largelugs

16 minutes ago, Keener window-cleaner said:

Today on the presser Dean Smith referred to him as AJ right? I asked in the Jacob Ramsey thread the other day why he is called JJ, but don't remember getting an answer. Now Aaron Ramsay is AJ. I think I will go nutts if someone doesn't explain this to me soon. Why JJ and AJ?!? And not JR and AR? Where does this J at the end come from? What is it that I don't understand? Am I still sane?   

(hmm...or could it be that the -ay in ramsay sounds like a J and that's why?) 

Aaron James Ramsey according to wikipedia. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ron_Armstrong

Might be a possibility for New Zealand. Only played for our reserves, not sure if any of his caps came during that time

4 minutes ago, useless said:

Thierry Small has apparently now officially left Everton, and is technically a free agent, but has probably already agreed to sign for a club behind the scenes.

Surely Bryan can have a word

https://twitter.com/stpatsfc/status/1285283054626451456?s=20

Hutton plays a nice ball out to the right wing, as a left back, surely that means that you then hold back. Not that idiot, they counter he's nowhere to be seen.

What are the odds on him playing RB before christmas?

Suliman,, Doyles-Hayes, Blackett-Taylor and McKirdy not in the U23's tonight. No idea who is fit or injured.

History repeating itself

https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2011/nov/30/steve-bruce-sunderland-sacked

Need Sunderland to stay up.

Alladyce is one of a dying breed, an old fashioned english manager who has the ego to believe he can get the best out of players who are crap elsewhere. Richards, Lescott or Gabby would be challenges for him. Can't see any other managers in the premiership who would touch them.

1 hour ago, JAMAICAN-VILLAN said:

I keep repeating this, but I think the best business we can do this summer is keeping our best players and getting rid of the deadwood.

Even if the championship was 5 a side that wouldn't be sufficent

Pearson's reputation seems at an all time high.

He took on a relegated Hull City and finished 12th in the Championship. It took him a while to get things going at Leicester before one excellent promotion season. In the premiership they were awful until their miraculous finish. He's not going to come in and turn things around immediately. What he has got going for him is a very good knowledge of the division, and the strong character needed. However, has he ever done much bringing youth players through? 

The players won't care in the slightest at the protests, they've already shown their attitude.

Randy is not around, and really doesn't care.

We're already being laughed at with the abuse we gave the players at Wycombe.

A more positive message might be shown by a big attendance shown if we're drawn at home in the next round of the youth cup. Supporting players that could be the future of the club, that still care and have aspirations, that in Ben Petty have a coach that has been a graduate and coach of the Villa youth system. A big crowd with banners saying that we'll always support OUR club, or we'll always support those who play with heart would send a clear message and would catch media attention. All of those boycotting games, which is totally understandable, can get time at Villa park without the misery and without contributing towards Randy's pocket.

And the chances are we might be present for a victory at Villa Park!

Anyone know where the u21's are playing their games this season? Hinckly? Villa Park?

First home game against Stoke on Monday and can't find any details

 

 

 

I think it is based on facilities, education and structure, not sure it has a great deal to do with players produced. Southampton's greatest strength is catchment area.

This x1000. They don't really have to compete with other clubs for players. Plus, crediting them with Walcott is a bit like solely crediting arsenal for Crowley, only if Crowley stayed at villa for an extra year

Really? Walcott moved to Southampton about 11 didn't he? Not really the same.

I always thought he went there when he was 16. It looks like I'm wrong.

 

Walcott played 21 games for Southampton, moved when he was 17. He originally was on th ebooks of Swindon before Southampton took him

I'm really glad the club are taking the view of the fans on board with this, seeing as we are the ones that wear it it makes sense. Well done to the OP.

 

Can we have a River Plate/Peru style home shirt? Or alternatively a Boca style away shirt?

 

Why not something totally nuts like this?

Macron already do a shirt with a stripe across the middle, like River and Peru. The bologna away kit:

Any further updates on this?

I've got a villa mad cousin from Ireland coming on Friday, was going to take him.

I don't think having one feeder club to loan players works. That club has its own priorities, they will only want to fill a certain position and their priorities are points, not the development of another teams player's. You can't just send two or three players a year to them and expect them to accommodate them.  It should be about finding a loan for the player where they will get regular appearances and have a manager that will be good for them.

We do use the loan system. Bannan has had 3 spells, Herd 3 , Delfouneso 3, Baker 3, Wiemann 1, Lihaj 3, Gardener 1, Johnson 1.

They aren't always successful but obviously a learning experience. Next year Carruthers, Burke and Williams might get the opportunity.

However, some players don't need it. If they are standing out in the reserve team and finding it easy, yet not on the verge of the first team, thats when they need a loan so they don't stagnate. 

Was told a few weeks ago that his dad had no intention of ever letting him signing a contract at Villa by somebody who knows the family. Any sensible parent would choose a club who was most likely to give him first team opportunities. He may be excellent now but you can never predict how youth develop and he needs to be nurtured. 

Seen it said that both Carruthers and Burke's contracts are up at the end of the season and they haven't been renewed. Carruthers wiki page says that hes signed a contract for west ham. Anyone know if its true or just the usual wikipedia rubbish?

Very excited about this player, he's 15 and plays centre midfield, he made his debut for u18s last season at the age of 14. He made his u16 debut at 12. He made his England u16 debut at 14 and has played for England u17 this season, I think he is superb

Any chance of describing his style and abilities rather than just quoting stats at us?

I thought he was our best player today, especially in the first half. With two wide players, the two cm are going to have to sit. However, he was strong in the tackle, accurate with his passing and used a quick burst of pace effectively to get away from players.

In the second half he did slow down promising moves a few times by dwelling on the ball or choosing a more conservative pass. With a bit more self confidence he could be the player we hoped for, but time is running out. Sadly, one good game is often followed by a few poor ones from him, but I think it is too early to give up on him yet.

He reminds me of Dirk Kuyt.

Never going going to amaze with skill or pace but works his arse off and has the knack of making something happen or being in the right place.

Kuyt wasnt exciting to watch but his career with Holland shows just how effective he was.

Luckily for Andeas, he doesn't have any similarities with him in his appearance.

Don't know why he didnt play but his response shows that he needs to do a bit of growing up.

Jack Grealish ‏@JackGrealish1

Done with this sh*t, get me homeeee asap