PeteStan

Richard was absolutely excellent for Ireland this afternoon.A true warrior's performance. Showed real grit and spirit, even playing on with what looked like quite a nasty facial injury. Outstanding! Nice to hear Aston Villa mentioned positively on Sky too!

General, Sir, I know that a man of your standing will not be bowed by some of the vile and totally disrespectful comments you and Mr Lerner have received on this and other sites. Sir, please believe there is a 'silent majority' whose love and passion for Aston Villa overrides all this ridiculous negative hysteria. You are our board entrusted with the custodianship of this great and historic football institution. Apply your properly, researched criteria to appoint a properly, committed and passionate candidate as manager. If Mr Lerner's choice is Alex McLeish you can count on my support for sure and I suspect many of those who don't often speak up will give him a chance too. One thing, we all need to work together to repair some of the damage done recently to the name of Aston Villa. I may not be proud of some of our fans tonight; but I am still proud to be a fan. After all I've got no choice!

I totally second this. Don't forget Mr Lerner is OUR Chairman. Get behind him. He really is trying his best for us. Look how much he has committed. Cut him some slack. Its not as straight forward as some would have you believe.

What if? About 9/10 days ago Villa wrote to several clubs including Wigan & maybe Fulham asking quite properly for permission to speak to their under contract manager. Wigan- well we know what happened there. Fulham - Mark Hughes, trying to force the issue, invokes his release clause; upsetting Randy & embarrassing PF. And the others? What if?

Come on folks let's be positive. One candidates chances have already been scuppered by negative fan reaction. You know the Club monitor the boards. Trust in the board, if they go for & get Martinez it's a great chance to build some stability & steadily develop the Club forward without a prima donna in charge. I want a man who is proud to manage our great Club & not just after the next pay check. Give him a chance!

Is Mark Hughes going to Chelsea? Not a chance. So why has he resigned then? Jamie's Dad to Chelsea and Sparky in at Spurs? Not a chance! Really. So why has he resigned then? Watch this space!

If Fulham appoint a manager quickly ie: Jol or even MON would that allow them to slacken the embargo on Hughes talking to potential suitors earlier than 30th June? Clearly the current situation and Randy's apparent desire to act honourably and properly means its hard for Villa to show any active or even apparent interest in an out of work manager who is restricted from approaching or being approached by any other club.

If GH can't continue. Gary McAllister anyone? For some reason I cannot fathom fans on here seem to despise him and blame him for all this seasons ills. The guys done a good job in GH's absence and unlike GH seems to speak with reverence and respect for our great club "an honour to be the custodian of the club" being one of his quotes. I just don't get why people are so anti. Am I alone in being impressed with how he has conducted himself since Gh was hospilalised? Anyway i'm gong to say it. Well done Gary and thanks.

So depressing to see us struggle to impose ourselves against one of the Premier League's strugglers. I know the players failed to perform, although I agree about the performances of Nigel Reo-Coker and Stewart Downing; but really did the management show any stragtegic plan for over coming the opposition? No second half substitutions? This smacked of a management team (whoever is pulling the strings) which didn't trust the players, our current situation or themselves to go for the win and CHANGE IT! Better a draw than any chance of another defeat. Sadly gentlemen that is simply not good enough. A change of message and confidence from those pulling the strings might just get these players believing in themselves. Again!

Like it or not Stewart was absolutely brilliant on Saturday at Goodison, pure class! When we played at United at Old Trafford in February I stood next to a group of 'supporters' who gave Stewart dogs abuse throughout the game. I don't know why. It's absolutely essential that we keep players like this after this sad season is over. Players like Stewart Downing show that the future can be bright for Aston Villa, even after Ashley Young. Get behind the players! And what a nice guy, a credit to himself and the Club.

On the NorthwestVilla bus on way home. Brilliant!! Thanks lads. You were all great. Special mentions for Pires, true class & Ashley, what can I say? Also Kyle Walker & Marcy, Marc always +ve. And Fabien? Welcome back you are the future!

Of course Citeh are now confirmed as our 5th round opponents with another daunting trip to Eastlands, where other than Maloney's free kick, Villa memories are not great. I now read that if the match on the 2nd March is a draw there are plans to replay it on Monday 7th March at VP to ensure the 6th round goes ahead as originally scheduled. This despite Citeh's likely Europa involvement later that week and both clubs Premier league having played in the Premier League just 48 hours before. Potential future fixture madness or what? I guess we just better beat them the first time!

Super, super effort by everyone and a totally deserved point which almost feels like a win somehow. I don't know if any one else has mentioned it; but we were forced onto the back foot and had to defend too deep in the 2nd half because of all those bookings. No one could commit to a tackle because I am sure GH had implored the players at half time not to get sent off. I also think he was reluctant to substitute when players were out on the feet and we were still winning because he has lost points through late substitutions (eg: Fulham, Man Utd) when winning previously. Anyway, much, much better. And what a game. My dog has had a nervous breakdown!

Conspiracy theories aside, it's really bad here in the North West, so I don't think this can be put down to Wigan. Local reports suggest it is a police decision on the basis of public safety; which seems to make sense. As much as we needed to play and win this match this could be a bonus in the long run and will maybe played when we are on a good run with a settled side, all our players back and even a few new faces. Well you never know!

Guys, I was wanting to post something really positive regarding Villa and the really excellent performance by the reserves last night and guess I should do that elsewhere. But to keep on topic; I was there last night and Barry Bannan was absolutely outstanding running the game from the left flank but and also appearing all around the midfield. This is a player with real vision at this level who on this evidence is, like Marc Albrighton, ready to step up to the next level. One worrying thing for me last night was the number of scouts in the main stand (including a watching Gary Speed) all making notes and recording marks for the players. They couldn't have failed to have noticed Barry's impressive performance. However I guess noone is going out on loan at the moment until Monsieur Houllier has time to assess what he has got. Well done Barry and all those other promising Villa youngsters. After a dreadful summer for the Club and what was an ulitmately depressing trip to Stoke earler in the week, it made me proud to be a Villan again.

Interesting how we all see things a little differently. Whilst I take the point about there being few clear cut chances (Gabby's excepted), I found this a hugely entertaining game of football where we occasionally played some really expansive football and constantly hit them on the break with a strong defence (again!) in support. Our passing was much better than it often is and I was really encouraged by Delph's early match performance. I thought this game showed just a hint of the potential this team really has. The worry continues to be an inabilty to take those few half chances and lack of being be able to 'put a team away'. A mention for the fans too. After I'd made a rare venture onto the forum last week and urged people to get behind the team and particularly the manager; the fans were magnificent. The team will never have had a more vocal and supportive welcome when arriving outside the Reebok and MON and the boys were given constant vocal support (clearly audible later on the TV coverage) throughout the game.

Look we are all Villa fans here aren't we? This guy was outstanding yesterday. He's been good all season when played in his best position and he's not a bad right back also, just lacking in distributive qualities. I sit on the front row at VP and his high pitched screaming is very evident showing his passion and commitment to the cause. Also, despite his white Bentley; he is not a prima donna, always has time for the fans and has made massive efforts in what is not his first language always conversing with fans. He may not fit Martin's normal profile of a player but this is the type of player we need at the Villa. Not good enough for Spain? A consistent, class, effective and commited player playing near the top level of the Premier League. Worth a look? You bet. I always thought that after their initial games together Dunne/Collins was our (new) best central defensive partnership. But given his recent showing in his true position there is no way that King Carlos should have the shirt taken off him.

Wasn't this game a generous gesture by Villa (hence Villa X1) to offer to play an extra game to give Oxford Utd the chance to generate some much needed revenue? I don't think we were ever likely to treat this as a normal pre-season friendly, Peace Cup final or not.

A 150 plus mile round trip, down through a solid M6 and arrival 2 minutes after kick-off with a seat opposite to my normal seat and in the Trinity for the first time in over 20 years; but boy was it worth it! Isn't it magic to see the Villa win some silverware again? I thought it was a thoroughly entertaining match played and refereed (well done a returning Mr Clattenberg) in the right spirit, with Sunderland playing their part. These young Villa lads are worthy representatives of the famous claret and blue. I was at Anfield just over a year ago and those remaining have certainly moved on. Proud young lions rightly, crowned as Champions. And lets not forget Kevin MacDonald's role. He just keeps on churning out good footballing, winning reserve teams and quality young players. And those that I can see making it? Well Albrighton, Delfouneso and Bannan (although very slghtly built) caught the eye. You never know. Its just over 3 years ago in Feburuary 2006 at Hyde, I think, that I saw Gabby Agbonlahor score a hatrick for Kevin MacDonald's reserves as we beat Man Utd Reserves 4-0. The other star that night was one Robert 'the beast' Olyejnik, remember him? One went on to debut and score for Villa in a DOL Goodison debacle and then on to full England international honours the other disapeared to Scotland. A note for young Barry Bannan and particularly Nathan Delfouneso who were signing authographs ages after others had left the pitch. Enjoy it Nathan and always have time for those young fans like you did tonight. Anyway one memorable night for this now somewhat veteran Villa fan. Quite emotional to see a trophy lifted at grand old Villa Park again. You know you just can't beat seeing the Villa as Champions again!

John, I totally agree with your assessment of this match and your scorings. Particularly in respect of Brad Fredel, who I agree was our MoM and Emile Heskey who I thought was excellent, winning everything in the air and giving an almost complete centre forward's performance. Why is it that every journalist's view I have read has been almost completely different? I assume you are not a professional pen man? If not, I certainly think you may have missed you're calling!

What an excellent article! Great to be reminded of our distinguished history with such personal pen pictures. Gareth Barry is the heartbeat of our emerging team and a midfield dynamo in his own way. The way his strength has developed in the last couple of seasons has been particularly noticeable. With all this talk of England captains, Mr Capello could do far worse than consider Gareth. Always a quiet influential character on the field he is noticeably more vocal this season (maybe that's NRC's influence?). A true gentleman off the field who always has time for the fans and sets a positive example for his club and profession. If you do read this Gareth, nobody could begrudge you a move to the top four. You have been an outstanding servant for our great club. But look at the team spirit epitomised yesterday. Wouldn't it be great to continue to be part of that as we wish push on to that next level? Villa fans everywhere are praying that Gareth makes the 'right decision' and that is to stay in B6. Thanks again for the article. It is this quality of imput that puts VillaTalk at the fore in Villa related forums.

Yes, some very true comments John. I too have received my 'brand pack' with interest. In my opinion it does ooze class and whilst it is of course standard business promotional material it is all about ASTON VILLA with true recognition of our history as well as outlining the hopes and aims for the future. Even the free scarves, mine which, as a season ticket holder; the Club allowed me even though I was out of the country at the time of that magical match; are quality and no cheap one day free giveaway! Why do we love ASTON VILLA? Even the name sends a shiver down the spine still, after almost fifty years. Maybe these guys are starting to understand why a little bit. They are certainly making a pretty good attempt at repesenting our interests. PROUD HISTORY - You bet! BRIGHT FUTURE - I'm sure

This was such an important match for us in the context of our season, given that our early season start has stuttered mid-term. A well deserved win. These type of performances ie: today and Wednesday's 80 mins will lead to a respectable finish with a position to build further next season. I thought Carew was fabulous. I take the point about not going overboard and Carlton Cole's super start in Claret & Blue but down at pitch level Big John looked class, despite not being fully fit. And he actually looked like he wants to play for us, applauding the fans during play, something I thought was taboo and coming out at the end to applaud all sides of the ground (note to other players not just the Holte), something I can't ever remember Mr B----s doing. And Ashley, well despite being so sleight of build, and looking like he belonged in a school playground; really promising, good touch, pace and no little confidence. I thought he showed the level Gabby should be aiming for. Anyway well done VILLA, nice to get back on track again after a fairly dismall 2/3 months.

I couldn't agree more. Like many of you I guess I've seen most of Milan's appearances for VILLA. He has been so frustrating and often looks as though he believes he made a big mistake by signing for us on that late August day in 2005. So often he just doesn't look like he's putting any effort into his game. But make no mistake the man is a class footballer and one, given the difficulties we are experiencing this transfer window; that we can ill afford to lose as we enter yet another 2nd half season battle. Milan you were excellent today. Best player on the pitch 2nd half. Lots of effort and no little skill. I don't care whose eyes its for. Keep it up!

I agree, from a VILLA point of view this was much better than of late. Much more fight and effort, after a slow start, than we have seen recently. No doubt it looked more Chelseawise on Sky. But watching live those kids really battled and I am not sure which other Premiership club is relying on so many academy products as we are at present, I counted 6 tonight. Well done lads! Oh and Freddy Bouma, take a bow! What a cracking performance! At last we can see the potential now. But lets not forget Gav,'The Destroyer', if only everyone gave that level of commitment? Most misunderstood (by referees that is) VILLA player? Anyway. Bring on Old Trafford! TWICE!