cyrusr

I was waiting for something to properly happen with the takeover before renewing however just had a look and noticed my ticket now appears to be in the economy area so gone down to £325?! I know they increased the area but does anybody know what counts as economy now like rows etc? I'm in the Lower Holte in L5 but cannot see anything which says what is the economy area.

Nice to see different names being linked now with Rodgers, Di Matteo and the Chuckle Brothers. All of them a massive improvement on Black.

Ultimately we will have 2 ways we can take next season. Either we get a proven championship manager who will try and slog it out but should get us promoted and safe in the premiership and likely look at another manager thereafter (Pearson, Bruce, McCarthy, Hughton etc). OR we try and get the manager to take us all the way (Moyes etc). The problem with Pearson is this. 1. He comes across as a complete pillock and has acted like one in the past. Not the be all and end all but doesn't exactly engraciates me to him. 2. He is flavour of the month because of Leicester. Yes he signed a lot of the players and got the back room staff in but let's not forget 2 key points to Leicesters season. Firstly they got rid of him and hired another guy to transform them. Secondly it is a once in a lifetime thing Leicester have done and hasn't happened for 30+ years. Part of the reason why Leicester got the championship was the complete collapse of the standard top teams (Chelsea imploded, Arsenal maintained incompetence, Man City continued up their own arse, Man Utd want to bore people to death, Liverpool only can be bothered in Europe). It is a lot of things happening in their favour. Don't get me wrong, the effort, determination and work they have put it is incredible and they completely deserve it. However the fact they were one of the favourites for the drop was because they did not appear to be very good and part of that was Pearson. He is flavour of the month for something that he had a part of, not the be all and end all of it and is something that is unlikely to happen for another generation. 3. (And the most important one) Out of those "championship" managers that come to mind I am not overtly keen on any of them except perhaps Hughton. However what you get with Hughton, Bruce and McCarthy is that they have proven to get out of the Championship with more than just one team. They are proven championship managers. Yes it doesn't mean that they will be a success for us, however it's a damn good indicator. Pearson has only done well at Leicester. Everywhere else he has struggled. The others have a better pedigree and if we were to go that route I would prefer someone else. However it is almost irrelevant if nothing happens at the top and if it is Pearson, then fair enough. IMO there are far better options than Pearson if we go down that route.

And £5.4 million per goal... I think the term mugs may apply to us...

I did, exceptionally cool and chilled out. Nice to hear the more stripped down stuff. Really odd though going to the Glee Club for music and for it to be seated also... He also was doing some meeting/greeting/signings afterwards but I had to get back. Mind you also getting that for Yes this evening too but I am finding pretty funny going to a gig in Symphony Hall. My taste is primarily Metal so the opportunity to go there is somewhat limited...!

Out of the managers that have worked under Lerner in fact on MON is actually employed right now and that's in international football! Whilst the McLeish and Lambert situations have a lot of issues with the clubs as well, it shows that Villa managers rarely do anything better following us, Graham Taylor probably being the last example of doing better! Does that mean it's the club, rather than just Lerner? True we have had managers achieve decent football/results but is it not a measure of how good managers are if they can hold themselves elsewhere and do the job year in/year out (Ferguson, Mourinho, Moyes (Everton years), Wenger, hell even Allardyce shows it). Perhaps getting someone like McCarthy/Bruce may be better as they have proved it time and time again? Pearson has only done it with Leicester, he's struggled elsewhere hasn't he? And now that just makes me sad.

Knowing us we would end up signing N'Zogbia and Richardson on 5 year deals....

Given that Gabby is younger than all of those except Dwight Gayle does he count? He's certainly hungry anyway...

Clear that there is 2 realistic possibilities to this story. Either: 1. Okore is frustrated at not being picked, and when you watch the performances of the players on the pitch, he probably is thinking "am I really worse than that?". When mentioned to Black this is what has happened. He has probably said "either pick me to play or don't pick me at all." Could be Black has taken it as an excuse to play Richards and Lescott again as they appear to be his favourites. OR 2. Okore is just be a prima dona idiot who thinks he is better than everyone else and should be playing week in week out for champions league team and he is throwing his toys of of the pram. Black has therefore just gone "well you if you are going to act like that f*** o**." He hasn't been the greatest this season, but I do wonder if he would be worse than what's on the pitch? When he has played he has looked more competant than either Richards or lescott so maybe he has just thought "f*** it." It is completely unprofessional what he has done (if he has refused to play) but given what we can see and we know there may be good reason why he acted in such a way. Either way it's more stupidity coming out of the club which is an embarrassment.

Interesting stat for those that feel Tony Pulis would be a good option. Read in the match report from tonight that West Brom have had 92 shots on target this season, the worst in the league and YES that is worse than us! BBC match report: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35733432 From a random stats site: http://www.footcharts.co.uk/index.cfm?task=basics_shotsontarget If they can't even get more shots on target than us they must be doing something very, very wrong! Also they have had less shots generally too (just select the tab - I am not doing another link for that!). Does suggest the concerns that Baggie fans have about their team and Pulis have some merit to them.

Yeah and if no takeover and having to deal with Lerner etc etc. Clearly though Moyes is waiting to see who can offer him what he wants in the summer and they will be plenty of suitors for him in all likelihood. And yeah "If I remember correctly" because I quite like my head being on my shoulders.

Right now Watford are a more appealing option than us! Also IIRC they more or less bought an entire new team last summer for the premiership so not adverse to spending money.

Don't forget the rumours of Everton and Watford getting rid of their respective managers. Both will be in the premiership next season and he has the obvious connections with Everton too, less work than us and given the finances next season will without question have the same or more likely more money to spend. If we were set on Moyes, more options are coming by the day for him and he will be able to pick what he likes.

http://tinyurl.com/hrasffd 22nd June 2016 at the Rainbow. Tickets £22.00

And now that the Celtic job will be available in the Summer we now have more competition for the manager.

So this is my assessment of the team this year and who I think should stay and who should go. I don’t think they are going to do anything spectacular over the last 4 games given what we have seen and so feel pretty confident can do the summing up now. Whilst we will probably never know the full story, to me it seems like the “French players” have promise but were not ready to play consistently this season and the “English players” just didn’t care and have been liabilities. The combination (alongside A LOT of other issues) has meant we have been abject this season and only existed in the premier league to give all the other teams 6 points and the only way we have got any points is through the others lack rather than our own skill. FWIW, out of the current squad quite simply if they all left I wouldn’t be devastated. I do think most of them could be replaced and we could most likely (with proper investment…!) improve on them. However it’s important to remember that, whatever happens in the summer there will be personnel changes regardless and it depends on how many can be shipped on/can engineer a move themselves. IMO I think the players can be split into 3 categories: Wouldn’t mind staying but if go then fair enough and I hope they do well; Think would be better to go but if stay then can do a job in the Championship; and Really hope they are gone because I do not want to see them in a Villa shirt again. Most of the youth players I think are unfair to put through as still very much learning and also I do not know enough about the youth team to fairly judge them. So players in the respective categories (IMO) are as follows:- Wouldn’t mind staying but if go then fair enough and I hope they do well Okore – maybe engineering his own move anyway and has not been great this season, however there is promise there and I think there is a good centre back in there. However wouldn’t be surprised he went at all. Clark – not been great in the premiership but appears to have qualities to be a decent squad player in the Championship. Should be allowed to stay (unless a decent offer came in – come on Ireland at the Euro’s!). Gueye – has tried and has been decent at times, one of the few shining lights of the season and as such likely to picked up by someone else. However clear he could do a job in the Championship. Vertout – see Gueye. Has shone quite as much but I can certainly see determination and fight and would be happy for him to stay. Ayew – has been very promising at times and likely to be poached by another team. Still has discipline issues (see West Ham) but those things could be ironed out. If stays will definitely be useful next year. Hutton – he has been poor over the years and a liability. I have been a massive critic and don’t think he is good enough on the pitch. HOWEVER what is clear is that he gives his all on the pitch and this season that has been very clear. There is some skill there and I do think he is definitely good enough for the Championship. Amavi – shame he got injured. Clear there is some talent there. If can keep hold of him (given lack of playing time more likely) then great – think he will be good in the Championship. Gil – still a tricky player and has definitely got skill. At least he tries also, always appreciate some bloody effort. Think he can be good in the Championship. Bunn – has been decent enough when played but not sure whether he could be first choice in Championship. Certainly ok for back up though. Gestede – has not been good enough in premier league that’s clear. Would help if we played to his strengths mind but still doesn’t have anything else to his game. However clear he is good enough for the Championship and that experience will be useful to say the least in the Championship. I do not think any premier league team would want him after this season so expecting him to stay and to be a first teamer (with hopefully some decent wingers playing!). Grealish – definite potential and certainly not the finished article. Has had a poor season on and off the pitch (and been a complete idiot at times) but definitely able to be a part of the team. Cissokho – was frozen out by Sherwood and has been called back because of lack of options. Has been decent enough and I think could be a good option in the Championship. Whether he wants to stay would be another question though, however I don’t think he is the flaw in the defence (though has made mistakes, not as bad as others). Him and Amavi staying I think means that our left back position would be covered and actually decent?! Baker – not watched him at Bristol City but has played a lot of games for them (34 I believe) and they are most likely safe for this season (need 1 more point). Certainly promise there and could also be a decent squad player. Steer – same as Baker. Not watched at Huddersfield but again has played a lot of matches (34 also) and they also are done decent enough this season (safely mid table). As such clear he can be of use in the Championship, whether that is first choice or back up I am not sure but there is something there at least. Gardner – see Baker and Steer. Not played as many (17) but seems to have done OK for them. Hasn’t stunned the league by other’s accounts but could still be of use to us next season. Think it would be better to go but if stay then can do a job in the Championship Guzan – has been a complete liability this season. Not helped by what’s in front of him but nonetheless has been liable for a number of goals this season. If he got confidence/form back will be good in the Championship, however now might be a good chance for him to split and go off to new ventures wherever they may be. Bacuna – I liked Bacuna. Thought he tried for the team and worked hard. That comment though was utterly, utterly stupid. Yes of course he would want to play in the Champions League, that’s a no brainer. However don’t say it in a bloody interview. Think he could help out in the Championship but would the fans forgive him? Unlikely given the reaction so far. If he does stay I would hope he was given a fair chance by all and is allowed to take free kicks again (remember them?). Westwood – like Guzan has completely lost form and confidence this season. Was OK beforehand but not sparkling, a decent squad player, not a first team week in week out as he has been treated as. Could have done with time on the side-lines to get form back this year but wasn’t given the opportunity. Think he and we could benefit from a fresh start, however if he was to stay there is certainly potential to get to what he was and he could become a good player for the Championship. Adama – not played enough to warrant a real opinion, however clear that there is skill there but it needs honing. Could be very useful in the Championship, HOWEVER, if talk of him going to be on £40-60K a week despite relegation – is he really worth it? If he singlehandedly got us promoted then of course but I haven’t seen the evidence and it is on that basis that I would rather see him go simply to reduce the wage bill vastly. He can’t stay if he is on that. If he does however I really hope he can become the player he promises to be. Sanchez – struggling to place him. Hasn’t really played enough and to be honest we have a better player in his position anyway (!!!). Think all could benefit from moving on particularly if we keep Gueye but if he does stay then so be it. Maybe a decent squad player at the least. Kozak – struggled with injury ever since he joined. When he has played this season clear not up to scratch fitness wise, but at least he tried. He might find it better going off and trying to resurrect his career elsewhere. If he did stay though he would probably have more chances in the Championship and could be useful to club. At least he bloody tries. Really hope they are gone because I do not want to see them in a Villa shirt again. Richards – team captain and still struggles to get into this team? Clearly has a bad attitude. Is wholly unreliable as a centre back. Right back better but again defensively poor. I would rather Hutton, Bacuna or a blind monkey play there instead. Clearly not interested and needs to leave, particularly as I imagine his wages are farcical. Sinclair – what is the matter with him? How does he keep getting picked? Just doesn’t really do anything? Do not think he has had a bad attitude or certainly not seen anything to suggest that, however I am just perplexed by him. He might be able to do a job in the Championship but quite frankly I have no faith in that. Agbonlahor – done nothing for 5 years. Disrespectful to the club he loves and right now is a complete waste of space. Such a shame because if he focused and tried to be a better footballer he could have been a Villa legend. Now that is ruined. Lescott – a liability both on and off the pitch. Has done a very convincing job of not being a Villa fan. Quite simply appears to be here for the money and will likely go in the summer anyway. Should have been the rock to stabilise the defence but has crumbled instead. Richardson – see Sinclair. Why is he playing now? I don’t get it and really, really poor. Another symbol of this poor, poor Villa side. Get rid. N’Zogbia – must be gone. Was given a 2nd reprieve early into Garde’s stay and stuck 2 fingers back at him. Clear here for the money and will be gone and good riddance. Bennett – this isn’t personal. He has absolutely nothing to do with this season at all, however clear previously not been good enough for Premier League and whilst Sheffield Wednesday seem to be doing quite well (play offs) he has played 4 matches. Unfortunately it would appear he is struggling in the Championship and not going to be what we need. I think he needs to go too. Crespo – has played 1 match and now on loan back to Spain. Whilst it was an impressive beard, quite clear he doesn’t want to be here/not wanted and will almost certainly be back in Spain next season. So that’s it FWIW. Disagree/don’t read because it’s really long I don’t mind. Clear we will need new players to replace the truly horrific and to strengthen squad for bigger season. Line ups if those in the top list stay could be as follows for 4-4-2:- New GK/Bunn/Steer Hutton/Bacuna – Clark/Baker – Okore/New CB – Amavi/Cissokho Gil/New RW – Veretout/Gardner/New CM – Gueye/New CM – Grealish/New LW Ayew/New F – Gestede/New ST Of course could easily be 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-1 or 4-3-3 etc. but with a few good additions we could still be a decent side in the Championship. Depending on investment we COULD bounce straight back. Remember even this team has beaten a “decent” Championship side (SHA) and there are clearly strong teams and weaker teams too. What is clear is that it is a highly competitive league but if we invest right and get the right manager/coaches in then we will be competitive and *may* even get promoted straight away. Then again we still have Lerner as it stands and with those letters it is very clear something is not right at all…

Garde is gone more or less. His position is getting more untenable each week. Whilst it is wholly unfair to place the predicament on him, I would have rather hoped he could have got more out of the players. It comes across as he doesn't want to be here, the players don’t want him here and not sure of the board but I cannot imagine they are too impressed with things. It is probably best for all involved that change happens. I could be wrong and if Garde does stay then fair enough and really he should be treated without taking into account the debacle that has happened this season. If he goes the list of names that are mentioned as possible next managers: 1. Pearson 2. Bruce 3. Moyes 4. Rodgers 5. Southgate 6. Monk 7. Karanka 8. Hughton 9. Rowett 10. O’Neill 11. McLaren Realistically we have 3 steps we need to take: 1. Someone who is able to steady the club. They will bring in players or get the players to actually want to play for the shirt and can actually play football. Then get the results that would ensure that we stay in the championship (because if we play like we have been then we may struggle next season) and hopefully bounce straight back into the Premier League. The longer we stay in the Championship, the harder it will be to get out. 2. Become settled in the Premier League once more. Ensure the team is one that will not get in the position of being relegated again. 3. To produce a team/club worthy of challenging at the top end of the table/cups like we have been historically. Whilst I would love Villa to be challenging for titles year in year out right now I rather just hope we can play good football and go into each game thinking “we can win this” and actually challenge. Leicester/West Ham/Southampton are all proving that and look at where they are at. This season appears to be an anomaly but it still has happened and who knows what is going on next season. Preference would be for the next manager to be able to do all of that; however if they can do just the first part that’s the priority and then that’s fine by me. That is why if it is Bruce/Pearson then I won’t be ecstatic, however at least they are proven to do the job (Bruce more so than Pearson – done it with different clubs). They both I reckon could do step 2 as well so not worried about that too much. Given backing I think step 2 is better Of the rest of the names I do think that Moyes, Rodgers, Hughton, Rowett and Karanka give the best impression to me that they could do all of that and therefore one of them would be my preference (Karanka though confused me with his recent antics at Middlesbrough though). Southgate and Monk are a bit more of gamble. Monk only done the job at Swansea and Southgate has managed properly for some time, though at least has a Villa connection. Both are quite risky I would say. O’Neill is a bit unknown, didn’t do the job at Sunderland and I know he left here in bad taste – would he come back? Unlikely given that it went to bloody tribunal. The only one that I can see being an utter, utter failure would be McLaren. If he is appointed then this club is wallowing in the depths of lower league(s) for many a season.

I was there too! On record find them to lose it a bit, sleep was much better, but love they are bloody great! Not too much giggles this month but got cancer bats and kvelertak in brum next month which will be good for just some fun ahows. Then making a trip to Sheffield to see enslaved who are just sublime prog black metal, described as a black metal pink floyd for those that don't know but amazing!

Did you mean Black Sabbath lol Actually meant Plaid Sabbath

Send More Paramedics - A Feast for the Fallen Gotta love that zombiecore

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Not quite, but Messrs Butler, Iommi, Osbourne and Ward have just boarded an aircraft that is now rolling on departure to Helsinki..... Ward as well?! Are you sure??? That would be interesting news (for Sabbath fans anyway)... Back OT, been following this since Thursday, just wish more "official" info was coming out, damn you Villa!!!

Just checked current league positions here ; Molde 2nd having played 9 games. He has already won more games than Mcleish at home this season!

Just waiting for train, the prospect of Hutton on the pitch and Warnock in central midfield is actually making want to get back in my car and go home. It is cold, wet and is going to be a VERY long night...

And one of the ones they are most likely to get raped in!