30 years on from a day Bradford City suffered disaster as fire broke out at Valley Parade, Aston Villa Life remembers those who lost their lives. Bradford City, you are in our hearts today, along with the families of those who lost loved ones – we offer our sincere condolences and we stand with you in respect.

In memory of those who lost their lives, we remember the victims of the disaster below:

ACKROYD John Douglas, 32 – Baildon
ANDERTON Edmund, 68 – Bingley
BAINES Alexander Shaw, 70 – Bradford
BAMFORD Herbert, 72 – Bradford
BULMER Christopher James, 11 – Burley-in-Wharfedale
COXON Jack Leo, 76 – Bradford
COXON Leo Anthony, 44 – Halifax
CRABTREE David James, 30 – Bradford
CRABTREE Harry, 76 – Bradford
DEMPSEY Derek, 46 – Morley
FIRTH Muriel, 56 – Baildon
FIRTH Samuel, 86 – Bradford
FLETCHER Andrew, 11 – East Bridgford, Nottinghamshire
FLETCHER Edmond, 63 – Pudsey
FLETCHER John, 34 – East Bridgford, Nottingham
FLETCHER Peter, 32 – Gildersome
FORSTER Nellie, 64 – Bradford
GREENWOOD Felix Winspear, 13 – Denholme
GREENWOOD Peter, 46 – Denholme
GREENWOOD Rupert Benedict, 11 – Denholme
HALL Norman, 71 – Bradford
HALLIDAY Peter Anthony, 34 – Bradford
HARTLEY Arthur, 79 – Bradford
HINDLE Edith, 79 – Bradford
HINDLE Frederick, 76 – Bradford
HODGSON Moira Helen, 15 – Oakenshaw
HUDSON Eric, 72 – Bingley
HUGHES John, 64 – Bradford
HUTTON John, 74 – Bradford
KERR Walter, 76 – Bradford
LOVELL Peter Charles, 43 – Bradford
LUDLAM Jack, 55 – Bradford
McPHERSON Gordon Stuart, 39 – Bradford
McPHERSON Irene, 28 – Bradford
MASON Roy, 74 – Silsden
MIDDLETON Frederick Norman, 84 – Bradford
MITCHELL Harold, 79 – Bradford
MUHL Elizabeth, 21 – Leeds
NORMINGTON Ernest, 74 – Shipley
ORMONDROYD Gerald Priestley, 40 – Bingley
ORMONDROYD Richard John, 12 – Bingley
ORMONDROYD Robert Ian, 12 – Bingley
POLLARD Sylvia Lund, 69 – Bradford
PRICE Herbert, 78 – Shipley
ROBERTS Amanda Jayne, 20 – Bradford
SAMPSON Jane, 18 – Leeds
STACEY William, 72 – Sleaford, Lincolnshire
STOCKMAN Craig Albert, 14 – Bradford
STOCKMAN Jane Ashley, 16 – Bradford
STOCKMAN Trevor John, 38 – Brighouse
TURNER Howard Malcolm, 41 – Bingley
TURNER Sarah Elizabeth, 16 – Bingley
WARD Simon Neil, 18 – Shipley
WEDGEWORTH Robert, 72 – Guiseley
WEST William James, 78 – North Hykeham, Lincoln
WRIGHT Adrian Mark, 11 – Bradford

Comments 148

  1. Imagine if your kids went to that game, you send them off to a game of football, wrap them up in their colours and give them the entrance fee, two hours later and these horrific scenes are flashed over your TV, words can’t describe this tragedy.

  2. This tragedy puts the ‘life & death’ struggle to maintain league status into perspective. I have visited Valley Parade on many occasions and spoken to those affected who lost family and friends. Like Mark I hope the rumours about the insurance scam are untrue, although the Chairman has a record of well-timed conflagrations.

    I also have the same problem as Mark in having to refresh aftyer log-in; I think Frem is also affected. We had it a while ago and it ‘went away’ but has now come back – let’s hope it’s not a Lambert!

  3. Here’s a quick thought people who’s going to get manager of the season? for me you could go for the obvious Mourinho, Pearson could be in with a shout as escape of the season but he’s equally to blame for them being bottom for most of it or Pardew and Pullis for palace and wba revivals?. For me if TS wins the FA cup and we end up 12-14Th has to rate up there surely?

  4. My mate in Spain says sign Cleverley but I say The problem is that until the ownership of the club is secured TS doesn’t know whether he has the authority to enter into contractual arrangements and I doubt Fox can give it to him

  5. Clive- yes its a mess which must surely filter through to the players? with the likes of Vlaar, cleverly, Sinclair on free’s it could be a free for all if not sorted quick.

  6. TS has a massive job if he stays, there are so many players to tie down or let go its not funny. add to that the additions he will want to make and I think this summer will be as busy as any under Lambert. We have Sanchez and Gil on long term contracts who do not seem to be long term prospects under Tim

  7. Remains to be seen what formation/players TS prefers. Looks like 433/4231 but he did say at the start he is just going to go for a team to get out of trouble.

    I like the present formation but prefer when we had 2 strikers up top. Currently puts too much pressure on tekkers for goals.

    Playing with 2 number 10s in jack and nzog is ok but neither of them are getting goals.

    Id like to see

    New Gk
    New fb Okore Clarke New FB
    New CDM
    Cleverly Delph
    Grealish
    New striker Tekkers

  8. Andrew I agree on the lack of goals at the moment from the supporting strikers, would like to see Sinclair given a chance up top with Tekkers, if not then Charlie Austin would be a great addition. wouldn’t be surprised if GG ends up as our DM/ deep lying midfielder next season, I hope so because of the threat he poses from distance and free kicks, also he is brilliant at late runs into the box. as much as I like westwood, delph cleverly GG would have everything a midfield could need.

  9. Mark

    Would love GG to make it. Grealish and Gardner in the same side would be as good as it gets.

    A spine of Clarke, Gardner, Grealish, young british villa boys would be some turn around.

    Would love to see Gill up top with Grealish, shame he is not fancied.

  10. Guzan;
    Richards, Vlaar, Clark, Robertson:
    Gardner:
    Cleverley, Delph, Grealish:
    Benteke, Hernandez.

    Subs from – Given, Siegrist, Robinson, Okore, Westwood, Gil, Baker, Kinsella, Burke, Zog, Bent, anyone i’ve forgotten.

    Champione.

    Lets not forget Guzan in previous years was one one the better keepers around, sure that he’ll return to that form.

  11. Steamer – I think the reality of missing the final has sunk in with Guzan and lets face it, it may never happen again whomever he plays for. He’ll definitely return to form soon.

  12. Oooh Steamer im likeing that team. 2 proper full backs. And little pea up top with tekkers. Grealish would have a field day playing behind that.

    Shows we dont need too many additions, just a bit of quality. More outgoings really off the wage bill.

    You forgot gabby from the bench;)

  13. Wonder if TS may be considering Cashley for LB, hope not.

    Andrew,
    Guzan’s not everyone’s cup of Bovril but i can’t think of many that we could realistically poach. Possibly the ex-mealie at Stork.

  14. steamer if Bennetts defending has improved he may get a look in, apparently Watford want to buy him.
    I think we will hang fire on a keeper until Givens contract expires, money needs spending elsewhere imo

    I don’t get the TS is arrogant thing, OK he’s not Mr humble but then why should he be he’s not a monk. to me most of what he says is pretty accurate and if not tinged with humour, what’s wrong with that? maybe spurs fans have big ego’s to bruise so easily.

  15. Rags one bloke on there quite liked TS but a bit worrying that they likened him to ‘Arry.
    wonder if I should write something about Lambert? Spurs fans might see why we are happy

  16. Respects to Bradford FC the families involved and the dignity they keep.
    Always fun to rev up totteringham fans Rags – well done!
    A few weeks back felt if we down we would deserve it – now feel we would be hard done by with such good players and nice football – how did that happen then.???
    Can we win away at Saints? Then we can all get smashed in peace until the cup final.
    UTV UOWF !

  17. The initial point of the mail was to raise the point that fans that critique Sherwood do so due to it being ‘cool’ or ‘hipster’. I think that was reflected in the replies from Spurs fans. For example, the guy who blamed TS for pissing off AVB- isn’t it possible that AVB was the cunt and not TS? Certainly not in the minds of a hipster.

    My highlights were:

    The guy arguing that Sherwood had nothing to do with Kane after Itold them to ‘deal with it’ and only managing to highlight the fact that TS did in fact have a major influence.

    The guy who called me a ‘snotty fan villa’ which may be true, but then proceeded to fail to construct a coherent argument, by in one breath calling a spurs player a cretin and the next blaming TS for the damaging the relationship between the fans and the players! Priceless! πŸ˜€

  18. Pretty much sums up the entire media view on Sherwood Rags – Teams from the smoke or teams with the money is all they are interested in.
    It was funny watching us pass the ball around on saturday – we made it look so easy to pass and move – those same players we all thought were incapable of movement for so long. God i hope we stay up we must be nailed on for at least 12th next season with this lot playing like they are …….
    Swansea showing how to beat Arse too – great display from the defense and keeper combined with huge slices of luck.

  19. To be honest I do not give a monkeys what the spuds fans or the media think of TS all I know is he has been a breath of fresh air the moment he walked into VP, talk of TC Sinclair and even Benteke staying would have been out of the realms of possibility with lambert in charge.

    So stuff the lot of them apparently TS at the Swindon game last night running the rule over their right back Nathan Byrne I have seen him play a few times and he is decent at L1 level but this is a major step up, got lots of energy and can pass the ball and get forward.

    AVFC ITWT.

  20. Steamer,

    Well to be fair I cannot get excited about Smith and his consortium so sometimes it is a case of better the devil you know, perhaps Lerner realises he may have a manager that may be able to take the team forward and increase the value of the club for a sale later on down the line, rumours that Smith and Co are looking at smaller investors to come on board tells me we will not have the funds to put into the squad, until a genuine party come in with those types of Β£s I say leave TS to get on with it backed by Fox, Lerner can stay locked away in his New York mansion playing kerplunk.

    AVFC ITWT

  21. Steamer- If we are signing TC anything could be true, what next? the hair bear bunch and dick dastartdly?? still he is the leader of the Gang

  22. Learner stays or goes i don’t think we will be splashing mega money around on players. It will be the young and hungry route and i have a feeling TS will go for British players.

  23. Lerner will only sell to someone who has around Β£50 million to spend on players, otherwise he is staying, so it would seem that he is keeping his word over stewardship of Villa, and it’s responsibilities.

  24. Andrew out of the 2 Westwood looks more solid positionally and a better passer imo, but I like Sanchez’s physicality too. Westwood on 1 year Sanchez 3 left

  25. Sad to hear of yet another broken leg for one of our players – get well soon

    last chance for my wembelee ticket today – pray for me guys n girls πŸ™‚

  26. I don’t like the sound of the the big toe adams led lot – think i would rather keep randy with ts in charge

    hopefully it’s all just paper talk thou and mega rich new owners are set to take control after we lift the FA cup

  27. The situation regarding JG’s international choice is farcical, Southgate wants him for the U21’s, now why would JG choose to play for the England u21 team when the full team hasn’t a MF that comes within 20 classes of him. JG humiliated Henderson and Wilshire is unbelievably bad ( when fit ). Regarding Ireland, MON said he wasn’t going to pick him for the Scotland game but now wants him, whats going on ?

  28. Runtingz,
    Fair do’s to him for taking his chance, he could have just asked his mates at VP, respect.
    Wonder if Lerner gets a ticket for NO games attended. Also Camoron, HRH and family, IDS and all the other parasites.

  29. ta runtingz, how the f does a goalie break a leg?? did Clarke trip him with a crutch?

    steamer- said an age back JG needed starts, not for him to get up to speed but for the team to adjust and trust him. Seems like none of the managers bar TS thought the same. So now they have seen him run games they all want him. It is no coincidence IMO that our recent run of form and the swagger we have has come about since his inclusion, TS you lucky man.

  30. I’ve gotta say this is the most if enjoyed being a Villa fan in years, I’m renewing my ST for next year, went to the semi going the final. TS has been a breath of fresh air, a complete opposite of Houllier, Mcleish and Lambert. He has a touch of the Gregory about him, this era may turn out to be short if he does well next year, but like everyone here I’m in for the long haul VTID.
    SWV I’m with you mate, Lerner has been woeful but, and it’s a big but, I prefer him to a load of cockney cowboys who have no cash and will fuck it up, now if say a local villa loving billionaire wanted to chuck in with us I’d love it. I think we may pull off the miracle of survival and the cup, 1 more point could see us safe( although it will go to the burnley game) I wanna be able to wear my shirt with pride on holiday( even if it is only bluestone in Wales ) as there will be 3 generations of Villa on display as well as my mate and my god daughter, his wife is Albion it’s a good job there getting a divorce πŸ˜‰

  31. On JG choice of nation to represent, I am as big an England fan you can get, I also have Irish ancestors but always follow the 3 lions in every sport( the cricket is in turmoil over KP with the ashes on the horizon), however I don’t want JG ruined by the England set up and having his head turned by some of the layabout cunts that represent my great nation, so Jack choose Ireland at least you will play and get a chance, without hearing how great Man Utd/City Arse, Chelsea and liverscum are every session.

  32. That’s a fair comment b62. Unfortunately , some of the gobshites over here are already starting to turn on jack because he does’nt fawn over the green jersey. I hope he just suspends his international career for a couple of years, that will teach both FA’s to grow the fook up!

  33. I must admit that i find it completely ridiculous that anyone even has the choice of which country they represent, not for nationalistic reasons as i don’t have a patriotic bone in my body, i support almost anybody before England but in my view you’re born in a certain country therefore you play for that country, look at some of the players who have played for England like Terry Butcher who gave it everything, but wasn’t born in England so shouldn’t have got even one cap, even Paul McGrath was English but i doubt if our dummy managers would have recognised his talent, Raheem Sterling shouldn’t be near an England shirt because –
    1) he wasn’t born here.
    2) He’s crepe.

  34. By the way, i think that Grealish should choose Ireland if he wants to enjoy his footy, England aren’t going to win anything with this mug as manager and the team is dire too, so it’s not much of a choice Jack.

  35. Steamer,
    I don’t think Paul McGrath was born in England but I do think that strict qualifying criteria such as geographical birthplace is a bit strict particularly on cultures which traditionally relied emigration for economic survival. Anyway, I do believe that patriotism is the last refuge to which a scoundrel clings, steal a little and they…………..

  36. Prox
    God( PM) was born in Ealing, London, I belive his father was a Nigerian doctor, I’m sure his best mate ST75 will be able to clarify everything ;). Fitting the final home game is being dubbed Paul McGrath day and is a sell out. I agree the representation rules should be far stricter, I mean Vinny Jones played for Wales !! And he’s not even a real footballer

  37. Hmm.. We’ll agree to disagree on qualification criteria. I hate it when you English lads slag off your national team…that’s our job!

    Did’nt know god was born in London.

  38. definitely JG for England we have some very decent players coming through although
    no defenders worth having. Baker might even get a game. Wouldn’t mind seeing JG, Kane and Rooney as our front three, Delph, cleverly and GG/Henderson as our midfield.

    Can see plus’s in having a choice by heritage as there are plenty of good players that don’t get picked and should grace the world cup. in fact if you only get a couple of games in friendlies you should still get the option to change if the manager says you’ve no chance. the world is so open to immigration these days makes no sense not to allow it. that said its unfair on players that have played through all the levels but that’s sport. Taken to stupity we could all play for Ethiopia if you believe in the fossil record πŸ™‚

  39. RIP. Should never go to a football match and not return home

    Steamer – All points to Randy going . Another article tonight from the telegraph tonight saying there are 3 interested parties.

    Still worries m though we are scouting league 1 players.

    Benteke to Chelsea maybe. Jose likes a big man and drogba is of. Get remy plUs 30 mill

    Can’t a it for sat. My first ever time going to a last away game of the season

  40. If Any Carroll is worth 50 mill, then why the hell will we accept 32 million for Benteke ?

    If he goes to Chelsea he has my blessing, if he goes to Liverpool or arsenal, I’ll be gutted

  41. frem totally agree, his price just doesn’t match his quality compared to the likes of carroll. Another season with us and 30+ goals would nail it, and lets remember he hasn’t had a full season in a decent team and injury free yet.

  42. Guys its clearly paper talk when you read stuff like villa will be happy to sell tekkers for 30 odd mil — joke price joke reporting – i would just skip over all that this summer unless tekkers expresses a desire to leave the villa he will not be going anywhere

    on Jack – i really hope he chooses ireland — for all the reasons pointed out by you guys already –plus playing for ireland will allow him to play with a smile on his face

    can’t wait for us to be declared safe in the lge as i reckon we may hear a little more about who has won the race to buy villa — this tony adams late bid sounds far from realistic – i would put money on it that it wont be big toe and his crew running things next season

    no cup final ticket – i do miss out due to living down south – guttec but i will be there in spirit and likely to be full of spirits to — mostly brandy

    VTID

  43. Can any of the Irish lads tell what your press is like towards your national team? is it really treated as a jolly? I know the press go OTT on England footy but we have won the world cup no matter how long ago. Lets face it as villa fans are we not guilty of the same rubbish? big club etc.
    why should JG stay here if he has ambition then? he’s already said he wants to play at Madrid so he has ambition. He’s a young lad that will make his mind up in due course and I think he is good enough not to end up on the scrap heap. he is obviously torn between the two, who’s to say he’ll enjoy Ireland more? who’s to say he’ll make it to a tournament in his career? personally I think it would be a crime if he didn’t and he has a better chance with England.

  44. Mark we all have opinions as to what we think is better for JG and why but it doeasnt really matter what we think – its up to the lad — We won the world cup but are a million miles away from doing it again — and we don’t have any players in the class of the world cup winners , not even jack imo

    i just think there is less pressure and joyful passion in the way ireland generally go about there buisiness as appossed to unrealistic expectations and huge pressure for england players – plus once you play for england you get the top four teams trying and succeeding in terning the heads of players at so called lesser clubs

  45. JG won’t ever get picked for England if he decides to pick us. Have to have the manchester and london boys in before him

    A lot of complacency setting in by the looks of things around the net. we ain’t safe yet. If we lose and Hull win, there’s 1 point in in. You never in football.

    Iv’e said it before, but credit to this blog. TBAR especially, there are always arguments and banning and guys who think they know it all and are better than everyone

    This blog it top class

  46. Mark

    See ya later Sanchez!

    Wonder how GG is getting on, TS reckons he would know if he rated him after a few weeks training.

    Desperate for tekkers to stay 1 more year….show him what playing for the real villa is like.

    Frem

    I can see Hull getting a result against spurs…..going to go to Burnley game.

  47. Paul McGrath day, wonderful, hope the great man is there to see the affection that Villans have for him.
    Runtingz,
    Sorry you didn’t get a ticket mate, i’m sure we’ll be in Cup Finals more often in the future though.
    B62,
    Very funny.
    Prox,
    Eamon Dunphy giving MON and Keane some welly today.

  48. Where Villa are concerned i’m a gullible plank, but on one blog a chap who’s contact stated all along that last close season’s takeover wasn’t gonna happen is now stating that it WILL definitely happen in the close season and it will be a BIG ‘UN.

  49. Firstly, the comments sent to Jack by neanderthal Irish do not represent me, i’ve been attacked in the past by Celtic fans for supporting an English team, they don’t see the difference in supporting a team from Scotland. So there are a lot of ignorant people throughout out the footballing world.

    In my opinion, the lad is born in England and has every right to feel affinity/kinship however you want to call it with England and consider it a huge honour to play for England, equally, he’s been brought up with a very Irish cultural focus and who wants to let their parents/grandparents down when being instilled with the idea of greatness in being Irish (we are rather brilliant πŸ™‚ ) and not declare for Ireland.

    We all know the top 4/5 teams supply national football teams because they have to be better, don’t they. This reduces the chances of the JGs of this world playing for a ‘lower’ team. But apart from the honour (not dismissing it) money could be a factor, sponsorship/pay in playing for England is far greater than Ireland. Irish players at our height of qualifying pooled all the money earned from advertising and distributed equally amongst the squad. The other obvious factor England regularly qualifies for tournaments, Ireland doesn’t. What footballer doesn’t want to represent a country at the highest level. We can only surmise that JG will be a 10 cap England player or a 100 cap Ireland player, no one knows the future.

    What I see is a young man who actually knows his mind in that he won’t be pushed into a decision as I assume he feels he may be letting one side or the other down in his personal life. God love him for having a decision like that.

    The other factor from an Irish perspective is we are a nation of 6m, a tiny population of footballers and because the ‘granny’ rule exists we have exploited it and to the betterment of Ireland, we don’t produce enough players and when talent like JG comes along we should be doing everything to make his life and decision as easy as possible for him. MON did the opposite yesterday when JG clearly said this autumn would be his decision time. I do agree for simplicity sake, birth defines nation but then we wouldn’t have seen God in green and definitely wouldn’t have seen him with 3 Lions.

    In terms of media to answer Mark, it is a bit of a jolly when qualifying, sure there is analysis of performance and saying things are shit when they are but there is no weight of expectation so no pressure beyond performing at 100% for your country and that’s enough, sure if the country was bigger, producing more players, that expectation would increase.

    Cards on the table i’d love to see JG in green but mostly because we are crying out for skillful players and we need another generation of Irish Villans.

    Is it Saturday yet?

    UTV

  50. steamer ,
    problem with Dunphy is that he is highly intelligent and loves the game but he’s too contrarian and immature in a lot of ways to be really taken seriously.

    Mark ,
    The Irish press is ok to the Irish team but it is a very small pond so if you get too mouthy as a sports journalist you’re cutting your own throat. I find certain sections of the irish press to be extremely sneery and condescending to its own but overly effusive to foreigners (yes , I mean you lot) . They try too hard to be liked . In 2002 Keane believed we had an outside chance of winning the world cup and as it transpired he may not have been wrong. You can respect other national teams but you must compete with them as equals regardless of the outcome.

    Runtingz
    I don’t believe England are a million miles from winning the world cup , the fa must stop having its head turned so much and concentrate on a core strategy and use the players that suit this startegy

  51. Mark

    ‘Wouldn’t mind seeing JG, Kane and Rooney as our front three’

    That could have been an Irish front three, had the FAI been more proactive, JG Irish Grandparents, Kane Irish Father, Rooney Irish grandparents, his brother declared for Ireland

    Things could have been so different LOL

  52. Re Grealish

    It’s starting to get a distraction now. And the reason for not choosing yet is apparently because he does not want the distraction!

    decision should of been done and dusted allready…should of taken him a second to think about it.

  53. Steamer / JD

    Have you heard anything new on Gil? It was said that TS wasn’t impressed with his physicality or fitness and that he wasn’t doing enough in training. If he has improved since these early days, and since Arsenal aren’t a physical team I just wondered if bringing on Gil for the final 20 minutes to open up their defence, with his pace and skill, might be an option. (Although he has not appeared in the squad very often).

  54. DO & Prox,
    Excellent posts.
    If JG decides on Ireland it could inspire other Irish players to consider their futures.
    Unfortunately the core strategy of the FA seems to be London manager & Coaches, London players ( with a few Mancs & Scousers ) and an outdated crepe stadium in a crappy London industrial estate.

  55. Frankfurt,
    He’s disappeared, persona non – grata, i think the training thing was rubbish, IMO, i think it was a tactical thing, too many lightweights in key positions, someone did mention that TS said they’d sorted out their differences, whatever that means, but i don’t think we’ll see Carles again, shame as he was a good player and didn’t do anything wrong.

  56. DOR-
    I don’t blame Ireland for wanting Jack I wan’t him for England because I believe he has a lot of talent and a hell of a lot more to give. Trouble is I’m not sure he’d have the same impact in an average Irish side. If it was the side that God played in different kettle of fish.

    Runtingz- Sure players being turned while on International duty happens but a player who doesn’t want to play at the top needs his head checking IMO. There is no way stevie me would of stayed his whole career at one club if his home town was hull!

    Also its up to Villa to produce a team to challenge and funds to pay that team as that’s the way football operates, wish it was different but its not. We have never quite made that grade in recent years and maybe that time is coming.

    Southampton players are getting in to the England set-up as is Delph and woy is playing a lot of youngsters. And I also think they play for each other and are not a bad team.
    Germany have a way of developing teams why not us? Germany play as a team and so should we, IMO they have no great stand outs like a maradona.
    Jack could make that team tick IMO as he’s doing for us. Can also see TS being the manager one day it would be right up his street. In fact maybe what England lack is the right manager?

  57. DOR/prox shame we couldn’t give a British/Irish team a go too small a place to share the best players around. no coincidence that when we ruled Europe late 70’s/80’s it was with a mix of British and Irish players.

  58. England/Ireland

    funny enough i reckon most english could play for ireland , wales or scotland as almost everyone has a connection somewhere down the line — maybe its time for team UK and Ireland πŸ™‚

    prox i think we are miles behind the likes of spain , italy , germany ect ect

    I also think the cause for this is that there are too many players from abroad in the leauges that aint all that to begin with and it is stiffling the development of home grown talent

    spain are close to 58% home grown and germany not far behind ——- the new ruling coming in were at least 10 players in a 25man squad need to have been at the club since 15yrs old should help shift that balance

    Paul McGrath — i heard him speak and he is deffo Irish no matter were he was born or what he looks like

  59. DOR/Prox here’s an exercise, what players would you take from the England team and who would you keep already playing for you?

    Steamer- Chelsea are boring, I can see a pattern emerging.

  60. Strangely i find Chelsea entertaining, a British team that can play any style or against any style be it Latin or European, unfortunately all they need is a Benteke.

    MON’s hung JG out to dry IMO, and former Blues STAR!!! Kenny Cunningham, like all mealies has attempted to put the boot in.

  61. You are right Steamer.

    “MoN’s hung JG out to dry”. No surprise – absolutely characteristic of the man. That’s why he and the unspeakable were such good friends – they both have the same ego-driven character traits.

    However, I am sure that Tim has that under complete control. He had spoken to JG and given him his advice on the Ireland thing before o’Neil spewed out his bitterness. TS will ensure JG is not going to be bothered by a comment made by a man who is in the darkening twilight of a middling career..

  62. Actually Mon initially said the Scottish game was too big for him, It does smack of pettiness on Mon’s part to ask after the lad now after JG had told him his decision was to take time out, he has only played 5 games for the Villa first. is Mon that desperate that he thinks JG will beat the jocks on his own?

  63. could be fun and games down London on final day . it seems the LULU warriors are going down as well as Frankie Gavin has a title fight on at the o2 arena , chris knows him as he trains with him on the boxing side of his MMA,
    they must be taking 1000s down as you know it has to be odds of 10/1 for them to try and get a result , going on the nose site to wind them up about the watering hole island shing ding , )))))

    Hiya jenny xxxxxx

  64. Just a quick comment, i know totally out of character

    But what a great decision by TS to bench Guzan for the remaining games not only based on his performance but it also means Given becomes match fit for the final.

    UTV

  65. Guess, we’ve all heard enough about JG and Ireland. He’s better off just playing for Villa until the end of May, anyway. That’s certainly better for Villa. And frankly, If I were him, I’d think twice about putting my lot in with MON and RK. They’re just self glorifying distractions, hope they go away soon.

  66. I read with interest the latest comments from you Lifers and sense the underlying tension that will be relieved on Saturday. Then the topic will be the Cup Final – having attended our last triumph in 1957 I feel sad that I will be watching from SE Asia rather than W London.
    The close season gossip will no doubt be more interesting than last year as we wade through the sale of Aston Villa, the retention (or otherwise) of our manager and , hopefully these matters being resolved in good time, the sorting out of our squad for the new season.
    Interesting times. UTV

  67. JL
    lv noticed on Facebook on some of the Villa sites , that a lot of villa fans are looking up old stuff on the villa and think it might do you good putting some of your books on there, there is a Page called “villa selling page ” just athought mate .

    Frem where are you mate , sent you Emails ,

    oh hum , lm having one of those Episodes l have to endure where my brain blocks loads out and l cant get anything done , Steamer lm dropping over to see Bella , she helps in these times , |Dogs really are a mans best friend

  68. Benteke to the Scummers for Β£32 million…….I hope not…..and I am sure Chelski will pay more, if he is available…

    Ronaldo and Bale on their way possibly to the Scummers…If we are to compete in that sort of market, we maybe need a war chest of around Β£200 million….!!!

    I am sure our boys will still do us proud next season…and surprise many….!!! UTV…VTID..

  69. DOR: “But what a great decision by TS to bench Guzan for the remaining games …”

    It half crossed my mind that TS said something to Guzan before the Man City match … he did look nervous and made that crazy error early on…

    Anyway, it made TS’s decision easier after that…

  70. Hi JL

    Said it before of all the players to turn corners under TS, it was Guzan who was impacted the least and a decision had to made, I called for it ages before the Man City game, he was the weak link. I don’t blame Guzan, I blame Lamberk for the mindset that was shot of all confidence and had so much work to do with a weak minded defence in front of him, the defence improved but Guzan didn’t.

  71. So its a 200,000 fine and a severe warning, ok, if Blackpool, Reading, Preston and all the others get the same then accept it but we all know that won’t happen. Remember when red nose led a pitch invasion a few years ago in the cup game ? not a squeak from the gutless morons at the FA, selective covers it all.

  72. Two snippets –
    Apparently the England u17 coach, someone called John Peacock ( 190 games for Scunthorpe ) has stated that JG will either be the pin up boy for Ireland or a squad player for England, this is the quality that England has as managers and why we produce shite players and teams.
    Grealish, when asked on Facebook about the takeover said “Wait and see, you won’t be disappointed.”

  73. sounds promising eh steamer

    doesnt supprise me re england coach comments

    as you may have gathered i have got a bit of a bee in my bonet re youth development and our football in general in this country

    we could do so much better

  74. If I had made Β£10mn from the club I wouldn’t bear a grudge either. Not only the worst manager in the history of Aston Villa, setting new lows which will probably never be surpassed, but also the most inarticulate. His treatment of some of his players was appalling. He is a professional and personal disgrace.

  75. Cant see how jack is going to know about a takeover. If he knows then the whole dressing room knows, then pretty much everyone would know cause that would get leaked. And ts has also bet 100 notes it wont happen!

  76. wembley

    Steamer they are trying to get a 63rd min clapping going at wembley for Graham Hassell , wembley have said no like the arseholes they are but the villa fans are going to do it anyway and it would seem Arsenal fans will join in , sad he missed the final after going the semi , another mate eh! ,

    just realised its a 5-30 K-O , coach leaves at 7am , l dont know about seeing the game , l wont be able to see my hand in front of me by that time , ) will need to cut a few ciders out ,

    have a good weekend all , 12-45 ko tomorrow WTF ,

    jenny xxxx

  77. Andrew,
    I think Delph knew something before he signed that contract, i don’t think he’d have signed one never mind being that excited by it if he wasn’t told something.
    Graham Hassell, top bloke and top Villan, should have told the FA he was a Liverpool fan.

  78. Steamer

    Well fingers crossed something big is afoot but as long as we stay up and Tim remains manager then im happy.

    The relief if we do stay up for certain will be much bigger than if we won the cup. Surviving 4 years of total dross with prem status in tact will be a miracle.

  79. Lambert probably after the Toon job,,,,

    Just hope that tomorrow we become safe, and then we can go on and beat Burnley and win the Cup….!!!

    Would like to see Tim stay and develop Villa with new owners, if we get them…..Had a great day today and got plenty done…Time to go to the pub…..!!!!!

  80. If Lambert switches to Newcastle I will piss myself laughing, It will make for great viewing they love Jocks there.

    PP come on mate don’t Jinx it! keep pinching myself as it is.

  81. Just read Lamberts article and he’s right he did do a good job of cutting costs, and I’m sure it was difficult, but, unfortunately he didn’t get what is now looking like a decent bunch of footballers he assembled to play good football, score goals, defend and win the odd game at home. And also sold or ignored a decent crop of talent we produced.

    Can’t blame him on the phone sacking but he was in Scotland

  82. Mark,

    PL knew what was coming so fled to Scotland in an attempt to delay the inevitable, it’s was just a sad indictment of the man’s character; running away from his problems.

  83. Rags, quite possible mate

    On Livermore, its not my bag but if we tested half of Britain they would be positive for something. unless he’s putting it up his nose before a match it wouldn’t help and then it wouldn’t help for long and he’d crash. In this day and age its feck all.

  84. I have to ask what do the opposition Managers see when they watch us? do they even watch us? these are Ronald mcdonald Koeman words

    “‘I think they change their style a little bit when the new manager came in. They play more football, more offensive. It`s a different style than in the beginning. They reach the final of the FA Cup, that`s a great achievement for them and they need maybe one or two points to get out of relegation. It will be a tough one because the team is showing the qualities and like Leicester they play with a lot of confidence and that`s always difficult to beat.”

    we have outplayed some of the best teams in the country recently, not by luck or chance but deservedly and still we are looked at like poor relatives, amazing, its complementary in a way but closer to their plucky than quality, bring it on.

  85. I imagine to most managers Villa are on a lucky, desperation streak atm. Wait till next season and see how they think when Villa put a string of wins together. Then it will get a lot harder to find wins for the team

  86. Ian- but you would think they’d do their homework? Its getting embarrassing when managers offer up the reasons we got lucky you only have to watch our last 5 games to see its no fluke. And good luck with sussing us out, the good thing is if you double up on Grealish he will still find a way and someone else finds space and how do you stop an in the mood Benteke? I can dream mate πŸ™‚

  87. Plus a lot of the managers are already on vacation and probably don’t feel much stress and don’t prepare as much

  88. I see Livermore finished his season on a high! I reckon we will take something home from Southampton.
    I’ve got a score to settle with Koemans ever since he escaped a red card to score the winner v England all those years ago.

    UTV

  89. Morning all
    Another huge game, it’s a hindrance being the early KO, as those hot on our heels will be fired up knowing our result. This is why we need at least a point , it will mount extra pressure on those directly behind us, no matter what we do we don’t seem to be able to break free of the relegation shackles, I think this could go to the final Sunday and the nerves will definitely be jangling as Burnley have nothing to play for except pride and wanting to put in a final good performance for their fans.
    Of course if Spurs and Leicester win the pressure is off

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