srsmithusa

You and I were....

Nathan, most here agree, is brave and tackles with authority, but I also agree that he seems to have a bit of trouble reading the match, anticipating, etc. I'm wondering if someone has stats to support this perception? Interceptions for example. I may be wrong, but he seems to read better when playing with 3 (or 5) in the back. Or does it just seem that way because of the difference in the formation, spacing? Those of you who coach, is there a way, besides playing time, to teach a defender to read the game better? Put him for hours in the middle of a 3 man keep away?

Lately, the only thing more depressing than our results has been the VT match thread before the match begins. Oh, and death, war, poison, disease, poverty, malnutrition, and cats.

I completely agree, but I also still think he was terribly Inconsistent. Didn't change the result at all, but still poor. And usually he's very reliable.

Yeah, Mr Dean calling it oddly. Wrestling is aloud one minute, and any contact a foul the next. Strange

Or games like those 2 make is more frustrated when we fluke bad performances..... Will the real Villa please stand up?

Great outlet from Guzan, brilliant pass from weimann, gabby .... Oh, well

Yeah, referee has made a couple of mystery calls already.

Who's carrying the whistle

There, in the first line. You said it. That was an easy one.

Actually, I'm feeling pretty good about this one. Of course, I'd feel better if Gabby and Vlaar were cert. But I think 3 points are likely either way

The fans did give McLeish a chance though. We'll just disagree on that then. I remember the crowd outside the gate before his arrival. Of course there were some who gave him a chance, me included. But a large number did not. Anyway, it wasn't my main point. Besides those protests before the appointment there was nothing for ages. As Jimzk said, it wasn't until well into 2012 that fans started to get on his back. So, "besides the protests" that prove my point, I'm wrong. Curiously, If you put aside the "nothing for ages" there were even fewer patiently supportive fans than I assert. Besides all legitimate evidence my to the contrary, I'm brilliant. Again, that wasn't my point. Big john thinks there's a reason for these leaks. I agree, I think the club releases and withholds information, in a purposeful manner. I gave my guess about the reason. I welcome comments and disagreement with my hypothesis.

The fans did give McLeish a chance though. We'll just disagree on that then. I remember the crowd outside the gate before his arrival. Of course there were some who gave him a chance, me included. But a large number did not. Anyway, it wasn't my main point.

As posted earlier, the 8 mill fits perfectly with what HH said before the window. Seems more than possible to me. Re: selling the club and funds. Don't think we are looking to sell the club. But think the north stand name may well be "sold." Big John's question about the timing and quantity of leaks about it, is a good one. I think the answer lies in changing one assumption. I don't think its true that the club leaks nothing. (Exaggerated statement, I know). I think the club leaks only what will help the club. In this case, the help is to judge any uproar from fans and to prepare the fans with any... "Proud history - so don't change anything" leanings. I think they learned from the MacLeish appointment that nothing the fans wont give much of a chance to, is a good idea. Information is power. The club recognizes this, and uses it to help the club. Rightly so. No matter how much more I (and VT) would like to know. Leaking the 8 mill figure could hurt the club because it would make it impossible to pay any less. And finally, Morpheus. I will happily read your posts, whether I agree with them or not. We all know your're a miserable bastard, but you're villa to the core. Still hoping to meet you in 2015. I'll buy the first 2 rounds.

And villa lad is WRONG !!!!!! IMO

Sticks with his favorites? Like Lowton his favorite last year, who barely gets a look? Like how he "stuck" with Bennett last year, and luna this autumn? It's more accurate to say he doesn't stick with who you think he should. So the only explanation is that HE is the berk.

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I could not agree more. Really good insight.

Hindsight is so cool. But when one comment says "it's crazy to play 3 at the back" and the next one says "as soon as Vlaar came off and we went two at the back I knew we would lose". And then 15 of the next 20 posts mirror one of those, it's just funny to me. I too was puzzled by Vlaar's withdrawal, but the only goal we gave up after that was a brilliant free kick that came as the result of a soft foul. Vlaar's withdrawal did NOT cost us. The strong defense worked well for the first 60 minutes. Actually, a Vlaar error let Naismith go, with an awkward stab at the ball instead. But we can all look in hindsight and pick the manager and certain players to death. It's apparently much more fun.

Actually both goals were well taken, from a very nice assist. Not happy it's tied, but it's entertaining and the goals very nice.

Gentleman, I believe you were well intentioned and that intentions matter.

Well, BJ 10 pissed off a bunch of people with his negativity and they have been quarelling like in-laws. Several have tried to make Richard out to be a fame-seeking juvenile for keeping faith in something Richard has made clear HH told him. Banned from Hand and a couple others are planning a duel with pistols at 20 paces. Oh, and a really interesting discussion about cell phone coverage and travel times from merseyside. In other words, with lot's of pent up anxiety, we have all become cannibals. Anyone read Lord of the Flies lately? Oh, and you've missed nothing that has anything to do with transfers.

"One bad apple don't make a whole bunch, girl." The business aspect of this is easy as "ABC." But the transfer deadline is a pure "Thriller." I wish Hutton would just "Beat it." If PL can hijack the Ince move, would he be a "smooth criminal." I fear that if we don't strengthen the midfield it could be "Dangerous" There, I decided to punish the apple discussion, but trying to start a stream Michael Jackson reference nonsense.... that'll show em. I decided to "start with the man in the mirror."

I will join the now certain prediction of a meltdown tomorrow. We'll either melt with excitement at the amazing developments or VT will have a meltdown with acid that there was no "meltdown". Either way, there will be meltdown. HH will be right one last time.