TheAuthority

Glory years is an interesting one. When SGT 1st came to us from high flying Watford, we were only 5/6 years from being Champions of Europe and the old first division was a far more even playing field than now. That was some idea of getting back to being a big club and the chance of becoming league champions was real - sadly the English FA took him and ruined him. After that Big Ron bought in big name players but without a real eye to the future and once Manure won the 1st PL, the momentum shifted. We had a penny pincher in charge so we always seemed to be shopping in the bargain basement rather than going for it. It was a huge missed opportunity 1992-2002 or so, to cement ourselves as one of the elite but Ellis didn't have the vision or the balls. Essentially we've been also rans ever since. I think people talk about us a big club and as a big opportunity in the same way they do Newcastle - large fanbase, bags of potential, completely starved of success. We have great owners now who seem to be prepared (at least so far) to put their money where their mouth is. The league is so skewed to the CL teams though (they even get money if they don't qualify for a year )that really challenging and becoming a force is really unlikely whoever is in the dugout to be honest. I really like the Dean Smith story - his support, his dad, and his families ties to the Villa. He gave us that amazing 10 game winning run with exciting football. Got the best out of Jack, has improved players. I want him to succeed and quite honestly if we don't improve on last years position then so what? Doesn't mean he won't improve it next season. All this clamoring to get someone else in after a 4 game losing spell just smacks of the "want something new" society - "I want a shiny new name" and guess what, if in 10 games they are doing sh*t the same people will demanding another manager, If we get Fonseca, or another "some name from Europe" then, meh. It's just another reason to be less and less interested in a game that I used to love.

It studies 53 players over 6 games. Doesn't seem like a large pool for a thesis. Was this for a PhD?

No thanks.

If I'm not mistaken, there's a young Bob Monkhouse doing the a voice of a viewer.

I know it and I can't place it - infuriating!!

Write to Barry! Oh shoot he died in 2002.

FTFY

See you later fellas.

Fornals shouldn't have been on the pitch

How was McGinn booked there?

Still 15 mins to go - (even though it feels like the game is already 5 hours long.)

Marvellous showing some fight

Come on Anwar

Change it up - make some subs Get some fresh legs on

Wish he'd bought on Carney or Aaron for JJ

It's because McGinn in blowing out of his arse and can't bring the ball forward.

I can't believe he seems to be 3rd in command after doing what in his career?

McGinn needs dropping

Can we not fluke a lucky goal, for once? Please?

I think you'll find you're in the minority there as usual

Buendia storming off down the tunnel

Yeah I would say that Hause should have walked but not Konsa

Young's

Thanks mate!

Hahaha It's the hope that kills you!