alreadyexists

If we don't start getting some point soon, for example today, then it's a pretty slippery slope from here. I know we've only just dipped in to relegation but it just seems a long way back with not many games left. We're 6 points off 12th, so with a few results from us, and a few other results going the right way. Really need to see the revival start today, Stoke wasn't without it's positives, but I want this to be where the points start!

I purposely waited until this morning to comment on yesterday as I didn't want to make any reactionary comments, as I was pretty deflated by 5pm. I think we all hoped that we'd get a win, and that would mark a new chapter in Villa and a strong positive start to Sherwood's reign. It's way too early to say if Sherwood's appointment is good/bad, but I think it's likely to be somewhere in between. My worry now is that after all the bravado and bluster of Tim's interviews, the veneer seems to have worn away a little and I remembered that we have a relatively average squad, and a manager who lacks experience. That doesn't mean that relegation is a certainty at all, but it has tempered my expectations a little. Getting your hopes up is a dangerous game, but I wouldn't want to change my outlook on things, I have to believe things can get better. For what it's worth I don't think Lambert was a terrible manager, and I don't think Sherwood is either. The only difference to me is that Lambert had a chance (albeit in a certain set of circumstances) and Sherwood hasn't yet. Apologies for rambling on a bit there!

Yes! Sinclair! Good lad. UTV!

Nice to see Sinclair start, the goal in the cup will be good for his confidence so hopefully this will add to it too and he can get back to the sinclair of Swansea days. I really feel like Benteke will score today, the last 30 mins against Leicester he seemed determined to score, like used to play.

Ooooh Richardson that's worrying.

Is Gabby back from his operation? Thought he'd be at least out for this game if he's been in this week. I hope for a win today, 2-1 with Gil and Benteke to score. Have a feeling we might draw though, but at least that would stop the rot so to speak, and probably wouldn't stifle the confidence building that seems to be happening.

No chance in France. He'll need 3/4 reserve games first. April maybe. You're right, I'd assumed it meant a couple of weeks away from first team... But he's not even played contact football for a year so he'll need those reserve games to get confidence back and up to speed. I hope he gets confident quickly, you do seem some players lose it a bit after a bad one (which it totally normal) but I hope he gets back soon. Just as much for him as for Villa as he seems like a good bloke.

Only a couple of weeks away according to his interview, could be back for Sunderland away on the 14th March?

Really excited about the Stoke game, can't wait to see Sherwood in charge. It's strange, as I think I was/am as skeptical as most, but why shouldn't I let myself be excited about my team? UTV.

Me too, nothing that hasn't been said, but I'm glad he's back. Sort them out KMAC!

he's been awesome so far, but he needs to stop taking corners Probably still better than Westwood's floaty corners, 9/10 of westy's are just a total waste.

Looking forward to seeing where he plays under Sherwood. I'd like to see him have a fairly free role to be honest. I think he's probably, other than Benteke, one of the only players where you can see a single piece of skill creating something for us.

God you are so **** wise mate. I wish we were all as wise as you. Then we wouldn't all fall for the propaganda and conspiracy theories at Villa. Sanchez didn't play at the weekend by the way, did you notice? Still a Lambert conspiracy? Daz and his bantz has us wobbling again. Love the wobble.

Blimey, you'd think they'd get him a pillow.

Any one else think Sherwood looks like a melted waxwork of Jeremy Kyle?

I was thinking of cracking off in Fe... hang on.

Yeah, really good point. I suppose all managers do a bit of a shake up when they first take over, best of luck to Kinsella.

Very interesting, people have said Sherwood was good at promoting youth at Spurs, but his first day of taking taking seems a bit quick to make a decision on a player. Maybe the Marshalls promoted him to first team training?

Totally agree, imagine it the other way round, I'm pretty sure you could go to any player thread and get any opinion you wanted to support; benteke is rubbish, guzan doesn't distribute well, bannan is technically better than messi, it's all there somewhere! Ha.

The Bald Eagle is back.

I believe it is. EDIT: damn page break - yes it is Kinsella.

Dat tackle doe.

Do you think it'd be worth sticking him just behind Benteke to play off him as a really attacking forward/second striker? He seems to know where the goal is, and is fairly quick.

Preston 1-0 up! (Sorry for the off topic)

Those honey badgers just don't give a shit.