cyrusr

Ah - didn’t realise! Yeah, getting a coach from Birmingham doesn’t help you much!

You can log on straight away now - there’s about just under 1000 left doing a quick count.

You do know they do a special run straight to Wembley Stadium? Got it for the FA Cup a couple of years ago - really good to be honest! Dropped right at the stadium and picked up also. https://www.nationalexpress.com/en/events/championship-play-off-final

https://www.avfc.co.uk/News/2018/05/21/play-off-final-very-latest-info Sorry to those not in the queue yet...

This was done previously - might help those that get kicked out of queue.

So was curious and wanted to see exactly how experienced our team is at Wembley. We know that a few have been there/done before but actually when you look at it, based on likely team (Elmohamady fit etc), this is what I found: Starting 11 Johnstone - played in league one play off 2015 with Preston Elmohamdy - Championship play off in 2016 with Hull. Also fa cup final for hull in 2014. Chester - possibly played in football league trophy in 2011 with Carlisle. Also fa cup final for hull in 2014. Terry - not researched exactly when but think this one is a given! Hutton - FA Cup semi & final 2015 with Villa. Won league cup with Spurs in 2008. Jedinak - play off final with Crystal Palace 2013 Hourihane - league 1 play off final 2016 with Barnsley. Football league trophy 2016. Grealish - FA Cup semi & final 2015 Snodgrass - Championship play off in 2016 with Hull. Adomah - Championship play off final with Middlesbrough 2015 (lost) Grabban - league one play off final 2009 with Millwall (lost). 2010? Efl Championship play off 2015 for Norwich (sub). Championship Play off final reading 2017 (lost). If plays 3rd Championship play off final in 4 years! Likely Subs Kodjia - none Whelan - 2005 league 1 play off final with Sheffield Wednesday (he scored!!!). 2011 fa cup semi & final with stoke. Bjarnasson - none Hogan - none Bree - none (but on bench for Football league trophy 2016 with Barnsley). Taylor - none (didn’t feature for Swansea in 2011 play off as sent off in semi). Samba - none Steer - none So yeah, every single one of our likely 11 have played at Wembley before at least once. The only starter of the semis was Bree, but even he has been there. I can’t believe that Whelan has scored there as well! Kodjia & Bjarnason both have international experience as well let’s not forget. So yes, when they talk about experience, we’ve got it. I reckon with the fans as well - this wil feel more like a home game for villa than Fulham. Media and fans seem to be fawning over Fulham. Might say as it’s London it’s a Fulham home game. That’s fine, let them underestimate us.

I suspect that either way Bruce will want to give him a 1 year contract. His commitment is 2nd to none and he continues to play 100%. I have definitely been critical of him the past but fair play to him, he has really put in the effort this season and deserves his spot next the team. Really managed to change my opinion on him! I think as a squad/back up player he will be capable definitely in the championship and possibly in the premier league. Even if there are question marks around his skill, his character and team work will be invaluable. Subject to what level his wages will be, I can definitely see Bruce saying to him 1 more year.

Here are the Fulham pubs http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/may/17/wembley-pubs?utm_source=Hoot&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=Social-geoff I can’t see the Green Man on there!

It is refreshing to see the team wanting to celebrate with the fans and I am not talking about fans on the pitch on Tuesday. I mean most home games they come over and celebrate and cheer on the holte end. Most, if not all, the players do that and it actually feels like they are proud to wear the shirt. It has been a LONG time since that has happened. Now 1 game away, hopefully they can carry it on. Here we are now, entertain us! Sorry, couldn't resist...

Of the Huey Lewis variety?

No problem, did it work?

I was having the same problem. Then went directly onto the tickets website and clicked on the away tickets and got straight through, no problem! Not sure if that helps but it’s really frustrating, particularly as you are having to queue for so long!

I suspect this might be the case too. If Elmo isn’t fit for the Final I can see Bruce bringing back Taylor and putting Hutton on the Right to nullify Sessegnon. Maybe switch over Bree, not sure. If Elmo back, should definitely be on the bench. Did really well given the circumstances and hope he can play a bigger role in the near future.

What is quite interesting for the last game of the season you’ve got 4 of the teams at risk of relegation facing one of Fulham, Cardiff, Derby and Preston. Those 4 games are huge at both ends of the table, particularly SHA and Reading need to be exceptionally worried. Barnsley and Burton seem to have just got some form at the very last minute and could be tough for Derby/Preston respectively. All of those teams must get some points in order to be promoted/playoff/stay up. I’m just glad that Millwall, barring overturning a large GD, aren’t going to be in the playoffs! Whilst they may go for it, we can probably rest a few players for a mauling there... As it stands, barring a 3 goal difference swing and Derby pulling level with Middlesbrough, we shall face Middlesbrough. So long as Hutton plays instead of Taylor we should be OK! Would probably shove Jedinak at holding for the 1st game and Bjarnasson for the 2nd. Credit though for Whelan for looking better 2nd half yesterday; but I would still want the others there.

Really only the first 2 bits are necessary. The rest would be the cherry on top. Realistically automatics have been out of the picture since QPR/Bolton. Sadly that was our chance to show we were able to take 2nd. It has since then been all about the playoffs IMO. Fulham have taken that 2nd spot and I think they have deserved it. Gutsy have played better football, particularly since Christmas. Cardiff are thugs and maybe, just maybe are finally being found out. If Hull beat them then I think they are done and I think they won’t even make play off finals. They have held 2nd for so long and to lose it now, it will be mentally destructive. I can see Boro/Derby/Brentford/Millwall whoever beating them over 2 legs. However, what is exceptionally fun is that we are coming to last 2 games of the season and actually having something positive to play for! That has not happened for a very long time and actually is a nice feeling! Then I look at the play off teams. What we have shown over the season is that when it comes to the big matches, we perform. Every team that could be in those play offs we can beat either over 2 legs or at Wembley. The only team I think we could struggle with is Fulham, but even then, 90 minutes at Wembley? I think that would be a cracking game of football! We just need to make sure it’s the proper team that comes out, not the one that thinks they have won it without a ball being kicked.

The last time 3rd got 90 points was 97/98 - 1st & 2nd got 94 and 91 respectfully. 4th has never got 90 points. I’ve only checked back to 1980/81 season but that was the last season of 2 points for a win, and I would be very surprised if anyone got 90 previously as it is mathematically impossible! It over just yet, not by a long shot and it is looking like it is going to the wire. As it stands you are looking at Wolves, Cardiff, Us, and Fulham for the top 4; just not sure what order! Incidentally, it does make a nice change though to get to much and to have something positive to play for!

Technically Barnsley (in 22nd) can still finish above even Wolves (just). However, I suspect if you work out the permutations of results between now and the end of the season for the league at least 3 teams can't overtake us. So probably not going to be relegated!

I agree. The only benefit to outdoor gigs is if you wish to you can see a lot of bands. A good festival will be able to keep you busy more or less the whole day listening to bands (and maybe with a beer or 2 in your hand... ); however try and stick to the tents as the sound will generally be better! Whilst not been to thousands of gigs, it is quite hard to narrow down! Going off my setlist account I would probably suggest the following: Bar –Gojira The Slade Rooms 12 November 2012 - Absolutely cracking gig. Although highlight being a crowd-surfer going to the front and falling flat on his face when he realised that there was security at the front to catch him... The band also reminded the crowd that the floor was made of concrete. Needless to say there were no more crowd-surfers... Nightclub – Mark Lanegan Glee Club 2 May 2016 - only real "nightclub" gig, however was lovely intimate acoustic show and given i was on my own managed to grab a seat on the front row Outdoor –Black Sabbath Download 2005 - first time seeing Black Sabbath and absolutely loved every minute of it. Arena –Heaven & Hell NEC 13 November 2007 - This is actually Black Sabbath with Ronnie James Dio but definitely was a great show. They had Lamb of God and Iced Earth supporting who were both fantastic. Stadium – never been to a stadium show. Wouldn't be adverse but usually expensive and never wanted to see bands that play the stadiums/travel to them. Concert Hall – Sunn O))) & Boris – The Forum 10 December 2007 - could have been quite a few here but decided on this one for the uniqueness of the show. One off performance of Sunn O))) & Boris and their Altar album. Each did their own set along with a joint set and Earth supported for it as well. University/College – Therapy? - Manchester University 21 October 2001 - first ever gig so will always be there! Not really been to many university/college venues so likely never to be topped! Plenty of over good gigs over the years though

I thought he struggled to get over walls...

Yeah it doesn't take long to listen to... Their "Album" from last year is about 3 minutes long! I quite like it to be honest! It is more of a joke project by the Cattle Decapitation guy but more in reaction to the nonsense that is Trump! Still think the EP just a bit of fun and makes me smile. I did forget about the Cannibal Corpse album, that is a good solid record too to be fair. Not listened to the Full of Hell record, probably should though!

Was looking through old lists to see what new music I have bought over the last year. Looking back sadly don't think that there has been much great music. This list is easily the best of what I've bought (in no particular order): - Code Orange - Forever John Garcia - The Coyote Who Spoke in Tongues Mastodon - Emperor of Sands Mark Lanegan - Gargoyle Pallbearer - Heartless Municipal Waste - Slime and Punishment Enslaved - E Myrkur - Mareridt Mastodon - Cold Dark Place (EP) Converge - the Dusk in Us Electric Wizard - Wizard Bloody Wizard Anal Trump - If You Thought Six Million Jews Was A Lot Of People, You Should've Seen My Inauguration (EP) All good albums though and would recommend all. I do feel like I have missed something though... Top 5 in order I would say: Enslaved - E Mastodon - Emperor of Sands Myrkur - Mareridt Code Orange - Forever Pallbearer - Heartless

Anyone who likes Sabbath should check them out. Some exceptional riffs, though they are somewhat obsessed with Cannabis, 70s horror and naked women... Dopethrone is a complete classic, with Funeralpolis just sublime! I find some a little tired and dull (Time to Die I found very disappointing) but the latest is not bad on first listens (spoilered the cover as it could be considered NSFW)... The linear notes, DEFINTELY NSFW! Yeah have to admit they have a somewhat “colourful” history... Their spat with Rise Above is pretty special! However doesn’t spot the music being good and live they are pretty **** cool! Remember catching them in the Hare & Hound a few years ago and they were fantastic!

Correct Richards was on a free, but the expectation as an ex-England international and pedigree of Man City, arguably higher expectations. He also was part of the negotiations for his wages of (a reported) £50k. at 4 years that's £10.5million. Tishbola cost us £5million. I think I have seen wages for Tishbola at £10k a week. Given he also had a 4 year deal his wages cost approximately £2million. So yes outlay its about £3million difference but it was not down to Tishbola that we paid £5million for him, that was our choice so unfair to lay that at his door. He had no control over the transfer fee. Reality is the wages cost is about £8million difference and that is the why I say it is unfair to compare. To be fair, it's more depressing defending him. Ultimately they have both been disappointing signings.

Maybe, but sadly, whilst there maybe talent there, this would seem to be more of an attitude and application issue. That is difficult to overcome/change. I disagree with the comparisons to Micah Richards; I can't foresee him being on a substantial salary and to be fair, he has gone out on loan twice and tried to play. Any comparison to Richards is harsh, unfair and wrong. But as suggested by @sne Clarke is at Kilmarnock now so may take a punt again. Scottish Football maybe his level...

Baker wanted regular 1st team football, which he was never going to get with Terry and Chester here. That’s why I think we allowed him to move on. Definitely preferred him to the others though. 6-8 weeks is the suggestion from the internet. At least the international break is here to knock off a couple of weeks from that. I imagine though Villa have slightly better resources than the NHS so maybe quicker... I reckon we will see him back some time in December which would still mean a minimum of 4 games out. Jedinak would probably be my first choice, though given Samba scored he might get the nod. We have got De Laet, Bree and Hutton who all played there during pre season don’t forget. Don’t think we will be buying a CB in January. If I see Richards there though I might just walk out...