maltesemike

Hello all, I hope you are enjoying the cracking start to the season! I have a query about travel from Villa Park to Birmingham airport. On Saturday I have a flight leaving BHX at 21.30 to Delhi (off travelling in Asia for a couple of months, very excited). I would like to give the boys some support against Arsenal this weekend but I'm worried whether I have enough time to make it to the airport. I'm aware that after games the traffic gets pretty congested and trains fill up quickly. I will have to drop my luggage off at Excess Baggage at New Street Station (I live in Leicester) before the game, which I would pick up before making my way to BHX. From all your experience of travel around Villa Park, do you think this is a smart think to do? If I aim to be at BHX at 19.30, it would give me about 2 and a half hours to get to New Street, pick my bags and get to the airport for check in. In my head it seems fine but I'd really appreciate anyone's thoughts on this plan.

In these times of ITK drought Mendi's b*ll*cks would make a welcome decision point. Where are you Mendi?

line 1. A blow to the "the first act toward selling the club happened on the monday after the season ended, nothing was in place or done before then." theory. line 2. Lambert does see himself as the guardian of Villa's status in an environment of very restricted by finances. line 3. He does not think the restrictions are reversible as long as RL is the owner. line 4. He's hoping that Lambert will continue to vouch for him as a loyal employee that does the best possible under the owners directives without complaining or undermining the owner. (as one who hires people, that's not a bad recommendation at all) the rest, he's basically repeating the 2nd,3rd, 4th, point. I read that today and it certainly confirms that the club has been for sale for sometime. The tone of RL's statement and his actions have pointed to this being the case for a while, its good that Lambert has confirmed this as you point out and hopefully something is in the offing soon. Given the restricted finances PL has had to work under he has (just about) achieved what was expected of him - to ensure our premiership status for another season - and for that I am grateful to PL. I feel for him in some ways, as others have pointed out he has got on with the job in a dignified manner. Whether he deserves another chance or not is probably for another thread but in some ways it would be harsh on him. Personally I hope we get in owners with the right ambition and footballing know-how to make this decision for themselves and to make the right one for AVFC to move forward and not listen to what RL thinks makes a good football manager. Normally I don't make comments that have a conspiratorial theory but here's one. When something is uncertain and maybe not going to happen soon - we use the term 'IF the new owners come in' but the term used was 'WHEN the new owners come in' which to me is sooner rather than later. Just saying and fueling the fire! I like your positivity and I hope this is the case. However, I wouldn't hang on to Lambert's words and confidence that he would use the correct terms in the first place. Our attempt at decoding his comments in the Pat Murphy interview is testament to this!

I really hope that this isn't true.

line 1. A blow to the "the first act toward selling the club happened on the monday after the season ended, nothing was in place or done before then." theory. line 2. Lambert does see himself as the guardian of Villa's status in an environment of very restricted by finances. line 3. He does not think the restrictions are reversible as long as RL is the owner. line 4. He's hoping that Lambert will continue to vouch for him as a loyal employee that does the best possible under the owners directives without complaining or undermining the owner. (as one who hires people, that's not a bad recommendation at all) the rest, he's basically repeating the 2nd,3rd, 4th, point. I read that today and it certainly confirms that the club has been for sale for sometime. The tone of RL's statement and his actions have pointed to this being the case for a while, its good that Lambert has confirmed this as you point out and hopefully something is in the offing soon. Given the restricted finances PL has had to work under he has (just about) achieved what was expected of him - to ensure our premiership status for another season - and for that I am grateful to PL. I feel for him in some ways, as others have pointed out he has got on with the job in a dignified manner. Whether he deserves another chance or not is probably for another thread but in some ways it would be harsh on him. Personally I hope we get in owners with the right ambition and footballing know-how to make this decision for themselves and to make the right one for AVFC to move forward and not listen to what RL thinks makes a good football manager.

Delighted for the lad.. let's hope he can stay injury free and show his worth.

Can you imagine the players trying to decode what he's on about? No wonder they look all over the shop!

I hear him saying "the new people understand the situation" but more telling is that after he says "we saw people that". Saw who? It seems as though he realises he has made a mistake and get flustered, suddenly back peddling and reiterating that "there is nothing there". I am personally encouraged by this!

I'm in your situation. I hate to see her hurting and knowing it's my fault. I still care for her, but I knew it wasn't right long term. I'm desperate to keep her as a friend but she wants to meet up frequently and I don't think it's helping either of us. Seeing her break down in front of me made me feel like a real shit. But at the same time it's not right for her and myself to continue as if everything was fine - I think it would just have become even messier in the future. Being with someone out of sympathy is just morally wrong both ways I think. As much as you care for her and obviously want to stay friends, I'm not sure it's the best thing to do - and I'm sure you realise this. It is not good for you and it is certainly not good for her, she will just be clinging on to something out of hope you will one day change your mind. Shit I know but that is life unfortunately, real love has to be a two-way thing. Maybe in time you can be friends again but in the interim it is probably best to stay apart. Ofcourse that is only my opinion...

Sorry to hear your bad news mate - but in time you will realise it is for the best. You don't want to be with someone who doesn't feel the same towards you. A few weeks ago I came out of a 2 and a half year relationship. Things weren't right for a while, we had moved in together and with time things got strained, arguing a lot and I realised this wouldn't last long term. Slightly different to your situation as I instigated the break up but I have been on the recieving end before - don't think it wasn't hard as I still care for her, I loved her but I wasn't IN love with her - maybe this was the case with your ex. But I won't go into my story I just want to give you some advice. We were living to together, bought things together, had 2 cats, basically built a future together - so the break up was awkward. We had broken up but still lived with eachother for about a month and she eventually moved out. Have to say it was one of the most awkward times of my life. If there is some advice I can give you is to try avoid that situation. As Stevo985 says, completely cutting the cord is the way to go. I know it may be hard if you still have feelings but seeing her will only bring those feelings back and mess with your head. A cliche I know but time is the best healer. Move back home for a while, spend time with your friends and family. I didn't have that luxury as Malta is my home but my advice is to be around people you love and trust. Things will improve mate. Now get out there and bag yourself a rebound shag! You have the joys of single life to look forward to it, believe me it has its pluses..!!!

Thanks for the heads up mate, its much appreciated. Enjoy the game!

I managed to sort out three tickets for the game this morning! I am so excited! I have family visiting from Malta and wanted them to experience a Villa match. What better than away game in a midlands derby? Unfortunately though we will be dispersed in the away stand. I was wondering whether we should be wary of trouble outside the ground? Don't manage to make much away games so not sure what to expect. We are travelling from Leicester which is not far. Will there be a police escort or something? Also, any good places for us to have a beer before the game in Wolverhampton? Thanks in advance