GrassyNoel

Rafa impressed me when he stuck by them when relegated. I was extremely jealous of how he steered them to promotion first time of asking. They bossed that league the way I’d hoped we would. Be very interesting to see how this ends.

I think we’ll spend more than that, but are keeping quiet as we can to stop the feeding frenzy.

I’m an absolute wreck. This is like waiting to do exams or give a speech. Just need it to actually start - the waiting is killing me. Villa to win tomorrow 3-1. Draw the return leg.

Side note - I’ve never seen so much litter on a pitch. What a dump.

Just look at the crowd reaction after the attack though. They’re not ashamed, shocked or disgusted. Bouncing up and down, cheering and clapping. Points deduction is the only punishment.

Which is good news. Hopefully they back better decisions.

Best goalie we’ve ever had I reckon.

And breath.

In truth, I’ve never really cared about Blues either. They’re obsessed with us, you’re right. Loser mentality.

Other teams now know what’s coming when The Villa Show rolls into town. I don’t care if Baggies are winning, their focus in training from tomorrow will be stopping us.

I’m still buzzing. As has been mentioned, we’re far from the finished article and that’s precisely why it’s so damn exciting! Smith has us playing like we are with personnel he’s inherited. As he starts to strengthen and shape us further with his own additions - mouth watering! I’m also delighted when I know he has several days to coach us, like between now and Friday. I’m confident they’re working hard, honing their skills and technique. I never had that feeling with Bruce. I’m usually impatient for games, but more than happy now to let the prep work its magic. Brilliant stuff.

Randolph the red faced keeper

Remember how Villa used to be mocked with “Month of the Goal” competition jibes - didn’t we have to cancel it one month because we hadn’t scored?! 17 in 5. 17!! Absolute different class today. We’re going up under Dean. It is happening.

I’m getting this tattooed on my face.

Every club does. Nothing unique about Villa there. But our expectations are high, granted. He could be Mike Walker, or he could be Alex Ferguson. Time will tell and I suspect there is a great appetite to give Smith time than there ever was for Bruce. I can only speak for myself but having not even wanted Bruce in the first place, I was prepared to give him time all the same and only really felt he should have been removed after the playoff defeat. It got crazy toward the end because he was rapidly undoing any benefit he’d achieved.