Tubby

General,

I am yet to see the Browns game against the Steelers but I have it recorded. Just as a heads up, how did they perform? 10-6 is quite a respectable scoreline against the arch rivals.

Will have a watch after the UEFA Cup game tomorrow and hopefully discuss with you some more.

Jon

Great result by the Villa today. It was a tough tie and we really struggled to play our football on such a slow pitch, but three away goals should be good enough to take us through to the group stages and I for one can't wait for that. Well done to all the lads.

I managed to watch the Browns v Steelers game afterwards and I must say they were some tough conditions. I wasn't aware that they were playing in 30mph winds before I saw it, but it certainly explains the score line. I thought they handled the Steelers rush offense fairly well and Rogers certainly had a better game than against the Cowboys, but the secondary was still a little loose and would have faired worse if the winds were down.

Kellen Winslow had another outstanding game, but again Anderson and Braylon Edwards were poor. Fingers crossed that they can all click against the Ravens and give that booing Browns crowd something to celebrate. It's not easy going 0-2 as it can be a long way back. Some of the calls need to be looked at, as well as some difficult plays needing to be made, but they are definitely improving. I think we will do the Ravens personally, a road game is a fresh start and expectations will be less. Fingers crossed I am right.

Bring on the Baggies and the Ravens.

Up the Villa!!! Go Browns!

Jon

General,

I am yet to see the Browns game against the Steelers but I have it recorded. Just as a heads up, how did they perform? 10-6 is quite a respectable scoreline against the arch rivals.

Will have a watch after the UEFA Cup game tomorrow and hopefully discuss with you some more.

Jon

Broccoli for me - days of being force fed

Could have easily been green beans though

I voted SHA :shock: - silly me I should pay more attention. I actually want to vote Baggies

General Krulak here:

1. tubby: Browns tickets are hard to come by. If you really want to go to a game, let me know and I will see what I can do to make sure you have a ticket.

Thanks General, I didn't expect a response like that. I can't see myself getting over there this season and possibly not for next either, but it is something I would love to do one day. I'm sure you will be around in a few years when everything is in place for me to make it and if you don't mind I will take you up on that favour then

Your grace is overwhelming, thank you again.

General Krulak here:

1. Tubby: You are spot on. The depth of the field of play is probably the most interesting part of American Football. Whereas some might get frustrated by long kicks on to the head of Big John in British Football, the long pass in American Football gets the fans going. At the end of the day though, my heart remains with "the beautiful game."

I'm presuming you mean our national sport General and not yours...? I wouldn't have it any other way either.

I look forward to some more discussion re: The Browns as the season progresses, it's just so hard to watch them over here though as the bigger teams get the greatest air time on Sky - quite familiar I'm sure you would agree! Maybe I should factor in a trip over to Cleveland sometime soon, how easy is it to get a a game ticket on general sale?

Thank you for entertaining my analysis and interest, won't take this too far before it strays to off topic.

Jon

6. Tubby: First and foremost, you should be a football (US) analyst. You hit the nail on the head. A very bad game...simple as that. The secondary was like a sieve...could not cover anyone. Offense was not hitting on all cylinders either. Bottom Line: Game was a disappointment. BUT, in sports, these things happen. If you go crazy over one game, it can result in a straight-jacket for the season.

General,

Offer me a job.... I'm sure there could be a need for the Browns to have a UK correspondent somewhere, perhaps writing for the Villa News & Record?

The main thing I like about Gridiron (for confusions sake) is the depth of the play. It is too misconceived over here and people just comment on the stoppages ruining the game. But considering everything involved with winning a game, the stoppages are just part of it. Nothing better than a 50+ yard pass for a TD I'm sure you will agree. It has to be appreciated and you soon forget that play stopped for commercials!

Shame the Browns have started badly, but there were signs there that they could do better, a lot better in fact.

Good luck against Pittsburgh this weekend.

Jon

General,

I watched the Browns game on Sunday night, ouch is the best of it really.

The Browns clearly left the defense in the locker room during the 1st half with Tony Romo making a mockery of the secondary, but credit has to go the Comboys offensive line who were phenominal in my opinion. Glad to see the blitz work so effectively in the second half though and I hope that Romeo looks to build on that against the rushing offense of Pittsburgh. If only Derek Anderson had made better use of his opportunities and Braylon Edwards was match ready I think the Browns would have been a lot closer, though the loss always seemed inevitable. I guess that is what happens when injuries rule out your better players though there were some definite highlights like the TD pass for Kellen Winslow and there were some positives, that if applied on a more consistent basis could see the Browns return the favour to many an opponent.

Here's hoping that not too many were disheartened over in Cleveland. The stadium look great by the way and the atmosphere very passionate not too unlike our own

Bring on the Steelers...

Jon

Will be turning up and hoping those comfy seats are padded. Hopefully worth the 2 hour drive!

Hi General

I was dissapointed to see that the Browns went 0-4 for pre-season. Now from looking at the stats it is clear that a lot of squad rotation took place (as is the way with pre-season) and I doubt that at any time the starting defence or offense were ever on the field as will be (at least not for long anyway), but has this effected the mood in the camp and how is it being reported in Cleveland?

A lot of American National press I have read has tipped the Browns for a wildcard this season which like you have stated is the minimum goal, but with a tough schedule ahead has the pre-season result dampened the mood or is 100% positivity instilled much like it is here at Villa? In days gone by if we had a terrible pre-season heads would certainly of dropped, though I am convinced that just is not possible under Randy.

Are you all confident in the squad Romeo has and who do you think will be the Browns top performers this season, should we see some surprises i.e. some top quality rookies? Also interested to know who will get the most exposure as QB? Is Brady Quinn ready to takeover from Derek Anderson?

Great to see the Browns on TV over here on the opening weekend, I will be an avid watcher that is for sure. Good luck to the Browns for the season ahead.

Thanks in adavance.

Jon

General,

Let me be the first to congratulate Randy, MON et al for a pleasing and successful transfer window. We have added to and strengthened our squad compared to that of last season and have stuck to our principles. The players we have bought all have proven Premier League quality except of course for Bradley Guzan and Cuellar, but both have shown with their previous clubs and for his country in reference to Bradley, that they are again a step up on what was here before.

We play great football with a young and hungry side and we put many clubs to the sword last season. We have not disrupted the way we are going to play and so don't have to re-learn a new style of football. We are a stronger team and will be better for it. I still say top six and can't wait for us to get going after this international break.

With regards to Man City and some of the tripe you will likely hear, money isn't everything and we all know that Randy Lerner means more to us for what he has done to Aston Villa Football Club than any money yielding consortium could ever do. Plus he has proven he can and will invest in the not just the team but the whole club and I'm sure we will continue to see more of that.

Hear's to a sustainable and progressive future

Thanks

Jon

8/10 for me.

We have definitely improved our team and it is a very good one. I still think we are better than most teams in the league and are good enough for a top 6 finish and some cup runs - I would not of been able to say that before the window opened. MON has done a good job and I have never been more proud to be a Villa fan.

Let's just keep an eye on the league table before we get carried away with other clubs ability. Robinho, for all the money in the world might just bomb in the Premier League, we have bought proven PL players and one SPL player who was too good for that league. We are in for a good ride.

Good job

I said NRC for this one. Yes he is a ball winner but if the game is going against him he struggles to pull it back. One thing that would keep Stan in there for me is his consistency. So far this season I have not seen his form waiver and that is pleasing.

General,

Thank you to the club for bringing Jimmy home. The Villa fans really took to him when he was here before and you know as well as the rest of us what MON can do with young, hungry and talented players. He is going to be an absolute gem.

I have never known a summer like it, this is going to be a good season.

Talking of the season General, what is your view on the UEFA Cup draw? Will you and Randy be going over to Bulgaria? The games are coming thick and fast so it is getting exciting. The potential group we could be in during the next stage should also set up some lovely ties at Villa Park and away.

Thank you for bringing back the good times.

Up the Villa!!!

Jon

Jimmy has come home

He has come home

He has come home

To Villa!

Three Lions by the way.

3. Bouma is doing fine. We have passed on to him the best wishes of the fans and he is most appreciative. His recovery is going as expected. It takes time and a good physio and physical therapy. Thank you for asking. He will be back but we will not try to rush

Thanks for this General, I think I speak for most of us when I say don't rush him back to playing but if he can walk on sticks or crutches we'd love to see him before a match or at Half time to show our appreciation to him

Absolutely agree with this General. Freddie is a favourite player of many fans and the psychological effect of them singing his name at half time will surely aid his recovery and bring a lot of encouragment to the fans present.

How about that story on the OS....?

General,

It's been a month now, what news is there of Freddie Bouma? Can we expect to see him complete a dramatic recovery and line up on Sunday? Seriously though, I hope his healing is going well. Would the OS be prepared to run an article providing an update for the wider audience?

Heads up for Sunday as well General, it appears that the atmosphere is going to be up there with Blues last year - bring it on!

Jon

Not quite sure it fits perfectly, in my mind I am repeating certain bits of the song but the idea is there

Would personally change the Ashley Young tune to the following

[to the tune of Mickey Mouse]

A.S.H.L.E.Y - Y.O.U.N.G

Ashley Young (clap, clap, clap)

Ashley Young (clap, clap, clap)

He puts the ball into the box

for big John and Gabby

Ashley Young (clap, clap, clap)

Ashley Young (clap, clap, clap)

He goes past one, he goes past two

and sometimes even three

Ashley Young (clap, clap, clap)

Ashley Young (clap, clap, clap)

i like mickey mouse its something different and original

Which version are you quoting? This one:

[to the tune of Mickey Mouse]

A.S.H.L.E.Y - Y.O.U.N.G

Ashley Young (clap, clap, clap)

Ashley Young (clap, clap, clap)

He'll skin you down the flank

and he'll stick one in the bank

Ashley Young (clap, clap, clap)

Ashley Young (clap, clap, clap)

His feet are really tricky

and he'll make you look shitty

Also, just trawled through the original post, would be good to get this one going for Stan:

[To http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63o8exNK4-Q]

Stilyan Petrov, he came from Celtic Park.

Now he's a Villan and that is just the start.

He's here to score goals, from close up and a far.

We've got him so who needs Steve Gerrard?

And maybe this one for Randy:

[To the tune of White Christmas - but obviously a little faster - with scarves held aloft]

I'm thanking one Randy Lerner,

he's come and saved our football club.

He has given us money,

to spend quite freely,

and we are gona win the European Cup!

General Krulak here:

1. You will definitely see me in the Holte End for L'pool...as well as the rest of the stands. I would much rather walk the stadium than sit on the step in the Director's Box. I saw the game at my son's house...with my grandson. All of us in our Villa kit.

The seat next to me is free General.....

On a serious note, I was a little disappointed to see a lot of the seats in the new Trinity corporate section quite empty. Is there a lack of interest here and do you expect many sell outs in this section this season? Surely if this area is below capacity will mean that we won't ever 'sell out' or do you only count general ticket sales for this?

Great win of course and congratulations to the whole team and MON. I hope Randy enjoyed himself at VP as much as you probably did with your family.

Thanks

Jon

General,

Keeping the faith makes it all so much better and look at the doubters crawling back now.

Keep it going General Sir, you just wait for the reception the team will get on Sunday - Martin O'Neills Claret and Blue army will be bringing the roof down

Jon

Undecided!

The more this drags on the more I can see him staying here, but with that inevitability comes the need for him to prove that he will play with the desire required by the manager, the fans and his colleagues. If he stays I can see us being extremely competitive what with the current forward and right wing rumours!

I voted Santa Cruz as he would likely be better value for money. A very tough choice though.

The Ashton prices being quoted are silly and he needs to prove his fitness and goal scroing prowess to demand those sort of fees in my opinion. A potential star no doubt.

Santa Cruz has already proven he can score and would look great in our system.

General, I have been trying to get into the Seat Exchange website, I get diverted back to the Villa site when attempting to log in, proceed to enter my account details and it returns an error. I then retry Seat Exchange and I get a runtime error immediately. Are there any issues with SE or the Villa website, was hoping to check out the process of selling my ST but obviouisly I can't. Cheers Jon

Edit: Just to be clear I mean to exchange my ST for one match not to sell it completely!