a type that knocks ’em out! 😀
Grealish out for 6 monhths. 🙁
About to sign hernandez!!
Lana
Bruce could be mate. I did think it would be 352 but pre season was 442/451. Jack got back late cause of eng duty.
Anyho looks like another lost season season for the lad. Gutted
Damn looks like its on, hernandez 3 year deal.
Love him but need to create!!!
Takes the pressure off kodjer i guess.
“lesbian sheep then surely?”
None of them would play with the balls
Andrew
If Hernandez is coming it would seem to reveal Bruce doesn’t trust the strikers he has to do the job. Villa need to start well to prevent a repeat of last season. With Kodjia still out, he’s right to worry.
Ah dr saying not happening re hernandez.
Iana- 🙂
If Hernadez came it would back up everything I have been saying, hull MK2, way to expensive on Wages as per last season, an hernadez alike? more likely.
Good morning all.
It looks like the team picks itself with the current injuries.
Johnstone
Hutton
Chester
Terry
Taylor
Lansbury
Whelan
Hourihane
Green
Hogan
Elmohamady
However I wouldn’t be surprised if Gabby starts ahead of Hogan and Bacuna ahead of Hourihane.
The back 4 and goalie looks a quality unit at this level. We need Lansbury and Hourihane to really step up this season with goals and assists. I think with those 2 on dead balls and the addition of Terry and Samba, we are going to be a big threat from set pieces this season. Being able to defend them will make a big difference as well. The importance of this can’t be underestimated, especially in this division.
It’s not going to be as pretty as it was under Di Matteo this time last year but I’m sure that none of us care as long as Bruce delivers the right results. He’s been promoted 4 times out of this league as manager already, so no-one could argue that he doesn’t have the pedigree to do it again.
I’m optimistic and can’t wait to be there at the weekend.
UTV, SOTC
im still reeling from grealish injury….has been given the number 10 shirt too.
Kept 442 all pre season and in the last friendly before the opener against Watford played him in front of Hogan. really gutted.
Nice one droyd. lets hope for the best. If we can find the goals we will be well away.
Yeah Mark
Doc said wont be happening re ££££
odds tumbling on Snodgrass.
My number 1 target. Please be true.
was in for mooy, loftus cheek, izzy brown, on loan but they wanted to stay in prem!
shirt sales up 50%!!
Mark.
I used to change the VPN address on my xbox 360 in order to get US Netflix. If you google VPN-PROXY it will give you a list of addresses (be careful though as some are just viruses). The issue is subscription payments as they will be registered to the UK. I have a friend at work who wants to do the same with Wolves as they too are doing it but he told me to wait and see if anyone else has done it first as you don’t want to fork out the £110 and it not work.
Maybe if some of our international Lifers try it and it works then it is worth looking more into it (or John Clarke buys it for us as he seems to be splashing the cash ATM)
cissoko gone for 1.3mill.
the cull continues…
Didn’t we get him for free?!
JC if your feeling flush can you order up a ton of gravel for my garden please
Free Andrew? This is villa £2.13m and 3years of no use and subsidised wage
Before you say we got our money back players go for £190m these days
andrew
starting to sound like deadly with list of players we were in for. bruce doesnt encourage youth so which big club is going to send players his way,new hull manager big buddies with chelsea owner talk of loans going there close to end of window
Haggis!
Haha…I will be subscribing. So far the streams via the site and youtube have worked well. Except during the closing stages of the Watford game.
For me, it’s kind of critical, so I will give it a try.
Mark,
Sad to say, you’re on your own with the gravel, mate. I could send you a nice cactus, though.
It looks like Mac is off to the Black Cats … on loan.
James
Check out bruces use of young players at blues, wigan etc.
Used lots of young players…mainly from arsenal.
he says he prob doesn’t want a st but maybe 1 or 2. On loan I guess?
don’t think we can get our money back on ross…..hopefully he will have a good season!
Hope sunderland take his wages on.
Mark
Hopefully we are starting to fix the stupid money issues. cissokho did ok out of us didn’t he!!£
The phrase box clever seems the buzz word this season.
Think the dr is learning.
andrew
that was long time ago ,plus them teams where in pl
Droyd,
Good to see you. Agreed, think the team picks itself at this point. And in all honesty, it should be more than good enough. It really is on Bruce to get the best out of them.
I know I’ve expressed concern about the age of certain key players, but Whelan and Samba have looked like good value so far, and Elmo is better than what we had.
JC- Re Cactus: should round out my plant collection nicely of a Bonsai and a sad looking Jungle plant thanks 😉
Droyd- sadly it does pick itself if your Steve Bruce, trains itself, sorts its own tactics…… looks bland to me I would sprinkle it with a bit of youth in O’hare and go 442 instead.
Andrew- wonder how much Hogan is worth now?
“pick itself if your Steve Bruce, trains itself, sorts its own tactics”…
What more could you ask of a team, Mark? Sound like true professionals. 😉
JC- Sounds exactly why Bruce likes an old player, why else is JT here? after he’s finished the tactical talk he’ll wake Bruce up in his office and they will head to a golf course or tennis 🙂
If RMC ends up at Sunderland Grayson may well serve Bruce up an eggy face, he had him at Leeds.
2012/13
” McCormack spent the majority of the season playing out of his usual strike position, often playing out wide, in attacking midfield and even in central midfield. His 12 league assists left him behind only Robbie Brady and Tom Ince in the creativity charts.”
2013/14
McCormack finished the 2013/14 season scoring 29 goals in all competitions for Leeds.
Fulham -38 in two seasons
Villa -3 in 20
john clark
elmo is better than what we have? relegated twice from pl ,and yet some think our squad players can do a job in pl
Mark: “Villa -3 in 20”
Yes, well, not all down to Bruce was it?
Maybe the main problem (as per Hogan?) is that he was/is a square plug for a round hole?
It’s all happened before … Dave Hickson in 1955-56 still sticks in my mind. Record signing at the time (for his goals) and managed only 1 in 12. He got shipped. Derek Dougan another…
john l
gary penrice , tony cascairino could been described the same
JL- Crouch?
The reason why I think he may be just fed up and not scoring at Villa is under RDM he had Kodjia and Ayew as partners, two players that are a tad selfish. The puzzling thing is like Hogan he likes to play off the shoulder of the defence as a striker but can play deeper or 10 but its not really his thing. Why did Bruce want Hogan when RMC is clearly not suited to his plans, quite bizarre amount of money to waste.
I didn’t think he was playing badly under RDM though then got injured
http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-time-come-ross-11870881
P.s. we chased Rhodes in Jan a much better partner for RMC but binned RMC, Hogan was second choice to Rhodes who stayed in the prem
Bruce is warning his strikers that they’re expected to perform…
http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-boss-steve-bruce-13422227
Actually this is good … I recall that in early November, 1959, the then Villa manager (Mercer) warned his strikers then (Hitchens, Thomson and Supermac) in a similar vein. And what happened? … they scored 21 goals in the next 3 games! 😀
this neymar signing firmly shows english clubs still cannot attract the top 4/5 players in the world
James agree
Even with the sky riches in the prem. The very very best go abroad.
Bruce
We want to ship out 2 or 3 to let some youth get an easier pass to the first team.
No point having an academy if they cant get near the 1st team.
Bruce
Jack had the number 10 and we was going to build around him
# brucehatesyouth
Mark
Hogans only started 9 games. Injury plagued and all that settling in jan.
Like many of them. Lans, hourihan, hogan, this is the fair season to judge.
Playing 442 or 4411 is more than ok for hogan, elmo and green on the wings has to supply.
So we’re going to be starting the season without our two best players, Jedi and Kodjia. . . similar to the start of last season under RDM when he didn’t have our best players?
Let’s see if Bruce can start the season any better.
Hi JC,
Unfortunately, I will not be there on Saturday, but would recommend that your lad heads for the Aston Tavern, where I am sure he will be welcomed by Villa fans. It is a huge pub now, and very well run by Paul and Michelle, and plenty of staff, so you do get served with good beer at a reasonable price. Admission is £2, but you get a ticket in exchange for a free pork Baguette, and if he mentions to Liam, the young lad with glasses , who does the security on the door that it is his first visit, he will point in the right direction. There are plenty of bars inside and out, as well as plenty of tv screens showing Sky sports.
Hopefully , I will catch the match on my laptop, as I am at a silver wedding anniversary.
Andrew,
Yeah, Hogan’s had a rough start. If he and Elmo can connect like they did in Germany, I’ll feel much better. If nothing else, Hogan looks to be in much better shape than Ross.
Hi, Paul.
Thank you very much. I’ll pass that along, and I’m sure he’ll have a great time.
He actually had a civil conversation at the pub with a blues fan the other night…generally agreeable kid/young man. My son, that is.
Yep, with all this talk about Hogan it will come as a surprise when (if!) Gabby is announced as the striker! Or perhaps combined with Hogan. 😀
If you were all to read what Bruce said, he stated that last Saturday’s starting team was roughly that which is to start against Hull. One notable exception now is Grealish, of course, but as Gabby started then, and because I think he mostly played well, his selection will not surprise me at all.
As I say, given what Bruce said.
And Ross is surely on his way out anyway, JC.
JL
“Bruce is warning his strikers that they’re expected to perform…”
One woulld think that goes without saying. He’s obviously not happy if he needs to say it, which, of course, is his job. Weii, they say pressure creates diamonds. Otherwise our strikers might end up on the physio’s table.
lana
The powers that be have targeted our away form from the get go.
Dr tweeted month ago away form improvement is key. Bruce has also saidthe same…hence the need for a bit of experience in whelen & terry. Players who can help with the pressure. we shall see!
robbo
2 key injuries plus jack and adomah.
but the excuses or gone as whelen in for jedi, Hogan for kodjer and elmo for adomah.
we have squad strength and options now.
what we need now its going to be 442 is another left winger for completion for green and a cam/
would be perfect then.
Iana,
I was referring more to the fact that the only time I recall a Villa manager warning his strikers was that time back in 1959 … and the superlative affect that warning had! 🙂
JL
I think it’s a good thing. Shame Bruce feels some of our strikers need the verbal reminder. No pressure
Iana,
No harm even! It seems that RHM has recovered from the knock he had in last week’s outing, so he’s bursting for a chance, I’m sure. And Davis.
JL,
Yes, Ross does look to be going, at least for the year. Be very curious to see what happens with him at Sunderland (apparently).
And I wouldn’t be surprised to see Gabby start, though I’d have to say that would be disappointing. I’m hoping that he and Bruce prove me wrong.
As far as Bruce’s ‘warning’ goes, it’s all well and good to demand strikers score. But that’s more than a little dependent on setting it up for them to be successful.
john yes…its simple really. strikers need service!
elmo is deadly as crossing so that should be better, hopefully green or whoever can supple on the left, along with Lansbury or hourihan.
JC,
I’m scratching my head as to what you see wrong in Gabby as he’s in a recuperated state of mind as I see it.
Hey ho, I’ll just have to accept it. 🙁
I know I am taking a sabbatical from this blog but hope that I won’t get too much stick for making you all aware of a Villa book that I have just received.
It’s about 6 years old now and called “Memories Made in Aston” – A Book for the Fans written by the Fans. It can be found on Amazon or eBay at various prices, the original cost of the book is £9.99 for a small paperback.
JL – you may know of the author, Simon Goodyear as his Dad David used to work for the Villa …. maybe in the same way you used to?
Great stories going way back when, written by fans and players alike – well written as well with so many memories in them.
Highly recommend it to any Villa fan 🙂
Cheers.
oldvilla
OV,
Yes, I know Simon, and his Dad did have some role in the archives some years ago and wrote a few books.
Simon wrote a good book on Gerry Hitchens, too.
Robbo- I think you might of Omitted the completely revamped squad and 30+ games and 2 windows he’s had to sort them never mind missing Kodjia and Jedinak 😉
JC- Quite correct Bruce can shout at his strikers all he likes, He bought, Hogan is ignoring RMC and brought Gabby back so he must think they can play how he wants? why doesn’t he tell them how to do that?
JL- Gabby played in a half dominated by Villa and had some good chances 0 goals, He is far from successful and revamped yet mate, running about is the bare minimum surely by a striker? trumped by scoring Goals. Hogan however played in a half where he barley saw the ball or had a chance. I hope RHM gets a run, quick and tricky and scores
Andrew- # Dr Xia told him to use the Youth # Villa are skint # built the team around Grealish LOL 🙂
hmmmm….
Steve Bruce has told his strikers they must stand up and be counted this season.
The onus is on Scott Hogan and Gabby Agbonlahor to fire in the goals as Jonathan Kodjia is set to miss the first six games of the season.
Bruce insists ‘the door has been left open’ for Ross McCormack to make an impact, too, although he’s someway down the pecking order at present.
“We need to see the emergence of Gabby,” Bruce said.
“We also need to see the emergence of Hogan.
Just read this
Dr. Tony Xia Retweeted ADW
One thing we and SB made the agreement is to trim the squad to 19-20 and pick 5-6 youngsters to train with the 1st squad this season
1. Sam Johnstone
2. Ritchie De Laet
3. Neil Taylor
4. Chris Samba
5. James Chester
6. Glenn Whelan
7. Leandro Bacuna
8. Henri Lansbury
9. Scott Hogan
10. Jack Grealish
11. Gabriel Agbonlahor
13. Jed Steer
14. Conor Hourihane
15. Mile Jedinak
16. James Bree
17. Micah Richards
19. Andre Green
20. Birkir Bjarnason
21. Alan Hutton
22. Jonathan Kodjia
23. Jordan Amavi
24. Tommy Elphick
25. Gary Gardner
26. John Terry
27. Ahmed Elmohamady
31. Mark Bunn
37. Albert Adomah
44. Ross McCormack
that’s 28 1st team squad
Mark,
At no time have I said that Gabby is “there” yet … but please don’t tell me that Hogan has shown any better either. His goals in that Germany tournament were against a 3rd division side.
So both have something to prove scoring-wise, but I’d say that Gabby does more in the rest of his play – and not just running around. In my view, Hogan does more of that! I see Hogan as being a pure striker – nothing else. Gabby is not pure striker.
Just my p.o.v. I think there’s a good deal of anti going on, not for his ability but because of what happened before last season, and using his lack of goal these last 3 years as an excuse I’m afraid.
johnl
a question on gabby your are on about 3 seasons,not once in last 7 seasons at villa has he managed 10 league goals in fact only twice did he score more than 5 league goals,especially these where years he was aged 24 to 30 supposedly peak years in most footballers careers
JL- what are we short of at the moment? goals, who gets goals usually? strikers. If we are playing one up top then better make sure he can score if given the chance. Hogan may have scored against a third div side, hampered surely by those youth players as well. MSV Duisburg? didn’t they go on to beat Malaga 1-0 who play in Spains top division?
From my point of he should never of played for the club again full stop, I don’t hate his or anything emotional he has just been that poor and unfit. I am judging him as a player John, Hogan is better but we don’t play to his strengths witnessed in the MSV Duisburg game, when we do he will score, how did he get 14 before he reached us at lowly Brentford?
Anyone else puzzled by how we are going to lose 8 of that squad to accommodate the youth players? most we can’t give away at the moment.
Mark,
I see your reasoning but I feel you’re out of date with the new Gabby! 😀
Again, I think we’d better agree to disagree … and let’s see what happens in the forthcoming few weeks to see what’s what.
James,
Not so many posts ago I pointed out that Gabby scored 8 in 14 at the back end of the 2012-13 season after being injured earlier that season. That’s a pretty good average, isn’t it?
I agree that it’s a pity that he’s not repeated that since but as I keep on saying what’s been happening at VP these past few years has caused all kinds of situations that we’d rather not talk of, I’m sure.
Gabby can now show us what he can do – if he can. If not then he will have had his chance. I have been encouraged by what I’ve seen of late, but now he’s got to do more – whether it’s as a creator or scorer, I’m not bothered.
john l
take that spell out means his form is a lot worse than stats show
just look at him as a striker if you were manager of opposition would his name on team sheet scare you or make you smile thinking no pressure on our defence today,last weeks friendly when he went clean through did you think he was going to score i didnt
JL- forgot to say gabbys goal in the hertha game was against all rules of the game, he never would of got away with his conduct earlier in the game or the tackle he put in on their CB, the bloke got carried off. I think the reason Gabby looked at his trophy funny when he collected it is I think he suspected the Germans were taking the mick 😉
James: “take that spell out means his form is a lot worse than stats show”
Sorry, I fail to see the logic of that. He was injured earlier in the season I referred to. At that time he was pretty impressive.
No … let’s concentrate on Gabby as he is now. He’ll show you – or he won’t! 😀
Let’s wait and see.
Just counted up and 19 of our points came from the 3 Relegated and the 3 promoted sides last season , I hope the ones coming up and down give us a few more.
Hers what we need to do folks minimum for automatic.
The Math
That 2 points-per-game figure isn’t plucked out of thin air, by the way. It’s proven. We will use second place finishes as the standard over the past ten years to see what the formula for promotion is.
Second Placed Teams
Points: 93, 89, 89, 93, 79, 88, 84, 91, 83, 79.
Goals for: 74, 63, 91, 72, 61, 85, 83, 89, 54, 69.
Goals against: 40, 31, 50, 37, 52, 46, 58, 48, 37, 55.
Villa will need 87 points to be an average second place team this season. That’s the target. 1.8 points per game. If Villa aren’t on course for that, they will fall short, and it really means that every single loss is going to really count agains the team.
For a playoff spot? That’s a different ball-game entirely. We’ll use sixth placed finishes as the example here.
Points: 70, 74, 70, 75, 75, 68, 72, 78, 74, 80,
Goals for: 62, 66, 74, 69, 66, 71, 55, 72, 66, 85
Goals against: 56, 54, 58, 50, 53, 48, 40, 54, 45, 57
74 points is what gets you a playoff place in the average championship season. That’s 1.6 points per game, so the falloff is steep. If you’re not getting around 3 points every two games, you’re not going anywhere fast.
Villa will need 69 goals to grab that 6th placed finish
https://7500toholte.sbnation.com/2017/8/3/15943484/7500toholte-aston-villa-17-18-championship-season-preview-long-read
My favourite bit 🙂
Villa have an especially bright talent in the academy with a very high ceiling. Callum O’Hare might as well be Villa’s Messi, because he does it all. He can score, make dazzling runs, bring others into play, trick defenders and ruin an offside trap. There are very few reasons why O’Hare should not start this year – but the big killer is Villa’s depth. You wouldn’t replace Andre Green, Jack Grealish or Albert Adomah with O’Hare right now. However, he should be on the bench for all of Villa’s games because he is an incredible player. He’s more direct than Jack Grealish and seems to have an incredible footballing intelligence. If Villa were smart, they’d keep him around the first-team this year, or even loan him out. A spell in a lower league could give him a bit of physicality.
john l
you still didnt answer if you where opposition manager would you be worried about goal threat from gabby ,and remember for the way he played under martin o neil is gone he is 7 years older and about 2 stone heavier so no burst of pace
James,
I’m not worried about him scoring …. he might provide 4 knock-downs for the midfielders to score for him! 😀
JL- we are doomed then 😉
SB’s hull only conceded 35 goals in his last promotion season, they also scored 69 which gave them 4th and they won the play offs. We should be able to replicate the first but its the second is the sticking point for me unless we win 46 games 1-0 or Kodjia can get 70 this season when he’s back 😉
john l
i wish i could have your outlook on things all i see is big black clouds with bruce name on them
Article with bruce talking about ffp…..might have to sell someone he doesnt want to!! Blaming past spending..sorry mate but you signed 11 players now, we have the most expensive squad in the league, i very much hope your not trying to hide behind some excuses because you have none at all. Produce or be gone.
Dr saying player incoming by 12 noon…. Onuah spurs mid on loan or kent from pool. # bruce hates youth.
Mark
Jack given number 10 shirt.
Playing 442 441 all pre season.
The last big friendly before season starts is always an indicator of how yourgoing to set up….jack starts.
I know you dont like bruce but its resounding eviedence to suggest jack would of been played in his fav 10 role.
James
Im not so much thinking black hole but in no way do i believe we are going to defo go up.
Cant see us getting top 2.
Wolves, boro, fulham, shef wed. Very strong.
Chuck in leeds, norwich then it will be tough imo.
Andrew: “Wolves, boro, fulham, shef wed. Very strong.”
Perhaps, but those are the games where I see our defence and midfield being able to withstand anything they can offer.
We may have to suffer 0-0 results against such teams, but so long as we beat the lesser teams then we’ll be OK.
In Johnstone, Terry/Chester, Whelan/Jedi, Codger we have (will have) a superlative spine.
My forecast for the season:
P46 W26 D 14 L6 = 92 points.
And that’s with 46 goals scored! 😀 😀
JL- By the looks of it it will have to be with 46 goals 😉
Andrew- The wording is built around Jack? giving him the Ten and playing 442/4411 what does that mean? Especially without him there to see if it works? surely you could see how we played, Ball out to the wings or over the top for Gabby, certainly wasn’t about feeding Jack. On top of that he is now Knackered so quite a dangerous strategy and statement especially to announce it after he is injured # gullible.
As for Youth players how many prem teams loan out there senior players? #its the norm
When I see youth on the pitch then I will say oooh look Bruce likes youth # 🙂
Puzzled by us loaning Josh Onomah, great prospect and no doubt will do well but he is basically a younger Hourihane, we also have Lansbury too bought by SB to get goals and assists? Bacuna another attacker and dare I say RMC, we also have Jorden Lyden who is also a very attacking midfielder given 5 mins pre-season, add, O’hare and Hayes to that list,same younger or a year older than Josh Onomah? Josh Onomah is not a jack in any shape or form.
We appear to be accumulating an awful lot of players that play in the same positions. Massively overloaded with RB’s No left footed CB’s and one LB (assuming Amavi will be sold) loads of non-scoring mid-fielders, short on the left front to back and up top.
At the end of the day are we bringing in youth players to cover what the seniors can’t do while apparently not trusting our own youth that showed up well pre-season. Just seems like typical SB he can’t help himself he has to buy/bring players in rather than develop what we have, the situation is looking very Sunderland like where he was given money IMO. The word is that he will have to let go some surprise players to buy.
this lad would be a better bet Ryan Kent
https://youtu.be/vNlnSPbQ2HE
Oh for Balance we are much better defensively 🙂
Makes me wonder what the state of play is at VP? Bruce failed last season enough to see most managers out the door, lack of funds could be one reason he is not and continuity as he spent in Jan
pre-FFP end Date. He is now approaching the season with an incomplete team, ie he is still looking at players and still has to let some go. No Doubt this is a do or die season for him and Villa for me, Failure is unthinkable due to what will be left next season. Alternatively I might get my wish and all that will be left is the youth players 😉
https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/steve-bruce-delivers-worrying-aston-villa-transfer-update/
Feel better now, we should be fine Paul Lambert the oracle has spoken 🙂
“Former Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert has insisted that he does not know whether the Villains will ever win promotion to the Premier League, should they not do so this season.
The Villains are currently one of the favorites to win promotion this season and will have the experienced Chelsea legend John Terry as club captain for the season.
In addition to Terry, the club also have experienced campaigners such as Chris Samba, Ahmed Elmohamady and Glenn Whelan to call upon.
With such an ageing squad assembled over the summer though, Lambert now feels that it could be a long time in the wilderness should Villa fail to win promotion this season.
He said, “To be honest with you, I think this is their best chance to do it this year,”“Every time I’ve seen Glenn Whelan, he looks a brilliant player. He’ll carry them along. I think if they don’t go up this year, then I don’t know that they ever will.”
Mark 🙂
All I know is I believe Jack would of played and played in what I feel is his best position. I also thought we were a lot better going forward in his short time playing that game….but anyways he is crocked!
Yes Onamah seems a strange one to me….hourihan off?!
Mark
Please to the love of God don’t post any lambert comments up…I start getting flash backs and twitching thinking about the man!
I have heard lots of comments about if we don’t go up now we are doomed…don’t understand it or know why?
Teams I fear this season are Leeds, sheff wed, wolves, Fulham….clubs who have been out the prem a long while.
Mark
the squads ok for me…very strong…only a few to ship out.
gk Johnson steer bunn
rb de laet bree hutton
lb taylor amavi
cb chester terry- terry has played left of cb all his life, great left foot. Richards samba jedi to cover too.
cm – whelen jedi Lansbury hourihan bacuna
rw elmo adomah
lw green bjanson
st gabby Hogan kodger
That’s strong and the depth needed
as of now over balanced a bit with McCormack, elphick gardner trying to be sold. reckon bacuna will be sold too if moneys there.
Overall fairly balanced and very strong squad.
Lots of teams are still doing there business…transfer window should be shut before the season starts its stupid.
I forgot about reading in the mix too! another team who have been out the top flight but still challenging
talk of getting both kent and onomah
…also talk of helder rodellga….!
ah ok Onamah looks like cover for Jack and also may mean Bacuna off.
Versatile lad who can play deep…but poch plays him off the striker or on the wing.
Hi JL
How close are you to Gabby to know his state of mind, recuperated or not, sorry, you have to assess Gabby on his contribution to Villa which is negligible beyond a winning goal against the Blues. There surely has to be more about Gabby than being a victim of circumstance in how the club was run.
I believe you are willing the best of Gabby but through rose tinted 2012 glasses as opposed to any honest assessment of his contribution. He’s stolen a wage for too long, lacks control and lost a lot of pace, I don’t wish him any ill but I don’t wish Villa to be so reliant on Gabby recapturing form from five years ago, it doesn’t augur well for us if we need him to get us goals.
welcome to the villa onuamah
may you be better than simon dawkins!!
one thing I like is that he will bring pace to the central position…something we lack.
Andrew- If anything it looks like Villa are very ready to sell their assets and rely on loan players as Bruce has done before at other clubs. Really concerns me at how close we are to FFP fines, if that happens we could be left with a right mess if this does not work ie we go up. Imagine next season Minus JT and others and a transfer ban? I think as we have 28 seniors still, want to get down to 19-20 and are bringing in loan players there is going to be one hell of a distracting fire/garage sale come the end of August or we could be toast financially speaking, Last seasons gamble appears to be leaking into this season. Other likelihood is we are going to be selling to our rivals and strengthening them while weakening ourselves.
Hernandez and Diomande back for hull on Saturday so if they play JT and Chester will get a severe test both big athletic and Quick, be a good test I don’t think they will face much more difficult forwards, they certainly haven’t in pre-season.
PS why does Bruce keep showing Our hand? opened his maouth about RMC and now FFP after the DR squashed the no money rumours pre-season.
JL,
If, as it looks, Gabby is firmly in Bruce’s plans, then of course I hope he does the business. I don’t really have any problem with him personally. Players, like everyone else, can go through all sorts of off-field issues. I feel the same way about RMC. Will give Gabby a clean slate.
But….I just don’t think he’s going to produce. As DOR, Mark and others have pointed out, that Gabby’s return rate has been very poor. Both he and Weimann benefited greatly from Benteke’s presence. Otherwise, he’s just got what seems to me a mental block when he has time to think.
I’m all for him recapturing whatever his best form was. Would love to be wrong about him, and will be the first to admit it, if I am. But I’m afraid we’re a worse team with him in, if for no other reason than his first touch is generally abysmal, leading to so many broken-down moves. Never mind the lack of goals.
Hogan’s return has been so much higher in recent years, it seems silly to persist with Gabby and hope it comes good. I’m guessing that over the years, he’s done much better in training, leading managers to think he will finally produce in games. So to me, it points to a “mental” issue. Not like illness, but choking. But with Hogan, it just seems like you “know” the goals are there if you use him right. Past performance as indication of future returns.
Right now, I think you put a different player out there—O’Hare, Davis, RHM—or one of the more experienced players, like Hourihane, Lansbury, or Bjarnason to partner Hogan in either a 4-4-2 or 4-4-1. Since I’m expecting little to nothing from Gabby, I say we don’t waste those games ignoring younger players with pace, more skill on the ball, and less mental “fear,” for lack of a better word/less clumsy phrase.
But I think you’re right, Bruce will use him, so I’ll just hope to be wrong.
JC- ditto Mate he flatters to decieve and Bruce is notably risk adverse/defensive manager. Last season we got goals from players skills adoamh/Kodjia/Grealish that won the majority of our points rather than some pre-determined plan to score, we have instead a pre-determined plan not to concede first and foremost. We have become very strong in that department I hope Bruce relaxs and at least lets a few off the leash and trusts in the DM and Defence.
When Jedinak is back I bet we see 4231
Mark,
I’d like to see Bruce do a bit of an RDM. Go all out to start. But then he can do what RDM didn’t, and get defensive if we get the lead and play on the counter.
Won’t happen, but…
And yeah, agreed, I could see Whelan in a more advanced role with Jedi behind, when he’s back.
mark k
bruce is getting all his excuses out early
andrew
lambert is speaking the truth for first time ever,take off your villa specs and look at our squadlist,never seen one built with as many players on or above 30 birthday with no resale value
Darren,
One of the problems we all have is of continuing to think of Gabby’s position as an out-and-out striker, and I say that is not his game. He plays a creditable game all-round i.m.o., but it is a pity he’s been short of goals of late. Never mind, I think he will score a few (I mean a few) but will be more helpful on the assists side of things I believe.
Although I was joking earlier about knock-downs to midfielders, I can see his strength making a difference and setting up chances for others. So long as they’re backing up, of course.
JC: “[Gabby’s] just got what seems to me a mental block when he has time to think.”
Well, I totally disagree there … I think we’ve probably forgotten the goals he’s set up for others, like Ayew and also Weimann etc.
We really just have to wait and see. If we disagree on Gabby then we disagree on Gabby … it’s been pretty obvious for some time to be honest; it’s not something that has to be brought to my attention! 😀
Let’s just wait to see what happens…. 🙂
JL- What are the figures on his assists? its 34 career assists, I will tell you what they were in the prem 3.7 assists a season and I took it as 9 seasons with the games he has played being 344. He has actually had 12 seasons with us so its 2.8 assists a season. The mid-fielders he is assisting had clocked up 13 each when they joined us for half a season. He’s scored 6 goals a season over 12 seasons on average and thats got a lot worse in reality over the last few.
So gabby is worth (if he stays fit) 9.7 goals a season at a push if he is true to the last 12 seasons Goals and assists. We all know he hasn’t been anywhere near that recently and as I said others we have eclipsed that in half a season elsewhere. Maybe we need to get them playing to their strengths? no Jack the lynchpin of the side 🙂 and now Gabby our one striker and focal point is going to get us 10 at best.
Last season 1 goal 1 assist 14 matches.
Matt Kendricks assessment a couple of years ago.
http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/stats-how-aston-villa-striker-9507924
heres Gabbys good bits for balance
https://youtu.be/zbZBH82y6OI
My team for villa tomoz if I was bruce
Johnson
Bree Chester Terry Taylor
Welen Lansbury
elmo Hourihan Green
Hogan
Gabby 100-1 to be top league scorer JL get in quick mate 😉
Andrew that would be my team but with Ohare for lansbury to play behind hogan
Andrew- I wonder what odds you would get for all those players being here by the end of Aug?
bruces team tomoz though
Johnson
hutton chester terry taylor
elmo Whelen Lansbury Green
Gabby Hogan
mark
Johnson
Kogdjer
chester
terry
would defo not be here if still in champ
Mark: “Last season 1 goal 1 assist 14 matches.”
As Disraeli said, “There’s lies, damn lies … and statistics”.
JL- did he say truth too? 😉 he scored one assisted one thats fact in 14 games he appeared in.
Be interesting to see what we have got as the 4 players that made a difference last season will be out Kodjia Grealish Adomah Jedinak.
This is incredible but true apparently.
Adomah has claimed 10 assists for Championship goals this season – as well as finding the net himself three times.
The figures put the former Middlesbrough winger at the top of the table for the division’s creators – nearly.
He is actually second in the list behind team-mate Conor Hourihane, who has 13 assists to his name from being Barnsley’s primary playmaker.
Mark: “he scored one assisted one thats fact in 14 games he appeared in”
I’m sorry I’m sorely tempted to say “so what”? 🙁
Last season was last season: let’s get into this one with Gabby only *now* getting back into stride. No, not scoring-wise, but in his general play. Apart from Codger anyone would think the other strikers did brilliantly the way you’re argument goes!
You don’t like him, period. You don’t think he measures up. Period. I know that’s what you think, but I’m simply saying let’s wait and see…!
He’s still a Villa player and if he’s picked then let’s get behind him.
Mark, what would you say if Gabby scores, say, 2 or 3 goals *or* makes a few for others during the next month or so while Codger is out?
The purposes of all this argument of your achieves nowt except provide an exercise in verbal numeracy! 😀
JL- quite frankly you are saying with no other information than he looks fitter that gabby is going to come good, Where I am saying based on his ability throughout his career that is unlikely to happen now.
Should we go out and buy a few more players that have been really average their entire career just in case?
As for what would I say? I already agreed with what JC wrote.
what would you say if he doesn’t do any of that john? answer that and you have your answer.
Feeling a little more optimistic and heres why. Just had a few too many after work drinks and my mates old man down. He has been a coach and scout for years and currently been hired by saints as scout….knows his stuff. His youngest is currently playing in america and plays for wales youth team. Surpringsly im not bruces biggest fan…just try and keep balanced on here and for debate purposes. Anyway talking footy over drinks and my mate said how i dont rate bruce and he began to lecture me!! Said what more do you want at the current time and state of club…..loads of horror stories of our former coaches…set up….youth team etc. Basically what we all know at end of day wevwere being taken the piss out of hence relegation. Said bruce is the right man at the right time….will make us honest, hard working and professional…..but said this about behind the scenes. Said we are, have been a shambles but its getting better. Starting to be respected in the football world behind the scenes and employing proper people who care and work hard.
Likened him to paul sturrock. Master of the lower divisions but if we went up not sure. Said the championship is so different to the prem, his young lads very very good and could easily play in the champ but clubs dont trust the small technical pkayers that his son is. Knows grealish, said his son has played against him lots…all the talent in the world but overhyped quickly…new contract and needs to get his head right.
Loves the spurs guy we got on loan….incredible talent he reckons.
So overall thinks whilst we are re building…and said it could be few years yet to get the club right bruce is the proper character to have.
Wyness, speaking to popular fan channel, The Villa View, said: “I do think Steve Bruce understands, with the right personnel, we can play some decent football, some attacking football.
“We’ve got to score 80 goals this season.
“We’ve got to score 70 to 80 goals, there’s no doubt about it.
Andrew- better pin your lugholes back and listen to him then, He may be right that Bruce is ok for the champs I have my doubts he is the right man for a rebuild of a club like ours or any, Most teams he has left just fade away no lasting legacy and a player merry go round, thats why his former promoted clubs are in the mix with us yet again, not what I wanted for Villa and with the right Vision of 2-3 seasons we could of done it so differently yet here we are spending loads and getting stuck with deadwood again in an attempt to get up when the emphasis should of been changing the club ethos top to bottom.
Mark: “quite frankly you are saying with no other information than he looks fitter that gabby is going to come good, Where I am saying based on his ability throughout his career that is unlikely to happen now.”
Why are we still arguing this? If he makes it then he makes it … if he doesn’t, he doesn’t.
I just like to give him the benefit of the doubt, Mark. I’m not after winning arguments.
I don’t agree with you and that’s it as far as I’m concerned. Who is going to be more right than the other is to be seen. But if it’s me, then I’ll just say “Good for Gabby” and pass on. If I’m not right then it’s not going to bother me either.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Hz6hOF8pTEk&feature=youtu.be
Check out the link. Interview with keith….by 2 very good villa fans. Follow them on twitter for years, they have done well to get this interview!
Hey mark…just posted the interview…good timing!
Loved the bit about the villa way being introduced throughout the academy…not a quick thing to see but i love we are building!
Mark i bet you loved the pre pre season thing wih all the families together….very wagner esq 😉
Well im just glad we are building summin. He said hed of put money on us double droppng if randy stayed. Seen league 2 clubs run more prof.
Mentioned he knowws alan evans. Terrible coach but was incrdible player….also bruce rioch.
Before my time !
JL- you may not have noticed but you are the only one that gets upset about gabby not being taken seriously and keep challenging opinions ? 😉
Gabby is lucky to still be at Villa, he has been poor. However, JL has a point, we may as well accept that he’s in Bruce’s plans. I’m sure we all hope he does well even for what little he has produced in recent years. I hope he plays and does really well for Villa. Personally I don’t think it’ll be long before he’s injured, anyway. But good luck to him.
Andrew- its a good interview lots of good stuff but what shone through was we are desperate to go up, plans in place for next season if we don’t and we can’t spend this season!? The management know we have to score goals around 80, Bruce must be filling his pants 🙂
Nice to hear the manager can’t sleep for fear of losing? blimey no wonder the team is so defensive and wyness knows it doesn’t take money to win this league, hoorah.
Thought the bit about changing to many players cost us was bull, at least two promoted teams changed more they just did it better, and I do not buy the buying for this season in Jan rubbish, only Taylor from that crop has been worth it so far.
still COYVB tomorrow death or glory 🙂
Iana- I have excepted it I just think Hogan should play not him though, If Kodjia was available then he would play he scores more goals and in recent season including last so does Hogan, seems simple enough to me.
i can just see it 90th min bruce shouting them forward hutton takes of on one of his gallops gets the ball deep in hull half goes to cross it and miracles do happen it dips atback post where gabby having made 50metre dash heads in at post for the winner, then i wake up to realise it was a bore draw
Mark, just for the record, JL isn’t the only one who thinks Gabby has something to offer us.
Okay, folks. Preview up now.
COYVB
In the real world (outside football blogs) there seems to be a consensus that Bruce is a good manager and a good fit for Villa.
Amongst Villa fans, I’d say opinion is more evenly balanced although there seems to be a cautious optimism for this season.
Personally, I think he has a decent chance of getting us amongst the play off spots this year.
Let’s not forget where we’ve come from though.
Two seasons ago we were one of the very worst premiership sides in history.
The club was in a mess and fans despairing.
Go back to this time last year and there was much talk of a double relegation.
Indeed, if the results of the first ten games had continued for the whole season we would now be in league 1
If we’d had the results under Bruce for the whole season we’d have ended up 10th.
That’s not a *huge* success, but bearing in mind just how bad things were when he picked us up, it warrants, at worst, giving him some benefit of the doubt . . . in my view.