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10/10/2019, Deano's 12 month anniversary as Villa boss. 15th ish in the championship when he took over?, to 15th ish in the Premiership on his 1 year anniversary as manager? Not 2 bad my son, not 2 bad.

Thanks. Yeah it was good to be out. Bizarrely I actually was better than I've been out and about in a long time. Still not great but not bad. Today especially. Successful couple of days. Mostly. Hopefully.

Grealish was magnificent. He was both our beating pulse and the conjurer of seemingly infinite little moments of magic. A devastating combination. A wonder. The rest of the team were frustratingly flat. I do wonder if Grealish's genius sometimes leaves the somewhat lesser mortals in our team a little on the mental backfoot? Everything goes through him, and with his vision and drive it seems some players can't keep up. And sometimes don't try to. We need more players if not at his level, then at least on his wavelength. Grealish is the conductor and soloist; could do with a duet or two.

VAR is an absolute shambles. Before it arrived my concern was it might give TV viewers some fun but would be dreadful for actual spectators, and so it is. Celebrating a goal is the ultimate buzz at a football match. It was always tough if you started to celebrate then glanced over at the Offside flag - but you had the opportunity to do just that. This, is nothing like that. Ive yet to talk to a single fan at a game who doesn’t want it scrapped. Take today. Their goalie doesn’t appeal. The defenders don’t. The Ref and Lino give nothing. Not a single fan was worried. The players, on both sides, thought it a goal. So, where ( regardless of whether you think there WAS a foul) was the Clear And Obvious Error ? There wasn’t one. And I’ve rarely seen such anger from fans. We aren’t paying £500 a year to wait for a guy on an industrial estate to tell us what we’ve seen.

Living up to his name. He was Nakamba all day.

I'm not saying this is literally must-win, but it's the first game this season after everything that's gone on recently around VAR that has the feeling of must-win about it. We cannot continue to let these 'easier on paper' games pass us by without picking up 3pts at some point. Away to Arsenal does not dictate our season, but home to Burnley very much does. Having already lost to Bournemouth & Palace, plus letting 10-man West Ham off the hook, we find ourselves 3rd bottom. Another failed attempt at a win would make this very worrying indeed. We're certainly playing well enough. We just need to see these out and hope the officials don't **** us again. I predict we will win this. Grealish will go full beast mode and grab this one by the scruff of its neck. I get the impression he's getting very pissed off with not getting our just desserts. 2-0 Villa.

I would pay good money to see this. I’d go for Jack as baby Jesus, Wesley as a somewhat controversial Joseph and JT as Mary.

People's mindsets seem to tend to fall into one of two very different viewpoints. Type A are essentially 'outward lookers'. So they might think: "Yes, I'm from (say) Birmingham, but I'm also from England. I'm English, but I'm also British. I'm British, and also European. I'm European, but most importantly I'm a member of the human race". Type B are the 'inward lookers' - the 'Balkanisers': "I'd rather be a white European than a different race. I'd rather be British than European. I'd rather be English. Being a Brummie's better than being from elsewhere". And so on, down to the football team. Kids are stabbing each other over postcode 'loyalty', for heaven's sake. There is a mutual incomprehension between the two types. The 'A's see themselves as kind, tolerant and intelligent. They see the 'B's as malevolent, bigoted and stupid. The 'B's see themselves as proud, loyal and steadfast. They see the 'A's as weak, naive and traitorous. I don't know how we can bridge this chasm.

I get that a lot.

Well, that's me staying out of On Topic for another week.

I think there are some massive over reactions on here this evening but I can understand people’s disappointment under the circumstances. But this comment for me is disgraceful.

We are romping our division and look dead certs to go up. Now you might be bothered about that or you might not, but it's yet another little indication of the way in which our owners want to see this club represented. It's a lovely little sign of our underlying health.

Many fans are reserved in their view of Smith, and breakdown each performance as they see it, not everybody is so eager to cast judgement on how the season will progress so easily. I'm neither flippant nor fickle when I talk about Dean Smith. That doesn't change week-to-week. I'm really pleased with what's happening and optimistic about what's to come. He has my full support, and has had since it became apparent to me how impressive his ability to come in and make changes necessary to turn this club around as a footballing entity. His immediacy in establishing a framework for how he envisioned us playing football allowed us to turn what was looking a very mediocre season into an exciting and successful one. It became apparent to me early on, even as results went the other way, that we were going to be capable of achieving our goal of promotion should we persist with Smith's plans. This campaign thus far, I've only really been disappointed with the showing against Crystal Palace. That's the only game where I feel like we were down and out of the contest. I have said previously, given time and encouragement, Smith will lead us to greater performances and create an identity and culture that will give us every chance in any game. We saw it in the Championship. There were some growing pains and a lot of fans started with their doubts about results and Smith's pedigree and if he was up to the challenge. In the end, he accomplished what two managers of notable success, with an absolute war chest to buy players, failed to do. He got us promoted. I don't know because I've never spoken or worked with him, but I get the feeling Smith is diligent with regards to developing his understanding of what's required of his role. Now that we are where we want to be division-wise, we must re-assess what we need to survive and even thrive. I firmly believe Smith will be integral in us achieving and ascending.

He's not exactly playing as a winger, more of a number 10 to be honest coming in off the left. I prefer him in this position because it keeps him higher up the pitch, we're a much better side by having him consistently further forward whilst the likes of Marvelous do the dirty work in the second third. Another very good display, that's three in a row now. A combination of him adapting to the pace of the league and now in a better position for him.

Exactly my sentiments

Get in!!! Now score 3 more so we can go 2-0 up.

HELLO!

Referendums are **** stupid ideas unless the matter is simple and largely meaningless - choices on national identity stuff like flags, anthems etc. The moment it becomes complicated you're putting a decision to a people who by and large are neither interested, qualified or informed enough to make a considered decision. Unfortunately because that step was made the only way you can legitimately roll it back is by the same method. While theres nothing stopping parliament agreeing to bin the whole thing, as would be completely within it's rights and powers in our system, the nature of a referendum and an elected body defying it means it's legitimacy would always be questioned if it did so, so you'd by necessity need the same consent from the public that gave rise to the issue in the first place. Which unfortunately means rolling the dice. It probably won't happen though, because the parties aren't really acting entirely selflessly, to one degree or another. The Tories and Labour both kinda want to draw a line under this, to cross the rubicon and move on. Especially so for the blue team, who know the issue literally tears them in half and is the whole reason the issue arose in the first place. So while a lot of them know that the best idea is to just bin Brexit, they also know that that will harm the party, so they're prepared to accept self inflicted harm to the nation at large to protect the party.

It's probably alright to refer to Michael Howard by name.

Sorry guys, you simply don't win 5-1 away in the Premier league and get relegated the same season. Absolutely tremendous result!!

Smith out - is it me or does he seem to take 7 games with a BRAND NEW TEAM OF PLAYERS - to start bossing things. Not good enough.

Later in the thread in which that border pic (above) appeared, it was referred to as an RMZ - remilitarised zone. And:

We should play with Douglas and Marvelous holding, with Jack, John and one other floating behind Wesley and taking up wide positions. We'll be flying soon enough. We're almost there.

I got my induction day for my new job for this Friday, which means I have just 2 days left of doing the school pick up The "ah **** it, I'll leave it here" attitude to parking is mind blowing

Still here at VP.

So would you if you had Kim Jong Un on your back.

Initially, but I'm sure they'd fall apart eventually.

I have to say one of the most destructive things about recent narratives around mental health has been the way it revolves around the "emotional display" - talking to people, confessing your feelings to people, embracing your illness, etc. The problem is that a lot of men are not big talkers or emotion sharers. And this is not because we are "ill" but because that is our personality. So when "touchy-feely" people step in to help us, they just alienate us and make us feel emotionally stunted and socially inadequate. The best book I have read on mental health is Jason Fox's Battle Scars: A Story of War and All That Follows. Not because I fancy myself as having the same mindset and traumatic experiences as a special forces soldier, but because he has a personality type that feels closer to who I am as a person. There is never a one-size-fits-all approach to mental health. If you aren't clicking with a mental health treatment or strategy, don't be afraid to ask for a second or third opinion. The number one most important thing with mental health is to always believe that the improvement exists somewhere - you just maybe haven't found it yet. That belief (a correct belief) will carry you through anything.

Lol. This is too perfect.

I honestly think that collectively as supporters we all just need to calm down a bit. Obviously after the Arsenal game and yesterday the immediate reaction is like a punch to the gut, but we have to have perspective. Its very early, and we have had our ridiculous expectations realigned. There was always a chance that we might do a Wolves, and we all hoped that would be the case, and even the club’s leadership made sounds about us not just being there to make up the numbers. Equally there was a chance we would do a Fulham, but I don’t think that will happen either based on what we have seen so far. We have shown we can be competitive against established Premier League teams. We have had good spells in every game we have played, and look like we have goals in us now from all over the pitch. We have been unlucky at times, and naive at times. There is room for improvements on and off the pitch, but what else could we realistically have expected. As things stand, it looks like we are going to be fighting to survive and we may be in the mix down there until very late in the season, maybe even the last day. That should not be a surprise to anyone. But we are playing our football our way, which we as fans enjoy watching, and while the results havnt been there, it’s at least been easier on the eye than our most recent experiences in the premier league. We also have a load of new players who are still settling. Wes is the biggest concern, but to be fair to the guy, the only alternative to him is Davis, and he’s hardly a thoroughbred at this level (although I do think we should give him a chance in the next game). The other concern is Taylor, so hopefully Targett can stay fit, as he could be key. I don’t think we need to panic unless we start to get cut adrift by the time we get 15-20 games in. As it is, there is very little between the teams at the bottom of the table, and I regardless of points, I would only really be concerned at this stage if I was a Watford or Newcastle fan, as they for me have looked poor apart from the odd positive here and there.

Targett should be nailed on first choice LB. Failing that it should be Hause. Taylor shouldn't even be on the subs bench he's a fraud of a footballer. I can't put in to words how bad I think he is.

Munchian butterfly.

Claíomh means Claíomh.

Won’t somebody please think of the shots!!

When I see posts with three different reactions, I like to add a fourth different one. This is what I like to call a 'fourer'. Rarely, I'll find a fourer in the wild, which will enable me to add the one remaining post reaction, and make it a 'fiver'. I accomplished this task just now, on the post below, in the Tony Xia thread (other football). The aesthetic of a post displaying all five post reactions pleases me greatly. Even if the one I add to a threeer or a fourer doesn't make any sense. Case in point, the Tony Xia post above. I had to add the Cry reaction to make it a fiver. Why would that post make someone cry! "How odd", the poster will think. This also pleases me.

'Trust us' say the most dishonest government in history

Hear, hear. I like her a lot, and I wish she was my M.P., rather than the Tory git I have.

People should have to pass an IQ test before they are allowed to purchase a plane ticket and enter an airport.

looking fwd to the MOTD highlights, and we get a female commentator.....bleh.

Great result lads. Kept going for 90 minutes and didn't let them back in with a sniff. ( none of the dodgy 10 minutes we have seen in earlier games) Keep it up.

Hope you guys are ok. I have 2 or 3 good mates but 2 are from work and 1 I've only recently got back in touch with and we catch up monthly and while it wont be the same as when we were teens it's a start. Loneliness really gets me sometimes. I cant win. I love my other half and her kid but sometimes I just want to disappear for a few days down to the coast which she understands completely. Most of the time I crave and love solitude then occasionally I crave company but if everyone else is busy then its that forced isolation that hits hard, makes me feel trapped. Doesnt help growing up with all of us so busy and with relationships/kids/other commitments. We put our social lives last when it should be top of the list really. Theres a large group (probably more than I think tbh) of posters here all in a similar situation. If anyone wants to arrange a regular VT social group meet up thread or something I'll be in for that. Ive always wanted to meet a few other posters and even if it's people who have differing opinions on here, in real life we are probably just your average guys who would get on. I'm not the miserable scrote that I come across on here and besides, I dont share the same opinions as my actual mates always. A few drinks in a central location or something once or twice a month. We dont need to be the best of friends but we do all have hobbies and interests that are similar and it may be awkward and stilted at first but then when isnt it when people meet for the first few times. I know I'd benefit from it but if it's a shit idea then ignore it. Just an idea.

had a look at who everyone else started at the weekend - palace - ayew brighton - maupay Norwich - pukki Watford - welbeck everton - calvert - lewin Wolves - jimenez Newcastle - joelinton Southampton - ings and redmond sheff utd - robinson and mcburnie put us and Wesley in amongst that lot...not bad not good...pukki has started surprisingly well but other than him jimenez is the only likely double figures striker on that list, jimenez did it last season, the only other player on that list to have done it before in the PL is danny ings there's not a great deal of certain quality and goals in the bottom half, its certainly not a villa are doomed because we don't have a striker and everyone else does (only wolves, Norwich and burnley in the bottom half have outscored us)

No, we need to still give Wesley time, even if we don't really like like it. However, Davis needs to come on earlier once it's clear Wesley struggles, which was the case yesterday.

I don’t agree with this. I felt he was very composed and comfortable and made the right pass pretty much every time. He carried the ball through the middle a few times. I really like him.

A mate at the game reckons, we were good first half but poor second, Hourihane did nothing throughout, Wesley worked hard but was ineffective and Davis looked better once on and deserves a start. I think Wesley has kept his place because he needs time and as another poster has said they have to try to keep his confidence up and hope he improves. It’s tricky for any coach to drop a record signing. However perhaps the kid needs a break and reset himself. Davis deserves a go but the same applies to him, he’ll need time and patience. There’ll be people calling for him to be dropped the first time he misses a chance. We’re a young, relatively inexperienced team that haven’t played together for long and need handling with a certain amount of care. Throwing them and for that matter the head coach under the bus at the first sign of trouble would be disastrous. Until January we have what we have and need to be positive and support the team, through thick and thin. We are football supporters not film critics. We can judge, but still be supportive. We’re not perfect but people saying we’re going down after 7 games is pretty poor and really doesn’t help. The majority of people felt that 17th would be success but now some seem to be amazed that we’re struggling. Did they expect us to get half of the points in the first few games then tail off?

The Prime Minister. How the **** can you, in good conscience, support a thing like that to lead the country?

Can't even publicly compare people to crude racial stereotypes anymore without the politically correct brigade jumping down your throat.