runetune

Excellent result. And overall, it has just raised the game with some players who desperately needed it - most notable, Carlos - who is really beginning to show why we paid so much for him. Let alone seeing how well the younger squad players have done. Guzan must be pushing for the first team spot fairly soon - if not this season, then I can't imagine unless he has a horrific point late on, that he doesn't start as first choice next season. Yes, its only a friendly - but its been a long time since we won a trophy and its great to have that feeling around the club again, and that can only inspire everyone!

General, welcome back! And Happy 4th July....... I hope the recovery continues apace, and you whip that pesky bug in to touch completely. Having family members who have Chrons I know how easily an infection of this kind can knock someone out, so do take care.

General I've been meaning to come in here for a while, and finally have remembered. I wanted to say a massive thank you to Randy for taking the step of putting those stained glass windows in the Holte End. The effect with that and the mosaic, and knowing the steps are being sorted at some point makes it feel as if we've regained at least something of what was lost a decade or so ago.

My parents are still married 40+ years (I can't be bothered to work out exactly how many past 40 they are at now). In fact, as a family, we've only had one divorce through the parents generation, my generation and the generation below me - Not bad considering how many marriages do fail.

Just to also lend my support for flags. Just wish we were going to get one! But personally I think its another great gesture by the club.

My thoughts exactly, I was hoping the poll might have the option - somewhere between the two lol

Petrov for the season so far, although I think Gabby is a very close 2nd due to his improved performances over the year. For the year - Bouma for me - Until he was injured I always thought he was our most consistent player.

Condolences General.

General, I would just like to also add my message of Merry Christmas, and a prosperous 2009 to you and your family.

I enjoyed him when he first began broadcasting on Radio 1, but he seemed to get too full of his own self importance, and now I just can't stand the guy!

Indeed - Report on the BBC website. Click here

General its the first time I've posted to draw your attention to another thread on the board, but in this instance, if you've not already seen it - I would say click here. I know it brought a huge smile to my face!

Would love to go, but the cost of travelling there and back at £40-00 is just too much for this extra game right now! So a no from us this time around.

I've lost interest and I never thought I would say that! I actually enjoyed the Euros more this year when England weren't playing - how bloody daft is that!?

Unfortunately we live 3 hours away - but we are thinking of trying to get at least one reserve game in this season. if we lived closer we would certainly look at each home game. Looking forward to reading the reports on the matches.

General just wanted to add our support to the collection for Acorns - we'll certainly be adding to the collection! Excellent idea.

Just a quick post General to say was great to see you yesterday. It made the visit for my partners mother even more special once we managed to fully explain who you were..... And the hat got relegated to the bag

This is almost what my partner and I were saying yesterday about what is happening at Villa Park! Superbly written and certainly echos our feelings on all that is happening at the moment. The Lion is awakening - And for that I thank everyone involved!

General, my partner and I both commented on this, and truth be told were a little disappointed that opening game of the season and it wasn't being unfurled. Its a question obviously asked by others since someone has opened a thread asking about it. Otherwise, a great day. Again Shelia helped with the couple of questions I had and spent time coming down and seeing me, when all that was needed was a copy of some information for her. It was really appreciated.

General, I just wanted to say thank you to Shelia as the disabled liason at the club. After a few false starts - she has managed to sort out my ticketing issues. I appreciate that everyone is busy right now, and that the club is going through tremendous change, but overall they are all doing a fantastic job. What could have easily become a complaint hasn't at all, if anything I can only praise them all.

I just don't know what I think about this - Its all ifs and buts right now. If Barry came out and publicly apologized - or MON came out with some sort of statement on his behalf, then I'm more prepared to think about. If Barry then signed a new contract, that would certainly go a long way to allowing me to feel more confident about him staying. But, if he didn't do these things, I would always be wondering does he really want to be here. I do expect him to continue playing well because of keeping his England place, and I just think he can do that. I certainly can't look at Barry with the same feelings I did have. If he stays I will always have some small doubt in the back of my mind, but then again I do believe he is a class player who can still do a good job for us! So right now, too many ifs and buts before I make my mind up about him if he were to stay.

^ What Julie said.

Are we getting a UEFA stats thread as well Good to see this back - Thanks for doing this again.

Yes, overall I am happy. I would be lying if I said that some issues haven't really grated on me lately (Barry and Liverpool). I'm concerned/nervous over some things as well, but that doesn't mean I'm overly unhappy. I suspect the coming few weeks will be another huge turning point in the direction the club is going. It will either allow us to at least consolidate, possibly improve on last year (which is all I ask at this stage), or it will see us slipping backwards. If its the latter, then I will be very unhappy, but right now I'm happy enough to wait and see what happens. We've already got 3 main signings in - I was expecting 6 to 8 over the whole transfer window. I still expect another 3 to 5 signings, and don't see the point in wasting time and energy worrying quite yet.

Wow thats some list! And interesting reading. Thanks for taking the time BOF to get this done. :shock: