MessiWillSignForVilla

 

i think racism can be about colour and religion

No it quite plainly can't.

 

It can, in some ways:

race, the idea that the human species is divided into distinct groups on the basis of inherited physical and behavioral differences. Genetic studies in the late 20th century refuted the existence of biogenetically distinct races, and scholars now argue that “races” are cultural interventions reflecting specific attitudes and beliefs that were imposed on different populations in the wake of western European conquests beginning in the 15th century.

That's from Encyclopedia Britannica - http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/488030/race

And from a slightly less reliable source, Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Race_(human_classification):

Race is a classification system used to categorize humans into large and distinct populations or groups by anatomical, cultural, ethnic, genetic, geographical, historical, linguistic, religious, and/or social affiliation.

 

Although it often refers to ethnicity, it can mean be used in relation to Religion, though it is rare that it does.

Race seems to be a fairly undefined concept, and there are quite a few varying definitions, depending on what your source is.

EDIT: Should have added at the start that Racism is defined as considering different races can be inferior/superior or should be treated differently, which is why I put the definitions for race.

Do people call still call the Aviva Stadium Lansdowne Road? Exactly. 

No, because it's a different stadium. Lansdowne Road was knocked down and a new stadium built on top of the same site. It's known as the Aviva Stadium as it has no other name, and has never had any other name, in the same way the Emirates is known as the Emirates instead of anything else.

Is Daniel Johnson ever going to play a first team game?

He was given N'Zogbia's number in January if that means anything.

It's just a stupid signing, when you've got better youngsters at U21 and U18 level why spend £500k on a complete no hoper from league 2 ? The development of others was sacrificed for Bowery

Because Lambert and co really bought him thinking "Wow, this guys shit, he's not got anything that could one day make him a Premier League player, but how about we spunk £500k on him any way for shits and giggles?"

It may have been a bad signing, but the scouting team must have seen something in him that would suggest it was worth a punt and that he's better than any of our U21 players. And as far as I'm aware, we don't really have any prospects up front do we? Maybe Drennan but as far as I'm aware his big breakthrough was last season in the NextGen series, after Bowery was signed.

Carruthers is strong (rode three challenges to score his goal at the weekend), physical, great range of passing, can tackle, score and dribble. 

 

How much better than Westwood does Lambert need him to be?

Considering they are completely different types of players, not at all?

It's like asking how well does Kagawa or Powell have to play for Utd to displace Carrick, it doesn't matter as they are different types of midfielders and not like for like switches.

 

 

because they are different.

I always get annoyed when NES Controllers don't work with the Wii U too. Stupid innit?

The Wii controller works with the Wii U and I think that is a much fairer comparison considering what people in 2014 are likely to have collecting dust in their houses but people who say it's because Sony want to make money are correct. There is no physical reason a PS3 controller couldn't connect to a PS4, it's a business decision.

 

Well, technically, there's no PS button on the new one, and no touchpad on the old one. Also the face buttons have been changed mechanically and are no longer analog, there's  no tracking light on the DS3 for the PS camera to pick up, and the DS3 lacks the necessary connector for the headset . So there are some reasons it couldn't connect to be fair, albeit nothing insurmountable

 

But that's the point, they could have easily made them all compatible, but they didn't, so therefore you have to buy a new £50-60 controller to work with the console instead of just using your old one. There's no reason why Sony couldn't have made the controller with the same ports and connections as the PS3 controller, other than that by making them incompatible they make it so that they can sell more PS4 controllers.

The only difference I can see that makes an immediate difference is the Share button, but that's only really useful for people who make video game content for stuff like YouTube. The track pad won't be efficiently used for a couple of years as the developers don't really know what the can do with it, I've only come across it on ACIV where it was used to bring up the map and kind of seemed like the were thinking "what can we do with this?". Currently the only reason for a new controller whilst developers are getting used to making games for the PS4 is to make Sony some money.

Not too bothered if the name changes.  I still call assistant referees, linesmen.  I still call referees rocket polishers and I will always call Villa Park Villa Park.  I just hope we don't do anything stupid like Man City did and end up calling it the Birmingham City stadium or anything.

Man City didn't name it that, the Manchester City Council did for the Commonwealth games.

And I think even Lerner's biggest detractors could admit he's not stupid enough to name our stadium after a rival 

In nearly two years I am still yet to see anything to get excited about.

I don't want to turn into Con, but here's some GIFs:

Plus a post from this thread in October:

Plus his pass that set up Benteke's goal v Liverpool last season (which I can't find), and the many much simpler and calmer passes he makes. He is a very good passer when confident.

The main problem with Westwood is that he is relied upon to much to be our DM, which he isn't very good at, and it seems to knock his confidence so he goes into his shell with his passing, so doesn't play the better, more piercing passes that he can do. If he had someone next to him who did the dirty work for him, I'm fully confident he would be much better going forward and get more assists, but currently it seems he's holding back as he's looks worried about leaving himself exposed defensively. It also doesn't help when the full backs bypass the midfield and go straight for Benteke.

 

Ok lets be clear.

 

That there are no excuses when the books are balanced now, not what he has previously spent.

 

Lets be clear that FFP penalties come into effect this year which means for the last three years we have needed to comply with it.

 

How does FFP work then ? - so if Randy wants to invest £40m into what is effectively a business - the FA would move in and stop him ?   - do you honestly believe that would happen ?

 

They wouldn't stop him, but they'd deduct points off of us.

 

Maybe Khan is trying to run Fulham like an NFL team, they have general managers and head coaches over there, maybe he's making Magath General Manager and Muelensteen Head Coach.

 

But 'general manager' is totally different over there. It's more like a CEO. If he's trying to do that, he will fail. 

 

Never said it would work, he is the Jaguars owner after all 

I think we need just a few players to improve our current first XI, I'd like to see us go into September with something like (This is gonna be a bit long, sorry Also take into account I think Cardiff, Palace and Fulham will go down.):

GK's:

Guzan - More than good enough to start again next season, the only worry is someone further up the table might want him as I think he's one of the top 6/8 GK's in the league.

Steer - Good enough as a back up, but if Guzan does go, he's probably not ready to start.

Given - Past it and too much wages, ship out ASAP.

New GK - Either a new starter in the unlikely scenario Guzan leaves, or a 3rd choice, I'd be fine with Siegrist being that 3rd choice (if he's still here)

Defence:

Lowton - Potentially a top RB, but seems to be something going on off the pitch and i can see him being sold.

New RB - Need someone to replace Lowton, whether he goes or not, He's not done it this year and needs a natural RB to challenge him. If Lowton does go we need two imo, but it isn't a priority.

Vlaar - Definitely keep him, don't think anyone will come sniffing, but we need to wrap him up in cotton wool whenever we can.

Okore - Hopefully he can get fit soon and show why we were so excited when he signed, and hopefully he can stay fit next season too.

Clark - Good enough to start with Vlaar, not comanding enough to be relied upon as the "senior head" though, keep him as 3rd choice.

Baker - Still young and room to improve, but not good enough to be relied upon consistently, should be 4/5th choice.

New CB - We need either an experienced CB or young, well rated CB for when Vlaar inevitably gets injured, Hangelaand or Caulker maybe?

Bertrand - He makes our defence 10x better, we have to go all out to get him if we can afford it. If not Bertrand, we could do with a new starter.

Bennett - I like him, I think he has potential to be decent, but only good enough as a back up for now.

Luna - He's been poor this season, and I don't think he'll be good enough for the Premier League, sell him back to Spain.

Hutton - Need I say anything?

Midfield:

Westwood - I think Westwood has the potential to be a very good midfielder, but needs to be played in the right kind of midfield.

Delph - One of the only bright sparks this season, a bit erratic at times, but I think he'll be very important for us over the coming seasons. Only worry is if someone tries to buy him, but I think he would stay unless it was Chelsea/Arsenal etc.

El Ahmadi - Not great, but would be a good enough back up, he can be relied upon to do well if he starts ~10 games with about 15 sub appearances.

Sylla - Was good last year, and I think he was relied upon to be our "enforcer" but he's been shite this year, ship him ASAP.

Bacuna - Been doing well recently, but I think he needs to be played in midfield. Good player to have for his versatility and would be a good enough RB back up if we only sign 1.

Herd - Not good enough, get rid.

Tonev - Not played much this season, and not impressed when he has. I say give him an extra 6 months to see if he improves as his pace could be valuable. Unfortunately it looks like Petrov will never be a good scout.

Albrighton - Been doing really well this season, should be given a new contract and more starts, but we need another winger to play him consistently for balance.

Gardner - I think he deserves an injury free season to try impress, give him a 12 month contract, but it's last chance saloon.

New CM - We need an "enforcer"/ball winner, I think having someone to do the dirty work will help Westwood improve, someone like Medel possibly?

New CM - We also need a playmaker, someone who can help break down teams at home, Hoolahan but better. I would also like to see Grealish as the back up here.

New Winger - If we play Albrighton more, we need someone who can play on the left to offer balance, someone like Whittingham.

N'Zogbia - Too inconsistent for his wages and seemingly disliked by Lambert, get rid. Could be useful if we don't find a buyer though.

Attack:

Benteke - Would love for him to stay, but think we'll sell him for ~£20m.

Agbonlahor - Invaluable to us and vital for our away strategy, but needs to be kept fit too.

Weimann - Despite not playing too well this year he's a good player, and every team needs a grafter.

Kozak - Done well when he's played, scored some important goals too. If we get another winger we could really do some damage putting crosses onto his head.

Helenius - Not seen much of him, but I think he's Benteke's replacement, he's just being given a year to bulk up a bit, rotate him with Kozak.

Bowery -  A low fee risk that hasn't paid off, get rid.

Bent - Too much wages for little return, get rid ASAP. If we don't get rid, could be useful off the bench, at least use him if he's collecting £70k/week.

Delfouneso - I don't think he'll make it, let him go.

New ST - Could do with a player to replace Benteke and be a bit versatile, someone who could play on the wings too.

(Bold = New Signing, Italic = Priority, X-Out = Sell)

So roughly £20m on 4 players, and whatever we sell Benteke for on an extra 4 back ups, not too unreasonable.

I think with a few good signings in key areas we could challenge for the top 8/10 next season, we need to build a squad now instead of just fleshing out our current one. For me it's make or break for Lambert next season as I think we'll finish where I thought we would in the summer and next season is when the excuses of building a squad on a budget will no longer be acceptable, we should have sorted the wages and we should be able to spend again now.

Similar article in the mirror giving it a 'source at the club' angle has told us the players want him out

Despite all the things pointing towards the inevitable Villa roll over, I think this would really play into our favour if it's true, why would a team who dislike the manager and seemingly want him gone turn up in a game that will apparently get him sacked if they lose? I'm not suggesting they will lose on purpose, but with nothing left to play for - no Relegation, no Europe - I don't think they'd be especially bothered in trying to win this game.

Maybe Khan is trying to run Fulham like an NFL team, they have general managers and head coaches over there, maybe he's making Magath General Manager and Muelensteen Head Coach.

How many points were we on and how many games had we won at this stage last season?

24 points, 5 wins. We pulled incredible form out of our arse last year around this time with little indication of it beforehand, I'm confident we can do it again.

It's not an excuse when it's directly related to his play. We don't play to his strenghts.

I suppose if we were consistent Gabby would be put into Bomb squad like Bent. He is very expensive, and is a player who doesn't suit our way of playing, except for the odd away game where he creates his own chances with long runs.

What? We play exactly to suit his strengths, we set up usually to absorb pressure, hoof it up the pitch for Benteke to hold up the play and/or Gabby to chase behind the defense and use his pace to stretch and tire defenders to create chances.

You could argue we played to his strengths more under MON, but that's mainly because our whole team was better. 

Does our current midfield suit Gabby? Probably not, they currently aren't good enough, they don't create enough and I don't think our defense trust them enough to start attacks.

Does our general play suit Gabby? Absolutely, hence why he's been one of our best players this season.

He's a limited player that relies a lot on his pace despite his improving touch, dribbling and crossing, and our counter attacking style is pretty much the only way to effectively utilise him, it's no surprise the season he played his worst was under Houllier when we tried a patient possession approach and he bulked up and lost his pace a bit.

It really depends how much it's for, if it's about £2m per year, then that much money probably wouldn't make a huge difference and wouldn't be worth it. However if it's at around £5-10m, I wouldn't mind as much. No matter what it's officially called, it will always be Villa Park, just like St. James' and Eastlands/City of Manchester.

And it doesn't necessarily have to go to transfer fees for it to be worth it, even at £5m/year, that could be an extra £100k on to the wage budget, and that would surely help sort out any wage trimming we are currently doing, and allow us more room for maneuver in the transfer market. We could even sell off the rights to the North/Doug Ellis Stand too - though I doubt the Doug Ellis stand will change whilst he's alive - for an extra £1m/year or two.

Everything has it's price*, especially in football, and if we ever want to compete at the very top again we need clever ways to not only get around FFP but to make money outside of the usual sources i.e. Ticket Sales, Merchandise, Player Sales etc., and selling the naming rights of our ground is probably the best way to do it, and will most likely soon become the norm.

*Except for club name and colours imo.

Went to get some discount Valentine's chocolate from Tesco earlier, but it's still full price the bastards!

......"Shell" Park

 

would be a great sponsor and very apt.....because we never come out of it at home.

 

just "fuel for thought"

Or even better BP Park, we could just have this playing constantly on the big screens

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFXi66pN7Qo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6X6wfu5tPJI

There has been an appeal down here, to find a dog that went missing last November. The person is quite rightly upset as the dog was their best friend. For the past few months, a "medium" has been giving them clues to where the dog might be - giving the owner hope.

 

It has now turned out that the dog was found dead a few days after it went missing and was given a burial by a man.

 

So as I thought, another medium talking bullshit and giving false hope.

 

It really annoys me.

Reminds of that story about the three girls who were found in the US last year, one of the girls' - I think Amanda Berry? - mother was on TV and told by a "psychic" that her daughter was dead and in water or something, and that she'd never see her again, her mother then passed away a few years later thinking her daughter was dead, not that she was alive and would be found eventually.

Disgraceful to tell an already grieving person that they're daughter is dead when you have absolutely no knowledge of it just for 15 minutes of fame, and even the other way around to give someone hope.

Amazingly, having looked it up, this isn't the first time this "psychic" has told the parent of a kidnapping victim that there child was dead, only for them to be found a few years later.

EDIT: God damn it Stevo!

He came off after 78 minutes with an injury.

Obviously this year our home form has been terrible, no one can argue with that, but is it a bit deceiving how bad it is?

Hear me out here for a second.

Of our 13 home games this season, 7 have been against the top 9, with only Chelsea and Southampton left to play at VP, and 6 have been against the teams around us. Of the 7 "top 8" games, we've lost 6 and won 1, whereas in the 6 games against the around us, we've won 2, drawn 2 and lost 2, which isn't that bad. Looking at these 6 games we've played, we've lost to West Ham and Crystal Palace, 2 humiliating and terrible defeats, but 2 games in which we dominated possession and had some good chances, and in some respects were unlucky to lose (just to clarify, I don't think we deserved to win these games, we didn't do enough to win in both). Against Sunderland the game was much more even and ended up in a fair draw, and we probably deserved to lose to Swansea and were lucky with a point. However in our 2 wins against WBA and Cardiff, we were the better team in these games, we created more chances - and better one - and absolutely deserved to win in both of them.

In our last 6 home games we have 4 of the teams around us, games in which we could easily get points from, it's not unrealistic to think that we could get 7+ points from our remaining home games, we could even get points against Southampton and Chelsea if we play like we know we can. Plus if we keep up our away form of roughly 1.3 points per game, that would give us 7/8 from our remaining away games too, leaving us on 42+ points. Not an overly impressive total and not a huge improvement from last season, but a total that should see us steer well clear of relegation.

Obviously no one want to see us roll over in the way we have done against many of the better teams this year, but the fact is we aren't good enough to regularly take it to these teams and it is much easier to do that away from home when there is less pressure. When you take into account the fact we have played 7 of the best teams in the league at home so far, I think the home form looks less shit.

An optimistic post I know, but that's just how I try look at things. I'm not trying to convince anyone that our home form is good, it's not, it's just that after having looked at who we've actually played at home, I think how points we've picked up at home can be a little deceiving, and when you look at how we've done against the teams around us, it's not quite as bad.

I'm still confident we can finish the season strongly and pull some form out of our arse just like last season, and I think our home form come May will look a whole lot prettier.

Short Version: We've been shit at home this season, we all know that, but analysing who we have actually played so far, maybe we haven't been a huge pile of dogturd after all, just a small one.

Watching the video of the comments I get the feeling that this wasn't mind games as such, more that Mourinho was genuinely a bit pissed off about what Wenger has said. Which makes it funnier in my mind as the unflappable mastermind that is Jose Mourinho got wound up when his mind games failed and Wenger called him out on it

I don't get why people like Mourinho, or the media circle jerk over him, he's just an arrogant tosser and always comes across as an arsehole when he tries to play his mind games.

How many teams have actually stayed up with 3 (full-time) managers in one season? Can't think of any off the top of my head.

Surprised they've done this as it seemed as though they'd begun to turn the corner, but I think the upheaval will throw them right back into the shit now, especially if Magath is as strict as is being suggested.

Brilliant, my personal favourites are Why is Carlisle the opposite of bliss and Why is Bradford so bad