Lerner's Driver

Way out, like literally mind blowing. To-du-lee an udder-lee Kieran, maaaaahhhhn....

A Clown, R U Sure, R Bear?

And that will happen. We are going to be okay. More than okay.

Who cares - you can only take points off what's in front of you.

Well, that's near on stating the obvious. So, much so, that it's barely worth stating - we haven't been very good for the last few years - err, yes. However, looked at another way, there were signs things are changing - plenty of good attacking play, when previously there was none and we didn't lose. We are also now on a run. Not so woeful, if you ask me.

We were not woeful - you are overreacting.

First, they are another decent team in this league, so disappointing not to win, but a point is still an okay result. Another game of two halves, with the attacking play from the first half very encouraging - clear, we are going to do well in this league, but we definitely need more attacking options and some more steel in the middle (Jedinak + 1), for when we are under the cosh. Sure it's yet another late goal, but is was a fluke and at least we didn't then lose. Unbeaten in two. We go again.

Again, its not just about the manager!!!

Moaning for some is the default mode, brings comfort. Adds to the gloom and is justified with, well look at the evidence, I'm just being 'realistic' - no you're not, you're acting on emotion - understandable but not particularly helpful. It's the easiest thing in the world to criticize. Much harder to control your emotion and have a little faith.

Me too. We'll win that I think. Probably another stinker, but I think we will.

I said success (including turning things around, if that is your definition) isn't just about the manager. We are in a bad way, the squad is rotten. The manager and those above him are doing all they can to make a difference - did you expect us to be cured after two months? Of course you didn't. Be patient.

Is Klopp an authoritarian, or Ancelloti - success is not just about the manager and his style its about the whole club. They are turning this ship around, but it will take time. Jump if you want to.

To get him match fit for the much more important league games coming up. What other striker would have guaranteed us a win last night?

A 14 million striker who is not yet match fit, so had to come off, hence nullifying our threat. Frustrating, yes. Disappointing, yes. A fact, yes.

Totally agree. I just hope that we don't have to fall tooooo much lower before we start climbing again. This pain is getting boring and I want to enjoy my football, but at the moment I can't. Frustratingly, there were periods in that game, during the first half mostly and during the second half against Wednesday, where we showed we do have some decent players who are capable of playing some decent football, but we also have no luck at the moment because we can't buy a win - two Luton defenders hitting their own bar - two penalties not given against Wednesday. I'm not saying we weren't shite overall because we were, but the one irrefutable truth about the beautiful game is that confidence is the key to everything and confidence comes from a sense of feeling safe to take risks because to do so does not carry heavy penalties. We lack confidence not only as a team, but also as a club at the moment because 4 years ago we caught a nasty disease and never went to the doctors. Last year, burying our head in the sand almost killed us. We were certainly very sick and let's face it, we still are in intensive care, but after finally going to hospital Dr Tony has the medicine and the best back up team available, so we just have to hold tight and believe we can beat this cancer. I am certain we will. Aston Villa can not die. WILL NOT DIE...

Admirable sentiment and ultimately the only way you can do your job, but Donald Trump.

Sometimes, on a warm summer evening, with the benefit of hindsight, I sink back into my leather armchair, light up a cigar and take a moment to reflect; wondering if maybe, just maybe, I might've been better off letting that emotion pass without expressing it...

Well, that was an enjoyable watch. Takes a nice set piece, hits it hard, scores long range, scores a lot, nice composure, nice positional awareness. What's not to like? Don't **** it up Villa and yes, can we have another striker too, please?

A Four-Four-Two article with RDM from 2014, which reveals him to be the epitome of urbane... http://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/roberto-di-matteo-i-got-rejected-birmingham-dont-believe-everything-you-read Never mind European Cups, the guy has two degrees - he's a winner!

So Dr X has denied that Dr X has completed the takeover, even after Dr X used social media yesterday to announce that Dr X had completed the takeover. Complex guy, our Tone!

I just tweeted the guy who did the recent Daily Mail piece on Xia asking if he knew anything more and he thought the much talked about interview was supposed to be next week, so still a way to go...

A little bird told you? Seems legit.

For all you fans of lazy journalism and the ostrich manager, check out this corker from one of BT's most ITK telephone engineers... The Chinese businessman, 39, this week bought Villa from American Randy Lerner, who had been looking to sell since 2014. Xia needs to pass the customary test in order for his takeover of the club to be completed. Investigations into Xia's conglomerate, Recon Group, are being carried out jointly by the Premier League and Football League as Villa, relegated from the top flight this season, do not officially become a Sky Bet Championship club until June. Xia does not foresee any problems and told the Telegraph: "I think there is no way, and not any excuse, that they should turn me down because I am a person who is doing everything legally. "I am enthusiastic for the club and I will devote myself to it and I am responsible to take it over. "There is no reason they will disapprove of that." Keith Wyness, Chris Samuelson and Jamie Banfill, who are all expected to form part of the new board at Villa, will also need to pass the owners and directors' test so it is unknown how long it may be before Xia's takeover can be finalised. One issue that may be resolved before the purchase of the club is completed is the identity of the new manager with former West Brom and Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo Xia's preferred choice, although ex-Leicester manager Nigel Pearson also remains an option. http://sport.bt.com/football/news/villa-owner-tony-xia-confident-of-passing-fit-and-proper-test-S11364064294347?

You think? He seemed on the verge of tears to me. Either that, or just trying to remember what he wanted to say. Definitely a bit groggy. Be warned Tone, a night on the claret may bring on the blues.

Actually Tro, there's only one, probably... And he's keeping well out of it so far!