AshVillain

Mat said 'don't think so' in response to some people asking about this rumour. Different matter altogether when Paul Faulkner says 'No.' to the same question about a different player

I always think that targets should be something you aim for rather than something you know you can achieve - always striving for better. To that end; 1) European qualification (either way - cup obviously more attainable) I think that we will need to do this in order to make sure that we have Tekkers for the season after, and IMO he's integral to our short and medium term future. With Tekkers for another 2 years there isn't much we aren't capable of, and I would fancy us scoring against any team in the premier league on a regular basis. This being said 35mil (complete guess) where there was a Belgian sized space would do well in the hands of Lambo. 2) Concede less than 35 goals Does what it says on the tin. Concede less. I think our main problem has been from set pieces, these days I expect a goal to be scored from an oppo corner, doesn't matter who they are. Hopefully the additions to th coaching staff in the summer can make a difference to this. 3) Do the baggies. Twice. And Small Heath in a cup if possible.

Some people are reading far too much into a tweet. To be fair though if someone tweets the same thing 143 times that makes it true right??

Perhaps a bit obvious (no intention of sounding condescending) but the family stand has always been ok when I have taken my little one - will depend a lot on what team though ofc!!!

Took my missus for the first time to Cardiff at home in the league cup. Then took her away at selhurst and wembley for that final. Those are her only 3 experiences of football up close - she doesn't even stay in the room when motd is on!! Suffice to say that after the wembley debacle she hasn't wanted to watch another villa match (yet) in person, my advice would be to pick Hull at home so it's a winning atmosphere (we hope) at least

Nice vid, good editing, getting more excited by the day!!!

looks like we have some interest in this guy http://www.123algeriasport.com/ryad-boudebouz-vers-aston-villa/ "According to FM (Football Mercato), Aston Villa intention to make an offer of € 3 million for Ryad Boudebouz. Lacking a concrete offer during this summer transfer window, Ryad Boudebouz could finally see the end of the tunnel if this information were to be confirmed." http://www.mercato365.com/infos-clubs/sochaux/sochaux-aston-villa-a-supervise-boudebouz-1049825.shtml "Under until June 2014, Ryad Boudebouz (23 years), midfielder Sochaux, do not leave indifferent Aston Villa. Author of three goals in the league last season, Algerian international has been overseen by an emissary of the Villans against Evian TGFC (1-1, first day of Ligue 1) on Saturday night. The club managed by Paul Lambert could send an offer for the native of Colmar, which is also followed by Southampton (in particular)." http://www.sempreinter.com/2013/08/11/from-spain-offer-from-aston-villa-for-boudebouz/ http://www.transfermarketweb.com/?action=read&idsel=126301 Mods please delete if this thread has already begun. EDIT: Got some pretty silky moves.

It can't be denied that he fits our transfer 'profile' (young, promising, unknown, not tested in the Premier League etc.) and he would be an excellent signing and a show of backing by RL towards Lambo. Would also (imo) be another statement of our intent, and further confirmation that we are in a position to get the higher rated youngsters from all over europe. Our new direction will not stop with or without this kid but would certainly be enhaced by his possible arrival. I don't think we will sign him though, mainly because Nurnberg do not have to sell at all. Long term contract at a club in no financial strain, with a player (it seems) that will play to the best of his ability regardless of interest shown by other clubs. Just can't see it.

I would put a sizeable bet on us conceding at least 30 goals from set pieces this season. That's our biggest problem at the mo imo.

Not that this has anything to do with the thread but afraid not, red meat has essential vitamins for brain growth nevermind protein which is required for muscle growth. Set aside the fact that humans are (in essence) scavengers, good meat tastes amazing, and even less than good meat tastes better than tofu!!!!

These are actually perfect. Sometimes you can over design stuff imo - esp when it comes to a football kit classic and simple are always better!!!

Quick google indicates that he doesn't want a seventh loan deal (seven!!!!!!! ) but also looks like if going somewhere permanent might be toffees or the toon. Would love to see him in Clare n blue though personally. EDIT: claret n blue (auto corrected)

Scott Sinclair also been left out - he's in lambo's age range for sure I think he would be a great addition.

Olof's beard is the only thing that can handle Thor's hammer.

It's some type of new government owned bank. Apparently they are saying that we are buying Ronaldo on loan for 17 seasons for free because there is a release clause in his bathtub. Brown peas Randumbs.

it doesnt work. we tried it last year and it didnt work then, it ruined us in midfield . That team with three at the back would be over run in the middle of the park and get hammered Westwood and Bacuna in the middle is way too soft I think saying 'It doesn't work' is quite narrow sighted. Perhaps 'It didn't work for us last season' would have been more apt. Also I don't think anyone can judge Bacuna as yet, and I did caveat that obviously players can be shifted in and/or out of that lineup. 3 CB's has worked in the past for many teams, and will do in the future I am sure, I mean, so we really think we need to be 'solid' in the centre midfield position against say Crystal Palace for example? I'm not saying that it would be our go to formation, I was just saying it's interesting and probbaly does have a place as an option we could use. PS: I think messers McGrath, Southgate and Taylor may want to have a word about 3 CB's not working for us

meh. Sunday and Monday both look pretty awful Cricket weather tbh. Draw seems likely.

The 'a' does consitiute feminine in Spansih - but I don't think they will change barba to barbo just to incorporate the bearded ladies e.g: él tiene una (La) barba muy (o muy) espesa (poblada) = He (you) has (have) a very thick beard. La Barba literally means 'The Beard' I would use 'el rey de las barbas' which means 'The King of the beards' personally.

Can't say I agree with that, but I'm in the minority so I think I'll shut up now Stiliyan Petrov (Celtic, £6.5m) Didier Agathe (Celtic, Free) Chris Sutton (Celtic, Free) John Carew (Lyon, Swap) Ashley Young (Watford, £9.65m) Shaun Maloney (Celtic, £1.1m) Moustapha Salifou (FC Wil, Undisc) Zat Knight (Fulham, £3.5m) Harry Forrester (Watford, £250 000) Eric Lichaj (Unattached, Free) Marlon Harewood (West Ham, £3.5m) Nigel Reo-Coker (West Ham £8.5m) Wayne Routledge (Tottenham, £1.5m) Curtis Davies (WBA, £10m) Steve Sidwell (Chelsea £5.5m) Brad Friedel (Blackburn, £2.5m) Brad Guzan (Chivas US, £1m) Nicky Shorey (Reading, £4m) Luke Young (Middlesbrough, £5m) Carlos Cuellar (Rangers £7.8m) James Milner (Newcastle, £12m) Arsenio Halfhuid (Excelsior, nominal) Emile Heskey (Wigan £3.5m) Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough £10m) Fabian Delph (Leeds United £6m) Habib Beye (£2m) Andy Marshall (free agent) Stephen Warnock (£6m) James Collins (West Ham United, £5m) Richard Dunne (Manchester City, £6m) I have bolded those who were (imo) either a waste of signing fee/wages and/or never played for us. His net spend is 80mil + while in charge. This does not include the wasted wages (which I suspect would at minimum double that figure). Take out the bolded ones and that 14 signings that were (imo) decent, and 16 that were not. Add this to the FACT that he was so rigid in his formations and first 11 (which cost us a title shot imo - remember the John Terry interview before our match with them in in 09/10 season? He said we would tire in the second half and lo and behold we did - and gave 3 points away at a crucial part of the season) I think we underachieved quite a lot. MON just wasn't able to move and bend with the times and (imo) had lost his touch, shown by the fact that he couldn't repeat his 'feats' at Sunderland. Yes. I would say that you sir are indeed in the minority LOL EDIT: Just realised that my post had nothing to do with the topic. I think we will finish top 10 - outside shout at cup glory for Europe the season after.

Wow. So the worst thing that can be taken from that article is that we failed to get the full potential out of Barry Bannan, written by someone who is clearly a little (if not a lot) biased towards him. Not bothered at all. The best players shine regardless of system or manager - and the world class players are so good that the systems get moulded around them, those not up to the task do not excel and do not have a system moulded around them at all. Bannan is in the latter of those categories. Great potential, just wasn't up to the task, and Aston Villa FC moves on.

anyone else remember this?

Hmmmmmmmm now its been mentioned on here 3 CB's doesn't sound so bad ....... ---------------Guzan--------------- -------Okore--Vlaar--Baker----- Lowton-----------------------Luna ----------Westy-----Bacuna------- Gabby------Benteke----Weimann That actually looks pretty decent tbh. Obviously some names could be swapped out with others but I think that might be a decent option alongside our regular 4-3-3 This being said, I still wouldn't have Clark in the team unless I REALLY had to. Far too error prone in almost all circumstances for me.

Past the handbags at 20 paces ;P - I like this guy and have a good feeling about him. If he can net 15 goals this season that would be brilliant - if not then 10 or so would be acceptable to me. I think Lambert will deploy him as an AM when we need goals (with 3 attackers as we did last season), and as a lone striker when Benteke is injured/needs a rest with Gabby/Tonev/Weimman/Bowery on the wings. The good thing for me is that he looks capable of playing in either position. Dare I say it now, the pundits may be calling him the new Ibrahimovic (as they called Benteke the new Drogba) in just a short few months time.

This. A liability from set pieces imo - some of that blame also has to land at Guzan's feet, he needs to organise better too. His talents make up for his faults to me and I think Westy should be club captain going forward, but we will need Vlaar at his best for the next few years minimum.

I think there are very few Villa fans who want to see the back of Bent for any reason other than what he costs for what he does. We pretty much all acknowledge that his goals kept us up in the Houllier season. Considering this, and the fact that he's never said a bad word in public about the club or anyone at it, I think he will always be welcomed by the fans in future. Forget who came up with the analogy, but worth wheeling it out again: In the current Villa setup, having DB in the team is like starting with a goal advantage and playing the game with 10 men. Gabby might appear to make less effort than he should at times, but I think this has often been because he's been played when less than 100% fit. There is no questioning the fact that he is a fan of the club he plays for. If only there were more players like that. A proper Villa legend, not so much because of amazing goal stats, but because of when and how a lot of those goals have been scored. Mostly this. I personally want to see the back of Bent because our current options in his position - Benteke and Helenius (possibly ... the test of time will tell but he looks pretty good so far) - are better than him. The money matters of course, but the on field performances matter much more for me. Bent will score 15-20 a season IF YOU PLAY HIS WAY. If you don't, maybe 10-15 .... which both Gabby and Andi are even capable of ..... like I said, for me, we just have better options than Bent.