MrDuck

5 minutes ago, thejoker said:

 Keeping Grealish happy is the only thing Bruce offers right now imo.

I think keeping the dressing room happy in general, and apparently being the only experienced football person in the club right now is what Bruce offers. Happy for him to stay for both those reasons, but it's rare that a manager lasts long when new owners come in.

4 hours ago, Keener window-cleaner said:

Haha I'm sorry   I meant in the seasons after McGrath, I don't remember who used to play alongside them after (Grayson? Scimeca?)

Staunton, and eventually Barry.

5 hours ago, Keener window-cleaner said:

 

When was the last time we played 5-3-2 prior to Bruce? I have a vague memory of Southgate, Ehiogu and someone else, with Charles and Wright on the wings... was it under John Gregory?

 

Paul McGrath and Brian Little both pretty forgettable I guess.

Had to retire really, not like he could top playing for Villa.

Actually they prefer to be called werewolves.

3 minutes ago, Zatman said:

Well if league is set-up that way then thats how winners are decided and its known to people before time

Honestly surprised Premier League hasnt brought in a play-off system to generate more money

Personally I think the league should be just that - a league. Then they should run a separate knockout competition and include the top team from each state league.

But the A-League is run by a pack of knobs, so......

2 hours ago, LondonLax said:

Well the 'grand final' only has value if you give it value. Personally I value the league winners plate over the toilet seat which is just a cup final trophy for a 2-3 game cup comp.   

Well the media certainly only values the grand final!

We won our futsal championship this week, but I think a better word might be "stole"!

9 hours ago, blandy said:

A long time ago, where I worked, there was a cartoon on the security cabinet that depicted a man fishing by a lake with a sign next to it saying "coarse fishing". The man was reeling in a fish and saying "f*****g got the b@5tard".

That was 28+ year ago, and you've just reminded me of it.

Coutesy of Viz I believe... I'd post the pic, but it's too sweary!

29 minutes ago, Demitri_C said:

Not really. Didn't work for benteke at Liverpool? There are many examples of failures and successes but because you play for a team with better players does not mean that makes you better.

Well... I'm not really saying that it makes _him_ better, I'm saying with better players _around_ him he'll be more productive in terms of goals and assists. Playing with people of simliar ability will make him far more effective.

But hey, I'm not saying anything is certain. Just my opinion! I think he'll be a massive success, perhaps a less mental Gascoigne, but it's quite possible that others are right and he'll be on the Huddersfield bench in 3 years time.

1 hour ago, Demitri_C said:

Thing is mrduck its at a much lower level. Spurzzz will be playing at a much higher level than us esp in the champions league.

Yeah, but that works both ways...he will be even better playing with much more talented team mates, for a team that actually plays decent football.

39 minutes ago, Demitri_C said:

 Spurzzz will either make him a star or he will end up as another ovee hyped youngster 

Time will tell.

I'd have agreed before last season. I think the influence of Terry and Bruce plus the bulking up physically has transformed him. I can't see him becoming another promising youngster who moves to a top 6 club, spends two years on the bench and ends up with a mediocre career at Stoke or Hull. Personally I think he's going to be an absolute superstar. It's an absolute gut-wrenching shame that it won't be for Villa.

36 minutes ago, bobzy said:

Not really - he's said the league is stupid as his team "won" it, but finished 24 points behind the team which topped the table.  Hardly slagging the league off.

It is fecking stupid. Same system in the futsal league I play in. We sneaked in 4th, miles off the top 3... won our semi final and next week could be crowned champions if we win against a team that scored 12 more points than us over the season. So I don't want to complain too much about the system right now

Also, Lovren is a prick.

Well done England. Disappointing to lose, but exceeded all expectations just to get that far and gave us fans something to be proud of. Very likeable team for the first time in over 20 years, a welcome change.

Croatia's extra experience got them through I think.

Stones, Maguire and PIckford were immense this tournament. Walker did well for the most part, but always looks like he has a big mistake in him.

England seriously lack a creative midfielder. Alli and Lingard do.... ok... but I think Grealish will become that player by the time of the Euros. I think he could have been a major asset in Russia fwiw. Sterling is infuriating, finishing and decision making woeful at times, yet at other times he causes havoc.

Top work from Vardy

20 minutes ago, Stevo985 said:

Those two 120 minute Croatia have played will matter. They might not matter ENOUGH, but with their lack of depth it will effect them. 

Absolutely. Playing 120 mins increases the stress on the body exponentially, and injuries are more likely as a result - although you may not suffer that injury immediately. Also important not to underestimate the affect of the mental fatigue of the two periods of extra time. It's a hugely stressful extra 30 minutes all round.

16 hours ago, Chindie said:

Are there any characters left that actually know who the **** Lando is?

 

Chewbacca!

"Shit - we killed off Han and Luke, and then Carrie Fisher died... somebody call Billy Dee Williams!"

Harsh... but fair.

France dealt with Belgium pretty comfortably. Hazard was brilliant, but an off day for De Bruyne and Lukaku. I thought the French players got away with a bit of diving and Belgium a little hard done by by the ref, but France definitely the better side.

Suspect France more than capable of beating England or Croatia, but if they have a weakness it's at the back. Whoever plays them in the final will get chances.

Giroud might not be scoring, but he's doing an excellent job for the team.

19 minutes ago, One For The Road said:

Croatia are a better side than England, with a midfield that's light years ahead.

Light years ahead? Nonsense. Closely matched all over the pitch i reckon. They'd probably edge the midfield, but i think England have a better defence and forward line. I think it'll be a very tight game.

Glad Bruce seems to be staying put. We need a bit of continuity right now, and at the very least I can't see Bruce taking us down.

5 hours ago, VILLAMARV said:

 

I think these look excellent. Not sure I like having two different lion motifs on the front, but otherwise pretty cool - especially as it's a throw back to the first Villa kit I ever owned